Search

BACKGROUND: All policies and decisions need evidence examined by scientific methods. Moving toward evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) as a change in organizations, especially health systems (HSs), is inevitable. This study was conducted to identify the factors affecting EBDM in HSs from two approaches and to score them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mixed-method study was carried out using the force field analysis regarding the change toward EBDM in HS in 2020. This study included six steps to identify and score the key driving forces (DFs) and restraining forces (RFs) to change toward the EBDM in HS: first, finding forces from literature; second, selecting key DFs and RFs through focus group discussion; third, scoring the first group of DFs and RFs by the experts through electronic forms; fourth, determining key DFs and RFs from the managers' perspective using qualitative interviews; fifth, scoring the second group of DFs and RFs by the experts; and sixth, comparison between forces resulted from two approaches. RESULTS: According to the literature and experts' opinions, “relevant, reliable, interpretable, and understandable evidence” and “interaction between researchers and decision-makers” were the strongest forces to change, and “lack of organizational commitment and support” and “lack of relevant/high-quality evidence” were the strongest forces against the change toward EBDM in HS. Further, based on managers' perspective and scores by the experts, “suitable supervision and control” and “reforming the planning and decision-making system” were the strongest forces to change, and “inadequate knowledge of the managers and staff about the principles and contents of EBDM” and “issues beyond the authorities of managers” were the strongest forces against the change toward EBDM in HS. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, HSs' managers can focus to reduce RFs and promote DFs for implementing EBDM strategies, so they can provide better services by making more efficient decisions.

Renewable energy could solve the problems caused by fossil fuels. The Archimedes hydro screw turbine is a potential tool for generating power from river currents. In this paper, a turbine at a scale of 1:6 has been made. It is installed and tested at various flow rates. The system is optimized using a genetic algorithm to achieve maximum efficiency. Due to the limitations that existed for conducting experimental tests at the optimal flow rate, the turbine at optimal flow rate is studied by CFD. In the turbine numerical simulation, the hydrodynamic characteristics of the turbine, such as rotational speed, power, torque, efficiency, and power coefficient are compared in the optimal flow rate (2.6 (lit/s)) and a flow rate of 2.4 (lit/s) (the closest flow rate to the optimal one). The results show that these values are higher in the optimal flow rate. Furthermore, the behavior of the turbine in these two conditions is compared using velocity, vorticity, pressure, and phase contours, which indicates that the velocity and pressure values are higher, and the vorticity and immersion values are lower in the optimal flow rate. Finally, for economic analysis of operating the turbine at the prototype scale as a hydropower plant, the discounted payback period for the turbine is determined, which varies between 2.55 to 5.93 years depending on the discount rate. It is also shown that operating this turbine at the prototype scale as a hydropower plant in Iran leads to currency savings of 1561 $. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-Piercing Propellers (SPPs) have been widely used in high speed craft due to some desirable features such as high efficiency, omission of resistance of equipment attached to the propeller and proper functioning of cavitation. Unlike the submerged propellers, theoretical methods have no significant application on simulation of SPPsbecause of problems related to modeling of these propellers. Design of SPPs is mainly done based on empirical studies and model experiments. Water tunnel or free surface cavitation tunnel is among the most important devices to perform SPPs model testing. In this paper, the design algorithm of a free surface water tunnel to test the SPPs has been described. The design and construction stages of the free surface cavitation tunnel of Babol Noshirvani University of Technology are provided. Also,calculation of its various sectors such as elbows, nozzle, settling chamber, test section, diffuser and calculation of pressure drops, proper pump selection and dynamometer has been showed.

The transportation professionals integrated the concept Green in various dimensions of transportation, such as, green vehicle, green highway. The current study has established a new dimension to green transportation, which is called Green Driver as whom substantially contributes to less emission and fuel consumption, and higher-safety. The research established the driver’s Green Adaptive Travel Behaviors (GATB), in particular, that is referred to voluntary personal and lifestyle behaviors on less energy consumption and emission. The methodology was designed into two phases. Phase one was to investigate driver’s GATBs through systematic literature review process and content analysis method. The second phase was to verify greenery value impact (GVI) of the finalized list of drivers’ GATBs through an expert input study and Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) method. Total twenty six (26) GATB factors have been determined. Amongst, the factor ‘F27- Dangerous overtaking’ has received the highest value (97%) followed with ‘F3- Slow once realizing bike lanes for cyclist crossing’ (91%). In contrast, ‘F4- Realize visual Obstacles to manage the speed’ and ‘F21- Brake with smooth deceleration’ has received the lowest value (77%) among other factors. Two of the initial factors;‘F5-Use traffic calming devices’ (55%), and ‘F24- Change highest possible gear’ (69%) could not reach the 70% saturation; hence, they have been dropped from the list of GATB factors. Indeed, the GATB efforts are not limited to technology and practice; but also can include education and enforcement to driving regulations in order to interconnect driver, technology, environment, and vehicle. The research concluded with an innovative technique used as the decision support tool to evaluate the greenery grade of any individual driver on committing to less emission, less fuel consumption, and higher safety in traveling. As future study, the Green driver behaviour index assessment model will be developed based on this study outputs.

