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Today, the news media has a momentous role in shaping public opinion and social developments. Journalistic translation thus follows guidelines and standards in order to convey the message and objectives of its source material. The translation of the political press discourse surrounding the US and international sanctions on Iran is particularly sensitive, due to its high potential in impacting international relations and political affairs.
The objective of our research is to highlight the importance of methodologies used for the translation of political press discourse. For this purpose, we have analyzed two important news articles related to the aforementioned sanctions. First, we conduct a critical analysis of the political discourse, based on Van Dijk's model, and then we perform a translational analysis, based on Antoine Berman's views. Finally, we explore the different types of modifications made by translators, as well as the efforts made to adapt the news to the media’s political ideology. In line with Van Dijk's opinions, we have shown that there is a close relationship between the ruling policy (power) and the press discourse (media), in shaping the public perception of policies and events at mass scale. We demonstrate how subtle deletion, change, and intensification is strategically used in jo urnalistic translation, in line with their desired discourse functions to achieve political goals.
 

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Although critical pedagogy (CP) is a worthwhile approach to education, not much attention has been paid to its application in online courses. Acknowledging its pivotal role, this study intended to investigate Iranian EFL teachers’ awareness of CP and explore the possible effects of teaching experience on their awareness of CP via a CP questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Furthermore, to evaluate teachers’ actual classroom application of CP, online EFL classes were observed. The results indicated that teachers’ awareness of the significance of CP principles did not help them fully implement the principles in their online teaching practices. A significant relationship between teaching experience and some subscales of CP principles was also found. The findings of this study can offer some implications for English teachers in the post-method era to rethink their previous critical views towards English language teaching and their roles as facilitators.
 

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This study examines the cognitive processes underlying the comprehension of second language idioms using two different visual instructional techniques, visual representation of literal meanings versus virtual meanings of each idiom’s visual representation. For this reason, two environments (positions) (PFL vs. PSL), two different terms (opaque vs. transparent), and two different sufficiency levels (intermediate vs. advanced) are considered, which involves common teaching methods that use dual coding theory as two different visual techniques with verbal support to teach different types of idioms. The statistical population were 67 second language learners and 63 foreign language learners who participated in this study. A term comprehension test was used before and after the training. The results of repeated measure variance analysis based on pretest-posttest comparisons showed that understanding of SL idioms is different according to the learning environment, teaching technique and the type of idiom. However, it sounds that the level of sufficiency doesn’t affect any group’s comprehension outcomes. The results show that in the SL environment, the figurative technique was more successful than the literal technique. While in the FL environment, using the literal technique compared to the figurative technique, got better scores for the language learner. PSL learners were better than PFL learners in learning terms with opaque meanings, while PFL learners performed better in learning terms with transparent meanings. The results of this investigation support the Dual Idiom Representation Model, which states that PSL learners activate their existing lexical entries and understand them figuratively, while PFL learners must analyze the idioms.

 

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Over the past decades, empirical studies regarding the application of data-driven learning (DDL) and its’ role in second and foreign language learning have increased. At the same time, several studies have investigated the association between working memory (WM) and different aspects of L2 and found that WM plays a significant role in the language performance of L2 learners, as SLA processes rely on cognitive resources. Nevertheless, the findings of such research are inconclusive. The role of WM in the relationship between DDL and second/foreign language learning is also a neglected area. Drawing on data from 84 Iranian female EFL learners, aged between 20 to 24, on three different measures of WM capacity (digit span, number-letter, and flanker), the findings of the present study showed that first, DDL was a significant predictor of English academic lecture comprehension. Second, regardless of which WM measure to use, WM was not a significant predictor of English academic lecture comprehension; and the interaction effect between DDL and WM was not a significant predictor of the students’ English academic lecture comprehension. That is, WM did not moderate the effect of DDL on the students’ comprehension of English academic lectures. Altogether, the results suggested that learning L2 at high levels of English academic lecture comprehension was mostly contingent upon automatic processing. The findings of this study may have implications for research and practice in second/foreign language teaching and learning, and more specifically in the application of DDL for L2 learners. 

