Trend of knowledge production of research centers in the field of medical sciences in Iran

Establishment of medical research centers at universities and health-related organizations and annually evaluation of their research activities was one of the strategic policies which followed by governmental organization in last decade in order to strengthening the connections between health research system and health system. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the role of medical research centers in medical science production in Iran. This study is a cross sectional which has been performed based on existing reports on national scientometrics and evaluation results of research performance of medical research centers between years 2001 to 2010. During last decade number of medical research centers increased from 53 in 2001 to 359 in 2010. Simultaneous scientific output of medical research centers has been increased especially articles indexed in ISI [web of science]. Proper policy implementation in the field of health research system during last decades led to improving capacity building and growth knowledge production of medical science in recent years in Iran. The process embedding research into the health systems requires planning up until research products improves health outcomes and health equity in country

analysis of health research system evaluation in medical sciences universities

Based on Iran by 2025 defined vision, we must to receive the first grade of science position in south western Asian region. Thus we need to have a comprehensive evaluation program. A comprehensive WHO Health Research System Analysis [HRSA]- based evaluation system was developed to evaluate the HRS in Iran. This article has explored the results of the five-year evaluation [2003-2008] and aims to introduce this method to other developing countries. Here we explore the results of research performance evaluation from 2002 to 2010 and by comparing the results with previous available information, we reveal the probable role of this method in research promotion and proposed approach to facilitate and expedite achieving the prospects for goals of health research based on the visions of Iran by 2025. All of the indicators of stewardship and capacity building axes are received to their predefined levels. Moreover all of the medical science university research policies are based on their strategic plannings which are extracted from national visions of Iran by 2025. Most of the predefined goals in knowledge production domain had a significant grow trend but for more growth for commitments they should be closely follow. We developed an HRS-based comprehensive evaluation program to our national vision as well as our regional and international research competition

Health research evaluation and its role on knowledge production

Knowledge production and evaluation are two important functions of health research system [HRS]. In this article, we aimed to reveal the correlation between evaluation of health research organizations and health knowledge production promotion. A comprehensive evaluation system was developed to evaluate the academic performance of national medical science universities on an annual basis. It assess following domains; stewardship, capacity building and knowledge production. Measurable indicators for each domain were assigned, a 'research profile' for each department was provided. In this study, we compared the results of annually national Health Research System evaluation findings during 2005-2008. The number of scientific articles has been increased from 4672 to 8816 during 2005 to 2008. It is mentionable that, the number of articles which has been published in indexed data bases has risen too. This fact could be related to directed policy for more international publication of scientific articles from Iran. The proportion of total articles to the number of academic members was 1.14 in 2008, comparing to 0.84 in 2005. It means that this proportion have increased about twice [0.7 Vs 0.45] during mentioned time. Moreover, other scientific products such as authored books based on domestic researches and cited articles in textbooks have increased according to special attention to knowledge production by policy makers. We conclude that Health System Research evaluation could be used as a mean for implementing policies and promoting knowledge production

[Analysis of occupational stress and the related issues among employees of Esfahan steel company [ESCO], Iran [2009]]

Background and aims: Occupational stress is defined as the harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Occupational stress may bring about economic and health problems. This study was conducted to determine the factors that contribute to occupational stress of the employees of ESCO [Iran]

Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 400 ESCO employees. Data were collected using demographic and DASS questionnaire and then were analyzed using Chi statistical test and logistic regression analyzation

Results: The prevalence of stress was 53%. There was no significant relationship between stress and age, marital status, experience, literacy and shift work. However, high significant relationship was found between income and stress. It is apparent that financial problems were the most common reasons for stress among the employees and the main contributors to stress were work environment, task type, financial problems and the income below 5000000 rials [P<0.05]

Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, about half of the ESCO employees suffer from stress compared with other industrialized countries, Iranian employees appeared to have much higher prevalence of stress. This result calls for appropriate planning of the workplace and condition to improve the quality of life and reduce stress

effect of cushion of air on vibration transmitted to vehicle drivers based on standard