Urban climatologists have moved smoothly towards urban geometry meso-scales as obstruction between buildings, streets, and urban environment. Urban climatologists and designers have expressed that urban geometry parameters affect urban microclimate conditions. Improper functioning of the geometry factors, particularly air temperature and wind speed, can increase the harshness of climate change and Urban Heat Island (UHI) defects, which are more critical in coastal cities of tropical regions. In this regard, the current study aimed to identify the impact of each street geometry factor on urban microclimate through a critical literature review. The research determined a total of twenty seven (27) factors within three clusters; 1) geometry factors, 2) meteorological factors, and 3) streetscape factors. The content analysis calculated the Depth of Citation (DoC) which refers to the cumulative importance level of each factor. The content analysis resulted air temperature (Ta) (DoC = 18 out of 28) is the most important street geometry factor that should be extensively considered in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. In contrast, the factors (such as air pollution and traffic load) have received a minimum Doc (1 out of 28). The research has also analyzed the importance level of clusters through an expert input study using Grounded Group Decision Making (GGDM) method. The results show that meteorological cluster (92 %), streetscape cluster (86 %), and geometry cluster (85 %) have to be respectively implemented in urban microclimate studies in coastal cities. The research states there are new approaches have not yet been touched by urban climatologist affecting urban microclimate; included; surface materials, sea-borne dust and sand, user’s satisfaction, user’s thermal adaptive behavior. These approaches can potentially exacerbate UHI effects in coastal cities, which need further research.

There are different methods to reduce drag in high speed hulls. One of these methods is a change in the shape of the body by adding longitudinal side tunnels. In this paper it has been attempted to determine the influence of the tunnel height on hydrodynamic characteristics of the hull to achieving an optimum shape for the tunnel. To achieve this purpose, numerical simulation of the problem has been done using finite volume method considering moving mesh. For turbulence modeling, k-ε model and to simulate free surface, the Volume of Fluid (VOF) two phase model has been employed. The results show that creating a tunnel in the base mono-hull would lead to reduction of the total drag at high speed as well as decreasing the vessel draft of the hull over the whole range. Furthermore, in the Volumetric Froude number around 4, a reduction in the height of the tunnel could decrease the hull drag. In higher Volumetric Froude numbers, reduction of the tunnel height, to some extent, increases the drag with a slight slope.

Background: The quantity and quality of manpower, especially in health systems, are major factors affecting speed of service delivery, cost, and accuracy, or, in other words, the quality of service. Objective: This study purposed to investigate the manpower required in various units of the laboratory at Shiraz Faghihi Hospital. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical research conducted on all testing processes in the fields of parasitology, hormone biology, microbiology, and urinalysis performed at the studied hospital. The Westinghouse ergometer and timing method was used to estimate manpower requirements, and SPSS18 software was used to analyze data. Results: The average standard time of every duty cycle in parasitology units, hormone biology, microbiology, and urinalysis are 12, 5, 9, and 5 minutes, respectively. The numbers of human resources required in said units were estimated to be 2.6, 3, 4, and 3.7 respectively. In parasitology unit there is lack of 1 manpower. In hormone unit there are two manpower surpluses. In biology unit there is one manpower surplus and urinalysis unit is estimated to be proportional to the number of troops. Conclusion: It is suggested that new, scientific tools be used to evaluate the status of department staff and make improvements to avoid the high costs and difficulties that manpower shortages and surpluses cause for the organization.

Background: Today, in order to provide desirable health care services, too much emphasis is placed on the physical and mental health of nurses, and job burnout among nurses is introduced as harmful elements to the health of nurses. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate job burnout in Shiraz Nemazee Hospital in relation to demographic characteristics. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional and descriptive-analytic study. The research community included all nurses in the whole sections of Nemazee Hospital out of which 245 were selected by classified random sampling as the study sample. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. After collection, data were entered in statistical package for social sciences SPSS software (version 18) and T-test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to analyze the variables. Results: The mean score of emotional exhaustion, lack of personal accomplishment and job burnout were at an average level, and depersonalization was at a low level. As regards the intensity of burnout, most nurses were moderate. Between components of depersonalization of job burnout with marital status and age, there was a significant relationship (PConclusion: According to the findings of this study and in terms of the stressful nature of nursing profession, it is necessary that hospital managers and healthcare authorities pay attention to job burnout in nurses, its level, as well as provide and implement strategies for its prevention, thereby decreasing its effects and risks.

