Showing 19 results for Miri
Afra Khosravi, Hadi Peyman, Koroush Sayemiri, Kourosh Saki, Reza Ranjbar,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (3-2011)
Abstract
Background:In addition to the known risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, many studies reported that there are some new risk factors such as hemocystein, lipoprotein (a), fibrinogen and factor VП affecting the morbidity and increasing the risk of disease. The current study was designed to evaluate such risk factors in relation to those previously established in a case-control study design. Methods: 40 patients with heart disease among those admitted to Shahid Mustafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam were randomly selected as case while 60 healthy people who had no sign of heart disease as the control group. A questionnaire including some demographic and clinical questions was completed for each individual, prior to blood sample to be taken after a written consent was taken from each patient. From each individual in case and control group 8 ml blood was taken and the sera were extracted. FBS, LDL, HDL, TG, cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) and hemocystein all were measured using a BT 3000 Auto Analyser in Ebne Sina lab in Ilam. Findings: The mean age of case and control groups was 49.48±10.37 and 42.25±13.03 years, respectively. The mean sera hemocystein level was 13.51±3 and 13.42±3 in case and control groups, respectively with no significant difference. Individuals in case group had increased their sera levels of LDL, TG, and cholesterol much more than those for control group. The sera hemocystein level also increased with increase of age in both groups with significant correlation for the case group (p< 0.006). Conclusion: Although the Hemocystein level increased with increase of age which can be interpreted as a risk of increasing the possibility of cardiovascular disease, the correlation of haemocystein in case and control groups was not significant. There was a significant correlation between HDL and hemocystein but the results showed that hemocystein is not as effective as other risk factors such as LDL, TG and cholesterol in prevalence and severity of disease. It is suggested that some more studies with broader spectrum in sample size and risk factors be designed in order to evaluate such a correlation in more details.
Afra Khosravi, Mortaza Shamsi, Ebrahim Babaahmadi, Kourosh Salyemiri, Kourosh Saki,
Volume 7, Issue 2 (7-2011)
Abstract
Abstract Background: The aim of the current study was to assess the cross reaction of the crude hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) antigens of Echinococcus granulosus, obtained from mice experimentally infected with hydatid cyst and from naturally infected human using sera of infected human who had surgery at different hospitals in Iran. Methods: hydatid cysts obtained from lungs and livers of naturally infected sheep slauthered from local abattoirs in Ilam, Iran. HCF recovered from cysts was centrifuged at 10000 rpm for 25 minutes. The supernatant was dialysed against PBS, freezed- thawed and used as crude HCF. Findings: HCFs obtained from two different host species were highly useful for ELISA and most sera from CE patients equally recognized the HCF antigen of both mice and human. Mice sera showed a cross-reaction with human sera in recognition of HCF antigens of echinococcosis. IgG4 was the highest IgG subclass recognizing HCF of both mice and human HCF. Human IgG was high in response to both antigens while the OD ratio was two times using human IgG against mice antigen compared to human antigen. Conclusion: IgG and IgG4 of human sera are reacting against both mice and human HCF with the greatest response from IgG total to mice HCF. Cross reaction of human IgG and IgG4 was observed for both mice and human HCF. Mice HCF can be relied on as an appropriate antigen in detection of human hydatidosis.
Hamid Bouraghi , Ali Valinejadi , Masoumeh Kiani, Marziyeh Khodadadi , Mahnaz Yazdanyar, Hosein Vakilimofrad, Mohammadreza Amiri,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (6-2012)
Abstract
Background: The planners and managers in health policy sector are responsible for policy making and planning of the health structure of a country. Therefore, they need to have access to reasonable and accurate information. Knowledge of managers about the applications of hospital information system is therefore of high importance. This study aimed to survey the knowledge of managers of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences (Iran) about the applications of hospital information system.Methods: This descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 40 managers of healthcare centers of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences during 2011. Data was collected by questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, central indices, and statistical dispersion were used for describing data. Kruskal-Wallis test was also used to analyze the data with SPSS.Findings: While the majority of the managers (77.5%) had moderate level of knowledge, 12.5% had desirable level of knowledge about managerial applications of hospital information system. Pharmacy managers had the greatest and radiology managers had the lowest levels of knowledge.Conclusion: Educational courses are necessary for better application of hospital information system in all parts of hospitals.
