Showing papers in "Iranian journal of health, safety and environment in 2015"

A review of aflatoxin M1 in liquid milk

Abstract: Mycotoxins continue to pose a health concern via human exposure to contaminated food. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), the hydroxylated metabolite of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), may be found in the milk of dairy cattle and other mammals. In humans, AFM1 is excreted through the feces, urine, and in the case of lactating mothers, also in breast milk after consumption of aflatoxin contaminated food. Concentration of AFM1 in milk is a function of several factors, namely: animal type, milking day, milk yield, season, feeding regime, geographic, and climatic conditions. A linear relationship has been established between the amount of AFM1 in milk and the amount of AFB1 in feed consumed by animals, emphasized at first on the reduction or removal of AFB1 from feedstuffs and then elimination of AFM1 from milk. This review aims to bring up to date the current global status of AFM1 contamination of liquid milk destined for human consumption and the effects of processing and reduction methods on the elimination of aflatoxins from liquid milk.

An application of failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) to assess risks in petrochemical industry in Iran

Abstract: Petrochemical industries have a high rate of accidents Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is a systematic method and thus is capable of analyzing the risks of systems from concept phase to system disposal, detecting the failures in design stage, and determining the control measures and corrective actions for failures to reduce their impacts The objectives of this research were to perform FMEA to identify risks in an Iranian petrochemical industry and determine the decrease of the risk priority number (RPN) after implementation of intervention programs This interventional study was performed at one petrochemical plant in Tehran, Iran in 2014 Relevant information about job categories and plant process was gathered using brainstorming techniques, fishbone diagram, and group decision making The data were collected through interviews, observation, and documents investigations and was recorded in FMEA worksheets The necessary corrective measures were performed on the basis of the results of initial FMEA Forty eight failures were identified in welding unit by application of FMEA to assess risks Welding processes especially working at height got the highest RPN Obtained RPN for working at height before performing the corrective actions was 120 and the score was reduced to 96 after performing corrective measures Calculated RPN for all processes was significantly reduced (p≤0001) by implementing the corrective actions Scores of RPN in all studied processes effectively decreased after performing corrective actions in a petrochemical industry FMEA method is a useful tool for identifying risk intervention priorities and effectiveness in a studied petrochemical industry

Epidemiological Aspects of Needle Stick Injuries among Nurses in a Military Hospital

Abstract: The most frequent way of transmission of various diseases such as HBV, HIV and HCV is exposure to sharp tools. The purpose of the study was to determine the epidemiological aspects of occupational exposure and risk factors of injuries from sharp tools among nurses in a military hospital. In this cross - sectional study 100 nursing staff in a military hospital was chosen as sample. Personal and professional information collected by a valid and reliable questionnaire, and data were analyzed using SPSS 17 software.The prevalence of occupational exposure to sharp tools of hospital waste was 41 %. Mean age and mean of experience years in nurses were 34.7 ± 5.88 and 10.99 ± 5.52 year respectively. About 63% of nurses in disaster reported the matter to the Committee on Hospital Infection Control.Most affected by the syringe needle was 46.3%. Working load and needle recapping were the main causes of the damage due to exposure to the sharp objects, 26.8 and % 31.7 respectively. The relationship between occupational exposure to hospital sharp tools and age, experience, education and place of work was significant with P= 0.006, 0.017, 0.027 and 0.008 respectively. According to the complications of sharp tools, reduction of sharp components requires regular training courses for staff, proportion of the number of work shifts, strict implementation of treatment protocols, modification of the current inaccuracy procedures, access to adequate equipment’s and safe and an effective mechanism for reporting of occupational accidents in all of the sectors.

Wastewater treatment efficiency in stabilization ponds, Olang treatment plant, Mashhad, 2011-13

Abstract: Olang wastewater treatment facilities purifying raw urban wastewater consist of two stabilization pond modules. Both are on operation in parallel. Functioning of natural systems is influenced by different factors including ambient condition. Considering final effluent of this system discharges to Kashafrood river and sometimes is used for agricultural purposes, assessing the quality parameters in effluent was the main objective of this study. This cross-sectional study investigated some important quality parameters for both raw and treated wastewater in two years periods. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics. Statistical tests were done at a significant level of 0.05. Simple linear regression analysis was used only for modeling. Raw wastewater was almost severe. Average removal efficiency for BOD5, COD, and TSS was 81, 83, and 78% respectively. There wasn’t a meaningful relationship between the removal efficiency of mentioned parameters and input pH. Ambient temperature fluctuations were effective on BOD5, and COD reduction. SAR index didn’t show a considerable restriction on irrigation application of effluent. In 62.5% cases outlet Na content was at the extent to which restrictions were imposed. Olang wastewater treatment plant generates an acceptable effluent relating to most of the quality parameters that were measured in this study. Considering special status of Mashhad city, it is worthy to reuse effluent in areas with a high water requirement such as agriculture.

