Mindfulness and self-regulation intervention for improved self-neglect and self-regulation in diabetic older adults.

The current study aimed to assess the impact of combined interventions including mindfulness and self-regulation on self-neglect and self-regulation among Iranian older adults with type 2 diabetes. This was a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial study conducted among 135 older diabetic patients in Shiraz, Iran. Three urban healthcare centers (clusters) were randomly assigned to three study groups. The intervention groups received either a Self-Regulation-based Intervention Program (SRIP) or a Combined Mindfulness and Self-Regulation Intervention Program (CMSRIP), while the control group received routine care and COVID-19 prevention training. These training programs, which consisted of text and video-based content, were conducted over 24 weeks using WhatsApp as a mobile-based communication platform. Outcomes were measured using the Elder Self-Neglect Scale and Short-Form Self-Regulation Questionnaire at baseline, week 4, and week 16 post-intervention, with data analysis conducted using SPSS 20 software. The CMSRIP led to significantly greater improvement in the score of self-regulation (χ2 = 73.23, P-Value = < .001) and a reduction in the score of self-neglect (χ2 = 62.97, P-Value = < .001) at both 4 weeks and 16 weeks after education compared to SRIP. In the control group, there was also a slight improvement. Improvement of self-regulation and reduction of self-neglect in all three groups were less in week 16 than in week 4. Nevertheless, the changes in the intervention groups were significantly better than the control group. This study confirmed a combination of mindfulness-based intervention and self-regulation intervention can effectively improve self-neglect and self-regulation behavior in older patients with type 2 diabetes.Trial registration: This trial (ISRCTN77260130) was retrospectively registered on 28/09/2021.

Women's experiences of sexual harassment in the retail clothing industry: a grounded theory study.

Introduction: Sexual harassment is a significant problem in workplaces all over the world. Women's reactions to sexual harassment are influenced by various factors. The aim of the current study was to investigate how women respond sexual harassment in the retail clothing industry. Methods: In-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with 16 women aged 23-44 years (mean 29.18 years) employed for at least 3 years in clothes shops in Shiraz, Iran. A grounded theory approach was used to analysis the data and raise hypotheses. Results: The main perpetrators of sexual harassment for female saleswomen were male customers. The women experienced conflict-induced stimulation (core phenomenon) when they were faced with sexual harassing behaviors (causal conditions). Such stimulation prompted three types of coping strategies: silence, avoidance, or confrontation. Intervening factors like the characteristics of the Iranian society (including family mores, state-imposed hijab regulations, patriarchal culture, educational system, and regulatory monitoring) and contextual factors (including individual and environmental factors and particularly employer expectations) were found to influence the selection of strategies used as well as their potential consequences in challenging situations. Conclusion: The current study used a grounded theory approach to produce an explanatory storyline that can be tested. Sexual harassment induces conflict-induced stimulation and responses are influenced by intervening conditions, contextual factors, selected strategies, and the perceived consequences of the response. The findings of the grounded theory study suggest that there are negative consequences, particularly in terms of lack of employer support and losing one's job, shame, and family disapproval which act as barriers for female saleswomen to counteracting sexual harassment from male customers. Such an understanding can also be applied to develop educational policies to support women as well as ameliorate the prevalence of this essentially illegal problem.

Drying kinetic, thermodynamic and quality analyses of infrared drying of truffle slices.

Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters are the most important part for making a suitable tool for drying agricultural products. Moreover, calculation of the energy required for the drying of product, the properties of the rehydration ratio, the food appearance changes, and the evaluation of the microstructure of food are crucial. Since the thermodynamic properties of truffle slices have not yet been reported, this study aims to establish a mathematical model to describe drying process of agriculture product, evaluate the effective moisture diffusion coefficient (Deff), determining the activation energy (Ea) to elucidate the thermodynamic characteristics, measure color characteristics, and rehydration ratio (RR) during the drying process of truffle slices. Truffle slices were dried in an infrared (IR) dryer at four temperatures of 50-80°C and two thicknesses of 0.5 and 1 cm. The best model to describe the drying process of truffle slices was Midilli et al.'s model. The value of Deff, SEC, and RR were in the range of 3.06 × 10-8 to 2.48 × 10-7 m2/s, 79.68-191.271 kWh/kg, and 5.99-7.49, respectively. The Deff of truffle slices increased with the above-mentioned parameters of the samples. The Ea obtained was 26.62-27.43 kJ/mol. The results indicated that enthalpy and entropy decreased with increasing drying temperature, while Gibbs free energy improved. The enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy values changed between 24.48-25.28 kJ/mol, -130.47 to -122.63 J/mol °K, and 63.97-70.17 kJ/mol, respectively. In addition, the results of color attributes decreased with increasing temperature, while chroma oppositely increased.

Social support as a coping resource for psychosocial conditions in postpartum period: a systematic review and logic framework.

PURPOSE: This review seeks to examine the current state of postpartum social support and psychosocial conditions among women around the world, as well as explore the relationship between these factors. Additionally, it aims to propose a logical framework for enhancing postpartum social support and psychosocial conditions in this population. METHODS: Following the development of a search strategy, two databases, PubMed and Science Direct, were searched for studies published between January 2019 and May 2023. The search was conducted throughout the entire month of May 2023. The risk of bias in the included cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, which was adapted for this specific study design. To determine if the main objective of the cross-sectional studies was to investigate the relationship between social support and postpartum psychosocial conditions, a review was conducted based on the AMSTAR checklist, PRISMA checklist and PRISMA flow diagram. Data extraction was performed with the consensus of two authors, and a narrative synthesis approach was chosen for data synthesis, following the guidelines provided by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD). RESULTS: Eleven cross-sectional studies were included in the final analysis. Our findings revealed that all reviewed studies provided evidence of a positive association between social support and healthy psychosocial conditions in postpartum period. However, due to the absence of standardized measurement indicators to identify and compare the outcomes of various studies, there was a need to develop a conceptual framework that could enhance our understanding of the postpartum psychosocial condition including anxiety, depression, unfavorable quality of life and social support status up to 24 month after child birth. This framework aimed to incorporate childbirth and motherhood as "stressful events," while considering social support as a crucial "coping resource." Furthermore, it acknowledged empowerment, help-seeking behavior, and peer support as important "coping actions," alongside implementing client-centered interventions. Lastly, it recognized postpartum mental health and optimal quality of life as significant "effects" of these factors. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed conceptual framework could define postpartum women's health as "the ability to adapt and self-manage."

Effect of health belief model-based training and social support on the physical activity of overweight middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: The highest incidence of overweight among adults is found among women, predominantly middle-aged women. While it has been demonstrated that being overweight increases mortality by compromising physical and mental health, it also imposes substantial costs on the healthcare system. Lack of physical activity is a primary contributing factor to becoming overweight. The majority of inactive adults are women, particularly middle-aged women. Consequently, this study investigated the training program for overweight women based on the health belief model (HBM) and social support approach. Methods: A randomized, controlled trial involving 73 overweight middle-aged women (control group: 37, intervention group: 36) was conducted using simple random sampling. The intervention group participated in six 120-min sessions per week for 6 weeks of a training program based on HBM and social support through physical activity, group discussion, role play, and media. Data were collected using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), Bandura's Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale (Bandura's ESE), and a researcher-made questionnaire before and 4 weeks after the training. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics via SPSS 27 software. p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A training program based on HBM and social support led to improved perceived benefits (p < 0.001), cues to action (p = 0.03), and self-efficacy (p < 0.001) of physical activity; decreased perceived barriers (p = 0.001); increased social support (p = 0.001); and increased physical activity (p < 0.001). In addition, the BMI of the intervention group decreased after the training program (p = 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of the study demonstrate the efficacy of the training program based on HBM and the social support approach in improving social support and physical activity of women. In addition, the study evaluates the long-term outcome in populations with varying social, economic, and cultural standings. Clinical Trials Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, (IRCT201706236261N17).