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Aims: Drug users form the main HIV-affected group in Iran. About two-third of all the individuals affected by HIV in Iran are those who use drug through injection. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of health belief model (HBM) on prevention of HIV transmission among the opiate-dependent population in Zarandieh. Methods and Materials: This is a quasi-experimental intervention study carried out on 49 addicted men in Zarandieh. was collected using a questionnaire, based on HBM and the group completed the questionnaire. According to the pre-test, the educational intervention was designed and implemented. Three months after the intervention, the post-test was performed and analyzed using the primary questionnaire and χ2, T-test. Findings: The findings indicated that the mean scores of HBM Model constructs (self-efficacy, susceptibility, severity and benefit) increased significantly after intervention and the perceived barriers decreased (p< 0.001). Also, the history of HIV testing reported 8%before intervention, while the rate increased to 48.6% after intervention. Conclusions: This finding provides initial support for designing and implementation of health education program, based on the HBM on Preventing HIV transmission among Opiate-dependent population.

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Background: Chronic Low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most prevalent health problems which is affected by psychological disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of psychological intervention on chronic low back pain among a sample of Iranian nurses.
Material and Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial. The participants of this study consisted of 84 nurses suffering from chronic back pain and working in Valiasr hospital, Tehran-Iran. The recruited nurses were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (42 nurses in each group). The demographic questionnaire and Visual Analog Assessment scales (VAS) and a Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS) were used to collect data at the beginning of the study and 3 months following completion of the intervention. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, T-test and paired T-test.
Results: Forty-two nurses, with a mean age of 32 ± 8.2 and 31.5 ± 7.4 years in the intervention group and control group respectively, took part in this study. The two groups were not significantly different at the beginning of the study in terms of demographic data (P > 0.05). At the 3-month follow up, the pain rate in the intervention group was significantly decreased from 4.47 to 4.09 (P < 0.0001). Furthermore in intervention group, the mean scores of anxiety intervention group were decreased from 17.73 to 9.76 (P < 0.0001). Decreased Stress scores decreased from 15.52 to 9.52 (P < 0.0001), and the depression score from 17.66 to 10.45 (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that psychological interventions reduced stress anxiety, depression as well as low back pain among Iranian nurses. It is recommended that further research with larger sample and longer follow up be conducted to confirm the findings of this study.

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Aim: Benefits of Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC) between mother and her newborn, specifically when it is conducted immediately after birth, have been recognized for more than 40 years. To determine why SSC is not conducted, the present study considers the opinions of the labor working midwifes about the reinforcing factors in SSC immediately after birth in Tehran's hospitals in 2012-2013. Methods: In this descriptive study, we have employed the reinforcing factors of the phase 3 of PRECEDE-PROCEED model. The samples consisted of 292 midwifes who were responsible for delivery or for newborns immediately after birth in 18 hospitals of Tehran. The sampling was firstly performed using stratified and then simple random manner. They were classified into educational, social security, and private hospitals. Data collection instrument was a self-developed questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, social support and midwifes' motivation to conduct the reinforcing factors in the SCC at birth. It was derived from a qualitative study. Internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Data analysis was conducted through applying the SPSS version 18. Findings: The results show that 93.8% of midwifes had a good idea about social support of the midwifes with Cronbach's alpha 0.744 and 96.6% of them believed in the Midwifes ' motivation in skin contact effects with Cronbach's 0.773. Conclusions: The midwives believed in the key role of reinforcing factors such as social support and their own motivation in successful and standard SSC. Therefore, further studies are suggested on exploring the opinions of pediatric, obstetrics and anesthesia specialists, midwives, mothers and their husbands concerning the SSC.

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Background: Chronic pain depends on many physical and psychological factors. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between anxiety and chronic pain in adult referring to health centers in Yazd, Iran.
Methods and Materials: This descriptive study conducted on 397 adults aged between 31 and 87years. The Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to measure depression, anxiety and stress. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain severity. Six psychologists were employed to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: Totally 397 individuals with mean age of 61.52 ± 11.52completed the study. The results showed 74% of participants (N = 295) were suffering from chronic pain. The majority of participants (N = 164, 41.3%) complained from knee pain. This study showed 68.8% of studied adult (N = 277) suffered from mild to severe anxiety. There were positive significant relationship between chronic pain and anxiety.
Conclusion: This study concluded that chronic pain may cause psychological disorders as anxiety. This study recommended that individuals suffering from chronic pain should be assessed in terms of psychological problems. 

