55 research outputs found
Garra rezai Mousavi-Sabet & Eagderi & Saemi-Komsari & Kaya & Freyhof 2022, new species
No full textGarra rezai, new species (Figs. 2–9) Holotype. GUIC 7979, 80 mm SL; Iran: Kurdistan prov.: stream Bouein-Sofla, near Bane, 35.9378N 45.9363E. Paratypes. IMNRF-UT 1245, 3, 53–67 mm SL; FSJF 4111, 1, 59 mm SL; VMFC GRE-P5216, 2, 28–34 mm SL; same data as holotype. Additional materials. FFR 1273, 6, 50–109 mm SL; Turkey: Bitlis prov.: stream Gümüşkanat about 3 km west of Taşboğaz, 38.4028N 41.7397E.—FFR 1302, 22, 74–117 mm SL; FFR 1344, 26, 69–114 mm SL; FFR 4019, 8, 88–119 mm SL; FFR 4023, 9, 90–127 mm SL; FSJF 3824, 7, 77–105 mm SL; Bitlis prov.: stream Çıratan at Üçadım, 38.3547N 41.7814E. Material for molecular genetic analysis. IMNRF-UT 1245 AC6, AC7; same data as holotype (Genbank accession numbers: OP184766, OP184767) — FSJF-DNA 2674; Turkey: Bitlis prov.: stream Gümüşkanat about 3 km west of Taşboğaz, 38.4028N 41.7397E (Genbank accession numbers: OP184768 and OP184769). Diagnosis. Garra rezai is distinguished from the other species of the Garra variabilis species-group by a combination of characters, none unique to the species. It is distinguished from G. variabilis by having two pairs of barbels (vs. one), 15–19 scales on the predorsal midline between the dorsal-fin origin and the nape (vs. 11–15), and 11–16 total gill rakers on the first gill arch (vs. 20–26). The new species is distinguished from G. kemali and G. klatti from Central Anatolia by having a mental disc (vs. absent), and two pairs of barbels (vs. none). It is distinguished from G. nudiventris, G. roseae, and G. rossica by having two pairs of barbels (vs. no barbels in G. roseae, one pair in G.nudiventris, and most populations of G. rossica; two pairs in some populations of G. rossica), a well-developed mental disc (vs. reduced in G. rossica; Fig. 10), the predorsal mid-line fully covered by scales (vs. naked in G. nudiventris), the belly covered by scales (vs. naked in G. nudiventris). Garra rezai is further distinguished from G. roseae by having 35–40 scales on the lateral line (vs. 42–58), 5½–6½ transverse scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin (vs. 7½–8½), 4½–5½ transverse scale rows between the lateral line and the pelvic-fin origin (vs. 6½), axillary scale present at the pelvic-fin origin (vs. absent). Description. For general appearance, see Figs. 2–9; morphometric data are provided in Table 3–4. Body cylindrical, compressed laterally at caudal peduncle, body height almost equal to its width. Dorsal head profile rising gently, slightly convex. Predorsal contour slightly convex between nape and dorsal-fin origin. Ventral profile almost straight between pelvic and anal-fin origins. Body deepest at about dorsal-fin origin or about middle between nape and dorsal-fin origin, depth decreasing towards caudal-fin base. Greatest body width at about middle between pectoral- and pelvic-fin bases, decreasing towards caudal-fin base. Caudal peduncle 1.1–1.4 times longer than deep. Head moderately small, section roundish, flattened on ventral surface, slightly depressed, almost conical. Head slightly convex or flat in interorbital space. Height at nape shorter than head length. Width at nape greater than depth at nape. Head length 0.9–1.1 times in body depth. Snout length 1.0–1.3 times in postorbital length. Small tubercles scattered on transverse lobe, transverse lobe demarcated posteriorly by a shallow transverse groove. No tubercle on proboscis and lateral surface of snout. Depressed rostral surface with scattered, small tubercles, slightly or not separating transverse lobe from lateral surface. No groove between transverse lobe and lateral surface. Eyes large, its diameter 2.3–4.1 times in head depth at eye, 2.1–3.3 times in interorbital width. Two pairs of short barbels, rostral barbel antero-laterally located, shorter than eye diameter. Maxillary barbel at corner of mouth, same size as rostral barbel. Rostral cap well-developed, fimbriate, papillate on ventral surface. Upper lip present. Upper jaw usually covered by rostral cap. Gular disc elliptical, shorter than wide and narrower than head width. Papillae on anterior fold of gular disc of same