vijay kautilya; shruti Hegde; Prithika Chendrashekaran; Khatija begum
Volume 4, Issue 4 , October 2016, , Pages 158-166
Abstract
AbstractBackground: Hazardous pesticides continue to be used in thefarming industry purely because of economic reasons. Farmersneed to understand this risk. Pesticide labels and pictograms wereenforced to propagate this risk information to the farmers in asimple way. However, their effectiveness has ...
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AbstractBackground: Hazardous pesticides continue to be used in thefarming industry purely because of economic reasons. Farmersneed to understand this risk. Pesticide labels and pictograms wereenforced to propagate this risk information to the farmers in asimple way. However, their effectiveness has not been evaluated inIndia. This study attempts to evaluate the efficacy of these labelsand pictograms to help farmers understand the pesticide risks.Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey wasconducted among 172 paddy farmers in Kancheepuram districtof Tamil-Nadu, India. Their interpretation of four pesticidelabels and fifteen pesticide safety pictograms were analyzedusing (SPSS version 20) for descriptive statistics. Chi-squaretest was used for dichotomic variables. A p value of < 0.05 wasconsidered significant.Results: Of the 172 farmers interviewed, 93% were unawareof the pesticide regulations and 72.6% had never attempted toread the labels. Only, the red color in the label was identifiedcorrectly by 66.1% of farmers. Four out of fifteen pictogramswere interpreted correctly by more than 60% of the farmers.Educational status had a significant influence on the way thelabels and pictograms were interpreted.Conclusion: We need to consider restructuring these labels ina more scientific way. Instead of a top-down approach, we needto start working at the grass root level if we tend to have betterappreciated labels. It is recommended that plans and strategiesshould be devised to educate the farmers about the labels andpictograms.
Mehdi Jahangiri; Samira Baneshi; Zahra Saeedi Garagani; Mojtaba Kamalinia; Hadi Daneshmandi
Abstract
Background: The classroom is an important part of the educational environment, which should meet the standard requirements including safety and adequate spaces regarding the number of learners, color, lighting, noise, proper equipment, and air conditioning. This study aimed to investigate the safety ...
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Background: The classroom is an important part of the educational environment, which should meet the standard requirements including safety and adequate spaces regarding the number of learners, color, lighting, noise, proper equipment, and air conditioning. This study aimed to investigate the safety level of classrooms in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS) classrooms (n = 63), in the south-west of Iran. Data regarding the safety measures were collected using an audit checklist. Finally, an index called Classroom Safety Requirement Index (CSRI) was introduced in order to calculate percentage of safety measures in the classrooms. Results: The results revealed that the ‘environmental condition’ dimension of the CSRI was in a good level. The ‘building’, ‘equipment’ and ‘electrical’ dimensions were in the medium level, and the ‘fire safety and emergency’ dimension was placed in the poor level. 38.70% of the classes (24 classes) were in the Standard Occupant Load (SOL or degree of overcrowding) and others (61.30% of classrooms) were overcrowded (unacceptable occupant load). Conclusion: The examined classrooms were very poor regarding the ‘fire safety’ and ‘emergency exit’, which requires proper and appropriate measures to improve safety in these areas.
Hamed Delam; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan
Abstract
Background: Anxiety and low self-esteem can lead to feelings of vulnerability and being at risk, which can predict a suicide attempt. This study aimed to investigate stress and self-esteem of suicide attempters referring to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018.
Methods: ...
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Background: Anxiety and low self-esteem can lead to feelings of vulnerability and being at risk, which can predict a suicide attempt. This study aimed to investigate stress and self-esteem of suicide attempters referring to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018.
Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical study. In this study, 74 patients were selected through convenience sampling from referring to hospitals affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Data were collected through demographic questionnaires, Spielberger anxiety questionnaire, and Rosenberg self-esteem questionnaire. After completing the surveys, the data were analyzed. Finally, by defining the scores of the questionnaires, statistical analysis was performed and the results obtained from the study.
Results: Out of 74 suicide attempters, 62.2% were women, and the majority of them were married (70.30%). The state anxiety score showed that 24.3% and 21.6% were in medium to high and severe anxiety, respectively, and the trait anxiety score indicated that the majority of individuals were in moderate to the critical range. Self-esteem scores showed that 54.1% were in low self-esteem range.
Conclusion: Anxiety and low self-esteem can be effective factors in a suicide attempt. Therefore, therapeutic interventions to reduce anxiety and improve self-esteem in such individuals can prevent a suicide attempt.
Mohammad Hossein Kaveh; Fatemeh Darabi; Mahin Nazari; Hamidreza Tabatabaee
Volume 1, Issue 1 , July 2013, , Pages 6-13
Abstract
Background/Objective: This study aimed to address the knowledge gap in citizenship education. In other words, there was an attempt to investigate the effect of a citizenship education program on knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intention of high schools girls. Methods: 228 female ...
