Segmentation of life insurance customers based on their profile using fuzzy clustering

In the current competitive environment, companies will be able to adjust business strategies, they use market segmentation based on practical ways rather than using traditional approaches or incomplete and impractical mass marketing. In recent years, mining has gained attention and popularity in the business world. The goal of data mining projects is to convert the raw data into useful information. Clustering can also be used to explore differences in attitudes and intentions of the clients. In this study, we used fuzzy clustering on 1071 life insurance customers during March to October 2014. Results show that the optimal number of clusters was 2 which were named as "investment" and "life safety". Some suggestions are presented to improve the performance of the insurance company

Investigation of Dust Chemical Compounds Emitted by Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) with a reuse perspective

In the process of steel production by electric arc furnace (EAF), it is found that 10 to 20 kg of dust was emitted per every ton of produced steel. Concerning the pollution potential of emitted dust and its reuse ability, the present study was aimed to determine the chemical composition of the electric arc furnace dust with a reuse perspective. This study was done in a steel factory equipped with EAF. Local exhaust ventilation system is installed on the furnace and equipped with cyclone and venturi scrubber. To analysis of dust compounds were gathered in a cyclone and those left the system, the samples were taken from the cyclone hopper and exhaust fan outlet. Finally, the samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). According to the results, the trapped dust in the cyclone and scrubber were 226.86 and 44.81 kg/hr, respectively. The results obtained from XRD analysis also showed that about 50% of the dust was formed by Fe2O3. The quotient of other compounds such as CaO, MgO, SiO2, and Zn was more than 30%. Conclusion: the results of this study showed that EAF dust composed of a range of elements with different concentrations. Given the high weight of these compounds, reusing some of these elements can be having a positive impact on health and the economy

Characterization of Odorous Gaseous Emissions from a Rendering Plant by GC-MS and Evaluate the Performance of Existing Refiners

Background: Among the industrial activities that may cause odor nuisance problems, baking waste one is of the sources of bad odor, and therefore individuals complain from the industry. The aim of this study was to evaluation of pollutants released from poultry rendering plant and also performance of existing refiners in removing these pollutants. Methods: In this study, 66 air samples were collected from air pollution sources, environmental and worker's breathing zone using absorbent activated carbon and silica gel at two slaughterhouses in North and West of Iran. The samples were analyzed by GC-MS, and then efficiency of the three refiners condenser, thermal oxidation and water tank had been determined.Results: Overall, 56 chemical pollutants in the slaughterhouse A and 41 chemical pollutants in the slaughterhouse B had been identified. These compounds were  included hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethers, halogenated compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, acids and hormones. Condenser efficiency was 38 to 100%. Thermal oxidation efficiency was 15.41 to 100% and the efficiency of the water tank was 8.93 to 100%.Conclusions: Occupational exposure to pyridine and carbon disulfide, in the slaughterhouse A, and carbon disulfide in the slaughterhouse B, was excessive. The concentrations of toluene, carbon disulfide and pyridine in the slaughterhouse A and concentrations of toluene, carbon disulfide and acetone in a slaughterhouse B was much more than the threshold of smell. Results showed that the combination of condenser and thermal oxidation, could remove large volumes of gases emitted

Characterization of Odorous Gaseous Emissions from a Rendering Plant by GC-MS and Evaluate the Performance of Existing Refiners

Background: Among the industrial activities that may cause odor nuisance problems, baking waste one is of the sources of bad odor, and therefore individuals complain from the industry. The aim of this study was to evaluation of pollutants released from poultry rendering plant and also performance of existing refiners in removing these pollutants. Methods: In this study, 66 air samples were collected from air pollution sources, environmental and worker's breathing zone using absorbent activated carbon and silica gel at two slaughterhouses in North and West of Iran. The samples were analyzed by GC-MS, and then efficiency of the three refiners condenser, thermal oxidation and water tank had been determined.Results: Overall, 56 chemical pollutants in the slaughterhouse A and 41 chemical pollutants in the slaughterhouse B had been identified. These compounds were  included hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, ethers, halogenated compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, acids and hormones. Condenser efficiency was 38 to 100%. Thermal oxidation efficiency was 15.41 to 100% and the efficiency of the water tank was 8.93 to 100%.Conclusions: Occupational exposure to pyridine and carbon disulfide, in the slaughterhouse A, and carbon disulfide in the slaughterhouse B, was excessive. The concentrations of toluene, carbon disulfide and pyridine in the slaughterhouse A and concentrations of toluene, carbon disulfide and acetone in a slaughterhouse B was much more than the threshold of smell. Results showed that the combination of condenser and thermal oxidation, could remove large volumes of gases emitted

