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TIG-Dressing treatment is often used for steel welded joints in construction machinery manufacturing as an effective and reliable method for post-weld fatigue strength improvement. This paper investigates the fatigue performance of thick Q355D cruciform joints in heavy load-carrying steel structures under different TIG-Dressing treatments. Two TIG-Dressing treatments for the full-penetration welded joints were used for fatigue tests considering filling metal during this post-welded processing. Experimental tests studied the fatigue strength of TIG-Dressing cruciform welded joints of Q355D structural steel. The geometric parameters and relevant statistical analyses were performed by actual 3D optical measurement. Moreover, the stress concentration factors are calculated according to the actual geometrics of the welded joint. On the other hand, the effective notch stress and hot spot stress methods were employed to evaluate the fatigue data of Load-Carrying Welded joints (LCWJs) under different notch radius. The collected fatigue data from the literature was compared with the tested data by the above methods. The results show that the fatigue strength of LCWJs under TIG-Dressing processing without filler metal is higher than those under the same TIG-Dressing treatment with filler metal. The effective notch stress method with a fictitious notch radius r = rtrue + 1 mm (rtrue is the actual notch radius at weld toe) could obtain smaller scatter bands for the tested fatigue data.

BACKGROUNDS: The study at hand seeks to examine the influence of a self-regulation program rooted in Leventhal’s model on the illness perception and resilience of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). By exploring the impact of Leventhal’s model-based interventions, healthcare professionals can enhance their ability to effectively address the challenges associated with this disease. In addition, this research endeavor can serve as a valuable resource for the development of nursing knowledge in the realm of MS patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a semiexperimental two-group study. The statistical population of the study consisted of all patients with RRMS-type MS in Shahrekord city. Ninety patients were initially selected through convenience sampling and then randomly allocated into intervention and control groups (each with 45 participants) using the Random Allocation software. Before the intervention program was provided, the patients’ perception of the disease and their resilience were assessed using the Illness Perception Questionnaire-Revised (IPQ-R) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), respectively. RESULTS: The intervention group had a mean age of 34.78 ± 4.27 years, whereas the control group had a mean age of 34.51 ± 4.43 years. After the Leventhal self-regulatory model, a statistically significant difference was observed in the mean scores of illness perception and the mean score of resilience between the intervention and control groups, both immediately and two months later, implying that the intervention group had a higher score in illness perception and the mean score of resilience (P value < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that the Leventhal self-regulatory model had a significant positive effect on improving both illness perception and resilience in individuals with MS. Therefore, enhancing these factors among MS patients can have a tremendously positive impact on their psychological health, quality of life, and treatment adherence.

Objective (s): The Covid 19 pandemic is highly contagious and may increase the likelihood of transmitting the disease to others especially to young people. Therefore, raising the awareness of young people about the preventive behaviors of the Covid 19 is very important. The present study was conducted with the aim of assessment of the effectiveness of a program based on the Health Belief Model on the promotion of preventive behaviors of Covid 19 in young people. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study that was conducted among a sample of young married people aged 25-35 years in Shahrekord, Iran by simple random sampling method. For the intervention group, 6 virtual training sessions were held based on the structures of the health belief model during one month. Data collection tools included demographic information, a questionnaire based on health belief model constructs and a questionnaire of preventive behaviors. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 18. Results: In all we recruited 100 young people into the study (50 in intervention and 50 in control groups). The results showed that there was no significant difference between the dimensions of the health belief model in the two groups before the intervention (P

Background: Postoperative blood pressure management has an important role in controlling postoperative complications. Local cold therapy and massage, in addition to pharmacotherapy is useful as a safe method to manage blood pressure.Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of Local cold therapy versus hand and foot massage on blood pressure of the patients undergoing surgery.Methods: This Semi-experimental study with three-group, before- after design was conducted on 90 patients undergoing surgery in 2019 at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Patients entered the study using convenience-sampling method and randomly allocated to intervention (local cold therapy and massage) and control groups. Local cold therapy and massage performed three times a day for 20 minutes for 48 hours. After the intervention, blood pressure changes re-measured by the researcher.Results: The mean differences of systolic blood pressure before and after the intervention in the massage (p=0.001) and local cold therapy (p=0.002) groups was significant, also mean differences of diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention in the massage (P

Background: Adult eating behavior questionnaire (AEBQ) is an age upward extension tool that measures appetite traits in individuals. This instrument was developed by Hunot in 2016. The present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Persian version of AEBQ in adults with epilepsy.Methods: The current research is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2019 in Iran. 700 adults with epilepsy completed the 35-item AEBQ. Qualitative face validity, qualitative content and structure validity (exploratory factor analysis [EFA], N=400, and confirmatory factor analysis [CFA], N=300) appetitive traits were evaluated. Reliability was also measured using Cronbach’s alpha, Construct reliability (CR), and Intra-Class Correlation (ICC). The SPSS 26-AMOS24 software was employed to analyze the data with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The EFA and CFA results comprised eight factors, namely enjoyment of food, emotional over-eating, food responsiveness, hunger, satiety responsiveness, emotional under-eating, food fussiness, and eating slowly. Indices of root mean square error of approximation=0.068, parsimonious normed fit index=0.644, parsimonious comparative fit index=0.671, adjusted goodness of fit index=0.618, goodness of fit index=0.911, and Chi square degree-of-freedom ratio (normalized Chi square CMIN/DF=2.842) confirmed the fitness of the final model. Convergent and divergent validity was acceptable for all the factors. The results revealed that the internal stability>0.8 and CR>0.7 of the eight extracted AEBQ structures are confirmed. The ICC was 0.899 (95% CI: 0.878-0.917; P

Abstract Background: Since happiness affects the various aspects of human life and is considered as one of the most important psychological needs, achieving it and it effects on the health of the body and soul has always occupied the mind of human beings. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Forde's happiness program on sleep quality in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was performed in the MS Society of Shahrekord in 2018. 70 eligible patients with MS were recruited through convenience sampling method and randomly allocated into intervention and control groups equally. The Fordyce Happiness Training Program was conducted in eight sessions in the intervention group. The sleep quality was measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), before intervention, immediately and three months after the implementation of Fordyce Happiness Program. The data analysis was analyzed using Chi-square, and independent t-test and Fishers exact test for demographic data distribution in intervention and control group, and repeated measures ANOVA for sleep quality in SPSS-16. Results: The findings indicated that total scores of sleep quality of the two intervention (4.61±.052) and control (6.62±.054) groups were not significantly different before the intervention (P=0.05). However, the mean sleep quality scores of intervention and control groups showed a significant difference before, immediately after the intervention with a significant decrease in sleep quality scores over time (F=23.291, P˂0.001). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the implementation of Fordyce Happiness Training Program in MS patients is a suitable method for improving sleep quality, and if this program continues, they will get better results.