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Background/Objective: This study aimed to address the knowledge gap in citizenship education. In other words, there was an attempt to investigate the effect of a citizenship education program on knowledge, attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral intention of high schools girls. Methods: 228 female students, 91 in the experimental and 137 in the control groups participated in this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. The educational program was run in the experimental group using interactive teaching-learning techniques. The research data were, then, analyzed in SPSS, using inferential statistics. Results: The mean score of the students’ knowledge in the experimental group increased from 7.35±1.93 in the pretest to 11.14±1.78 in the posttest, while in the control group this score remained approximately the same in the pre- and post-tests. The pre- and post-test means of attitude scores were statistically different, but not in the control group. The pretest mean scores of the subjective norm in the experimental and control groups were relatively similar, but in the posttest it became significantly different (experimental: 25.78±3.77, control: 23.40±4.62). The students’ behavioral intention score increased from 18.51±2.71 to 20.87±3.04 in the experimental group. The mean scores of intention in the pretest and posttest were not statistically different in the control group. In the second posttests, the levels of these constructs remained unchanged in the control group, but they were significantly higher than pretest scores in the experimental group. Conclusion: This study revealed the adolescents’ need for as well as the efficacy of a citizenship education program.
Zahra Zamanian; Shahrzad Riaei; Najmeh Kaveh; Amineh Khosravani; hadi daneshmandi; Mehrab Sayadi; Mohammad Djaefar Moemenbellah-Fard
Volume 4, Issue 1 , January 2016, , Pages 7-13
Abstract
Background: Depression is one of the mental disorders which have become a public health problem throughout of the world. The objective of this study was to investigate depression and to determine its correlated factors among students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS).Methods: 358 students ...
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Background: Depression is one of the mental disorders which have become a public health problem throughout of the world. The objective of this study was to investigate depression and to determine its correlated factors among students at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (SUMS).Methods: 358 students of SUMS participated in this crosssectional study in 2012. The participants were selected by Proportion Partition sampling method. A two-part questionnaire was used as the data collecting tool. In the first part, demographic characteristics and in the second part the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were included.Results: Mean score of depression in the studied population was 10.98. More than half of all the participants (54.7%) were symptomless; 41% of them were in the weak to moderate depression categories, and 4.2% in the strong and very strong categories. The data showed a significant relationship between scores of depression and marital status, academic grade, field content of study, use of psychoactive drugs, job outlook, problem with marriage and religious commitments. The depression scores in the married, religious and postgraduate participants and in those participants with course pleasure and excellent career perspective were lower than those in the other groups.Conclusion: Taking measures to reduce the factors leading to mental disorders is recommended. The involvement of students in socio-cultural, recreational and sport activities, reinforcement of consultation and clinical psychological services, and promotion of religious beliefs are instrumental in the enhancement of moral values and amelioration of depression among university students.
fariba fariba abbasi; Mohammad Reaz Mohammad Reaz Samaei; hossein khodadadi; ali karimi; azadeh binaee haghighi; jamileh ekhlasi
Volume 5, Issue 1 , January 2017, , Pages 7-14
Abstract
Background: Fungi are one of the pollutant emissions from the composting plants which change in variety during the composting process. They are predominant in stabilization stage.Methods: This study assessed the thermotolerant airborne fungi based on NIOSH 0800 on 200 ambient samples from four composting ...
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Background: Fungi are one of the pollutant emissions from the composting plants which change in variety during the composting process. They are predominant in stabilization stage.Methods: This study assessed the thermotolerant airborne fungi based on NIOSH 0800 on 200 ambient samples from four composting processes and outdoor spaces in a composting plant.Results: The concentration of fungi during shredding, separatingand screening washigher than 1000 CFU/m3. The level of fungi in all stages was higher than outdoor(p<0.001). The highest concentration was detected in shredding (6749±1347 CFU/m3) (p=0.007), and the lowest concentration was related to screening (113±32 CFU/m3) (p=0.013). The predominant species was varied during the stages. Yeast andA.niger were predominant species in shredding and separating.Conclusion:The results of this study showed that the concentration of airborne fungi was decreased during composting process. The effect of these aerosols on indoor air was more than that in the outdoor space and workers at this sitewere exposed to high levels of thermotolerantfungi.Therefore,air-condition, ventilation system and safety operations such as respiratory masks are essential. The results of this studycan be used inrisk assessment.
Zohreh Mazloom; Seyedeh Maryam Abdollahzadeh; Mohammad Hossein Dabbaghmanesh; Abbas Rezaianzadeh
Volume 2, Issue 1 , January 2014, , Pages 8-14
Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is closely associated with reduction of antioxidant defense system. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of quercetin supplementation on the glycemic control, lipid profile and oxidative stress indices in patients with type 2diabetes. Methods: ...