Gholamreza Sharifirad, Fatemeh Rajati, Mohammad Matlabi , Mohammad Hadi Abasi, Marzieh Shahsiah , Siamak Mohebi, Khadijeh Hajmiri,
Volume 8, Issue 3 (8-2012)
Abstract
Background: One of the most important changes during pregnancy is maternal weight gain. As optimal weight gain is still a controversial issue, this matter is frequently discussed and surveyed. A limited number of studies have been performed on the correlation between pregnancy weight gain and birth weight in Iran. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine maternal weight gain during pregnancy based on the recommended standards, and its correlation with infant birth weight in Isfahan, Iran, in 2011. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study. The data collection tool was an information form, which was completed through the patients__AWT_QUOTE__ family health files. The study samples were 225 mothers, who referred to health centers in Isfahan and were selected through the multistage cluster sampling method. Data were analyzed through SPSS software, with the significant level at P < 0.05. Findings: The mean weight gain during pregnancy was 11.73 kg. In the current study mean birth weight was 3193 g, while approximately 7.11% of them were LBW and 6.22% weighed higher than 4000g. Mean BMI before pregnancy was 25.3 kg/m2 in the study group. The Pearson__AWT_QUOTE__s correlation coefficient showed that pre-pregnancy BMI and pregnancy weight gain were significantly correlated with birth weight. Conclusion: Although, mean weight gain during pregnancy in this study was about its optimal value, we found that a significant percentage of mothers with low and normal weight, in the BMI subgroups, had failed to reach the optimal weight. On the other hand, a significant percentage of mothers diagnosed with overweight and obesity had gained more weight than the standard rate. However, there were a direct significant correlation between pregnancy weight gain and infant birth weight.
Roghayeh Abedini , Alireza Choobineh, Ahmad Soltanzadeh, Kiyamars Hoseinzadeh, Fatemeh Hassani, Najmeh Amiri,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (10-2012)
Abstract
Background: In order to make dimensional proportion between human and his equipment or environment, anthropometric data bank is essential. The purpose of this study was to measure the body dimensions and determination of regression equations in a student population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at School of Health and Nutrition of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Study population consisted of 194 students (including 50.5% female and 49.5% male students). A questionnaire was used to collect demographic characteristics of the students. Body dimensions were measured by studio meter, caliper, tape and weigh scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software, version 11.5. p < 0.05 was considered as significant. Findings: Age mean in male and female students were 22.09 ± 2.20 and 22.07 ± 1.80 years, respectively. Means of stature in male and female students were 177.52 ± 4.73 and 161.10 ± 4.73 cm, respectively. Multiple linear regressions indicated that heights of eye, shoulder and elbow in both standing and sitting positions were significantly correlated with stature (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The anthropometric data bank established can be used in designing of student's equipment. Regression results indicated that the eye, shoulder and elbow heights in both standing and sitting positions were highly correlated with stature. Therefore, these dimensions can be established by stature with minimum measurements.
