Environmental sustainability assessment of wooden furniture produced in Pakistan

Abstract Life cycle assessment was carried out for a conventional wooden furniture set produced in Mardan division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan during 2018-19. Primary data regarding inputs and outputs were collected through questionnaire surveys from 100 conventional wooden furniture set manufacturers, 50 in district Mardan and 50 in district Swabi. In the present study, cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment approach was applied for a functional unit of one conventional wooden furniture set. Production weighted average data were modelled in the environmental impacts modelling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5. The results showed that textile used in sofa set, wood preservative for polishing and preventing insects attack and petrol used in generator had the highest contribution to all the environmental impact categories evaluated. Total cumulative energy demand for wooden furniture set manufactured was 30,005 MJ with most of the energy acquired from non-renewable fossil fuel resources.

Resumo A abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida foi realizada para um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional produzido na divisão Mardan da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa do Paquistão durante 2018-19. Os dados primários sobre entradas e saídas foram coletados por meio de pesquisas por questionário de 100 fabricantes de conjuntos de móveis de madeira convencionais, 50 no distrito de Mardan e 50 no distrito de Swabi. No presente estudo, a abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida do berço ao portão foi aplicada para uma unidade funcional de um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional. Os dados da média ponderada da produção foram modelados no software de modelagem de impactos ambientais, isto é, SimaPro v.8.5. Os resultados mostraram que os têxteis usados no conjunto de sofás, o preservativo de madeira para polir e prevenir o ataque de insetos e a gasolina usada no gerador tiveram a maior contribuição em todas as categorias de impacto ambiental avaliadas. A demanda total acumulada de energia para o conjunto de móveis de madeira fabricado foi de 30.005 MJ, com a maior parte da energia adquirida de recursos de combustíveis fósseis não renováveis.

Environmental sustainability assessment of wooden furniture produced in Pakistan / Avaliação da sustentabilidade ambiental de móveis de madeira produzidos no Paquistão

Abstract Life cycle assessment was carried out for a conventional wooden furniture set produced in Mardan division of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan during 2018-19. Primary data regarding inputs and outputs were collected through questionnaire surveys from 100 conventional wooden furniture set manufacturers, 50 in district Mardan and 50 in district Swabi. In the present study, cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment approach was applied for a functional unit of one conventional wooden furniture set. Production weighted average data were modelled in the environmental impacts modelling software i.e., SimaPro v.8.5. The results showed that textile used in sofa set, wood preservative for polishing and preventing insects attack and petrol used in generator had the highest contribution to all the environmental impact categories evaluated. Total cumulative energy demand for wooden furniture set manufactured was 30,005 MJ with most of the energy acquired from non-renewable fossil fuel resources.

Resumo A abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida foi realizada para um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional produzido na divisão Mardan da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa do Paquistão durante 2018-19. Os dados primários sobre entradas e saídas foram coletados por meio de pesquisas por questionário de 100 fabricantes de conjuntos de móveis de madeira convencionais, 50 no distrito de Mardan e 50 no distrito de Swabi. No presente estudo, a abordagem de avaliação do ciclo de vida do berço ao portão foi aplicada para uma unidade funcional de um conjunto de móveis de madeira convencional. Os dados da média ponderada da produção foram modelados no software de modelagem de impactos ambientais, isto é, SimaPro v.8.5. Os resultados mostraram que os têxteis usados ​​no conjunto de sofás, o preservativo de madeira para polir e prevenir o ataque de insetos e a gasolina usada no gerador tiveram a maior contribuição em todas as categorias de impacto ambiental avaliadas. A demanda total acumulada de energia para o conjunto de móveis de madeira fabricado foi de 30.005 MJ, com a maior parte da energia adquirida de recursos de combustíveis fósseis não renováveis.

Impact of a Healthy Lifestyle on the Psychological Well-being of University Students

Health can influence eating habits and also mental and social well-being. This cross-sectional study wasconducted to determine the relationship between healthy lifestyle and stress among 173 university students usingSimple Lifestyle Indicator Questionnaire (SLIQ) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Score-42 (DASS-42) tomeasure their emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The results indicated that 71.8% werecategorized as having an unhealthy lifestyle and 28.2% an intermediate lifestyle. Based on the SLIQ stressdomain, 50.7% are stressed. Based on DASS score, 46.8% have anxiety. There was a statistically significantdifference in healthy lifestyle score between various types of residences (F=3.929, p<0.05). The conclusion isthat students with poor lifestyles have higher anxiety, depression and stress. The implication of this study is thatuniversities should provide healthy activities to encourage healthy lifestyle practices by students.