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Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is closely associated with reduction of antioxidant defense system. In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of quercetin supplementation on the glycemic control, lipid profile and oxidative stress indices in patients with type 2diabetes. Methods: Forty seven patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 30-60 years old, were randomly assigned to supplement their daily diet with either an oral quercetin (250 mg/d) or identical placebo (cellulose) capsules for 8 weeks. The supplements were provided to the patients biweekly. Anthropometric data as well as glycemic indices, lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters of blood samples were determined at the baseline and endpoint of the study. Results: Dietary quercetin supplementation significantly improved the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the intervention group, when compared to the placebo group (P=0.043). It also resulted in a statistically significant reduction in serum concentration of atherogenic oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) (P0.05). Conclusions: Oral quercetin supplementation was beneficial in improving the antioxidant status of patients with type 2 diabetes while having no other significant effect on glycemic control and lipid profile; however, conducting further studies, using different doses, on the glycemiccontrol and/or hyperlipidemia of thepopulation seems to be valuable. Trial Registration Number: IRCT2012101911168N
Zohre Moeini; Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor; Saeed Yousefinejad; Shima Bahrami
Volume 6, Issue 1 , January 2018, , Pages 8-15
Abstract
Background: Atrazine is one of the most widely used chlorinated herbicides with properties, such as sustainability in soil and ability to penetrate into water sources. This study aimed to investigate the photo-degradation of atrazine using ultraviolet ray and to identify its by-products. Methods: The ...
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Background: Atrazine is one of the most widely used chlorinated herbicides with properties, such as sustainability in soil and ability to penetrate into water sources. This study aimed to investigate the photo-degradation of atrazine using ultraviolet ray and to identify its by-products. Methods: The efficiency of atrazine removal under UV irradiation with a power of 6-125 watts was investigated and some effective parameters, such as initial concentration (10-100 mg/l) and pH (3-5), were studied during the radiation period (5-90 minutes). In all experiments, the volume of the solution used in 250-ml Erlenmeyer flask was 100 ml. After all, the final and by-products produced during this process were identified by mass gas chromatography. Results: The results showed that the removal efficiency did not change significantly by increasing pH. With increasing lamp power from 6 to 125 watts at one hour, the degradation efficiency increased by 24.5%, 23.5%, and 29.7% at concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 mg/l, respectively. Also, by increasing time from 5 to 15 minutes under the 125-watt radiation, the removal efficiency increased from 45.6 to 96.8%. Examining the results of mass gas chromatography revealed that atrazine photolysis process progressed towards the mineralization of atrazine. Accordingly, organic chlorine transformed to chlorine ion and organic nitrogen involved in ammonium and nitrate molecules. Conclusion: Overall, the results indicated that photolysis at the wavelength of 254 nm could be used along with other purification methods to completely remove atrazine and simultaneously disinfect contaminated water sources.
Leila Bazrafkan; Rahmat Allah Mohammadjani; Tayebeh Rakhshani
Abstract
Introduction: Given the importance of aggression in adolescents and the effects of parenting practices, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of parenting skills intervention on adolescent aggression in Abadeh Tashk town, Fars province, in 2018. Methods: This randomized clinical ...
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Introduction: Given the importance of aggression in adolescents and the effects of parenting practices, the present study was conducted to investigate the effects of parenting skills intervention on adolescent aggression in Abadeh Tashk town, Fars province, in 2018. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was carried out on 200 adolescents and their parents in Abadeh Tashk in 2018. The sampling was done through the cluster sampling method and the subjects were randomly divided into the experimental and control groups (100 in each group). The study outcomes were aggression and parenting styles measured by the control and education groups before and two months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using the SPSS20 software as well as the statistical tests such as paired t-test, independent t-test and chi-square test. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of physical aggression (P = 0.98), verbal aggression (P = 0.62), anger (P = 0.40), hostility (P= 0.15), and the total aggression score (P= 0.38) before the intervention. However, after the intervention, a significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, hostility, and overall aggression score (P <0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that parenting style intervention was effective in reducing physical and verbal aggression, anger, hostility, and overall aggression in students. It is suggested that long term interventions should be conducted aiming at parental control over the problems of students since childhood.
Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Hamed Delam
Abstract
Background: Suicide and Suicidal attempt at the 1996 World Health Organization Summit was an important public health and anti-social behavioral issue. Suicide rates are one of the most important indicators of the community's mental health. The present study was designed to elucidate the factors affecting ...
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Background: Suicide and Suicidal attempt at the 1996 World Health Organization Summit was an important public health and anti-social behavioral issue. Suicide rates are one of the most important indicators of the community's mental health. The present study was designed to elucidate the factors affecting suicidal attempts among adolescents.
Methods: This is a review study. Two researchers searched for suicide-related articles and related factors between October and November 2019 at five Latin scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed / Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Embase).
Results: The most important factors in suicidal attempts in adolescents included individual factors, family factors, and social factors. Hormonal changes in puberty in adolescents, especially in girls, can affect the adolescents’ behavior. The breakdown of the family structure can have negative consequences for children and cause them to commit suicidal attempts.
