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English language is an important international language and a considerable part of time and expenses is devoted to learning it. Since many academicians and common people invest a lot of time on learning it, an increase in learning speed is certainly an urgent need. The current study tried to empirically examine the influence of an affective factor namely Emotional Intelligence on Reading Skill as affective factors play a role in learning in general and language learning in particular. Intermediate EFL learners in Iran were given an IELTS test for evaluating their reading proficiency. Next, the Emotional Quotient of the subjects were calculated and after that teaching Emotional Intelligence was started. The subjects received instructions for one year on both Emotional Intelligence and Reading Skill. The difference in scores of both Emotional Intelligence and IELTS tests were then statistically calculated to observe the progress in each issue. The findings of the study showed a significant progress both in Emotional Intelligence and Reading Skill of the subjects in the experimental group, but no significance was observed in the control group. The results of the present research could help develop the knowledge on Emotional Intelligence enhancement and its possible effect(s) on language learning.

The current study investigated the association between multiple intelligences and language learning efficacy expectations among TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) university students. To fulfill the aim of the study, 108 junior and senior TEFL students were asked to complete the "Multiple Intelligence Developmental Assessment Scales" (MIDAS) (Shearer, 1996) and the "Learners' Sense of Efficacy Survey" (Gahungu, 2009). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. The findings of correlation analysis indicated that, among the different types of intelligences, Linguistic and Intrapersonal intelligences had strong positive correlations with learners' self-efficacy beliefs. The results of regression analysis showed that Linguistic and Intrapersonal intelligences were positive predictors of learners' efficacy beliefs, whereas Mathematical intelligence was the negative predictor of students' self-efficacy beliefs. All in all, the findings of the present study contribute to the understanding of the interplay between students' multiple intelligences and their language learning self-efficacy beliefs; furthermore, they convey some implications for university teachers, material and curriculum developers and language testers.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict among nurses. Design: This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran. Method: The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work‐Family Conflict questionnaires. Results: The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time‐based) and FIW (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural‐based) and WIF (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing interest in assessing the condition and quality of life in older adult population, and factors contributing to it. In this context, fear of falling syndrome is introduced as one of the main factors that can affect the quality of life in the general adult population. However, little is known about the relationship between fear of falling and other disorders in older adults, particularly among the Middle East population. Here we investigated the associations between fear of falling and anxiety and depression disorders. A standardized questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographic variables and physical health condition. Subsequently, fear of falling and anxiety and depression scales were assessed using the Falls Efficacy Scale International and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, respectively. Our results highlighted the high risk of having anxiety and depression disorders among older adults. The findings also indicate that physical and mental health disorders play a significant role in incident fear of falling. Therefore, improving mental health might lend controlling fear of falling syndrome, which then preventing falls incident and subsequent injury in older adult population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the relation between the circadian rhythm amplitude and stability, and occupational stress with burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among shift working nurses. Background: Irregular shift working nurses are prone to burnout syndrome (BS) and job dissatisfaction (JD). circadian rhythm difference and occupational stress might be effective in causing burnout syndrome and dissatisfaction. Design: In total, 684 nurses who worked in four teaching hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling in a cross‐sectional design based on STROBE guidelines. Methods: The data were collected by the Circadian Type Inventory, Job Content Questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Multiple linear regression, one‐way ANOVA and independent t test were used for statistical analysis by SPSS v24. Results: About 15% of the nurses suffered from high levels of burnout syndrome. Psychological demand (β = 0.022, CI 95% = 0.003‒0.047 and β = 0.016, CI 95% = 0.001‒0.032) and workplace support (β = −0.043, CI 95% = −0.097–0.003 and β = −0.025, CI 95% = −0.046–0.006) were significant predictors of BS and JD. Male nurses reported lower BS and higher JD compared to female nurses. Irregular shift working schedule was also related to a significantly higher odd of BS (p = 0.009) and JD (p = 0.011). Nurses classified as languid experienced significantly more BS and JD than vigorous nurses. Conclusion: This study shows that BS and JD were strongly associated with psychological demand and workplace support; and vigorous nurses were less prone to BS and JD, and were more suitable for irregular shift work. Relevance to clinical practice: In order to reduce burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses, we need to identify the effect of risk factors such as individual differences on the circadian rhythm and job demand which can affect nurses who work in irregular schedules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate ocular complications and their relationship with sleep problems between IT students at Shahroud University of Technology as professional computer users and public health students at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences as non-professional computer users. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 2014-2015 on 290 students, including 145 IT and 145 public health students. The students were selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected using five questionnaires, including a demographic questionnaire, the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), the Visual Fatigue Questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the STOP-BANG, and an examination for visual acuity. Data were analyzed in SPSS-22 using descriptive and inferential statistics and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The comparisons showed a significant difference in the mean scores of the OSDI, VFQ and ESS between the male and female students, as all these scores were higher in the female students; however, no significant differences were observed in these scores between the professional and non-professional users. Given the significant direct relationships between the scores of the four questionnaires, it can be argued that sleep disorders and ocular disorders have reciprocal effects on each other. Sleepiness, dry eye and eye strain were not different between the groups of professional and non-professional computer users, but long hours of computer and cellphone use were observed so all students need to receive further education and correct ergonomics regardless of their field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the sleep quality and sleep disorders (prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and sleepiness) among occupational drivers in Iran and to determine which demographic factors and occupational habits are linked to road traffic accidents. Material and Methods: In this analytic cross-sectional study 556 occupational road drivers from Shahroud city (in the northeast of Iran) participated, upon a prior verbal informed consent, during 2013-2014. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) standard questionnaire that scored on 7 point scale, the 8-item Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire and the 8-question STOP-Bang questionnaire along with demographic information and occupational data were used. To explore the independent factors associated with odds of poor sleep quality and road accident, multiple logistic regression models were used. Results: Prevalence of previous road accidents, sleepiness while driving, and obstructive sleep apnea scored ≥ 3 in the study, and drivers accounted for 23.8%, 29%, and 24.8%, respectively. The global mean score of sleep quality and excessive sleepiness score were 5.2 and 4.8, respectively. The main factors related to the odds of poor sleep quality were snoring (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-4.77), smoking (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.15-3.97), and driving times in a day (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03-1.21). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23) and suffering from apnea (OR = 4.89; 95% CI: 1.07-23.83) were the best predictors for odds (increased risk) of road accidents. Conclusions: A considerable proportion of Iranian drivers had records of road accidents; poor sleep quality, sleepiness while driving, and sleep disorder breathing (obstructive sleep apnea - OSA). Snoring, smoking, driving time in a day, excessive sleepiness, and presumably apnea increase the odds of poor sleep quality and road traffic accident for Iranian occupational drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Frequent nursing errors are considered as factors that affect the quality of healthcare of patients. Capable nurses who are compatible with work conditions are more focused on their tasks, and this reduces their errors and cognitive failures. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between work ability index (WAI) and cognitive failures (CFs) as well as some factors that affect them in nurses working in the ICU, CCU, and emergency wards. Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted with 750 nurses at educational hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2015. A questionnaire of work ability index and cognitive failures was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, chi-squared, ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: Using the Pearson correlation test, the results of this study showed that there is a significant, inverse relationship between WAI, personal prognosis of work ability, and mental resources with CFs along with all its subscales in nurses (p < 0.05). In addition, there was an inverse and significant relationship between the total score of CFs and the estimated work impairment due to diseases (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation of CFs with age and experience, while WAI was inversely related to age, work experience, and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). WAI and CFs were related significantly to working units (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Considering the results obtained in this study, WAI and the cognitive status of nurses were lower than the specified limit. It is suggested that the work ability of nurses be improved and that their CFs be reduced through various measures, including pre-employment examinations, proper management of work-shift conditions, and using engineering and administrative strategies to ensure the safety of hospitalized patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]