Yazd City Research Articles

Knowledge and attitude of tile industry workers in the field of heat stress management

Introduction: One significant factor affecting employee performance is high ambient temperature or heat. Numerous studies have highlighted the negative effects of heat stress in various work environments. Therefore, enhancing workers' knowledge and attitudes toward heat stress can improve their performance. Materials and Methods: This semi-structured content analysis was conducted among tile industry workers in Yazd city in 2023. Participants engaged in both individual and group interviews. Initially, three unstructured interviews helped identify key points, followed by semi-structured interviews, which served as the primary data collection method. The study's reliability and validity were assessed using Lincoln and Guba. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was reached, and the findings were organized into main themes and subcategories. Results: The workers' perspectives on the issue were explored from various angles, leading to two main themes: knowledge and attitude, each with different subcategories. The knowledge theme includes individual and management factors, while the attitude theme encompasses individual and environmental factors. Conclusion: The tile industry workers in Yazd City demonstrated varying levels of knowledge about heat stress and held attitudes that reflected the negative impacts of this stressor. Factors such as age and education level influenced their knowledge and attitudes. Workers' understanding and attitudes towards heat stress can be achieved through proper training.

The effect of twelve weeks of high-intensity functional training and Ginkgo biloba consumption on the serum levels of some inflammatory cytokines in operational male firefighters of Yazd city

Introduction: functional exercises and consumption of the medicinal plant Ginkgo biloba, a natural source of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds, have beneficial effects in improving the inflammatory state and physical performance of people exposed to occupational stress. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 12 weeks of high-intensity functional training and consumption of Ginkgo biloba extract on the serum levels of interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β in operational male firefighters of Yazd city. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, 48 male firefighters were randomly divided into four groups including high-intensity functional training (HIFT), high-intensity functional training with ginkgo biloba consumption, ginkgo biloba extract consumption, and control-placebo. The training was carried out for 12 weeks and 4 sessions per week. Ginkgo biloba extract (80 mg) was administered as two capsules once a day after breakfast for 12 weeks. Blood samples were taken before and 48 hours after the last training session. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with SPSS-26 software. Results: The results showed that the interaction effect of exercise and ginkgo biloba extract, as well as the effect of exercise and ginkgo biloba extract alone, caused a significant decrease in the serum levels of interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β (p<0.05). The highest percentage of changes in interleukin-8 and interleukin-1β were obtained following exercise intervention along with the consumption of Ginkgo biloba extract. Conclusion: Performing high-intensity functional exercises with Ginkgo biloba extract had the greatest effect in reducing serum levels of inflammatory indicators and improving oxidative stress conditions in firefighters.

Examining the Impact of Social Factors on Spatial Desirability of Urban Neighbourhoods

The increasing importance of neighbourhoods in urban planning, combined with an enhanced focus on the social aspects of designing desirable communities and societies, has emanated the necessity of developing a clear understanding of spatially desirable neighbourhoods. When considering various dimensions of social vitality and existing urban planning norms for residential neighbourhoods, it appears essential to consider and integrate both social and spatial aspects to formulate a desirable community. This article examines the impact of social factors on spatial desirability and vitality of residential neighbourhoods in the context of Iran. The historic city of Yazd has been selected as the case study. Following thorough evaluation of existing neighbourhoods in the city, three study areas have been selected for detailed study; Zortosht neighbourhood, Shahrak University residential complex and Baqiyatullah Azam residential complex. Based on the nature of this study, a qualitative method has been adopted to conduct this research. Extracting from the literature review, three factors of safety and security, sense of attachment to place and social interaction are among the most important socio-cultural factors that can affect the social vitality of a neighbourhood. After the content analysis of the interviews (through semi-structured questionnaires) from the stakeholders and residents of the study areas, observation and documentation of physical and spatial structure of the neighbourhoods and analysing data by interrelating social, as well as spatial aspects, the study concluded that social and spatial aspects are interconnected and both are impacting each other to result in social vitality and spatial desirability of a neighbourhood. Moreover, it was observed that spatial layout of neighbourhoods can increase the potential for social vitality and liveliness. Finally, research recommends design policies for socially integrated and spatially desirable neighbourhoods in the context of Iran, which may be applicable in other similar contexts too.