size, regularly arranged. A deep and narrow groove between antero-median fold and central callous-pad. Latero-posterior flap present. Surface of central callous pad without or with sparsely arranged small papillae. Posterior margin of central callous pad extending vertically to anterior edge of eye. Nostril located immediately anterior to eye. Anterior nostril opening developed as a low, pointed and flap-like tube. Posterior nostril narrow, nostrils adjacent, posterior tip of anterior nostril reaching posterior nostril when folded down. Dorsal fin with 3 simple and 7½ (54), rarely 8½ (4), branched rays, last simple ray shorter than head length. Posterior dorsal-fin margin slightly concave. Dorsal-fin origin situated at about middle between caudal-fin base and snout tip. First branched dorsal-fin ray longest, tip of last branched dorsal-fin ray reaching vertical to, or a point slightly behind of anus when folded down. Pectoral fin with one simple and 11 (21) or 12 (11) branched rays. Pectoral fin reaching 51–83% of distance between pectoral-fin origin and pelvic-fin origin, its length equal to or slightly shorter than head length. Pelvic fin with one simple and 7 (27) or 8 (5) branched rays. Pelvic fin exceed anus, not reaching anal-fin base. Pelvic-fin origin closer to anal-fin origin than pectoral-fin origin, inserted below second or third branched dorsal-fin ray. Anal fin short, with 3 simple and 5½ (30) or 6½ (2) branched rays, first branched ray longest. Posterior anal-fin margin straight or slightly concave. Anal-fin origin at about middle between pelvic-fin origin and caudal-fin base, closer to pelvic-fin origin than to caudal-fin base in some individuals. Anal fin reaching approximately 1 / 2 to 4 / 5 of caudal peduncle when folded down. Caudal fin forked with rounded lobes and 9+8 branched rays. Length of middle caudal-fin ray 52–66% of longest branched ray in upper lobe. Total gill rakers on first branchial arch 11–16 [11(1), 12(2), 13(2), 14(1), 15(3), 16(3)]. Lateral line complete, with 35–40 [35(4), 36(3), 37(15), 38(17), 39(9), 40(3)] scales, 1–3 of them were on caudal-fin base. Transverse scale rows above lateral line 4–6 [4(3), 5(43), 6(5)], between lateral line and pelvic-fin origin 3–4 [3(3), 4(22)], and 4–5 [4(33), 5(16)] between lateral line and anal-fin origin. Circumpeduncular scale rows 15–18 [15(2), 16(17), 17(3), 18(4)], 15–19 [15(2), 16(3), 17(10), 18(8), 19(2)] scales on predorsal midline between dorsal-fin origin and nape, 3–4 scales between anus and anal-fin origin. Scales on flank regularly arranged. Chest with embedded scales and belly covered by scales. A well-developed axillary scale present at pelvic-fin base. Largest known individual 127 mm SL. Coloration. In preserved individuals: background colour grey, pale- or dark-brown. Scales with a very narrow beige margin. Isolated individual or patches of dark-brown scales, darker than background, often arranged in horizontal rows. Flank above lateral line darker than below. Elongated, dark grey dots at base of dorsal-fin rays in some individuals. A blackish spot at lateral-line origin and a vertically elongated blotch at caudal-fin base in juveniles. Cheek pale plain yellowish or whitish. Mouth, chest and abdomen yellowish. All fins hyaline, grey or pale-brown, rays darker than membranes with irregularly set black spots on rays. In life: background colour pale- or dark-brown, fins beige or pale-brown, with a reddish hue in many individuals, rays darker than membranes. Isolated or patches of dark-brown scales, scale margins of some scales much darker than center of scales creating an irregular, mottled pattern. Elongated, dark grey dots at base of dorsal-fin rays. Head plain beige or greyish brown. A blackish spot at lateral-line origin and a vertically elongated blotch at caudal-fin base in juveniles. Iris silvery orange to golden with dark grey spots, internal ring without spots. Distribution. The species is currently only known from two areas in the Tigris drainage, a small stream in the Chooman drainage in Iran and the upper Yanarsu in Turkey. In the Chooman, it was found in a spring in the village Boein-e-Olia and the outflowing Boein-e-Sofla stream. The Chooman flows from Iran