Conclusion: The available evidence indicates the influence of individual, family, and social factors at the beginning of the process of suicidal attempt among adolescents. Therefore, by focusing on preventing risk factors leading to suicidal behavior in adolescents, teaching how to deal with stress and increasing the adolescents' access to specialized counseling services and useful social networks, a suitable support system can be provided for these people.
Hamidreza Tabatabaee; Parvin Afsar-kazerooni; Yousef Alimohamadi; Alireza Hasanabadi; Fatemeh Khavandegaran; Katayoun Tayeri; Abbas Rezaianzadeh; Jafar Hasanzadeh
Volume 3, Issue 1 , January 2015, , Pages 13-19
Abstract
Background: Intensified strategy includes special attention to the symptoms such as cough (more than two weeks), fever (more than three weeks), night sweats (more than three weeks), and weight loss (more than 3 kg per month). If any of the above symptoms was positive, in suspected individuals for TB, ...
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Background: Intensified strategy includes special attention to the symptoms such as cough (more than two weeks), fever (more than three weeks), night sweats (more than three weeks), and weight loss (more than 3 kg per month). If any of the above symptoms was positive, in suspected individuals for TB, more assessment should be done. The aim of this study was to compare between intensified and routine case finding for a better case selection method for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis among HIV-Infected Persons.Methods: The sample size was calculated 237 patients (474 for the two groups). In the current study, the patients were divided randomly into two groups: A) intensified case finding group and B) routine case finding group. Considering the sputum culture as the gold standard, we calculated the sensitivity and specificity, Positive predictive value (PPV), Negative predictive value (NPV) for fever, weight loss, coughing more than two week, night sweats, and PPD test.Result: A total of eight positive cases of tuberculosis were detected in the intensified while four were found in the routine case finding group. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for cough in diagnosis of TB were 25%, 87%, 6%, and 97%, respectively. For weight loss, they were 62.5%, 83%, 10.8%, and 98.5% respectively while these amounts were, 7%, 85%, 97.6, 37.5 for night sweats. For fever, they were, 25%, 92.9%, 10.5%, and 97% respectively, and for PPD they were 87.5%, 40%, 4.6%, and 98.9%, respectively.Conclusion: Key symptom screening, such as cough, fever, weight loss and night sweats, has an important role in detecting TB among HIV-infected patients.
Mahsa Moazen; Samane Rahmdel; Seyedeh Maryam Abdollahzadeh; Maryam Ranjbar Zahedani; Seyed Mohammad Mazloomi
Volume 2, Issue 2 , April 2014, , Pages 49-53
Abstract
Background: Although enteral feeding solutions are used to reduce the morbidity and mortality in many malnourished and hospitalized patients, microbial contamination of these products may lead to severe infections, especially in immune suppressed ones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological ...
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Background: Although enteral feeding solutions are used to reduce the morbidity and mortality in many malnourished and hospitalized patients, microbial contamination of these products may lead to severe infections, especially in immune suppressed ones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of commercial enteral feedings in two hospital settings in Shiraz. Methods: Twenty commercial enteral feedings were collected immediately after preparation and then homogenized and serially diluted on the same day. MPN methods were used to evaluate the total viable count and Escherichia coli count. They were also tested for total coliform (pour plate method) and the presence of coagulase positive staphylococci. The results were compared with standard limits. Results: All samples had a total viable count lower than 104 colony forming units (CFU) per g (the maximum recommended level of FDA standard).For all enteral feedings, coliform counts were not detectable (<10 CFU/g).Escherichia coli counts were also lower than those of Brazilian legislation (<3 CFU/g). Coagulase positive staphylococci were recovered just from one sample (5%). Conclusion: Freshly prepared commercial enteral feeding samples h ad a cceptable m icrobial q uality. S uch p roducts are considered to be more acceptable than hospital prepared ones. However, further steps involved in the preparation and administration of commercial feedings can be sources of microbial contamination. Thus implementation of hygienic practices and monitoring procedures during preparation and administration can be suggested.
Parisa Neghab; Mryam Bakhtiar; Ali Golkari
Volume 5, Issue 2 , April 2017, , Pages 51-58
Abstract
Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status of parents and their knowledge, attitude and tendency toward different forms of fluoride therapy for their 7-9 year-old primary school children in Shiraz.Methods: A total of 444 subjects were selected ...
