Showing 24 results for Farhadian
Volume 0, Issue 0 (ARTICLES IN PRESS 2024)
Abstract
Rural handwoven carpet weavers, particularly in the context of handmade silk carpet production, grapple with significant challenges concerning recognizing all stakeholders and establishing timely connections. These challenges have a substantial impact on the adoption of innovation in carpet production and the overall enhancement of productivity. This research was conducted to scrutinize the communication network of carpet weavers within the Knowledge and Innovation System (KIS) of handmade silk carpet production in rural areas. Data were gathered through interviews with 270 rural households in Zanjan province, specifically in the Tarom, Khodabandeh, and Zanjan counties, utilizing a structured questionnaire. Social Network Analysis (SNA) in UCINET was employed to examine the interactions among these actors, and graphical representations were created using Net Draw. The results revealed that the network's density varied across different levels, showing weakness in some cases, moderate strength in others, and strong connections in select instances. The connections of carpet weaving families with other actors within the KIS were predominantly localized. Among these families, those utilizing the home-based wage production method exhibited the most extensive interactions. The individuals designated as "FMs" (likely referring to family members) and "WNVKRs" (possibly local experts) demonstrated the highest degree of connection and influence within the network of weavers' interactions
Volume 0, Issue 2 (8-2011)
Abstract
A bench scale aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was evaluated in terms of its potential to treat synthetic dairy wastewater. The 2-l plexiglass bioreactor was supplied with oxygen via a fine bubble air diffuser, fed with synthetic dairy wastewater under various operational conditions. To analyze the process, three significant independent variables — influent chemical oxygen demand (COD), mixed liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS), and aeration time — were assessed. Three dependent process and quality parameters (as process responses) were also evaluated: total COD removal efficiency, sludge volume index (SVI) and final pH. The experiments were based on a central composite design (CCD) and analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The treatment was limited to the following concentration regimes: COD (1000, 3000 and 5000 mg/l), MLVSS (3000, 5000 and 7000 mg/l) and aeration time (2, 10 and 18 h). Maximum COD removal efficiency (of 96.5%) was obtained for an influent with the following characteristics: CODin: 3000 mg/l, MLVSS 5000 mg/l, and aeration time of 18 h. The study demonstrated the capability of aerobic SBRs for high COD removal from dairy industrial wastewater. Easy operation, low cost, and minimal sludge bulking condition were some of advantages of the SBR system as an option for biological treatment of medium-strength industrial wastewater. The present study provides valuable information about relationships between quality and process parameters for different values of operating variables.
Omidvar Farhadian, Seyed Mojtaba Fallahi, Nasrollah Mahboobi Soofiani,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2013)
Abstract
In order to determine effects of chicken and cattle manures in culture of Chlorococcum, an experiment was designed in six treatments including; 0.1, 0.4, 0.8 g/l of chicken manure and 0.1, 0.4, 0.8 g/l of cattle manure as completely randomize design with three replicates for 28 days. Results showed that the mean maximum density (87.1 × 105 cell/ml), specific growth rate (0.054 day-1), algal dry biomass (0.644 g/l), and chlorophyll a (9.42 mg/l) were obtained with 0.8 mg/l chicken manure. In order to compare performance of these manures with other culture media, second experiment with five treatments including; BBM (control) (Bold’s Basal Medium), BBM + soil extract, 0.8 g/l chicken manure, 0.8 g/l cattle manure and mixture of all treatment (BBM, BBM + soil extract, chicken manure and cattle manure) was designed as completely randomize design with three replicates for 15 days. Comparative results showed that BBM + soil extract had highest algal density (11.6 x 106 cells/ml), highest algal dry biomass (0.81 mg/ml), maximum SGR (0.13 /day), highest chlorophyll a (10.15 mg/l) and minimum doubling time (4.97 days). In conclusion, performance of BBM + soil extract was better in terms of biomass and growth parameters of Chlorococcum.
