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Language learning beliefs are considered to be an important factor influencing student learning outcomes. This mixed-methods research investigated English language learning beliefs of Iranian English language learners. Data were collected from 226 junior and senior male and female high school students using the Beliefs about Language Learning Inventory (BALLI) and semi-structured interviews. Participants reported strong beliefs in terms of 'motivation and expectation' and 'foreign language aptitude'. First and third graders' mean belief scores were statistically different across their 'overall beliefs', 'foreign language aptitude', and 'motivation and expectations'. Moreover, although the overall gender differences were not statistically meaningful, significant differences were noticed with regards to beliefs about 'difficulty of language learning' and 'foreign language aptitude'. The results underscore the hypothesis that changes in language learning beliefs happen due to learners' stage of development, i.e. their grade. Further, certain misconceptions among high school learners were noticed about the role of aptitude and intelligence, error correction, and supremacy of learning certain forms of language. The implications are discussed with reference to language education and policy development.

Abstract Papaver genus, commonly known as popies, is a valuable source of alkaloids used in medicine, including papaverine, morphine, codeine, and thebaine. We isolated six endophytic fungal isolates producing morphinan alkaloids from four Papaver species growing in Kurdistan Province, Iran. To do this, a 1:1 mixture of methanol and chloroform was used to extract fungal cultures. The contents of morphinan alkaloids in the extracts were subsequently determined using phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Among the morphinan alkaloid-producing fungal isolates, IRAN 4653C had the highest yield giving 23.06 (mg/g) morphine and 2.03 (mg/g) codeine when grown in potato dextrose liquid medium. The identity of this isolate was examined and recognized as a new fungal species named as Pithoascus kurdistanesis sp. nov. based on multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of ITS, TEF-1α, and TUB2 sequences data and morphological features. The morphinan-producing endophytic fungus and the isolated Pithoascus species from Papaver are being reported for the first time. Accordingly, this fungus shows promise as a new source of valuable compounds which is illustrated and introduced here as a new Microascaceae member belonging to Pithoascus from Kurdistan Province, Iran. Moreover, the morphinan productivity of P. kurdistanesis was further validated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS).

Abstract Metal oxide nanoparticles(NPs) contain unique properties which have made them attractive agents in cancer treatment. The CuO nanoparticles were green synthesized using walnut shell powder in different calcination temperatures (400°, 500°, 700°, and 900 °C). The CuO nanoparticles are characterized by FTIR, XRD, BET, SEM and DLS analyses. SEM and DLS analyses showed that by increasing the required calcination temperature for synthesizing the NPs, their size was increased. DPPH analysis displayed no significant anti-oxidative properties of the CuO NPs. The MTT analysis showed that all synthesized CuO NPs exhibited cytotoxic effects on MCF-7, HCT-116, and HEK-293 cell lines. Among the CuO NPs, the CuO-900 NPs showed the least cytotoxic effect on the HEK-293 cell line (IC50 = 330.8 µg/ml). Hoechst staining and real-time analysis suggested that the CuO-900 NPs induced apoptosis by elevation of p53 and Bax genes expression levels. Also, the CuO-900 NPs increased the Nrf-2 gene expression level in MCF-7 cells, despite the HCT-116 cells. As can be concluded from the results, the CuO-900 NPs exerted promising cytotoxic effects on breast and colon cancer cells.

In this study, selective laser melting (SLM), as an additive manufacturing method, was applied to produce graphene/304L nanocomposites with various graphene particle sizes and contents. The effect of the graphene particle size (1 μm and 50 nm) and volume fraction on the microstructure behaviors, constitutional phases, mechanical performance, and wear characteristics of the SLM-processed nanocomposite specimens was studied. It was concluded that the reinforcing particle content and size play a remarkable impact on the densification features and the densification level improvs when the fine starting reinforcing particles are used, due to the development of the reinforcement–matrix wettability. In addition, the microstructure refinement and increased hardness values occurred in the SLM-processed nanocomposite system with the addition of reinforcing particles (both sizes). The wear examination indicated that the coefficient of friction (COF), wear rate, and mass loss decreased due to the reinforcement prominent effect, namely grain refinement and grain-boundary strengthening. According to surface topography analysis, the depth of the groove in the processed sample made by fine graphene reinforcement is lower than the other sample.