Background and aims: The quality of nurse-patient communication has significant effects on patient care outcomes. Therefore, education of communication skills (CSs) to nurses and nursing students can improve patient care outcomes. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of face-to-face education (FTFE) and virtual education (VE) on CSs among nursing students. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2021. Participants were 51 senior nursing students in their internship course in Shahrekord Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahrekord, Iran. They were recruited to the study through a census and were allocated to FTFE and VE groups through the Random Allocation Software. FTFE was provided in two sessions through the lecture and the question and answer methods, while VE was provided in a single online session through simulated multimedia content. Participants’ CSs were assessed before and ten days after the study intervention through a 50-minute Objective Structured Clinical Examination with five consecutive stations on communication with elderly patient, communication with adolescent patient, communication with aggressive patient, communication with illiterate or non-communicative patient, and communication for consent. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 23.0) and through the independent sample t, paired-sample t, and chi-square tests and the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). Results: The posttest mean scores of CSs in both groups were significantly greater than their corresponding pretest values (P

Introduction: The present study aimed to explore the correlation of depression, anxiety, and stress with indices of dental caries and periodontal disease among 15-year-old adolescents living in Bandar Abbas during the academic year 2017-18.Materials and Methods: The present descriptive-analytical research was conducted on all 15-year-old students (n=478) in Bandar Abbas. Two individuals were employed for examination in collecting clinical data. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21) were completed by students. Then, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics along with ANOVA and Chi-squared test.Results: Of all the participants in this study, 52.8% of students were male and 47.2% were female. Furthermore, 91.3% of participants' fathers were employed. Also, 33.4% of fathers and 34.3% of mothers had an academic degree. The results indicated a statistically significant difference between anxiety, stress, and depression and simplified oral hygiene index. The majority of students were psychologically classified as average, which was also statistically significant (p

Abstract Ovarian chronic inflammation has been created and extended in the laying hen mainly via increasing laying frequency and microbial infection, especially during the late stage of production period. This study was aimed to evaluate glucocorticoid (GC) Fluticasone as an anti-inflammatory agent on the gene expression of the ovarian pro-and anti-inflammatory mediators (follicular cyclooxygenases COX 1, 2, and cytokines), inflammatory responses of the immune system, ovarian functions (ovulation rate and follicular growths), and hormones in the commercial-aged laying hens. White Leghorn hens aged 92-weeks were used for four weeks to be supplemented by 2 ppm Fluticasone as an optimum dose obtained in a pre-trial base on ovulation rate. As compared to control, Fluticasone resulted in a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of COX-1 and pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and increase in COX-2 mRNA expression and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (P

Background and aims: Surgery is a main treatment for some illnesses. Postoperative pain (POP) is a major postoperative concern for patients and healthcare providers. The present study aimed at comparing the effects of cold therapy and foot and hand massage on POP among patients with major surgeries. Methods: This quality improvement study was conducted in 2019 on ninety patients who underwent thoracoabdominal surgeries in Kashani teaching hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to a control, a cold therapy, and a foot and hand massage group through block randomization with a block size of six. Participants in the control group received routine care services, while participants in the cold therapy group received twenty-minute local cold therapy three times a day for 48 hours and participants in the massage group received twenty-minute hand and foot massage three times a day for 48 hours. POP was assessed before and 48 hours after the study intervention using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. The SPSS software was used to analyze the data through the Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Fisher’s exact, chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, paired-sample t, and Wilcoxon’s sign-ranked tests as well as the one-way analysis of variance. Results: There was no significant difference among the groups respecting the pretest mean score of POP (P > 0.05). The mean score of POP significantly decreased in all groups (P < 0.05) and the amount of decrease in the intervention groups was significantly more than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Cold therapy and foot and hand massage are effective in significantly reducing POP among patients with major thoracoabdominal surgeries.

Background and aims: Stroke is the first leading cause of disability in adults. Long-term disability after stroke necessitates long-term caregiving by family members. The family caregivers (FCGs) of patients with stroke (PWS) experience different problems and hence, require self-management (SM) skills. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an SM program based on Strauss and Corbin’s SM model on perceived social support (PSS) among the FCGs of PWS. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2019–2020. Participants were eighty FCGs of PWS who were hospitalized in Kashani hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. They were purposefully- recruited and randomly allocated to a control and an intervention group. An SM program based on Strauss and Corbin’s SM model was implemented in six ninety-minute sessions for participants in the intervention group. The Multidimensional Scale of PSS was used for PSS assessment before, immediately after, and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 16.0). Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the pretest mean score of PSS (P=0.76), while the mean score of PSS in the intervention group was significantly greater than the control group at both posttests (P0.05), but significantly increased in the intervention group (P

Abstract Background Ovarian chronic inflammation has been known to incidence in the laying hen mainly via increasing laying frequency and microbial infection, especially during late stage of production period. This study was aimed to evaluate beta-2 adrenergic agonist (Beta-2 Adrenergic Agonist, BAA) Salmeterol and beta blocker (Beta Blocker, BB) Propranolol on the gene expression of the ovarian pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, inflammatory responses of immune system, ovarian functions and, hormones in the laying hens on the late stage of production period. Forty-eight White Leghorn hens aged 92 weeks were used for 4 weeks to be supplemented by Salmeterol and Propranolol. Ovulation rate and follicular growth were determined based on laying frequency and ovarian visual evaluation, respectively; the mRNA expressions of follicular beta-2 adrenergic receptor (Beta-2 Adrenergic Receptor, β2ADR), cyclooxygenases (Cyclooxygenases, COX) 1 and 2, and cytokines were measured by real-time PCR. The plasma concentration of ovarian hormones, cellular, and humoral immune responses were measured via ELISA, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (Heterophil to Lymphocyte ratio, H:L), and sheep red blood cell (Sheep Red Blood Cell, SRBC) test, respectively. Results As compared to control, both of BAA Salmeterol and BB Propranolol resulted in a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of β2ADR, cyclooxygenases, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (P

The effect of machining strategies on the surface integrity have received minimal consideration as this fluid situation develops, specifically, the machining induced residual stress generated in the material during milling. This study investigates the presence of machining induced residual stress in Aluminum 7075 and its effects on fatigue life. The testing consists of a layer removal process to measure residual stress followed by a three-point bending fatigue test. The study finds that an increase in feed per tooth in combination with a reduction in cutting speed increases compressive residual stress at the surface in the material. The fatigue testing concludes that this increase in compressive stress improves fatigue life with varying effects on long crack and short crack propagation.