Volume 2, Issue 4 (Winter 97 2019)
Abstract
The control of bacterial diseases of fish has always been one of the most important problems of aquaculteriets in recent years. One of these problems is bacterial resistance. Using antibiotics can cause problems for consumers. Therefore, the use of new antimicrobial agents with minimal complications is common. In the present study, using the acid-thermal method, the bentonite structure was modified and the chitosan and bentonite hybrids were modified in the stage of development. The structure of the compounds was studied using the Infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometry (FTIR), Surface Electron Scanning Microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (EDX). Antimicrobial activity of two types of modified bentonite on gram negative bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila was studied in vitro using two methods of disk diffusion and microdilution. The results of the disc diffusion method showed that the antimicrobial compounds produced had antibacterial properties in experimental conditions against the Aeromonas hydrophilia bacteria. Antimicrobial activity (MIC and MBC) was determined using microdilution and clonal counting in Agar culture medium. The results showed that the modified compound with the acidic method had MBC of 28.57 and 14.28 mg / L for Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria in 10 minutes and 30 minutes. For chitosan and modified bentonite composite, MBC was 14.28 mg / ml for Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria in 10 and 30 minutes. The results of this study showed that modified bentonite and composite compounds have strong antimicrobial effects and can remove pathogens in laboratory conditions and can be used as new compounds to control pathogens in breeding systems.
Ramin Sharafi, Omidvar Farhadian, Mohsen Soleimani,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (6-2014)
Abstract
The effect of six diets including Scenedesmus quadricauda), manure (cattle+poultry, 1:1 ratio), vegetable (spinach+parsely+coriander, 1:1:1 ratio), algae+soil, vegetable+soil, and manure+soil were examined on culture of freshwater copepod, Acanthocyclopsrobustus, under the experimental conditions of 23±1ºC, 12 hours dark: 12 hours light photoperiod, and light intensity of 60 µmol photons/m2/s. The maximum population density (1282.6±163.7 individuals/L), maximum specific growth rate (SGR) (0.17±0.0 /day) and minimum doubling time (Dt) (4.0±0.1 days) were obtained when A. robustus fed on algae+soil. The nauplii production was 727.3±42.4 (±SE), 272.0±23.5, 267.6±17.7, 147.0±18.2, 33.6±3.8 and 25.0±7.1 ind./L and copepodit production was 311.3±26.8, 124.3±11.1, 183.0±13.0, 59.0±7.1, 14.3±8.1, and 17.6±3.6 ind./L in algae, algae+soil, vegetable, vegetable+soil, manure+soil, and manure, respectively. Correspondingly, the adult production was 208.5±26.8, 51.6±16.5, 192.7±23.7, 91.7±28.4, 8.7±5.4 and 8.7±3.6 ind./L, respectively. The maximum body length (663.8±29.1 µm) and width (526.2±23.7 µm) of A. robustus were recorded when fed with vegetable+soil and vegetable, respectively. The number of nauplii, copepodit, adults, length and width were significantly correlated with EC, BOD and COD. According to results, the A. robustus has suitable potential culture on algal and non-algal diets based on production, growth, body size, BOD and COD, but the better performance obtain on algae+soil and vegetable.
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2017)
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of occupational accidents among farmers with an emphasis on the role of extension and education in reducing these incidents.
Methods: This study was conducted through a literature review. For this purpose, we investigated books, documents and articles related to research topics in the period of 2000 to 2017.
Findings: Various factors are effective on the incidence of occupational accidents as well as on the type, amount and severity of injuries resulting from accidents at work. Farmers and agricultural workers are not excluded from occupational accidents. The affecting factors on occupational accidents in agriculture are classified in three categories: farmers’ characteristics, agricultural environment, and agriculture technologies.
Conclusion: Occurrence of incidents in agricultural occupation is inevitable. Identifying the factors affecting the incidence of accidents can help to reduce the occurrence of incidents among farmers. The agricultural extension and education according to the abilities and talents in the field of agriculture and rural society can reduce accidents and work-related risks and improve the farmers’ occupational health.
Y. Keivany, S.s. Mortazavi , O. Farhadian ,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (Spring 2018)
Abstract
Aims: King Nase fish (Chondrostoma regium) is a benthopelagic species that lives in stagnant and current water with a temperature range of 3-21°C and in the middle and upper parts of the river. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of King Nase fish.
Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 335 fish were randomly caught and transferred to the laboratory after anesthetization and fixation for biometric measurements and dissections. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Duncan's multiple range test (MRT), and unpaired T-test and SPSS 19 software.
Findings: The fork length and weight changes in male and female fish in all age groups, except for 1 and 2 year in females, showed a significant difference. There was a significant correlation between fork length, weight, and age of fish with its fecundity (r2=0.6922; r2=0.6852; r2=0.7284). Age groups of the males and females were 1 to 5 and 1 to 6 years, respectively. The sex ratio of male to female was 1:1.3. The oocyte diameter significantly increased from April to June and decreased in July and August. Changes in oocyte diameter corresponded to gonadosomatic index. The highest gonadosomatic index in males and females was in April and June, respectively, and varied with other months (p<0.05). The mean of this index was significantly higher in females than in males. The hepatosomatic index showed a significant difference during the months of the year (p<0.05). The spawning season was from late March to June.
Conclusion: The spawning season of King Nase fish is from late March to June and has a group simultaneous spawning pattern.
Volume 13, Issue 2 (1-2023)
Abstract
In this article, the interaction between lysozyme and CdTe nanoparticles was investigated by UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, thermal stability, kinetics, and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopic methods at pH 7.25. It was proved that the fluorescence quenching of lysozyme by CdTe NPs was mainly a result of the formation of the CdTe–lysozyme complex. By the fluorescence quenching results, the Stern–Volmer quenching constant (KSV), binding constant (Ka), and binding sites (n) were calculated. Under pH 7.25 conditions, the level of binding constant is determined to be 2.33×103 from fluorescence data. The hydrogen bond or van der Waals force is involved in the binding process. The blue shift of the fluorescence spectral peak of protein after the addition of CdTe nanoparticles reveals that the microenvironments around tryptophan residues are disturbed by CdTe nanoparticles. The effect of CdTe NPs on the conformation of lysozyme has been analyzed by means of UV-Vis spectra and CD spectra, which provided evidence that the secondary structure of lysozyme has been changed by the interaction of CdTe NPs with lysozyme.
Volume 13, Issue 52 (4-2016)
Abstract
The aim of study it was carried out survey investigation of consumer attitudes toward organic agriculture. The study was a kind of applied and descriptive –correlational method. The research population was consumers of agricultural products in Alborz Province. Sample size was determine by Cochran's formula (n= 250). Proportional stratified random sampling method was used. Data was collected through an instrument that developed by researcher. Validity estimated by a panel of experts in University and Agriculture experts’ of jihad-e- keshavarzi department of Karaj city. Reliability was conducted by a Pilot test and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient assumed (0/75) which show its suit for research conduct. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software package. Research findings show that there is a significant difference between responces in diploma and graduate & post graduted level at the 0.05 level. Also there is positive relation between consume obstacle and factors affecting to use of organice agriculture with responcendents attitude.
Volume 13, Issue 53 (5-2015)
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the components of Consumer behavior toward food waste. The study was a kind of applied and descriptive – correlational method. The research population was consumers of food products in Tehran city. Sample size was determine by Kerjice and Morgan table (n= 384). Proportional stratified random sampling method was used. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire. Validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of expert in Agricultural Extension and Education Department, Tarbiat Modarres University. Reliability was conducted by a Pilot test and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient assumed (0/86) which show its suit for research conduct. Results of exploratory factor analysis revealed six components of consumer behavior: Cultural values, social participation, motivation, beliefs, education and awareness and perception which are composed of 60 percent of consumer behavior changes, explain.
Volume 13, Issue 55 (9-2015)
Abstract
Food security and access to healthy food and its’ quality is the primary and most basic of human needs. Food Security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needsand food preference for an active and healthy life. The main purpose of the study was survey of the food insecurity situation and access to food in urban households of the Alborz Province. The research method was descriptive and Cross-correlation that was conducted by a survey. The population consists of all urban households in Alborz Province (N=652,466) and 185 households were chosen by the stratified random sampling method. The main instrument was a questionnaire where its’ validity confirmed by panel of experts in agricultural extension and education department at Tarbiat Modares and Tehran universities. Consistency and reliability of Research tools were assiumed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ( 0/74). The food security situation results show that 64/4 percent of households were in food safety category and 17/2 percent was in low levels of food insecurity, 10/3 percent were in medium food insecurity level and 8 percent were severely in food insecurity level. Also the results showed that there is significant differences at the 0/01 level in food access Between urban households in Alborz Province, This mean that, Nazarabad city households were in highly level than the other households.
