Graviton Propagation in an Asymmetric Warped Background: Lorentz Violation and the Null Energy Condition

The graviton propagation in an asymmetric background is studied. The background is a configuration in the six-dimensional Salam-Sezgin model, in which a 3-form H-field turned on [JHEP 0910(2009)086]. The compact dimensions form a cylindrical space with branes as boundaries. The background gets asymmetry due to the H-field and violates the Lorentz symmetry. We derive the graviton equation in this background and show that it gets massless mode traveling with superluminal speed. A tower of K-K modes exists with a mass gap. On the other hand, it is known that breaking the Lorentz symmetry on an asymmetric background is constrained by the null energy condition. This no-go theorem doesn't work well in six-dimensional space-times and by this model we provide a counterexample for which the null energy condition is satisfied while the Lorentz symmetry is gravitationally violated.Comment: 20 pages, 1 figure. v2: published version, more phenomenological discussions added, references added, numerical error fixe

The Effect of Task-Baased Language Teaching on Iranian EFL learners

This study strived to determine whether or not the adoption of Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) would be a more effective means of increasing the students’ reading comprehension achievement scores when compared to the traditional teaching method of the English language that involves prompting and drilling of students. This study also explored to gain issues and insights that accompany the application of TBLT through constant comparison and contrast with those that accompany the traditional teaching method. A pretest and posttests for collecting quantitative data was used, and classroom observation and researcher log for collecting qualitative data. The study involved 122 participants divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group has received ten weeks of English language instruction via the TBLT method while the control group has received ten weeks of English language instruction via the traditional teaching method. The independent variable is the use of TBLT in the classroom and the effect/dependent variable is the students’ reading comprehension achievement scores. By analyzing the data, the findings showed that teaching via the TBLT method has significantly helped students increase their reading comprehension achievement scores more than that of the traditional teaching method of the English language. The findings also suggest that the TBLT method, as a constructivist practice, is a better way for English language teaching and has involved practices that are desired in a modern educational context when compared to the traditional teaching method of the English language

Reading Comprehension Challenges in Iranian EFL Classrooms

Reading comprehension is a vital component of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instruction, yet many Iranian learners face persistent obstacles in this area. This article explores the major challenges Iranian students encounter in developing effective reading comprehension skills. These challenges are categorized into four main areas: linguistic difficulties, such as limited vocabulary and complex grammar; cognitive and strategic issues, including the lack of reading strategies and background knowledge; pedagogical shortcomings, such as traditional teaching methods and insufficient teacher training; and sociocultural factors, like exam-oriented learning and low motivation. The article concludes by suggesting practical solutions, including strategy-based instruction, the use of authentic and engaging texts, teacher development programs, and the integration of digital tools. By addressing these multifaceted challenges, Iranian EFL educators can foster more effective and meaningful reading experiences for their students

The Impact of Extroversion and Introversion on Iranian EFL Learners Grammar

The way we learn is affected by our personality. Regarding the significant role of different personality types in language learning in general and mastering L2 grammar in particular, the present study investigated the impact of extrovert/introvert personality types of Iranian EFL learners in grammar learning. It was hypothesized that in an EFL situation, extroverted students would attain a higher proficiency in English. An additional aim was to find out whether there is a significant effect of gender differences’ extroversion/ introversion on their grammar ability. Therefore, 220 high school students took a standardized English test, completed a personality questionnaire and provided information on a bio data form. The collected data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Distribution was conducted for evaluating extraverts and introverts’ grammar with respect to their gender differences. The main finding was extroversion vs. introversion has no significant impact in grammar learning. Moreover, there was no significant effect of gender differences’ extraverts/introverts on their grammar proficiency. The results revealed that both extraverts and introverts have the capability to be proficient in English grammar

Evaluation of Indoleamine 2, 3-Dioxygenase Gene Expression and Activation in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disorder characterized by the emergence of hives for at least six weeks without any known etiologic agent. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) which catalyzes tryptophan (Trp) to kynorenin (KYN) is an immunomedulatory enzyme and complicated in immunological diseases. In this study, Trp, KYN and IDO gene expression in CSU patients were analyzed. We studied 20 CSU patients (mean age: 28 +/- 6 years, mean duration: 27 +/- 4 months) and 20 healthy individuals (mean age: 28 +/- 9 years). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from both patients and healthy control and stimulated by phytohemmaglutinin (PHA). Real-time PCR was applied to quantify IDO gene expression and its activity was estimated by KYN/Trp ratio in supernatant of PBMCs by HPLC. Our study results showed that the gene expression of IDO was higher in CSU patients (0.33 +/- 0.27) compare to healthy individuals (0.31 +/- 0.6, p=0.02). Amazing, the activity of IDO (KYN/Trp) was decreased in CSU patients (322.5 +/- 432.3) contrast of healthy ones (685.9 +/- 531.7, p=0.02). Previous studies documented the impaired of IDO gene expression in CSU patients, however in the present study we observed a decrease activity of IDO in CSU patients which might suggest the function of this factor is impaired in CSU patients