Using the Absorptive-Dissipative Silencer in Air Conditioning Systems of an Office Environment in Order to Provide Acoustic Comfort

Air conditioning systems are the main source of background low frequency noise in administrative buildings, restaurants, classrooms, and hotels. There are different ways to reduce the low frequency noise. Silencers are generic tools which are utilized for controlling noise produced by air conditioning systems. Sound assessment and frequency analysis were performed in accordance with standard methods to evaluate the exposure of workers in separate work stations. In the next step, an absorptive- dissipative silencer which its inner side was covered by convoluted acoustical foam was implemented in the ventilation system. The exposure of employees was re-evaluated. Moreover, Preferred Noise Criterion (PNC) and Speech Interference Level (SIL) were two acoustic indices used for assessing the effectiveness of the silencer. Before implementing the silencer, the sound pressure level in the rooms was between 57.8 and 61.1dBA with a peak frequency at 125Hz. The implemented silencer with dimensions of 1.4 ×1×1m, and inlet and outlet area of 0.45×0.45m was able to reduce the sound pressure level of about 13 to 14.2dB. Further, the PNC and the SIL indices were reduced to 14.33 and 15.31dB, respectively. The implemented absorptive- dissipative silencer reduced the sound pressure level of about 13.6dBA. Moreover, PNC and SIL indices are two important indices which can be used for assessing the level of comfort in office buildings

Investigation Sleep Quality and Its Effective Factors in Shahroud Firefighters

Background: Physical and mental health are significantly related to adequate sleep and sleep satisfaction. Sleeping disorder is one of the most severe occupational risks for modern firefighting services. Thus, the current study was conducted to evaluate sleep quality and its effective factors in firefighters‏. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out among all firefighters in Shahroud, Iran, in 2017. All data were collected by a two-part questionnaire containing demographic information and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was completed while interviewing the participants. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: PSQI was obtained as 7.65±2.98, which classified into "Low Quality." Sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbances and day-time dysfunction had a significant relationship with sleep quality (P<0.05). Moreover, the results demonstrated that PSQL score had a strong relationship with age and BMI (F-model= 21.78 and P<0.001 and r=0.701). Conclusions: Results of this study showed that firefighters have not adequate sleep quality. It is suggested to participate young people in missions since their sleep quality was better. Also, weight loss is suggested for overweight people in order to improve their sleep quality‏

Investigation Sleep Quality and Its Effective Factors in Shahroud Firefighters

Background: Physical and mental health are significantly related to adequate sleep and sleep satisfaction. Sleeping disorder is one of the most severe occupational risks for modern firefighting services. Thus, the current study was conducted to evaluate sleep quality and its effective factors in firefighters‏. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was carried out among all firefighters in Shahroud, Iran, in 2017. All data were collected by a two-part questionnaire containing demographic information and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), which was completed while interviewing the participants. Finally, data were analyzed by SPSS software. Results: PSQI was obtained as 7.65±2.98, which classified into "Low Quality." Sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep disturbances and day-time dysfunction had a significant relationship with sleep quality (P<0.05). Moreover, the results demonstrated that PSQL score had a strong relationship with age and BMI (F-model= 21.78 and P<0.001 and r=0.701). Conclusions: Results of this study showed that firefighters have not adequate sleep quality. It is suggested to participate young people in missions since their sleep quality was better. Also, weight loss is suggested for overweight people in order to improve their sleep quality‏