The expanding role of “Stand-Alone” hemodialysis units in chronic renal replacement therapy: A descriptive study from North Kerala

Renal replacement therapy in India is predominantly a private health-care-driven initiative making it an expensive treatment option due to high out-of-pocket expenditures. Moreover, with the rapid increase in the number of chronic kidney disease patients requiring dialysis, hemodialysis units (HDUs) are getting saturated. Community “stand-alone” dialysis centers could be an important alternative to HDUs in meeting the growing demand in an affordable model. The aim of this study was to find hemodialysis (HD) delivery in “stand-alone” dialysis units (SAUs) with respect to expanding coverage, patient costs, and patient safety safeguards. The total number of HD sessions was collected at three points. The information regarding patient safety safeguards at SAUs and impact of SAUs on patient costs were collected by interviews and from hospital records. There was 11.5 times increase in HD sessions from 2008 to 2017, out of which 75.3% was provided at SAUs. Following objective clinical and safety measures, high-quality dialysis was delivered at SAUs and it significantly reduced the mean patient cost of treatment per session.

Brucellosis trend and effect of domestic livestock vaccination on disease incidence in human

Worldwide, brucellosis continues to be an important public health problem primarily in the Mediterranean region. Vaccination of animals is the suitable method for controlling the infection and this must be the first step for elimination of the disease. The present study is an observational study conducted during the year 2007 at Saudi Arabia. The total number of cases included in the study was 32376, which included all confirmed cases of brucellosis in the period from 2000-2006. Cases were obtained from Ministry of Health Infectious Diseases Department Surveillance data base of reportable disease. Data included: age, sex, nationality, incidence of the disease, common prevalent species of brucella. The incidence of the disease was 72.1 per 100,000 populations in year 1990. After implementation of animal vaccination the disease incidence decreased to reach less than 17 per 100,000 populations in year 2005 and 2006 and the trend was decreasing. Saudi persons represent most of cases [84.54%] compared to non-Saudi [15.46%] and males were more affected than females. Age category 15-44 was more commonly affected and brucella abortus and melitensis were the most frequent species, The disease was prevalent in regions with raising livestock [Qassin, Hail, Hafer Albatin, Bisha, and Qunfuza]. Age category 15-44 was more commonly affected. Disease trend was rising before animal vaccination. After implementation of domestic animal vaccination, the trend of the disease progressively declined. Brucella abortus and melitensis were the most frequent species

Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density among women aged 40 years and above

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that is increasing in prevalence as our population ages. Knowledge of the risk factors and early diagnosis of the disease can prevent and reduce disease complications, especially fractures. This study was designed to estimate the risk factors for low bone mineral density [BMD]; [osteopenia or osteoporosis] among women aged >/= 40 years. the study included one hundred and forty four [144] women aged >/= 40 years who met the inclusion criteria of the study. All participants were selected from the outpatient clinic of physiotherapy and rehabilitative medicine, Tanta University hospital. They completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, reproductive and life-style risk factors for low [BMD]. Anthropometric measurements were undertaken and bone mineral density was measured by the ultra-sonography at the heel, and was expressed in T-score in this study the frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58.30 [36.15% were osteopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Most of women with low BMD were of low educational level and housewives. The differences were statistically significant. Physical activities were more frequent among women with normal BMI] than those with low BMD but walking space was the only statistically significant. There was a negative correlation between bone mineral density versus advancing in age and increased postmenopausal years. There was a positive correlation between bone mineral density versus weight, body mass index, triceps skin fold and calcium intake. Body mass index for normal BMD women [30.17 +/- 2.50] was higher compared to that for osteopenic and osteoporotic women [29.04 +/- 2.85 and 27.07 +/- 1.32 respectively] the frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58 30 [36.15% were o'steopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density were: low educational level, nonwor king [house wife], advanced age, low body mass index, low triceps skin fold, less physical activity and low calcium intake. The study recommended improving the educational level of women and application of health education programs about the risk factors for osteoporosis, especially those which can be modified such as the nutritional status, calcium intake and physical activity

effect of educational intervention on knowledge and risk perception of health care workers towards avian influenza

