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Gen Z in Higher Education: Harnessing Digital Strengths, Overcoming Learning Barriers, and Redefining the Educator's Role
No full textUniversity students who were born between 1995 and 2012 are part of Gen Z, a group of “digital natives” who have grown up with easy access to technology for communication and information acquisition. Digital technology supports Gen Z’s ability to think quickly, process information cognitively, and do multitasking; however it also fosters inwardness, apathy, low learning engagement, and difficulty retaining information in the long term. This study aims to examine the obstacles, difficulties, and challenges experienced by Gen Z students in participating in learning activities at higher education. The research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative method. The findings reveal that in academic settings, Gen Z students tend to be less open in expressing their problems due to limited experience in close, face-to-face interactions. They require emotional support from lecturers and peers to promote personal growth and need to balance entertainment consumption with self-development efforts to achieve well-being. This research concluded that an in-depth understanding of these characteristics is essential for educators to adapt their teaching strategies to remain relevant to the needs of Gen Z students
Gen Z and the New Direction of Civic Literacy: Role of Social Communities
No full textAdvances in information technology have driven changes in the way Generation Z learn, including building an understanding of citizenship. This generation tends to be active, digitally connected, and involved in various community activities that are alternative means of learning. This study aims to explore how community-based social movements can contribute to enhancing the civic literacy of Generation Z. The research focuses on the Upload DIY Probolinggo community, employing a qualitative approach through case studies, including interviews, observations, and documentation studies. The analysis is conducted critically to explore the educational values of community practice. The results of the analysis show that (1) the Probolinggo DIY Upload Community facilitates Generation Z to play an active role in community programs such as discussions on economic issues, entrepreneurship training, and local product exhibitions. This activity is classified as a New Social Movement, which emphasizes voluntary participation and value-based social transformation 2. The implications of social movements carried out by communities on increasing Gen Z’s civic literacy extend beyond practical knowledge to shaping their awareness of social and environmental responsibilities. Gen Z, who are affected, begin to show their active participation as citizens in many social activities, both independently and outside the scope of the DIY Upload Probolinggo community. The recommendations are addressed to the government and other stakeholders to expand support for social movement-based communities as relevant alternative learning spaces for Generation Z, to strengthen their civic identity in the digital age
The Identity of Commercial Sex Workers Through Fragrance
No full textCommercial sex workers use fragrance as a means to communicate identity. One interesting aspect of this identity is the way prostitutes manage their identity, one of which is through fragrance. As a nonverbal communication, fragrance can play a very significant role. Fragrance, as a form of nonverbal communication, has great potential in creating an initial impression and influencing the way prostitutes are treated by the surrounding environment. This research was conducted to describe how the dynamics of identity communication occur through the use of fragrances among commercial sex workers. The research approach applied is descriptive qualitative research. Primary data was obtained through observation and in-depth interviews with five prostitute informants in the city of Palembang. This research was conducted to describe how the dynamics of identity communication occur through the use of fragrances among commercial sex workers. Researchers also use secondary data such as reference books, journal articles, and other documents related to this research. Symbolic interaction theory (G. Herbert Mead) is used as a measuring tool to solve problems in this research by analyzing data through three contexts: self, interaction/society, and interpretation/thoughts. The research results show that the fragrances used by commercial sex workers in Palembang play an important role in shaping self-image, increasing interactions with clients, and fulfilling social expectations relevant to their profession. Carefully selected fragrances not only serve as symbols in nonverbal communication but also as a tool to build self-confidence and create a comfortable atmosphere for clients. The “mind” dimension underlines the commercial sex workers awareness of client preferences; the “self” dimension shows the positive impact of fragrance on the self- confidence and self-perception of sex workers; and the “society” dimension emphasizes that fragrance selection reflects their understanding of clients’ social expectations in professional interactions
Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging findings with and without intravenous contrast in women with pelvic endometriosis: A cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Endometriosis is a common disease of the female genital system. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the best non-invasive diagnostic method for evaluating endometriosis.
Objective: This study aims to compare the findings of MRI with and without intravenous (IV) contrast in participants with endometriosis.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 women of reproductive age with endometriosis at gynecology clinics of 22 Bahman and Ghaem hospital, Mashhad, Iran from April 2021-July 2023. All participants underwent pelvic MRI with and without IV contrast. The imaging findings of each participant were recorded in the study checklist. Vaginal and rectal gels were applied prior to imaging to improve anatomical delineation.
