Tehran University Research Articles

A case of bullous pemphigoid in a psoriatic patient treated with etanercept

The prevalence of Bullous Pemphigoid (BP) as a most common autoimmune bullous skin disease has increased in recent years. Drug-induced BP is an uncommon form of BP. A 25-year-old psoriatic woman was admitted to Imam Khomeini hospital complex affiliated to the Tehran University of Medical Science with a chief complaint of generalized blistering lesions.

Identifying the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in higher education: a qualitative study

PurposeThis research was developed to identify artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities and challenges in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative research was developed using the six-step thematic analysis method (Braun and Clark, 2006). Participants in this study were AI PhD students from Tehran University in 2022–2023. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants; a total of 15 AI PhD students, who were experts in this field, were selected and interviews were conducted.FindingsThe authors considered the opportunities that AI creates for higher education in eight secondary subthemes (for faculty members, for students, in the teaching and learning process, for assessment, the development of educational structures, the development of research structures, the development of management structures and the development of academic culture). Correspondingly, The authors identified and categorized the challenges that AI creates for higher education.Research limitations/implicationsConcerning the intended research, several limitations are significant. First, the statistical population was limited, and only people with characteristics such as being PhD students, studying at Tehran University and being experts in AI could be considered the statistical population. Second, caution should be exercised when generalizing the results due to the limited statistical population (PhD students from Tehran University). Third, the problem of accessing some students due to their participation in research grants, academic immigration, etc.Originality/valueThe innovation of the current research is that the authors identified the opportunities and challenges that AI creates for higher education at different levels. The findings of this study also contribute to the enrichment of existing knowledge in the field regarding the effects of AI on the future of higher education, as researchers need more understanding of AI developments in the future of higher education.

Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale

Objective: To understand the consequences of an invalidating environment, it is essential to have a measurement tool with appropriate statistical properties. Thus, the primary aim of this study was to render the ICES (Invalidating Childhood Environment Scale) into Persian and subsequently evaluate the psychometric attributes of this translated version.
 Method: Data were collected from 1221 nonclinical participants, including 1053 females and 168 males, who were students at medical universities in Tehran, Iran. Several questionnaires, such as the ICES, CTQ (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), DTS (Distress Tolerance Scale), BIS-11 (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), Self-Compassion Questionnaire, Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire, and EAT-26 (Eating AttitudesTest) were used in the study. The data sets were investigated through SPSS and R language to evaluate the ICES' reliability and construct validity. Additionally, Item Response Theory (IRT) was employed with the Graded Response Model (GRM) to measure the psychometric properties of each item in terms of difficulty and discrimination parameters.
 Results: Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that both single-factor and two-factor models fit well for both maternal and paternal versions of the ICES. The internal consistency, as assessed by Cronbach's alpha, was high and satisfactory for both maternal (0.87) and paternal (0.87) versions. Notably, the IRT analysis revealed that item 9 performed poorly in both maternal and paternal versions. Compared to the one-factor model, the two-factor model demonstrated a superior fit. Additionally, the test-retest reliability of the ICES over two months demonstrated good reliability for both maternal and paternal versions (0.98). Divergent and convergent validity analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between childhood invalidation environment and distress tolerance (r = 0.175, P < 0.01) as well as self-compassion (r = 0.142, P < 0.01), which were inversely related to the ICES. Furthermore, there was a considerably positive correlation between the invalidating environment experienced during childhood and impulsivity, as evidenced by r = 0.196 and P < 0.01.
 Conclusion: This study established the favorable psychometric properties of the Persian version of the ICES, indicating that this version is reliable and valid to assess the Invalidating Childhood Environment in the Iranian population. However, further investigations are warranted to reevaluate its validity and reliability.