Volume 14, Issue 64 (6-2016)
Abstract
Volume 17, Issue 67 (10-2024)
Abstract
Since many of Hafez's poems reflect the conditions of his time and the events of his life, understanding the history of Hafez's era and awareness of his relationships with powerful figures is crucial for comprehending his poetry. Essentially, grasping a significant portion of Hafez's verses depends on knowledge of the circumstances of his time and the events of his life. Neglecting the historical context of Hafez's poetry can lead to misunderstandings of the meanings of his verses and the concepts and interpretations within them, as well as disrupt the logical connections between the verses. A famous ghazal by Hafez that begins with "Taleh agar madad dahad…" is a prominent example where ignoring this context results in a complete breakdown of the connection between its verses, inevitably leading to a suspension of the hidden meanings and interpretations within it and, consequently, misinterpretation. In this study, using content analysis and a descriptive-analytical approach, we will identify the subtle references in the poem and represent the logical connections between its verses by matching the ghazal with its historical context. In light of the attention to the implications of the elements within the mentioned ghazal, one can speculate about the approximate date of its composition.
Extended Abstract
1. Introduction
The historical aspect of Hafez's poetry, which is undoubtedly one of the most significant features of his work, plays a fundamental role in understanding his words. This characteristic is not commonly found among classical Persian poets. For instance, understanding Saadi's verses often doesn't require knowledge of the political and historical changes of his time. Various reasons can be put forward to explain the extensive reflection of political and historical events in Hafez's poetry; however, his continuous connection with the court and his interactions with kings, ministers, and other political figures play a significant role.
Another important reason is Hafez's approach to poetry as a tool for expressing his viewpoints on events. The immense poetic potential found in Hafez’s work, which spreads at a remarkable speed, allows him to convey his message to his intended audience without the need for intermediaries or messengers. This capacity has been particularly useful in situations where direct communication with the audience was difficult, such as when Shah Sheikh Abu Ishaq left Shiraz after his defeat by Amir Mobarez al-Din, or when Shah Shuja had to abandon Shiraz in the face of his brother Shah Mahmoud's forces, or during the times when Hafez was deprived of seeing Shah Shuja due to a falling out. In these instances and others, Hafez embedded his message in his poetry, which then circulated among the intended audience. It is clear that such verses must exhibit characteristics, including a lack of direct reference to a specific addressee, to protect the poet and shield him from the repercussions of his words. Additionally, the poem should not lack meaning for the general public, or rather, for the broader audience of his poetry. In other words, he crafts the poetry in such a way that everyone enjoys its form and meaning, while at the same time, the specific addressee receives their personal message from it.
Hafez's extraordinary ability to compose such poems is truly one of his remarkable arts. At the same time, a significant number of ambiguities and misunderstandings, as well as the apparent disconnection of verses in a ghazal, stem from this very issue for readers of Hafez. This is where paying attention to the historical context of Hafez's poetry becomes essential. Aligning his verses with their historical background greatly aids in understanding Hafez's poetry, untangling its complexities, and creating coherence along its vertical axis (establishing a logical connection between the verses).
2. Problem Statement
Among Hafez's famous ghazals, one that seems scattered and lacks a logical connection without considering the context of its creation is the ghazal numbered 296 in the version edited by Ghazvini and Ghani.
In the first couplet, the poet expresses a longing to get closer to someone. Then, he immediately mentions his lack of fortune in receiving the generosity of people. He goes on to lament the waste of his precious life in the futile hope of the friend, deeming it impossible to achieve his desires from him. Next, he talks about ungrateful sons and the hard-heartedness of those who don't remember their father, considering any kindness towards them fruitless. Unexpectedly, he recalls his own thoughts of seclusion and asceticism. Then, out of nowhere, there's a mention of the tambourine and the harp played by the young musician. The "mohtaseb" and the "sufi" are characters who come into the scene following the young magus, And each one is condemned. Finally, without any preamble, he speaks of treading the path of the dynasty and the support of the chief of Najaf.