Abstract Background Apathy in patients with epilepsy is associated with a wide range of consequences that reduce the patient’s ability to perform social functions and participate in self-care and rehabilitation programs. Therefore, apathy is one of the important diagnoses of the healthcare team in the process of caring for epileptic patients and its dimensions need to be examined and recognized. Therefore, appropriate instruments with the sociocultural milieu of each community should be provided to health care providers. The aim of the present study was to design and measure epilepsy–related apathy scale (E-RAS) in adults with epilepsy. Methods This study of sequential exploratory mixed methods design was conducted in Iran from April 2019 to December 2019. In the Item generation stage, two inductive (face-to-face and semi-structured interviews with 17 adult epileptic patients) and deductive (literature review) were used. In item reduction, integration of qualitative and literature reviews and scale evaluation were accomplished. For Scale Evaluation, face, content, construct [exploratory factor analysis (EFA) (n = 360) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) (n = 200)], convergent and divergent Validity and reliability (internal consistency and stability) were investigated. Results The results of EFA showed that E-RAS has four factors, namely, motivation; self-regulatory; cognition and emotional-effective. These four latent factors accounted for a total of 48.351% of the total variance in the E-RAS construct. The results of CFA showed that the 4-factor model of E-RAS has the highest fit with the data. The results of convergent and divergent validity showed that the values of composite reliability (CR) and average variance extracted (AVE) for the four factors were greater than 0.7 and 0.5, respectively, and the value of AVE for each factor was greater than CR. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the whole scale was obtained 0.815. The results of the test-retest showed that there was a significant agreement between the test and retest scores (P

Background and aims: Stress and anxiety during coronary angiography (CA) can lead to serious complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias, coronary artery spasm, and coronary artery rupture. This study aimed to evaluating the effects of clinical simulation on stress, anxiety, and hemodynamic parameters among the candidates for CA. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on eighty candidates for CA. Participants were conveniently recruited from Tehran Heart Center, Tehran, Iran, and randomly allocated to a control and an intervention group through block randomization with a block size of 2. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and a datasheet for hemodynamic parameters were used to assess participants’ anxiety, stress, and hemodynamic parameters before and after the study intervention. Participants in the intervention group received routine care services and a clinical simulation intervention, while participants in the control group solely received routine care services. Data were analyzed using the chi-square, independent-sample t, and paired-sample t tests. Results: The mean scores of stress and anxiety and the mean values of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR) significantly decreased in the intervention group (P0.05). The pretest posttest differences in the means of stress, anxiety, SBP, DBP, and HR in the intervention group were significantly greater than the control group (P

Background and aims: The family members of patients in intensive care unit (ICU) experience high levels of anxiety and stress. This study sought to assess the effects of written emotional disclosure (WED) on anxiety and perceived stress among the family members of patients in ICU. Methods: This clinical trial was conducted in 2019 on seventy family members of patients hospitalized in the ICUs of Kashani hospital, Shahrekord, Iran. Family members were conveniently recruited and randomly assigned to a 35-person control and a 35-person intervention group. Participants in the intervention group were trained to write for twenty minutes every other day for two consecutive weeks about their negative emotional feelings, negative thoughts, concerns, and fears associated with their patient hospitalization in ICU. The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale were used for anxiety and stress assessment before, two weeks after, and one month after the study intervention. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software (v. 18.0) at a significance level of less than 0.05. Results: The mean of participants’ age was 38.91±9.01 years in the control group and 33.83±10.22 years in the intervention group. Around 37.1% of participants in the control group and 54.3% of participants in the intervention group were male. There were no significant differences between the groups respecting participants’ age and gender (P>0.05). One month after the intervention, the mean scores of state and trait anxiety were respectively 57.83±11.58 and 51.11±10.49 in the control group and 46.94±11.07 and 43.71±8.76 in the intervention group. Between-group differences were significant (P0.05). Conclusion: WED is effective in significantly reducing anxiety and slightly reducing perceived stress among the family members of patients in ICU. Therefore, WED can be used as a simple, cost-free, and complication-free strategy to reduce anxiety and stress among the family members of patients in hospital settings, particularly in ICU.

Characterization of surface topography, roughly divided into measurement and data analysis, can be valuable in the process of validation of the tribological performance of machined parts. Surface topography, especially the roughness, can respond straightly to the machining process and, in some cases, is defined as a fingerprint of the manufacturing. When considering the high precision of surface topography studies, the definition of both S-surface and L-surface can drive many errors that influence the analysis of the accuracy of the manufacturing process. Even if precise measuring equipment (device and method) is provided but received data are processed erroneously, the precision is still lost. From that matter, the precise definition of the S-L surface can be valuable in the roughness evaluation allowing a reduction in the rejection of properly made parts. In this paper, it was proposed how to select an appropriate procedure for the removal of the L- and S- components from the raw measured data. Various types of surface topographies were considered, e.g., plateau-honed (some with burnished oil pockets), turned, milled, ground, laser-textured, ceramic, composite, and, generally, isotropic. They were measured with different (stylus and optical) methods, respectively, and parameters from the ISO 25178 standard were also taken into consideration. It was found that commonly used and available commercial software methods can be valuable and especially helpful in the precise definition of the S-L surface; respectively, its usage requires an appropriate response (knowledge) from the users.

Background and Aim: ICU is one of the vital departments in the hospital to reduce mortality and morbidity. The department where nurses face complex situations that require decision-making skills. In fact, problem solving is an important and complex issue clinical practice, and decision-making is an important indicator. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of SBAR-based patient safety education program on nurseschr('39') clinical decision making in intensive care unit nurses. Methods: The quasi-experimental study was performed on 60 nurses working in intensive care units of Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar hospitals in Shahrekord, Iran in 1398. The subjects were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups (30 people each). For the experimental group, five SBAR-based training program was held (Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation). Data were collected using Lori et al. (2001) clinical decision making questionnaire before and one month after the intervention respectively. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of covariance in SPSS software (version 22). Results: According to the findings, the clinical decision-making score of the test group nurses before the intervention was 69.1± 5.44 and after the intervention was 80.8 ± 7.22 (P

Extreme ground behaviour in high-stress rock masses such as rockburst prone and squeezing ground conditions are encountered in a range of underground projects both in civil and mining applications. The occurrence of such ground behaviour types are difficult to predict and special design and construction measures must be taken to control them. Determining the most appropriate support system in such grounds is one of the major challenges for ground control engineers because there are many contributing factors to be considered, such as the rock mass parameters, the stress condition, the type and performance of the support systems, the condition of major geological structures and the size and geometry of the underground excavation. The main characteristics and support requirements of rockburst-prone and squeezing ground conditions are herein critically reviewed and characteristics of support functions are discussed. Different types of energy-absorbing rockbolts and other support elements applicable for ground support in burst-prone and squeezing grounds are introduced. Important differences in the choice and economics of ground support strategies in high-stress ground conditions between civil tunnels and mining excavations are discussed. Ground support benchmarking data and mitigation measures for mines and civil tunnels in burst-prone, squeezing and heavily swelling grounds conditions are briefly presented by some examples in practice.

