Operators’ performance evaluation on the Hospital information system about the deductions of educational and medical Hajar Hospital in 2012

زمینه و هدف: استفاده از سیستم اطلاعات بیمارستانی در نظام سلامت در جهت پیشبرد اهداف اعتباربخشی امری اجتناب ناپذیر است. این پ‍ژوهش به منظور بررسی ارتباط عملکرد کاربران نرم افزار سیستم اطلاعات بیمارستانی با میزان کسورات هزینه های بیمارستانی در سال 1391 در بیمارستان هاجر شهرکرد انجام شده است. روش بررسی: این مطالعه یک پژوهش توصیفی- تحلیلی است. حجم نمونه در این مطالعه منطبق بر جامعه پژوهش بوده است و کلیه پرستارانی که به طور ثابت از سیستم اطلاعات بیمارستانی استفاده می کردند در این مطالعه شرکت نمودند. ابزار گرد آوری داده ها پرسشنامه سنجش عملکرد بود. یافته ها: نتایج این مطالعه نشان داد که میانگین نمره ی عملکرد کاربران 31/1±72/17 بود. همچنین بین نمره عملکرد کاربران و کسورات بیمارستانی ارتباط معنی دار و معکوسی وجود داشت (r=-0/581, p=0.001). نتیجه گیری: نتایج حاکی از آن بود که میانگین نمره ی عملکرد کاربران در سطح پایینی قرار دارد؛ لذا لازم است ارتقاء سطح عملکرد کاربران و آموزش کادر درمانی در خصوص نحوه صحیح ثبت خدمات به منظور کاهش کسورات و ارتقاء اهداف حاکمیت بالینی، بیش از پیش مورد توجه قرار گیرد

The Roles of Mathematical Metaphors and Gestures in the Understanding of Abstract Mathematical Concepts

When a new mathematical idea is presented to students in terms of abstract mathematical symbols, they may have difficulty to grasp it. This difficulty arises because abstract mathematical symbols do not directly refer to concretely perceivable objects. But, when the same content is presented in the form of a graph or a gesture that depicts that graph, it is often much easier to grasp. The process of solving a complex mathematical problem can also be facilitated with the use of a graphical representation. Transforming a mathematical problem or concept into a graphical representation is a common problem solving strategy, and we may view it as a kind of mathematical metaphor, which is common strategy for solving mathematical problems. This process is a metaphor because, in the sense that a certain representation of a mathematical problem is described in terms of a visual representation of that problem. Furthermore, since a graphical representation is visual, it can be depicted by gestures. Therefore, visual and motor systems can be actively employed to process a given problem and find a solution for it. In this way, mathematical metaphor offers us a way to employ a wider range of cognitive resources to understand mathematics

Quality-by-design model in optimization of PEG-PLGA nano micelles for targeted cancer therapy

Poly (D,L-Lactic-co-Glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer approved by FDA for clinical uses. Surface functionalization of self-assembly micelles made of PLGA with Poly- Ethylene Glycol (PEG) improves its stability and half-life in blood circulation via inhibiting adsorption of proteins on the surface and consequently decreasing opsonization rate. The purpose of present study was to optimize PEG amount absorbed on PLGA (PEGabsPLGA) micelles by application of quality by design approach. Based on risk assessment, effect of three variables including PLGA concentration, PEG concentration and molecular weight (MW) of PLGA were studied. Central composite design was implemented for design of experimentation with 26 runs. The PEGabsPLGA nano drug delivery system (NDDS), produced by o/w method, was optimized according to particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential values. Validation of the model was successfully performed with three representative formulations from the design space. As a result, 43.79 mg of PLGA with MW of 30,000-60,000 was incorporated with 12.61 mg of PEG to obtain a 69 nm NDDS (predicted 67.72 nm) with the PDI value equal to 0.124 (predicted 0.112). The results successfully led to the preparation of the most stable nanoparticles which were stable at room temperature for six months.Q2WOS:0004510080000442-s2.0-8505527889

Embodiment of infinity in mathematics

In this article, we discuss the embodiment of infinity as one of fundamental concepts in mathematics. In contrast to the embodiment of many other mathematical concepts, the embodiment of infinity is an endless dynamic process. In embodying +∞, an object moves rightward toward a previously-set limit and passes it. Then, a new limit is set on the right side of the moving object. The moving object continues its movement and passes it as well. The moving object can pass any limit. In other words, there is no impassable limit for it. In embodying -∞, a similar process happens but the movement is leftward. Embodiment of infinitely small quantities has a basic similarity to the embodiment of infinitely large quantities, although it is different in some respects. We call the embodiment of infinity as iterative embodiment. It is iterative because the process of setting a new limit and passing it is repeated endlessly. Finally, it is suggested that in the process of embodying infinitely large and infinitely small quantities, the visual system and the motor system play important roles, as this process involves spatial concepts and movement