Background and Aim: The main purpose of all organizations is improving efficiency and effectiveness. One of the barriers of reaching effectiveness is burnout which can be seen as the final outcome of job stress in many professions including nursing. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between effectiveness of nurses and burnout in Shiraz Nemazee hospital. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytic and cross-sectional study was done among all of the nurses in the Shiraz Nemazee hospital. Two hundred and forty five nurses were selected using random classified sampling method. The data gathering form was standardized questionnaire. Data were entered into SPSS 15 software and the Pearson correlation test was used for data analysis. Results: The study nurses were at moderate level according to burnout and effectiveness variables. There were positive correlation between “effectiveness” and “target acquisition” and “preservation of the cultural model” dimensions with “lack of individual success” dimension (P

Purpose: PECAM-1 (CD31) is a glycoprotein expressed on endothelial and bone marrow precursor cells. It plays important roles in angiogenesis, maintenance and integration of the cytoskeleton and direction of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. We aimed to clone the cDNA coding for human CD31 from KG1a for further subcloning and expression in NIH- 3T3 mouse cell line. Methods: CD31 cDNA was cloned from KG1a cell line after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Pfu DNA polymerase-amplified specific band was ligated to pGEMT-easy vector and sub-cloned in pCMV6-Neo expression vector. After transfection of NIH-3T3 cells using 3 μg of recombinant construct and 6 μl of JetPEI transfection reagent, stable expression was obtained by selection of cells by G418 antibiotic and confirmed by surface flow cytometry. Results: 2235 bp specific band was aligned completely to human CD31 reference sequence in NCBI database. Transient and stable expression of human CD31 on transfected NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was achieved (23% and 96%, respectively) as shown by flow cytometry. Conclusion: Due to murine origin of NIH-3T3 cell line, CD31-expressing NIH-3T3 cells could be useful as immunogen in production of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies against human CD31, with no need for purification of recombinant proteins.

Recently, special type of fuel cells has been developed that operates in a Dead End mode. Working in this condition, the Dead-End fuel cell is supplied withhydrogen almost at the same rate of consumption. It is noteworthy to mention thatall of the water transport mechanisms have been considered in this simulation.Water accumulation that is directly proportional to the cell current is of a greatimportance and has a negative impact on the cell voltage and its performance.Hence, water and gas management in Dead-End mode should be handled properly.To do so, determining the suitable time of purge and its duration is valuable with adirect impact on cell performance. In this paper, the channel and gas diffusion layerhave been considered as a single control volume and the blockage effect has beeninvestigated by means of thermodynamic analysis. In order to obtain a reasonableassumption, we have studied three different scenarios: GDL flooding, channelflooding and GDL-channel flooding simultaneously. The influence of blockageeffect rate of gas diffusion layer and channel on cell voltage drop, performance andpurge time have been studied. Voltage drop curves in different operating conditionshave been presented and the results show an acceptable agreement withexperimental studies. These curves have been investigated for different currentdensities (0.5, 1 and 1.5 A/cm2), active areas (25, 50 and 100 cm2) andtemperatures (60-80 °C).An Increase in temperature and in current density, reducespurge time interval, while increasing active area has an inverse impact. In highcurrent densities, the effect of temperature variation can be neglected.

Purpose: Transmembrane CD34 glycoprotein is the most important marker for identification, isolation and enumeration of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). We aimed in this study to clone the cDNA coding for human CD34 from KG1a cell line and stably express in mouse fibroblast cell line NIH-3T3. Such artificial cell line could be useful as proper immunogen for production of mouse monoclonal antibodies. Methods: CD34 cDNA was cloned from KG1a cell line after total RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis. Pfu DNA polymerase-amplified specific band was ligated to pGEMT-easy TA-cloning vector and sub-cloned in pCMV6-Neo expression vector. After transfection of NIH-3T3 cells using 3 μg of recombinant construct and 6 μl of JetPEI transfection reagent, stable expression was obtained by selection of cells by G418 antibiotic and confirmed by surface flow cytometry. Results: 1158 bp specific band was aligned completely to reference sequence in NCBI database corresponding to long isoform of human CD34. Transient and stable expression of human CD34 on transfected NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblast cells was achieved (25% and 95%, respectively) as shown by flow cytometry. Conclusion: Cloning and stable expression of human CD34 cDNA was successfully performed and validated by standard flow cytometric analysis. Due to murine origin of NIH-3T3 cell line, CD34-expressing NIH-3T3 cells could be useful as immunogen in production of diagnostic monoclonal antibodies against human CD34. This approach could bypass the need for purification of recombinant proteins produced in eukaryotic expression systems.