Environmental impact and sedimentary structures of mud volcanoes in southeast of the Caspian Sea basin, Golestan Province, Iran

Mud volcanoes are defined as main elements of geological structures and ways through and within which buried argillaceous loose sediments and lithified rocks. The Gharniaregh Tappeh and Naftelijeh mud volcanoes are the most attractive geomorphological phenomena in continental which appear along the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. The Naftelijeh mud volcano is more active than Gharniaregh–Tappeh, while the latter is saltier than the former, indicating its proximity to salt domes. The ejected materials from these mud volcanoes are often comprised slurry of fine solids silt and clay suspended in liquids, which may include water (frequently acidic or salty) and hydrocarbon fluids. The most part of the gases released are methane. Carbon dioxide and nitrogen are also emitted but in much lesser quantities. The complicated morphology of the volcanoes can be rough terrain, cone-shaped and buildings mentioned columnar shape. The morphology of the effects can be uneven terrain such as hills and buildings used in the column. Emissions caused significant environmental impact, including the loss of plants and vegetation destruction is quite evident in the region. Like all other natural phenomena, mud volcanism phenomenon can affect the environment both positively and negatively, which is discussed here. Catastrophic reduction of Paleo - Caspian size combined with the increasing scale of mud volcanic activity caused the oversaturation and intoxication of water by methane leading to the mass extinction of mollusks, fishes and other groups of sea inhabitants

Роль альтруизма и эмпатии в отношении к донорству органов у медсестер в отделениях интенсивной терапии в Казвине: перекрестное исследование

Aim: Nurses, especially nurses in ICUs play an important role in organ donation; their performance in relation to their role is more affected by their attitude in this regard, identification of effective factors on the positive attitude of nurses towards organ donation is essential. This study was conducted aimed to determine the empathy and altruism with the nurses’ attitudes in intensive care unit towards organ donation and brain death. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 2019, 222 nurses from intensive care unit were selected by stratified random sampling. For collecting data the questionnaires of altruism, empathy and attitude toward organ donation were completed by nurses. Data was analyzed using pearson correlation, multiple linear regression. Results. There was a significant correlation between altruism (p < 0.001, r = 0.24) and its components (anonymous prosocial behaviors (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), emotional prosocial behaviors (r = 0.14, p = 0.03), dire prosocial behaviors (r = 0.14, p = 0.03) and compliant prosocial behaviors (r = 0.21 and p = 0.001)) with attitudes and also between empathy (r = 0.04, r = 0.13), perspective taking component (p = 0.02, r = 0.152) and imaginary empathy (r = 0.14, p = 0.03) with nurses’ attitudes. The components of anonymous prosocial behaviors in altruism (p < 0.0001), gender (p = 0.007) and having organ donation card (p = 0.012) are positive predictors of nurses’ attitudes towards organ donation. Conclusion. The results showed that altruism and having organ donation card were two of the most important factors in the tendency of nurses to organ donation. Therefore, the implementation of educational programs regarding changing nurse’s attitude in order to increase the sense of altruism and empathy about organ donation is necessary. By strengthening the sense of altruism and empathy in the family of brain death patients, they can be helped to decide on donate their patient’s organ with more certainty.Цель. Медицинские сотрудники среднего звена, особенно медсестры в отделениях реанимации и интенсивной терапии, играют важную роль в донорстве органов. На их работу влияет множество различных факторов, и поэтому важно определить, какие из них являются эффективными для формирования положительного отношения медсестер к донорству органов. Это исследование было проведено с целью определения уровня эмпатии и альтруизма к донорству органов и смерти мозга у медсестер отделений реанимации интенсивной терапии. Материалы и методы. В этом перекрестном исследовании, которое проводилось в 2019 году, было отобрано 222 медсестры из отделений реанимации и интенсивной терапии с помощью стратифицированной случайной выборки. Для сбора данных медсестры заполняли анкеты, по которым в дальнейшем были оценены их уровни альтруизма, эмпатии, а также отношение к донорству органов. Данные были проанализированы с использованием корреляции Пирсона, множественной линейной регрессии. Результаты. Наблюдалась значительная корреляция между альтруизмом (р < 0,001, r = 0,24) и его компонентами (анонимное просоциальное поведение (r = 0,33, р < 0,001), эмоциональное просоциальное поведение (r = 0,14, р = 0,03), отрицательное просоциальное поведение ( r = 0,14, p = 0,03), просоциальное поведение (r = 0,21, p = 0,001) с отношением к донорству органов, а также между эмпатией (r = 0,04, r = 0,13), компонентом, учитывающим перспективы (p = 0,02, r = 0,152) и воображаемым сочувствием (r = 0,14, p = 0,03) с отношением медсестер к донорству органов. Компоненты анонимного просоциального поведения при альтруизме (р < 0,0001), пол (р = 0,007) и наличие карты донорства органов (р = 0,012) являются положительными предикторами отношения медсестер к донорству органов. Выводы. Результаты показали, что альтруизм и наличие карты донорства органов были двумя наиболее важными факторами в положительном отношении медсестер к донорству органов. Следовательно, необходима реализация образовательных программ, касающихся изменения отношения медсестер к посмертному донорству органов. Укрепляя чувство альтруизма и эмпатии в семье пациента со смертью мозга, можно помочь с большей уверенностью принять решение о пожертвовании органа своего близкого человека