Attitudes Toward Marijuana Use Among Public University Students in Tehran

Background: Substance use is a global mental health issue and a significant challenge in many countries. As reported by the United Nations, marijuana had the highest production, trafficking, and consumption rates in 2022. Attitudes play a crucial role in influencing substance use, including marijuana. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lifetime marijuana use and attitudes regarding perceived harms, benefits, addictiveness, and reasons for use among students of Tehran universities. Additionally, it seeks to explore gender differences in these attitudes. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2021 and January 2022 among 538 students from Tehran universities, comprising 44% men and 55.6% women. The sample size of 538 individuals was selected using convenience sampling. Lifetime marijuana use was self-reported, and attitudes were assessed using a validated marijuana attitude questionnaire rated on a 4-point Likert scale. Gender differences were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Results: Overall, 17.5% of participants reported lifetime marijuana use, with a significantly higher prevalence among males (25%) compared to females (10.37%; P < 0.05). Most students (86%) considered marijuana to be addictive, especially females (92%) compared to males (78%) (χ2 = 17.6; P < 0.05). A larger proportion of females (74%) than males (58%) believed that marijuana was difficult to control (χ2 = 10.08; P < 0.05). While 93.5% acknowledged the existence of side effects, more males (39%) perceived benefits from marijuana use compared to females (28%; P < 0.05). The reported benefits included feelings of happiness (53%), stress and anxiety reduction (50%), and improved concentration (38%). Conclusions: The study revealed that both female and male students perceived marijuana use as equally harmful. However, female students exhibited a more negative attitude toward marijuana use compared to their male counterparts. Specifically, female students considered marijuana to be more addictive and harder to control than male students. This more negative attitude among female students regarding marijuana’s addictiveness, side effects, and controllability corresponded to lower actual usage rates.

Development and evaluation of smart irrigation system to enhance the water use efficiency

<p>For this purpose, a moisture sensor device was designed and constructed in February and March 2019 to determine the appropriate time to stop irrigation in furrow irrigation. Testing the device in the laboratory and its application in the Farm of the Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran (Mohammad Shahr), Iran, from April to July 2019. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of a smart sensor of soil moisture to determine the optimum depth of installation and recording of soil moisture at 10, 30, and 50 cm depths and different length ratios in furrow irrigation. Initially, calibration of the device was carried out on field soil, and based on the obtained validation, the device was transferred to the field. To achieve the goals of optimum depth of installation and optimum length, 36-meter furrows with a distance of 0.75 m were created in the field. Sensitive lengths in furrows with 0.5 L, 0.75 L, and 0.85 L ratios were selected as the starting points. The results showed that in the calibration and validation phases, the R<sup>2</sup> values were 0.93 and 0.95, respectively, and in the calibration and validation stages, the value of nRMSE was 80 and 13.81%, indicating good model training in the calibration stage. Also, the average RE parameter in estimating soil moisture was 2.74%, indicating the high accuracy of the device in estimating soil moisture. The results also showed that if the device was installed at a depth of 30 cm from the soil surface of the furrow and at 75% from the beginning of the field, the depth and runoff losses would be minimal and irrigation adequacy would be best compared to other depths and lengths. It is expected that with optimal water consumption and timely interruption of irrigation, deep losses and runoff will be avoided, and with low water consumption, the productivity of crops will increase.</p>

The Relationship between the Environmental Noise Intensity, Feeling and Annoyance with the Shiftwork in the Emergency Department

Background: Noise pollution is a serious issue in hospitals, especially in emergency departments where high noise levels from emergency patients and treatments can negatively affect medical personnel and patients. This study aimed to measure noise levels during day and night shifts in three major hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences (Imam Khomeini, Shariati, and Sina hospitals) and investigate the level of annoyance experienced by medical staff.
 Methods: In this cross-sectional studyTES-1351B sound level meter was used to measure sound pressure levels and the measurement stations were determined according to ISO 9612 standard. A general questionnaire was used to determine demographic characteristics. Also, by a valid self-reporting questionnaire, the feeling about environmental noise intensity and noise annoyance was measured. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS software using ANOVA and t-test.
 Results: The average sound pressure level in the emergency departments of the studied hospitals was 67.940±7.70 dB. Significant differences were found between morning and evening shift noise levels. (p-value=0.001). The highest average sound pressure level occurred during the evening shift with an average of 72.382±4.35 db. Also, there was a significant difference between the feeling about environmental noise intensity and noise annoyance in Imam Khomeini and Sinai hospitals respectively, (p-value=0.037) (p-value=0.011).
 Conclusion: The study concludes that noise pollution in the emergency departments of these hospitals needs attention. Implementing administrative and technical-engineering measures to reduce noise pollution is essential to enhance the well-being of medical staff and patients and ensure a more satisfactory healthcare environment.