Results: 72% of the participants were aged between 26 and 40 yr. History of infertility was positive in 42% of the individuals. The frequency of ovarian endometrioma detection and its mean size before and after contrast injection did not show a significant difference. The mean depth of rectosigmoid wall and posterior uterine wall endometriosis was significantly higher in images with IV contrast than in images without IV (p = 0.026 and 0.04, respectively). Conversely, the detection of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in uterosacral ligaments and torus uterus was significantly higher in pre-contrast MRI (p = 0.016).
Conclusion: In cases with DIE in the rectal and posterior walls of the uterus, MRI with IV contrast is more accurate in the detection of the disease extent. DIE in the uterosacral ligaments and torus uterus is better detected in MRI without IV contrast
Evaluation of acute and chronic phases of COVID-19 on semen parameters and gonad hormones: A case-control study
No full textBackground: Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many studies have provided evidence supporting the adverse effects of this condition on the male reproductive system.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, the Omicron variant, on different aspects of male reproductive function.
Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed at Ganjavian hospital in Dezful, Iran from July 2022-January 2023. Participants were stratified into COVID+ (n = 35) and COVID− (n = 35) groups. The study evaluated semen parameters, SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid, oxidative stress (OS) markers, and sex hormones.
Results: The study revealed significant differences in semen parameters consisting of motility (p < 0.001), progressive motility (p < 0.001), and normal morphology (p = 0.001) between the study groups, as well as within the COVID+ group comparing the acute and chronic phases. Sperm motility was significantly impaired during the acute phase of COVID-19 but showed improvement in the chronic phase (p < 0.001), indicating the effect may be temporary. Significant differences were also observed in follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and OS markers (p < 0.001) between the COVID+ and COVID− groups. However, SARS-CoV-2 ribonucleic acid was not detected in any of the semen samples.
Conclusion: In vaccinated men, acute SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection impaired semen quality elevated OS, and reduced testosterone. These effects are likely caused by fever and testicular inflammation, which can lead to secondary hypogonadism. Moreover, vaccination could likely improve semen quality, but has no protection against secondary hypogonadism
Association between fibrocystic breast disease and polycystic ovarian syndrome phenotypes: A cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders among women of reproductive age and is associated with various hormonal and metabolic complications.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between PCOS and fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) and to analyze the prevalence of FBD across different PCOS phenotypes.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data of 120 women diagnosed with either FBD or PCOS who referred to Kamali hospital, affiliated with Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran from March 2024-March 2025 were extracted from their medical records. Participants were divided into 2 groups: PCOS (n = 65) and control (n = 55). The prevalence of FBD was compared between the PCOS and control groups. Furthermore, the distribution of FBD across different PCOS phenotypes (A-D) based on the Rotterdam criteria was analyzed. Hormonal profiles (luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, anti-Müllerian hormone) and metabolic parameters were also compared between the groups.
Results: The prevalence of FBD was significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group (58.3% vs. 30%; p = 0.003). The highest prevalence of FBD was observed in phenotype A (81.8%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that having PCOS increased the risk of developing FBD by more than 3 times (odds ratio = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.51–6.45). Levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone were significantly elevated in the PCOS group.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that PCOS, particularly in phenotypes associated with hyperandrogenism and anovulation, is significantly associated with an increased prevalence of FBD. These results underscore the importance of breast health screening and monitoring in women with PCOS
The Effect of Wearing an N95 Face Mask on Intraocular Pressure
No full textPurpose: To evaluate the effect of wearing an N95 mask on intraocular pressure.
Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 34 medical staff volunteers. After baseline eye examinations, all participants were asked to wear an N95 mask for 1 hour. Then, O2 saturation, pulse rate, and blood pressure were evaluated, and sequential IOP measurements were performed using both iCare and Goldmann applanation tonometers. All measurements were taken again 1 hour after the mask was removed. Finally, all information was collected for statistical analysis.
Results: A total of 34 participants (68 eyes) with a mean ± SD age of 38.97 (12.41) years were included. The mean value of IOP/GAT increased significantly by 1.20 mmHg after wearing the mask (12.50 to 13.70 mmHg, P-value < 0.001) and then decreased significantly by 1.27 mmHg after removing the mask (13.70 to 12.43 mmHg, P-value < 0.001). The mean O2 saturation increased significantly from 96.4 with the mask to 97.05 after mask removal (P-value < 0.001). Although the mean pulse rate decreased by about 1.5 units after removing the mask, the difference was not significant. The mean blood pressure decreased after removing the mask; however, the change was not statistically significant. Additionally, no significant relationship was found between the change in IOP and O2 saturation.