A novel method to design water spray cooling system to protect floating roof atmospheric storage tanks against fires

Abstract: Hydrocarbon bulk storage tank fires are not very common, but their protection is essential due to severe consequences of such fires. Water spray cooling system is one of the most effective ways to reduce damages to a tank from a fire. Many codes and standards set requirements and recommendations to maximize the efficiency of water spray cooling systems, but these are widely different and still various interpretations and methods are employed to design such systems. This article provides a brief introduction to some possible design methods of cooling systems for protection of storage tanks against external non-contacting fires and introduces a new method namely “Linear Density Method” and compares the results from this method to the “Average Method” which is currently in common practice. The average Method determines the flow rate for each spray nozzle by dividing the total water demand by the number of spray nozzles while the Linear Density Method determines the nozzle flow rate based on the actual flow over the surface to be protected. The configuration of the system includes a one million barrel crude oil floating roof tank to be protected and which is placed one half tank diameter from a similar adjacent tank with a full surface fire. Thermal radiation and hydraulics are modeled using DNV PHAST Version 6.53 and Sunrise PIPENET Version 1.5.0.2722 software respectively. Spray nozzles used in design are manufactured by Angus Fire and PNR Nozzles companies. Schedule 40 carbon steel pipe is used for piping. The results show that the cooling system using the Linear Density Method consumes 3.55% more water than the design using the average method assuming a uniform application rate of 4.1 liters per minute. Despite higher water consumption the design based on Linear Density Method alleviates the problems associated with the Average Method and provides better protection.

Degradation of phenol with using of Fenton-like Processes from water

Abstract: Phenol is one of the serious pollutants from the chemical and petrochemical industries. This pollutant due to its convoluted structure is resistant to biodegradation. One of the methods that are useful to remove this pollutant is advanced oxidation (AOP). A laboratory scale study was done on a synthetic wastewater containing phenol. All experiments were done in batch conditions and effect of variables pH, amount of hydrogen peroxide, iron dosage, contact time and an initial concentration on the phenol removal were tested. The remaining phenol concentration was evaluated using the DR-5000 device. In order to effect of these parameters, the experiment was performance at pH 2 to 6, 5 to 45 ml/ml of peroxide, and time of 5 to 60 minutes with 2 to 15 g/ml iron (Fe˚). The optimum pH, the ratio of hydrogen, Fe˚and time were 3, 15 ml, 8g and 5 minutes respectively. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) index was chosen as the parameter for evaluation in this study. Result showed that mineralization of phenol was not complete. The COD removal efficiency was obtained 71%. According to the results of this study, Fenton-like process can be used for conversion organic resistant compounds to other compounds with lower toxicity.

Assessment of workers' exposure to hand-arm and whole body vibration in one of the furniture industries in east of Tehran

Abstract: Workers in wood industry are exposed to vibration and its damages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate exposure to hand-arm and whole body vibration in the wood industry. In this study, the parameters of whole body and hand-arm vibrations such as effective acceleration, overall equivalent acceleration, Vibration Dose Value and crest factor were studied on two Thicknessing planes, two sliding panel saw machines, two orbital sander, and three operators of perforate procedure. Assessments were done by the use of an oscillator and an analyzer of Svantak Co. Evaluating Hand-arm and whole body vibrations were conducted based on ISO 5349-1, ISO 5349-2 and ISO 2631-1 standards, respectively, and the findings/ the evaluated data were analyzed. The mean amount of daily exposure to hand-arm vibration (RMS) in Thicknessing plane, Orbital Sander and Sliding panel saw machine operators are respectively 5.56, 5.49 and 3.37 m/s2 . In addition, the average crest factor of the 3 jobs is higher than 6. Mean of daily Exposure to whole body vibration in 3 machine operators of Thicknessing plane, perforate procedure and Sliding panel saw is respectively, 0.28, 0.24 and 0.17 meters per square second. The crest factor for all the exposures was to be less than 6 and the mean of the calculated daily vibration dose equaled 5.83 with the standard deviation of 0.87( m)⁄s^1.75 . In further measured situations, exposure to hand-arm vibration is more than the standard level, so engineering and management measures are required to reduce the amount of exposure and support the health of the operators and the equipment.