Research in metadiscourse has foregrounded the multiple ways in which writers build a relationship with readers through internal discourse. Yet, few studies consider the relationship between the texts writers create and the metalinguistic thinking which informs their decision-making as writers. This paper draws on data from a larger study which sought to address this gap by investigating both the occurrence of metadiscourse in students' writing and their metalinguistic understanding of metadiscourse usage in their own texts. The sample comprised 195 students who wrote argument texts in both L1 Arabic (first language) and L2 English (second language), generating a corpus of 390 texts. Interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of 41 students to determine their metalinguistic thinking. In this paper we focus on "transitions" - the internal devices which mark the steps and connections in the discourse. The analysis evidences a limited metalinguistic understanding of the metadiscoursal function of transitions but a strong understanding of the linking function of transitions. This understanding tends to foreground transitions' textual rather than interpersonal role, emphasising the semantic and ideational. The paper argues that developing students' metalinguistic understanding of this interpersonal role would empower them to make more strategic, informed use of transitions in their own writing.

Abstract Background Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite on our planet that causes toxoplasmosis. This study evaluated the seroprevalence and related risk factors for T. gondii infection in a population referred to healthcare centers in Meshkin-Shahr, Northwest Iran. Methods A total of 400 blood samples were randomly collected from the general population and assessed using the anti-Toxoplasma antibodies, Immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) Kits in two steps before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 2019–2020. The results were analyzed through logistic regression via SPSS 26 software. Results Before the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-toxoplasma antibodies were detected in 39% of individuals (IgG: 38%, IgM: 0.5%, and IgG-IgM: 0.5%). Among the eleven risk factors evaluated, contact with soil and people awareness were significantly associated with T. gondii infection (p 0.05). After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall seroprevalence for anti-T. gondii antibody increased to 49.7% (IgG: 47.7%, IgM: 0.5%, and IgG and IgM: 1.5%). Among these patients, 26% were positive for COVID-19. Additionally, before the COVID-19 pandemic, 40 samples were negative for anti-T. gondii antibodies but later became positive. The crude and adjusted models suggested that toxoplasmosis may be a possible risk factor for increased susceptibility to COVID-19, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82–1.99; P 0.05), and COVID-19 positivity did not increase the levels of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Conclusions The general population in this region had a moderate seroprevalence of T. gondii. The increased number of COVID-19-positive patients with latent toxoplasmosis highlights the need to pay attention to the early diagnosis and proper treatment of toxoplasmosis in these patients and implement preventive programs in these areas for future possible viral infections.

In recent years, precise analysis and prediction of financial time series data have received significant attention. While advanced linear models provide suitable predictions for short and medium-term periods, market studies have indicated that stock behavior adheres to nonlinear patterns and linear models capturing only a portion of the market's stock behavior. Nonlinear exponential autoregressive models have proven highly practical in solving financial problems. This article introduces a new nonlinear model that allocates coefficients to significant variables. To achieve this, existing exponential autoregressive models are analyzed, tests are conducted to validate data integrity and identify influential factors in data trends, and an appropriate model is determined. Subsequently, a novel coefficient allocation method for optimizing the nonlinear exponential Autoregressive model is proposed. The article then proves the ergodicity of the new model and determines its order using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Model parameters are estimated using the nonlinear least squares method. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed model, numerical simulations of Kayson Corporation's stocks are analyzed using existing methods and the new approach. The numerical simulation results confirm the effectiveness and prediction accuracy of the proposed method compared to existing approaches.

The effect of removing suction on energy consumption, displacement, and separation of particles with different sizes and densities in the jig was investigated by CFD-DEM coupling. Water velocity functions were categorized into four modes: normal sinusoidal, partial removal of suction, complete removal of suction, and optimal. Particles rise to a certain height in the normal sinusoidal mode Particles rise to a certain height in the normal sinusoidal mode, while their jump height increases in the case of partial or complete removal of suction. The jump was controlled by fluid and added (Hutch) water velocities. Increasing the maximum jump height of particles leads to a decrease in separation, an increase in operational costs, and heightened particle mixing and energy consumption. In both modes of partial or complete suction removal, the fluid velocity should be reduced. The extent of velocity reduction depends on the power required to move the particles. Simulation of coarse particles (7 and 8 mm) revealed that in complete removal of suction, the velocity should be decreased to less than half of the normal sinusoidal mode, and the hutch water velocity should be equivalent to the velocity amplitude. The energy consumption for the optimal mode was significantly lower than that of the other modes.