Breastfeeding success and perceived social support in lactating women with a history of COVID 19 infection: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundGiven the limited availability of research on the association between COVID-19 infection and breastfeeding success, the primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of this relationship.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 260 women who were on the postnatal ward of an academic hospital affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences during the COVID-19 pandemic (between March and August 2021). Among these women, 130 had tested positive for COVID-19 in pregnancy, while the remaining 130 were considered healthy. The study aimed to assess various factors, including sociodemographic characteristics and the results of four validated questionnaires: The Bristol Breastfeeding Questionnaire, The Multidimensional of Perceived Social Support (MPSS), The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES), and The Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS). These questionnaires were administered to each participant to gather relevant data. After eight weeks, a telephone follow-up was carried out to assess the success of breastfeeding. The evaluation focused on determining if exclusive breastfeeding was maintained or not. Data was collected by questioning mothers about their infants’ feeding habits in the past 24 h. Exclusive breastfeeding refers to the exclusive use of breast milk without the introduction of other liquids or solid foods.ResultsWomen with a previous COVID-19 infection (case group) had a lower mean infant gestational age (P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of cesarean section (P = 0.001) compared to the control group. The proportion of women who exclusively breastfed was higher in the control group (98.5%) than in women with a history of COVID-19 infection (89.2%) (P = 0.011). Furthermore, the case group reported lower scores in perceived social support and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, in contrast to the control group. Notably, there was a significant correlation between breastfeeding success and women’s breastfeeding self-efficacy score.ConclusionsThe findings of this study offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals, enabling them to promote early initiation of breastfeeding in mothers with a history of COVID-19 infection, while ensuring necessary precautions are taken.

Gelatin Zymography of Major Proteases in Exosomes of Leishmania major Promastigotes.

Enzymatic digestion of extra cellular matrix proteins by proteinases of Leishmania promastigotes is a complex process. Hence, studies on functional proteomics of these enzymes can help select these enzymes as possible vaccine candidates or selecting candidates for chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Several proteolytic enzymes are involved in virulence of Leishmania spp. These enzymes are mostly serine, cysteine and metalloproteases. We aimed to detect proteases in Leishmania promastigote exosomes. Serine, cysteine and metalloproteases were investigated in exosomes and lysate of L. major promastigote using gelatin zymography. The study was carried out in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran, in 2021. Zymography findings of metalloproteinases showed transparent bands, including a 63-kDa glycoprotein (GP63). This glycoprotein is a major surface metalloproteinase. In addition, transparent bands belonged to serin proteases and cathepsin were demonstrated in gels associated to Leishmania promastigote lysate and exosomes. Several metalloproteases, serin proteases and cathepsins were shown in promastigote lysate and exosomes of L. major, which could purified and used as fractions for immunodiagnostic.

PREFACE: International Collaborative Conference of Modern Agricultural Technologies-2023 (ICCMAT-2023)

The ICCMAT-2023 conference intends to bring together junior and senior, international and national researchers, scientists and scholars interesting in the field of water harvesting and desertification combat. We think the conference offered an excellent opportunity for networking with other members and exchange knowledge and explore the most recent developments in the Agriculture & Food Sciences, Field Crops, Soil Science, Plant Protection, Horticulture Sciences, Animal Production, Biodiversity & Conservation, Biotechnology & genetic engineering, Agricultural Environment, Water and Hydrology, Desertification & Water Resources, Climate & Ecology, Environmental Engineering & Sustainability, Green Technology, Natural Resources, Policy, Socioeconomics & Law, Pollution, Geology and Geography. ICCMAT-2023 was a prestigious event organized by the College of Agriculture, University of Anbar in collaboration with College of Agriculture, University of Anbar, in cooperation with the College ofAgricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University and College of Agriculture - University of Kirkuk with a motivation to provide an excellent international platform for academicians, researchers, engineers, industrial participants and budding students around the world to share their research results with the global experts. We cordially invited participants from all over the world who wish to share their best practices and research findings in ICCMAT-2023 and enlighten their new ideas to make this event growing from strength to strength.Participants were offered the opportunity to contribute to the conference in various roles: they can discuss keynotes, produce a poster presentation and submit full research or review articles. Articles submitted to the conference should report original high-quality and previously unpublished results. Submission of a manuscript implies that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. All submitted articles were subjected to a double-blind peer-review process. Novelty, relevancy, language standards, references, and many other factors are considered for the evaluation process. The conference nominated Prof. Dr. Khan B. Marwat (University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan), Prof. Dr. Khaleel Jawasreh (Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid -Jordan), and Prof .Dr. Farhang Fatehi (Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Alborz, Iran) as keynote speakers. ICCMAT-2023 was held basically via physical attendance (In-person) for two days 3rd - 4th May 2023 at Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq. Each participant had approximately 10 minutes to view the most important findings of his/her research, and 5 minutes to discuss these results.List of Peer review statement, Committees (ICCMAT-2023) are available in this Pdf.

