Short research paper : academic optimism and organizational citizenship behaviour amongst secondary school teachers

Academic optimism and organizational citizenship behaviour amongst secondary school teacherspeer-reviewe

Prevalence of Allergic diseases in Mayan Population of Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: a cross-sectional pilot study

Background This cross-sectional pilot study aimed to assess the prevalence of allergic symptoms in the hard-to-reach indigenous population of the Sololá region in Guatemala. Methods A total of 292 participants were enrolled, with an average age of 32 years (ranging from 14 to 77 years old). The study gathered data on symptoms of nasal and skin allergies and background characteristics through a standardized questionnaire, and skin prick tests (SPT) including the allergens, i.e., timothy grass (Phleum pratense), cat (Felis catus), ragweed (Ambrosia), mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), and cockroach (Blattodea) allergens were performed in a subsample (n=91). Results The study revealed that symptoms of nasal and skin allergies were relatively rare, with hay fever (5%), nasal allergies (5%), eczema (8%) and itchy rashes (10%) being the most prevalent allergic diseases. Moreover, the results showed negative SPT for ragweed and house dust mite allergens, with low frequency of SPT positivity observed for timothy grass (8%), cat (2%), and cockroach (1%) allergens. Conclusions The study provides important insights into the prevalence of allergic symptoms and skin prick test positivity in a difficult-to-reach and not previously investigated indigenous population of the Sololá region in Guatemala. It appears the occurrence of allergic symptoms are rare in this population. Furthermore, this pilot study indicates that conducting interviews and SPTs in this population is feasible.M.Phil. in Global Health - ThesisINTH395AMAMD-GLO

Machine learning-based decentralized TDMA for VLC IoT networks

In this paper, a machine learning-based decentralized time division multiple access (TDMA) algorithm for visible light communication (VLC) Internet of Things (IoT) networks is proposed. The proposed algorithm is based on Q-learning, a reinforcement learning algorithm. This paper considers a decentralized condition in which there is no coordinator node for sending synchronization frames and assigning transmission time slots to other nodes. The proposed algorithm uses a decentralized manner for synchronization, and each node uses the Q-learning algorithm to find the optimal transmission time slot for sending data without collisions. The proposed algorithm is implemented on a VLC hardware system, which had been designed and implemented in our laboratory. Average reward, convergence time, goodput, average delay, and data packet size are evaluated parameters. The results show that the proposed algorithm converges quickly and provides collision-free decentralized TDMA for the network. The proposed algorithm is compared with carrier-sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) algorithm as a potential selection for decentralized VLC IoT networks. The results show that the proposed algorithm provides up to 61% more goodput and up to 49% less average delay than CSMA/CA.Comment: This work has been submitted to a journal for possible publication. Copyright may be transferred without notice, after which this version may no longer be accessibl

A model of sustainable development based on performance management of the health system

Background: performance management requires evaluation of the economic, environmental and social situations. The purpose of this study is to present one model of the performance management of the organization in the health system. Methods: This was mix method research. Participants of qualitative phase were experts of universities and health system, which were selected through purposive sampling and snowball method (15 people). The data collection method was semi-structured interview. The statistical population of the qualitative phase was the experts of universities and health system. Cochran's formula was used to determine the sample size and 170 people were selected as a sample by simple random sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire with Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.89. The validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts. Data analysis was performed using Spss and Smart Pls software. Qualitative data analysis was performed through content analysis and coding of interviews and quantitative data analysis was performed using Smart PLS software and factor load coefficient test. Result: 26 categories and 5 political, social, environmental, economic and cultural dimensions and 74 indicators were identified. The criteria of total suitability, coefficients of determination and prediction of structural models and measurements are all acceptable and indicated the approval of the model. Conclusion: Paying attention to all the identified dimensions of sustainable development, in addition to the social dimension in the performance management of universities and health system, makes it possible to achieve the goals of sustainable development

Design and Production of a Multiepitope Construct Derived From Hepatitis E Virus Capsid Protein

The aim of this study was to design a high density multiepitope protein, which can be a promising multiepitope vaccine candidate against Hepatitis E virus (HEV). Initially, conserved and antigenic helper T-lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes in the HEV capsid protein were predicted by in silico analysis. Subsequently, a multiepitope comprising four HTL epitopes with high-affinity binding to the HLA molecules was designed, and repeated four times as high density multiepitope construct. This construct was synthesized and cloned into pET-30a (þ) vector. Then, it was transformed and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 cells. The high density multiepitope protein was purified by Ni-NTA agarose and concentrated using Amicon filters. Finally, the immunological properties of this high density multiepitope protein were evaluated in vitro. The results showed that the high density multiepitope construct was successfully expressed and purified. SDSPAGE and Western blot analyses showed the presence of a high density multiepitope protein band of approximately 33 kDa. Approximately 1mg of the purified protein was obtained from each liter of the culture media. Moreover, the purified multiepitope protein was capable of induction of proliferation responses, IFN-g ELISPOT responses and IFN-g and IL-12 cytokines production in a significant level in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from HEV-recovered individuals compared to the control group. In conclusion, the newly produced multiepitope protein can induce significant T helper type 1 responses in vitro, and can be considered as a novel strategy for the development of HEV vaccines in the future. J. Med. Virol