As is evident, various themes, sometimes entirely unrelated, are presented one after the other in this ghazal. With such a degree of thematic scattering and disconnection between the lines, what should one do? In a ghazal that talks about the hard-hearted idols, ungrateful sons, the young magus, the tambourine, the harp, and the wine, what is the connection to speak of the holy dynasty and the chief of Najaf?
Shamisa (2016) has paid attention to the scattered themes in this ghazal. He believes that there is a connection between the verses of Hafez's poetry and that most ghazals have a central coherence. However, regarding the ghazal in question, he says: "Of course, in some cases we must inevitably say that the old scholars' claim [about the lack of semantic connection between verses] is correct, because we do not discover a connection between some of the verses." (p. 25).
Many researchers agree that there is a lack of coherence in the vertical axis and no meaningful connections between the verses in Hafez's poems. Arberry (1974), in the introduction to his book titled Fifty poems of Hafez, considers the cultivation of several unrelated themes in a single ghazal as one of Hafez's innovations (p. 30). Khorramshahi (1982) also believes that the couplets of Hafez's ghazals possess more independence, diversity, and separation than those of other poets (p. 18). Almost all of the commentaries written on Hafez's ghazals have adhered to this viewpoint and felt no necessity to express the relationships among the verses in a ghazal. However, as noted, some researchers do not agree with this perspective. Pournamdarian (2013), describing the structure of Hafez's ghazals, states: "Some have pointed out that one of the characteristics of Hafez's ghazals is the lack of semantic connection between its verses (...) In my opinion, at least it can be said that in many of Hafez's ghazals, there is a semantic connection between the verses, even if this connection is not apparent at first glance" (pp. 225-226).
We believe that the hidden connections of verses in Hafez's poetry often reveal themselves through an understanding of the historical-political context in which they were written; in this study, we aim to analyze the ghazal on this semantic layer, explaining the conditions under which the poem was composed and introducing the characters present in it, while also demonstrating that this ghazal maintains coherence along its vertical axis.
3. Research method
This research has been carried out using content analysis and a descriptive-analytical approach. It aims to examine the poem by aligning it with its historical context, including the conditions, motivations, and goals of the poet at the time of creating the work. Special attention has been given to the information gathered from reliable historical sources, as well as considering the knowledge gained from other poems by the poet, which plays a significant role in aligning the selected ghazal with the key events that influenced its creation.
4. Results
Relating the discussed poetry to the historical backdrop of Hafez's life helps establish a vertical connection between the verses and dispels the accusation of dispersion and fragmentation of meanings within the ghazal, aiding in the accurate understanding of the references and expressions employed. In this ghazal, composed during the era of Amir Mobariz al-Din Muzaffari (Mohtaseb), Hafez speaks of his financial troubles. He also critiques the oppressive social atmosphere prevailing in Shiraz and the encroachment of rulers and their agents on public rights under the guise of piety, expressing his disappointment in garnering support from Shah Shoja, the son and heir of Amir Mobariz al-Din, who he found to be completely different from his father. He talks about the idea of leaving Shiraz and migrating to the court of the Al-Jalayir dynasty, the very court that had previously welcomed artists disillusioned with the Muzaffarid dynasty, like Obaid Zakani, and whose rulers continually expressed their desire for Hafez to be present in their court.
Hafez, by using the phrase "Shahne of Najaf" for the founder of the Jalayerid dynasty, who all had a Shia inclination and contributed significantly to the restoration and expansion of the shrines of Shia Imams within their territory, is also subtly seeking support from the then Jalayerid king, Sultan Uways, for the expenses of his journey. The term "Shahne of Najaf," meaning the guardian and servant of the Najaf shrine, has been a great source of pride for Amir Sheikh Hasan and his successors. At the same time, it's important to note that Hafez, by announcing his intention to migrate to Baghdad, sends a message to Shah Shuja that if he continues to delay and does not take Hafez under his protection, he might lose such an extraordinary poet. It can be inferred that the discussed ghazal was composed during the period between the execution of Shah Sheikh Abou Ishaq in the year 757 AH and the event of Amir Mobariz al-Din being deposed from the throne by his sons in 759.
