The effect of some technological production variables on mechanical and physical properties of particleboard manufactured from cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) stalks

The current study aims to improve properties of particleboard manufactured from cotton (Gossium hirsutum) stalks glued with urea formaldehyde. To this aim, panel density (at three levels: 0,5; 0,65 and 0,8 g/cm3), press temperature (at two levels: 150 and 180 °C) and press closing speed (at two levels: 4 and 8mm/s) were selected as independent variables. The mechanical properties consist of modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding and physical behaviors such as water absorption and thickness swelling of panels were determined. Results showed that with increasing the density of panels and press temperature modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding of panels increased, while bending strengths of panels were differently affected by press closing speedcompared to the internal bonding, so that with increasing the press closing speed modulus of rupture increased, but internal bonding decreased. Moreover, increasing panel density and press temperature, water absorption and thickness swelling of panels decreased. The press closing speed affected the waterabsorption and thickness swelling, insignificantly

The effect of some technological production variables on mechanical and physical properties of particleboard manufactured from cotton ("Gossypium hirsutum") stalks

The current study aims to improve properties of particleboard manufactured from cotton (Gossium hirsutum) stalks glued with urea formaldehyde. To this aim, panel density (at three levels: 0,5; 0,65 and 0,8 g/cm3), press temperature (at two levels: 150 and 180 °C) and press closing speed (at two levels: 4 and 8mm/s) were selected as independent variables. The mechanical properties consist of modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding and physical behaviors such as water absorption and thickness swelling of panels were determined. Results showed that with increasing the density of panels and press temperature modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and internal bonding of panels increased, while bending strengths of panels were differently affected by press closing speedcompared to the internal bonding, so that with increasing the press closing speed modulus of rupture increased, but internal bonding decreased. Moreover, increasing panel density and press temperature, water absorption and thickness swelling of panels decreased. The press closing speed affected the waterabsorption and thickness swelling, insignificantly

To determination the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior intended Natural Childbirth in pregnant women in Birjand

Background and Aim: Given the increasing rate of cesarean sections in Iran as a major health problem and its effects on maternal mortality, this study aimed to assess the predictive power of the theory of planned behavior on the intended natural childbirth in pregnant women of Birjand city. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 195 pregnant women at 20 to 24 gestation weeks in Birjand in 2015 were incorporated via convenience sampling method. Grab tool standardized questionnaire was consistent with the structure theory of planned behavior. The reliability using Cronbach's alpha as for questions of awareness and attitude, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms were 0.71, 0.71, 0.87, and 0.87 respectively. The data were analyzed in SPSS [V. 16]. To determine the correlation between constructs, Pearson correlation coefficient was used. To determine the share of each of the constructs, regression analysis was used. The significance level was considered as P<0.05. Results: The average age of pregnant women participating in the study was 26.07&plusmn;5.4 years. A significant positive correlation was observed between all variables of the model of planned behavior (P <0.05). The results indicate that the constructs of the theory of planned behavior can predict the intention with a 0.53 variance. Subjective norm constructs (P< 0.05 and &beta;=0.415) and perceived behavioral control (P <0.05 and &beta;=0.342) were respectively the best predictors of intent to childbirth. Conclusion: Theory of planned behavior can predict a woman's childbirth plan. &nbsp

The Frequency of Breast Cancer Among Women Referred to Hospitals for Biopsy in Birjand, Iran During 2011-2013

Background: This study aims to demonstrate the frequency of malignant breast cancer (BC) according to pathologic findings in Birjand during 2011-2013 years. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, the sample consisted of pathologic records from 229 breast biopsies of two hospitals in Birjand. Results: Most of the biopsies in women were malignant cases which nearly 90% of them were detected after lymph node involvement. The mean age of women with malignant BC was 48.8 years. Conclusions: A notable proportion of our cases were diagnosed in metastatic stages as advanced BC. It further highlights the importance of screening and diagnosis at earlier stages.