Mehrdad Javan, Samira Barakat, Habibollah Dehghan, Hossein Ali Yosef, Masoud Amiri, Fahimeh Abram,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2013)
Abstract
Background: Human beings mostly acquire their information and knowledge through vision. Moreover, a good vision requires appropriate light. Study saloons are places where people, particularly students, spend a lot of time for writing and studying. Desirable illumination and its optimum distribution can postpone eye fatigue, and hence, can boost the accuracy and time of useful study. A great number of studies have been carried out aiming to identify the rate of illumination in industries and factories. The purpose of the present study was to examine the illumination intensity in study saloons of dormitories of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study which has been conducted on 24 study halls in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences__AWT_QUOTE__ dormitories in 2011. After gaining the simple map of saloons and measuring their dimensions (length, width, and height), the networked method was used for measuring the illumination intensity. Following the identification of stations for measuring the illumination intensity, the photometer apparatus (Hagner Universal Photometer) was used 60 cm above the ground. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software. Findings: The average intensity of total illumination, daylight illumination, and artificial illumination were higher than 300 Lux (IESNA recommended) in 21, 9, and 2 study halls. The average ratio of window area to floor area for studies halls of girls__AWT_QUOTE__ and boys__AWT_QUOTE__ dormitories was 0.12 and 0.14, respectively. Conclusion: The total illumination intensity of study halls with the average of 567 Lux was acceptable. However, lighting intensity at night, due to the elimination of day light and use artificial of sources, with an average of 229 Lux was unsuitable.
Mojgan Naderi, Fatemeh Rajati, Hojatolah Yusefi, Mohamadreza Tajmiri, Siamak Mohebi,
Volume 9, Issue 5 (8-2013)
Abstract
Crisis in family members of patients in intensive care unit following hospitalization make new needs for them. If these needs unmet, they will experience many stress and anxiety and their ability in coping would be decreased. This was a review article study. Scientific database were searched and surveyed for collecting papers during 2000 to 2012 in English and Persian languages. Inclusive criteria were included qualitative and descriptive study. Exclusive criteria included studies that focused on infants and pediatrics, and non-intensive care unit. The most important family needs were informational needs in order to receive clear information about the patient__AWT_QUOTE__s condition and the type of treatment to feel the patient is receiving high quality care. The less important needs are being comfortable and having support. The family needs are categorized in information, assurance, proximity, support, and comfort, respectively. Family asks information to sure the patient is receiving high quality care. The nurses are in a key position to support family members of critical patient and meeting their needs .They should make a good communication with family members to give information about the patient__AWT_QUOTE__s condition and the type of treatment to make sure high quality patient care.
Mojgan Naderi, Fatemeh Rajati, Hojatolah Yusefi, Mohamadreza Tajmiri, Seyed Homamodin Javadzade,
Volume 9, Issue 6 (9-2013)
Abstract
Sensory deprivation occurs in patients with coma resulting from decreased level of consciousness. This, besides changing in trend of improvement of neurological impairment, leads several outcomes including taking too long in hospitalization, imposing too much expenditure on family and society, affecting patient's and family's quality of life. Sensory stimulation interventions are one of the rehabilitation ways in these patients administered with the goal setting to increase level of consciousness and return to the community. The aim of this review study was to determinate the role of sensory stimulation on changing the level of consciousness in patients with coma by systematic review. Scientific database were searched and surveyed for collecting papers during 2000 to 2013 in English and Persian languages. From 49 found studies, 14 were selected for analysis. The sensory stimulation program was composed one or more sensory stimulation. Auditory stimulation was used in 100% of studies. Positive changes in consciousness level after applying a sensory stimulation program in patients with coma were confirmed by 93% of studies. Applying sensory stimulation program in these patients leads to increase of consciousness level. These results suggest that an intervention program should be applied by nurses, as a person close to patients and the family members, to provide a stimulus-rich environment to patients.
Haidar Nadrian, Azar Tol, Davoud Shojaeizadeh, Ziba Khalili, Mostafa Hossaini, Zahra Beigomaghamiri,
Volume 9, Issue 9 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: In order to promote preventive skin cancer behaviors among high school students an educational program developed applying the PRECEDE Model. This study describes the process of planning a Skin Cancer Preventive Program (SCPM) designed for high school students in Teheran. Methods: The development of the SCMP started with a comprehensive review of the literature. This included a review of the risk factors, signs, symptoms and burden of skin cancer, its preventive behaviors, and the educational programs designed, previously. Alongside, in order to help inform SCPM development, a cross-sectional survey was applied on a sample of 450 high school students in Tehran, Iran. Findings: In the cross-sectional survey, statistically significant relationships were found between skin cancer preventive behaviors and all other PRECEDE variables except for attitude. Linear regression analysis showed that the independent variables predicted 43% of skin cancer preventive behaviors within which enabling factors was the most significant variable. Conclusion: The PRECEDE component of PRECEDE-PROCEED model was found to be helpful in providing the conceptual framework in order to design the SCPM for high school students in Iran. Further studies are suggested to employ and evaluate the SCPM among high school students.
