Technology

Urban form has undergone tremendous changes throughout history. These changes have stemmed from various causes. Technology has been one of the most influential forces in changing the face of cities, leaving different marks on the city form. In fact, technology has gained an increasingly more important and integrative role in bringing changes to the urban form. In addition, recent plethora of developments and advances in various fields of technology more than before necessitates an exامینation of the relationship between technology and urban form. However, such an inquiry should be based on an understanding of the underlying philosophical and historical foundations underlying such a relationship. Throughout human history, a direct relationship has existed between the philosophical outlook on the world, the view on technology and its application, technological developments and consequently their effects on the city. The first step in understanding the relationship between technological developments and urban form changes and also in explaining the philosophical tenets, underlying urban form changes throughout history, is to realize the nature and philosophy of technology per se. The present study aims to facilitate and present such an understanding in order to broaden the horizons projecting the relationship between technology and urban form.

The current study aimed at investigating the impact of Personal Response System (PRS) on Iranian EFL learners’ English language performance, class communication, and comfort level. To this purpose, a mixed methods design was used. The participants comprised 60 male-female Iranian grade eight junior students studying at Bahonar secondary school, Kazeroon, Iran. They were selected through convenient sampling method from two intact classes and divided into two experimental and control groups. The needed data was collected using the following instruments: Oxford Placement Test (OPT), Preliminary English Test (PET), Observation Checklist, and PRS. The two groups of the participants attended twelve English class sessions of the high school once a week. The only difference between the two groups was that during the class sessions, the experimental group attended PRS. Data analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests and qualitative content analysis of the observation data. The results showed that PRS had a statistically significant impact on English language performance, class communication, and comfort level of Iranian EFL learners. Accordingly, EFL teachers are recommended to use this tool in an attempt to enhance EFL learners' general English language performance.  

New technologies can change everything in the world and people can have different reactions to them. Some people tend to use innovations but some people do not, due to the influence of different factors. Personality type can be considered as one of those factors that might have a relation with the feelings toward the innovations. Therefore, this paper explores the relationship between Iranian EFL teachers’ personality traits and their sense of technophobia and technophilia. Two hundred and ten Iranian EFL teachers participated in this study. The Big-Five Personality Traits Questionnaire (John & Strivastava, 1999) and Technophobia and Technophilia Questionnaire (Martínez-Córcoles, Teichmann, & Murdvee, 2017) were used in the current study. To find the answers to the research questions, Pearson correlation, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and independent-sample t-test were used. The results showed that all subscales of personality traits were negative significant predictors of technophobia except Neuroticism. Moreover, the results indicated a positive significant relationship between overall technophilia and all constructs of personality traits.

The burgeoning prominence of information technology has positioned mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) as an integral milestone of English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. With its mark deeply left on multiple manifestations of language learning, the MALL has substantially revolutionized the way second languages are taught and learned. In this illumination, the widespread integration of highly prominent portable devices such as smartphones and tablets has introduced to the market multitude of mobile applications for L2 learners, broadening the ground of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) to integrate MALL as an innovative direction of L2 learning. The Cake software is one such application that is a promising venue that teaches learners the English language through realistic, interesting, and engaging English videos. The app is primarily intended to assist language learners in enhancing their learning experience through watching videos that focus on situationspecific linguistic material. The focal point of this article revolves around is to offer an overview of the Cake application by illuminating its key functionalities and discussing its upsides and downsides. The article suggests Cake as a platform for English language learners to improve their speaking and listening capabilities. Furthermore, the application may aid English language teachers in introducing the app to the learners as a supplementary resource.

This study sought to investigate the problems and challenges of the current state of teaching translation in post-graduate studies. In so doing, it used a content analysis design within a qualitative method. The participants consisted of 20 (10 males and ten females) translation teachers who were selected through purposive sampling. To collect the required data, a semi-structured interview was used in the form of individual and focus group interviews. To analyze interview data, the content of transcribed interviews was qualitatively analyzed by the researcher to identify the common themes and categories in them, based on an exploratory theme-based approach. The results of the thematic analysis of interview data led to the identification of some problems and challenges including students’ lack of willingness to learn translation, the emphasis on practical elements in teaching translation, lack of an effective teaching translation program, students’ demotivation, and so on. Moreover, a program consisting of five steps was suggested for using technology in teaching translation in post-graduate studies in Iran. The findings have some implications for translation teachers and students, and authorities.