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Background: The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status of parents and their knowledge, attitude and tendency toward different forms of fluoride therapy for their 7-9 year-old primary school children in Shiraz.Methods: A total of 444 subjects were selected through multi-stage random sampling. The subjects were parents of 7-9 year old boys and girls attending primary schools in 4 districts in Shiraz. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire containing a number of questions regarding their knowledge, attitudes and tendency toward fluoride therapy for their children.Results: The mean scores for parental knowledge, tendency and attitude toward fluoride therapy for their children were 8.05 ± 2.46, 3.38 ± 1.73 and 54.66 ± 5.89, respectively. As to the parental knowledge, 25.23% and 72.52% of the subjects had either poor or average knowledge, respectively. Similarly, about 32% and 39.6% of the parents had a poor or average tendency toward fluoride therapy and 42.57% and 57.43% of them held a strong or mild positive attitude toward it, respectively.Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that the majority of parents did not have sufficient knowledge about different types of fluoride therapy and their caries-preventive effect. They lacked a positive attitude and a strong tendency to practice fluoride therapy for their children. There was a significant association between socioeconomic status of parents and their knowledge, attitude and tendency toward fluoride therapy for their children.
Abooalfazl Azhdarpoor; Roya Nikmanesh; Mohammad Reza Samaei
Volume 3, Issue 2 , April 2015, , Pages 56-63
Abstract
Background: Contamination of water with arsenic has attracted the researchers’ attention as a global problem in recent years and has been observed in some parts of Iran. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of welding iron waste in removing arsenic from aqueous solutions. Methods: ...
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Background: Contamination of water with arsenic has attracted the researchers’ attention as a global problem in recent years and has been observed in some parts of Iran. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficiency of welding iron waste in removing arsenic from aqueous solutions. Methods: In this study, the effects of different parameters, such as pH (3-9), initial concentration of arsenic (100-3000 μg/l), contact time (5-90min) and adsorbent dose (2.5-20 g/l), were studied. The final concentrations of arsenic were analyzed by atomic absorption. Results: The results indicated that at pH=3 and fixed dose of 1 g, arsenic removal efficiency of iron waste was 89.73%. By increasing the pH to 7, the removal efficiency increased to 96.44%. Also, an increase in the amount of iron waste from 2.5 to 10g/l, the removal rate increased from about 42.37% to 96.70%. For contact times of 5 and 30 minutes, the removal rate was 9% and 96.62%, respectively. Then, with increasing the contact time to 90 minutes, the removal rate increased to 99.24%. Correlation coefficient of Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms for As(III) was 0.7593 and 0.9979, respectively . Conclusion: The results of the study showed that welding iron waste has a high potential as an effective, fast and cheap method for removal of arsenate and arsenite from aqueous solutions.
Hassan Hashemi; Abbas Khodabakhshi; Bahram Alinia; Fariba Abbasi
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the bioremediation of lead and zinc in contaminated soils by the compost worm Eisenia Fetida. Methods: The initial concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg for zinc and lead respectively as well as 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg for the control group were studied. 30 earthworms were ...
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Background: This study investigated the bioremediation of lead and zinc in contaminated soils by the compost worm Eisenia Fetida. Methods: The initial concentrations of 50 and 100 mg/kg for zinc and lead respectively as well as 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg for the control group were studied. 30 earthworms were used for bioremediation of 500g samples of the polluted soils during 14 and 28 days. Then, Pb and Zn were measured by atomic absorption kit (Varian 240) in the soil and earthworm’s tissue. Results: The mortality rate of earthworms was insignificant statistically, so that it was lower than 20% when exposed to 86 mg/L of lead. Moreover, the removal efficiency of Pb and Zn was higher than 90% in th soil. Initial concentration of Pb and Zn was 3 and 6 mg/kg and the bioaccumulation was 0.16 and 32 μg/g respectively during 14 days, while they were 0.31 and 59 μg/g at the end of 28 days. The removal efficiency of Pb and Zn was increased as the exposure time and concentration of Pb and Zn in the earthworm bodies increased. Conclusion: As a consequence, the use of earthworms is an appropriate organic and cost-effective method for bioremediation of Pb and Zn significantly. However, the improvement and modification of bioaccumulation in earthworm bodies is an environmental challenge that should be managed.
Alireza Abbasi; Saeed Yosefinejad; Shima Bahrami; Mohamad Hoseini
Abstract
Introduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, and nonirritating poisonous gas, recognized as the silent killer for the 21st century. It is produced during partial combustion of carbon-containing compounds. Improper ventilation and flue installation of vented gas space heaters ...
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Introduction: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, tasteless, colorless, and nonirritating poisonous gas, recognized as the silent killer for the 21st century. It is produced during partial combustion of carbon-containing compounds. Improper ventilation and flue installation of vented gas space heaters cause carbon monoxide gas to penetrate the building, leading to many deaths annually. The catalytic oxidation of CO has received great attention due to its applications in different fields. In this study, alumina foam coated by CuMnOx catalyst was used to remove CO from the vented gas space heaters. Method: This is a full-scale experimental study on the outflow from vented gas space heaters. Alumina foam supported hopcalite (CuMnOx) catalyst was synthesized using a co-precipitation method for CO oxidation from THE vented gas space heaters. The XRD and SEM were used to characterize the synthesized catalyst. The concentration of CO was measured by IMR 1500 combustion gas analyzer. Result: The particle size of the catalyst was in the range of 200-600 nm. XRD showed different crystallizations, and the crystal size was in the range of 20 -120 nm. There was no significant CO removal in the case of using uncoated alumina foam. Results showed CuMnOx catalyst significantly increased the CO removal. The removal efficiencies were 83% and 89% in heating powers of 2300 and 3200 kcal/hr, respectively. The average CO conversation rate was approximately 60.45 µg/gr.min. Conclusion: CuMnOx coated on alumina has a significant effect on CO removal from the vented gas space heaters. The catalyst and outlet gas temperature were the most important factors affecting CO removal.
