A Study of Iranian EFL Teachers' Attributions, Job Satisfaction, and Stress at Work

Job satisfaction is generally defined as combination of psychological, attitudinal, emotional, and environmental circumstances which make a person content with his/her profession. The present study probed English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ job satisfaction in relation to attitudinal and emotional factors. In particular, it investigated the role of Iranian EFL teachers’ attributions and stress at work in their job satisfaction. Moreover, the impact of attributions on stress at work was examined. To this end, 134 Iranian EFL teachers were selected and asked to complete of three questionnaires: English Language Teacher Attribution Scale (TAS), a combined Job Descriptive Index (JDI) and Job in General(JIB) Scale, and Stress at Work (SAT) Scale. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that among teacher attributions concerning job satisfaction, teaching competency (TC) and teacher effort (TE)—both internal attributions—predicted job satisfaction positively and significantly, with TE having a greater influence. The SEM analysis also explored the association of teacher attributions of job satisfaction and their stress levels at work. It was revealed that among the four attributions, TC and TE negatively and significantly predicted stress at work. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that teacher stress at work is negatively and significantly associated with job satisfaction. The conclusion of the study is that EFL teachers’ job satisfaction and stress at work is related to internal, controllable, and unstable attributions.La satisfaction au travail se définit généralement comme une combinaison de circonstances psychologiques, comportementales, émotionnelles et environnementales qui font en sorte qu’une personne est satisfaite de sa profession. La présente étude porte sur la satisfaction au travail d’enseignants d’anglais langue étrangère (ALE) telle qu’indiquée par des facteurs comportementaux et émotionnels. Plus particulièrement, elle s’est penchée sur le rôle que jouent les attributions et le stress au travail des enseignants iraniens d’ALE dans leur satisfaction au travail. L’impact des attributions sur le stress au travail a également été examiné. Nous avons sélectionné 134 enseignants iraniens d’ALE et leur avons demandé de compléter trois questionnaires, un portant sur une échelle d’attributions pour enseignants d’anglais, un portant à la fois sur un index de descriptions de postes et une échelle des postes en général, et un portant sur une échelle de stress au travail. Les résultats d’une modélisation par équation structurelle indiquent que parmi les attributions portant sur la satisfaction au travail, la compétence en enseignement et les efforts des enseignants—toutes les deux des attributions internes—prédisent de façon positive et significative la satisfaction au travail (les efforts des enseignants ayant plus d’influence). La modélisation par équation structurelle a également révélé le lien entre les attributions de satisfaction au travail et les niveaux de stress au travail. Des quatre attributions, la compétence en enseignement et les efforts des enseignants prédisaient de façon négative et significative le stress au travail. De plus, les résultats ont indiqué que le stress au travail des enseignants est lié de façon négative et significative à la satisfaction au travail. Nous concluons que la satisfaction et le stress au travail des enseignants en ALE sont liés à des attributions internes, contrôlables et instables.

A Study of Iranian EFL Teachers' Attributions, Job Satisfaction, and Stress at Work

