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The relationship between academic incivility and suicidal tendency with academic procrastination in adolescents: the mediating role of parent-child conflict
Full text linkBackground: Understanding the complex interplay between academic behaviors, mental health challenges, and familial dynamics is crucial for promoting adolescent psychological well-being and scholastic success. This study investigated direct associations among academic incivility, suicidal ideation, and academic procrastination in female adolescents aged 13–15 in Ahvaz, Iran, while assessing the mediating effects of parent-child conflict on these pathways.
Methods: Employing a descriptive correlational design with path analysis, this research targeted first-year high school girls in Ahvaz during the 2023–2024 academic year (population: 3,587). A cluster-randomized sample of 384 participants was recruited from six schools in one district. Instruments included the 12-item Academic Procrastination Questionnaire (α=0.82), 21-item Academic Incivility Questionnaire (α=0.86), 19-item Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (α=0.76), and 15-item Parent-Child Conflict Questionnaire (α=0.86). Analyses encompassed descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling via SPSS-27 and AMOS-24, with bootstrapping (5,000 resamples) for mediation testing.
Results: Significant direct paths emerged (all P<0.001): academic incivility to parent-child conflict (β=0.19), suicidal ideation to parent-child conflict (β=0.56), suicidal ideation to academic procrastination (β=0.32), and parent-child conflict to academic procrastination (β=0.25). No direct incivility-procrastination link was found (β=0.10). However, parent-child conflict mediated indirect effects from incivility to procrastination (β=0.02, P=0.007) and from suicidal ideation to procrastination (β=0.17, P<0.001). The final model exhibited excellent fit (χ²/df=1.32, CFI=0.99, RMSEA=0.04).
Conclusion: Among adolescents, parent-child conflict mediates the influences of academic incivility and suicidal ideation on procrastination, underscoring family dynamics' pivotal role. Targeted interventions enhancing familial communication could alleviate procrastination and bolster mental health outcomes
بررسی علل اصلی تولید و روشهای کاهش پسماندهای ساختمانی صنعت ساخت و ساز در ایران
No full textBackground and Aims: Construction waste constitutes a significant proportion of the total waste generated by human societies. The depletion of natural resources and the extensive consumption of raw materials for producing construction materials, on the one hand, and the disposal of generated waste in the environment, on the other, not only impose economic challenges but also pose potential environmental risks. This study investigates the underlying causes of construction waste generation, explores strategies for its minimization at construction sites, and examines the associated challenges in Iran. The main objective of this research is to identify the existing challenges in construction waste management.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted by examining construction waste with a focus on its generation and reduction methods in five selected projects across four cities, at different stages of construction, and in both public and private sectors. Three approaches—review, interview, observation, and questionnaire—were used for data collection, and SPSS software was applied for data analysis. Ethical considerations were taken into account throughout all stages of the study.
Results: The results of the study showed that the main causes of construction waste generation include workers’ lack of awareness, demolition due to poor design, low-quality materials, rework resulting from design changes, improper transportation, vandalism, and inefficient management. The most common measures for reducing construction waste are segregation and sale (limited to metals, cardboard, and plastics); retrieval of surplus tools and materials; adequate storage; and timely delivery.
Conclusion: The effectiveness and positive impact of this study depend on the level of awareness among staff and executive agents, economic considerations, the formulation of regulations and regular monitoring of projects, environmental impacts, and other related factors. These results can serve as a basis for developing guidelines and enacting regulations for construction contractors, thereby fostering changes toward improved construction waste management.زمینه و اهداف: پسماند ساختمانی حجم عظیمی از کل پسماندها تولیدی جوامع انسانی را تشکیل میدهد. تخلیه منابع طبیعی و مصرف مواد خام برای تولید مصالح از یک طرف و دفن پسماند تولید شده در محیط، علاوه بر چالش اقتصادی، خطرات بالقوه ای برای محیط زیست دارد. این مطالعه به بررسی علل مختلف تولید پسماندهای ساخت و ساز و شیوههای کمینهسازی آن در کارگاههای ساختمانی و چالشهای مرتبط با آن در ایران میپردازد. هدف این تحقیق شناسایی چالشهای موجود در مدیریت پسماندهای ساخت و ساز است.
