Search

Background/AimsLanguage changes are the earliest signs and symptoms of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to explore the language difference performance between people with mild cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals as a control group. To accomplish this aim, the language profile of both mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease needs to be characterised to determine which feature is more affected by both mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease among expressive language, receptive language, executive function and memory performance.MethodsThis case-control prospective study involved 90 participants. The Mini-Mental Status Examination and the Functional Assessment Staging Tool were used to classify the participants into three groups: people with mild cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease and healthy individuals as a control group. Then, the language performance of patients in the mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease groups was investigated and compared with those of the control group by using the Barnes Language Assessment. The groups were reassessed 6 months later to see if there was any change in language ability.ResultsThe results showed that the mild cognitive impairment group and Alzheimer's disease group had significant decreases in expressive language (P>0.01), executive function (P>0.01), receptive language (P>0.01) and memory skills (P>0.01) from baseline to the reassessment at 6 months.ConclusionsLanguage deficits, especially expressive language deficits, could appear before impairment in executive function, receptive language and verbal episodic memory in participants with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease. Speech and language therapists can use the findings of this study to design and implement treatment programmes.

Objectives.Investigating the root causes of under-reporting near misses is very important. The aim of this study was investigating barriers to near-miss reporting in East Azerbaijan Province Gas Company from the perspective of health, safety and environment (HSE) officers. Methods.Semi-structured individual interviews were used and 21 interviews were conducted with HSE officers. Inductive content analysis was used for analyzing interviews. After analyzing the interviews, the codes in the interviews were categorized. Results.In general, two categories of code were created: reasons for non-reporting of accident precursors; and suggested solutions to improve the reporting system of accident precursors. However, two main categories were found for not reporting: individual reasons such as lack of commitment to the job, lack of attention to social responsibility, forgetfulness and laches in reporting, etc.; and organizational reasons such as job instability among employees, lack of sufficient training, failure of the organization to provide feedback, etc. Conclusion.This study found that the opinions of people working in the organization can be very effective in promoting reporting, so any organization can choose the appropriate strategy to increase the number and quality of reports by examining the opinions of managers, HSE officers and workers in the organization.

A permit to work (PTW) system is a formal procedure designed to control non-routine and hazardous works. However, this system by itself does not prevent incidents, and various factors contribute to its efficiency. This study aims to prioritize the indicators influencing system efficiency. To do this, indicators of the system were identified and scored by 15 safety experts. Next, priority weights of the indicators were analyzed by an analytic network process and Super Decisions version windows 2.10. Accordingly, the nine main indicators and 43 sub-indicators influencing the PTW system were ranked. The main indicators from high to low were preventive actions, training, safe procedures, emergency system, control and corrective measures, coordination, monitoring, details of the permit form and documentation, respectively. The present work helps identify the involved indicators in PTW system efficiency. Thereby, the experts can prioritize and perform measures to prevent failures in the system and decrease accidents.

In this study, a novel approach for the synthesis of nano‐sodalite zeolite crystals is explored. Synthesized nanocrystals were then characterized successfully via various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX). Then, the performance of nano‐sodalite zeolite was evaluated for its potential in the adsorptive removal of cationic crystal violet (CV) dye. The effects of various experimental parameters, such as pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial dye concentration, and temperature, were investigated in batch mode. Also, the adsorption isotherm, kinetic, and thermodynamic parameters were studied. The equilibrium sorption data were fitted better by the Freundlich isotherm than by the Langmuir isotherm. The kinetic adsorption data obeyed the Lagergren pseudo‐second order model. Thermodynamic parameters analysis revealed that the adsorption of CV from an aqueous solution by nano‐sodalite zeolite was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The results indicated that nano‐sodalite zeolite could be applied as a promising adsorbent for the efficient removal of CV from aqueous solutions. Nano‐sodalite zeolite was synthesized via a novel green and facile hydrothermal approach. Then its capability for the removal of crystal violet dye from aqueous solution was investigated. The results showed the high capability of nano‐sodalite zeolite for the removal of crystal violet dye with a maximum adsorption capacity (qm) of 227.272 mg g−1.

We evaluate the extent and nature of treatment delays and the contributing factors influencing them for patients with acute ischemic stroke, as well as main barriers to stroke care in an Iranian emergency department (ED).