Development and Validation of a Resilience Skills Questionnaire for Health Sector Professionals Based on Social Cognitive Theory.

Good resilience skills support effective and timely adjustment to demanding situations in the workplace. Existing tools are insufficient to develop and evaluate workplace interventions to improve employee's resilience skills. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a Resilience Skills Questionnaire (RSQ) using the key constructs of social cognitive theory-self-efficacy, self-regulation, and social support-as a theoretical framework. Following DeVellis' guidelines for scale development, first an expert panel of thirteen professors was recruited to support the item development stages and determine content validity. At this stage, the initial pool of 38 items was reduced to 25 items and CVR and CVI were calculated as 0.92 and 0.93, respectively, indicating good content validity. A second panel of ten health professionals confirmed face validity. An online survey comprised of the 25 developed items was then completed by 336 health professionals working in urban healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran, in November 2021. The data were used to assess the psychometrics of the questionnaire according to its hypothesized three-dimensional structure. Confirmatory factor analysis yielded a final model of seventeen items in three dimensions, self-efficacy (six items), social support (six items), and self-regulation (five items), with good psychometric properties (χ2/df = 2.44 (p < 0.001), RMSEA = 0.06, GFI = 0.92, AGFI = 0.90, IFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.93). All standardized factor loadings were significant (p < 0.001). Internal consistency, as measured by Cronbach's alpha, was very good: RSQ (0.90), self-efficacy (0.86), social support (0.83), and self-regulation (0.86). Based on these results, the RSQ can be used as a standard and valid measure to develop and evaluate the effect of educational intervention programs to improve resilience skills and reduce job stress.

Predictors of musculoskeletal disorders and job satisfaction among office workers of an oil company: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the significant causes of disabilities and occupational injuries all over the world and can reduce the quality of life and job satisfaction. These disorders prevail among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company, though research on the involved factors is limited. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the incidence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with job satisfaction among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. METHODS: The present research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study on 210 male office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the rate of job satisfaction were measured by Nordic Musculoskeletal and Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaires, respectively. The relationship between the variables was analyzed by the SPSS 28 software. RESULTS: The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in the past 12 months were associated with the neck, waist, and knee organs, with 45.70, 41, and 38.10 percentages. Smoking, second jobs, and physical injury histories were identified as three risk factors connected to musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Forty-one percent of the participants were moderately satisfied with their jobs, and this number was significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulders, elbows, back, waist, and knees (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that second jobs, smoking, and physical injury histories are three risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. Thus, it is imperative to identify at-risk office workers and train and encourage them to take preventive actions and employ ergonomic job equipment.

Optimum drying conditions for ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) based on time, energy consumption and physicochemical quality.

The effect of ultrasonic pre-treatment on moisture removal characteristics of ginger in a convective dryer was investigated. The slabs were dried by practicing sonication durations of 0, 15 and 30 min at different levels of the air temperature and velocity. Following increasing the sonication duration and air temperature, required time and energy to dehydrate the samples were decreased. The pre-treatment played important role in improving rehydration capability and surface color retention in the dried gingers. Content of the main volatile component (α-Zingiberene) was not influenced by the sonication. Mean values for the phenolic contents and antioxidant activity at sonication duration of 0, 15 and 30 min were determined to be 18.93, 18.15 and 17.49 GAE/g dry matter and 83.57, 78.33 and 74.58 %, respectively. The desired values for the temperature, velocity and sonication duration were revealed to be about 66 °C, 3 m/s and 20 min, respectively.

Development and evaluation of a theory-based health promotion programme aimed at improving retirees' psychological well-being and quality of life: a protocol for a mixed-method study.

