Learning outcomes of Iranian students as educational tourist in Malaysian universities / Maryam Asgari

Today, international students are recognized as a rather unique category of tourists. The perceptions of this group are shaped based on whole life experiences in the host country. In response, this thesis develops a model to evaluate the learning outcomes of Iranian students who study in Malaysian universities from the educational tourist perspective. This model extends the effect of service quality, image, price, and student perception on learning outcomes of Iranian students. Learning outcomes is a product of the university that is as an indicator of institutional quality and effectiveness. In addition, this model examines the influence of these constructs on learning outcomes by mediating effect of satisfaction. The methodology of study is based on mixed method research. The researcher used embedding dataset in the mixed method in order to support the proposed theoretical model. In the qualitative part, a semi-structured in-depth interview with Iranian students was conducted in order to gain a deeper understanding of the perception of those respondents towards Malaysian universities and Malaysia as a destination study. In this regard, the constant comparative method was used for data analysis as it allowed the researchers to identify foundation categories by focusing on three different types of coding (open, axial, and selective). In the quantitative part, a survey, by using self-administered questionnaires has been adopted to collect data for the constructs proposed in the theoretical model from Iranian students who are in the last year of their studies, graduated, or have graduated from Malaysia and starting with another degree. Structural equation modeling is also used to validate the model. The results of the study indicate that satisfaction is a complete mediation variable between image and learning outcomes. The results also reveal that satisfaction is a partial mediation variable between price and learning outcomes. Finally, the model failed to support the relationships between service quality, student perception and the learning outcomes of Iranian students, as well as by mediating effect of satisfaction. These results have extensive practical implications for the education and tourism organizations. Managers of universities must pay attention to reliable, responsive, and empathetic services which are indeed related to improved service quality perceptions. A commitment to excellence in the delivery of services causes student satisfaction as international students have different forms of motivation for studying abroad. Lastly, a favorable image can boost a university attraction through increased student satisfaction. Likewise, high international image and prestige of a destination is an attraction to international students as it is expected that image and prestige would open up better career opportunities for them. Finally, this thesis reveals the perceptions of Iranian international students towards Malaysian universities and Malaysia as a destination study

Effectiveness of Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy on Marital Violence, Marital Adjustment, and Sexual Intimacy of Couples Visiting Counseling Centers of Ahvaz

Introduction: Successful sexual relationships and intimacy would improve marital adjustment in couples, acting as a significant predictor of marital satisfaction. The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of emotionally-focused couples therapy (EFCT) on marital violence, marital adjustment, and sexual intimacy of couples visiting counseling centers of Ahvaz. Methods: This study adopted a single-case research design with the noncurrent multiple baseline approach. The statistical population included all the volunteer couples with lack of marital adjustment visiting the counseling centers of Ahvaz, Khuzestan Province (Iran) in 2021. Purposive sampling was employed to select two couples (i.e., four individuals). The therapy protocols were administered to all participants in two phases: an 18-session intervention and four baseline steps including a first 45-day follow-up and a later 3-month follow-up. Research questions were employed to analyze the participants before the therapy in sessions 4, 8, 12, 16, and 18 as well as the 45-day and 3-month follow-ups. The Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Couples' Sexual Intimacy Questionnaire and the Violence Against Women Questionnaire were used to collect data. The visual analysis method, the reliable change index (RCI), and the recovery percentage formula were used for data analysis. Results: According to the results, the EFCT managed to significantly improve sexual intimacy, mitigate marital violence, and improve poor marital adjustment among participants at the end of the therapy and during the 45-day and 3-month follow-ups. Conclusions: This study achieved promising results concerning the applicability of EFCT. Hence, the EFCT can alleviate both marital violence and poor marital adjustment in addition to enhancing sexual intimacy among couples

The effect of consuming evening primrose oil on cervical preparation before hysteroscopy: An RCT

Background: Herbal medicine could be effective at treating various illnesses. Hysteroscopy can be an effective method for assessing the uterus in terms of anatomical, physiological and pathological anomalies. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of evening primrose oil (EPO) on cervical preparation in women candidates for hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods: This study was a double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial including 160 women candidates for diagnostic hysteroscopy who were referred to Alzahra hospital from August 2019-March 2020. They were divided into 2 groups. Group A received 100 mg EPO as a soft gel capsule 6 hr before the hysterectomy in the posterior vaginal fornix. Group B received a placebo. After receiving the treatment, primary and secondary outcomes were evaluated in the groups. Results: The average Hegar size in the EPO group was larger than in the control group (p < 0.001 for both). Also, the need for mechanical dilation, the time taken until the first resistance and the time of dilatation completion in the EPO group were significantly less than in the placebo group (p < 0.008 for all). There was also greater ease of dilatation in the EPO group. Side effects such as uterine rupture, false passage, cervical rupture, allergic reaction, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, headache and increase of bowel movements were not reported in any cases. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, EPO is effective for cervical preparation in women undergoing hysteroscopy. Key words: Hysteroscopy, Dilatation, EPOGAM, Gamma-linolenic acid

Use of antihypertensive drugs and risk of keratinocyte carcinoma: A meta‐analysis of observational studies