to Iraq and the species might also occur in this country. The Yanarsu is one of the tributaries of the Tigris in Turkey. Here, the species was found in three streams in the upper Yanarsu. Etymology. The species is named after Reza Mousavi-Sabet, father of the first author, who was injured by chemical weapons in the region of the type locality of this species. We named this taxon to respect and remember all Iranian and Iraqi victims of chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). Notes on habitat. In Iran, G. rezai was found in the spring in Boein-e-Olia in April 2016. The spring (Fig. 11) was about 2–3 meters wide, and the outflowing stream had a low velocity and the bed was covered by gravel. Revisiting the place in June 2021, the species could not be found anymore in the spring. We were able to collect G. rezai from the stream Boein-e-Sofla (which is fed by the spring) in June 2021. At the type locality (Boein-eOlia spring and Boein-e-Sofla stream) no G. rufa was found, but G. rufa is widespread in the Lesser Zab drainage, including the Chooman River drainage. In Turkey, all three sampling sites were shallow, with clear and swiftly flowing water and cobbles and pebbles substrate. Among the three sampling sites, Çıratan (Fig. 12) was visited several times during different seasons and G. rezai is abundant in its Turkish distribution area. The stream hosts several regionally endemic species, such as Turcinoemacheilus kosswigi, Paracobitis zabgawraensis, Glyptothorax daemon, and G. kurdistanicus (Kaya et al. 2016, Freyhof et al. 2021). In Çıratan, two adult individuals of G. rufa were found, and one half-grown individual of G. rufa was found in the stream Büyük, both in syntopy with G. rezai. Remarks. The large direct distance of 450 km between both areas of occurrence of G. rezai is very surprising. We suspect that G. rezai might be much more widespread, at least in the Tigris drainage. Indeed, it is superficially not very different from the ubiquitous G. rufa and might be misidentified as this species at many places. Garra rufa and G. elegans are two other species of Garra known from the Lesser Zab drainage. Garra rezai is distinguished from G. elegans by having the mental disc fully developed with free edges (vs. a shallow mental disc completely fused with the chin). Garra rezai is distinguished from G. rufa by having 11–16 total gill rakers (vs. 20–29), 7½ (rarely 8½) branched dorsal-fin rays (vs. usually 8½, rarely 7½ or 9½), 15–18 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 11–13), 5½ (rarely 4½ and 6½) transverse scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin (vs. 4½), and 15–19 scales on predorsal midline between dorsal-fin origin and nape (vs. 11–14). It is further distinguished from G. rufa by a minimum K2P distance of 14.9% in the mtDNA COI barcode region. We examined 11 syntypes of G. obtusa at NMW; all have 8½ branched dorsal-fin rays. We could count the gill rakers in two individuals of NMW 53257 (25, 25 total gill rakers) and one individual of NMW 53238 (26 total gill rakers). These syntypes are identified as G. rufa, and G. obtusa remains in the synonymy of G. rufa. Garra rezai is distinguished from its subterranean congeners in the Tigris and Euphrates drainage (i.e., G. lorestanensis, G. tashanensis, G. typhlops and G. widdowsoni) by having a brown or grey body (vs. whitish, orange or pink) and a fully developed eye (vs. eye externally invisible). Garra rezai is distinguished from G. amirhosseini (data based on Esmaeili et al. 2016) by having 35–40 total lateral line scales (vs. 33–36), 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 16– 20), and 15–18 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 13–14). Garra rezai is distinguished from G. gymnothorax by having 15–18 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 12–13), 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 16–21), and 15–19 scales along the predorsal midline (vs 10–12). It should be noted, that Esmaeili et al. (2016) diagnosed G. gymnothorax lacking scales on the breast, a character state confirmed in only a part of our materials and therefore not diagnostic to the species. Garra rezai is distinguished from G. hormuzensis