Synergistic effect of synthesized silver nanoparticles combined with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from clinical samples

Abstract Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most prevalent nosocomial pathogenic microorganisms that affect and cause a life-threatening situation. Objective: The study aimed to investigate the synergistic effect of silver nanoparticles (NPs) with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid antibiotic on P. aeruginosa growth. Materials and Methods: A total of 220 clinical samples were collected. A sample has been subjected to isolation and identification by standard microbiological procedures. The extract of Citrus aurantium was used to synthesize silver NPs. The characterization of silver NPs was achieved at the University of Tehran, by using UV–visible spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The antibacterial activity of AgNPs and combination with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid antibiotic were tested against bacteria using the agar well diffusion method. Results: Out of the 220 samples collected, 33 (15%) isolates were positive for P. aeruginosa. Highest resistance of P. aeruginosa was found to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in percentage of 100. NPs have been characterized by a UV–visible spectrometer which revealed a broad peak at 426 cm-1. XRD showed the purity of the prepared silver NPs that the particle size was equal to 21.26 nm. TEM measurement showed the presence of sphere-like structures with sizes of 20 nm for regular particles and 40 nm for irregular particles. AgNPs, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and mixture (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid + AgNPs) have high inhibition activity of P. aeruginosa in concentration of 100 µg/mL and recorded 21.33 ± 3.06, 13.00 ± 0.00, and 22.00 ± 3.46 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The results supported a green synthesis approach for the synthesis of AgNPs with antimicrobial. P. aeruginosa has synergistic combinations of AgNPs with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, with a great inhibitory effect on the growth of the bacteria.

Evaluation of learning and study strategies of Clinical Dental Students of Islamic Azad University of Tehran :2021-2022

Evaluation of learning and study strategies of Clinical Dental Students of Islamic Azad University of Tehran :2021-2022

The Structural Relationship of Academic Engagement Based on Mindfulness with the Mediating Role of Academic Burnout and Academic Self-handicapping in Students

Objective: The purpose of this research was to predict academic engagement based on mindfulness with the mediating role of academic burnout and academic self-impairment among Azad University students. Methods and Materials: The research was a descriptive-correlational study. The statistical population includes all students of Azad University of Tehran who were studying in the academic year 2020-21, the target sample was selected using random sampling method in the number of 350 people. In order to analyze the data, it was analyzed using the structural equation method of factor analysis with the help of AMOS software. Data collection tools were: Reeve Academic Involvement Questionnaire (2013), Freiburg Mindfulness Questionnaire (FMI-SF), Academic Boredom Questionnaire by Pekrun et al. (2020), and Jones Academic Self-Disability Questionnaire (2020); and the results of factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha also confirmed their validity and reliability. Findings: The results showed mindfulness (B=0.38, P&lt;0.001) directly and positively and academic self-disability (B=0.29, P&lt;0.001) and academic boredom (B=0.24, P&lt;0.001) predict academic engagement. In addition, the proposed research model had a good fit. Conclusion: It can be concluded that mindfulness has a significant effect on the academic engagement of students due to the mediating role of academic boredom and academic self-handicapping.

Investigating the relationship between presentism and resilience of critical care nurses of hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Investigating the relationship between presentism and resilience of critical care nurses of hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Assessment of manometric results following posterior pericervical repair or level I to III surgical procedures.

Constipation and obstructive bowel disorders are the most common symptoms of prolapse and posterior defects. Prolapse and obstructive defecation disorders are treated using various surgical techniques to repair posterior defects. This study aimed to evaluate the manometry results of patients before and after reconstructive surgery of the posterior compartment. This retrospective cohort study included 40 women with defecation disorders referred to the Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, an academic center affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from 2020 to 2021. Data were collected through medical records and a checklist developed by the researcher before and after surgery. All analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26), with significance at p<0.05. Forty women with a mean age of 49.47±9.66 years participated in this study. The manometry results showed significant differences in patients before and after surgery in parameters such as maximum resting pressure, push test, constipation, straining during defecation, finger support necessity, sensation of incomplete defecation, dyspareunia, and husband's sexual satisfaction (p<0.001). In addition, all patients had a grade 2 or higher posterior compartment prolapse, which improved in all cases after surgery (p<0.0001). Patients' symptoms significantly improved during the 12-month follow-up after DeLancey level 3 to 1 surgery. This type of surgery proved to be an effective surgical intervention without significant complications in the short-term follow-up.