Maryam Sakkaki, Zahra Gozaliyan, Khadije Hajimiri, Homa Badiei, Mansoor Mohajeri ,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (1-2015)
Abstract
Background: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer and is considered as the second cause of cancer death in most countries all over the world. Screening methods are very important in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. The knowledge and health beliefs about mammography in women older than 40 years have investigated in this study.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, which has been performed on 384 women who have referred to the health centers in 1389-90. Samples selected by available through non-random sampling. Data were collected by self-report questionnaire. The outcomes were analized by SPSS software, X2, one way tests, and descriptive statistics were applied.Findings: The results indicated that most women (86.9%) had not undergone mammography screening test. About 48.7% of patients had moderate awareness; and approximately 37.2% of patients reported the absence of recommendation from physicians as their main reason is not taking any mammograms. There is a significant correlation between education level and knowledge (P = 0.001). Also, there is a significant correlation between education level and perceived severity (P< 0.004), perceived benefits (P< 0.001), and perceived barriers (P< 0.001). But, there was no significant correlation between education level and perceived susceptibility (03/0 = P) was observed.Conclusion: The results of this study calls for health planners more attention in education and promotion of screening methods in order to overcome obstacles. Also, it is recommended to implement a routine and free mammography as a screening test in women over 40 years old referrals to health centers.Key Words: Mammography, Health Belief Model (HBM), Breast Cancer
Mohamad Reza Miri, Gholam Reza Dorri,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (6-2015)
Abstract
Background: According to the importance and the role of efficient and powerful workforce in the country and the important aim of universities for developing student's talents and this fact that, in achievement motivating ,inner factors including emotional intelligence and self-efficiency have a significant role, the present paper aims to study the relation between self-efficiency andemotional intelligence with achievement motivation among Payam-e-Noor University studentsMethods: In this descriptive study with respect to coherency, 341 students from BirjandPayam-e-Noor University, were recruited using stratified random sampling. Research instruments were three questionnaires: Shring's Emotional Intelligence questionnaire, Sherer's General Self-efficiency Scale questionnaire, and Herman's Academic Achievement Motivation questionnaire. The data were analyzed by SPSS software (Ver15) and statistical Independent-T, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson's Coherence Coefficient and multi-variable regression at significant level of α≤o.o5.Findings: Among the students, 174 were male (%51) and 262 were female (%76.7).Pearson's Coherence Coefficient showed a positive and significant relationship between self-efficiency and also self-awareness and social skill components with academic achievement motivation. The average score of academic achievement motivation among female students was more than male and the average score of self-efficiencyamong male students was more than female students. In the case of emotional intelligence, there is no difference between two groups. Furthermore, in all of these variables, there was not significant defference in different age groups and different fields of study.Conclusion: according to the study result which has indicated significant and positive relationship between self-efficiency and social skill with academic achievement motivation, we suggest that by increasing self-efficiency and emotional intelligence using suitable methods and enriching the training environment, we can improve academic achievement motivation among university students.Key Words: Self-efficiency, Achievement Motivation, University Students
Maryam Alizadeh, , Mohammad Reza Miri, Narges Moasheri, Marzeyeh Ataee, Mitra Moodi,
Volume 12, Issue 2 (7-2016)
Abstract
Background: Today, infertility is a major medical problem and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. Infertility affects men and women of reproductive ages. In addition, infertile couples encounter many emotional and mental problems. The Theory of Planned Behavior is a theory that explains the process of adopting appropriate behaviors. The aim of this study was to determine the predictive power of the Theory of Planned Behavior on the intention of infertile couples to solve the problem of infertility.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 64 infertile couples referred to obstetrics and gynecologist clinics of Birjand, Iran, in 2015. The study participants were selected through convenience sampling. The data gathering tool was a researcher-made questionnaire in accordance with constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were approved using the opinions of 10 experts and Cronbach’s alpha (α = 0.91), respectively. Data were analyzed in SPSS software. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between the constructs and regression analysis was used to determine the predictive power of each construct. All P values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.Findings: The mean age of the subject was 30.68 ± 5.24 years. Significant positive correlations were observed between all variables of the Theory of Planned Behavior and intention (P < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior predict 36% of the variance in intention. Perceived behavioral control (β = 0.465) and attitude (β = 0.289) were, respectively, the most significant predictors of the intention to solve the infertility problem (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The Theory of Planned Behavior can predict the intention to solve the infertility problem.