Avian influenza has emerged as the primary public health concern of the 21st century. Although various strains of avian influenza have been recognized for decades; the scope, lethality and mutability of Asian H5N1 subtype make it a likely source of the next human influenza pandemic-an event that could kill millions. The aim of the study was to assess knowledge and risk perception toward avian influenza in human and the effect of educational intervention program [workshop] in improving health team's perception of the problem. The study was conducted among 53 health care workers in Saudi Arabia using a pretest/posttest to evaluate the effect of educational intervention program in improving health team knowledge, practice and risk perception regarding avian influenza and the potential influenza pandemic. The study reported that before intervention, Physicians had significant better knowledge [78.10%] regards optimal time to give oseltamivire for treatment after beginning of symptoms compared to paramedics [52.40%]. Most physicians practice hand wash after contact with poultry compared to 81% of paramedics. Most paramedics [90.40%] lack knowledge about treatment of the disease by oseltamivire than physicians [50%]. Higher percent of paramedics [57.10%] did not practice precautions while in bird market/shops than physicians [43.60%]. After intervention, A significant higher percent of physicians have good knowledge about mode of transmission than paramedics [46.90% and 19.10% respectively]. About two thirds of physicians [59.40%] had better knowledge regard incubation period of the disease compared to 33.30% for paramedics with the difference significant. Also physicians were more knowledgeable about disease manifestation and standard case definition than paramedics [42.90% and 3.10% respectively]. Among physicians, there was significant improvement in knowledge and practice after intervention. There was significant improvement in precautions while in poultry market, practice hand wash after poultry touch and keep disinfectant for use after poultry touch or polluted surfaces. Among paramedics, There was significant improvement in knowledge after intervention while, there was no significant improvement in items related to practice and risk perception. Before intervention, physicians had better knowledge than paramedics. While practice and risk perceptions were low for both. After intervention, there was significant improvement in knowledge items and to some extent in practice and risk perception for physicians compared to paramedics

Risk factors associated with low bone mineral density among women aged 40 years and above

Osteoporosis is a devastating disease that is increasing in prevalence as our population ages. Knowledge of the risk factors and early diagnosis of the disease can prevent and reduce disease complications, especially fractures. This study was designed to estimate the risk factors for low bone mineral density [BMD]; [osteopenia or osteoporosis] among women aged>/=40 years. A cross sectional study included one hundred and forty four [144] women aged>/=40 years who met the inclusion criteria of the study [purposive sample]. All participants were selected from the outpatient clinic of physiotherapy and rehabilitative medicine, Tanta University hospital. They completed a questionnaire on socio-demographic, reproductive and life-style risk factors for low [BMD]. Anthropometric measurements were undertaken and bone mineral density was measured by the ultra-sonography at the heel, and was expressed in T-score. In this study the frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58.30 [36.15% were osteopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Most of women with low BMD were of low educational level and housewives. The differences were statistically significant. Physical activities were more frequent among women with normal BMD than those with low BMD but walking space was the only statistically significant. There was a negative correlation between bone mineral density versus advancing in age and increased postmenopausal years. There was a positive correlation between bone mineral density versus weight, body mass index, triceps skin fold and calcium intake. Mean age of normal BMD women [48.80 +/- 5.36] was lower compared to that for osteopenic and osteoporotic women [55.69 +/- 8.89 and 58.75 +/- 3.39 respectively]. Body mass index for normal BMD women [30.17 +/- 2.50] was higher compared to that for osteopenic and osteoporotic women [29.04 +/- 2.85 and 27.07 +/- 1.32 respectively]. The frequency of low bone mineral density [BMD] was 58.30 [36.15% were osteopenia and 22.2% osteoporosis]. Risk factors and determinants associated with low bone mineral density were: low educational level, nonworking [house wife], advanced age, low body mass index, low triceps skin fold, less physical activity and low calcium intake. The study recommended improving the educational level of women and application of health education programs about the risk factors for osteoporosis, especially those which can be modified such as the nutritional status, calcium intake and physical activity

study of physicians' knowledge concerning the legal aspects of medicalisurgical profession at medical and surgical departments in Alexandria Main University Hospital [AMUH]

Objective: to investigate physicians' knowledge about the legal aspects of medical/surgical profession. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at internal medicine and surgical departments at AMUH in the period from 16/3/2004 to 30/4/2004. Data was collected through a specifically designed self-administered questionnaire handed-out to 506 personnel comprising all physicians, including house-officers, presently working in study departments. Data collection tool was composed of three sections, first section included seven items covering physicians' personal and professional attributes; second section, comprised a forty-three-item scale measuring physicians' knowledge about legal aspects of their profession; and a third five-item section covering other inquiry points. One hundred and sixty six physicians responded