Genetic polymorphism and the risk of diabetic foot: a bibliometric analysis from 2011-2021

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has been associated with genetic and environmental factors, which could potentially have a role in DFU development. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes linked to DFU, including inflammation. Bibliometric studies on the SNP on genes affecting DFU still have not been evaluated. This study aims to depict bibliographically and understand the topic trend of genetic polymorphism and the risk of DFU publications. A bibliometric methodology was applied in this study. The data were extracted through the Scopus database from 2011 to 2021. VOS viewer was used to classify and summarize Scopus articles. The 35 articles were evaluated. India topped the list of countries with the most publications, and Tehran University of Medical Sciences was the primary institution. Singh K and his team were the first contributing authors with 44 citations. Keywords analysis indicated that the research hotspots were DFU, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diabetic foot ulcers, polymorphisms, hypoxia, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), diabetic foot, diabetes mellitus, and oxidative stress. This study summarizes the current state, trends in genetic polymorphism and risk with DFU research. It may provide researchers with insight into the genetic polymorphism and risk associated with DFU research, as well as useful information for identifying possible collaborators and partner institutions.

Use of sentiment analysis for capturing hospitalized cancer patients' experience from free-text comments in the Persian language

PurposeToday, the Internet provides access to many patients' experiences, which is crucial in assessing the quality of healthcare services. This paper introduces a model for detecting cancer patients' opinions about healthcare services in the Persian language, both positive and negative.MethodTo achieve the objectives of this study, a combination of sentiment analysis (SA) and topic modeling approaches was employed. All pertinent comments made by cancer patients were collected from the patient feedback form of the Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS) Cancer Institute (CI) in Iran, from March to October 2021. Conventional evaluation metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, and F-measure were utilized to assess the performance of the proposed model.ResultThe experimental findings revealed that the proposed SA model achieved accuracies of 89.3%, 92.6%, and 90.8% in detecting patients' sentiments towards general services, healthcare services, and life expectancy, respectively. Based on the topic modeling results, the topic "Metastasis" exhibited lower sentiment scores compared to other topics. Additionally, cancer patients expressed dissatisfaction with the current appointment booking service, while topics such as "Good experience," "Affable staff", and "Chemotherapy" garnered higher sentiment scores.ConclusionThe combined use of SA and topic modeling offers valuable insights into healthcare services. Policymakers can utilize the knowledge obtained from these topics and associated sentiments to enhance patient satisfaction with cancer institution services.

The Effect of Problem Solving Skills Training on Moral Distress of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Nurses

Introduction: Moral distress is one of the ethical challenges in the nursing profession. Nurses in the neonatal ward are at risk of moral distress most commonly results from disproportionate interventions perceived to not be in the child’s best interests. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of problem-solving skills training on the moral distress of neonatal intensive care unit nurses. Methods: This quasi-experimental study performed on70 nurses working in neonatal intensive care units at Pediatric Medical Center affiliated Tehran University of Medical Sciences from December 2019-June 2020. They were assigned randomly in two equal groups. Corley Ethical Distress Scale Corley was completed before and four weeks after the intervention in two groups. Problem-solving skills training was conducted in (6 sessions of 1.5 hours (2 sessions per week) as a group for the intervention group. Data were analyzed using the software SPSS 22 and tests, chi-square, Fisher's exact, t-test, and paired t-test with significance. 0.5% . Results: The results of comparing the moral distress of nurses working in the neonatal intensive care unit showed that before the intervention, the score of moral distress in the intervention group (150.07 ± 6.87) and in the control group (146.05±6.36) Although before the intervention, the moral distress score of the nurses in the test group was significantly higher than the intervention group P=0.013, but 4 months after the intervention, this score decreased significantly (P &lt;0 01). Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, problem-solving skills improve moral distress in nurses. Therefore, due to the destructive effects of moral distress on the quality of nurses' work, it is suggested that nursing managers develop programs to improve problem solving skills in nurses.