Fire Risk Assessment and Its Economic Loss Estimation in Tehran Subway, Applying Event Tree Analysis

Abstract: Subway system is one of the critical infrastructures in a society. In economic optimizations of risk control measures, valuing the loss of life and other financial losses in terms of money on the other hand, could influence the optimal investments in safety. The purpose is to contribute to the implementation of HSE in the transportation system. In this research, a fire risk assessment along with its economic loss estimation in the Direct Current (DC) trains and rectifier substation (RS) of Tehran subway is implemented. The number of fatalities, the extent of damage on the train equipment, etc., is then calculated in monetary unit. By using Event Tree Analysis (herein ETA), after identification of initiating events through observation, interviews, and evaluation of documents, event tree was constructed for each of them and the probability of multiple scenarios were computed. The scenario with the highest probability of fire in RS, including increased heats in the RTU panels generate a loss of at least 730 Million Rials. Accordingly, the minimum and maximum economic loss caused by fire on DC trains is minimum 510 and 1230 Million Rials, respectively. Conclusion: Given the findings of this study, the financial and human life risks, along with all tangible and intangible losses, which is considerable, the relevant managers must compare investments in safety, with the decrease of calculated economic risks as a result of fire accident in Tehran subway.

Evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users in Isfahan.

Abstract: Along with widespread use of computers, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have become the most prevalent ergonomic problems in computer users. With evaluating musculoskeletal disorders among Computer Users can intervent a action to reduce musculoskeletal disorders carried out. The aim of the present study was to Assessment of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Computer Users in Isfahan University with Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) method and Nordic questionnaire. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 96 computer users in Isfahan university. The data were analyzed using correlation and line regression by test spss 20. and descriptive statistics and Anova test. Data collection tool was Nordic questionnaire and Rapid Office Strain Assessment method checklist. The results of Nordic questionnaire showed that prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in computer users were in the shoulder (62.1%), neck (54.9%) and back (53.1%) respectively more than in other parts of the body. Based on the level of risk of ROSA were 19 individuals in an area of low risk, 50 individual area of notification and 27 individual in the area hazard and need for ergonomics interventions. Musculoskeletal disorders prevalence were in women more than men. Also Anova test showed that there is a direct and significant correlation between age and work experience with a final score ROSA (p<0.001). The study result showed that the prevalence of MSDs among computer users of Isfahan universities is pretty high and must ergonomic interventions such as computer workstation redesign, users educate about ergonomic principles computer with work, reduced working hours in computers with work, and elbows should be kept close to the body with the angle between 90 and 120 degrees to reduce musculoskeletal disorders carried out.

Analysis of Muscloskeletal symptom among workers in rubber industry

Abstract: Although Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) represents a common occupational problem, few epidemiological studies have investigated MSDs among industrial workers. MSDs are a common industrial health problem throughout the world and a serious cause of disability among the industrial workers.The goal of the study was to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms (ache, pain, or discomfort) among rubber workers in Iran, using the standard Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ). The study population consisted of 100 males with mean age 31.73. Out of every 10 workers, in the last work week, seven reported complaints in the lower legs. The results are also indicated age and experience were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in the different body regions.

Stabilization and dewatering of wastewater treatment plants sludge using the Fenton process

Abstract: Wastewater sludge typically contains large amounts of water and organic materials; therefore, its stabilization and dewatering is of particular importance. In this study, Fenton oxidation process is used for stabilization and dewatering of sludge in the output of a wastewater treatment plant. To evaluate the sludge stabilization and dewatering, specific resistance to filtration (SRF), volatile organic compounds (VSS), total suspended solids (TSS), soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and heterotrophic bacteria were measured. During the experiment, the optimal values of various parameters such as pH (2-9), hydrogen peroxide (0.015- 0.18mol/L), Fe2+ (0.008- 0.1mol/L) and time (5 - 60 minutes) for optimum sludge dewatering and stabilization were investigated. The results showed that the highest percentages of SRF reduction and removal rates of SCOD, VSS and TSS were 99.48, 61, 42, and 41 percent respectively. These results were obtained in optimum pH 5, 0.05 mol/l Fe2+, 0.12 mol/l hydrogen peroxide, and the retention time of 15 minutes. The removal rate of heterotrophic bacteria increased with increasing dose of hydrogen peroxide, so that a removal rate of 84 percent was observed at a dose of 0.18 mol/l. In general, Fenton process can reduce volatile organic materials and chemical oxygen demand of the sludge resulting in its significant stabilization and dewatering. In general, Fenton process can reduce volatile organic materials and chemical oxygen demand of the sludge resulting in its significant stabilization and dewatering.