References
Arberry, A.J. (1974). Fifty poems of Hafiz. Cambridge University Press.
Khorramshahi, B. (1982). Zehn va Zabān-e Hāfez. Nashr-e No. [In Persian]
Pournamdarian, T. (2013). Gomshode-ye Lab-e Daryā: Ta’amoli dar Ma’ni va Surat-e She’r-e Hāfez. Sokhan Publication. [In Persian]
Shamisa, S. (2016) Yāddāsht-hā-ye Hāfez. Mitra Publication. [In Persian]
Volume 21, Issue 6 (10-2019)
Abstract
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have affected all sectors including the agricultural sector. ICTs play an essential role in sharing knowledge and information and networking among different actors of the agricultural sector. Agricultural researchers, as the main actors of generating and developing knowledge and technology, need to use the unique capacities of ICTs. The current situation of access to ICTs and the extent and skill of agricultural researchers in using ICTs need to be evaluated to take advantage of this capacity. In this study, 141 researchers from six agricultural research institutes of Iran were selected by multi-stage random sampling method to survey their access, purpose, skill, and extent of using ICTs. The findings indicated that researchers had access to the main ICT tools such as computers and the Internet. Researchers mainly used ICTs for information acquisition, chatting and sending messages, and finding educational materials and resources. Most of the researchers use e-mails, search engines, and social networks every day. The primary skills of most researchers were good at working with computers. Job experience and skill in using ICTs explained 46.7% of the variance of using ICTs.
Volume 21, Issue 7 (Supplementury Issue 2019)
Abstract
Electronic commerce (E-commerce) is a contemporary concept with huge potential that is fundamentally changing how business is done. This paper describes robust E-commerce strategies for trading agricultural goods and services. The purpose of this study was to enhance the efficiency of E-commerce in the export of agricultural commodities. Since the SWOT method is a key tool used by businesses to formulate strategic plans, this study conducted a SWOT analysis of E‐commerce to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats faced by E‐commerce in current scenarios. A random sampling method was used to select the statistical population, which was composed of 96 experts from the Ministry of Agriculture. Seventy-five questionnaires were distributed to the experts (N= 75) using Morgan and Krejsi's table, of which 59 questionnaires were filled (n= 59). The questionnaire consisted of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to E-commerce development and it was prepared using the Delphi technique. The important results of SWOT analysis constituted a framework to help planners and managers realize their goals and enhance the export of agricultural commodities. The resulting SWOT matrix analysis was located in the area of WO (conservative strategy). Accordingly, it is recommended that for proper exploitation of environmental opportunities, organizational weaknesses should be taken into account. Some important strategies suggested based on this study are enforcing laws and providing effective incentives to reduce production costs relative to global prices as well as creating innovation in the export process using E-commerce.
Volume 22, Issue 1 (1-2020)
Abstract
Occupational injuries have several psychological, economic, social, and institutional consequences. Agriculture is a high-risk industry, but occupational injuries are mainly rooted in the behavior of farmers. The present study was conducted using the qualitative approach and the grounded theory method. The study population included members of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Occupational Health of the School of Medical Science, agricultural experts, occupational health experts, and farmers who were selected through snowball sampling in Kermanshah province in western Iran. The data was collected through interviews. The findings showed that cognitive, personal management, cultural, organizational and economic factors affect agricultural occupational health behavior. In the research model, healthy growers, healthy products, and healthy society were the consequences of the use of appropriate strategies for agricultural occupational health behavior. Designing a native model of healthy behavior to promote occupational health is a step towards reducing injuries among farmers.
