A Multimodal Analysis of Differences Between TV Commercials and Press Advertisements: A Discoursal Study of Persuasion-Seeking Strategies in the Mass Media

This study reports the findings of a multimodal analysis seeking to find the differences between TV commercials and newspapers advertisements in the application of strategies which make those ads more and more persuasive. Regarding such strategies effort is made to find out which ones are more convincing and appealing to their receivers. The tools used in this study involved 40 tape-recorded TV commercials and 40 ads taken from two Iranian newspapers, Tehran Times and Iran Daily which are published in English as well as the American magazine of Newsweek. The persuasion techniques of each medium were first specified separately and then compared with the techniques used by the others. The main finding of the study was that strategies applied by producers of TV commercials are much more persuasive and impressive than those used by suppliers of advertisements in the press.Key words: Multimodal analysis; TV commercials; Press advertisements; Persuasio

Investigation of heat stress in workplace for different work groups according to ISO 7243 standard in Mehr Petrochemical Complex, Assaluyeh, Iran

   Heat stress is a significant occupational health and safety for workers in petrochemical industries. Heat stress is a combination of heat load individual and environmental factors impose on workers’ bodies, which in turn, have impacts on workers’ performance, safety, and health. The present paper is carried out to determine the heat stress levels in workplace and to compare it with allowed Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) according to ISO 7243 standard. the present study was carried out in three consecutive weeks in Mehr Petrochemical Complex in South Pars Special Economic Zone in Assaluyeh, 270Km southeast of Bushehr in spring of 2011. The study was carried out on workers in different parts including workers in packaging, mechanics, welding, and store keeping sections.  Environmental parameters of dry temperature, natural wet temperature, glowing temperature, and relative humidity were measured to calculate an index for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature according to ISO7243 standard, and metabolism rate was estimated according to ISO 8996 standard. Metabolism level for workers in two groups of mechanics and welding sections according to ISO 8996 standard was 95W/m2, and for workers of packaging and store keeping sections calculated as 75W/m2. Based on ISO 8996, work load for all four sections was light. The means of weather parameters such as dry temperature, natural wet temperature, glowing temperature, and relative humidity were statistically significant for all four sections. It was also indicated that the highest level of WBGT were obtained for workers in mechanics (33.26±0.21), packaging (32.02±0.2), welding (31.37±0.2), and the lowest level was estimated for store keeping workers (27.4±0.22), with changes being statistically significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: findings of the present study indicated significant changes between different groups in measured parameters and calculated indices, which confirm results of previous body of research. Workers in three groups of mechanics, packaging, and welding are exposed to heat stress, and among these three, mechanics workers’ exposure to heat stress is higher, but WBGT index in store keeping work place is lower than allowed level. Thus, they have been experiencing favourable work atmosphere.

The effect of increased manufacturing rate on risk of low back pain

The blood bank unit is one of the most important and fundamental units in every hospital especially in emergency situations. Lack of access to medical records related to individual’s blood transfusion can postpone blood transfusion when it is essentially needed which can in turn increase patients' risks. Meanwhile, the role of a blood bank information system is crucial in accessing this information, thereby improving the quality of available care. This research was conducted to determine the status of the blood bank information system of the hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences.This descriptive- practical study investigated the blood bank information systems of 11 hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in 2015. Data collection was performed through observation and interview, using a checklist and questionnaire. The validity of the instrument was determined through content validity and its reliability was confirmed through retesting. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics.All blood bank information systems under investigation were semi-mechanized. It was impossible to send the full reports electronically and to present dynamic reports. The blood bank staff were not aware of the existence and significance of the relevant standards and no specific blood bank software were used.Mechanized blood bank information systems bring about effective communication in various health care organizations. They lead to the application of relevant novel technologies while increasing patients’ safety and satisfaction

Comparison of Melatonin Profile and Alertness of Firefighters with Different Work Schedules

Introduction: A two-shift work schedule with different rotations is common among firefighters in Iranian petrochemical companies. This study compared salivary melatonin and sleepiness on the last night before turning to day shift at 19:00, 23:00, 3:00, and 7:00 among petrochemical firefighters (PFFs) working seven and four consecutive night shifts. Methods: Sixty four PFFs working in the petrochemical industry were selected. To measure melatonin, saliva samples were taken, whereas the KSS index was used to assess sleepiness. Chi-square and independent samples t-test were carried out to analyze the data, and generalized linear model (GLM) was employed to determine the effect of confounding factors such as lighting and caffeine. Results: The levels of melatonin at 3:00 and 7:00, and the overall changes during the shift in the two shift patterns under the study were different (P < 0.05). Sleepiness was significantly different only at 3:00 in the two studied shift patterns, while the effects of lighting and caffeine on melatonin changes were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: It seems that a slow shift rotation is better because it reduces the secretion of melatonin (hence reducing sleepiness during the night) and changes the peak of melatonin secretion to the daytime, which is a sign of adaptation

The relationship between mental workload and general health among welders of Tehran Heavy Structure Metal Company

Mental workload is one of the factors that influence individuals’ performance in the work environment as well as their efficiency and productivity. The present study aimed at examining the association between mental workload and general health among welders of Tehran Heavy Structuress Metal Company.This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2016. The sample included 100 welders who were working in Tehran Heavy Structures Metal Company. Sampling was done through conducting a census. A demographic questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) mental workload questionnaire were used to collect data. The obtained data were fed into SPSS (version 22) and analyzed through Chi-square, one-way ANOVA, Kruscal Wallis Test, Pearson product moment correlation, and Mann-Whitney U Test.The results showed that the participating welders had an average age of 36.16±7.81, an average work experience of 9.65±5.83, and a BMI of 25.95±3.39 kg/m2. The mean and standard deviation of the overall score of welders’ mental workload were 65.88±21.15. The cut-off scores for the total mental workload questionnaire and the subscales were respectively set at 23 and 6. The results demonstrated that 26% of the welders were suspected of mental disorder. Furthermore, the results of Pearson correlation indicated that there was no significant relationship between the overall score of NASA mental workload and that of general health (p-value>0.05).Welders’ mental workload is relatively high. Therefore, further research should be conducted in order to identify main risk factors that lead to mental and health disorder. Future studies should also be performed to present some solutions for te purpose of decreasing or preventing these side effects among welders as much as possible.