Humic Acid Degradation via Solar Photo-Fenton Process in Aqueous Environment

Abstract: Control of mutagenic and carcinogenic disinfection by-products, particularly Trihalomethanes (THMs) and Halo Acetic Acids (HAAs) in water treatment process is critical, due to their adverse effects on human health. Generally, reducing the toxicity of these by-products hinges on prior removal of the precursor materials, such as Humic Acid (HA) in drinking water. This study was conducted to investigate the role of some parameters that could affect the removal of HA, including HA (5 and 10 ppm) and H2O2 (20, 40, 60, and 80 ppm) initial concentrations, Iron (II), sulfate heptahydrate dosage (4, 8, 12, and 16 ppm), pH (2, 3, 4 and 5), Oxidation time (5, 10, 15 and 30 min), and Sunlight levels (322±13 kWm-2). To accelerate the process of HA removal, the Solar Photo-Fenton (SPF) process was employed by direct irradiation of converged sunlight in a Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTC), with 3m2 effective area. HA levels were measured via quantifying Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) concentrations by means of a TOC Analyzer method. The results showed that the SPF process is under control of the Fe & H2O2 ratio, the Fe2+ dosage and especially the pH quantity. In optimal condition, (pH: 4, oxidation time: 30min, initial HA levels: 50 ppm, H2O2 concentrations: 20 ppm Fe+2 levels: 4 ppm), the study found more than 98% DOC removal. In conclusion, the SPF, as an economically effective technique, could be applied for the removal of HA in aqueous environments.

An examination of the relationship between visual fatigue symptoms with flicker value variations in video display terminal users.

Abstract: In most sensitive occupations such as nuclear, military and chemical industries closed circuit systems and visual display terminals (VDTs) are used to carefully control and assess sensitive processes. Visual fatigue is one of the factors decreasing accuracy and concentration in operators causing faulty perception. This study aimed to find out a relationship between visual fatigue symptoms (VFS) of Flicker value variations in video display terminal (VDT) operators. This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2011, aimed to examine visual fatigue and determine the relationship between its symptoms and visual flicker value changes in 248 operators of VDTs in several occupations. The materials used in this study were a visual fatigue questionnaire of VDTs and a VFM-90.1 device. Visual fatigue was measured in two stages (prior to beginning to work and 60 min later). The data were analyzed by SPSS11.5, using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, simple and multiple linear regressions, correlation and recognition coefficients. Then regression equations of changes in flicker value depending on the changes in the main domains and the changes in final score before the questionnaire were obtained. Paired t-test indicated significant differences in the mean score of visual fatigue symptoms and the mean score of flicker value between the two stages, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Simple and multiple regressions of flicker value variations, for the last visual fatigue changes in questionnaire score and the four main domains of the questionnaire were obtained R2 = 0.851 and R2 = 0.853, respectively. Correlation coefficient in the above tests indicated reverse and significant relationships among flicker value changes with changes in questionnaire score and visual fatigue symptoms. Diagnosing the first symptoms of visual fatigue could be an appropriate warning for VDTs operators in sensitive occupations to react suitably, in behavior and management, to control or treat visual fatigue and prevent errors efficiently.

A survey of economic indices of plastic wastes recycling industry

Abstract: Numerous small recycling units of plastic wastes have been currently constructed heedless to study of economic indices in Iran. Pay attention to the prominent performance of the industrial sector for economic development and its priority for fortifying other sectors to implement job opportunities, survey of the economic indices beckon the stakeholders and industries owners. The main objective of this study was a survey of economic indices in small recycling unit of plastic wastes. Therefore, the practice of computing the economic indices was performed using empirical equations, professional experiences and observations in site of the industry in terms of sustainability performance. Current study had shown the indices values such as value-added percent, profit, annual income, breakeven point, value-added, output value, data value, variable cost of good unit and production costs were found 62%, $ 366558, $ 364292.6, $ 100.34, $ 423451.25, $ 255335.75, $ 678787, $ 389.65 and $ 314494.4 respectively. The breakeven point about 15.93%, the time of return on investment about 1.12 (13.7 months) were represented that this industry slightly needs long time to afford the employed capital and starts making a profit.