The Effect of Bariatric Surgery on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Symptoms and Related Hormones Improvement in Women with Morbid Obesity

Background: Obesity is associated with developing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The present study investigated whether weight loss after bariatric surgery could improve symptoms and related hormones in women with morbid obesity.Methods: In a retrospective observational study, 50 women aged 18-40 years with body mass index (BMI)=42.3 kg/m2 who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) were enrolled. Evaluation of anthropometric data, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin (PRL), fasting plasmaglucose (FPG), and lipid profile were measured preoperatively and at 1-year follow-upResults: Of 50 women, 32 (64%) women were diagnosed to have PCOS. The mean BMI at 1-year follow-up was 27.05 kg/m2. Hirsutism and irregular menstruation resolved entirely among 68.8% (11/16) and 100% (18/18) at 1-year follow-up. There was a significant decrease in total serum testosterone (2.1±0.2 to 0.9±0.1 ng/mL) and LH (8.5±3.36 to 5.02±2.4 mIU/mL) at 1-year follow-up, whether changes in levels of serum FSH, PRL were not significant.Conclusion: Bariatric surgery was effective in weight loss and improvement of PCOS symptoms and related hormones in women with morbid obesity. Thus, women with PCOS and morbid obesity should be eligible for bariatric surgery

Nationwide Prevalence of Diabetes and Prediabetes and Associated Risk Factors Among Iranian Adults: Analysis of Data from PERSIAN Cohort Study

Introduction Over the past decades prevalence of diabetes has increased in Iran and other countries. This study aimed to update the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in Iran and to determine associated sociodemographic risk factors, as well as diabetes awareness and control. Methods This is a nationally representative cross-sectional survey that included 163,770 Iranian adults aged 35-70 years, from different ethnic backgrounds, between 2014 and 2020. Diabetes was diagnosed at fasting blood sugar of >= 6.99 mmol/L (126 mg/dL), or receiving blood glucose-lowering treatment. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to detect determinants associated with prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes, as well as predictors of diabetes awareness and glycemic control. Results Sex- and age-standardized prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes was 15.0% (95% CI 12.6-17.3) and 25.4% (18.6-32.1), respectively. Among patients with diabetes, 79.6% (76.2-82.9) were aware of their diabetes. Glycemic control was achieved in 41.2% (37.5-44.8) of patients who received treatment. Older age, obesity, high waist to hip ratio (WHR), and specific ethnic background were associated with a significant risk of diabetes and prediabetes. Higher awareness of diabetes was observed in older patients, married individuals, those with high WHR, and individuals with high wealth score. Moreover, glycemic control was significantly better in women, obese individuals, those with high physical activity, educational attainment, and specific ethnic background. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in Iranian adults. High proportion of uncontrolled patients require particular initiatives to be integrated in the health care system

Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension based on ACC/AHA versus JNC7 guidelines in the PERSIAN cohort study

In this cross-sectional population-based study, we used the baseline data of the Prospective Epidemiologic Research Studies in IrAN cohort study collected in Iran from 2014 to 2020. The main outcomes were the prevalence of hypertension and proportion of awareness, treatment, and control based on the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline compared to the seventh report of the Joint National Committee (JNC7). Of the total of 163,770 participants, aged 35–70 years, 55.2% were female. The sex-age standardized prevalence of hypertension was 22.3% (95% CI 20.6, 24.1) based on the JNC7 guideline and 36.5% (31.1, 41.8) based on the ACC/AHA guideline. A total of 24,312 participants [14.1% (10.1, 18.1)] were newly diagnosed based on the ACC/AHA guideline. Compared to adults diagnosed with hypertension based on the JNC7 guideline, the newly diagnosed participants were mainly young literate males who had low levels of risk factors and were free from conventional comorbidities of hypertension. About 30.7% (25.9, 35.4) of them (4.3% of the entire population) were eligible for pharmacologic intervention based on the ACC/AHA guideline. Implementation of the new guideline may impose additional burden on health systems. However, early detection and management of elevated blood pressure may reduce the ultimate burden of hypertension in Iran