Introduction: A national road safety strategic plan (NRSSP) is considered as one of the main road safety management issues in different countries. Such a plan not only determines the vision and relevant strategies but also causes the implementation of appropriate interventions to be coordinated and strengthened to achieve the goals set by partner organizations. The present study mainly aims to report Iran's NRSSP 2021–2031 development protocol. Methods: According to a schedule, the study protocol consists of ten sections: (1) Determining a core planning center, (2) Establishment of a steering committee, (3) Stakeholder identification, (4) Identification and development of Goals and Strategies, (5) Vision development, (6) Establishment of committees, (7) Integration of Goals and Strategies, (8) Goals and Strategies assessment, (9) Action plans development, (10) Monitoring and evaluation. An appropriate study method is performed for each of the concerned steps. Conclusion: The road safety strategy plan is a critical component to promote the effectiveness of activities and achieve the goals determined for road safety purposes. The Decade of Action for Road Safety is just being closed to its end; hence, reviewing and drawing up a road safety document concerning authentic scientific models and evidence is of paramount importance in Iran. The present study takes over the mission to address this gap.

Abstract Background and aims: Spiritual intelligence as a capability of behaving with sympathy and wise along with internal and external peace is the key part in confronting with stressor challenges in critical care units. Indeed, nurses can utilize that in the best way to manage stressful situations related to units and patients. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of training on spiritual intelligence and itschr('39') components. Methods: This quasi-experimental was conducted on 82 nurses (40 nurses in experiment group and 42 nurses in control group). Sampling was done in convenience method in critical care units of affiliated hospitals to Lorestan University of Medical Sciences (Shahid Rahimi and Shahid Madani hospitals). King spiritual intelligence scale was used for data gathering which its validity and reliability were confirmed. This scale was fulfilled by participants three times (before study, immediately and one month after study). Eight training sessions was held for experimental group as a workshop. There wasnchr('39')t any intervention for control group. Data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics and software SPSS15. (p=0.05) Results: The covariance analysis (by adjusting the effect of the base values of spiritual intelligence) showed that the main effect of intervention on the mean scores of spiritual intelligence was significant (p

Introduction: The effect of emotional intelligence on the success of individuals in health care organizations is very important. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Benson relaxation and progressive muscle relaxation on emotional intelligence of nurses in special departments. Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial study, 105 nurses of the intensive care units of Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar hospitals in Shahrekord during 2018-2019, were randomly divided into two groups: Bensonchr('39')s progressive muscle relaxation and relaxation intervention group (35 people) and one group Control (35 people). The Benson relaxation intervention group performed Benson relaxation exercises for up to 20 minutes once a day for three months. The progressive muscle relaxation intervention group performed relaxation exercises for 45 minutes during three months on a daily basis. The data was collected through questionnaire of Shirring Emotional Intelligence and demographic information that was completed in three groups during before, immediately after, and three months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 18 and with significant level (P= 0.05). Findings: Based on the results of ANOVA test with repeated measurement, the mean scores of emotional intelligence before and immediately after intervention in the progressive muscle relaxation group were significantly different (P= 0.008), while this difference was not significant in the control group (P = 0.515). It was also found that the mean score of emotional intelligence in Benson relaxation group was not significant before and immediately after the intervention (P = 0.345), while before and three months after intervention in Benson relaxation group was significant (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The results showed that progressive muscle relaxation and Benson have a beneficial effect on emotional intelligence and can be implemented and educated as useful tools for improving the emotional intelligence of nurses in critical care units.

Background & Aim: Managers are always learning to make critical decisions, and learning organizations emphasize continuous learning to survive in the current competitive environment. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between assertiveness and decision making styles and organizational learning of health managers of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive, analytical, and correlational study was performed on 200 health managers of Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences selected by census sampling. Data were collected using three standard questionnaires of Scott and Bruce decision making style (1995), Gambler and Richiechr('39')s standard assertiveness questionnaire (1957), and Niefechr('39')s standard learning questionnaire (2001). Data analysis was performed on SPSS version 16 using descriptive statistics, the Pearson’s correlation coefficient, independent t-test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, one-way ANOVA and regression analysis. Results: The mean score of assertiveness (88.24±14.5), decision making style (45.70±9.6), and learning (43.51±7.53) were at an average level. There was a relationship between the mean score of assertiveness with decision making styles and organizational learning (P

Background & Objective: Anxiety is the most common issue in the candidates of surgical heart valve replacement. The length of hospital stay in these patients is economically and organizationally important as a predictor of their recovery from acute physical conditions. The present study aimed to assess the effects of a designed discharge plan on anxiety and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing heart valve replacement. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial was conducted on 65 candidates of heart valve replacement in Chamran Hospital in Isfahan, Iran, who were randomly divided into the intervention and control groups. In the intervention group, the designed discharge plan was implemented and continued one month after discharge via phone follow-up. Length of hospital stay and anxiety were analyzed before the intervention and one and three months after discharge in both groups in SPSS. Results: ANOVA indicated that the mean anxiety in the study groups was significantly different at different times (P0.05). Conclusion: The designed discharge plan reduced anxiety in the patients, while its effect on the length of hospital stay requires further investigation. Therefore, it is recommended that the discharge program be used as an effective approach to maintaining care in patients undergoing heart valve replacement.

Rockbolt is widely employed all over the world as an effective ground reinforcement element in order to secure the underground workplaces. Ordinary encapsulated rebar or rebar rockbolt is most popular and commonly used as reinforcement in a ground support system because of its accessibility, cost effectiveness and easy practicability. Reinforcement elements in a seismic condition such as rock burst have to dissipate the energy release of the dynamic impact via their deformation and ultimate load capacity, knowing that the former is more important. In other words, achieving early stiff behaviour along with large deformation capacity in rockbolts are the goals for new development in rock reinforcement. Yielding rockbolts are expensive while some of them have large deformation capability with low ultimate load capacity. In this paper, modifications were made on encapsulation of rebar rockbolts to utilise it effectively as a yielding reinforcement in seismic conditions. Applying a sufficient decoupled length in the shank of rebar rockbolts which industry has regularly been using to control the bulking of the stress fractured ground, improves the deformation capacity of the bolt. Additionally, leaving a collar bonding underneath of the bearing pad and plate removes the weaknesses of the head anchorage of rockbolt. Therefore the dynamic performance of the bolt is improved by these easily applicable modifications. The behaviour and performance of encapsulated rockbolts have been discussed first, then the effects of modifications are illustrated. The proposed modification of the rebars is not only cost effective but also easy to apply in the field and improves the performance of reinforcements in seismic prone zones. Keywords: Rockbolt, Tunnel support, Collar bonding, Seismic rock support, Tunnelling

Background and aims: Patient safety, as one of the main components of the health care quality, implies avoiding any injury and damage to the patient when providing health care services. In other words, patient safety means his or her safety against any adverse and harmful event when receiving health care services. Based on the above-mention explanations, the present study was conducted to determine the patterns of patient safety management. Methods: A systematic review method was used to meet the objectives of the study. In order to access the scientific documentation and evidence related to the subject published during 1998-2018, English keywords including "Patient Safety Model", "Patient Safety", and "Patient Safety of Management" were searched in Medine, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases and Persian versions of these keywords were also looked for in Jihad-e Daneshgahi’s Scientific Information Database (SID) and Iranian Journals database (Magiran). Results: The findings of this study suggested that most of the studies on designing a model for patient safety highlighted important dimensions including guidance and leadership, communication, organizing, information management, control and monitoring, participation and decision-making, as well as planning and coordination. Conclusion: In general, using patterns and frameworks designed for patient safety improves patient safety against uncertain incidents since the human and financial consequences of such incidents impose overwhelming sufferings on patients.