A comparative study on dust exposure, respiratory symptoms and lung function among farmers and non-farmers.

Abstract: Considering the importance and essence of farmers’ health, this study has been conducted with the aim of evaluating the amount of the dust confronting farmers and the farmers’ respiratory symptoms and function during the course of wheat collection in 2014 in Zabul villages (Sistan & Balouchestan province, Iran). For this cross sectional study, the dust of the respiratory scope of two groups (farmers and non-farmers) was sampled by PVC filter for 90 minutes with the flow rate of 1.5 lit/min on the basis of NIOSH 0500 method during daily 8 work hours of 5 successive days of manual wheat reaping. Data regarding respiratory symptoms (n=50 rural men over the age of 40) was gathered through interviews and questionnaires, and pulmonary function was measured by Spiro lobe (made in MIR of the US); besides, data analysis was done by SPSS 18, T-Test, Chi-Square, and Logistic regression. The mean dust intensity confronting the farmers was 36.7 mg/m3, and the rate of some breathing complaints namely coughing (P≤0.001), sputum (P≤0.009) and shortness of breath (P≤0.026) became meaningful in the two groups. The average amounts of spirometer parameters of the farmers were less than that of the non-farmers, and the statistical difference of all the parameters except for FEV1/FVC (P=0.06) was meaningful (P≤0.05). The results of the present study indicated that confronting with dust could cause respiratory complaints and decrease spirometer parameters in the farmers.

Determination of lead ion by a modified carbon paste electrode based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ligand (N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethanamide).

Abstract: The preparation of a new modified carbon paste electrode (CPE)to measure lead ion has been reported in this study. Lead is a highly toxic element which can have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, measurement of lead in aquatic environments is very important. Although several methods have been developed for determination of lead ion in aquatic environments, there is no a cheap, simple, accurate and rapid method to measure this ion. Aim of this study is to develop a new method to measure the lead based on using multi walls carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and Paracetamol as an ionophore for modificationof a CPE.The optimum composition of modified CPE was determined as 64% of graphite powder, 20% of paraffin oil, 12% of nanotube and 4% of ionophore.This optimum composition was shown high selectivity, with appropriate Nernestian slope (-29.73 mV/decade), linear range (from 1.0×10-1to 1.0×10-8M), low lead concentration detection limit (7.5×10-9M) and good response time (equal of 25 sec).The results of this study to introduce a cheap, accurate and simple method for determination of lead ion in aquatic environments.

Applying moving bed biofilm reactor for removing linear alkylbenzene sulfonate using synthetic media.

Abstract: Detergents and problems of their attendance into water and wastewater cause varied difficulties such as producing foam, abnormality in the growth of algae, accumulation and dispersion in aqueous environments. One of the reactors was designated with 30% of the media with the similar conditions exactly same as the other which had filling rate about 10 %, in order to compare both of them together. A standard method methylene blue active substance was used to measure anionic surfactant. The concentrations of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate which examined were 50, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/l in HRT 72, 24 and 8 hrs. The removal percentage for both of reactors at the beginning of operating at50 mg/l concentration of pollutant had a bit difference and with gradually increasing the pollutant concentration and decreasing Hydraulic retention time, the variation between the removal percentage of both reactors became significant as the reactor that had the filling rate about 30 %, showed better condition than the other reactor with 10 % filling rate. Ideal condition in this experiment was caught at hydraulic retention time about 72 hrs and 200 mg/l pollutants concentration with 99.2% removal by the reactor with 30% filling rate. While the ideal condition for the reactor with 10% filling rate with the same hydraulic retention time and 100 mg/l pollutants concentrations was obtained about 99.4% removal. Regarding anionic surfactant standard in Iran which is 1.5 mg/l for surface water discharge, using this process is suitable for treating municipal wastewater and industrial wastewater which has a range of the pollutant between 100-200 mg/l. but for the industries that produce detergents products which make wastewater containing more than 200 mg/l surfactants, using secondary treatment process for achieving discharge standard is required.