Co-Sn-Cu oxides/graphene nanocomposites as green catalysts for preparing 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes and apoptosis-inducing agents in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

In this work, Co-Sn-Cu oxides/graphene nanocomposite, 30-40 +/- 0.5 nm in size, was synthesized by solid-state microwave irradiation. This method presents several advantages such as operational simplicity, fast, low cost, safe and energy efficient, and suitability for production of high purity of nanoparticles. Other advantages of this method are there is no need for the use of solvent, fuel, and surfactant. Co-Sn-Cu oxides/graphene nanocomposites have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The synthesized nanocomposites were used as novel highly efficient catalysts for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes at room temperature. The catalysts are recoverable and can be reused for six runs without loss of their activity. Also, the obtained nanocomposites exhibited significant anticancer activity against breast cancer cells and they could induce apoptosis in cancer cells

Is Topical Zinc Effective in the Treatment of Melasma? A Double-Blind Randomized Comparative Study

Background and ObjectivesZinc plays a role in skin health, and preliminary data have shown its beneficial effects for melasma. We compared the effect of topical zinc with that of hydroquinone as the standard treatment on severity of melasma. Patients and MethodsNinety-three women with melasma were randomized to receive zinc sulfate 10% or hydroquinone 4% solutions once daily for 2months. They were followed for an additional 3months while using sunscreen. The severity of melasma was assessed at baseline and at 2 and 5months using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). ResultsEighty-two patients completed the study. The MASI score fell significantly in both groups, but a greater decrease was seen in those who received hydroquinone (43.515.5% vs 18.6 +/- 20.8%, p<.001). Postinflammatory pigmentation occurred in 5.2% of the zinc group and irritation in 30.9% of the hydroquinone group. ConclusionTopical zinc therapy is not highly effective in reducing the severity of melasma, but further trials are needed to determine whether adding zinc to current topical treatments could improve treatment response

Association of levels of interleukin 17 and T-helper 17 count with symptom severity and etiology of chronic heart failure: a case-control study

Aim To assess the association between the levels of interleukin 17 (IL-17) and T-helper 17 count and symptom severity and etiology of chronic heart failure. Methods This single-center prospective case-control study, conducted from December 1, 2015 to January 1, 2017 in Tehran Heart Center, evaluated gene expression of IL-17, relative count of (CD4+IL17+) Th17 cells and CD4+ helper T-cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 42 patients with CHF and 42 matched controls. A multiple regression model assessed the predictors of peripheral IL-17 expression and Th17 count in patients with CHF. Results IL-17 expression was increased in patients with CHF, both at baseline and after stimulation. IL-17 and Th17 counts were higher in patients with advanced New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (class IV) than in controls and patients with class I. Th17 cell population expanded in patients with CHF, more prominently in patients with class IV than in controls and patients with class I, regardless of the ischemic or non-ischemic CHF origin. Multiple regression model showed that NYHA was the only meaningful predictor of IL-17 levels and Th17 count. Conclusion We demonstrated the lymphocytic origin of IL-17 production in advanced CHF and the ability of disease severity to predict IL-17 levels

The effect of type of task on EFL learners’ vocabulary learning

Depth of processing vocabulary has been the subject of heated discussion among vocabulary researchers. Yet, current literature lacks research comparing different tasks to investigate the acquisition of vocabulary knowledge among adult learners of English as a foreign language (EFL). To fill the gap, we designed five task-based groups based on Technique Feature Analysis (TFA) as a framework to predict the effectiveness of different vocabulary learning tasks with similar or different TFA rankings on L2 vocabulary knowledge gain. The participants were 130 EFL learners (mean age = 21.7, female 61.5%) randomly assigned to the vocabulary learning tasks: reading and multiple-choice items (TFA = 6), reading and choosing definitions (TFA = 6), reading and fill-in-the-blanks (TFA = 7), reading and rewording the sentences (TFA = 6) and composition writing (TFA = 8). The results of the study revealed that tasks with the same TFA scores led to similar vocabulary knowledge gains. While predictions of the TFA are partially supported, composition writing and sentence rewording tasks supersede other tasks in terms of their effectiveness in vocabulary acquisition