Learner satisfaction with synchronous and asynchronous virtual learning systems during the COVID-19 pandemic in Tehran university of medical sciences: a comparative analysis

BackgroundThe need for electronic learning and its systems, especially during specific circumstances and crises, is crucial and fundamental for users in universities. However, what is even more important is the awareness and familiarity of learners with different systems and their appropriate use in e-learning. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the satisfaction of learners with synchronous and asynchronous electronic learning systems during the COVID-19 period at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.MethodsThe present study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted cross-sectionally from the first semester of 2019–2020 academic year until the end of the second semester of 2021–2022 academic year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample size was determined to be 370 students and 650 staff members using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The face validity and reliability of the research tool, which was a researcher-made questionnaire, was confirmed. Considering a response rate of 75%, 280 completed questionnaires were received from students, and 500 completed questionnaires were collected from employees. For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies, as well as independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Post Hoc tests in the SPSS software were utilized.ResultsDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, both students and staff members at Tehran University of Medical Sciences showed a relatively decreasing level of satisfaction with electronic learning. There was a significant difference in satisfaction between these two groups of learners regarding electronic learning (P = 0/031). Learners were relatively more satisfied with the offline system called “Navid” compared to online learning systems. Among the online systems, the highest level of satisfaction was observed with the Skype platform.ConclusionAlthough learners expressed relative satisfaction with electronic learning during the COVID-19 period, it is necessary to strengthen infrastructure and provide support services, technical assistance, and continuous updates for electronic learning platforms. This can contribute to more effective and efficient utilization of electronic learning, especially during particular circumstances and crises, or in hybrid models combining online and face to face education and training.

Humoral immunogenicity assessment after receiving three types of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine

Several vaccines have been developed against SARS-CoV-2 and subsequently approved by national/international regulators. Detecting specific antibodies after vaccination enables us to evaluate the vaccine’s effectiveness. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study among members of Tarbiat Modares University of Tehran, Iran, from 4 September 2021 until 29 December 2021. We aimed to compare the humoral immunogenicity of 3 vaccine types. Participants consisted of 462 adults. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain [RBD] IgG titer was compared in 3 groups, each vaccinated by available vaccines in Iran at the time: Oxford/AstraZeneca, COVIran Barekat, and Sinopharm. The median IgG titer was: 91.2, 105.6, 224.0 BAU/ml for Sinopharm, COVIran Barekat and Oxford/AstraZeneca respectively after the first dose; 195.2, 192.0, 337.6 BAU/ml after the second one. We also analyzed the frequency of antibody presence in each vaccine group, in the same order the results were 59.0%, 62.6% and 89.4% after the first dose and 92.1%,89.5% and 98.9% after the second. The comparison of results demonstrated that AstraZeneca vaccine is a superior candidate vaccine for COVID-19 vaccination out of the three. Our data also demonstrated statistically significant higher antibody titer among recipients with an infection history.

Problematizing Iranian university autonomy: a historical-institutional perspective

ABSTRACT This article adopts an institutional perspective to elucidate Iranian university autonomy. First, a historical analysis traces statist dominance over academia in Iran by examining archival sources, documents, and scholarly works. Second, a content analysis of expert panels, interviews, and literature categorizes higher education's problems to delineate key issues. Third, a meta-analysis examines the implications for institutional autonomy and academic freedom. Fourth, governmental strategy regarding university autonomy is scrutinized by analyzing policies, laws, and statements. Finally, a reconciliatory strategy is proposed embracing accountability while expanding autonomy. Tracing critical junctures, the analysis outlines the divergence of modern universities from traditional seminaries through state establishment based on Western models, engendering governance effects. The 1851 Dar ol-Fonun constituted an initial modernizing response. The 1934 genesis of Tehran University enacted a seminal rupture with old seminaries. The 1980 Cultural Revolution expanded governmental control to reshape higher education. Consequently, extensive interventions overlaid with centralized bureaucracy have dominated academia. Resultant autonomy constraints stem from structural-administrative deficiencies, financial dependence, attenuated university-society connections, and pervasive formalism. By illuminating the historical shaping forces, this perspective identifies avenues for developing accountability-anchored autonomy through contextualized strategy, providing insights into policy pathways.