Ali Safdarian, Masood Pourkiani, Aflaton Amiri, Mohamad Ghezel -Aiagh, Mohamad Mohammadi,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (3-2017)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the components of individual empowerment and organizational agility in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and to examine the relationships between them.Methods: This descriptive-correlational research was conducted based on purpose and through developmental-applied method. The present study was a combination of a library study, field study, and an expert opinion poll. The statistical population of the study consisted of 25000 employees of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2016. Sample size was determined using Cochran’s formula and 265 individuals were selected randomly. Two researcher-made questionnaires were used which were compiled based on a Likert scale and validated (Cronbach's alpha, individual ability = 0.94, and organizational agility = 0.97). Data were analyzed using AMOS and SPSS software.Findings: The results indicated that in addition to the components of individual empowerment (sense of meaning, sense of competence, sense of autonomy, feeling of influence, feeling of trust) and organizational agility (leadership and management, culture, innovation, strategy, change and learning, organizational structure, information technology, coherence and integrity, the use of potential opportunities, shared values), components of field studies and experts' survey (idealism, sense of participation, self-control, and creativity), and multiplicity could predict each of the variables.Conclusion: Individual empowerment in the current research had a positive and significant effect on organizational agility in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
Mahnaz Sami, Elham Amiri, Mohsen Ghomashlooyan, Fariba Farid, Ali Ajami, Manouchehr Homaie, Mahshid Salehi, Hamid Tafazolli,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (10-2017)
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium species and its diagnosis, treatment, and management is vital. The existence of people with professional experience in this field is very important. Thus, the present study was conducted to recognize the quality of environmental microscopists working in Mycobacterium detecting laboratories in Isfahan Province, Iran, in 2015.Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed through a practical test on 27 individuals in 20 Environmental Laboratory Diagnosis of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Isfahan Province. Five direct sputum smears with a related list were collected from each laboratory. The obtained data were analyzed.Findings: There was no significant relationship between quality of diagnosis and age, sex, employment status, exclusivity of the microscope, microscopic life, the microscopist’s activity in other sectors of the laboratory. However, university degree, work experience in the TB section, and the time that microscopists spend on each smear were effective on the quality of their diagnosis. Almost 75% of the participants scored high on the test.Conclusion: Since direct smear is still one of the most accessible and fastest methods of TB diagnosis, the diagnosis quality of these people should be evaluated at least annually by the Provincial TB Reference Laboratory.
