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Prevalence and Perceptions toward Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping) Use among Medical Students: A New Public Health Challenge in Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Full text linkIntroduction: Using of electronic cigarettes is on the increase all over the world, in particular, among young people. Vaping regularly resulted in health complications with substantial proof. The study was to evaluate university students’ prevalence and perceptions in terms of E-cigarettes.
Materials and methods: An online cross-sectional survey was utilized to conduct the research from June 4th, 2023 to November 15th, 2023 at Hawler Medical University, Kurdistan Region in Erbil, Iraq. The questionnaire was filled up by 629 students. The features, prevalence, and perception of the participants were assessed using descriptive statistics. The chi-square test was used with the statistical significance fixed at p <0.05.
Result: The prevalence of electronic cigarettes was 99 (15.7%) The majority of the participants 277 (44%) age group (20-21) years old, in more than half of the participants were female 382 (60.7%), the academic year of the participant were 211 (33.5%) of them first year and 156 (24.8%) of them from the College of Medicine at Hawler Medical University. Approximately one-third (74.6%) of the samples demonstrated fair alertness regarding the damaging effects of smoking hookah, while only 6.4% exhibited marvelous alertness.
Conclusion: The usage of extraordinary prevalence of E-cigarettes was identified. It leads to an upturn of attractiveness and habit of E-cigarettes among students of college. The study recommends that the relevant governmental offices take the findings into consideration. Systematic activities should be performed to stop prevalence of E-cigarettes usage and to rise the peoples’ knowledge regarding nicotine products
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: An Overview with Special Consideration to Its Oral and Pediatric Clinical Manifestations
Full text linkPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age. It is characterized by a combination of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, excessive androgen production, and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. This condition affects approximately 5-10% of women worldwide and is considered one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. The exact cause of PCOS is still unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances play a significant role in the development of this syndrome. High levels of insulin can stimulate the ovaries to produce excess androgens, leading to hormonal dysregulation and subsequent complications such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and male pattern baldness. PCOS is associated with a wide range of health problems, ranging from infertility and pregnancy complications to an increased risk of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, women with PCOS often experience psychological distress, as the visible symptoms, such as weight gain and fertility issues, can significantly impact their self-esteem and quality of life. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term complications and provide appropriate management. This review highlights an overview of PCOS, its clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment strategies involved
Knowledge in motion: temporal dynamics of wild food plant use in the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian border region
Full text linkBackground
Understanding how Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) evolves over time is crucial for fostering social and environmental responsibility. This study aims to develop a conceptual model of plant knowledge circulation, providing insights into the temporal dynamics of LEK in the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian border region. It explores the key patterns and driving forces behind changes in the use of wild plants for food.
Methods
Field research was conducted in 60 rural settlements across Podlasie Voivodeship (Poland), Vilnius Region (Lithuania), and Hrodna Region (Belarus). This included 200 semi-structured interviews and participant observation among two local communities, Lithuanians and Poles. To assess the temporal dynamics of wild food use, we performed a cross-ethnic, cross-border analysis over time, dividing the data into three major temporal dimensions: past, continuous, and recently acquired uses.
Results
Of the 72 wild plant taxa reported by Poles or Lithuanians in the Polish-Lithuanian-Belarusian borderland, 47 were continuously used for food, 58 were utilised in the past, and 41 were recently acquired. Cross-country trends were similar, with Poland showing more past uses. Diachronic comparisons between Poles and Lithuanians in each studied country revealed no significant differences. Recently acquired taxa overlapped considerably with those used continuously and in the past. The most diversely utilised taxa showed the greatest overlaps. By observing the movement of specific plant taxa within various time dimensions, we distinguished overlapping flow variations: retention (3 taxa), decay (11), invention (8), stagnation (17), revitalisation (6), re-invention (3), and knowledge in motion (24). Shifts in the use of wild food plants were influenced by changes in environmental conditions, governmental policies, cultural practices, and economic factors.