INTRODUCTION: The changes that retirees experience during their retirement years will challenge their ability to cope, potentially endangering their health and quality of life. This study aims to design and evaluate a theory-based health promotion programme to improve retirees' psychological well-being and quality of life. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This mixed-method, non-blinded study uses an embedded design. The purposive sampling method will be employed for the qualitative aspect of the study. Qualitative data will be collected at baseline, focusing on retirement adjustment, through semistructured, in-depth individual interviews and focus group discussions. The data will be analysed using Graneheim and Lundman's qualitative content analysis method. A pre-post test controlled group design will be conducted for the quantitative part of the study. A sample size of 80 is estimated for both the intervention and control groups. Systematic sampling and the block randomisation method will be employed for sampling. The training programme in the intervention group will consist of eight 60 min sessions and environmental support, implemented after assessing the research environment and obtaining approval from the relevant officials. A brief training programme unrelated to the intervention group's focus (home safety) will be implemented for the control group. Quantitative measures will be collected in both groups at baseline, 3 months and 6 months after the intervention. These measures will include self-administered questionnaires covering demographic variables, retirement adjustment, retirement resources, quality of life, coping methods, spiritual well-being and psychological well-being. Analytical statistics will be performed using the generalised linear model, with p values≤0.05 considered significant. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has received approval from the ethics committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The research findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstracts at National and International Scientific Conferences, and data sharing among researchers. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: IRCT20180516039690N2.

Qualitative, energy and environmental aspects of microwave drying of pre-treated apple slices.

In the present research, response parameters such as specific energy consumption (SEC), thermal efficiency (TE), energy efficiency (EF), drying time (DT), greenhouse gas (GHG) emission (such as CO2 and NOx), and quality features (color variation and shrinkage) were modeled by response surface methodology (RSM) for apple slices dried in a microwave dryer under ultrasonication (30 â„ƒ-10 min) and blanching (80 °C-2 min) pretreatments. Also, RSM was applied to optimize two independent parameters including microwave power and sample thickness in the levels 100, 200, and 300 W and 2, 4, and 6 mm, respectively. The results indicated the significant influence (P < 0.01) of the independent parameters on the response parameters. The vales of SEC, DT, GHG emission, shrinkage, and color difference were linearly decreased with the declining sample thickness and increasing microwave power, while the energy and thermal efficiencies were increased by a quadratic equation. The use of ultrasonication and blanching pretreatments decreased the SEC, GHG emissions, and DT; while improving the quality of the samples as compared to the non-treated slices. The optimization results showed the optimal drying times (31.55, 82.19, and 50.55 min), SEC (3.42, 10.07, and 4.37 MJ/kg), CO2 with natural gas (1539.75, 1518.75, and 4585 g), CO2 with gas oil (3662.53, 2099.25, 2721.25 g), NOx with natural gas (10.094, 9.956, and 12.906 g), and NOx with gas oil (12.934, 12.758, and 16.538 g) at a microwave power of 300 W and sample thickness of 2 mm with desirability of 0.921, 0.935, and 0.916 for control samples, ultrasonicated, and blanched, respectively.

Environmental Engineering Applications of Electronic Nose Systems Based on MOX Gas Sensors.

Nowadays, the electronic nose (e-nose) has gained a huge amount of attention due to its ability to detect and differentiate mixtures of various gases and odors using a limited number of sensors. Its applications in the environmental fields include analysis of the parameters for environmental control, process control, and confirming the efficiency of the odor-control systems. The e-nose has been developed by mimicking the olfactory system of mammals. This paper investigates e-noses and their sensors for the detection of environmental contaminants. Among different types of gas chemical sensors, metal oxide semiconductor sensors (MOXs) can be used for the detection of volatile compounds in air at ppm and sub-ppm levels. In this regard, the advantages and disadvantages of MOX sensors and the solutions to solve the problems arising upon these sensors' applications are addressed, and the research works in the field of environmental contamination monitoring are overviewed. These studies have revealed the suitability of e-noses for most of the reported applications, especially when the tools were specifically developed for that application, e.g., in the facilities of water and wastewater management systems. As a general rule, the literature review discusses the aspects related to various applications as well as the development of effective solutions. However, the main limitation in the expansion of the use of e-noses as an environmental monitoring tool is their complexity and lack of specific standards, which can be corrected through appropriate data processing methods applications.

The effect of a social cognitive theory-based educational intervention on nonsuicidal self-injury prevention in high school students: A randomized educational intervention trial.