Job satisfaction is generally defined as combination of psychological, attitudinal, emotional, and environmental circumstances which make a person content with his/her profession. The present study probed English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers’ job satisfaction in relation to attitudinal and emotional factors. In particular, it investigated the role of Iranian EFL teachers’ attributions and stress at work in their job satisfaction. Moreover, the impact of attributions on stress at work was examined. To this end, 134 Iranian EFL teachers were selected and asked to complete of three questionnaires: English Language Teacher Attribution Scale (TAS), a combined Job Descriptive Index (JDI) and Job in General(JIB) Scale, and Stress at Work (SAT) Scale. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that among teacher attributions concerning job satisfaction, teaching competency (TC) and teacher effort (TE)—both internal attributions—predicted job satisfaction positively and significantly, with TE having a greater influence. The SEM analysis also explored the association of teacher attributions of job satisfaction and their stress levels at work. It was revealed that among the four attributions, TC and TE negatively and significantly predicted stress at work. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that teacher stress at work is negatively and significantly associated with job satisfaction. The conclusion of the study is that EFL teachers’ job satisfaction and stress at work is related to internal, controllable, and unstable attributions.La satisfaction au travail se définit généralement comme une combinaison de circonstances psychologiques, comportementales, émotionnelles et environnementales qui font en sorte qu’une personne est satisfaite de sa profession. La présente étude porte sur la satisfaction au travail d’enseignants d’anglais langue étrangère (ALE) telle qu’indiquée par des facteurs comportementaux et émotionnels. Plus particulièrement, elle s’est penchée sur le rôle que jouent les attributions et le stress au travail des enseignants iraniens d’ALE dans leur satisfaction au travail. L’impact des attributions sur le stress au travail a également été examiné. Nous avons sélectionné 134 enseignants iraniens d’ALE et leur avons demandé de compléter trois questionnaires, un portant sur une échelle d’attributions pour enseignants d’anglais, un portant à la fois sur un index de descriptions de postes et une échelle des postes en général, et un portant sur une échelle de stress au travail. Les résultats d’une modélisation par équation structurelle indiquent que parmi les attributions portant sur la satisfaction au travail, la compétence en enseignement et les efforts des enseignants—toutes les deux des attributions internes—prédisent de façon positive et significative la satisfaction au travail (les efforts des enseignants ayant plus d’influence). La modélisation par équation structurelle a également révélé le lien entre les attributions de satisfaction au travail et les niveaux de stress au travail. Des quatre attributions, la compétence en enseignement et les efforts des enseignants prédisaient de façon négative et significative le stress au travail. De plus, les résultats ont indiqué que le stress au travail des enseignants est lié de façon négative et significative à la satisfaction au travail. Nous concluons que la satisfaction et le stress au travail des enseignants en ALE sont liés à des attributions internes, contrôlables et instables.

Comparison of the conformity rate of dental age based on Demirjian and Nolla methods with chronological age in 5-16 year old children in Hamedan city

Background: Considering the different results of dental age estimation tests for different populations and lack of sufficient studies on the Iranian race, this study was designed to compare the conformity rate of Demirjian and Nolla methods in dental age estimation. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 185 panoramic radiographs were assessed using patients' medical documents of pediatric and orthodontic departments. The maturation of each mandible left side permanent teeth except the third molars was categorized as A-H in Demirjian and 0-10 in the Nolla method. Results: The mean age of the participants was 9.6±2.8 years. For both genders, the Nolla and Demirjian methods had underestimation and overestimation, respectively, compared to chronological age. Pearson correlation coefficients for chronological age in the Nolla and Demirjian methods were (Pmale=0.982, Pfemale=0.985) and (Pmale=0.987, Pfemale=0.988), respectively. The difference between chronological age and dental age in the Nolla method ranged from -0.02 to 0.77 and -0.1 to 0.70 for boys and girls, respectively and ranged from 0.02 to 0.76 and 0.05 to 0.9 similarly in the Demirjian method. Conclusion: The Demirjian and Nolla methods are always associated with an overestimation and underestimation respectively compared to chronological age. Considering the difference between chronological age and dental age in the two methods, the average of differences in the Nolla method was lower compared to Demirjian. So, the Nolla method has more accurate estimation of chronological age. Therefore, in the present study, the Nolla method is more preferable than the Demirjian method

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Forward Head Posture among Heroin Users during their Withdrawal with Methadone

Background: Heroin is an extremely addictive narcotic drug derived from morphine. Its continued use requires increased amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect, resulting in tolerance and addiction. This study was done in order to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and forward head posture among heroin users during their withdrawal. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study that was done on 90 heroin users (83 males, 7 females) aged between 20 to 40 years (32.5 ± 3.81) during their withdrawal in Shiraz, Iran. They were selected by simple randomized sampling. Data were collected by a form regarding age, sex, the duration of heroin use, and musculoskeletal pain. Pain was measured by VAS (visual analog scale) and forward head posture was evaluated by plumb line. Pearson correlation technique and chi-square were used for analyzing the data. Findings: The results revealed that the majority of heroin users suffered from musculoskeletal pain during their withdrawal. At the end of withdrawal 53.4% had severe pain, 38.8% had moderate pain, and 7.8% of them had mild pain. Pain in the lower extremities and low back was more common than the upper extremities. The intensity of pain before withdrawal was mild, during withdrawal was moderate, and at the end was sever, but there was no significant correlation between them. The results also showed 43.3% of subjects had normal posture and 56.7% had forward posture. Conclusion: According to the results, the intensity of pain increased during the withdrawal period; therefore, more attention must be paid to this complication in heroin users for better evaluation and a successful withdrawal