Conclusion
The findings of this study have important implications for improving methods of tracking changes in LEK and enhancing our understanding of the relationship between people and nature. Our results underscore the importance of considering knowledge circulation over time in different directions. Recognising the various stages of knowledge circulation might help in pursuing sustainable solutions that balance the needs of human communities with environmental protection
Antidepressant adherence among outpatients with major depressive disorder
Full text linkMajor Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a global mental health concern, with treatment often involving antidepressant (AD) medications. However, adherence to these medications remains a significant challenge. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing medication adherence among individuals with MDD in Erbil, Iraq. This study was conducted at Erbil Psychiatric Hospital, a leading mental healthcare facility in Erbil city. Participants aged 18 to 65, diagnosed with MDD as per the DSM-5 criteria, were treated with antidepressants. The recruitment of 106 participants was facilitated by their treating psychiatrists at the hospital. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22, standard for social science research. Out of the 106 participants, 64.2% were females, and 35.8% were males. The largest age group was 35–45, comprising 33% of the sample. A vast majority (99.1%) were under regular follow-up, with only 0.9% experiencing relapse. The primary antidepressant used was selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (72.6%). Most participants (61.3%) reported very high medication adherence. The notable barriers included treatment duration (13.4%), forgetting to take antidepressants (11.9%), frequent medication refills (17.9%), cultural and religious beliefs (19.3%), stigma (19.3%), travelling issues (42.9%), and lack of hospitals and clinics (30.8%). Healthcare facilitators such as effectiveness of antidepressants (27.5%), patient-provider relationship such as trusting healthcare providers (50.7%), and reminders such as keeping pills in visible places (65.9%) were prominent facilitators aiding adherence. Future research should focus on culturally tailored interventions and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. By addressing socio-cultural nuances and enhancing mental health support, more effective strategies can be developed to tackle medication adherence challenges in Erbil’s unique context
Entrepreneurial Orientation Impact on Entrepreneurial Behavior in the Service Industry
Full text linkThe current study is centered on understating the concept of entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial behavior with the application in the restaurant industry in Erbil, KRG. The service industry is expanding its share of GDP all around the world and growing among other sectors much faster than before. The sustainability of the industry is based on numerous factors. Here the focus is on finding reasons behind the frequent opening and closing of restaurants. The study revolves around entrepreneurship theory specifically entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial behavior. Problem framed, as there is a need to study and uncover the behavioral aspect of the restaurateurs, assessing the underlying characteristics of entrepreneurial orientation, which can have an impact on strengthening the entrepreneurial behavior among restaurateurs. Research questions asked to solve problems are concentrated on finding important factors constituting entrepreneurial orientation, the importance of entrepreneurial behavior, and assessing the impact of entrepreneurial orientation on entrepreneurial behavior. In the same way, objectives are structured to reach the expected outcome of research justifying the underlying factors of entrepreneurial orientation, knowing the importance of entrepreneurial behavior for restaurateurs, and validating the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial behavior. The current study used multiple linear regression as a statistical tool to measure the formulated research model based on the six hypotheses to test the relationship and impact of autonomy, innovativeness, proactiveness, risk-taking, competitive aggressiveness, and Entrepreneurial orientation on entrepreneurial behavior. A sample size of 138 restaurateurs was analyzed for variable reliability, demographic, and descriptive statistics with testing items for inclusion by using the statistical tool of one sample t-test and validating the concept based on the factor analysis factor loading. The factor analysis was used for validating exiting factors with items loading to specified factors having KMO and Bartlett’s Test of Sphericity for independent variable (.710) and dependent variable (.796). Research is concluded by answering research questions and following objectives with the justification for using the factor analysis to strengthen the current study. Hypothesis tested for the II correlation and regression and presented as the outcome of the study with dependent variable Entrepreneurial Behavior, where Autonomy (β = .032, Beta= .033), Innovativeness (β = .187, Beta= .184), Proactiveness (β = .344, Beta= .327), Risk-taking (β = -.053, Beta= -.047), Competitive Aggressiveness (β = .317, Beta= .448), Entrepreneurial Orientation (β = .820, Beta= .636). Though the research is an ongoing process, still the research here ended with recommendations to the government and private ventures to support the industry. The future is always unseen and gets explored with changes, so this research as well can have much deeper and broader insights for future research across other industries and countries
Parametric Study of Concrete Dam Stability by using Abaqus Software
Full text linkThis study analyzes a concrete dam using Abaqus software at different water storage levels (60m, 70m, and 80m). The dam sections are designed based on these levels using approved equations by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. Static and dynamic forces, including seismic components, are calculated for worst-case scenarios. The analysis considers cases with and without galleries, varying the dam base width. Stresses (vertical, shear, and main) are calculated and presented as curves for comparison. The study examines the impact of reservoir water levels, additional base parts, and galleries on dam stability. Findings show that galleries significantly affect stress distribution, causing stress concentrations near openings. Normal stress is uniform except at the gallery, where it decreases. Maximum water storage leads to slight increases in normal stress. Without a gallery, normal stress increases until a certain distance, then decreases towards the pre-toe region, with maximum stress at the toe. The length of the additional base has a limited effect on normal stress. The presence of a gallery affects principal stress distribution, with higher values near the toe region for higher storage levels. The shear stress distribution is more uniform without a gallery. These findings demonstrate the complex interaction of factors in concrete dam stress behavior. Proper consideration of these factors is crucial for design, analysis, and maintenance to ensure structural integrity and performance. Further analysis considering material properties, loading conditions, and dam geometry would enhance understanding and facilitate precise design and safety assessments