Background. Ulcers caused by mucosal irritation of fixed orthodontic appliances remain an unsolved problem, and more research is needed to improve the pain caused by orthodontic appliances to provide more comfortable treatment for these patients. This study investigated the effect of probiotic Lactogum on pain and ulceration in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods. In this study, 64 patients over 12 years of age and candidates for fixed orthotic treatment were divided into case and control groups (n=32). The control group received orthodontic waxes, and the case group received the same orthodontic waxes and "Lactogum" probiotic lozenges from the beginning of the treatment. The number of ulcers, the amount of pain, and the location of the ulcer were recorded and compared between the two groups. An independent-sample t-test was used to compare the pain level and number of ulcers between the two groups. A significance level of 0.05 was considered for all tests. SPSS 17 was used for data analysis. Results. The mean number of ulcers in the case group was significantly lower than the control group (P

A signed total double Roman dominating function (STDRDF) on an isolated-free graph [Formula: see text] is a function [Formula: see text] such that (i) every vertex v with [Formula: see text] has at least two neighbors assigned 2 under f or one neighbor w with f(w) = 3, (ii) every vertex v with f(v) = 1 has at least one neighbor w with [Formula: see text] and (iii) [Formula: see text] holds for any vertex v. The weight of a STDRDF is the value [Formula: see text] The signed total double Roman domination number [Formula: see text] is the minimum weight of a STDRDF on G. In this article, we provide various bounds on [Formula: see text] and we show that the corresponding decision problem is NP-complete for bipartite and chordal graphs. In addition, we determine the signed total double Roman domination number of some classes of graphs including cycles, complete graphs and complete bipartite graphs.