INTRODUCTION: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents is a growing public health concern, demanding preventive measures, particularly among high school students. Based on social cognitive theory (SCT), self-efficacy coupled with outcome expectations, social support, self-regulation, and behavioral intention, determine the likelihood of engaging in such a behavior. Thus, the present study was to investigate the effect of a SCT-based educational intervention on NSSI prevention in female high school students. METHODS: This randomized educational intervention trial was conducted on 191 female high school students, aged 15-17 years (15.95 ± 0.59) (viz. 99 individuals in intervention group and 92 controls). Intervention group attended five SCT-based educational intervention sessions concerning NSSI prevention. Data were then collected by three self-administered questionnaires. The first questionnaire was to measure demographic variables and the second one, intermediate outcome measure, was implemented to evaluate SCT constructs. The third questionnaire also measured NSSI (final outcome measure). Data were analyzed using SPSS software v.24. RESULTS: After controlling the pretest scores, the repeated-measure multivariate analysis of covariance revealed a significant time and group interaction in multivariate (F = 154.8, p < .001) and univariate analysis, which is in favor of the effectiveness of educational intervention on changing the mean scores of NSSI and all SCT constructs. SCT constructs explained 41% of the variance in conforming intention for NSSI prevention (p < .001). CONCLUSION: The study findings were in favor of effectiveness of an SCT-based educational intervention in intention of preventing NSSI.

The effect of positive thinking on resilience and life satisfaction of older adults: a randomized controlled trial.

The cumulative effects of adversity and unhappiness affect life satisfaction and quality of life in the growing older adult population. Most of the interventions aimed at improving the health and quality of life of older adults have adopted a problem-oriented or weakness-focused approach. However, a positive or strengths-focused approach can also have a virtuous but more effective capacity to contribute to the well-being and life satisfaction of older adults. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of positive thinking training on improving resilience and life satisfaction among older adults. A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 100 older adults with simple random sampling. The intervention group received 90-min weekly sessions for eight weeks on positive thinking training through written homework for reflection, group discussion, and media. The data were collected using Ingram and Wisnicki Positive Thinking Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Tobin Life Satisfaction Questionnaire at baseline and one week and two months after the training. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in SPSS software 26. P values below 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Positive thinking training led to better thinking (p < 0.001), higher resilience (p < 0.001), and greater life satisfaction (p < 0.001). The study's findings showed the effectiveness of the positive thinking training approach in improving resilience and life satisfaction in older adults. It is recommended to evaluate the long-term outcome in populations with different social, economic, and cultural statuses in future studies.

Psychometric Properties of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International, Cut-off Points, and Validating its Short Version Among Iranian Older People.

Objectives: Older people have a fear of falling, which is far more difficult than falling itself. We measured the extent of this feeling using a short and valid Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I) 7-item questionnaire for the aging community in Iran. Methods: The present psychometric work deals with outlining the validation and translation of FES-I (short version) among 9117 Persian-speaking elderly people with a mean age of 70.2±8.3 years (54.1% female and 45.9% male) in July 2021. Investigations were performed on confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis, internal consistency, and construct validity along with test-retest reliability, receiver operating characteristic analysis, inter-rater, and convergent validity. Results: 72.4% of the subjects were living alone, 92.9% required support in activities of daily living, and 93.0% experienced falling in the past two years. A one-factor solution was assigned by exploratory factor analysis for FES-I. Thus, this model was proved by the confirmatory factor analysis with valid fit indices. Based on Cronbach's alpha, intra-cluster correlation coefficient, and McDonald's omega (≥ 0.80), internal consistency was confirmed. The exact cut-off value was represented by the receiver operating characteristic analysis for male/female and between with/without fear of falling among older samples with higher measures of specificity and sensitivity. Moreover, a significant effect of age, aging in place, loneliness, hospitalization rate, frailty, and sense of anxiety (effect size ≥ 0.80, p ≤ 0.05) on fear of falls was detected using analysis of variance. Conclusions: The psychometric properties of the original scale were preserved by the Persian version of FES-I seven items as a self-reported measure of fear of falling. It could be assuredly a measure in both community and clinical settings. The possible uses and limitations of the Iranian FES-I were also discussed.