The Effectiveness of Parental Management Training Based on Nahj Al-Balagha on Adolescent Identity Styles

Introduction: Adolescence is a very important period that can be difficult for the teenager and can cause challenges for the family. Raising and educating teenagers is very important for families. Acquiring identity is the most important aspect of every person's personality, so the methods of achieving identity are very important, and in the book of Nahj al-Balagheh, various methods for educating parents are suggested. Purpose: This research was conducted with the aim of the effectiveness of parent management training based on Nahj al-Balagheh on adolescent identity styles. Method: The studied population were all adolescent girls of Yazd city. The sample size was 30 people who were selected by cluster random sampling and divided into two experimental groups (15 people) and control (15 people). Data were obtained by Berzonsky's identity style questionnaire (1989), the experimental group was trained in 8 45-minute therapy sessions, while the control group did not receive any training. The data was analyzed using the statistical method of analysis of covariance. Findings: The results showed that parental management training based on Nahj al-Balagheh has an effect on adolescent identity styles. Also, education can have a direct impact on the type of identity of teenagers. Conclusion: The period of adolescence is called the period of crisis, and the parents of these adolescents can learn the necessary training to understand this period and how to deal with their adolescent's problems at the beginning or before the beginning of adolescence. Accordingly, they can use various treatment methods. and use different books. The use and extraction of educational tips using Nahj al-Balaghah can help these parents.

Investigate the Relationship between Occupational Stress and the General Health of Nurses Affiliated with Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd City during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Investigate the Relationship between Occupational Stress and the General Health of Nurses Affiliated with Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd City during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Association between public and private greenspace availability and electricity consumption

Natural environment including greenspace has been suggested to be beneficial for health and well-being of urban residents. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including mitigation of environmental stressors, such as air pollution, and thermal stress. However, the role of greenspace on reducing electricity consumption in the urban environments has not yet been reported using these mechanisms. The present study used the annual electricity consumption of Yazd city dwellers in the period (2016–2019) and examined its association with different greenspace indicators at their residential addresses. Different private and public greenspace indicators were defined, including private garden access and area, distance to the nearest park (regional and local), percentage of land covered with urban greenspace and residential surrounding greenness (by normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) at different buffer size around residential addresses. Different demographic, urban design and contextual variables were included as the covariates in the models. An inverse association was found between the increase of greenspace in a private garden and the amount of electricity consumption in all the included buildings. One-unit increase in NDVI was significantly associated with 2046.5 kWh/y lower electricity consumption (95 % CI: 1151.79: 2941.21). An increase of 1 m2 in the area of a private garden was associated to 1.2 kWh/y lower energy consumption. A stronger association was also found between the private garden area and lower electricity consumption in contemporary urban texture compared to two other urban texture (contemporary urban texture: β: −1.97, 95 % CI: −2.39 to −1.54, old urban texture: β: −1.21, 95 % CI: −1.97 to −0.46, and historical urban texture: β: −0.25, 95 % CI: −1 to 0.49). The results of this study can strengthen previous theories about eco-friendly cities and sustainable cities. Promoting availability and access to greenspace can help urban sustainability through lower energy consumption.

Investigating of Resilience Scale of Selected Hospitals in Yazd City during Disaster Conditions in 2023

Background: The need for healthcare is one of the fundamental needs of humans in critical and emergency situations. Hospitals and healthcare centers are among the first units that can reduce casualties by providing optimal and timely healthcare services. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the resilience status of selected hospitals in Yazd city during the crisis in the year 2023. Methods: This research is a descriptive-cross sectional study conducted in 2023 in 5 selected hospitals in Yazd (classified by hospital ownership: university hospitals A, B, C, charity hospital D, and private hospital E). The resilience level of the hospitals during a crisis was assessed using Zhong's standard questionnaire, which evaluated 9 dimensions of resilience. Responses to the questions were based on a 5-point Likert scale (always to never), and data were analyzed using SPSS 26 software. Quantitative data were reported with central (mean) and dispersion (standard deviation) indicators, followed by qualitative (demographic) data as numbers and percentages. Results: The results showed that the overall resilience status of the hospitals in this study averaged 3.95 ± 0.69, which was evaluated at a good level. The highest score was for the private hospital E with an average of 4.30 ± 0.55, and the lowest score was for the public hospital A with an average of 3.75 ± 0.55. Hospital A's score was at a moderate level, while the remaining hospitals were rated at a good level. Conclusion: Considering the average resilience of hospitals in a number of areas, it is suggested to develop and present training programs related to preparing for critical situations and holding maneuvers and conducting exercises with emphasis on training key employees.

Marriage, poverty and inferiority: A qualitative study of the causes and consequences of early marriage among Afghan migrant women in Yazd, Iran

This study investigated the phenomenon of early marriage among Afghan migrant women in Yazd city, Iran. Data were collected using qualitative research method based on interview with 20 participants. The data were analyzed using Grounded Theory approach by employing open, axial, and selective coding and the findings include 13 main and one core categories, which presented in a paradigm model. Findings indicate that early marriage usually occurs in poor families, resulting from the interplay between poverty and gender discrimination. Discriminatory attitudes, women's lack of economic independence, gender division of labor, and unfavorable economic conditions ultimately lead to "lived experience of poverty". Therefore, in a reinforcing cycle, gender inequalities and poverty are aligned, and inequalities are strengthened in all dimensions, reproducing its own social and gender norms which once again reproduce the marriage cycle of poverty and inferiority.