Biomechanical Evaluation of Spontaneous Repair of Osteochondral Defects in the Rabbit Knee

Background: Examination of cartilage repair in animal work is dependent upon the thickness and radius of the induced impalement. Full-thickness defects with a radius of 3 mm have been commonly used in animal studies to evaluate new procedures designed to improve the quality of articular cartilage repair. The aim of the present study was to define the biomechanical characteristics of the repair of 5×4 mm full-thickness osteochondral defects in adult male rabbits. Methods: In a controlled clinical trial study 5 mm diameter and 4 mm deep osteochondral defects were drilled in the femoral patellar groove of twenty-one rabbits, and examined at 4, 8, and 16 weeks. The left knee was kept intact and was regarded as control. The knee joints were removed, and both legs were examined biomechanically by in situ indentation method at three time intervals (4, 8, 16 weeks). The instantaneous and equilibrium elastic- modulus (after 900 second) were measured during the test. Results: There were no differences in cartilage mechanical properties (instantaneous and equilibrium elastic-modulus) in different weeks (4, 8, 16 weeks) in the two groups (P=0.08). However, significant differences were seen between the experimental and control groups in 16 weeks in instantaneous elastic_ modulus (P=0.44). It suggests that new tissue in this group had more stiffness than control in 16 weeks. Conclusion: Full-thickness osteochondral defect, measuring 5×4mm in the patellar groove of the adolescent rabbit knee healed spontaneously

The Synoptic Analysis of Heavy Snowfall in Gillan Plain (2014)

Weather and climate events occasionally depending on their size and occurrence can be classified as natural disaster and unexpected that they create serious problems in the process of human life. Including in around of Iran, we are witnessing such events that one of the most dangerous is heavy snowfall days, particularly in the southern part of the Caspian Sea and especially Gillan Plain. One of the heaviest snowfall events at the study region is related to 2014 (1392). This observational study attempts to determine factors responsible for the occurrence of heavy snowfall as well atmospheric circulation at the time of occurrence, also created biological problems.The heavy snowfall that continued for several days had caused a serious disaster in the area. According to the results and identification of the snowy days, synoptic maps at the time of occurrence were prepared and analyzed. The NCEP/NCAR data reanalysis was used to clarify the structure of atmospheric circulation of heavy snowfall over the studied area. Sea level pressure, Geopotential Height, Zonal (U) and Meridional (V) wind, Specific humidity, Omega and Outgoing Longwave Radiation were used to determine the atmospheric circulation of snowfall. The results show that the precipitation has continued in Gilan plane for 5 days (30JAN, 31JAN, 1FEB, 2FEB and 3FEB). Anzali station had the highest and Manjil experienced the lowest amount. The most important factor of atmospheric circulation was strong high pressure formed in the Northern parts of Europe. This high pressure was transformed over the Caspian Sea by the Southward streams. The extreme differences in temperature between the air mass and the sea water had caused the intense convection and strong arising from the area that has led to heavy snowfall. Some of the major problems depending on this natural disaster were serious issues of resident livelihood and blocked roads of towns and villages. So to improve the management of any natural disaster, predicted this natural event early, setting up a comprehensive program to create a proper operational structure with executive ability can fix problems quickly and cause the least damage and casualties

Comparison of the conformity rate of dental age based on Demirjian and Nolla methods with chronological age in 5-16 year old children in Hamedan city