Conclusion: The use of N95 face masks could substantially increase IOP and reduce O2 saturation
Comparison of Spaeth/Richman Contrast Sensitivity and Pelli-Robson Tests for Assessing Contrast Sensitivity in Patients with Glaucoma
No full textPurpose: To determine the optimal cut-offs for Pelli-Robson (PR) and Spaeth/Richman contrast sensitivity (SPARCS) test scores for diagnosing glaucoma and to compare PR and SPARCS scores (total and individual quadrants) for assessing contrast sensitivity in patients with glaucoma.
Methods: This study was a single-center, cross-sectional, two-group analysis of 87 glaucomatous eyes and 87 non-glaucomatous control eyes. We assessed visual acuity, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), cup disc ratio (CDR), and anterior chamber depth in these patients. The PR score for central contrast sensitivity was obtained, and the SPARCS scores were generated for four outer zones and the central region.
Results: The mean IOP [SD] was significantly higher in the glaucoma group (19.3 [5.2] mm Hg) compared with the control group (17.5 [3.6] mm Hg; P = 0.008). The mean CDR [SD] was significantly higher in the glaucoma group compared with the control group (0.73 [0.14] vs. 0.46 [0.12]; P < 0.001). The mean [SD] PR score (1.48 [0.17] vs. 1.23 [0.19]; P < 0.001) and total SPARCS score (78.2 [5.1] vs. 62.4 [11.2]; P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the control group compared with the glaucoma group. The optimal cut-off for identifying glaucoma was 1.35 for the PR score and 70 for the total SPARCS score. At this value of SPARCS score, the sensitivity for identifying glaucoma was 83.9% (95% CI, 74.5 to 90.9), specificity was 96.6% (95% CI, 90.3 to 99.3), positive predictive value (PPV) was 96.1% (95% CI, 88.9 to 99.2), and negative predictive value (NPV) was 85.7% (95% CI, 77.2 to 92.0). The area under the curve (AUC) value was significantly higher for the total SPARCS score compared with the PR score (0.92 vs. 0.83; P = 0.001). All individual SPARCS scores (superior nasal, superior temporal, central, inferior nasal, and inferior temporal) had lower AUC, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV values compared with the total SPARCS score.
Conclusion: At the optimal cut-offs, the total SPARCS score offers significantly better diagnostic test properties for identifying glaucoma compared with the PR score
Harmonizing Environmental Norms in International Trade: Reconciling WTO Rules with Biodiversity Protection in OIC Countries
No full textThe increasing liberalization of international trade, particularly under the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), has raised significant tensions between economic expansion and environmental preservation. While WTO rules promote market access and reduce trade barriers. This is while biodiversity protection often requires restrictive measures which may appear to conflict with free trade principles. This tension is especially complex in the context of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries, where legal systems are influenced by both international obligations and Islamic principles of environmental stewardship. This study explores the challenges and prospects of harmonizing WTO trade norms with biodiversity conservation frameworks within selected OIC member states, including Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Using a qualitative legal comparative methodology, the research analyzes WTO agreements (such as GATT, TBT, and SPS), biodiversity-related international treaties (e.g., CBD, CITES), and domestic environmental laws in OIC countries. The findings reveal a lack of integrated policy frameworks, limited environmental clauses in trade agreements, and the underutilization of Islamic legal principles in shaping sustainable trade policy. This study argues for the development of a harmonized legal approach that integrates biodiversity protection into trade law through institutional reforms, regional cooperation, and the inclusion of Islamic environmental ethics. Such harmonization is essential not only for sustainable development but also for enhancing the legal coherence and international credibility of OIC member states in addressing global environmental challenges
The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Jabodetabek
No full textClimate change has become a global issue that has serious impacts on biodiversity, including in the Jabodetabek metropolitan area which is experiencing ecological pressure due to massive urbanization and environmental degradation. This study aims to analyze the impact of climate change on the existence and sustainability of local flora and fauna species in Jabodetabek, identify weaknesses in existing policies, and formulate mitigation efforts within the context of national environmental issues. The method used is a legal-sociological approach with data collection techniques through literature studies, field observations, and limited interviews with stakeholders. The results show that rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and declining habitat quality have caused species migration, local extinction, and ecosystem imbalance. Weaknesses lie in the lack of integration between climate and conservation policies, minimal oversight, and low public participation. Recommended mitigation measures include strengthening conservation regulations, habitat restoration, providing ecological corridors, and multi-stakeholder collaboration between the government, community, and private sector. This study emphasizes that biodiversity protection must be an integral part of climate change adaptation strategies, in line with Indonesia’s commitment to sustainable development