Introduction: Clinical competence of nurses is an effective factor in ensuring the quality of care in a competitive modern world. Given the vital role of nurses and the weakness of existing assertiveness, this concept as a communication style can play an important role in improving performance and improving the quality of care in tense stressful care settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the assertiveness program on the clinical competence of nurses in intensive care units. Method: In this clinical trial, 70 nurses of ShahreKord in 2018 were randomly allocated into two groups experimental and control. The experimental group was trained in 6 sessions of ninety minutes, while the control group did not receive the training. Data was collected before, immediately and 3 months after intervention by demographic and CIRN Clinical Competency Questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 17 with independent t-test, ANOVA with repeated measurement and Chi-square. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean scores of clinical competency between the two groups before intervention, but this difference was significant in the immediately and 3 months after intervention based on independent t-test (P

Background and Aims Heart disease can affect patients and their families, and society’s biopsychological status. Thus, it is necessary to empower patients to better control the disease and improve their lives. The current study evaluated the effect of empowerment program based on the health belief model on perceived satisfaction in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods This clinical trial study was conducted on 70 patients with acute coronary syndrome who were randomly assigned to two intervention and control groups. Initially, perceived satisfaction questionnaires were completed in the two groups; then, the intervention group received a 7-session empowerment program based on the health belief model, and usual care was provided to the controls. Immediately, one month, and three months later, the questionnaire was completed by the two groups. The obtained data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, and Chi-squared test in SPSS. Results The two groups were matched in terms of demographic variables such as gender, age, and the type and duration of disease (P>0.05). Comparing the level of changes in perceived satisfaction in the two groups revealed that posttest changes were significantly higher in the intervention group, compared to the controls (P

Background and Aims Nurses are the first of rescuers who are present after the incidence of disasters. Thus, they should be able to provide required cares for injured people using their competencies. Assessing disaster nursing competence and its effective factors are essential for enhancing the quality of nursing care. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and disaster nursing competence. Methods This correlational cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 nurses working in an educational hospital in Shahrekord City, Iran. Sampling was performed by a multi-stage method. Data were collected using the Disaster Nursing Competence Scale as well as Emotional Intelligence questionnaire and analyzed by Independent Samples t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in SPSS. Results The majority of nurses (53.3%) had average emotional intelligence, and the mean±SD score of the total disaster nursing competence was 162.58±2.70. Pearson’s correlation coefficient suggested a significant positive correlation between emotional intelligence and disaster nursing competence. Conclusion There was a significant relationship between emotional intelligence and disaster nursing competence. Therefore, appropriate educational programs should be designed to promote the level of emotional intelligence of nurses to increase their competence in disaster response.

Purpose Patient education is a dynamic and continuous process that should be implemented during the entire time of hospital stay and even afterward. Studies have shown the typically poor quality of patient education in Iran and its failure to convey the required knowledge and skills to patients. The purpose of this study was to survey the experience of nursing students in regard to the challenges of patient education in hospitals. Methods This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional qualitative content analysis approach on a sample of 21 undergraduate nursing students (4th semester and beyond), which was drawn from the Qom Nursing and Midwifery School through purposive sampling with maximum variation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted over a period of 45 to 75 minutes, and were analyzed using the conventional qualitative content analysis. Results Results were derived from the experiences of 21 nursing students (nine males, 12 females) about the research subject. The primary themes identified in the study were the student-related, patient-related, instructor-related, education environment-related, and curriculum-related barriers to patient educations. Conclusion Participants believed that patient education in Iranian hospitals is faced with many challenges. Nursing instructors and curriculum planners should ensure more emphasis on patient education at the initial semesters of nursing education curriculum and make sure that it is included in the evaluation of students. Hospital officials should provide a dedicated education environment with suitable facilities, tools, and atmosphere for patient education. Also, special education programs need to be developed for less educated patients.

BACGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) has been regarded as one of the musculoskeletal problems which is affecting more than three-quarters of individuals in their lifetime. Nowadays, various pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies are employed for relieving and treating LBP. This study was conducted to compare the effects of topical hot salt and hot sand on patients' perception of LBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this, quasi-experimental study patients with LBP referring to the orthopedic clinic of Shahrekord educational hospital were divided randomly into two interventions and one control group in 2020. All three groups were received naproxen cream and daily physiotherapy in the same manner, the interventional groups in addition either topical hot salt or topical hot sand. Data gathering tool for measuring patients' perception of LBP was the McGill Pain Short Form Questionnaire to be completed at the beginning, immediately at the end, and 2 months after the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 21.0). RESULTS: Totally, 90 patients were randomized based on the table of random numbers (mean age 51.1 + 11.1), and finally, 87 patients completed the study. Patients' perception of LBP before the intervention was homogenous in hot salt, hot sand, and the control group The mean score of total pain experience before the intervention was 14.1 ± 11.3 for hot sand, 13.9 ± 10.7 for hot salt and 13.7 ± 10.1 for control group The mean scores of these three groups were not significant before the intervention (P > 0.05). The mean score of total pain experience immediately after the intervention was 6.7 ± 4.2 for hot sand, 5.2 ± 3.1 for hot salt and 13.9 ± 9.8 for control group. The mean scores of the hot sand group and the hot salt group were significantly decreased compared with control group (P > 0.05). The mean score of total pain experience two months after the intervention was 5.6 ± 3.27 for hot sand, 4.21 ± 2.14 for hot salt and 13.8 ± 10.4 for control group. Mean score of total pain experience in both intervention groups had significantly reduced two months after the intervention compared to control group (P ≤ 0.001); so that the effect of hot salt treatment on reducing total pain experience was larger than hot sand (P ≤ 0.001). The same trend was observed for VAS and Present pain intensity variables. CONCLUSIONS: The findings have revealed that the topical treatments with hot salt and hot sand could have a significant effect on the perception of LBP compared to those in the control group; whereas hot salt might be stronger effects than hot sand on reducing LBP.