Effect of hyoscine-N-butyl bromide rectal suppository on labor progress in primigravid women: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial

Aim To determine the effects of hyoscine-N-butyl bromide (HBB) rectal suppository on labor progress in primigravid women. Methods A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 130 primigravid women admitted for spontaneous labor. The women were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomized into the experimental (n = 65) and control group (n = 65). In the beginning of the active phase of labor, 20 mg of HBB rectal suppository was administered to the experimental group, while a placebo suppository was administered to the control group. Cervical dilatation and duration of active phase and second stage of labor were recorded. Results The rate of cervical dilatation was 2.6 cm/h in the experimental and 1.5 cm/h in the control group (P < 0.001). The active phase and the second stage of labor were significantly shorter in the experimental group (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the fetal heart rate, maternal pulse rate, blood pressure, and the APGAR score 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Conclusion Use of HBB rectal suppository in the active management of labor can shorten both the active phase and second stage of labor without significant side-effects

Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among Adults in South-West of Iran

Background. Knowledge regarding prevalence of HEV in general population can be an indicator of the public health and hygiene. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence ofHEV among adults in South-West of Iran. Methods. Blood samples were taken from510 participants, 206 (40.4%) males and 304 (59.6%) females fromFebruary to July 2014.Detection of anti-HEVIgG and IgM antibodies was carried out by ELISA test. Results.The overall anti-HEV IgG and IgMprevalence rates were 46.1% and 1.4%, respectively.Anti-HEVIgG and IgMseropositivitywere not statistically associated with gender and race/ethnicity.Meanwhile, there were significant differences between the age groups regarding HEV IgG and IgMseropositivity. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased with age from 14.3% in subjects aged 18–30 years to 71.4%in persons over 71 years old, and considerably individuals aged 61 to 70 years had the highest HEV prevalence (90.9%). Also, 5.7% in the age group 18–30 years and 2.2% in the age group 31–40 years were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies and the highest rate was observed in subjects aged 18–30 years. Conclusion. In conclusion, high HEV IgG seroprevalence of 46.1% was observed among adults in South-West of Iran

Numerical Investigation of the Phase Evolution in Polymer Blends under External Mechanical Loadings

The influences on the development of polymer blend microstructures are not yet fully understood in the manufacturing processes. The purpose of this paper is to give a closer look at the effect of the elastic energy on the decomposition process. The decomposition process of a melt consisting of two polymers with different shear moduli is investigated. Due to the resulting heterogeneous material behavior and deformations, the generated energy field is heterogeneous as well. This energy causes changes in the local stability of the mixture, which yields phases consisting of both the polymers. Additionally, possible large deformations result in dominating diffusion directions

Relationship between Sports Aggression and Sports Mindfulness with Sports Self-efficacy in Male Athletes; the Mediating Role of Family Cohesion

Introduction: Self-efficacy is a construct that can greatly influence sports development. Individuals with a high self-efficacy level are more likely to set tougher goals and work harder to achieve them. We aimed to investigate the relationship between sports aggression and sports mindfulness with sports self-efficacy in male athletes through the mediating role of family cohesion. Material and Methods: The statistical population of this descriptive-correlational study covered all male athletes who are members of the youth and adult male football teams in Masjed Soleyman (Iran) in 2021. The 258 athletes were selected using convenience sampling. The research tools included the Sports Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire, the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport, and the Family Cohesion Questionnaire. The proposed model was evaluated using path analysis and indirect correlations were tested with bootstrapping. Results: The results suggested that all direct paths to sport self-efficacy were significant except sports mindfulness (P&lt;0.01), and indirect paths to sports self-efficacy became significant through family cohesion (P&lt;0.01). Conclusion: The proposed model had a good fit, and was a major step toward recognizing the factors affecting sports self-efficacy in male athletes, and can help in designing programs to reduce their experienced tension and improve their sports self-efficacy

A system dynamics model to determine products mix

This paper presents an implementation of system dynamics model to determine appropriate product mix by considering various factors such as labor, materials, overhead, etc. for an Iranian producer of cosmetic and sanitary products. The proposed model of this paper considers three hypotheses including the relationship between product mix and profitability, optimum production capacity and having minimum amount of storage to take advantage of low cost production. The implementation of system dynamics on VENSIM software package has confirmed all three hypotheses of the survey and suggested that in order to reach better mix product, it is necessary to reach optimum production planning, take advantage of all available production capacities and use inventory management techniques