INTRODUCTION: Relief organizations, especially the Red Crescent, lack any specific entrepreneurial strategy and program for production, identification, and distribution of relief supplies. These organizations mainly focus on the preparation and distribution of supplies in times of crisis. In this regard, the present study aimed to design an entrepreneurial supply chain model with an emphasis on technology in 2020 in Iran. METHODS: The present study was conducted based on a qualitative and quantitative design. In the first phase, some indicators were obtained by observing the current situation and interviewing 30 experts. Following that, the final model was achieved by considering all indicators and categorizing the topics. In the Delphi process, experts' interviews and theoretical consensus suggested some hypotheses. In other words, in the second phase, structural equation modeling was used to finalize the model. In the next stage, the final questionnaire was provided to 186 Red Crescent employees. FINDINGS: After the analysis and extraction of the criteria from the interviews, components of the model were retrieved, and two questionnaires were designed. The first questionnaire was about supply chain management encompassing four main components of customer integrity, supplier integrity, internal integrity, and innovative orientation. The second questionnaire was related to technology, including seven components: personal characteristics, attitudinal factors, educational factors, technical factors, economic factors, environmental factors, as well as human and managerial factors. Considering the KMO value (˃0.7) and the significant value of the Bartlett Sphericity test, it can be concluded that the data are suitable for factor analysis. The model fit values all exceeded 0.9, indicating that the model has a “good fit. The path coefficients were significant for seven relationships at the level of 0.05. CONCLUSION: As evidenced by the obtained results, the supply chain in disasters requires experts' comprehensive approach and innovative perspectives. The tendency of countries to take innovative measures in disasters requires macro-policies at the national and regional levels. Therefore, all dimensions and aspects of the entrepreneurial supply chain in disasters must be considered in order to attain the final goal which is effective and efficient disaster management.

The use of technology-based instructions and treatment tools to compensate for deficiencies in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is evidently increasing. The present study that performed during 2021-2022 was a systematic review and meta-analysis concerning the efficacy of digital technologies in improving the deficient communication skills in language learners with ASD. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results revealed that the overall effect size (Cohen’s d) was 0.12 for both fixed effect model and random-effect model (z = 1.155, p >0.05). The effect size was statistically non-significant. We also considered Magnitudes of Cohen’s d fixed at 0.2, 0.5, and 0.8 which commonly accepted for small, medium and large quantities. Again, the result approached the small magnitude (1.12 > 0.2). Despite estimation of variances of effect sizes across studies (Q index, I2 and T2 values) approved homogeneity in study results, due to small number of studies included in this meta-analysis they\ results may not be generalizable (Q= 8.780, I= 0.00, T= 0.00, p> 0.05). For future comparisons, we therefore recommend use of more evidence-based experimental studies with modifications in their technology devices to secure higher statistical gains. We also recommend considering moderator variables which affected the effect size of included publications consisting age, IQ level, treatment durations and validity rate of technology devices.

In the context of the care crisis in modern medicine, the existential needs of patients are not sufficiently satisfied. One idea to address the crisis is that physicians should be educated to be virtuous. This suggestion is inadequate because it does not take into account the role of (non-)human factors, including technologies. The paper focuses on online caring forums, arguing that they are technological factors that can play the role of “focal things”, in which the members gather together to do a care-related focal practice. We study empirically the online forums of Ninisite, a popular Persian website on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting, and suggest that these forums shape focal practices that are helpful in alleviating the care crisis.             

Introduction: Today, competitive intelligence and ethics play a valuable role in promoting sustainable competitive advantage and technology commercialization capabilities of companies. According to the current competitive environment, companies are looking for a suitable solution for survival and durability. Therefore, the present research was conducted with the aim of analyzing the relationship between competitive intelligence activities and ethics and sustainable competitive advantage and technology commercialization capabilities. Material and Methods: This research was applied and among descriptive-correlation researches. The statistical population was managers and experts in the fields of research and development, quality, marketing, commerce, sales, production, training, human resources and information technology of 11 large dairy companies in Tehran and Fars provinces. The sample size of the research was 306 people, and they were selected by cluster sampling method. The questionnaire tool was made by the researcher and finally the data were analyzed through SPSS 26 and Smart PLS 3 with structural equation modeling method. Results: The results showed that the proposed model has a good fit for Iran's dairy industry. Competitive intelligence and ethics activities have a significant effect on sustainable competitive advantage and technology commercialization capabilities. Also, technology commercialization capabilities have a significant effect on the sustainable competitive advantage of companies. Conclusion: Using the current research model in the dairy industry improves sustainable competitive advantage. Companies can help improve sustainable competitive advantage by considering competitive intelligence and ethics and technology commercialization capabilities.

