Developing a Questionnaire for Iranian Women's Attitude on Medical Ethics in Vaginal Childbirth

Background: Vaginal delivery is one of the challenging issues in medical ethics. It is important to use an appropriate instrument to assess medical ethics attitudes in normal delivery, but the lack of tool for this purpose is clear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a questionnaire for the assessment of women’s attitude on medical ethics application in normal vaginal delivery. Patients and Methods: This methodological study was carried out in Iran in 2013 - 2014. Medical ethics attitude in vaginal delivery questionnaire (MEAVDQ) was developed using the findings of a qualitative data obtained from a grounded theory research conducted on 20 women who had vaginal childbirth, in the first phase. Then, the validation criteria of this tool were tested by content and face validity in the second phase. Exploratory factor analysis was used for construct validity and reliability was also tested by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in the third phase of this study. SPSS version 13 was used in this study. The sample size for construct validity was 250 females who had normal vaginal childbirth. Results: In the first phase of this study (tool development), by the use of four obtained categories and nine subcategories from grounded theory and literature review, three parts (98-items) of this tool were obtained (A, B and J). Part A explained the first principle of medical ethics, part B pointed to the second and third principles of medical ethics, and part J explained the fourth principle of medical ethics. After evaluating and confirming its face and content validity, 75 items remained in the questionnaire. In construct validity, by the employment of exploratory factor analysis, in parts A, B and J, 3, 7 and 3 factors were formed, respectively; and 62.8%, 64% and 51% of the total variances were explained by the obtained factors in parts A, B and J, respectively. The names of these factors in the three parts were achieved by consideration of the loading factor and medical ethics principles. The subscales of MEAVDQ showed significant reliability. In parts A, B and J, Cronbach’s alpha coefficients were 0.76, 0.72 and 0.68, respectively and for the total questionnaire, it was 0.72. The results of the test–retest were satisfactory for all the items (ICC = 0.60 - 0.95). Conclusions: The present study showed that the 59-item MEAVDQ was a valid and reliable questionnaire for the assessment of women’s attitudes toward medical ethics application in vaginal childbirth. This tool might assist specialists in making a judgment and plan appropriate for women in vaginal delivery management

Hexagonal Smoothness-Increasing Accuracy-Conserving Filtering

Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) methods are a popular class of numerical techniques to solve partial differential equations due to their higher order of accuracy. However, the inter-element discontinuity of a DG solution hinders its utility in various applications, including visualization and feature extraction. This shortcoming can be alleviated by postprocessing of DG solutions to increase the inter-element smoothness. A class of postprocessing techniques proposed to increase the inter-element smoothness is SIAC filtering. In addition to increasing the inter-element continuity, SIAC filtering also raises the convergence rate from order k+1k+1 to order 2k+12k+1 . Since the introduction of SIAC filtering for univariate hyperbolic equations by Cockburn et al. (Math Comput 72(242):577–606, 2003), many generalizations of SIAC filtering have been proposed. Recently, the idea of dimensionality reduction through rotation has been the focus of studies in which a univariate SIAC kernel has been used to postprocess a two-dimensional DG solution (Docampo-Sánchez et al. in Multi-dimensional filtering: reducing the dimension through rotation, 2016. arXiv preprint arXiv:1610.02317). However, the scope of theoretical development of multidimensional SIAC filters has never gone beyond the usage of tensor product multidimensional B-splines or the reduction of the filter dimension. In this paper, we define a new SIAC filter called hexagonal SIAC (HSIAC) that uses a nonseparable class of two-dimensional spline functions called hex splines. In addition to relaxing the separability assumption, the proposed HSIAC filter provides more symmetry to its tensor-product counterpart. We prove that the superconvergence property holds for a specific class of structured triangular meshes using HSIAC filtering and provide numerical results to demonstrate and validate our theoretical results

Smoothness-Increasing Accuracy-Conserving (SIAC) filtering and quasi interpolation: A unified view

Filtering plays a crucial role in postprocessing and analyzing data in scientific and engineering applications. Various application-specific filtering schemes have been proposed based on particular design criteria. In this paper, we focus on establishing the theoretical connection between quasi-interpolation and a class of kernels (based on B-splines) that are specifically designed for the postprocessing of the discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method called Smoothness-Increasing Accuracy-Conserving (SIAC) filtering. SIAC filtering, as the name suggests, aims to increase the smoothness of the DG approximation while conserving the inherent accuracy of the DG solution (superconvergence). Superconvergence properties of SIAC filtering has been studied in the literature. In this paper, we present the theoretical results that establish the connection between SIAC filtering to long-standing concepts in approximation theory such as quasi-interpolation and polynomial reproduction. This connection bridges the gap between the two related disciplines and provides a decisive advancement in designing new filters and mathematical analysis of their properties. In particular, we derive a closed formulation for convolution of SIAC kernels with polynomials. We also compare and contrast cardinal spline functions as an example of filters designed for image processing applications with SIAC filters of the same order, and study their properties