by having 15–19 scales along the predorsal midline (vs 10–14), 5½ (rarely 4½ and 6½) transverse scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin (vs. usually 4½), and 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 16–21). Garra rezai is distinguished from G. meymehensis by having 15–19 scales along the predorsal midline (vs. 11), 5½ (rarely 4½ and 6½) transverse scale rows between the lateral line and the dorsal-fin origin (vs. usually 4½), and 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 16–21) (data on G. meymehensis are based on ZamaniFaradonbe et al. 2021a). Garra rezai is distinguished from G. mondica, by having 35–40 total lateral line scales (vs. 28–32), and 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 18–23). It should be noted that Sayyadzadeh et al. (2015) diagnosed G. mondica as lacking scales on the breast, the belly and the back in front of the dorsal-fin origin. However, in our materials, as the one examined by Zamani-Faradonbe et al. (2021b), the breast is covered by embedded scales, the belly is cover by non-embedded scales and there are 11–15 scales along the predorsal midline. Garra rezai is distinguished from G. persica by having 9+8 branched caudal-fin rays (vs. 8+8), and 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 17–19). Garra rezai is distinguished from G. tiam by having 35–40 total lateral line scales (vs 30–34), 11–16 gill rakers (vs. 18–22), 15–19 scales along predorsal midline (vs 9–11, or embedded), and 15–18 circumpeduncular scales (vs. 12–13) (data on G. tiam are based on Zamani-Faradonbe et al. 2021a).Published as part of Mousavi-Sabet, Hamed, Eagderi, Soheil, Saemi-Komsari, Maryam, Kaya, Cüneyt & Freyhof, Jörg, 2022, Garra rezai, a new species from two widely disjunct areas in the Tigris drainage (Teleostei: Cyprinidae), pp. 419-436 in Zootaxa 5195 (5) on pages 423-433, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5195.5.2, http://zenodo.org/record/722368
A Survey of the Relationship Between Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride to Glaucoma: A Case Control Study
Get PDFPurpose/Aim: primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is an asymptomatic, progressive optic neuropathy characterized by enlarging optic disc cupping and visual field loss. POAG is a major cause of blindness and is characterized by progressive degeneration of the optic nerve and is usually associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Regarding the fact that dyslipidemia has a relationship with some ophthalmic diseases such as cataract,it sounds that the same relationship also exists with POAG. Therefore, it was decided to study the relationship between serum cholesterol and triglyceride to POAG.
Methods: The present study was done on 40 primary Open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients (cases) and 40 healthy individuals (controls). In order to diagnose POAG, Intra ocular pressure (IOP) was measured by means of Applanation tonometry, and then was confirmed through perimetry and ophthalmoscopes. The controls were patients’ attendants who had referred to Birjand Valli-e-asr clinics but did not have POAG. After a fasting of 12 hours, blood samples were derived to determine serum level of triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Then, the results of the tests together with the participants’ demographic information were individually registered in a questionnaire. The obtained data was analyzed by means of SPSS software (version 15) and statistical tests including T-test and Chi- square.
Results: Mean levels of cholesterol (211.18± 51.91mg/dl in cases, 162.38±39.56 mg/dl in controls) and triglyceride (165.92±88.58 mg/dl in cases, 99.46± 43.08 mg/dl in control) were significantly higher in cases than in controls. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly higher in the cases compared with the controls. There was a positive association between POAG and dyslipidemia (OR=7.14 [95% CI: 2.3-22.2] for Hypercholesterolemia and OR=16.9 [95% CI: 2.1-14.8] for hypertriglyceridemia.
Conclusion: Hyperlipidemia can be a risk factor of getting POAG
Erythraeus (Zaracarus) soleimanii Khanjani, Mirmoayedi, Nahad & Fayaz, 2010, sp. nov.
