Higher Education Complex Engineering Esfarāyen

Abstract This study explores the development and characterization of dual-jet electrospun nanofibrous mats composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), designed to integrate the advantageous properties of both polymers into a structurally cohesive and functionally responsive scaffold. The dual-nozzle electrospinning process produced uniform, bead-free, and interpenetrating fibrous architectures. FTIR analysis indicated intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups of PVA and the carbonyl groups of PCL, suggesting enhanced interfacial compatibility between the polymer phases.The composite mats exhibited improved tensile strength (~ 0.8 MPa) and elongation (~ 130%) compared to single-polymer controls, along with pH-responsive degradation behavior and high water absorption capacity (~ 800%). Water vapor transmission rate measurements confirmed adequate breathability (3100 g/m²/day), while in vitro assays demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility and fibroblast adhesion. Although no active antimicrobial agents were included, the mats showed mild antibacterial activity, likely influenced by their surface morphology and physicochemical composition.Overall, the findings highlight the potential of dual-jet electrospun PCL/PVA mats as tunable, biocompatible platforms for biomedical applications requiring balanced mechanical performance, moisture management, and controlled degradation.

Background and Aims: Various studies to this day reported the adverse effects of smoking on the risk of severe COVID-19. However, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of smoking are not well studied. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the evidence regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on changes in smoking behaviors. Methods: Using the keywords, we systematically searched the online databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane database, and retrieved the relevant studies published up to January 27th, 2023. The records were downloaded to EndNote software and underwent a two-step screening process based on inclusion and exclusion criteria; the most relevant studies were based on the title/abstract, and then the full texts were included in this review, and the related data were organized into a table. Results: We included 81 eligible studies. The findings suggest that participants reacted differently to the COVID-19 lockdown. In 19 studies, an increase in smoking was observed among participants. Participants of 12 studies cut down on their cigarette consumption. In 7 studies, smoking behavior was the same as before the lockdown. More than 24 studies have shown the paradoxical effect of lockdown on smoking behaviors by reporting both increases and decreases in cigarette smoking across different populations. Conclusion: The results indicate that the COVID-19 outbreak could influence smoking habits in different ways. Both increased and decreased cigarette and tobacco consumption patterns occurred during the pandemic. However, it has been shown that stress and fear caused by the COVID-19 outbreak could have a substantial impact on smoking behaviors.

This study was conducted to predict the quality of marital relationships based on communication beliefs, attachment styles, and initial maladaptive schemas in married women. The statistical population of this study included all married women who sought counseling at family counseling centers and health clinics in our studied area. Using Green's formula ( 1991 ), a sample of 250 individuals was selected through convenience sampling. To collect data, questionnaires on marital quality by Busby, attachment styles by Hazan and Shaver, communication beliefs by Eidelson and Epstein, and initial maladaptive schemas by Young were used. Pearson correlation and simultaneous regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The results indicated that the quality of marital relationships can be predicted based on communication beliefs, attachment styles, and initial maladaptive schemas. Specifically, there was an indirect relationship between early maladaptive schemas, avoidant attachment style, anxious attachment style, and marital quality. Additionally, a direct relationship was observed between secure attachment style and marital quality. Improving marital relationship quality requires attention to attachment styles, communication beliefs, and maladaptive schemas, and family practitioners should pay special attention to these factors.

Background and Objectives: Violence against pregnant women is a clear violation of women's rights associated with many consequences and complications both for the mother and fetus. In this study, we aimed to determine factors affecting the severity of domestic violence against pregnant women. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study was carried out between July 2020 and September 2021. The participants were 234 women with low-risk pregnancies (28-40 weeks) who were transferred to the maternity ward of Bentolhoda Hospital in Bojnurd City. Mothers were selected by the convenience sampling method. A two-part questionnaire was used in this study, which included demographic and midwifery information questionnaires and a domestic violence questionnaire created by Tabrizi in 2013. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results: The prevalence rate of violence against pregnant women (experiencing at least one type of domestic violence from the husband) was 64.6%. Among those who had experienced violence, 36.1% of the participants experienced low to very mild violence during pregnancy and 63.9% experienced moderate violence. However, severe violence was not experienced by any of the research units. Also, there was a significant relationship between babies' gender and the severity of violence (P=0.03). Pregnant women with male fetus (OR = 3.14, CI95%:1.093–9.069) were 3.14 times more exposed to violence with moderate severity. Conclusion: In this study, most women suffered domestic violence with moderate severity. Among pregnant women with male fetuses, the severity of violence was even higher. Thus, it is necessary to pay a proper attention to the design and implementation of educational and support programs for these women to prevent domestic violence and reduce its adverse impacts.