Farideh Vaziri; Alamtaj Samsami; Zahra Rahimi; Negin Rastgardoost; Narjes Nick
Volume 4, Issue 2 , April 2016, , Pages 64-69
Abstract
Background: Mastalgia is a common problem among women. Severe mastalgia can have a negative impact on sexual, physical and sleep activities and behaviors. Regarding the absence of a study on the prevalence and severity of mastalgia in southern Iran, the current study was conducted. Methods: This is ...
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Background: Mastalgia is a common problem among women. Severe mastalgia can have a negative impact on sexual, physical and sleep activities and behaviors. Regarding the absence of a study on the prevalence and severity of mastalgia in southern Iran, the current study was conducted. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. The participants were women who referred to health centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz. The inclusion criteria were willingness to participate in the study, not being pregnant and breastfeed. The severity of breast pain was calculated with visual analog scale. The data of 845 questionnaires were analyzed with SPSS software. Results: The participants’ age ranged from 15-50 years; the mean age was 32.84±9.49 years. Among 845 participants, 33% (279) of them had experienced mastalgia in the past three months. Among those who had experienced mastalgia, 81% (226) had cyclical mastalgai and 19% (53) had non-cyclical mastalgia. The mean of pain score was 4.32±2.38 and 12.9% of the participants (36) had pain scores of 8 to 10. The impact of mastalgia on daily and sexual activities and sleep behaviors was reported 9.31% (26), 12.66% (29) and 13.97% (36), respectively. Conclusion: Results of this study showed that the spread of mastalgia in women referred to health centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences is lower than that reported in western studies and has lesser effects on their daily, sexual and sleep activities and behaviors. We suggest further studies about mastalgia in others locations in Iran.
Mohammadreza Heydari; Nader Parsa; Rahim Davani
Volume 1, Issue 2 , October 2013, , Pages 67-76
Abstract
Background: Trihalomethanes are toxic and dangerous substances that are formed in the presence of organic materials when water is chlorinated for disinfection. The Iranian National Standard, World Health Organization, European Union, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and International Agency for Research ...
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Background: Trihalomethanes are toxic and dangerous substances that are formed in the presence of organic materials when water is chlorinated for disinfection. The Iranian National Standard, World Health Organization, European Union, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and International Agency for Research in Cancer standards have established a Maximum Contaminant Level for Trihalomethanes for the quality of consumable water. The aim of this study was to determine if the trihalomethanes level in the water of Fars province swimming pools comply with these recommendations.Methods: The laboratory study design was conducted by utilizing spectrophotometer Hack DR5000 VIS-UV equipment for evaluating trihalomethanes concentrations, digital photometer Palin-test for measuring chlorine and pH to process different samples collected from 43 indoor and outdoor swimming pools in Fars Province, Iran. The dependent variable was trihalomethanes and chlorine compounds were independent variables. Precise laboratory experimental methods and appropriate statistical analysis were conducted using SPSS.Results: Mean concentration of trihalomethanes was found to be 242.1μg/l, ranging from 0 to 990μg/l for 43 public swimming pools in Fars province. Association of trihalomethanes and chlorine components with analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was highly significant (P<0.0001).Conclusion: Study results showed that there were strong associations between chlorine compounds and trihalomethanes concentrations. The mean trihalomethanes was 1.2-times (241.2μg/l VS. 200.0μg/l) higher than the national and 3-folds (241.2μg/l VS. 80.0μg/l) higher than the worldwide standards. Therefore, based upon standard recommendations, this conclusion could pose a hazard to public health.
Asma Kazemi; Zahra Hassanzadeh Rostami; Masoumeh Akhlaghi
Volume 2, Issue 3 , July 2014, , Pages 93-98
Abstract
Background: The association between snacking patterns, sleep hours, and physical activity with growth status and appetite of preschool children was investigated.Methods: Sixty three children aged 3-7 years with low appetite and weight for age ratio below the 25th percentile were enrolled from those referring ...