The study protocol for the randomized controlled trial of the effects of a theory-based intervention on resilience, social capital, psychological wellbeing, and health-promoting lifestyle in healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: The workplace has been identified as a key determinant of health status. There is evidence of innumerable health problems among employees, particularly healthcare workers. Against this background, a holistic-systemic approach together with a good theoretical framework is required to reflect on this issue, and to support the design of effective interventions to promote the health and wellbeing of the given population. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving resilience, social capital, psychological wellbeing, and health-promoting lifestyle in healthcare workers, utilizing the Social Cognitive Theory integrated into the PRECEDE-PROCEED model. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial will be performed on a large sample of the employees working in two healthcare centers in the city of Shiraz, Iran. The study will proceed with the healthcare workers of one city being given the educational intervention and the healthcare workers of the other city serving as a control group. Using a census method, all healthcare workers in the two cities will be informed of the trial and its purpose, and then invitations to join the study will be issued. The minimum sample size required has been calculated as 66 individuals in each healthcare centers. Recruitment to the trial will by systematic random sampling of eligible employees who submit an expression of interest in joining the trial, and subsequently give informed consent. Data will be collected through a self-administered survey instrument at three stages: at baseline, and both immediately and three months after the intervention. The experimental group members should participate in at least eight of the ten weekly educational sessions of the intervention and complete the surveys in the three stages. There is no educational intervention for the control group, and they simply experience some routine programs, and complete the surveys at the same three timepoints. DISCUSSION: The findings will provide evidence for the possible effectiveness of a theory-based educational intervention to improve resilience, social capital, psychological wellbeing, and health-promoting lifestyle among healthcare workers. If the educational intervention is found to be effective, then its protocol will be exploited in other organizations to boost resilience. Trial registration IRCT20220509054790N1.

Improving family health climate, effect of role modeling and maternal support in female students.

INTRODUCTION: Girls can use their mother's emotional, informational and behavioral support to perform healthy behaviors due to their constant access to their mothers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of role modeling and maternal support in the family to improve healthy behaviors and perceived Family Health Climate (FHC) in female students. METHODS: In this educational quasi-experimental study, 261 female students (133 in the intervention group and 128 in the control group) and 223 mothers (109 intervention and 114 control) were selected using the cluster multi-stages sampling method and entered the study. Participants (intervention and control groups) completed the FHC scale at three stages (before intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 months after intervention). A training program that comprised 12 sessions for students and six sessions for their mothers using collaborative learning techniques and printed materials was conducted with the experimental group. Also after completing the questionnaire in the follow-up phase, pamphlets and educational videos were given to the control group. Data were analyzed using SPSS20 via a chi-square test, independent t-test, and Repeated Measures ANOVA at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: Before the intervention, there was no significant difference between demographic variables and the score of the FHC scale in both groups (p < 0.05). Immediately and 2 months after the intervention, the experimental group (female students and their mothers) showed a significant increase in dimensions of FHC, including FHC-NU (Family Health Climate-Nutrition) and FHC-PA (Family Health Climate-Physical Activity), compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Educating and informing mothers about the impact of their role modeling on their children, especially girls, can make them more aware of health-oriented behaviors towards their children. Such findings reinforced the importance of focusing on actions to encourage a healthy lifestyle (healthy diet and physical activity) in students with a focus on role modeling and parental support, especially mothers.

Response Surface Methodology Approach for Predicting Convective/Infrared Drying, Quality, Bioactive and Vitamin C Characteristics of Pumpkin Slices.