Results: 65.7% of physicians had a poor overall knowledge level and 98.2% had no previous training pertaining to legal aspects of medical/surgical profession. Approximately [four-fifths] 81.9% were dissatisfied with their level of knowledge about legal aspects of medicine, yet, 86.1% were interested to be trained. About one-third [34%] of licensed physicians had been involved in legal difficulties related to the practice of medicine and surgery. It was demonstrated that residents, assistant lecturers and lecturers were the categories most liable to have legal difficulties due to the practice of medicine and surgery. It was concluded that medicine and law meet in some very important ways, together, these two domains of knowledge tackle such subjects as professional confidentiality, sanctity of the dead, euthanasia, informed consent, torts, and definition of death to name a few. Though healthcare is a high-risk industry, this study revealed that physicians at AMUH, had an overall poor level of knowledge regarding the legal aspects of medical/surgical responsibility; however, the majority was dissatisfied with this lack of knowledge and interested in having training programs specifically designed to cover the legal aspects of medical/surgical practice. It was recommended that physicians and students should be made more familiar with the theories and procedures involved in medical malpractice through specifically designed educational programs formulated to continuously make physicians adequately knowledgeable about sources of torts and malpractice risk according to Egyptian Law. Risk management was presented as a preventive strategy to protect customer, provider, and institution against malpractice and litigation. Embracing clinical expectations [guidelines] within the context of QI was also advised

Does the management of bronchial asthma by family physicians meet standards of the national protocol?

Asthma is a common disease that is sometimes fatal. Its prevalence, morbidity and mortality are increasing. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the proficiency of primary care physicians in general knowledge, diagnosis, classification of severity and management of asthma along the guidelines of the Saudi National Asthma Protocol, and to analyze the association of their proficiency level with certain professional standards. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Family Medicine and the Main Air Base Clinic at the North-West Armed Forces Hospital in Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia from the 1st to the 29th of June 2001. All 44 primary care physicians working there at the time were enrolled in the study. A self-administered true/false questionnaire prepared by the Saudi National Asthma Scientific Committee was completed by all physicians. The Passing score was >/= 50%.Only 39% of the physicians passed the test as a whole, with 66% passed in general knowledge, 70% in diagnosis, 48% in the classification of severity and 59% in the management of asthma. There was an association between significant achievement and Family Medicine Board Certification as well as some knowledge of the National Asthma Protocol [p >/= 0.005]. No association was observed with attendance of asthma training courses. There was positive significant correlation between the knowledge score, the management scores and the total scores of physicians. The level of awareness of the National Asthma Protocol among the primary care physicians was low [52%]. Their proficiency in general knowledge, diagnosis, classification of severity and management was also low. A higher standard was associated with Family Medicine Board Certification. Further studies to identify the reasons for these deficiencies need to be carried out so that measures could be taken to rectify the situation

Patterns of referral from health centres to hospitals in Riyadh region

Patterns of attendance and referrals in hospitals and health centres in Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, studied before and after implementing a referral system showed a 40.6% total decrease in patients attending hospital outpatient clinics; an 11.9% increase in patients attending primary health centres; a 19.2% increase in referrals; a 33.2% increase in patients attending emergency departments; and a 17.3% increase in inpatients. It is clear that the referral system has, and will have, an impact on primary and secondary health care services. In order to optimize positive and minimize negative aspects of this impact, communication between primary health centres and hospitals should be of high standard. Regular reviews and studies of referral systems are recommended

Is vernix caseosa a protective material to the newborn? A biochemical approach.

Twenty random samples of vernix caseosa were collected from immediately born neonates, in Jamahiriya Hospital, Benghazi. Biochemical studies of these samples revealed presence of lipids (62.5%), proteins (36%) and carbohydrate (1.5%). Also we could observe inhibition of staph. aureus and klebsiella growth on nutrient agar by this vernix. This observation could be explained either by its higher asparagine content or by its elevated lipid component. In addition tripalmitin was found to be the major lipid constituent, responsible for its hydrophobic property. So we recommend leaving this vernix layer on newborn skin until spontaneous drying.

Porphyrin metabolism in rats intaking chemical carcinogens

This study was performed on rats receiving nitrosamine precursors, as potent liver carcinogens, in order to investigate and follow up the porphyrin metabolism during intaking hepatocarcinogens. As clarified from our results, progressive increase in free erythrocyte porphyrins, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, haem content and hepatic total porphyrins were observed after 2 months intaking these carcinogens and further increases were gradually elevated in parallel with continued receiving these chemicals which was extended to 7 months.At the same time, such elevations were also observed in the activity of hepatic 5- aminolevulinic acid [ALA] - synthetase and uroporphyrinogen-1-synthetase either in hepatic tissue or erythrocyte of these carcinogen subjected rats.However significant inhibition was found in the activity of erythrocyte ALA- dehydrase which was reached to 40.5% of the control values after 7 months.Therefors, these observations demonstrate that intaking hepatocarcinogens may influence the rate of hepatic porphyrin and haem biosynthesis