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Background: The association between snacking patterns, sleep hours, and physical activity with growth status and appetite of preschool children was investigated.Methods: Sixty three children aged 3-7 years with low appetite and weight for age ratio below the 25th percentile were enrolled from those referring to Nader Kazemi Polyclinic in Shiraz. Information regarding the parents’ education, sleep hours, physical activity, appetite, and snacking patterns was obtained by interview. Height and weight were measured and energy intake was estimated by 2-day food recall. Appetite was rated on a 5-point scale based on the maternal report.Results: Mother’s education, the number of children in the household, and physical activity were not associated with either growth failure, energy intake, or appetite, but the fathers’ education more than Diploma was associated with higher energy intake in children (P=0.015). Children who slept <11 hours a day had higher energy intake (P=0.026) but worse weight status (P=0.015). Children who always ate snacks close to the main meals had significantly higher energy intake but more severe growth failure. High consumption of fruit drinks, cakes, and potato chips was associated with exacerbated growth faltering whereas nuts consumption was related to better height status. None of the evaluated parameters was associated with children’s appetite.Conclusion: Overall, the results suggest the importance of sufficient sleep, limited consumption of snacks, and the type and time of snack consumption in growth of children with poor appetite. Nutritious snacks such as nuts may be more beneficial than nutrient-poor snacks for growth of children.
narges shamsedini; Mohammad Ali Baghapour; Mansooreh Dehghani; Simin Nasseri
Volume 3, Issue 3 , July 2015, , Pages 94-100
Abstract
Background: Atrazine is one of the most widely used triazine herbicides which has been used for controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds for many years. Its widespread use in water has caused environmental concern because of frequent detection of atrazine in aquatic systems where this herbicide has been ...
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Background: Atrazine is one of the most widely used triazine herbicides which has been used for controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds for many years. Its widespread use in water has caused environmental concern because of frequent detection of atrazine in aquatic systems where this herbicide has been spilled. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the herbicide removal efficiency at the optimal conditions. Methods: The effect of different parameters including pH at three different levels (3-11), the initial concentration of atrazine at three different levels (0.1-10 mg/L), and reaction time at five different levels (0-120 min) on the removal of atrazine in the aqueous phase using ultraviolet radiation (1020 μw/cm2) was investigated. Finally, the data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: The results demonstrated that atrazine removal rate increased by increasing pH, initial atrazine concentration, and reaction time. The maximum rate of atrazine removal (99.2%) at optimal condition occurred in pH=11, atrazine concentration=10 mg/L at 30 min. Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be concluded that the UV-A process is an effective and commodious method for reducing atrazine in polluted water resources.
Hamed Delam; Safoura Izanloo; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan; Ahmadreza Eidi
Abstract
Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common female genital cancers. It accounts for about half of the one million new cases and one-quarter of all cancer deaths in women. The present study was designed to comprehensively identify the risk factors of cervical cancer using the results of similar ...
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Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common female genital cancers. It accounts for about half of the one million new cases and one-quarter of all cancer deaths in women. The present study was designed to comprehensively identify the risk factors of cervical cancer using the results of similar studies. Methods: The present study was an epidemiological review study. Searches related to the epidemiology and risk factors of cervical cancer between April 2020 and May 2020 were conducted by two researchers at four Latin scientific databases (Google Scholar, PubMed / Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science). The two researchers examined the extracted articles and included articles that referred to the epidemiology and risk factors of cervical cancer. Results: The most important risk factors for cervical cancer included human papillomavirus, viral, fungal and bacterial infections, sexual behavior, smoking, pregnancy and childbirth, and other factors (family history and menopause earlier than 45 years). Conclusion: It is recommended that health issues should be considered, especially during sexual intercourse, HPV screening in women, as well as periodic examinations for women.
Mohammad Ali Baghapour; Zohre Moeini; Yousef Kamali; Mohammad reza Shooshtarian; Mohammad Reza Zare
Volume 5, Issue 3 , July 2017, , Pages 107-115
Abstract
Background: Monitoring the water quality and analyzing its changes over time is an important aspect of sustainable management and development of water resources. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the trend of temporal variations in the quality of drinking water supplied from groundwater ...
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Background: Monitoring the water quality and analyzing its changes over time is an important aspect of sustainable management and development of water resources. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the trend of temporal variations in the quality of drinking water supplied from groundwater sources in Shiraz, using IRWQI (Iran Water Quality Index) as well as statistical analysis.Methodology: This study was conducted on groundwater resources in Shiraz, Iran from 2011 to 2015. 10 water quality parameters were used in this index including NO3, Fecal Coliform, EC, TH, SAR, BOD5, PO4, COD, pH, and DO, with their own weights. Repeated measure test was used in order to analyze the differences between IRWQI values between the study years.Results: The results showed that IRWQI varied between 89/96 (very good quality) and 49/51 (average quality) in the study years. The main causes of water quality decline were average to relatively high levels of hardness and nitrate. The general pattern of the changes in water quality has been accompanied by an increase and decrease, so that the water quality has improved from 2011 to 2013 but then declined until the end of the study.Conclusion: Regarding the necessity of clarifying the water quality condition and its changes and the importance of using IRWQI as an emerging national indicator, water quality analysis in different parts of the country, taking advantage of this indicator and statistical analyses will help the country promote and accelerate the integrated management of water resources quality.