Nanotubular structures of TiO2were synthesized through a hydrothermal process and quantum Cu(II) nanodots (QCNs) were homogeneously deposited on their surface using a photo-deposition method. The surface morphology, structural properties, crystallography, elemental composition, surface chemistry and specific surface area of the synthesized samples were determined by the FESEM, TEM, XRD, EDS, FTIR and BET analysis, respectively. The results showed that dispersion of fine QCNs onto the TiO2nanotubes (TNTs) can dramatically increase their surface area from 86.54 to 644.29 m2/g. Also, investigation of the catalytic performance of the prepared catalysts in generation of hydrogen from NaBH4revealed that QCN deposition enhances the catalytic activity of the TNTs. So that, application of 2wt.% QCN resulted in more than 2-fold increase (from 9 to 21.67 mL min–1) in the rate of hydrogen production due to the provision of a high surface area and the synergistic effect between the QCNs and the TNTs. Kinetics studies on the NaBH4hydrolysis reaction catalyzed by QCNs (2%)/TNTs suggested that the reaction rate is first-order with respect to the catalyst amount and zero-order relative to NaBH4concentration Furthermore, the results of catalyst reusability showed that QCNs (2%)/TNTs is noticeably stable and quite active up to the fifth run.

•The accuracy of mathematical model was increased by considering the effect of air humidity in the energy equation.•By increasing the size of the heat exchanger, system performance to absorb humidity increases.•The effect of desiccant flow rate compared to the air flow rate on the system performance is negligible.•Liquid desiccant system capability in hot and humid areas is better than the other climates.

In this research, we developed a facile method to synthesize novel quaternary plasmonic photocatalysts TiO2/Fe3O4/MWCNTs/Ag (TFC-Ag samples) containing different amounts of silver. The obtained samples were evaluated by different analyses such as X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, N2physisorption, vibrating sample magnetometer, and transmission electron microscopy. The prepared samples exhibit a high visible-light photocatalytic activity for 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) degradation compared with pure TiO2in aqueous solution. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency was observed for the TFC-Ag sample containing 1.79 wt% silver. In the presence of pure TiO2and quaternary TFC-Ag (1.79) nanocomposite, we obtained respectively 30% and 80% 2,4-DCP degradation after 180 min irradiation under visible light. The excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity of TFC-Ag samples can be attributed to the surface plasmon resonance effect of Ag nanoparticles anchored on TiO2and charge separation by MWCNTs. It was found that the degradation reactions follow the first-order kinetics. Reusing experiments of the best photocatalyst (TFC-Ag (1.79)) did not show any reduction under visible light in catalyst activity for 2,4-DCP degradation after four cycles.

In this work, some hybrids Fe3O4/TiO2/multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs; FTC samples) containing different amounts of MWCNTs were synthesized. Then several analyses including X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray were employed to characterize the crystal structure, morphology and property of the prepared samples. The photocatalytic removal performance of the FTC samples was evaluated by removal of methyl orange (MO) under UV irradiation and visible light. SEM and XRD analyses revealed that TiO2NPs with the size of about 11–15 nm and Fe3O4NPs with the size of about 12–45 nm exist in the ternary nanocomposites. The as-synthesized nanocomposites could be rapidly separated from aqueous solutions for repeated use under the external magnetic field. The photocatalytic removal percentage of FTC (0.060) for MO was still 78% after repeating the process for four times.

It is crucial to have access to clean water resources during the COVID-19 pandemic for hygiene, since virus infection through wastewater leaks in metropolitan areas can be a threat. Accurate monitoring of urban water resources during the pandemic seems to be the only way to confirm safe and infected resources. Here, in this study, the amount of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2’s Ribonucleic Acid (SARS-CoV-2 RNA) in the Tabriz urban water network located in the northwest of Iran was investigated by an extensive sampling of the city's water sources at a severe peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sampling process comprised a range of water sources, including wells, qanats, water treatment facilities, dams, and reservoirs. For each sample, a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sodium chloride (NaCl) was used for concentration and a laboratory RNA-based method was conducted for quantification. Before applying the extraction and quantification procedure to real samples, the proposed concentration method was verified with synthetic serum samples for the first time. After the concentration, RNA extraction was done by the BehPrep extraction column method, and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) detection of the virus was done by Covitech COVID-19 RT-PCR kit. In none of the water supply resources, SARS-COV-2 RNA has been detected except in a sample grabbed from a well adjacent to an urban wastewater discharge point downstream. The results of molecular analysis for the positive sample showed that the CT value and concentration of the virus genome were equal to 32.57 and 5720 copies/L, respectively. Quantitative analysis of real samples shows that the city's water network was safe at the time of the study. However, given that the positive sample was exposed to wastewater leakage, periodic sampling from wells and qanats is suggested during the pandemic until it can be proven that the leakage to these water sources is impossible.