Mediating role of self-compassion in relationship between attachment styles and empathy in nurses

IntroductionEmpathy with the patient is one of the important factors in nursing care. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between attachment styles and empathy in nurses.Materials and methodsThis correlational study was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) method. The statistical population included nurses working at public hospitals in Yazd City, Iran. A total of 308 nurses were selected by convenience sampling method. The data were collected using self-compassion scale, adult attachment styles scale, Jefferson scale of empathy and analyzed using structural equation analysis in AMOS software.ResultsSecure and anxious/ambivalent insecure attachment styles were positively and negatively correlated with empathy, respectively (p < .01). The path coefficient between avoidant and anxious/ambivalent insecure attachment styles and self-compassion was negative. On the contrary, the path coefficient between secure attachment style and self-compassion was positive. There was a positive correlation between self-compassion and empathy. The indirect path coefficient of secure and anxious/ambivalent insecure attachment styles to empathy through self-compassion. was significant (p < .01).ConclusionThe results showed secure and anxious/ambivalent insecure attachment could directly and indirectly through influencing self-compassion predict empathy in nurses.

Estimating Litter Production Amount and Quality for Eldar Pine and Umbraculifera Elm Trees in the Historic City of Yazd

Estimating Litter Production Amount and Quality for Eldar Pine and Umbraculifera Elm Trees in the Historic City of Yazd

Analyzing the Opinion of the Elites in the Field of Population Policies in the City of Yazd: A Qualitative Study

Analyzing the Opinion of the Elites in the Field of Population Policies in the City of Yazd: A Qualitative Study

The relationship among family environment, criminal thinking, and attitudes toward substance use in delinquent adolescents

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship among family environment, criminal thinking, and attitudes toward substance use in delinquent adolescents. Methods A descriptive correlational study was conducted. A total of 132 adolescents who arrested for narcotic-related crimes and referred to the Delinquency Rehabilitation Center of Yazd City, Iran, were selected. The data were gathered using the Attitude toward Narcotic Substances questionnaire, the Family Environment Scale, and the Psychological Inventory of Criminal Thinking Styles and were analyzed via the Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results The findings showed that among the dimensions of family conflict, cohesion, and expressiveness in the family environment, only the family conflict dimension had a significant positive correlation with criminal thinking and positive attitudes toward substance use. There was also a meaningful positive relationship between criminal thinking and positive attitudes toward substance use (p < .01). The results of the regression analysis indicated that only criminal thinking was able to predict the adolescents’ positive attitudes toward substance use, while the family environment did not play any significant predictive role (p > .05). Conclusion In sum, it was concluded that the crimial thinking patterns in adolescents created in interaction with the peer groups were mainly related to positive attitudes toward substance use rather than the family environment.

Social Support, Body Image, and Death Anxiety in Later Life: A Cross-Sectional Study in Yazd City, Iran

Introduction: Social support is a crucial factor in how well older adults adjust to the aging process and related challenges, such as anxiety about death. Body image in older adults is a complex and important concept, yet it has been under-researched. This study examined the correlations between social support, death anxiety, and body image in older adults residing in Yazd City, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved older adults from Yazd City, Iran, who visited comprehensive urban health centers in 2022. A convenience sample of 200 participants was selected. They completed questionnaires on demographics, social support perception, body image concerns, and death anxiety. Results: The total social support score (p &lt; 0.01) as well as the score of family support (p &lt; 0.05) and others' support (p &lt; 0.01) showed a significant negative correlation with death anxiety. However, no significant association was found between death anxiety and body image, nor between social support and body image. Regression analysis revealed that only "support from others" was a significant predictor of death anxiety (p &lt; 0.01). Men reported receiving more friends' social support than women (p &lt; 0.05). Participants with higher socioeconomic status were more likely to receive greater family’s social support (p &lt; 0.01) and experience less death anxiety (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Social support positively impacts the mental well-being and morale of older adults. It can, therefore, be considered a readily available resource and a form of social capital to reduce death anxiety, enhance their sense of purpose, and improve their quality of life.