Mohammad Khammarnia; Zahra Amani; Mahsa Hajmohammadi; Alireza Ansari-Moghadam; Marzieh Eslahi
Volume 4, Issue 3 , July 2016, , Pages 111-114
Abstract
Background: Girls are one of the high risk groups for iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation program is a preventive strategy for female students in high schools in Iran. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of iron supplements consumption among high school students in the southeast of Iran. Methods: ...
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Background: Girls are one of the high risk groups for iron deficiency anemia. Iron supplementation program is a preventive strategy for female students in high schools in Iran. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of iron supplements consumption among high school students in the southeast of Iran. Methods: A quantitative study was conducted in Zahedan (the capital of Sistan and Balochestan province) in the southeast of Iran in 2015. The sample size was 400 high school students from different areas of Zahedan who were randomly selected. A standard questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software through descriptive statistics, one way ANOVA and Chi-square. Results: In total, 68.2% of the students did not administer any tablets whether regularly or irregularly during the past 16 weeks. About 41 third grade students did not take any tablets in 16 weeks. There were a statistically significant correlation between lack of taking tablet and their grade point average of the last year (P=0.003, F=1.078); also, it had a significant association with school grade of students (P=0.009). Conclusion: Most of the students did not use iron supplementation in Zahedan high schools. Measures should be taken to increase the culture of consuming iron tablets by providing appropriate environmental conditions; it seems that iron supplementation programs will have positive impacts on the students.
Mohammad Hassan Eftekhari; Maryam Ranjbar Zahedani; Atefeh Kohansal
Abstract
Background: Normal Body Mass Index (BMI) = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and high Body Fat (BF), have been defined as Normal Weigh Obesity (NWO), which can increase the risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to determine the association between NWO and MetS indicators, ...
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Background: Normal Body Mass Index (BMI) = 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 and high Body Fat (BF), have been defined as Normal Weigh Obesity (NWO), which can increase the risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to determine the association between NWO and MetS indicators, Insulin Resistance (IR), and inflammatory and oxidative stress indices in NW obese compared to normal weight women referring to Imam Reza medical center, Shiraz, Iran. Methods: In this case-control study, 41 healthy NW obese Iranian women were recruited and compared to 45 healthy non-obese control subjects. Anthropometric features, body composition, blood pressure, inflammation and oxidative stress indices, fasting insulin, lipid profile, and blood sugar were measured. IR was also assessed by means of special formulas. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the NWO and the control group regarding anthropometric measurements and body composition, including waist (p=0.008) and hip (p<0.001) circumferences, BF (p<0.001), skeletal muscle (p=0.03), protein(p=0.04), body cell mass(p=0.02), bone mass content(p=0.04), and arm circumference(p<0.001). All subjects had normal systolic and diastolic blood pressures. However, the NWO group showed significantly higher serum concentrations of triglycerides (p=0.02), total cholesterol(p=0.02), and C-reactive protein (p<0.001). On the other hand, the results of McAuley test indicated significantly lower insulin sensitivity in the NWO group (p=0.03). Besides, serum MDA concentration did not have a marked differences in both study groups. Conclusion:
Hamed Delam; Esmaeil Kavi; Mohammad-Rafi Bazrafshan
Abstract
Background: Since the elderly are more susceptible to cognitive impairment than other age groups, this study aimed to investigate the assessment of cognitive status of the elderly living in nursing homes in Larestan city and the relationship between cognitive status of the elderly people ...
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Background: Since the elderly are more susceptible to cognitive impairment than other age groups, this study aimed to investigate the assessment of cognitive status of the elderly living in nursing homes in Larestan city and the relationship between cognitive status of the elderly people and some demographic variables. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study conducted on all the elderly living in a nursing home in Larestan city. Sampling was done by census method and 54 elderly people were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Demographic characteristics questionnaire was used to assess general information of the elderly, and standard mini mental state examination questionnaire was used to assess the elderly people’s cognitive status. Results: The mean age of the males was 69.44± 5.83 years with a range of 60-78. Mean and standard deviation of cognitive status were 25.28 ± 2.15 for males and 24.82 ± 2.54 for females, respectively. Also, 5 (9.30%) had moderate cognitive impairment, 24 (44.40%) had moderate cognitive impairment and 25 (46.30%) had normal cognitive status. There was a significant relationship between marital status and cognitive status in the elderly (p value = 0.012). The mean cognitive status of the married and single elderly was 24.10 ± 2.51 and 25.54 ± 2.13, respectively. Conclusion: Cognitive disorders are more prevalent among the elderly married couples, which can improve the adverse effects of these cognitive disorders by strengthening family relationships and caring.