Knowledge and technology can be used to gain business benefits in organizations. In this regard, in addition to using technology in the production of products, technology commercialization to transfer technology to other organizations is considered a practical approach to gaining business benefits. Accordingly, this study aims to identify and prioritize commercialization components in Iran’s gas and oil industry to transfer technology to other industries and organizations since there is high potential to commercialize and transfer technology in this industry. After reviewing the previous literature and interviewing experts using semi-structured questions and the snowball sampling method, 46 attributes are detected and classified as 10 main components. Then, the confirmatory factor analysis method in SMART PLS software confirms the 44 attributes in 10 components. Shannon’s entropy and WASPAS methods are used to weigh and prioritize the extracted components. As a result of this research, the three main priorities of importance in the components of commercialization are identified: the “enterprise capabilities of technology transfer”, “technological capabilities and resources”, and “independent technology commercialization strategies in the oil and gas industry

The purpose of this study is to explore the effective factors on the productivity of human capital via an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) in General office of Sports and Youth in Khorasan Razavi Province. The present study is a qualitative research with an analytical nature and it is also an applied one that was conducted via interpretive structural modeling. Literature review, interviews and ISM questionnaires were used for data collection. The research population included professors and experts in sports management, managers, deputies and staff of the General office of Sports and Youth in Khorasan Razavi, of which 35 people were totally selected through purposeful sampling in three stages of this study. According to the research findings, 59 effective indicators were identified under seven major dimensions playing role in improving the productivity of human capital, which were classified into five levels. Motivational factors, organizational culture and work environment, the relationship between managers and employees along with individual factors, the quality of labor force, and finally the technology factor were identified under five levels of the model. Finally, it can be concluded that managers in sports organizations should pay special attention to the technology factor and its indicators, which have been identified as the foundation of improving employees’ productivity, which then provides the ground for exploiting other dimensions at higher levels.

This study intended to review of the evolution of the theories and policies related to international trade, ranging from classic and neo-classic theories to recent trade theories that have been already applied by several developed countries for international trade. To that end, at first neo-classic trade theories, ranging from reciprocal demand theory to resource endowment one, along with their experimental applications as well as logical critics against them are offered. then, complementary discussions on Linder’s overlapping demand and the role of geography and transportation in trade, vertical intra-industry trade, horizontal intra-industry trade are followed. It finally ends by emphasis on the theories of Ozawa’s flying geese model and strategic trade. Research findings show that economic theories initially focused on inter-industry trade and then expanded with an emphasis on intra-industrial theories. Among these, the role of geography, trade within the vertical and horizontal industry is important. According to the research results, theories of international trade initially emerged with the presentation of classical theories and then matured with neoclassical theories. But the evolution of theories entered a new phase after the introduction of the role of geography and economies of scale with Paul Krugman's article on “trade and geography” in the form of new trade theories (NTT). Also, the progress of international trade theories occurred with the introduction of theories into trade cycles and strategic trade issues.

Using Critical Digital Pedagogy (CDP) considering the recent technological advancements in the field of education as well as the prevalence of critical pedagogy (CP) in the World educational systems. This qualitative study aimed to uncover ELT experts’ and English literature teachers’ perceptions of a technology-laden CP-based EFL teacher preparation program for the context of Iran within a basic interpretive design. A total of thirty male and female ELT experts with a PhD in TEFL who were selected through convenience sampling from among experienced university professors who had relevant research expertise in the field. They were university professors with PhD in TEFL with different years of teaching experience. To collect the data, a semi-structured interview was used. Data analysis was done by the MAXQDA. The results showed that the perceptions of ELT experts and English literature teachers were both in line with the tenets of CP and the use of technology in education. Further, it was indicated that the perceptions of ELT experts and English literature teachers of a technology-laden CP-based EFL teacher preparation program for the context of Iran were significantly different. The findings have some implications for EFL teacher education administrators, curriculum planners and educators. Key Words: Critical Pedagogy (CP), Critical Digital Pedagogy (CDP), EFL Teacher Education, Technology.