Background and aims: Maintaining the health of diabetic people depends on the self-management of the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of distress, self-efficacy, perceived social support, and self-care with self-management behaviors in the patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The present analytical-descriptive study was conducted on 228 diabetic patients, during 2016-2017. Most of the participants were male (60.6%) and the mean age of them was 51.95±15.04. The participants were selected based on a simple random sampling method after completing the consent form. The required data were collected through questionnaires of distress, self-efficacy, perceived social support, self-care, and self-management. The data were statistically analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0. Results: Out of 228 participants, 77.3% were married and the highest frequency in terms of educational attainment was related to those with a high school diploma. The results indicated that the duration of affliction with diabetes was less than 10-15 years in 88.9% of the participants. Pearson correlation test demonstrated that the total score of self-management had a significant relationship with the total scores of distress, perceived social support, self-efficacy, and self-care (P

Background and Aims Caring for patients with epilepsy, creates many challenges for their family caregivers. The implementation of family-based interventions can facilitate the caring duty of caregivers and increase the quality of care for patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of family-based care program on care burden in family caregivers of patients with epilepsy. Methods This clinical trial study was conducted in Ayatollah Kashani and Hajar hospitals in Shahrekord City, Iran for 7 months in 2016. Samples were selected by convenience sampling method and randomly assigned in the intervention (n=50) and control (n=50) groups. For the intervention group, a family-centered care program was implemented including self-efficacy, self-esteem and evaluation, through education, support, problem solving and group discussion during four sessions. Data were collected by using Persian version of Zaritchr('39')s burden of care scale from the intervention and control groups in three stages; before, immediately, and two months after the intervention. Data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical t-test and ANOVA with repeated measurement in the SPSS. Results The mean score of burden of care in the intervention and control groups were 37.42 and 34, respectively before the intervention (P

Underground mining is going to be deeper gradually because near surface resources are going to be depleted. Therefore, risk of seismic events in underground mines is escalating. Additionally, existence of the large ratio of horizontal to vertical stress, could be a potential reason for high-stress condition and occurrence of dynamic activities. Depending on various parameters such as the level of induced stress, rock properties, etc., ground demand changes and it is difficult to estimate. On the other hand, under seismic condition, energy dissipation and deformation capacity of supports is the most important factors, however, rock support performance factors in dynamic conditions are still under investigation. Expanding the knowledge of reinforcement behaviour and capacity, specifically that of the rockbolt as a primary element in seismic conditions, would help to develop a suitable, safe and economic support design. This paper contains various methods to estimate ground demand including the intact rock properties approach, failure thickness and ejection velocity estimation, and rockburst damage potential method. It also covers measurement methods of rockbolts energy dissipation capacities such as drop test, blasting simulating, back calculation and momentum transfer measurement methods. A large-scale dynamic test rig is also explained. Based on the findings, a table and a graph to show the applicable range of each type of rockbolts were presented. Suitable rockbolt types for various ground energy demand and deformation capacity range were categorised in the table and the graph. The presented support selection method facilitates the selection of a suitable reinforcement system at the preliminary stages of design and guides the designer to adjust the support reinforcement system based on observed ground and support reaction. Keywords: High-stress tunnels, Support system, Ground demand, Reinforcement capacity, Rockbolt

Objective: To determine the effect of different cervical dilators on cervical dilation and reproductive performance of fat-tailed ewes.Methods: In experiment 1 140 ewes were divided into seven groups with seven different treatments as following: 10 mL normal saline (control group), 100 IU oxytocin (OT group), 100 μg estradiol and 100 IU oxytocin (E2+OT group), 5 mL relaxin (R group), 2 mL sensiblex (SEN group), 200 μg misoprostol (MIS group) or 200 μg dinoprostone (DIN group). In experiment 2, artificial insemination was applied for evaluation of reproductive performance in experimental groups.Results: In experiment 1, the highest cervical dilation was observed in OT (90%) and E2+OT (100%) groups (P

Background: Education is a fundamental component for patients with diabetes to achieve good glycemic control. In addition, selecting the appropriate method of education is one of the most effective factors in the quality of life. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of face-to-face education, problem-based learning, and Goldstein systematic training model on the quality of life (QOL) and fatigue among caregivers of patients with diabetes. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in Hajar Hospital (Shahrekord, Iran) in 2012. The study subjects consisted of 105 family caregivers of patients with diabetes. The participants were randomly assigned to three intervention groups (35 caregivers in each group). For each group, 5-h training sessions were held separately. QOL and fatigue were evaluated immediately before and after the intervention, and after 1, 2, 3, and 4 months of intervention. Results: There was a significant increase in QOL for all the three groups. Both the problem-based learning and the Goldstein method showed desirable QOL improvement over time. The desired educational intervention for fatigue reduction during the 4-month post-intervention period was the Goldstein method. A significant reduction was observed in fatigue in all three groups after the intervention (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present study illustrated that the problem-based learning and Goldstein systematic training model improve the QOL of caregivers of patients with diabetes. In addition, the Goldstein systematic training model had the greatest effect on the reduction of fatigue within 4 months of the intervention.

Background: Postoperative complications of open heart surgery require extensive care, especially by the patient. One of the important strategies in this regard is self-care education and one of the well-known patterns is Orem self-care model. This study aimed to investigating the effect of Orem-based self-care program on sleep quality, daily activities, and lower extremity edema in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on 74 patients with coronary artery bypass graft surgery in Kashani Hospital in Shahrekord. The patients were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Data were collected using need assessment form according to the Orem model, quality of life and activity daily living questionnaire and measurement of edema by the meters. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics with SPSS software. Results: The sleep quality score in the intervention group immediately after the intervention and 2 months after, was significantly lower in the intervention group than in the control group (P = 0.001). In the intervention group immediately after the intervention and 2 months after, the daily activity score was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05) 2 months after intervention, edema score in intervention group was significantly lower than the control group (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Results of the recent study showed that the implementation of the Orem-based self-care program can reduce the postoperative complications and the use of nursing patterns, such as Orem, to enhance self-care ability in patients who require long-term care can be very effective.

BACKGROUND: Patient safety culture is an integral part of patient care standards and a prerequisite for safe care. SBAR is an acronym for Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation; this communication model has gained popularity in health-care settings, especially among professions such as nursing. However, there is little evidence that nursing professional education can enhance patient safety culture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a SBAR-based training program on patient safety culture in intensive care unit (ICU) nurses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was carried out in 2018–2019 at areas covered by Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Iran. This study was performed on 60 nurses working in ICU. The participants were randomly assigned to two experimental and control groups of 30 each. For the experimental group, five workshop sessions of SBAR-based program were held. For the control group, the patient delivery process was performed according to the ward routine. Data were collected using patient safety culture questionnaires before and 1 month after the intervention, and were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests such as paired t-test, independent t-test, and Chi-square test by SPSS 22. RESULTS: The mean score of safety culture was 31 ± 23.5 and 55.2 ± 28.6 in frequency of reporting events, 32.8 ± 17.8 and 54.3 ± 19 in overall perception of patient safety, 23 ± 20.1 and 52.9 ± 26 in communication channel openness, and 35.2 ± 19.8 and 52.4 ± 18.8 in information exchange and conveyance before and after training intervention, respectively, so that they improved from poor level to neutral-moderate level. There was no strength in any dimensions of safety culture; however, the implementation of the SBAR-based program was significantly associated with patient safety culture (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Improving patient safety culture requires attention to patient safety models such as SBAR approach that provides an appropriate and reliable structure for quality improvement. SBAR-based program training is effective in promoting patient safety culture; therefore, it is recommended that managers use this technique to promote patient safety culture.