Noise exposure inside transit buses in Kerman: measurements, drivers and passengers attitudes

Abstract: A comprehensive study was conducted with the objectives of evaluation of noise exposure in the workplace of bus drivers, and to find attitudes of passengers and drivers. This study consisted of two phases. In the first phase, Noise levels were measured in fifty buses. The evaluation of noise levels in the workplace of bus drivers was performed according to the Iranian legislation`s. Twenty four buses with noise levels above 85 dB (A) consider as an "unsafe" workplace. In the second phase, the attitude of 50 male drivers and 500 passengers concerning the annoyance and impact of noise on health were also surveyed. Second phase showed that 70% of drivers and 86.4% of passengers was nervousness from high level noise inside the buses. Eighty four percent drivers and 80% passengers felt noise had affected on their hearing. This study also affirmed that out of every seven drivers, six reported headache.

Distribution of Total Volatile Organic Compounds at taxi drivers in Tehran

Abstract: Air pollution is currently the most serious environmental health threat worldwide. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are considered as the main effective factors in causing air pollution. Vehicles are among the major sources which emit these compounds, so it seems that automobiles’ microenvironment is one of the places where people are exposed to high concentration of VOC. Evaluating the exposure amount of Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) can indeed be used as an indicator to estimate the amount of exposure to every individual VOC. This study was conducted on the concentration of TVOC inside Tehran taxies for a period of one year. For this purpose, a real time instrument equipped with photo-ionization detector (PID) was used. Consequently, the highest and the lowest measured TVOC in taxies equaled 3.33 ppm and 0.72 ppm, respectively. In addition, the arithmetic mean of TVOC concentration was 1.77±0.53 ppm inside the examined taxies. In this study, the parameters like measurement time, climate and vehicle conditions were found to have significant effect on the amount of exposure to TVOC.

A Review of Common Problems in Design and Installation of Water Spray Cooling and Low Expansion Foam System to Protect Storage Tanks Containing Hydrocarbons Against Fires

Abstract: Tank fires are rare but carry significant potential risk to life and property. For this reason fire protection of tanks is critical. Fixed Low expansion foam and water spray cooling systems are one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce damages to a tank from fire. Such systems are currently installed in many companies but are not effective enough and require involvement of firefighters which in turn threaten their lives. This paper studies in a systematic way the problems of foam and cooling systems currently installed in a few domestic companies which operate storage tanks with focus on floating and fixed roof atmospheric tanks containing hydrocarbons and offers possible solutions for more efficient installation, design and operation of such systems.

Bacteria of Phlebotominae Sand Flies Collected in Western Iran

Abstract: Microorganisms particularly bacteria presenting in insects such as Phlebotominae may play an important role in the epidemiology of human infectious disease. Nowadays, because of vector implications, the routine methods of controlling and spraying have no more beneficial effects on vectors and reservoirs. Little knows about the prevalence and diversity of sand fly bacteria. The main objective of this study was to determine the presence of bacteria of phlebotominae sand flies collected in Hamadan, west of Iran. This information is important in order to development of vector control strategies. The microbial flora of Phlebotomus papatasi and P. sergenti the main vector of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the old world, were investigated. We characterized 8 bacteria, including 5 Gram-negative bacteria: Acinetobacter lwoffii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter cloacae, Edvardsiela sp. and Proteus mirabilis and Gram-positive bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Micrococcus luteus. Our study provides some data on the microbiota diversity of field-collected sand flies for the first time in Hamadan. Our results indicate that there is a range of variation of aerobic bacteria inhabiting sand fly, which possibly reflect the ecological condition of the habitat where the fly breeds. Microbiota is increasingly regarded as an important factor for modulating vector competence in insect vectors. So, mirobiota can be effects on the biology of phlebotominae and their roles in the sandfly-Leishmania interaction. Further experiments are required to clearly delineate the vectorial role of sand flies. Because it is probable that in the future, factors such as environmental changes, migration and urbanization can ease the transmission of leishmaniasis in this area.

Evaluation of musculoskeletal disorders in household appliances manufacturing company.

Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most prevalent work-related disorders and injuries and being the main cause of disability. This study was conducted to assessment of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in worker company household appliances production. Posture analysis was evaluated by OWAS method and prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders by Nordic questionnaire. With evaluating musculoskeletal disorders among company household appliances production can intervention action to reduce musculoskeletal disorders was carried out. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 workers of the appliance manufacturing industry. These Individuals were included 15 persons from foam injection workshop, 17 persons from molding workshop, 17 operators of presses, 17 persons from packaging, 17 person from cutting unit and 17 operators of rivet. The Nordic questionnaire was completed by Individuals for the organs of arm, back, leg and wrist and Posture analysis was performed by OWAS method. The data were analyzed using Spss software version 18 and descriptive statistics and Anova test. Nordic questionnaire results revealed that highest disorders were observed in the arm (25%), back (22%) and leg (21%). Also Anova test showed that was observed a significant correlation respectively between age and work experience with the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (p<0.02) (p<0.01). The results showed based on the level of risk OWAS for each job respectively, the highest level of risk associated with foam injection unit, packaging and cutting unit (risk level 4) and the lowest level of risk associated with molding workshop unit (risk level 2).The results of this study showed that household appliances Manufacturing workers due to the nature of their jobs are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders and Ergonomic interventions to do such as workstation redesign, reduced working hours, cycle of rest-work development.

An attenuation Layer for Electromagnetic Shielding in X- Band Frequency

Abstract: Uncontrolled exposure to X-band frequency leads to health damage. One of the principles of radiation protection is shielding. But, conventional shielding materials have disadvantages. Therefore, studies of novel materials, as an alternative to conventional shielding materials, are required to obtain new electromagnetic shielding material. Therefore, this study investigated the electromagnetic shielding of two component epoxy thermosetting resin for the X - band frequency with workplace approach. Two components of epoxy resin mixed according to manufacturing instruction with the weight ratio that was 100:10 .Epoxy plates fabricated in three different thicknesses (2, 4 and 6mm) and shielding effectiveness measured by Vector Network Analyzer. Then, shielding effectiveness measured by the scattering parameters.The results showed that 6mm thickness of epoxy had the highest and 2mm had the lowest average of shielding effectiveness in X-band frequency that is 4.48 and 1.9 dB, respectively. Also, shielding effectiveness increased by increasing the thickness. But this increasing is useful up to 4mm. Percentage shielding effectiveness of attenuation for 6, 4 and 2mm thicknesses is 64.35%, 63.31% and 35.40%. Also, attenuation values for 4mm and 6mm thicknesses at 8.53 GHz and 8.52 GHz frequency are 77.15% and 82.95%, respectively, and can be used as favourite shields for the above frequency. 4mm-Epoxy is a suitable candidate for shielding application in X-band frequency range but, in the lower section, 6mm thickness is recommended. Finely, the shielding matrix can be used for selecting the proper thickness for electromagnetic shielding in X- Band frequency.

A Randomized Trial to Compare Topical MJ1 with Routine Care for the Treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the relative efficacy and tolerability of topical MJ1 compared to routine care in the treatment of histologically proven CL. A total of 150 patients with 297 lesions were randomly allocated to receive either topical MJ1 agent as a paste to applied to the lesions without cover three times a day for 20 days or routine care (intramuscular injection of meglumine antimonate 20 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks or intralesional 0.5-1 cc for a total of four injection with one week interval). The primary end point of this study was the clinical cure of the lesion. Response to treatment was assessed at 1, 2, 3 and 8 weeks after start of therapy. Of the 132 lesions treated with MJ1, the mean size of lesions decreased from 423.9 to 30.4 mm2, 111 (84.1%) were reduced in size and 21 (15.9%) not responded. Correspondingly, in the 165 lesions treated with routine care, the mean size of lesions slightly increased from 295.8 to 330.5 mm2, 82 (49.7%) were reduced in size and 83 (50.3%) not responded. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.001). No sever adverse effect occurred. The findings highlight that topical treatment with MJ1 agent was much more effective than routine care and is safe and well tolerated.

Dimensionality in canonical correlation of settlements characteristics and levels of infrastructure in rural Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria in 2014

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between rural settlements characteristics and access levels to infrastructural facilities in Akwa Ibom State. A total of 50 rural settlements were randomly selected and utilized for this study. Access levels to five basic social infrastructural facilities and six variables of settlements characteristics were examined simultaneously using multivariate method of canonical correlation analysis. The question this research set to address is: along how many dimensions are the settlements characteristics related to the levels of infrastructural facilities? Five canonical functions were produced out of which the first two were found to be significant at 0.001 levels. The first canonical correlation coefficient of 0.88 (0.86 adjusted), representing 78% overlapping variance for the first pair of canonical functions or variates was obtained while the second canonical correlation coefficient was 0.59 (0.50 adjusted) and thus, represent 34% overlapping variance for the second pair of canonical variates. These canonical correlations are highly significant and represent a substantial relationship between pairs of canonical variates. The result showed that in Akwa Ibom State, rural settlements characteristics and basic social infrastructure can be related at least in two major dimensions. This study therefore reaffirms the potentials of canonical correlation analysis as a useful tool for establishing empirically based linkages between two data sets.