Whole Body Vibration [WBV] transmitted to drivers is one of the main reasons for several different symptoms such as musculoskeletal disorders. One of the recommendations to decrease the effects of whole body vibration is using a device that acts as an isolator. In this study, we used an air cushion as a device to decrease WBV. We measured whole body vibration transmitted to drivers before and after using this air cushion. This interventional study was performed with 95 bus drivers in Isfahan. Vibration parameters were measured in 3 axes and amount, of vibration were measured before and after using air cushion. Statistical analysis the data was carried out using the SPSS software, in which data were analyzed using the student's paired t test. Comparison of the vibration before and after using the air cushion showed a significant reduction in maximum pressure [Pmax] in X and Y axes [P < 0.05], a significant reduction in acceleration equivalent value [Aeq] in X and Y axes [P < 0.001]. Finally, Lmax was decreased in X axis. Our data showed that the buses which are being used in Isfahan vibrate more than the standard level. Although, using air cushion could significantly reduce vibration transmitted to bus drivers, but the vibration is still over than standard level

Safety cultural assessment among management, supervisory and worker groups in a tar refinery plant

This study investigated the relationship between people's attitudes towards the safety culture and comparing its perceptions among three levels of refinery Personnel: top management, supervisory staff and frontline workers by conducting safety culture survey. A questionnaire comprising general information and 59-safety attitude statement were distributed among 237 workers, 53 supervisors and 12 managers in Isfahan Tar Refinery in Iran. The 10 testable factors, including organizational and management commitment to safety and communication, Rule breaking, Training and competence, Pressure for production and safety, Communication, Personal involvement in health and safety, Accident/Incidents/Near misses, Organizational/management commitment to health and safety, Supervisors/Immediate bosses/Line managers, Health and safety procedures/instructions/rules, Workforce view on state of safety culture, have high inter-correlations and the three groups of respondents hold quite different attitudes regarding safety culture. These findings can give invaluable indication to the managers to have better understanding of safety culture in this industry

Application of a hazard and operability study method to hazard evaluation of a chemical unit of the power station

The aim of this study was to identify the hazards, evaluate their risk factors and determine the measure for promotion of the process and reduction of accidents in the chemical unit of the power station. In this case and qualitative study, HAZOP technique was used to recognize the hazards and problems of operations on the chemical section at power station. Totally, 126 deviations were documented with various causes and consequences. Ranking and evaluation of identified risks indicate that the majority of deviations were categorized as "acceptable" and less than half of that were "unacceptable". The highest calculated risk level [1B] related to both the interruption of acid entry to the discharge pumps and an increased density of the acid. About 27% of the deviations had the lowest risk level [4B]. The identification of hazards by HAZOP indicates that it could, systemically, assess and criticize the process of consumption or production of acid and alkali in the chemical unit of power plant

Ergonomic evaluation of musculoskeletal discomfort among public bus drivers

Nowadays, prolonged exposure to awkward and inappropriate posture is supposed to be one of the main causes of musculoskeletal disorders among workers and operators round the world. Such exposure also causes upper limb disorders, chronic backache and increases the risk of accidents. According to previous texts and statistics published by international organizations. musculoskeletal disorders are of main causes of work force debilitation, work days loss and decreasing system efficiency. Driving, has always been among the most exhausting, repetitive and mundane jobs in the world. In this study, we specifically assessed the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among city bus drivers in Isfahan. Bus drivers, as their job usually entails, are exposed to risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders such as vibration, inappropriate seat [not ergonomic], a worked posture and long hours of sitting [sedentary work] This was a randomized cress-sectional study among 178 drivers. The study was carried out in two times, in the morning [bigining of work day], after evening [end of work day] successively. The data were gathered using a questionnaire by an occupational health expert. The data include: type of vehicle, personal information of the driver, job record. the drivers past medical history [general, congenital, previous occupational diseases, etc], general specifications of the seat used, and finally the result of musculoskeletal disorders assessment using the Nordic questionnaire. Drivers were asked during their breaks. The general observation of the job was considered as well. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. The most common compilations observed, included: pain and discomfort in lowerback, shoulders, knees and upper back with the frequency of 130, 115, 112, 91, 80 respectively. Dependent variables like weekly work hours, work years, and inappropriate seats had direct increasing effect on complications rates. Data processing proved significant musculoskeletal discomfort prevalence among drivers working overtime, who are over weighted or mainly taller than the others and these who have got longer work records or were using inappropriate seats. According to the study findings musculoskeletal discomfort prevalence was higher in drivers who; worked overtime, were overweighted, were taller, with longer work records, and using inappropriate seats

Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella species in acute diarrhoea in Hamedan, Islamic Republic of Iran