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Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major public health problem leading to chronic pain and increased years lived with disability This study aimed to assess lifestyle behavioral management in patients with Knee osteoarthritis among Iranian patients up to 6 months.
Methods and Materials: This study conducted at the Rheumatology Research Center of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) in Tehran, Iran. In this educational controlled trial study, 130 eligible participants took part in control group (n = 66) and received just prescribed medications, or intervention group (n = 64) who received the lifestyle behavioral management plus medication. The program involved three two-hour and two one-hour group sessions over a one-week period. Data based on demographic characteristics and risky behaviors questionnaire as well as Functional Knee Assessment Test (FKAT) were collected at initial, 3-, and 6-month follow ups and analyzed by using SPSS₁₈.
Results: Of 130 participants, five individuals from intervention and eight individuals from control group were excluded over 6 months. Totally, 117 eligible participants in two groups of intervention (n = 59), and control (n = 58) completed the study. The mean age of participants in intervention and control group at base line was 59. 03 ± 6. 13 and 57. 85 ± 9. 31 years respectively. Despite being the same at initial time (P > 0. 05), Repeated Measure ANOVA test showed Significantly better improved disability in intervention group over time (P < 0. 001). Compared with control group, preventive behaviors were improved significantly in intervention group (P < 0. 05)
Conclusions: This study revealed that the multidisciplinary program could significantly reduce risky behaviors and disability up to six months in intervention group. Thus, due to lack of lifestyle behavioral management in health care system of Iran, to embedding this program into clinical practice for managing knee OA pain is recommended.

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Aim: Oral health is one of the most important parts of public health which significantly affects on quality of life. The purpose of this study is to assess the socio-economic statues as well as oral health behaviors among a sample of Iranian students studying in elementary level. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which was conducted from April 2012 to November 2012. Data obtained from a face-to-face interviews with students studying in elementary schools of Chahbahar, Iran. Considering inclusion criteria, 300 eligible students were selected through a two - stage random cluster sampling. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics using SPSS version 11.5. Finding: Totally 300 students who studying in grade four or five of elementary schools took part in the study. The mean age of subjects was (11± 2.81). Of all students, 11/7% (n = 35) never brush their teeth, 18% (n=54) never floss and 20% (n= 62) never used mouth wash. Furthermore, 94 students (31%) of students had no dental visits regularly. As the results showed, there were significant relationship between lower parents’ educational level (P=0.02), not to access to dental caries services (P=0.04) and lower income (P=0.03) and reasons for not doing oral health behaviour. Conclusion: According the results of this study the students who were in lower socio economic levels, doing less dental healthy behaviors.

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Background: Back injury in nurses is one of the most common health problems. The chronic low back pain leads to several problems including disability, daily activities, physical and emotional problems and decreasing quality of life. The purpose of this study was to assess the quality of life of nursing staff with chronic nonspecific low back pain in Yazd, Iran. Materials and Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic study. A total of 119 nurses were selected with nonrandom purposive sampling method. Health-related quality of life of the participants was assessed using the 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and analyzed through SPSS software version 20 by appropriate statistical tests. Results: This study showed that there were significant differences between the quality of life of nursing staff with chronic low back pain and Iranian normal population in all aspects (P < .0001). It was revealed that only in the area of physical function there was a significant relationship between age and the quality of life (P < .0001). Conclusion: The results confirmed the effect of income on dimensions such as physical role, bodily pain, mental health, and social function.

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Background: The comparison between voluntary and automatic contraction of deep abdominal muscles in patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain (nLBP) may the best treat for them. The aim of this case-controlled study was to compare changes in the thickness of the Transverses Abdomin is (TrA) and Internal Oblique (IO) muscles during the Abdominal Drawing-In Maneuver (ADIM) and the Active Straight-Leg Raise (ASLR) test. Methods: This study involved 30 women including 20 women with and 10 women without non-specific low back pain. The abdominal muscle thickness in the supine crook-lying, ASLR, and ADIM exercises were measured. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare the thickness ratio results between the two groups. Results: There were significant differences between the TrA (p < 0.05) and IO (p < 0.05) muscle thickness ratios during the ADIM compared to the ASLR in the neutral lumbar posture in supine lying in the healthy group; However, in the subjects with nLBP, only the TrA (p < 0.005) muscle thickness ratio was significantly higher in the ADIM rather than in the ASLR. Conclusion: These findings suggest that in both groups the deep abdominal muscles (the TrA and the IO) responded differently according to the variable type of activities such as voluntary or automatic, therefore, in training programs, in addition to a voluntary workout, automatic type of exercises should also be taught.  