The association of stone opacity in plain radiography with percutaneous nephrolithotomy outcomes and complications

Purpose: To investigate the influence of stone opacity in plain radiography on stone free rate and complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Materials and Methods: A number of 101 patients who underwent PCNL between July-September 2015 were prospectively included. Stone opacity was judged on preoperative plain Kidney-Ureter-Bladder X-ray. Stone free rate was evaluated two weeks after the operation by ultrasonography and KUB. Results: There were 61 patients with opaque stones and 40 patients with non-opaque stones. The age, body mass index, preoperative creatinine, history of stone surgery, and stone size was not statistically different between patients with opaque and non-opaque stones. Neither operation duration nor access numbers were statistically significant between opaque and non-opaque stones. The frequency of stone free patients in opaque stones and nonopaque stones were 55/61 (90) and 30/40 (75) respectively (P = .04) The magnitude of hemoglobin drop in opaque stones and non-opaque stones were 1.9 ± 1.2 mg/dL versus 2.9 ± 1.7 mg/dL (P = .005). Conclusion: The stone free rate is lower and the magnitude of bleeding is higher in PCNL of non-opaque stones when compared to opaque stones if rigid instruments are used for nephroscopy

Introduction to environmental impact assessment of Ostracods species southeast of the Caspian Sea

The Ostracods of crustacean exist from the shoreline to a depth of about 2,800 meters. Ostracods are more often found in areas such as lakes, streams, rivers, marshes, lagoons, seas and oceans. Because these organisms are found in all ecosystems, freshwater, brackish and marine, it is natural to find their fossils in all these areas. Ostracodes are very important in Paleoecology, especially in the absence of foraminifera. Though the Caspian Sea is salty and bitter and contains thirteen thousand salt per unit, it is still quite sweeter than ocean water. This area is a suitable environment for ostracode life. These creatures are in both benthic and pelagic form, though the latter is rare. Species such as leptocythere alifani, Stenocypria fischeri, cyprideis sp., cyprideis littoralis, loxocnoncha gibboida, loxocnoncha eichwaldii, loxocnoncha emendates, and caspiolla liventali are the most well-known species in the southeastern part of the Caspian Sea. This study focused on the identification of ostracod species and recognizing environments that best suit the known variesties

Effect of Sliding Contact on the Structure of Cu-X Nanolaminates

Structural metallic nanolaminates (coatings consisting of alternating layers of different metals) are being explored for applications ranging from high strength foils to wear resistant coatings due to their relatively high hardness. This study seeks to explore how the nanolaminate structure evolves after deposition due to sliding contact. Using two-component Cu-Nb and Cu-Ag model systems (with 20 and 100 nm individual layers), the scratch and wear behavior was characterized using linear reciprocating deformation testing. It was shown that the damage due to sliding (depth of wear track) and coefficient of friction both increased with increasing layer thickness

Investigation of the effect of educational program based on the health belief model on preventing behaviors exposure to polluted air among pregnant women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Air pollution creates a wide range of acute and chronic effects in pregnant mothers. This study was carried out to determine the effect of education using Health Belief Model on improving the prevention of exposure to polluted air in pregnant women. METHODS:This quasi-experimental study was carried out in two cross-sectional and interventional sections. In the cross-sectional study, 208 pregnant women were randomly selected and data were collected based on Health Belief Model questionnaire (sensitivity, severity, benefits, barriers, practice guidance and perceived self-efficacy, while calculating the scores of each section based on 100). In the intervention study, a total of 114 pregnant women (6 to 24 weeks) were selected by multistage sampling and randomly divided into two groups of case and control. The intervention was performed according to the Health Belief Model and the subjects were followed for three months and then the data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The variables of external action, sensitivity and barriers, predicted a total of 25% of behavioral changes. In the intervention study, the mean awareness score of mothers in the intervention group increased significantly from 43.18±15.50 before the intervention to 71.39±16.68 after the intervention and the mean performance score increased significantly form 73.14±11.29 to 84.75±8.54 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the implementation of training program based on Health Belief Model with emphasis on predictive behaviors can be effective in reducing exposure to air pollution in pregnant women

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography for determination of tumor invasion depth in gastric cancer