Chemoprotective effect of arbutin on azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in rat colon via modulation of PCNA/Bax protein
Full text linkArbutin is utilized in traditional remedies to cure numerous syndromes because of its anti-microbial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate chemopreventive effects of arbutin on azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in rats. Five groups of rats were used: normal control group (rats injected hypodermically with sterile phosphate-buffered saline once per week for two weeks) and groups 2-5, which were subcutaneously inoculated with 15 mg/kg AOM once a week for two weeks. AOM control and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) control groups were fed 10% Tween orally daily for 8 weeks using a feeding tube. The treated groups were fed 30 and 60 mg/kg arbutin every day for 2 months. ACF from the AOM control group had aberrant nuclei in addition to multilayered cells and an absence of goblet cells. The negative control group displayed spherical cells and nuclei in basal positions. Histological examination revealed a reduced number of AFC cells from colon tissues of the 5-FU reference group. Arbutin-fed animals showed down-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and up-regulation of Bax protein compared to AOM control. Rats fed with arbutin displayed a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in colon tissue homogenates compared to the AOM control group. In conclusion, arbutin showed therapeutic effects against colorectal cancer, explained by its ability to significantly decrease ACF, down-regulate PCNA protein, and up-regulate Bax protein. In addition, arbutin significantly increased SOD and CAT, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which might be due to its anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties
EFL Learners' Belief in English Only Instruction: A promising or ineffective approach at the tertiary level in Iraq
Full text linkLearning English has increased its popularity exponentially thanks to global needs in numerous fields. Accordingly, various means of instruction have been adopted to master English. English-only instruction, the alternative to code-switching, is one of them that urges educators and learners to communicate through English. Although many studies have examined the effectiveness of English-only instruction, a gap has been observed in the literature regarding students’ opinions at a tertiary level in the Iraq context. To this aim, 50 students who studied at TISHK International University’s Language Preparatory School in the 2022–2023 Academic Year were chosen via snowball sampling. Participants evaluated English-only instruction in terms of the overall program, instructors, and administration. The primary instrument used to collect data was a survey. Collected data, analyzed by SPSS 26 and NVivo, respectively, unearthed that English-only instruction received favorable feedback in terms of holistic English mastery, creativity, motivation, and time management. However, some communication barriers, thereby having low learning rates were cited by a few students as weaknesses of chosen instruction. Likewise, the instructors’ efforts to teach English through Web 2.0 tools, practice exams, real-life examples, and principles of student centered approach were appreciated without leaving any room for hesitation. Similarly, the administrators’ initiatives to guide, form, monitor, examine and take appropriate action to promote the quality of education with an English-only policy received positive feedback. The findings of this study may have certain implications for stakeholders who are interested in the implementation of English-only instruction at their institutions on a global scale
Advancing ethnobiology for the ecological transition and a more inclusive and just world: a comprehensive framework for the next 20 years
Full text linkThis opinion piece, written by ethnobiologists from different parts of the world, emphasizes the importance of ethnobiology research in advancing contemporary biology, natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and, especially, contributing to the ecological transition and more just and inclusive world. To achieve these goals, it is essential to develop research and collaborate with social groups that live in close relationship with nature in research activities, such as Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLC), as well as Afro-descendants and other Marginalized, Minority or Minoritized Communities (AMMC). Ethnobiology can identify and provide locally appropriate solutions to local problems, enabling sustainable resource management at the landscape level. The text explores important aspects that need to be considered to guide the future of ethnobiology in the next 20 years, aiming to integrate and amplify previous discussions held in the discipline and identify points that demand ongoing attention. This paper highlights reflections from diverse researchers, emphasizing how ethnobiology can embrace different perspectives and employ rigorous analysis of complex phenomena toward effective policies and practices. This approach holds the potential to address the challenges the planet is currently facing in the coming decades
A Content Analysis of Exploring Trends and Dynamics of English Language Pedagogy in Engineering Departments
Full text linkEnglish language pedagogy has shifted from a broad to a specialized pattern in the past several decades. The aim of the present study is to examine the pedagogical landscape of the English language in engineering departments. The study demonstrates a remarkable prevalence of authors, focusing on the significance of independent investigation in the field by assessing various aspects such as authorship, years of publication, involvement of the countries where the studies were conducted, and the methodologies employed in the studies. A temporal analysis reveals an emphasis on studies during 2020-2022, suggesting increased concern and responsiveness to specific issues in English pedagogy in engineering departments. In terms of countries, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia emerge as substantial contributors, highlighting their dynamic involvement in English language instruction in engineering departments. Qualitative methodologies dominate, acknowledging the nuanced nature of language teaching in engineering and enabling a profound exploration of instructional intricacies. In summary, this content analysis provides insights into the distribution, trends, and preferences in teaching English in engineering fields. The prevalence of individual authorship, temporal clustering, geographical concentrations, and the dominance of qualitative methods collectively enrich the understanding of this dynamic research landscape