No full textErythraeus (Zaracarus) soleimanii sp. nov. (Figs. 1–13) Type material. Holotype and 14 paratype larvae from Chrysoperla kolthoffi (Navas) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), Shahanjarin, Razan (35 º 13 ΄ 22 ʺ N, 49 º 10 ΄ 16 ʺ E and altitude 1825 m a.s.l), Hamedan Province, 8 June, 2009, Aboulghasem Rezai-Nahad. Description. For measurements see table 2. Dorsum (Figs. 1–2). Prodorsal scutum with two pairs of barbed setae (AL and PL) and two pairs of barbed sensilla (AM and S). Anterior sensilla (AM) very short, situated in obliquely positioned sockets or trichobothria. Posterior sensilla (S) long and barbed. Anterolateral setae (AL) not expanded basally and acute points and posterolaterals (PL) less than half the length of AL. Scutum almost hexagonal with anterior margins straight and posterior concave (Fig. 2). Opisthosoma with 31 long, barbed setae and two pairs of unequally in diameter eyes anterolaterally (Fig. 1). Ve n t e r (Fig. 3). With a pair of setae between coxae I (1 a) and III (3 a). Opisthogaster with seven pairs of barbed setae. Ventral setae are narrower than dorsal setae. Gnathosoma (Figs. 4–6). Infracapitulum with one pair of hypostomal (Hy) 54 (52) and adoral setae (or) 38 (41) (Fig. 6). Palp five-segmented; femur and genu each with one barbed seta; tibia with three barbed setae, with tibial claw bifurcate (Fig. 4); tarsus with seven setae, one of which is longer than others (including eupathidium), one eupathidium and one solenidion (Fig. 4). Legs (Figs. 7–13). Leg setae barbed. Legs six segmented (coxae excluded) with divided femora. Tarsi terminate into two lateral claws and a claw-like empodium. Chaetotaxy of segments as follows: coxae 1 - 1 - 1; trochanters 1 - 1 - 1; basifemora 3 - 3 - 3; telofemora 5 - 5 - 5; genua 8 + 1 σ+ 1 k - 8 + 1 k - 8; tibiae 14 + 2 ϕ + 1 Cp+ 1 κ - 15 + 2 ϕ - 14 + 1 ϕ; tarsi 25 + 2 ζ+ 1 ω - 22 + 2 ζ+ 1 ω - 23 + 1 ζ. Remarks. Erythraeus (Zaracarus) soleimanii sp. nov. belongs to the species group of the subgenus Zaracarus with basifemoral setal formula 3 - 3 - 3. It is closely related to E. (Z.) aydinicus, E. (Z.) sibulginicus, E. (Z.) lancifer, E. (Z.) kastaniensis, E. (Z.) passidonicus, E. (Z.) longipedus, E. (Z.) fabiolae, E. (Z.) rajabii, E. (Z.) lancifer, E. (Z.) passidonicus and E. (Z.) kastaniensis. However, it differs from all these species by differences in measurements and numbers of setae. (Tables 4–5). Etymology. The species is named in honour of Prof. Mohammad Javad Soleimani Pari, Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, for helping the senior author. Characters Holotype Mean SD Min Max DL 778 996.7 122.1 778 1145 IL 565 789.7 127.6 565 945 IW 420 617.6 117.9 420 810 L 113 112.0 6.1 100 120 W 180 179.1 13.9 170 203 AW 55 55.6 1.8 53 58 PW 135 130.9 9.9 118 150 Sba 25 25.6 3.4 23 30 SBp 20 21.0 2.6 17 25 Continued next pagePublished as part of Khanjani, Mohammad, Mirmoayedi, Ali-Naghi, Nahad, Aboulghasem Rezai & Fayaz, Bahman Asali, 2010, Two new larval species of Erythraeus (Zaracarus) (Acari: Erythraeidae) from western Iran, pp. 19-32 in Zootaxa 2537 on pages 21-24, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19666
Git-based platform for distributed learning communities
No full textThesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2018.This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections.Cataloged from student-submitted PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 67-69).Instructors use software called learning management systems to administer online courses. Traditionally these digital platforms mimic physical classrooms, but technology opens up potential for new types of interactions. In this thesis, we develop a learning management system on top of Git to create a learning environment that encourages collaboration and exploration. We discuss how it was designed, the underlying pedagogy, the technical implementation, and the results of a pilot online class, with 100 learners lasting 6 weeks. The platform architecture developed in this project can be replicated and reused for other online courses with similar goals.by Vahid Fazel-Rezai.M. Eng
A Critique of Nameyeh Bastan (The criticism of some verses in Nameyeh Bastan)
No full textNameyeh Bastan is the most comprehensive commentary of Ferdowsiâs Shahnameh in which Mir Jalaledin Kazazi has tried to disambiguate the meaning of ambiguous verses besides morphological, etymological, mythological, stylistic and aesthetic issues. On the other hand, this work is an edited text that is, the author has tried to provide a comparative commentary on the basis of commentaries by other writers such as Khaleghi Motlagh, Moscow, Jul Mol, Kolaleyeh Khavar, Dabir Siaghi and Joveini, and select the verses in a more Ferdowsian manner. Of course, in a number of cases, the author has rejected the mentioned commentaries and he himself added a word to the text on the basis of some justifications. Since this work is taught in MA and even PhD courses of some universities or is used as an auxiliary source by post graduate students, the authors of this article aim to represent some shortcomings of such a great work and disambiguate some confusing verses in order that they are more usable for researchers of Shahnameh