BACKGROUND : The complex, multifaceted care environment and the threatening situation of caring for hemodialysis patients cause tension in their family caregivers. Due to the severe tension, family caregivers are likely to ignore their basic needs and only pay attention to the patient's needs and related issues. This study was conducted with the aim of designing and evaluating the Perceived Care tension Questionnaire for Caregivers of Hemodialysis Patients (PCTQHFC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a sequential exploratory mixed methods study of scale development variant conducted in two phases: qualitative and quantitative. This study was conducted in 2019 in Shahrekord. The qualitative phase included item development and scale development. In the quantitative phase (Item Analysis), the validation characteristics of the tool were examined using face, content and construct validity, and its reliability by internal consistency and stability. Findings were performed using software SPSS 18. RESULTS: Principal components analysis with orthogonal rotation to generate factors, showed that five factors, namely emotional exhaustion, inadequate social support, care burden, confusion and ambiguity and lack of adaptability skills had an eigenvalue of higher than 1, so that they explained, respectively, 75.98%, 61.36%, 72.49%, 76.33%, and 70.31% of the total variance. The internal consistency was obtained 0.811 and the inter-class correlation coefficient for the whole instrument 0.832. CONCLUSION: PCTQHFC is a culturally appropriate measure with strong psychometric properties. The instrument designed in this study measures the care tension of hemodialysis patients. Therefore, researchers, health-care providers, and community health policymakers can plan and implement interventions to reduce the tension of caregivers of hemodialysis patients by analyzing and identifying the tensions of caregivers.

Introduction: Professional values comprise a significant part of the nursing profession. Learning the concept of these values and creating conditions for developing and completing them are necessary. The aim of this study was to examine the professional and ethical values in providing nursing care from the nurses’ perspective. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was performed on 150 nurses in Shiraz’s Shahid Chamran Hospital who were selected by convenience sampling in 2015. The data was collected through a two-part questionnaire comprised of the nurses’ demographic information and Shank and Weise’s Nursing Professional Values Scale-Revised (NPVS-R) which measured five aspects (caring, activism, professionalism, trust and justice) in a five-point Likert scale (from unimportant to highly important). The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation). Results: Among the components of nursing professional values, the highest mean score was related to “justice” at 3. 91±0. 79 and the lowest mean score was related to “activism” at 3. 31±0. 74. The total mean score of the questionnaire was 3. 72±0. 53. The aspects of the professional values were prioritized from the nurses’ perspective as justice, caring, trust, professionalism and activism respectively. Conclusion: The results show that nurses consider those nursing values important which directly relate to their job. Therefore, understanding the importance of certain aspects of the professional values which are related to the nurses’ indirect tasks requires further support, and it is necessary that all of the aspects of professional and ethical values should be taught during the nursing education.

INTRODUCTION: Health promotion through lifestyle improvement is an important topic that has received considerable attention from the scientific community worldwide. This study aimed to determine the effect of Pender's health promotion model on self-efficacy and treatment adherence behaviors of hemodialysis patients in Shahrekord, Iran, in 2018–2019. METHODS: This quasi-experimental study was performed on 70 hemodialysis patients who were attending routine hemodialysis sessions in Hajar hospital in Shahrekord. Individuals were selected by simple random sampling and randomly assigned to two groups of control and intervention. In the preintervention stage, all patients completed a questionnaire that was prepared to collect demographic information and measure health-promoting behaviors, self-efficacy, and treatment adherence. The intervention group participated in eight sessions of a health promotion model-based education program. Both groups were asked to complete the questionnaire again immediately after the intervention and also 2 months later. RESULTS: The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the extent of change in mean scores over the three measurement stages (before the intervention, after the intervention, and 2 months after the intervention) (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of self-efficacy scores in the postintervention and follow-up stages (P < 0.05). The repeated measures ANOVA also revealed a significant difference between the two groups in terms of the extent of change in mean treatment adherence scores over the three measurement stages (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Considering the positive effects of the program on patients undergoing hemodialysis, it is recommended to use the program to promote the well-being of these patients without time restrictions.

Background and aim: Birth weight is related to many factors and specific medical conditions that have been existed or developed in during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate some determinants of birth weight in Qazvin. Methods: In this cross- sectional descriptive-analytic study in 2010, 3076 women with the normal vaginal delivery (NVD) entered into the study. The univariate and multivariate predictors for birth weight were analyzed using General Linear Model (GLM). Results: Average neonatal birth weight was 3248.18 ± 458.36 gr and maternal age was 25.33 ± 5.70 years. The prevalence rate of low birth weight and macrosomia were 6.67% (205 newborns) and 3.15% (97 newborns), respectively. Univariate predictors for heavier birth weights are multi-parity, male neonates, term & post term neonates, neonates of non-preeclampsia mothers and mothers above 18 years old. Upon multivariate, most of the univariate predictors remain except mother’s age lost its influence on birth weight Season of Birth became statistically significant with spring (P= 0.01) and winter (P= 0.01) having bigger babies compared to summer period. Conclusion: Some of determinants of birth weight are non- modifiable and interventions on them are not possible, but by adjusting some factors such as selection of the appropriate age for pregnancy, it is possible to have optimal birth weight.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of α-tocopherol in cryopreservation media on the bull sperm quality after thawing. Semen samples were collected from six Holstein bulls using artificial vagina twice a week. Semen samples were pooled to eliminate individual differences and then divided into four equal parts for freezing with extenders containing different concentrations of α-tocopherol according to experimental groups as follows: 0 (control), 1.2 mM (E1), 2.4 mM (E2) and 4.8 mM (E4). Motion characteristics, viability, plasma membrane functionality, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 status were determined after thawing. Results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly lower in E4 (6.1±0.6 nmol/mL) than E1 and E2 extenders (8.1±0.6 nmol/mL and 8±0.6 nmol/mL, respectively). Also, the lowest significant concentration of H2O2 was observed in E4 (3.2±0.13 nmol/mL) compared to E1 (4 ±0.1 nmol/mL), E2 (5.3± 0.1 nmol/mL) and control (6.7±0.1 nmol/mL). Moreover, E2 and E4 produced the highest significant motility (74.2±1.6%, 75.9±1.6%), viability (78.2±1.8%, 76.1±1.8%) and membrane functionality (73±1.6%, 70.5±1.6%) compared to other groups. It can be concluded that α-tocopherol at the concentration of 4.8 mM can be an efficient antioxidant additive in Bioxcell extender for cryopreservation of bull semen.

