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This study presents a content analysis of the new Iranian Grade 9 mathematics textbook and two Australian Year 9 mathematics textbooks, examining the extent to which the problems show characteristics associated in the literature with promoting mathematical literacy. The new Iranian book was produced to meet a range of needs including several well aligned with mathematical literacy for all students. Australia was selected as the comparison country because of its relatively high international achievement in mathematical literacy. Three comparable chapters in each book were analysed for these characteristics. When considering the percentages of problems showing each characteristic, there was considerable similarity between the textbooks. However, the Australian mathematics textbooks contain many more problems than the Iranian textbook and each chapter includes problems in a diverse range of contexts and the mathematical tasks range from simple applications of formulas to real world modelling although of a constrained nature. With many fewer problems, the Iranian textbook has considerably less diversity of context and very little opportunity for students to engage in mathematical modelling, the key process of mathematical literacy.

Aim: This research aimed to investigate the food acculturation experiences of Iranian mothers who have migrated to Australia. Methods: The study used qualitative methodology to interview seven mothers with children aged 5 to 15 years, who: carried primary responsibility for family food provisioning; arrived in Australia within the last 5 years; and spoke reasonably fluent English. Results: Seven mothers were interviewed, and the findings revealed three broad themes: (a) adjusting to foods/foodways in Australia (b) sociocultural identity and (c) children and intergenerational conflict. The study highlighted psychosocial and economic stresses associated with food acculturation for this immigrant group. The impact of food acculturation on immigrant health is intricately linked to the complex balance between maintaining traditional cultural identity and practices, while at the same time adapting to the food culture and practices of the new home. Conclusions: Dietitians and healthcare professionals working with such immigrant groups need to consider food acculturation stress as a factor contributing to the health risks of new immigrants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a US administration fully sympathetic to Benjamin Netanyahu's strident hostility towards Iran, Israeli officials have little to debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirituality and hope have been identified as important constructs in health research, since both are thought to enhance a person’s ability to cope with the consequences of serious illness. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between spiritual well-being and hope in patients with cardiovascular disease. Using descriptive, correlational methodology, the investigator gathered data on a convenience sample of 500 patients with cardiovascular disease who were hospitalized in a medical institution in Iran. The study was conducted over a four-month period. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) and the Herth Hope Index (HHI). The mean score on the SWBS and HHI was 86.21 (SD 12.46) and 34.80 (SD 5.05), respectively. Multivariate predictors for spiritual well-being were female gender (p = 0.047), religiosity (p = 0.018), and hope (p < 0.001). Significant predictors of hope were marital status (p < 0.001), educational status (p < 0.001), economic status (p < 0.001), and spiritual well-being (p < 0.001). Findings suggest that multiple factors may impact spiritual well-being and hope. Therefore, this study has implications for those providing care to patients with cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the containment strategy of the U.S. to prevent nuclear development in Iran. It references the article related to the containment, alliance management and diplomacy in Iran by George Kennan in the 1946 issue of "Foreign Affairs." It states that many analysts have argued that the U.S. can deter the emergence of nuclear weapons in Iran in the future. Furthermore, the strategy of the U.S. will be difficult to handle due to obstacles within Iran and the U.S.

Abstract: State-controlled media use similar message techniques to target specific publics that counterparts in democratic societies use. We explore talking points (attributes) and themes (frames) through content analysis in state-produced propaganda directed at two different audiences. Domestic and internationally targeted propaganda (N =1491) from Iran regarding the issue of regional security was reviewed. Results indicated Iran emphasized different attributes and frames based on audiences. Themes about enemy correlated, and relationships between officials and themes were explored. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the U.S. foreign policy towards Iran. It is suggested that an Arab consensus has been forced to neutralize and counter Iran's increasing influence across the region in Gaza, the Gulf, Iraq, and Lebanon. A U.S. regional containment strategy, in which the removal of Iraq's former leader Saddam Hussein has revealed Iran's feelings toward the region and could urge the Arab states toward greater activism with U.S. strategy, is explored. The Iraq War's aftermath that has increased Iran's influence in Iraq is considered. The similarities of an Iran regional containment strategy to that of the Cold War era containment are noted.

Regional reactions to a nuclear-armed Iran will vary, ranging from accommodation and détente to outright hostility and efforts to acquire a countervailing deterrent. Many states do not perceive a nuclear-armed Iran itself to be the principal threat, but are more concerned with secondary or spillover effects, such as a pre-emptive strike by the United States or Israel, a regional arms race, a nuclear accident or an emboldened Iran that increases its support for terrorism. Given these various threat perceptions, the West should construct a new cooperative security structure that strikes a balance between providing deterrence for allies and creating openings for positive engagement with Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]