This article was conducted with the purpose of identifying the criteria of technological businesses based on cloud computing in small and medium-sized companies using the fuzzy Delphi method. The main concern of this research is to identify the criteria of technological businesses based on cloud computing in small and medium-sized businesses using the fuzzy Delphi method. It depends on mixed research (qualitative-quantitative) and collecting information through the background of previous researches and experts' opinions and the method of gathering information through questionnaires and interviews. Delphi's opinion of experts was taken. In the current research, many factors led to the formation of technological businesses; therefore, it should not be considered a simple phenomenon, and due to the intensity of electronic commerce in the world, the multi-dimensional concept of this phenomenon should be looked at more carefully.

Performance evaluation, as a tool to know the degree of success of organizations in achieving predetermined goals and a factor in managers' decisions, has been one of the constant needs of organizations. The purpose of this research is to identify performance evaluation indicators and explain the appropriate performance evaluation model in Macro government organizations such as Jam Petrochemical Company. This research is based on the purpose of applied research and also based on the research method with a mixed or combined approach with a sequential exploratory strategy. The required data were collected through qualitative research (interview) and quantitative research (questionnaire). In the quantitative part, the current research can be considered as a non-experimental (descriptive) type of research and a survey type. To analyze the data of the questionnaire, this research has been done in four phases, the first phase is to identify and rank the strengths and weaknesses of Jam Petrochemical Company, and the second phase is to use a Delphi test to identify indicators that are effective in evaluating the performance of Jam Petrochemical Company. The third phase is exploratory factor analysis and determining Dimensions of performance evaluation in Jam Petrochemical Company and finally the fourth phase of structural equations and path analysis. The results of the research showed that considering that the T-statistic for all variables is more significant than 1.96 and also considering the positiveness of the path coefficients, the variables (scientific observation, technology and technology, financial management, managers' responsibility, infrastructure management, management and leadership and human resources) are among the factors that make up the performance evaluation system in Jam Petrochemical Company.

Purpose: Technology plays an essential role in any country to achieve sustainable development. Choosing appropriate and advanced technology is one of the strategic decisions of industrial managers. This research discusses the critical factors that should be considered in the process of choosing new technologies based on the competitive mechanism, and accordingly, designs and explains the technology selection model for equipping downstream petrochemical industrial units to create a competitive advantage.Method: The research method is an applied one and in terms of data type, it is a partly qualitative and quantitative research. In the quantitative phase, research data was collected based on the data obtained from the qualitative phase, and using the questionnaire tool. The research data was analyzed using thematic analysis and MaxQda software in the qualitative phase and they were also  analyzed using the TOPSIS technique and meta-heuristic algorithm in the quantitative phase for modeling.Findings: Thirty-four concepts and five categories were identified as technology selection criteria for equipping downstream petrochemical industrial units to create a competitive advantage. The "technical criteria" factor was identified as the foremost priority in equipping downstream petrochemical industrial units to create a competitive advantage. The ranking of the determined categories from one to five were the factors of competitive criteria, strategic criteria, internal criteria, and external criteria, respectively.Conclusion: Finally, using the TOPSIS fuzzy technique, the model of equipping industrial units was presented to help decision-makers and policy makers of downstream petrochemical industries.

Nowadays, the prominent role of the customer in the global arena reveals the urgent need for proper management of customer relationships. This has led to a new shape of CRM known as Social CRM. This study analyzes data from 384 customers of sports facilities in the East Azerbaijan province of Iran using the structural equation model (SEM) approach. The findings revealed that the SEM used is a strong theoretical model for social CRM capabilities, customer-oriented management system (COMS), and social media technology use (SMTU). Moreover, the social CRM capabilities have a significant impact on customer relationship performance. From an academic perspective, this study helps to understand the experiences of customers of sports facilities during their interaction on social media and focuses on long-term customer relationships. From a sports management perspective, sports facilities should use the insights created through social CRM capabilities to guide effective sports marketing strategies toward customer relationship performance.