Chewing activity, metabolic profile and performance of high- producing dairy cows fed conventional forages, wheat straw or rice straw

In this study, production and physiological responses of high-producing dairy cows fed wheat (WS) or rice (RS) straw, as a partial forage replacement for the conventional forages lucerne hay (LH) and maize silage (MS ), were investigated. The straws were treated under dry alkaline conditions, adjusted pH (pH ~12), and then ensiled. Twelve lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated (n = 4) 3 × 3 Latin square design experiment with three periods of 21 days. Cows were offered one of three diets that differed in their forage sources: 1) 20% LH and 20% MS (control); 2) 12.8% LH, 12.8% MS; and 12.8% WS; and 3) 12.8% LH, 12.8% MS and 12.8% RS. Diet 1 had 60% concentrate, and diets 2 and 3 had 61.6% concentrate. Diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Supplemental buffer (NaHCO3) was omitted from the straw diets. However, straw diets contained greater sodium and dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) compared with the control diet. Cows fed the WS had significantly greater apparent dry matter (DM) (69.7 versus 63.9%) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (55.4 versus 42.4%) digestibility than cows fed the control. Additionally, feeding either WS or RS significantly increased dry matter intake (DMI) (27.5 versus 25.6 kg/d ) and milk production (48.4 versus 45.6 kg/d) compared with control, but milk components were unaffected by treatments. Plasma minerals and metabolites concentrations and ruminal, urinary and faecal pH were similar across treatments. Feeding WS and RS resulted in lower time spent chewing per kg DMI compared with the control ( P = 0.01 ). Although there were no significant differences in performance between WS and RS, nutrient digestibility (DM, OM, and CP) was significantly higher while total chewing was lower for the WS diet than the RS diet. Partial inclusion of dry treated straw in lactating diets (12.8% DM basis) led to increases in sodium and DCAD levels and improved digestibility, DMI and milk yield without negative effects. Keywords: Cation and anion difference, cereal straw dietary sodium, lactating [email protected]

Effects of hydrological events on morphological evolution of a fluvial system.

This study quantifies morphological evolution of the Dez River, Iran, from 1955 to 2016. The approach uses a sequence of Landsat images, aerial photos, and topographic maps. In addition, the hydrological data including average daily discharge and yearly maximum discharge at the Dezful hydrological station for the period (1955-2016) were used. The study reach was divided into 48 meander loops from upstream to downstream. Active channel width (w) was determined at 10 m intervals and changes assessed along the study reach of the Dez River. Morphological indices including sinuosity index; straight meander length; centerline flow length; erosion area; erodible length channel migration; centerline elongation; and radius of curvature were calculated in the reach. Results showed that the study reach of the Dez River changed dramatically in response to major floods, although the general trend is towards a narrowing of active channel width by 38% in the period 1955-2016. Results show that most of the meander loops in the study area extended and expanded. Between 1989 and 1995, all types of meander change were observed. There was a direct correlation between the frequency of hydrological events (flood days) bigger than 2-years return period and elongation of bends

Herbal medicine IMOD suppresses LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines in human dendritic cells

Traditional medicines that stimulate or modulate the immune system can be used as innovative approaches to treat immunological diseases. The herbal medicine IMOD has been shown to strongly modulate immune responses in several animal studies as well as in clinical trials. However, little is known about the mechanisms of IMOD to modulate immunity. Here we have investigated whether IMOD modulates the immunological function of human dendritic cells (DCs). IMOD alone did not induce DC maturation nor production of cytokines. Notably, IMOD decreased the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-12 p70 and TNFα by LPS-activated DCs at both mRNA and protein levels in a dose dependent manner. In contrast, treatment with IMOD did not affect LPS induced-production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Furthermore, IMOD inhibited T cell activation/proliferation by LPS-treated DCs and skewed T-cells responses towards the T helper type 2 polarization. These data strongly indicate that IMOD has a potent immunomodulatory ability that affects TLR signaling and thereby modulates DC function. Insight into the immunomodulatory effect of herbal medicine IMOD may provide innovative strategies to affect the immune system and to help combat various disease

The Effect of Foliar Application of Silicon, Calcium, and Potassium Fertilizers on Yield and Some of the Agronomic and Physicomechanical Traits of Hordeum Vulgare