Community environmental consciousness in Nigeria

Abstract: Assessment of community consciousness of environmental problems in Nigeria is at best incoherent, and incomplete. Two views, however, seem to predominate. First, there are those who speculatively believe that the vast majority of people are unaware of the magnitude of environmental problems confronting them and that only the better – educated and high income groups seem to be able to make a connection between the health of their family and environment in which they live. Second, there are those who through direct research surveys have come to some form of conclusion that ordinary people possess a substantial knowledge of the complexities of environmental problems besetting them and indeed make efforts to articulate and adjust favorably to them. In order to investigate this problem, one hundred copies of questionnaires were distributed to selected Government ministries, departments and agencies(MDAs), non-governmental organizations(NGOs) and community-based associations(CBAs) in two geo-political zones of south-south and south- east Nigeria. Respondents unanimously selected four of the six policy alternatives suggested for a solution to the environmental problems. These included: institutional policy and legal framework, capacity building and institutional strengthening, private initiatives and collaboration with international organizations. Whatever conclusion may be reached from these opposing views, one thing is certain and that is consciousness of environmental issues, especially pollution, is low and least understood in Nigeria.

Investigation of electrolysis process performance by graphite electrodes for de-colorization of phenolphthalein and phenol red from aqueous solution.

Abstract: This study elucidates the de-colorization of phenolphthalein and phenol red from aqueous solution through electrochemical oxidation technique. An electrochemical reactor had 1 liter volume that used 2 graphite electrodes. Effect of electric power voltage, inter electrode distance and electrolyte concentration was investigated in this system. It was found that the optimum conditions for completely removal of phenolphthalein was at voltage of 48 V, retention time of 9 minutes, distance between the electrode of 5 cm, and the salt concentration of 1.5 g/l. Also completely removal of phenol red was at voltage of 48 V, retention time of 8 minutes, distance between the electrode of 5 cm, and the salt concentration of 2 g/l. Phenol red and phenolphthalein COD removal efficiency was 85 and 80 percent respectively. The results suggest that the electrolysis process is an effective way to removal of phenolphthalein and phenol red color from effluent, because of it can completely remove the color in a short time.

Feasibility study for application of the marine coral powder as an adsorbent for Volatile Organic Hydrocarbons

Abstract: The marine coral has a porous outer surface and it has served in the processes such as water treatment systems, removal of carbon dioxide and adsorption of arsenic. Based on the need for cheap and efficient adsorbents, in sampling, the aim of this study, comparison of the efficiency of marine coral powder and activated charcoal in adsorption of volatile organic hydrocarbons was considered. In this experimental research, a certain concentrations of 8 volatile organic hydrocarbons: (para-Xylene, Chloroform, Carbon tetrachloride, tert-Butanol, Pyridine, Acetone, Ethyl acetate and Diethyl ether) was injected into dynamic atmospheric chamber in the NTP (Normal Temperature and Pressure) conditions. Air sampling was performed with the tube containing marine coral powder as well as the tube of activated charcoal, based on the standard method of NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) and in the same laboratory conditions. Then samples were injected into the gas Chromatograph apparatus and analytical comparison has been done between the amount of adsorption of hydrocarbons by activated charcoal and coral powder-test and Mann-Whitney were done with SPSS V.20.Findings showed that there was a significant difference between the amount of adsorption of Para-Xylene, carbon tetrachloride, tert-Butanol, Pyridine, acetone and Ethyl acetate hydrocarbons by activated charcoal and coral powder (P<0.05(. The amount of hydrocarbons adsorption by activated charcoal was, more than coral powder significantly (P<0.001). Based on the present research, in sampling of used hydrocarbons, the marine coral powder was less efficient than the activated charcoal, and it is recommended that more works be designed about other techniques such as coating of the marine coral powder in order to the improvement of adsorption capacity for volatile organic hydrocarbons.