مواد و روشها: این پژوهش با بررسی پسماندهای ساخت و ساز و با تمرکز بر تولید و روشهای کاهش آن در 5 پروژه منتخب در چهار شهر در مراحل مختلف ساخت، در دو بخش دولتی و خصوصی انجام گردید. از 3 روش (مطالعه، مصاحبه، مشاهده و پرسشنامه) برای جمعآوري دادهها و از نرمافزارSPSS ، برای تجزیه و تحلیل دادهها استفاده شد. رعایت ملاحظات اخلاقی در تمام مراحل اجرای مطالعه درنظر گرفته شد.
یافتهها: نتایج تحقیق نشان داد علت اصلی تولید پسماندهای ساخت و ساز عدم آگاهی کارگران، تخریب ناشی از طراحی ضعیف، کیفیت پایین مصالح، دوباره کاری به دلیل تغییرات، حمل نامناسب، خرابکاری و مدیریت ناکارآمد میباشد. متداولترین اقدامات برای کاهش پسماندهای ساخت و ساز تفکیک و فروش (صرفاً فلزات، مقوا و پلاستیک)؛ استرداد وسایل و مصالح اضافی، ذخیرهسازی کافی و تحویل به موقع است.
نتیجهگیری: میزان کارآمدی و تاثیر مثبت نتایج این تحقیق به میزان آگاهی پرسنل و عوامل اجرایی، ملاحظات اقتصادی، تدوین قوانین و پایش روتین پروژها، اثرات زیست محیطی بستگی دارد. این نتایج میتواند بصورت تدوین دستورالعمل و وضع قوانین برای پیمانكاران ساختماني ارائه تا تغییری در جهت مدیریت بهینه پسماندهای ساخت و ساز صورت گیرد
Diffuse Systemic Sclerosis with Brainstem Encephalitis: A Case Report: An Illustrative case
No full textBrainstem encephalitis (BE) is a rare disease that affects 1 in 10,000 individuals each year. However, quite little is known about the aetiologies causing brainstem encephalitis. Scleroderma is a rare connective tissue disorder with pathophysiology still under research. We hereby report a case of systemic sclerosis that primarily presented with brainstem encephalitis, a relatively uncommon presentation, and was retrogradely evaluated, assessed, and diagnosed as diffuse systemic sclerosis (Ds-SSc).
Systemic sclerosis is associated with multisystem involvement (multiple internal organs simultaneously or sequentially) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, with uncommon involvement of the brainstem. Hence, in any case of brainstem encephalitis in a young patient with no apparent infectious cause, an elaborate examination of all systems and autoimmune profiles must be performed to enable rapid initiation of treatment and, therefore, improve prognosis
Controlling Childhood Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review of Interventions
Full text linkPurpose: To synthesize evidence on risk factors and interventions for slowing myopia progression in children and adolescents.Methods: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched through December 2023. Eligible studies included randomized and observational designs evaluating environmental factors, specialized spectacle lenses (defocus incorporated multiple segments [DIMS], highly aspherical lens [HAL], slightly aspherical lens [SAL]), multifocal or dual-focus soft contact lenses, orthokeratology, low-dose atropine, and repeated low-level red-light therapy. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane RoB 2 for randomized trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for observational studies. Outcomes were annual change in spherical equivalent refraction (diopters/year) and axial length (millimeters/year).Results: Increased outdoor time was consistently associated with reduced incidence and slower progression. Specialized spectacle lenses (DIMS, HAL, SAL) and dual-focus/multifocal soft contact lenses slowed refractive change and axial elongation compared with single-vision controls. Orthokeratology effectively reduced axial elongation in appropriately selected eyes. Low-dose atropine produced dose-dependent benefits, with 0.05% generally more effective than 0.01%; rebound varied with dose, treatment duration, and tapering. Emerging evidence for red-light therapy suggested short-term efficacy, but long-term safety and rebound remain uncertain. Combination strategies, such as atropine plus optical interventions, showed additive effects, though data are limited.Conclusions: Outdoor exposure, low-dose atropine (≈0.05%), DIMS/HAL/SAL spectacle lenses, multifocal or dual-focus soft contact lenses, and orthokeratology show the strongest evidence for slowing childhood myopia. Combination therapy may enhance outcomes, while red-light therapy remains promising but investigational, with long-term safety and rebound still uncertain
Factors Associated with Out-of-Pocket Payments for Refractive Surgery in Tehran, Iran