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Background: This study is an extended follow up of the original trial study (NCT00600197) that has been published in the clinical journal of pain. This trial aimed to explore if the proposed multidisciplinary program could improve quality of life and disability of the patients suffering from chronic low back up to 36 months. Methods and Material: In this Clinical Randomized trial seventy percent (139 of 197) of the participants who had taken part in the original study including 66 patients in intervention group and 73 patients in control group were followed up to 36 months after intervention. The intervention group continued receiving monthly motivational consultation and booster classes plus oral medication but the other group received just medication. Data on measures of Short Form 36 (SF-36) Quebec Disability Scale (QDS) and Ronald Morris Disability (RDQ) were collected at 3-6-12-18-24-30- and 36-month follow ups and analyzed through RMANOVA. Results: The 2 groups were comparable regarding all baseline characteristics (P > 0.05) except for education level that was better in intervention group (P = 0.01). Two groups were improved regarding all studied variables over time up to 36 month (P < 0.001) Moreover the intervention group in comparison with the control group had consistently better outcomes regarding all variables. There were no significant differences within each group by time in terms of all variables (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The proposed multidisciplinary program could reduce low back pain and improve quality of life and disability up to 36 months in chronic low back pain patients.

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Background: Today, chronic low back pain is one of the growing worldwide problems, which caused in the reduction of individuals’ physical, mental, and social functions. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of training programs on functional disability in female patients with low back pain after 6month follow-up of the training intervention strategies.
Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental study was carried out in rheumatology research center of Tehran University of Medical Science. A total of 27 female patients suffering from low back pain participated in this study. All the participants were divided into groups of 6 to 8 members and provided with a 4-hour training session of physiotherapy and psychology, followed by telephone counseling after one and two months. In order to collect required data and evaluate females’ functional disability, two questionnaires were employed: Roland-Morris Disability Assessment Questionnaire (RDQ) and Quebec Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (QDS). The questionnaires were completed at the beginning of the study-as the pretest, and 6-month follow up as the posttest. Data were analyzed through paired samples t-test using SPSS software version 16. A significant level of P< .05 was considered to compare the information.
Results: The results of the current study show that during the 6 months intervention program, the physical disability was significantly improved in terms of two aforementioned scales.
Conclusion: It seems that training intervention program along with the follow-up and phone counseling have significant effects on improving physical function of patients with chronic low back pain.

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Background: Socio demographic characteristics of nurses who work in hospitals may impact on their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between quality of life of nursing staff with chronic nonspecific low back and their socio demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: This study was a cross section study. A total of 119 nurses were participated in this study. The 36-item short-form health survey questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess Health Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) of the participants. SPSS software version18 was applied to analyze data by appropriate statistical tests. Results: Totally 119 nurses including 93 female (78.1%) were participated in the study. The study showed that there was a significant relationship between age and physical function (P < 0.0001). Also there was significant relationship between income and physical role (P < 0.0001) as well as bodily pain (P = 0.015), mental health (P = 0.015), and social function (P = 0.03. ( Conclusions: The socio demographic characteristics of nurses could be considered while their QOL are assessed.

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Aims: Nowadays, one of the most frequent problems that international students face is homesickness. The purpose of this study was investigation of homesickness and coping strategies among the University Technology Malaysia) UTM (international students and finding new research topics for future educational planning research. Methods: This descriptive study was done in August 2010 among the students studying in University Technology Malaysia (UTM). The respondents were international students from different courses in UTM. Fifty questionnaires were randomly distributed among the students at various faculties and residential colleges of the university. The questionnaire included 11 questions, which was developed by the researcher through literature review. Findings: Totally, 50 international students including 24 (48%) female and 26 (52%) male students took part in the study. There were different reported causes of homesickness by the respondents that were classified into four aspects: "social", "psychological", "physical" and "academic”. The findings showed the most important reason for homesickness has been cultural differences between the countries. Accordingly, 75% of the respondents (n=38) reported social customs as the first reason for international students' homesickness. Conclusion: The research results indicated that missing family was the most important factor that influenced international students to feel homesick. According to this study, the best and effective way to manage homesickness was to call family and friend(s).