Value-Free ideal is an epistemic ideal: an objection to the argument from inductive risk

Arguing from inductive risk, Heather Douglas tried to show that the ideal of value-free science is completely unfounded. The argument has been widely acknowledged to be a strong argument against the ideal. In this paper, beginning with an analysis of the concept of an ideal, we argue that the value-free ideal is an epistemic ideal rather than a practical or ethical ideal. Then, we aim to show that the argument from inductive risk cannot be employed against the value-free ideal as far as it is understood as an epistemic ideal. We try to show that the argument takes practical and ethical limitations of actual scientific enterprise into account to undermine the value-free ideal. But employing non-epistemic considerations makes the argument impotent against an epistemic ideal

Towards the Analysis of Information Technology Governance and Productivity Based on COBIT Framework: An Empirical Study in E-Banking

The present study tends to evaluate information technology governance based on COBIT framework in the electronic banking system to increase productivity of banks in an empirical study. This study is an exploratory mixed research. In the qualitative section, the theoretical foundations and related models are reviewed in order to identify the components of IT governance based on COBIT framework and productivity in the electronic banking system. In the quantitative section, 258 people were randomly selected as sample. Cronbach\u27s alpha for IT governance and productivity was 79.7% and 82.3%, respectively, which indicates the reliability of this questionnaire. Qualitative results indicate that COBIT based IT governance includes four parameters (IT planning and organization, IT acquisition and implementation, IT delivery and support and IT monitoring and evaluation) and productivity includes four parameters (effectiveness, efficiency, improved performance and customer satisfaction). Quantitative results showed that the effect of COBIT based IT governance is positive on increased productivity (0.45). Moreover, the findings showed that the effect of COBIT based IT governance is significant on improved performance, efficiency and effectiveness (P < 0.01). According to the results, IT governance based on COBIT framework in the electronic banking system leads to increased productivity, efficiency, effectiveness and improved performance. Therefore, it can be concluded that deploying COBIT framework IT governance leads to a competitive advantage for electronic banking system

MULTI-OBJECTIVE ROBUST PRODUCTION PLANNING CONSIDERING WORKFORCE EFFICIENCY WITH A METAHEURISTIC SOLUTION APPROACH

Timely delivery of products to customers is one of the main factors of customer satisfaction and a key to the survival of a manufacturing system. Therefore, decreasing wasted time in manufacturing processes significantly affects production delivery time, which can be achieved through the maximization of workforce efficiency. This issue becomes more complicated when the parameters of the production system are under uncertainty. This paper presents a bi-objective scenario-based robust production planning model considering maximizing workforce efficiency and minimizing costs where the backorder, demand, and costs are uncertain. Also, backorder, raw materials purchasing, inventory control, and manufacturing time capacity are considered. A case study in a faucet manufacturing plant is considered to solve the model. Furthermore, the ε-constraint method, the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II), the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm 2 (SPEA2), and the Pareto Envelope-based Selection Algorithm II (PESA-II) are employed to solve the model. Also, the Taguchi method is used to tune the parameters of these algorithms. To compare these algorithms, five indicators are defined. The results show that the SPEA2 is the most time-consuming algorithm and the NSGA-II is the fastest, while their objective function values are nearly the same

In Vitro Effects of Four Porcelain Surface Treatment Methods on Adhesion of Lactobacilli Acidophilus

Objective: Adhesion of Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) to dental porcelain surface may lead to gingival inflammation and secondary caries. Surface roughness is among the factors affecting this adhesion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of four different  surface treatment methods on adhesion of L. acidophilus to dental porcelain.Methods: Sixty specimens (3x10mm) were fabricated of Noritake porcelain and divided into 4 groups (n=15) treated with one of the following four surface finishing techniques:    1. Auto-glazing;2. Over-glazing; 3. Polishing with Kenda kit and 4. No surface treatment (non-glazed specimens). Specimens were inoculated with bacterial suspension containing 1x106colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) and L. acidophilus adhesion to the surfaces was evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD test.Results: The mean bacterial adhesion was 0.1440 (0.00429) to auto-glazed specimens, 0.0750 (0.00256) to over-glazed specimens, 0.1800 (0.00325) to polished specimens and 0.7064 (0.00408) to the non-glazed specimens. The differences in this regard among groups were statistically significant (p&lt;0.001).Conclusion: Over-glazed specimens caused the lowest and non-glazed specimens caused the highest bacterial adhesion. The glazed surfaces caused less adhesion than the polished surface