Volume 22, Issue 4 (6-2020)
Abstract
At the colleges of agriculture in Iran, lecture is used as a dominated teaching method. Team learning is one of the most commonly used educational methods in the present erea. The aim of this study was to compare the Team Member Teaching Design (TMTD) and the regular lecture method on the academic achievement and teamwork behavior of agricultural students. A within-subject design was followed for two courses in which students first attended a series of lectures and then participated in team teaching. Differences between lecture and team teaching methods were examined for their academic achievement and teamwork. The study samples were taken of Agricultural Extension and Education Department of the University of Tehran during the academic year of 2017-2018. The mean scores of academic achievement and the teamwork behavior of students were compared. In compared coursess, the effect of TMTD method on the academic achievement of students was shown. The results of means comparison tests indicated a significant difference between the two methods of teaching in the field of academic achievement and the strengthening of the teamwork behavior of students. The paper further discusses team method implementation and its implication for teaching and proffers the way forward for an effective use of teaching methods for better results in the classroom teaching and learning process.
Volume 22, Issue 4 (6-2020)
Abstract
The climate is changing and agriculture sector is heavily dependent on climatic changes. Considering the key role of perception and its impact on behavior and given the importance of climate changes in today’s world, the present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the factors affecting perception and adaptation behavior of farmers in response to climatic changes in Hamedan, Iran. For this aim, first, the factors affecting the farmers’ perception and adaptation behavior were extracted from literature review. Then, a questionnaire was developed, and to determine its validity, the questionnaire was examined by a panel of experts. Further, to measure the reliability of the research instrument, a pilot test was conducted. The statistical population of the research consisted of 115,160 farmers in Hamedan Province and the sample size based on Krejcie and Morgan table was determined as n= 384 farmers. Then, a stratified random sampling with proportional allocation was used. The findings indicated that among the studied variables, knowledge, perception, and belief with path coefficients of, respectively, 0.53, 0.32, and 0.18 had the maximum impact on the adaptation behavior, while the maximum impact on perception belonged to belief and knowledge with path coefficients of, respectively, 0.56 and 0.35. According to the results, knowledge, which had the highest contribution in explaining behavior, was not seen in the Arbuckle et al. (2015) model. Therefore, to make it easier for the farmers to communicate and facilitate the transfer of information on climate change, establishment of community-based organizations is suggested. In addition, by enhancing the level of farmers awareness about climate-smart agriculture, it is possible to take major steps to improve their adaptation to climate changes.
Volume 22, Issue 6 (11-2020)
Abstract
This study adopted a survey approach to address and determine the effects of educational system components on strengthening the teamwork behavior of students in the agricultural higher education system of Iran. The statistical population consisted of all agricultural students in five universities of Iran. A sample of 291 students was selected using random stratified sampling method with proportional allocation. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analyzed by structural simulation technique using Smart PLS software. The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between teamwork behavior of students and the components of the higher education system, which included the teacher, student, curriculum, and the learning environment. The results also showed that the curriculum component had the most impact compared to other components. Also, the presented Applied Structural Equation Model is a strong theoretical model for predicting the teamwork behavior of the students.
Volume 24, Issue 3 (5-2022)
Abstract
Among the key strategies in higher education is to prioritize the development of the entrepreneurial university. In this regard, the University of Applied Sciences and Technology (UAST) is one of the main institutions involved in vocational higher education, especially in the agricultural sector, which aims to help graduates acquire the knowledge and skills they will require. To this end, the university needs to plan for and develop entrepreneurial educations in its training system. Accordingly, the present study
aimed to strategically analyze entrepreneur UAST in the agricultural sector. The statistical sample included 19 individuals, who were presidents, deputies, and managers of a university or managers of agricultural applied science and technology centers. After interviews and reaching theoretical saturation, the strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities of the agricultural applied sciences and technology centers were specified. The results of the SWOT matrix show that the aggressive strategy (SO) is the most appropriate strategy for the agricultural centers of UAST. The most important strategies within this approach included ‘organizing and developing agricultural applied sciences and technology programs in a balanced manner’; ‘designing and implementing a province-wide educational need assessment model for the agricultural sector’; ‘developing agricultural modular curricula and getting involved in new labor market potentials with the aid of the executive agencies’; ‘enhancing the quality of agricultural training components’; ‘developing financial resources and the use of the existing potentials of the
agricultural sector with no financial burden on the government’; ‘basing decisions on research’; and ‘setting policies based on the modern agricultural and natural resources’ technology’.