This study investigated the frequency of Escherichia coli, Shigella and Salmonella species in stool specimens from patients with diarrhoea presenting to health centres in Hamedan province, Islamic Republic of Iran. From 144 samples, Shigella strains were isolated in 17 cases [11.8%]: 10 Sh. flexneri, 3 Sh. sonnei, 2 Sh. boydii and 2 untyped strains. No Salmonella strains were isolated. Using molecular diagnostic methods, diarrheogenic E. coli were detected in 37 cases [25.7%], the majority were enterotoxigenic [ETEC] [22 cases] and Shiga toxin- producing [STEC] strains [15 cases]. In 14 cases [9.7%] there was co- infection

[Isolation of shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] from meat samples by PCR in Tehran and evaluation of antibacterial patterns of isolated strains]

Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC] is an emerging foodborne pathogen of worldwide public health importance. This bacterium has been reported as an etiological agent of many outbreaks and sporadic cases. Studies in different countries have shown that food items maybe contaminated by this pathogen. The present study was carried out to determine the frequency of STEC contamination of meat samples, collected in Tehran, as well as defining genotype and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria. In a period of one year [from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 200, 250 beef samples were collected from different markets of Tehran city. For detection and isolation of STEC from beef samples, conventional culture and PCR were applied. Then, Antibacterial resistance patterns of isolated strains were determined by standard disk diffusing method. Among 250 beef samples, 47[18.8%] were positive for stx genes by PCR. However, only 30[12%] successful isolations of bacteria were made. Of the 30 STEC isolates, 24 [80%] carried the stx2 gene only, while 2 [6.7%] isolates gave positive results for both stx1and stx2. Four isolates [13.3%] possessed stx2 and eae genes. According to the antibiotic resistance tests, all isolates were susceptible to Gentamicin, Imipenem, Norfluxacin, Enrofloxacin, Nalidixic acid, Ciprofluxacin and Ceftazidime. The percentages of isolates that were resistance to the other antibacterial agents were as following: Olendeomycin:100, Erythromycin:100, Cephalothin:67, Amoxycillin-Clavulanic acid: 46.6, Chlortetracycline: 13.3, Tetracycline: 10 and Streptomycin: 6.6. Results of this study indicate that retail raw meats may often be contaminated with antimicrobial-resistant STEC and cautionary efforts are necessary in order to prevent them from contaminating with this bacterium

study of the hospital managers awareness of fire accident management in the hospitals affliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Since health care centres do not have developed plans to control fire accidents, the manager's knowledge, skills and attitude can play an important role to increase the hospital efficiency to fight fires. This is a desciptive, cross-sectional study which was carried out in educational and non-educational hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The study lasted six months and the data were collected by a researcher-made questionnaire. To analyze data, K2 Pearson and Spearman tests were used. The findings revealed a mean of 27.63 +/- 7.36 out of sixty. According to the results, the hospital manager's knowledge of crisis management was weak

Serotyping of group A rotaviruses in children less than 7 years old in Tehran

Rotavirus infection, a frequent cause of death in developing countries is also known to be the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis requiring hospitalization in infants and young children in the developed world. In this study, the most prevalent serotypes of rotavirus in Tehran and seasonal distribution in a year were investigated.Fecal samples were collected from a total of 180 infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in two children's hospitals in Tehran. The samples were tested by ELISA. Serotyping investigation of viral specimens was performed, using 7 serotypes monoclonal antibodies [G1-G2-G3-G4-G6-G8-G9] in ELISA tests.Rotavirus type A was detected in 66 samples [37%]. G1 and G4 serotypes were the most common serotypes found in infected children and infants in Tehran. The peak of rotavirus infection prevalence occurred during the cold months of the year.This study underlines the importance of these serotypes in the etiology of severe diarrhea in children. G1 and G4 serotypes were the most common serotypes

Rapid nutritional assessment of under five year old Kurdish refugee children in Iran

In an attempt to depict the nutritional status of Kurdish refugee children under five years of age, a rapid survey was conducted on 900 children in 9 camps of Kurdistan and Bakhtaran province in May 1991. The study included anthropometric measurements on all, clinical examination of 731, and biochemical tests for anemia and protein energy malnutrition [PEM] on 160 subjects. The results showed half of the children to be anemic. Twenty% of the children had moderate to severe PEM by the most conservative criteria. This figure was around 40% in the 2 to 3 year old children. It was concluded that 50% of the children required urgent nutritional intervention and the other half were potentially in danger. Although malnutrition was serious enough in the subjects, the sanitary condition of the camps was even worse. Any measure to rectify the situation in similar cases should include both public health and nutritional solutions