Background: Considering the different results of dental age estimation tests for different populations and lack of sufficient studies on the Iranian race, this study was designed to compare the conformity rate of Demirjian and Nolla methods in dental age estimation. Materials and Methods: In the present cross-sectional study, 185 panoramic radiographs were assessed using patients' medical documents of pediatric and orthodontic departments. The maturation of each mandible left side permanent teeth except the third molars was categorized as A-H in Demirjian and 0-10 in the Nolla method. Results: The mean age of the participants was 9.6±2.8 years. For both genders, the Nolla and Demirjian methods had underestimation and overestimation, respectively, compared to chronological age. Pearson correlation coefficients for chronological age in the Nolla and Demirjian methods were (Pmale=0.982, Pfemale=0.985) and (Pmale=0.987, Pfemale=0.988), respectively. The difference between chronological age and dental age in the Nolla method ranged from -0.02 to 0.77 and -0.1 to 0.70 for boys and girls, respectively and ranged from 0.02 to 0.76 and 0.05 to 0.9 similarly in the Demirjian method. Conclusion: The Demirjian and Nolla methods are always associated with an overestimation and underestimation respectively compared to chronological age. Considering the difference between chronological age and dental age in the two methods, the average of differences in the Nolla method was lower compared to Demirjian. So, the Nolla method has more accurate estimation of chronological age. Therefore, in the present study, the Nolla method is more preferable than the Demirjian method

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Forward Head Posture among Heroin Users during their Withdrawal with Methadone

Abstract Background: Heroin is an extremely addictive narcotic drug derived from morphine. Its continued use requires increased amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect, resulting in tolerance and addiction. This study was done in order to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and forward head posture among heroin users during their withdrawal. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study that was done on 90 heroin users (83 males, 7 females) aged between 20 to 40 years (32.5 ± 3.81) during their withdrawal in Shiraz, Iran. They were selected by simple randomized sampling. Data were collected by a form regarding age, sex, the duration of heroin use, and musculoskeletal pain. Pain was measured by VAS (visual analog scale) and forward head posture was evaluated by plumb line. Pearson correlation technique and chi-square were used for analyzing the data. Findings: The results revealed that the majority of heroin users suffered from musculoskeletal pain during their withdrawal. At the end of withdrawal 53.4% had severe pain, 38.8% had moderate pain, and 7.8% of them had mild pain. Pain in the lower extremities and low back was more common than the upper extremities. The intensity of pain before withdrawal was mild, during withdrawal was moderate, and at the end was sever, but there was no significant correlation between them. The results also showed 43.3% of subjects had normal posture and 56.7% had forward posture. Conclusion: According to the results, the intensity of pain increased during the withdrawal period; therefore, more attention must be paid to this complication in heroin users for better evaluation and a successful withdrawal. Keywords: Addiction, Heroin, Withdrawal, Musculoskeletal pain, Forward head postur

Spinal manipulation in the treatment of patients with MRI-confirmed lumbar disc herniation and sacroiliac joint hypomobility: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract Background To investigate the effect of lumbar and sacroiliac joint (SIJ) manipulation on pain and functional disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) concomitant with SIJ hypomobility. Methods Twenty patients aged between 20 and 50 years with MRI-confirmed LDH who also had SIJ hypomobility participated in the trial in 2010. Patients who had sequestrated disc herniation were excluded. All patients received five sessions of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for the SIJ and lumbar spine during a 2-week period. Back and leg pain intensity and functional disability level were measured with a numerical rating scale (NRS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) at baseline, immediately after the 5th session, and 1 month after baseline. Results A significantly greater mean improvement in back and leg pain was observed in the 5th sessions and 1 month after SMT. Mean changes in ODI in the 5th session and 1 month after treatment also showed significant improvement. The MCIC for NRS and ODI scores in the present study were considered 20 and 6 points, respectively. Therefore, the mentioned improvements were not clinically significant in the 5th session or at 1-month follow-up. Conclusion Five sessions of lumbar and SIJ manipulation can potentially improve pain and functional disability in patients with MRI-confirmed LDH and concomitant SIJ hypomobility. Trial registration Irct.ir (Identifier: IRCT2017011924149N33), registered 19 February 2017 (retrospectively registered)