In this research, a convective/infrared (CV/IR) dryer was used to dry pumpkin slices. For optimization of the drying conditions, the influence of three levels of independent variables including air temperature (40, 55, and 70 °C), air velocity (0.5, 1, and 1.5 m/s), and IR power (250, 500, and 750 W) were assessed by response surface method (RSM) through a face-centered central composite design. Analysis of variance (non-fitting factor and R2 value) was employed to determine the desirability of the model. Response surfaces and diagrams were also utilized to show the interactive influence of the independent variables with the response variables (drying time, energy consumption, shrinkage, total color variation, rehydration ratio, total phenol, antioxidant, and vitamin C contents). According to the results, optimal drying conditions involved a temperature of 70 °C, air velocity of 0.69 m/s, and IR power of 750 W. At the mentioned conditions, response variables of drying time, energy consumption, shrinkage, color, rehydration ratio, total phenol, antioxidant, and vitamin C contents were 72.53 min, 24.52 MJ/kg, 23%, 14.74, 4.97, 617.97 mg GA/100 g dw, 81.57%, and 4.02 mg/g dw, with a confidence level of 0.948, respectively.

Effectiveness of a transactional model-based education programme for enhancing stress-coping skills in industrial workers: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a stress management educational intervention programme based on the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping (TMSC) among industrial workers. Participants were 106 employees of a power plant in Iran, randomly assigned into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention comprised active and participatory methods to enhance employees coping skills and it was delivered in six face-to-face sessions. Data was collected using the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale at baseline and three months after the intervention. We found mean scores of distancing, self-controlling, seeking social support, escape-avoidance, planned problem-solving, positive reappraisal, total coping skills, perceived social support, and spiritual well-being significantly differed at follow-up compared to baseline in the intervention group, but not in the control group. There was also a significant difference in the mean score of perceived stress between the two groups. We conclude that the educational intervention based on the TMSC was effective in improving coping skills and reducing perceived stress. We suggest that interventions based on the TMSC model can be supportive in workplaces where job stress is common.

The impact of family social support on postpartum quality of life among Iranian women: structural equation modelling.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of family social support (FSS) on postpartum quality of life (PQOL). METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study enrolled postpartum women and asked them to complete the PQOL and FSS questionnaire (FSSQ) between October 2021 and February 2022 in three urban health centres in Shiraz, Iran. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis and multiple regression were used to determine the relationship between the FSS and PQOL variables. Structural equation modelling was used to determine the relationship pathways of the impact of FSS on PQOL. RESULTS: A total of 240 women were enrolled in the study. The mean ± SD scores of PQOL and FSSQ were 61.63 ± 9.59 and 69.80 ± 11.19, respectively. Family support seeking (7.95) and emotional support seeking (-6.80) were two factors affecting PQOL. CONCLUSION: Women should be empowered to seek support through education and actions from health workers, especially nurses and midwives, during routine regular prenatal care.

Psychometric Properties of the CAGE Questionnaire Amongst Middle-Aged and Older Adults in Khuzistan Province of Iran.

The CAGE questionnaire is an instrument, proved useful in helping to make a diagnosis of alcoholism. The questions focus on Cutting down, Annoyance by criticism, Guilty feeling, and Eye-openers. The questionnaire has been more pervasive simple tool than AUDIT and LAST scales to screen in busy medical settings where limited time is considered for adult patient interviews. The present study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of the CAGE questionnaire in Khuzistan province, Iran and evaluate its role in detecting alcohol-related problems. For this purpose, 382 men with mean age of 65 ± 5 were sampled by cluster-random sampling method in convenience model from the medical centers in eight counties of Khuzistan province during 2019 and they responded to the CAGE questionnaire. The coefficients of Cronbach's alpha (α = 0.82), convergent validity (0.73), divergent validity (-0.06), and criterion validity (0.87) were estimated (ρ < 0.01). The exploratory factor analysis demonstrated that the four -items related to the CAGE for the aged samples are organized into one factor, which clarifies 94% of the variance. Based on the results of the second-order confirmatory factor analysis, all factors were matched up well into a principal factor. Finally, the one -factor model was appropriate for the data by using the fit index techniques for adjusting the scale (AGFI = 0.81, TLI = 0.91, GFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.006, IFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.91, CFI = 0.97).The results could prove the well-adjusted reliability and validity of the CAGE and its usefulness for the relevant studies.