Masume Kalantari, Mojtaba Amiri Majd, Parisa Tajali,
Volume 15, Issue 2 (9-2019)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an art therapy program (i.e., theater and show) on the improvement of slow-paced adolescents' communication skills. Methods: This study was conducted based on an experimental approach with a pretest and post-test design and a control group. The study population consisted of all 10-14-year-old slow-paced female students in Tehran during the academic year of 2018. Out of this population community, 40 students were selected by random sampling and they were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. To collect data, the teachers in both groups were asked to complete the communication skill questionnaires (pre-test). Subsequently, the experimental group was subjected to 20 sessions of 90 minutes using a program of art therapy (i.e., theater and show). On the other hand, the control group received no intervention. Eventually, both groups were subjected to post-test. After three months, both groups were reassessed (follow-up) to investigate the effectiveness of the training sessions. Findings: The results revealed the significant effect of art therapy (i.e., theater and show) on the improvement of females' communication skills (F=118.22, P=0.001). Moreover, a remarkable difference was observed between experimental and control groups in terms of the effect of art therapy on the improvement of females' communication skills. It is noteworthy that art therapy led to the communication skill development in the slow-paced adolescent females, compared to the control group. Conclusion: According to the obtained results of this study, the art therapy program (i.e., theatre) resulted in the improvement of adolescent females' communication skills. Therefore, it is suggested that parents and teachers identify the students who have difficulty in communication skills with other students to undergo art therapy, thereby improving their communication skills.
Mohammad Matlabi, Hossein Nezami, Mostafa Amiri, Fereshteh Poorshafei, Maryam Saberi, Mojtaba Roshandel,
Volume 17, Issue 1 (4-2021)
Abstract
Background: Nutrition is one of the factors affecting children’s health and empowering mothers is the most important way to prevent underweight. This study is conducted to compare the effectiveness of health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior on the nutritional education of mothers with underweight children aged 6-36 months in Gonabad City, Iran.
Methods: The study was of a field trial type carried out on 93 mothers with underweight children aged 6-36 months. The mothers were randomly assigned into two experimental groups and one control group. The data collection instruments included two researcher-made questionnaires whose validity and reliability were established and were self-administered. The intervention was performed based on the above-mentioned models. The data were collected immediately and three months after the intervention and were analyzed through SPSS software (version 22, IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA), using analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Bonferroni test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test, and Shapiro Wilk test at 0.050 level of significance.
Findings: The mothers’ mean age was 31.24 years old in the three groups and they were homogeneous with regard to other demographic variables. After the intervention, all the constructs of both models, except for the perceived barrier construct, in the two experimental groups showed a significant increase in comparison with those of the control group.
Conclusion: The educational intervention based on the theory and model had a considerable effect on increasing mothers’ nutritional knowledge and the factors affecting underweight. The results also showed that the theory of planned behavior was more effective than the health belief model.
Phd Student Leila Amirian, Professor Ezatolah Ghadampour, Assistant Professor Mohammad Abasi,
Volume 17, Issue 3 (10-2021)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to develop a causal model of social, academic, and emotional risk-taking based on parenting styles, sensation-seeking, stress coping styles with mediation of academic skills in students with high-risk behaviors.
Methods: This research was descriptive-correlational and especially, structural equation modeling (SEM). The statistical population of the study was all male and female high school students in the city of Karaj, Iran, in the academic year 2019-2020, from which 300 people were selected by multi-stage random sampling method. To collect data, the Iranian Adolescents Risk-Taking Scale of Zadeh Mohammadi et al. (2011), Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS) of Kilgus et al. (2014), Baumrind Parenting Styles Questionnaire (PSQ) (1991), Andler and Parker Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS) (1990), Zuckerman et al. Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), and Academic Skills Questionnaire of Shabani et al. were used. Data were analyzed by structural equation analysis via SPSS and AMOS software.
Findings: The proposed model had a good fit. Parenting styles, sensation-seeking, and stress coping strategies were directly related to social, academic, and emotional risk-taking. Parenting styles, sensation-seeking, and stress coping strategies were indirectly related to social, academic, and emotional risk-taking through the variable of academic skills.
Conclusion: Findings consistent with the conceptual model suggest that parenting styles, sensation-seeking, and stress coping strategies are indirectly related to risky behaviors through academic skills. Moreover, parenting styles, sensation-seeking, and stress coping strategies are indirectly related to risk-taking through the variable of academic skills. These results have theoretical and practical applications in designing prevention programs about students' risk-taking and should be considered.