Background and aim: Breastfeeding is a God's gift that combines with maternal emotions and gets suitable with needs of the child and his/her age. Self-efficacy in breastfeeding is self-adjustable frame that can be promoted with training programs to increase the rate and duration of breastfeeding. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of relaxation training on breastfeeding self-efficacy of mothers with preterm infants. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 mothers with premature infants hospitalized randomly was assigned within two blocks of two months in both intervention and control groups. Mothers in the intervention group within 24-72 hours after childbirth individually and practically were included by the investigator for 30 to 45 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation training in Jacobson method. The Dennis Breastfeeding and demography information questionnaires were completed at baseline, the end of the fourth and eighth weeks by the mothers. Results: There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics of the two groups (P0.05). At the beginning of the study, t-test showed that the breastfeeding self-efficacy mean scores of the two groups did not significantly different (P=0.45). After the intervention in the fourth weeks, the average score of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the intervention group was (50.51± 6.79), and in the eighth weeks was (57.62± 6.22) compared to the control group (47.10± 8.85) and this difference was significant (P=0.001). The mean score of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the intervention group were significantly different at these times of study (P

Background: Postpartum depression is endangering the health of mothers and has negative impacts on the evolution of social communication and newborns evolution. This study was conducted to determine the effects of Fordyce Happiness program on the postpartum depression. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental intervention carried out on postpartum mothers that referred to 4 health centers in Isfahan. A total of 133 mothers were selected by convenient sampling and then randomly allocated in two groups (63 and 70 mothers for intervention and control respectively). Maternal depression 3 times before, immediate and 1 months after intervention in both groups was evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory-II-Persian standardized questionnaires. Educational sessions based on the Fordyce happiness program were conducted for intervention group. Data was analyzed in SPSS17 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, Illinois) descriptive and analytic statistical tests at significance level of 0.05. Results: No significant differences in demographic variables between the two groups (P ≥ 0.05). No significant differences in depression scores in the two groups before training. However after 2 months a significant difference in depression score was observed between two groups (control group: 19.38 ± 3.94; intervention group: 16.24 ± 4.8; P < 0.001). Furthermore in intervention group showed significant differences in depression scores before and after intervention (19.15 ± 3.41 and 16.24 ± 4.83; P < 0.001). However in the control group had not any significant change. Conclusion: Fordyce happiness program was effective in reducing postpartum depression in our study. With attention to the effectiveness and low cost of this program, it is recommended that this program might be considered for all mothers after childbirth in health centers or other community-based settings.

Modal analysis is a progressive science in the experimental evaluation of dynamic properties of the structures. Mechanical devices such as accelerometers are one of the sources of lack of quality in measuring modal testing parameters. In this article, elimination of the accelerometer’s mass effect of the frequency response of the structure is studied. So, a strategy is used for eliminating the mass effect using sensitivity analysis. In this method, the amount of mass change and the place to measure the structure’s response with least error in frequency correction is chosen. Experimental modal testing is carried out on a steel plate, and the effect of accelerometer’s mass is omitted using this strategy. Finally, a good agreement is achieved between numerical and experimental results.

Background and Objective: The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II classification system has been extensively used for predicting the patient mortality in various diseases admission in ICU ward. The aim of this study was to assess the predicting mortality rate of patients in critical care unit using APACHE-II index. Materials and Methods: This descriptive analytial study was done on 204 hospitalized patients with multiple diagnostic diseases admitted to ICU ward in Gazvin Kusar hospital during 2007. We used than demographic questionnaire and APACHE-II tool to evaluate the prediction mortality rate. Results: Out of 204 patients admitted, 147 (72.1%) survived. Mean APACHE-II score of the subjects was 11.38 (with arrange of 0 to 41). The predicted death rate was 30.26% and the observed death rate was 27.9%. There was a perfect correlation between APACHE-II score and predicted death rate (r=0.976 and P

Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic and degenerative disease of the central nervous system, frequently occurs in young people, affecting their quality of life. The aim of the study was to examine the effect of self- care program education based on Orem’s theory on mental aspect of quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Material and Method: This quasi-experimental study was done on 70 multiple sclerosis patients. The experimental group was treated with 8 educational sessions about self-care based on Orem’s theory and was compared with the control group. Results: The findings showed that before intervention, the quality of life score in mental aspect was not statistically different between the two groups (P= 0.33), while after intervention a statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups (P= 0.001). Pair t test showed a statistically significant difference in experimental group between before and after self care performance (P= 0.001), whereas, the same test showed no statistically significant difference in control groups (P= 0.86). Conclusion: Designing and utilizing a self care program based on Orem’s theory could be effective on mental aspect of quality of life in multiple sclerosis patients. Therefore, if a program is designed on the basis of educational needs and with respect to training the patient and the “Orem self- care model” approach, it might be effective for enhancing the quality of life in mental aspect among multiple sclerosis patients.

Background & Aim : Myocardial infarction is a common and dangerous life threatening disease with an impact on quality of life. The present descriptive-analytical study aims to determine quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction referring to Hadjar hospital affiliated to the Shahre-kord University of Medical Sciences. Material & Method : This was a descriptive-analytical study in which 150 patients admitted to cardiac care unit of Hadja hospital within 8 weeks post infarction were selected by non random sampling method. Data were collected through interview, patients’ medical records and patients self report. The tool for collecting data regarding quality of life was SF36 questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Findings showed that the mean value of age was 55.7 ±10.5 and that quality of life in majority of subjects (%53) was fairly favorable. Regarding aspects of quality of life, most patients had fairly favorable general status (physical and psychological health) (%62) and social function (%65). Also, sleep pattern of majority of subjects (%61) was favorable and most of them (62%) had unfavorable physical activity. There was statistically significant correlation between quality of life and variables such as duration of disease (P

Objective: Fatigue is one of the tormentest symptom of the Multiple Sclerosis that decrease self care ability and role performance of patients and potential of activity of daily living. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Orem self- care program on fatigue and activity of daily living (ADL) in Multiple Sclerosis clients. Materials & Methods: This quasi experimental study was a clinical trial research that was done on seventy multiple sclerosis patients whom were selected randomly from M.S. association and assigned to experimental and control group by balanced randomized method. The experimental group was treated with 8 sessions of self-care program based on Orem self-care framework and the program belonged for three months in experimental group and followed up with self-report questionnaire. Score of fatigue and activity of daily living of two groups were assessed at first of research and three months later by Payper and Barthel scales. Data were analyzed using Chi square, Independent T and Paired T test and Variance analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between two group in fatigue (P=0.48) and activity of daily living (P= 0.24) befor intervention, but these differences were significant after intervention (P