Full text linkPurpose: Out-of-pocket (OOP) expenses are a major factor influencing patients’ decisions to undergo refractive eye surgery. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with OOP payments for refractive surgery in selected medical centers in Tehran, Iran.Patients and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 adults undergoing refractive surgery (LASIK, LASEK, or PRK) were recruited through cluster sampling from state and private hospitals in Tehran Surgery Centers in 2025. Data were collected using a contingent valuation questionnaire to estimate patients’ maximum OOP payments. Factors influencing OOP costs were analyzed using ANOVA and independent t-tests.Results: The mean OOP payments were 9,826,531 Rials (US284) in state non-teaching hospitals, and 74,380,282 Rials (US$800) in private hospitals. OOP costs were significantly associated with hospital type, age, marital status, length of hospitalization, type of insurance and supplementary insurance (P < 0.05).Conclusion: OOP expenses for refractive surgery were substantially lower in governmental hospitals compared to private hospitals. Introducing multi-tiered insurance packages tailored to patient characteristics could improve access and reduce the financial burden of refractive surgery
DNA Fragmentation Index and Male Infertility: A Narrative Review of Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Diagnostic Relevance
Full text linkMale infertility accounts for approximately half of all cases in couples unable to conceive. Beyond routine semen analysis, sperm DNA integrity measured by the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) is emerging as a key indicator of reproductive potential. DFI represents the percentage of sperm with damaged DNA and is associated with poorer reproductive outcomes, including reduced chances of natural conception, ART failure, and increased miscarriage rates. This narrative review examines the biological mechanisms underlying sperm DNA fragmentation, the clinical relevance of DFI in infertility evaluations, available laboratory methods for DFI assessment, and therapeutic strategies. Although interventions like varicocelectomy and antioxidant therapy show promise, the quality of evidence varies. We conclude by discussing current limitations and future directions in this evolving field
Factors Affecting Plagiarism from the Standpoint of Faculty Members and Graduate Students
No full textIntroduction: Plagiarism is a form of scientific misconduct, and academics may be involved in it deliberately or unintentionally. This study aims to investigate the attitudes of faculty members and graduate students of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences towards the factors influencing the development of academic plagiarism.
Methods: This survey was conducted on faculty members and graduate students from Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in the academic year of 2023. The sample size was determined using a stratified random method (306 people). The data collection tool was a questionnaire scored on a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test, as implemented in SPSS software.
Results: The study participants included 148 faculty members and 144 students. The main background factors affecting academic plagiarism are related to “low self-confidence and fear of the label of requesting help from others” (53.6%), “lack of understanding of intellectual property rights” (52.6%), “absence of ratified laws and executive mechanisms to penalize plagiarists” (49.8%), “inappropriate cultural and moral values in the society regarding scientific plagiarism” (46.6%). No significant differences were reported between the views of faculty members and students regarding personal, normative, organizational, and cultural factors; however, a significant difference was observed in technology factors.
Conclusion: Faculty members and students share similar viewpoints regarding the factors creating the context for plagiarism. According to the opinions of the community under study, appropriate educational programs, regulatory guidelines, and adjustments to cultural and organizational conditions should be considered to reduce plagiarism
Investigating the interplay between personality, attachment, and high-risk behaviors in people living with HIV: A network analysis approach
No full textObjective: The prevalence of high-risk behaviors among individuals living with HIV remains a significant concern. Understanding the factors that contribute to these behaviors is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study aims to use network analysis to examine the complex relationships between personality traits, attachment styles, and high-risk behaviors in people with HIV, with the goal of identifying key factors and informing targeted interventions.
Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited online, resulting in a sample of 452 individuals (68.1% male) with a mean age of 33.4 years. Measures included the PID-5-BF for personality traits, Self-reported Attachment Style for attachment styles, and RISQ for risky and impulsive behaviors.
Results: The network analysis showed that among the study variables, PID 6 ("I'm not good at planning ahead") emerged as the most central node, exhibiting high values in betweenness centrality. Similarly, PID 7 ("My thoughts often don't make sense to others") displayed considerable centrality, highlighting its importance in shaping the overall network structure.
Conclusion: These findings shed light on the complex relationships between personality, attachment, and high-risk behaviors in individuals with HIV. The identification of central nodes and strong edges provides valuable information for understanding the network structure and potential intervention target
Magnesium Phosphate Cements for Endodontic Applications: A Critical Review of Promise and Pitfalls
Full text linkMagnesium phosphate cements (MPCs) have recently gained attention as potential materials for endodontic applications due to their rapid setting, favourable mechanical properties, and bioactive potential. Laboratory and preclinical studies indicate that MPCs can form apatite-like structures, exhibit good compressive strength, and support cell viability, suggesting promising biological interactions. However, several limitations remain unresolved. The acid–base setting reaction of MPCs is strongly exothermic, which may pose a risk to pulp or periapical tissues, and ammonium-containing formulations can release cytotoxic ammonia, although partial mitigation is possible through sodium phosphate substitution. Rapid setting enhances handling in controlled conditions but may complicate placement in complex root canal anatomies. While in vitro studies suggest comparable or superior sealing ability relative to conventional calcium silicate cements, human clinical evidence is minimal or absent. Degradation and resorption profiles of MPCs may further affect their suitability as scaffolds in regenerative endodontics. Overall, MPCs represent promising investigational materials, yet claims regarding clinical readiness are premature. Careful evaluation of their physicochemical behaviour, biological safety, and practical handling is essential before consideration for routine clinical use
Precision Immunotherapy for NSCLC: Multi-epitope Peptide Vaccine Targeting VEGF-A, TGF-β and MAGE-A3 Increases Antitumor Key Cytokine Balance
Full text linkIntroduction: Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in treatment options. Although, current standard interventions, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are widely employed, a significant number of patients experience relapses, highlighting the critical demand for innovative therapeutic strategies. This study was conducted to develop and evaluate a novel multi-epitope peptide vaccine designed from VEGF-A, TGF-β and MAGE-A3 markers, with the aim of enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, underscoring the pressing need for more effective therapeutic interventions. Although current standard treatments—including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy—are widely utilized, a substantial proportion of patients experience disease recurrence, highlighting the necessity for innovative therapeutic strategies. In this study, we developed and evaluated a novel multi-epitope peptide vaccine constructed from VEGF-A, TGF-β, and MAGE-A3 markers, with the objective of enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Materials and Methods: Optimal epitopes from VEGF-A, TGF-β, and MAGE-A3 were systematically identified and selected, and subsequently conjugated using a KKK linker to form the final multi-epitope vaccine construct. Two groups of BALB/c mice were immunized with the peptide at concentrations of 10 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL, following an immunization protocol that included three weekly administrations. In the fourth week, spleen tissue was collected from the mice to assess the expression levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 cytokine genes, thereby enabling a comprehensive evaluation of the immunogenic and functional efficacy of the peptide vaccine.
Results: Bioinformatics evaluations have revealed a promising multi-epitope peptide vaccine,SVRGKGKGQKRKRKKSKKKHHMVKISGGPHISYPPKKKRLESQQTNRRKKRALD.
This peptide notably enhances the expression of key cytokine genes, including TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 among the group that received the vaccine at a dose of 10. Even more pronounced levels of gene expression were observed at the higher dose of 100.
Conclusion: This multi-epitope peptide demonstrates considerable potential to elicit a robust immune response and effectively target cancer cells. We strongly recommend conducting further supplementary tests to evaluate its efficacy and possible side effects