IntroductionFood security is one of the basic needs of any society. Studies have been conducted on the foliar application of elements, especially silicon, calcium, and potassium, to reduce the adverse environmental effects on the physico-mechanical properties of cereals and improve their growth and development in order to maintain food security. Lodging, which is caused by a decrease in the mechanical properties of the plant stem's flexural strength, is characterized by bending or fracture that changes the angle of the grain stem from the vertical position. Due to the important factors involved, an important aspect of performance is directly and indirectly related to the occurrence of fungal diseases and nutrient-related issues affecting the physico-mechanical properties of the plant, such as flexural strength. The efficacy of silicon, calcium, and potassium in addressing these concerns is notable.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahroud University of Technology, located in Bastam. The seeds of the Reyhan cultivar, a high-yielding and early spring-type barley plant suitable for regions with mild winters and short springs, were used in this study. Planting operations followed agricultural principles, and irrigation was carried out using atmospheric and ridge methods. The first irrigation took place after planting, and subsequent irrigations were performed at eight-day intervals. Harvesting was done manually at the end of the growing period, specifically 115 days after planting.The experiment followed a factorial design and utilized a randomized complete block design with three replications. On July 11 (115 days after planting), a harvest sample measuring 50 cm2 was taken from each experimental plot, accounting for the margins, to determine the yield.For the barley stem bending test, a three-point bending test was conducted using a material testing machine. The probe applied a loading speed of 5 mm.min-1. A specially designed jaw was used for the barley stem cutting test, taking into consideration the characteristics of the barley plant. The incision test was performed on the second median, and the loading speed was set at 20 mm.min-1.Results and DiscussionThe main axial stem serves as a storage organ, supporting the filling grains through stock re-transference. A desirable trait is having a higher dry weight in the stem. Among the treatments, foliar application of 6 mM calcium chloride, along with sodium silicate at all three levels and spraying with 12 mM silicon at concentrations of 150 and 300 mg.L-1, showed statistically superior results.Stem diameter is an important attribute related to plant strength, stability, resistance to lodging, and certain fungal diseases. The control plants had a stem diameter of 2.63 mm, which significantly improved with the treatment compounds. Barley stem wall thickness increased significantly with both 150 and 300 mg.L-1 levels of calcium chloride, combined with all three levels of sodium silicate spraying. These factors play a role in determining the ultimate photosynthetic destination, as well as the efficiency and economic production of the target seed cultivar or crop.The results indicated a significant increase in grain yield when simultaneously applying 10 mg.kg-1 silicon with 6 mM calcium chloride, showing a 65% improvement compared to the control. Treatment with three potassium sulfate variations, combined with either 6 or 12 mM calcium chloride, or 12 mM calcium chloride alone, enhanced the flexural strength of the stem by 75%, 60%, and 62%, respectively. Among the treatment compounds studied, the shear strength of barley stems ranged from 2.63 MPa to 5.43 MPa. Plants treated with sodium silicate at concentrations of both 150 and 30 ml.L-1, in conjunction with 6 mM calcium chloride foliar application, exhibited higher shear strength compared to other treatments.ConclusionThis study demonstrated the tripartite effect of the treatments. The treatment composition derived from a surface area of 300 ml.L-1 of sodium, combined with 6 and 12 mM calcium chloride without potassium sulfate, had the greatest impact on flexural strength and stem diameter

One-Sided Position-Dependent Smoothness-Increasing Accuracy-Conserving (SIAC) Filtering Over Uniform and Non-Uniform Meshes

In this paper, we introduce a new position-dependent Smoothness-Increasing Accuracy-Conserving (SIAC) filter that retains the benefits of position dependence while ameliorating some of its shortcomings. As in the previous position-dependent filter, our new filter can be applied near domain boundaries, near a discontinuity in the solution, or at the interface of different mesh sizes; and as before, in general, it numerically enhances the accuracy and increases the smoothness of approximations obtained using the discontinuous Galerkin (dG) method. However, the previously proposed position-dependent one-sided filter had two significant disadvantages: (1) increased computational cost (in terms of function evaluations), brought about by the use of $4k+1$ central B-splines near a boundary (leading to increased kernel support) and (2) increased numerical conditioning issues that necessitated the use of quadruple precision for polynomial degrees of $k\ge 3$ for the reported accuracy benefits to be realizable numerically. Our new filter addresses both of these issues --- maintaining the same support size and with similar function evaluation characteristicsas the symmetric filter in a way that has better numerical conditioning --- making it, unlike its predecessor, amenable for GPU computing. Our new filter was conceived by revisiting the original error analysis for superconvergence of SIAC filters and by examining the role of the B-splines and their weights in the SIAC filtering kernel. We demonstrate, in the uniform mesh case, that our new filter is globally superconvergent for $k=1$ and superconvergent in the interior (e.g., region excluding the boundary) for $k\ge2$. Furthermore, we present the first theoretical proof of superconvergence for postprocessing over smoothly varying meshes, and explain the accuracy-order conserving nature of this new filter when applied to certain non-uniform meshes cases. We provide numerical examples supporting our theoretical results and demonstrating that our new filter, in general, enhances the smoothness and accuracy of the solution. Numerical results are presented for solutions of both linear and nonlinear equation solved on both uniform and non-uniform one- and two-dimensional meshes

Finite quantum tomography via semidefinite programming

Using the the convex semidefinite programming method and superoperator formalism we obtain the finite quantum tomography of some mixed quantum states such as: qudit tomography, N-qubit tomography, phase tomography and coherent spin state tomography, where that obtained results are in agreement with those of References \cite{schack,Pegg,Barnett,Buzek,Weigert}.Comment: 25 page