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one the common lethal cancers in Iran. Detection of GC in the early stages would assesses to improve the survival of patients. In this study, we attempt to evaluate the accuracy of EUS in detection depth of invasion of GC among Iranian Patients. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective study of patients with pathologically confirmed GC. They underwent EUS before initiating the treatment. The accuracy of EUS and agreement between the two methods was evaluated by comparing pre treatment EUS finding with post operative histopathological results. Results: The overall accuracy of EUS for T and N staging was 67.9 and 75.47, respectively. Underestimation and overestimation was seen in 22 (14.2) and 40 (25.6) respectively. The EUS was more accurate in large tumors and the tumors located in the middle and lower parts of the stomach. The EUS was more sensitive in T3 staging. The values of weighted Kappa from the T and N staging were 0.53 and 0.66, respectively. Conclusions: EUS is a useful modality for evaluating the depth of invasion of GC. The accuracy of EUS was higher if the tumor was located in the lower parts of the stomach and the size of the tumor was more than 3 cm. Therefore, judgments made upon other criteria evaluated in this study need to be reconsidered

Determinants of medication adherence among Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes: An application of health action process approach

Diabetes; Diet; Health profession; Health sciences; Health promotion; Insulin; Determinants, Medication adherence, Type 2 diabetes, Health action process approach, Iran © 2020 To identify determinants of medication adherence among patients with type 2 diabetes based on the health action process approach. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 734 patients with type 2 diabetes attending to south Tehran health centers during June to December 2018. Data were gathered using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8-Item) and the health action process approach questionnaire. We used Mann-Whitney, Pearson Chi-Squared, Fisher's Exact and Independent Samples Tests for comparison of adherence medication by demographic characteristics; and linear regression analysis to predict factors related to medication adherence based on HAPA. P-value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. A total of 232 men and 502 women participated in the study, Mean age was 61.61 ± 9.74. Most participants (82.3) reported low medication adherence (females: 68.4). Medication adherence was significantly associated with gender (p = 0.03). Medication adherence was significantly predicted by intention (β = 0.172, p = 0.0001), task self-efficacy (β = 0.172, p = 0.01), copping planning (β = 0.6, p = 0.0001) and copping self-efficacy (β = -0.244, p = 0.001). The level of adherence to medications among type 2 diabetes patients was low. The behavior intention, task self-efficacy, copping planning and copping self-efficacy were significant determinants contributed to the medication adherence. HAPA inventory includes various factors, especially types of self-efficacy. Thus, utilization of this comprehensive model in interventional studies is suggested. These determinants should be considered in developing interventional programs to improve adherence. © 202

The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in reducing anxiety among female university students with primary dysmenorrhea

Background: Unpleasant experiences of dysmenorrhea can lead to increased anxiety. The anxiety associated with dysmenorrhea is a pain-related anxiety which might reduce the efficacy of medication as well as enhance the perception of pain. The present study evaluated the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in reducing anxiety among female university students with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 88 female university students were recruited from April 2019 to February 2020. Eligible participants were selected by convenience sampling and were allocated into study groups (44 individuals in the intervention group and comparison group) using balanced block randomization. The final sample comprised 78 participants who completed the study (39 individuals in each group). Data were collected using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Subjective Units of Distress Scale, and Validity of Cognition Scale before the intervention and at the time of the first menstrual period after completion of the intervention. The intervention group received EMDR in two individual interventional sessions which lasted approximately one hour. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance with control of covariance method at a significance level of 0.05. Results: The results of the study showed that EMDR did not have a statistically significant effect on State-Trait Anxiety of patients with dysmenorrhea (p > 0.05). Based on the Cohen’s d effect size of 0.06 for state-anxiety, -0.01 for trait-anxiety, and partial eta square less than 0.059 for both uncorrected and corrected models, the intervention was within a trivial effect. Conclusion: EMDR intervention did not have a statistically and clinically significant effect on State-Trait Anxiety of patients with dysmenorrhea. Therefore, the efficacy of EMDR in treating dysmenorrhea-related anxiety remains inconclusive

A model for pushover analysis of confined masonry structures : implementation and validation

Confined masonry (CM) is a typical building technique in Latin American countries. This technique, due to its simplicity of construction and similarity with traditional practices of reinforced concrete building, presents a potential of use in European regions with moderate-to-high seismicity. However, most of the procedures for seismic design in codes for Latin America are force-based, which appears to be inadequate due to the high dissipative response observed for CM. This paper presents a simplified numerical-analytical approach to model CM structures using pushover analysis, aiming to apply performance-based design procedures. First, a data mining process is performed on a database of experimental results collected from lateral tests on CM walls to adjust prediction models for the wall shear strength and to determine the input relevance through a sensitivity analysis. Then, an analytical model of CM structures for pushover analysis is proposed with basis on a wide-column approach that employs an adaptive shear load-displacement constitutive relation. The proposed method is compared with a discrete element model that represents explicitly the confinements-masonry interaction, against the experimental results obtained in a quasi-static test of a full-scale tridimensional CM structure. The accuracy of the predictions from both methods is very satisfactory, allowing to capture the base shear-displacement envelope and also the damage patterns of the structure, thus, demonstrating the ability of the methods to be used in performance-based seismic assessment and design of CM buildings.The first author acknowledges the financial support from the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) through the Ph.D. Grant SFRH/BD/41221/2007