Evaluation of development methods for mobile applications : Soundhailer’s site and iOS application
No full textTo remain competitive and successful in today’s globalized market, companies need a strategy to ensure that they are constantly at the leading edge in terms of products and services. The implementation of a mobile application is one approach to fulfill this requirement. This report describes an overview of the topic, by introducing briefly today’s development tools for mobile application development and subsequently focusing on the Soundhailer application, as the application done by the author. The problem in focus is to find out whether a native or web-based application is preferred for an iOS application production strategy for a start-up company. Moreover, the report delivers an insight into a well-structured method that works good for setting up measuring points for a website, also Soundhailer’s, and the factual realization of a development tool for iOS development. This insight is based on a lot of help from a former student of the Royal Institute of Technology, who has had some previous experience within the area. To show prospective similarities and differences between theory and reality, the experiences are subsequently compared to the theoretical part. Finally, the results are critically discussed. Two versions of the application were developed, both a native version and a web-based version, and the results show that both native and web-based applications can be convenient solutions for companies to implement and use. The results also provide a foundation upon which others can build and better understand how an iOS application is used and developed.För att förbli konkurrenskraftiga och framgångsrika i dagens globaliserade marknad, behöver företagen en strategi för att se till att de ständigt är i framkant när det gäller produkter och tjänster. Att framställa en mobilapplikation är ett av många sätt för att nå upp till detta krav. Denna rapport ger en överblick över ämnet genom att först gå igenom dagens utvecklingsverktyg för mobilapplikationer och därefter fokusera på företaget Soundhailers mobilapplikation, eftersom denne har utvecklats av undertecknad. Problemet i fokus består av att ta reda på om en hårdvarukodad eller webbaserad applikation är att föredra för produktionsstrategin av en iOSapplikation för ett start-up-företag. Dessutom ger rapporten en inblick i en välstrukturerad metod som fungerar bra för att inrätta mätpunkter för en webbplats, med fokus på Soundhailers webbplats, samt det faktiska genomförandet av ett utvecklingsverktyg för iOS-utveckling. Denna insikt bygger på en hel del hjälp från en före detta elev på Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan som har tidigare erfarenheter inom området. För att sedan visa potentiella likheter och skillnader mellan teori och verklighet jämförs erfarenheterna med den teoretiska delen. Slutligen diskuteras resultaten kritiskt. Två versioner av applikationen har utvecklats, både en hårdvarukodad version och en webbaserad version, och resultaten visar att både hårdvarukodade och webbaserade applikationer kan vara praktiska lösningar som företag kan implementera och använda sig av. Resultaten ger också en grund på vilken andra kan bygga vidare på samt en bättre förståelse för hur en iOSapplikation kan användas och utveckla
Velayat-e Faqih: Innovation or Within Tradition
Get PDFabstract: The concept of Velayat-e Faqih as a type of Shi’ite Islamic government gained popularity three decades ago, after the Islamic revolution in Iran. The new constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran was based on Velayat-e Fagih, proposed by the Imam Khomeini many consider him as the leader of the Islamic Revolution and the founder of the Iranian Islamic Republic. What is Velayat-e Faqih? Who can be the Vali Faqih? Why wasn't this idea proposed before Islamic Revolution in 1979? Did all the Shi’ite religious scholars endorse this idea or the Vali Faqih himself? All of these questions ultimately lead us to ask whether this concept has been drawn from Shi’ite Islamic discourses or it may perhaps be considered a novelty: a secularization of religion. These questions are increasingly discussed in academia and in the large public arena. Moreover, this discourse has divided Shi’ite Muslims into three groups: supporters of the Velayat-e Faqih, its opponents, and the silent group. It is important to analyze the position of all those groups including the silent group who did not publicly endorse or reject the theory. The theory of Velayat-e Faqih has emerged from the Imamate doctrine, which constitutes a cornerstone of Shi'ite sect of Islam. It is necessary to understand this political doctrine in relation to the context within which this concept of leadership had emerged. In order to overcome the ambiguities surrounding the relationship between Velayat-e Faqih and the position of Islamic jurist as a source of guidance and imitation (Marje Taqleed), it is necessary to discuss the various dimension of guardianship in the absence of the infallible Imam. Furthermore, the focus of this research is to review whether the concept of Velayat-e Faqih was innovated after the Islamic Revolution of Iran or existed within the Shi’ite tradition.Dissertation/ThesisMasters Thesis Religious Studies 201