Abstract The purpose of this research is to design the behavioral model of managers in the digital era by the approach of data-based theory. The research method is applicable in terms of purpose, and exploratory in terms of nature. The statistical population of the research is the managers of petrochemical companies affiliated to the National Company of Petrochemical Industries of Iran. 8 members of the participating team were selected by the purposeful sampling method. To collect and analyze the data, the foundation's data theory research strategy was used. The data collection tool is a semi-structured interview. Data analysis and model design were done in three stages of open, central and selective coding. The findings indicate that causal conditions include human factors, environmental factors, and organizational factors; the main phenomenon of managers' behavior include communications and interactions, trust, decision-making in uncertainty, personality traits, and digital behavior; background conditions include digital knowledge and understanding, digital education and culture, management of experience and digital talent and skills, future-oriented and digital strategic thinking, change management, and digital leadership ability; intervening conditions include digital mentality and attitude, manager's intelligence, manager's values, and the innovation and nature of business and industry; strategies and mechanisms include innovation and learning strategy, retention strategy, digital combination and focus, digital participation strategy, and digital leadership and governance strategy; and consequences includes consequences of individual dimensions and organizational dimensions. Extended Abstract Introduction Undoubtedly, the growth and development of any organization depends on the development of human capital of that organization. Paying attention to human capital is one of the basic pivotes of the development of organizations. Human capital is considered the most valuable source of the organization's resources, which can form the competitive advantage of today's organizations to deal with the vast environmental changes. Capable human resources are the winning card of today's organizations (Poureza et al, 2021). Employees (managers) have also been mentioned in organizations as one of the types of human capital that are influential in the growth and development of the organization. Therefore, employees (managers) are the most important assets of companies on the way to success (Sirghani et al, 2023). The growth and development of the organization has been found to be effective in creating the capacity of the employees (managers) in order to meet the current and future needs of the organizations. Accordingly, every organization relies on its employees to expand competitiveness and profitability (Sirghani et al, 2023). When talking about the behavioral pattern of managers in the digital age, the first thing that comes to mind is the effective functional and organizational outcomes resulting from the strategy and guidance of that manager. Managers are known as one of the driving factors and the basic engine of change and transformation in the management of an organization, and in accordance with strategic, technological approaches and moving in the digital direction, including the fundamental variables in organizational transformation and effectiveness. Without the presence of a capable manager, with knowledge and leadership skills in managing the affairs of employees and directing the organization, the implementation of many large and strategic plans and projects will not be easily possible and realized. (Malekzadeh & Sadeghi, 2017). This research is based on the search for an answer to this question: What is the behavioral model of managers in the digital age with the approach of data-based theory? Theoretical Framework The behavior of managers in the digital age In the era of digital transformation, digital behaviors and skills for managers and employees include a new perception of talent; meaning the development of core skills to increase organizational performance: leadership, analysis, advanced skills in problem solving, decision-making, and design thinking. In this process, managers become producers - creative content and storytelling; content distributors through social media platforms; receiver - creating resonance and interaction through selected responses; analyst - monitoring the dynamics of the social media industry; consultant - activating and supporting the 360 degree environment in the use of social media; architect – use social media for key business functions (Deiser & Newton, 2013). CEOs and HR leaders are focused on understanding and creating a shared culture, designing a work environment that engages people, and creating a new model of leadership and career development by adopting digital technologies (Rachinger, 2019). Arenage et al, (2023) investigated the main competencies required for entrepreneurial leadership style in the digital age and effectiveness in innovative organizations. In this study, 119 leaders in the technology sector were investigated. Seven latent variables that give meaning to a new style have been identified through factor analysis. The results of this research have shown that teamwork, motivation and risk-taking have a direct and significant effect. These factors have been identified among the most developed competencies. Therefore, these factors have the greatest impact on the kind leadership style, that is, a style that is based on kindness, support, gentleness and kindness with colleagues. Creativity and caring for others have shown the least impact. In this research, tools are also provided to improve competencies with the least impact and ultimately lead to compassionate entrepreneurship. In addition, it has been shown in this research that the entrepreneurial attitude improves the quality of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for business management. Chenari & Habibinia (2022) have conducted a research on emotions and feelings on the leadership style of managers in government organizations. In this research, it has been stated that emotional intelligence is a new achievement in the science of psychology, and has recently entered the field of management, and includes understanding and identifying feelings and emotions in people and using this perception to make appropriate decisions in daily life. This research was conducted to study the effect of emotions and feelings on the leadership style of managers. The results of the investigated research indicate that managers and leaders who have a higher level of emotional intelligence have a more favorable and effective leadership, because this group of managers has the ability to adopt the appropriate interactive style to guide and lead the organization effectively by understanding the requirements and environmental situation. Research methodology The research method is applicable in terms of purpose, and exploratory in terms of nature. The statistical population of the research is the managers of petrochemical companies affiliated to the National Company of Petrochemical Industries of Iran. 8 members of the participating team were selected by the purposeful sampling method. To collect and analyze the data, the foundation's data theory research strategy was used. The data collection tool is a semi-structured interview. Research findings Data analysis and model design were done in three stages of open, central and selective coding. The findings indicate that causal conditions include human factors, environmental factors, and organizational factors; the main phenomenon of managers' behavior include communications and interactions, trust, decision-making in uncertainty, personality traits, and digital behavior; background conditions include digital knowledge and understanding, digital education and culture, management of experience and digital talent and skills, future-oriented and digital strategic thinking, change management, and digital leadership ability; intervening conditions include digital mentality and attitude, manager's intelligence, manager's values, and the innovation and nature of business and industry; strategies and mechanisms include innovation and learning strategy, retention strategy, digital combination and focus, digital participation strategy, and digital leadership and governance strategy; and consequences includes consequences of individual dimensions and organizational dimensions. Conclusion The present research was conducted with the aim of designing the behavioral model of managers in the digital era with the approach of data-based theory. The results of this research are in agreement with the results of Arenage et al, (2023), Firouzbakh & Rezaiean (2022), Chenari & Habibinia (2022), Ramazanifar (2022), Weber et al, (2022), Magesa & Janathan (2020), Singh et al., (2019), and Kelantari et al, (2019). Arenage et al, (2023) showed that teamwork, motivation and risk-taking have a direct and significant effect. These factors have been identified among the most developed competencies. Therefore, these factors have the greatest impact on the kind leadership style, that is, a style that is based on kindness, support, gentleness and kindness with colleagues. Creativity and caring for others have shown the least impact. In this research, tools are also provided to improve competencies with the least impact and ultimately lead to compassionate entrepreneurship. In addition, it has been shown in this research that the entrepreneurial attitude improves the quality of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for business management. According to the results of the research, the following suggestions are presented: For innovation and learning, managers need digital knowledge and understanding - in facing the challenges of digitalization of business, so it is suggested that digital talent and skills managers should be provided by training and developing digital culture - in the context of experience management (employees and customers).

Striking a balance between safety and performance remains a critical concern, despite advancements in the field. To address this issue, a versatile framework named Safety Goes Along with Performance (SGAWP) is proposed, centered on off-policy algorithms grounded in value function optimization. SGAWP utilizes reinforcement learning to navigate the data space, emphasizing high task performance while addressing risks (such as undesirable states) by incorporating safety costs into the value function. By integrating uncertainty management and task performance constraints, SGAWP aims to achieve improved safety performance alongside respectable task performance. Moreover, SGAWP leverages curiosity-driven exploration to expand the data space and employs task policies to enhance safety policy performance. As a result, SGAWP enhances safety performance with minimal loss in task performance. Beyond its success in reinforcement learning, SGAWP holds promise for applications like autonomous driving, where safety is paramount. Through rigorous experimentation across various off-policy algorithms, SGAWP demonstrates robust generalization and achieves its objectives effectively.