Purpose Current epidemiologic evidence on the association between antihypertensive drugs and keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) risk is inconsistent. We sought to quantify this association by meta‐analysis of observational studies. Methods We systematically reviewed observational studies published through August 2016 and reported the KC risk (basal cell carcinoma [BCC] and squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]) associated with antihypertensive drugs, including diuretics, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta‐adrenergic blocking agents (β‐blockers), and calcium channel blockers (CCBs). Random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Ten eligible studies were included. Compared with nonuse, diuretic use was significantly associated with increased risk of both BCC (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.20) and SCC (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.19‐1.66). Use of β‐blockers or CCBs was associated with increased risk of BCC (but not SCC); the OR with β‐blockers was 1.09 (95% CI, 1.04‐1.15) and with CCBs was 1.15 (95% CI, 1.09‐1.21). Use of ACE inhibitors or ARBs was associated with decreased risk of both BCC (OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.39‐0.71) and SCC (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.42‐0.80) in high‐risk individuals. Conclusions Current evidence indicates that use of diuretics might be associated with increased risk of KC, while ACE inhibitors or ARBs might be associated with decreased risk in high‐risk individuals. β‐blockers or CCBs might be positively associated with BCC risk. Further postmarketing surveillance studies and investigations to clarify the possible underlying mechanisms are warranted

Proton supplier role of binuclear gold complexes in promoting hydrofunctionalisation of nonactivated alkenes

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate PR 3 AuOTf-catalyzed hydrofunctionalisation of nonactivated alkenes using acetic acid and phenol where OTf = triflate (CF 3 SO 3- ). The gold(i) complex itself is found to be unlikely to operate as the π-activator due to its relatively low electrophilicity. Instead, the concurrent coordination of two gold(i) complexes to a nucleophile (PhOH or AcOH) enhances the acidity of the latter\u27s proton and causes the ensuing binuclear complex to serve as a strong proton supplier for activating the alkene π-bonds. Alternatively, the binuclear complex is also susceptible to produce a hidden HOTf. This hidden acid is accessible for hydrofunctionalization to occur but it is not in sufficient concentration to decompose the final product

Sex Differences in Risk Factors Profile and Angiographic Pattern of the Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a costly problem and its presentations and risk factors may differ by sex. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors profile and angiographic pattern of the patients undergoing coronary angiography, according to their gender. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 741 patients who were referred for coronary angiography from March to August 2018 at Imam Ali cardiovascular center, western Iran. Using a checklist, we collected the demographic, clinical, biochemical, and lab parameters and angiographic findings in these patients. Also, differences between groups were compared using Chi-square and independent t-tests. Results: Women were different from men in terms of the prevalence of hypertension (71.7% vs. 45.3%), diabetes mellitus (34.9% vs. 17.8%), and hypercholesterolemia (26.4% vs. 17.1%). Whereas, men were more likely to be smoker (28.7% vs. 0%) and obese (42.09±16.68 vs. 29.12±4.72). Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides were higher in women compared to men, which were statistically significant. Glucose plasma was significantly higher in women compared to men (p=0.01).  Both atherogenic (low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) and protective (high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) cholesterol were higher in women than men. Women were more likely to take antiplatelet (i.e. Aspirin) and antihypertensive therapies (i.e. beta-Blocker, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors) than men. Also, it was shown that, Men were more likely to have two-vessel disease (p=0.041) and three-vessel disease (P=0.013) compared to women. Disease in the right coronary artery (RCA) (28.9% vs. 14.4%), circumflex (LCx) (26.0% vs. 15.3%), and left anterior descending (LAD) (37.8% vs. 26.4%) was more plausible to occur in men compared to women (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Access and use of health care programs are needed to control CAD risk factors. The findings of the current study showed the significance of gender in the extent of coronary artery blockages

Sex Differences in Risk Factors Profile and Angiographic Pattern of the Patients Undergoing Coronary Angiography

Introduction: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a costly problem and its presentations and risk factors may differ by sex. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors profile and angiographic pattern of the patients undergoing coronary angiography, according to their gender. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 741 patients who were referred for coronary angiography from March to August 2018 at Imam Ali cardiovascular center, western Iran. Using a checklist, we collected the demographic, clinical, biochemical, and lab parameters and angiographic findings in these patients. Also, differences between groups were compared using Chi-square and independent t-tests. Results: Women were different from men in terms of the prevalence of hypertension (71.7% vs. 45.3%), diabetes mellitus (34.9% vs. 17.8%), and hypercholesterolemia (26.4% vs. 17.1%). Whereas, men were more likely to be smoker (28.7% vs. 0%) and obese (42.09±16.68 vs. 29.12±4.72). Total Cholesterol and Triglycerides were higher in women compared to men, which were statistically significant. Glucose plasma was significantly higher in women compared to men (p=0.01).  Both atherogenic (low-density lipoprotein (LDL)) and protective (high-density lipoprotein (HDL)) cholesterol were higher in women than men. Women were more likely to take antiplatelet (i.e. Aspirin) and antihypertensive therapies (i.e. beta-Blocker, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors) than men. Also, it was shown that, Men were more likely to have two-vessel disease (p=0.041) and three-vessel disease (P=0.013) compared to women. Disease in the right coronary artery (RCA) (28.9% vs. 14.4%), circumflex (LCx) (26.0% vs. 15.3%), and left anterior descending (LAD) (37.8% vs. 26.4%) was more plausible to occur in men compared to women (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Access and use of health care programs are needed to control CAD risk factors. The findings of the current study showed the significance of gender in the extent of coronary artery blockages