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Aim: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. This comparative study was designed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical and non-medical female students concerning breast self-examination (BSE) in two different universities in Shiraz, Iran. It also examined the relationship between the students' knowledge, attitude, practice and type of academic education. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Shiraz, Iran. 394 female students were selected using proportionate stratified random sampling (292 non-medical and 102 medical). A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection, and the obtained data were analyzed descriptively. Findings: Medical students were more aware of BSE timing, stages of BSE performance and initiation age of BSE. Medical female students were also more likely to consider BSE as efficient, not difficult and time consuming, and to acknowledge that as a method for decreasing the probability of cancer. Regular BSE performance rate for both groups was very low and unsatisfactory (non-medical 2.1% and medical 2.9%). The results of t-test and Chi-square revealed significant differences across BSE knowledge, attitude and practice with type of academic education (medical or non-medical) (P=001). Conclusion: Based on the findings, the medical students were more knowledgeable and showed a better attitude and responded more positively than the non-medical student, but both groups showed low level of BSE practicing that is of a concern. The supportive role of universities in providing students with necessary information about breast cancer is suggested, and its prevention methods should be highlighted. Additionally, there is a need to a supportive environment which facilitates students’ access to qualified health care services.

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Aim: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between chronic mechanical low back pain and work-related risky behaviors of nurses at hospitals in Tehran.
Methods: In order to determine the relationship between chronic mechanical low back pain and work-related risky behaviors of nurses, a cross-sectional was conducted among nurses in general hospitals in Tehran- Iran from April 17, 2014 to July 16, 2014. Five hundred eligible nurses, who were working in the different wards of under study hospitals, were included in this study. A researcher- designed 50 - item questionnaire was used to collect data. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (alpha=0.91), and test-retest evaluation (ICC=0.94) of the scale confirmed reliability of the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS.v16 through descriptive and analytic tests.  P-value < 0.05 was considered significant in both analyses. Findings: In total, five hundred nurses with mean age of 37.71+ 6.75 years took part in the study. 168 nurses (33.6%) were male and 332 nurses were (64.4%) female. The majority of nurses who were working more than 15 years (75%) were suffering from low back pain. Low back pain was more prevalent among female nurses (68%) compared to male nurses (32%). Most participants believed that excessive physical tension and hard work at their worksite were the causes of their chronic low back pain. There were no significant differences between two genders in this regard (P>0.5). In contrast with men, the majority of females (N= 222, 66.8%) believed that psychological tensions at work have been the reasons for their chronic low back pain.
Conclusion: Iranian nurses believed that work – related physical and psychosocial factors could result in low back pain.

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Rice blast, caused by Pyricularia grisea, is one of the most important diseases of this crop in Iran and all over the world. To evaluate the relationship between spore population (SP) and meteorological factors, SP was measured daily using spore trap during growing seasons of 2006-2008 in Rasht and Lahijan regions (Guilan province, Iran). Weather data including precipitation, daily maximum and minimum temperatures, daily maximum and minimum relative humidity and duration of sunny hours were obtained from weather stations which were five kilometers away from the fields. The relationship between spore population and metrological factors was evaluated by Neurosolution 5.0 software. Weather data and spore population were considered as input and output data, respectively. In this study, multilayer perceptron neural network, regression model and Log(x + 1) transformation were performed. To evaluate the model efficiency, correlation coefficient and mean square error were used. The results showed that the correlation coefficient (r) and mean square error (MSE) parameters were 0.55 and 0.03 in Rasht and 0.1 and 0.03 in Lahijan, respectively. The results also showed the potential of this model for modeling SP using meteorological factors; however more data is needed for validation of this model. There has been no previous report on modeling the relationship between SP and meteorological data using artificial neural network in Guilan province (Iran).

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Aim: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in Iranian women. Clinical nurses and midwives are supposed to be at high risk of the disease. The present study aimed at comparing the knowledge and health beliefs of Iranian nurses and midwives about breast cancer screening using Health Belief Model (HBM). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 100 nurses and 60 midwives working in teaching hospitals affiliated to Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences (Yazd, Iran) were selected via convenience sampling. Three questionnaires were used to collect data including a demographic questionnaire, the Breast Cancer Knowledge Test, and Champion’s Revised Health Belief Model Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS-11.0 for Windows. Findings: According to the independent t-test results, the mean knowledge scores of the two groups were significantly different (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in mean health belief scores between the two groups (p>0.05). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient revealed a significant direct correlation between knowledge and health beliefs in both nurses and midwives (P=0.018; r=0.18). The same test suggested knowledge to have significant direct correlation with benefits of mammography (P=0.01; r=0.2), benefits of breast self-awareness (P<0.001; r=0.4), cues to action (P=0.001; r=0.2), and self-efficacy (P<0.001; r=0.3). Conclusion: There are some risk factors including unhealthy life-style behaviours, exposure to night light, and consequently, disruption in circadian rhythm, and that job stress can threaten the health of nurses and midwives. Thus, it is important to determine their perceived barriers of screening behaviours based on HBM.