Amirmohammad Abedini, Hamid Amiri, Keikhosro Karimi,
Volume 18, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Background: The potato plant tuber is typically used at a rate of half million tons per year. However, its significant biomass in the form of leaf and stem of the plant is mainly unused. Different components of potato plant contain relatively high amount of toxic glycoalkaloids which limit the use of this biomass for various usages such as animal feed. These lignocellulosic wastes, 1 to 4 times the edible glands of the plant, can be utilized for production of biological butanol as an advanced biofuel, along with acetone and ethanol.
Methods: In this study, extraction of acetone, ethanol, and methanol was used for reduction of glycoalkaloid content of biomass. The grinded leaves and stems were subjected to extraction of glycoalkaloids by solvent using Soxhlet, and then, before and after extraction of glycoalkaloids, were subjected to fermentation by Clostridium acetobutylicum. In addition, prior to fermentation, two stages of inhibitor removal and dilute acid pretreatment (1 wt%) at 180º C were performed for 1 hour to improve the yield of biological acetone, butanol, and ethanol (ABE) production.
Findings: Leave and stem biomass of potato plant contained 74 and 48 mg/g glycoalkaloids, respectively. Butanol production was completely stopped in presence of higher than 0.07 mg/l glycoalkaloid in the fermentation media. After removing the inhibitors by solvents, fermentation led to the production of 3.2 and 3.8 g/l biological ABE from leaves and stems of potato plant, respectively. The amount of ABE production from leaves and stems after inhibitor removal increased by a factor of 4.7 and 2.4, respectively. Use of two consecutive stages of inhibitor removal and dilute acid pretreatment led to 14- and 4.7-fold higher ABE production from leaves and stems, respectively.
Conclusion: Low glycoalkaloid content as a toxic substance can lead to complete disruption of the fermentation process. In addition, this substance can be removed using solvents and this renewable source can be used as one of the highly-produced wastes in the agricultural sector and as an important and inexpensive raw material for biofuel production.
Seyed Mahdy Mirian, Afshin Ebrahmi,
Volume 19, Issue 2 (7-2023)
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to model a real wastewater treatment plant in operation with GPS-X software. In the following, the verification of the output results of the software was done with the results of the effluent tests of the discussed sewage treatment plant. Then, the rate of return sludge, recycled sludge, and disposed sludge of the wastewater treatment plant was optimized by Modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) method, so that it has the greatest effect on the quality of the effluent, especially chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrate (NO3) parameters.
Methods: First, using the available data of an operating wastewater treatment plant, the processes of the treatment plant were modeled in the software and the compatibility of the model with the existing treatment plant was checked. After the validation of the software, in order to check the parameters affecting the activated sludge process, including return sludge rate, excess sludge rate, and internal recirculation sludge rate in the treatment of organic matter and nitrogen, COD, NO3, and ammonia parameters were investigated as indicators of pollution. In addition, the MLE process for nitrogen removal was modeled in the software. After performing the modeling by changing the parameters and checking the resulting outputs, the results regarding the effect of increasing the sludge recirculation rate on the COD concentration in the effluent and the effect of increasing and decreasing the internal recirculation rate and the disposal sludge rate on COD removal were examined. In addition, the mutual effect of changes in internal sludge recycling and return sludge and the amount of excess sludge disposal on NO3 removal was shown by different graphs.
Findings: In this study, while validating the software, the results of the experiment design showed that the return sludge rate and the internal recirculation rate had mutual effects on each other in the removal of COD and NO3, and in the optimal mode of operation and design, the ratio of 0.54 for return sludge and one-time internal recycling and ratio of 0.021 for disposal sludge had the greatest effect on COD and NO3 removal target efficiency and increasing the effluent quality.
Conclusion: GPS-X software can be used in the modeling and optimization of wastewater treatment processes.