Autism screening in children: using the social communication questionnaire in a Western Cape population
No full textAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a global prevalence of approximately one percent of all new births. There is a lack of literature on autism in South Africa. South African children are waiting years for diagnoses, despite the fact that early diagnosis and subsequent intervention appear to have a positive effect on the outcomes of the intervention. A screening device to detect ASD could be used to speed up the diagnostic process. This study tested the viability of using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) in a Western Cape state-funded hospital. This thesis describes Phase 1 of a larger study. The 40 item SCQ was adapted and translated into Afrikaans and isiXhosa. The English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa versions of the SCQ were administered to parents of very young children attending the Red Cross Children?s Hospital?s developmental clinic (N = 228, age range of children = 3.00-5.97 years). Positive results were that no relationship was found between age and SCQ score, or between SCQ language version and SCQ score were found. However there was a relationship between SCQ score and socioeconomic status, indicating a possible bias in the SCQ. Internal reliability of the SCQ versions was analysed and was satisfactory. The factor structure of the English SCQ was examined. Two and four factor solutions were explored, with the two factor solution proving the best fit with good internal reliability. This two factor solution reflected the recent changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, as well as previous findings on the SCQ and the ADI-R, the diagnostic instrument on which the SCQ was based. Preliminary results of Phase 2 of the larger study were analysed. Eighteen children received an Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) assessment;; the current gold standard for diagnosing ASD. SCQ scores proved to be a good predictor of ASD diagnosis, predicting 17 out of 18 individuals correctly. Further research on isiXhosa and Afrikaans versions of the SCQ as well as the predictive power, sensitivity and specificity and cut-off scores for the SCQ is recommended
Meditation music improved the quality of suturing in an experimental bypass procedure
Get PDFBackgroundNeurosurgeons are vulnerable to additional noise in their natural operating environment. Noise exposure is associated with reduced cognitive function, inability to concentrate, and nervousness. Mediation music provides an opportunity to create a calmer environment which may reduce stress during surgery.MethodsA pilot study was performed to find a suitable task, meditation music of surgeon's choice, and operation noise and to reach a certain level of training. For the main experiment, two neurosurgeons with different microsurgical experience used real operation noise and meditation music with delta waves as mediating music. Each surgeon performed 10 training bypasses (five with noise and five with music) with 16 stitches in each bypass. The total time to complete 16 stitches, a number of unachieved movements (N.U.Ms), length of thread consumed, and distribution of the stitches were quantified from the recorded videos and compared in both groups.ResultsA N.U.Ms were significantly reduced from 10938 with operation room (OR) noise to 38 +/- 13 (pPeer reviewe
Comparison of Life Satisfaction, General Health and Functionality of Elderly Residents in Public and Private Nursing Homes in Tehran
No full textComparison of Life Satisfaction, General Health and Functionality of Elderly Residents in Public and Private Nursing Homes in Tehran Akbar Sharifian[1] , Hossein Rezai[2] Received: 26/5/2017 Accepted: 20/2/2018 Abstract The purpose of this study is to compare the elderly people in public and private nursing homes of Tehran in terms of life satisfaction, functionality and general health. The population in this study are the elderly residents of public and private nursing homes in Tehran. Through purposive sampling, 225 of the residents were selected to be studied. Results showed that the residents of public nursing homes had higher health, life satisfaction and functionality than the residents of private nursing homes. Based on the results, it can be inferred that attention to mere biological and medical needs of the elderly citizens cannot create favorable conditions for them and increase their life expectancy. Attention to biomedical and physiological needs of elderly individuals in addition to their psychological and social needs can help to improve their life conditions at nursing homes. Keywords: Private and Public Nursing Homes, Life Satisfaction, Functionality, General Health [1]. Professor of Social Work, AllamehTabatabaiUniversity, Tehran. [2]. Social Service management Graduate Student, AllamehTabatabaiUniversity. Tehran. (Corrisponding Author). [email protected]
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