HOW DO THE STAFFS WORKING IN STEEL FACTORIES IN ARDEKAN CITY DEAL WITH THE RISKS OF MOBILE PHONES?

Nowadays, mobile phone is one of the most important tools required for social and professional life; however, in some circumstances it can threaten the health of individuals. This study was aimed to determine the behaviors of the staffs working in steel factories in Ardekan city toward the risks of mobile phone radiation and microbial contaminations. This cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 2014, was aimed to evaluate the staff behaviors toward the risks caused by mobile phone radiation and microbial contamination. The study population was consisted of the staffs working in Steel Plant of Ardekan city. The participants of the study were selected via using cluster sampling method. A researcher made questionnaire was used to collect the data; it had 15 items which were used to assess the behavior. The validity (face and content validity) and reliability of the questionnaire were first confirmed and then it was used for data collection. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22 statistical software. In this study, a total of 319 employees working in steel factories were evaluated. The mean age of the subjects was 33.04 ± 8.05 years, the mean work experience of the staff was 8.3 ± 6.05 years, the mean household size was 2.4 ± 1.33 persons, and the mean mobile phone bill at the last two months was 50.25 ± 43.47. The mean score of the staff behavior varied from 0.9 to 2.4. The studied staff had a poor performance in terms of health promoting behaviors. Apparently, to promote staff health it is necessary to utilize educational interventions aimed at increasing staff awareness, changing their attitudes and behavior, and finally changing their lifestyle..5%). Most cases whose reports were unsatisfactory were documented in the first phase of the study (i.e., 9 patients, 90%). Conclusion: Cervical screening with Pap smear enables early diagnosis and management of cervical abnormalities and consequently a decrease in the rate of invasive cervical cancers. It is suggested to conduct studies with larger sample sizes to ensure the beneficial effects of cervical screening

Learning Management Systems in Universities of Medical Sciences of Iran and Several Developed Countries

Background & Objective: The core of each WBT system is an online software called learning management system (LMS). The existence of such a system in each university is the minimum requirement for the application and development of WBT methods. The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of LMS usage in Iranian medical universities in comparison with the universities of developed countries. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional analysis was performed in 2014. The study population consisted of Iranian medical universities and the universities of 4 developed English-speaking countries, including USA, Canada, Australia, and UK. From among the Iranian universities, a total of 52 universities were selected using the census method. Moreover, 58 universities were randomly selected from among 450 well-known universities of developed countries. The data from LMS of Iranian medical universities were collected through visiting university websites, telephone calls, and in some cases, face-to-face interviews. The data were analyzed by descriptive methods. Results: Of the 52 Iranian universities of medical sciences, 33 universities (63.5%) did not have any LMSs for delivery courses in academic degree programs. Of the 19 universities (36.5%) with LMSs, Moodle, ATutor, Docebo, and native-designed LMSs were found in 11, 4, 1, and 3 universities, respectively. In addition, 16 Iranian universities used open source LMSs and 3 used commercial LMSs. All 58 (100%) universities of developed countries used LMSs for delivery courses in their academic degree programs. Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, Desire2learn, and Sakai were used in 30, 13, 8, 1, and 1 foreign universities, respectively. Moreover, 2 universities were in transition stage and 3 universities used the Mooc system. Conclusion: Iran universities showed a considerable difference from universities in developed countries in terms of frequency of LMS usage. Educational and IT administrators in Iran should fill this gap, especially at high ranking universities. Key Words: Learning management system (LMS), Universities of medical sciences, E-learning, Ira

Beyond the outbreak of COVID-19: factors affecting burnout in nurses in Iran

Background: Nurses working in treating patients with COVID-19 are exposed to various stressors, such as fear of COVID-19, stress, and high workload, leading to burnout. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the level of burnout and its predictors in nurses working in hospitals for COVID-19 patients. Methods: Participants in this study were nurses working in 11 hospitals for COVID-19 patients in the Fars province of Iran. The Maslach burnout and the UK Health and Safety stress questionnaires were used to assess burnout and stress, respectively. Analysis, using multiple regression in the SPSS21 software, aimed to identify the factors affecting burnout. Findings: The mean level of burnout in the nurses at the COVID-19 hospitals was 57 out of 120, and burnout was affected by workload (β = 0.69, p < 0.001), job stress (β = 0.25, p < 0.001) and inadequate hospital resources for the prevention of COVID-19 (β = –0.16, p < 0.001). These three variables explained 87% of the variance in burnout. Conclusions: The burnout of nurses directly exposed to COVID-19 patients is more than nurses in other wards, and workload is the most significant cause of burnout in them. Therefore, necessary measures such as hiring more nurses, reducing working hours and increasing rest periods are necessary to reduce workload. In addition, the job stress of these nurses should be managed and controlled, and the hospital resources needed to prevent this disease should be provided