Highly ordered and aligned titanium dioxide nanotube arrays were fabricated by two-step anodization process at different voltages. The effects of anodization voltage on the morphology of the TiO2nanotubes were evaluated by FESEM. The results showed that due to an increase in the anodization voltage from 40 V to 60 V, the nanotubes’ length and diameter linearly increase from 6 μm to 10 μm and from 54 nm to 101 nm, respectively. In order to examine the effect of anodization voltage, the fabricated nanotubes were separated from the titanium substrate and same weights of nanotubes were used for evaluating the effect of the anodization voltage on the degradation of methylene blue. The results indicated that the anodization voltage is a parameter that affects the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue. A decrease in the voltage, with a direct impact on nanotubes porosity, roughness factor and length to diameter ratio, leads to increased photocatalytic activity. The highest photocatalytic degradation was of the sample that was fabricated at 40 V with a degradation of 61%.

Objective To determine 1) the indexes/indicators used for evaluating the “strengthening community actions” mechanism of the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion and 2) to extract the characteristics and key components of the indexes/indicators using a scoping review. Data Source:In May 2020, the search was conducted across three databases: Medline (via PubMed), Embase, and Scopus. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: All primary studies relating to development, identification, and measurement of health promotion indices/indicators associated to the “strengthening community actions” were included. The review articles were excluded.Data Extraction The data were extracted to a data-charting form that was developed by the research team. Two authors reviewed the extracted data.Data Synthesis To summarize and report the data, a descriptive numerical analysis and a narrative descriptive synthesizing approach were used.Results In total, 93 study articles were included. A majority of studies (82%) were conducted in developed countries. Different types of recognized indices were categorized into seven groups: social cohesion (n = 3), community capacity (n = 1), community participation (n = 7), social capital (n = 6), social network (n = 3), social support (n = 1), and others (n = 5).Conclusions Having a collection of “strengthening community actions” indices/indicators in hand, health policymakers and health promotion specialists might be able to do their best in considering, selecting, and applying the most appropriate indices/indicators while evaluating community health promotion interventions in different settings.

Background: Determining people’s healthy behaviors related to COVID-19 could be effective in providing preventive measures. The present study aims to investigate preventive behaviors associated with COVID-19 including wearing masks and keeping physical distance among the passengers on buses and public taxis measures to evaluate the ventilation systems in these vehicles. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 753 passengers on buses and taxis in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, from 15 February to 1 March 2021. Multistage sampling method was used to select the participants. Tabriz was socioeconomically divided into three areas, including high, moderate, and low socioeconomic status. Three researchers were observed passengers behaviors standing at the selected stations and assessed their behaviors according to study checklist. Results: In total, the data were gathered from 358 (47.5%) female and 395 (52.5%) male in public transport systems. The results of this study indicated that female passengers used masks significantly more than men (P< 0.001). About 40% of men and women did not keep a physical distance of at least one meter in the public transportation system. Failing to keep social distancing was mostly observed among people with low SES (N= 103, 54%) and those who were in city center (N= 88, 48.5%). According to the multivariate regression analysis, for not wearing mask: being male [OR 4.94; 95%CI (2.62–9.28)] and using bus [(OR 3.27, 95%CI (1.73,6.19)], and for not physical distancing: having age under 25 years [OR 2.58; 95%CI (1.53,4.36)] and low socioeconomic status (SES) [OR 5.19; 95%CI (3.25,8.30)], and for no ventilation: using bus [OR 1.57; 95%CI (1.05,2.34)] were significant predictors. Conclusion: Our results suggest that gender, type of vehicle, age, and SES were significant predictors of non-adherence to COVID-19 preventive behaviors in public transport during the pandemic. Given that social distancing is less observed in the public transportation system in Tabriz, Iran, it is necessary for government to consider and monitor guidelines to protect the passengers from COVID-19 infections by providing measures to maintain physical distance in public transportation systems. It may be possible to force vehicle owners who do not comply with health protocols to keep some distance by imposing fines.

A new arrangement of side-wall burners of an industrial furnace was studied by three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. This simulation was conducted on ten calculation domain. Finite rate/eddy dissipation model was used as a combustion model. Discrete ordinate model (DOM) was considered as radiation model. Furthermore, weighted sum of gray gas model (WSGGM) was used to calculate radiative gas properties. Tube skin temperature and heat flux profiles were obtained by solving mass, momentum, and energy equations. Moreover, fuel rate variation was considered as an effective parameter. A base flow rate of fuel (m˙=0.0695kg/s) was assigned and different ratios (0.25 m˙, 0.5 m˙, 2 m˙, and 4 m˙) were assigned to investigate the heat distribution over the furnace. Resulted temperature and heat profiles were obtained in nonuniform mode using the proposed wall burner arrangement. According to the results, despite increased heat transfer coefficient of about 34% for m˙–4 m˙, temperature profile for this rate is too high and is harmful for tube metallurgy. Also, the proper range for fuel rate variation was determined as 0.5–2 m˙. In this range, heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number for m˙–2 m˙ were increased by 21% and for m˙–0.25 m˙ were decreased by about 28%.