Identification of Technosols formed from industrial dust in the area of Yazd city (Central Iran) by ground-based radiometry

Intensive industrial development in the form of metallurgical plants and quarries for mining of mineral resources in the vicinity of the city of Yazd resulted in significant dustiness of the ground layer of atmosphere and accumulation of industrial dust on the soil surface. At the locations of alloy steel production facilities, dust composition was dominated by particulate matter less than 1 μm (PM1), while near sand quarries, dust particles less than 10 μm (PM10) were predominant. The dust from these sources also differs in chemical composition (iron/silicon content ratio, pH). Registration with a pyranometer with a dark green filter with transmittance at a wavelength of 550 nanometers with a time interval of 20 seconds at a speed of 30 km/h during the movement along the specified routes allowed authors to identify zones with a stable increased content of particles of different sizes in the near-surface atmosphere. Sampling soil pits in these zones confirmed the presence on their surface of layers of dust deposits with a thickness of more than 5 cm, which allows them to be attributed to Technosols in accordance with the WRB soil classification. The soil map of the research area was compiled at a scale of 1 : 25 000 with the reflection of Technosols participation in the soil patterns. According to the map, more than three quarters of the study area are soil complexes including Technosols. Arid climatic conditions of the region lead to the accumulation of dust on the soil surface, which are practically not transformed and not removed from the soil, which results in their degradation and deterioration of the environmental conditions. Dust accumulation on the soil surface affects the state of vegetation cover of the region, which serves as a basis for indirect satellite indication of dusting zones. The method of revealing the dust layer on the soil surface based on the assessment of dustiness of the near-surface atmosphere using pyranometer can serve as a good complement to remote sensing methods.

Diagnosis Ability Evaluation of TMJ Condylar Disorders of Panoramic Radiographs in Senior Dental Students

Introduction: The temporomandibular joint is a unique and complex joint in the human body due to anatomical and functional reasons. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the knowledge of the senior dentistry students of Yazd Dental School about temporomandibular joint radiographic changes in panoramic images in 2022-2023. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive analytical study was conducted with the participation of 59 senior dentistry students. After obtaining the consent of the students and collecting their background information, a questionnaire containing 14 questions was presented to the students with the aim of examining the students' ability to distinguish between normal, dislocation, hypoplasia, hyperplasia, osteophyte and condylar erosion appearance. Finally, the descriptive data were presented in the form of numbers and percentages in the form of a table. Data analysis was done with SPSS version16 and T-test. The significance level of the tests was considered less than 0.05. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in students' ability score according to their gender and type of entry (national-international) (P&gt;0.05). The grade of students according to general point average (GPA) showed a significant difference (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, and considering the importance and high prevalence of TMJ disorders, senior dentistry students in Yazd City did not have acceptable knowledge about radiographic changes in the TMJ joint.

Socio-cultural transformations in modernity and household patterns: a study on local traditions housing and the impact and evolution of vernacular architecture in Yazd, Iran

The study investigates the impact of vernacular architecture in Yazd, Iran, focusing on traditional housing and its influence on the socio-physical aspects of homes. The central challenge lies in balancing cultural heritage preservation with the need for modern housing that promotes environmental sustainability and social well-being. Employing a qualitative approach, the study compares four historical houses to four modern homes in Yazd city. Its novelty lies in highlighting the importance of incorporating traditional elements into new developments. The research offers practical recommendations for achieving compatibility between house form and lifestyle, designing spaces for communication and social contact, and integrating cultural continuity with change. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of considering architectural elements and environmental conditions during residential unit design and planning. The study reveals the negative effects of modernization on residential transformation, particularly in historical areas where rapid construction neglects cultural heritage. It recommends incorporating traditional architectural elements while adapting to current needs to achieve sustainable urban living. This contribution to the discourse on urban development provides nuanced insights into the complex dynamics shaping residential landscapes in the modern era. The study's findings suggest that traditional houses offer essential benefits often missing in modern homes, such as improved well-being, privacy, stability, and a stronger sense of community. This can lead to feelings of alienation, physical discontinuity, and socio-economic inequality in modern developments. The study concludes by recommending a reevaluation of housing dynamics and emphasizes the need for further research comparing traditional and modern houses.

Survival Analysis of Ovarian Cancer Patients in Yazd City, Central part of Iran, 1999-2018

Background: Ovarian Cancer (OC) as a common gynecologic cancer according to mortality rate has the seventh rank among women in the world. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with OC survival in Yazd, Iran. Methods: In this observational retrospective cohort study, the medical records of 150 patients who were definitively diagnosed with OC from 1999 to 2018 were investigated. The Kaplan–Meier estimator and the Cox proportional hazard model with hazard ratio and the log-rank test were used for data analysis. All statistical analyses were done in R 4.0.5, package survival. Results: 60.77% (91 people) of patients were under 60 years old. 32.7% (49 people) were in stage III of the disease. 62% (93 people) did not have ascites, 67.3% (101 people) had disease-free survival more than 65 months. 45 (30%) of 150 patients were dead. Median survival time was 96 months (95% CI∶57.20 to 134.79), one, three, five-, and ten-year survival rates were 83,73,55 and 33 months; respectively. Log-rank test results showed there was a significant difference between age, stage, ascites, disease-free survival, and Treatment method, CA125 after and before treatment (p &lt; 0.05). Cox proportional hazard model result showed ascites (HRadj = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.35 to 11.15, P = 0.01) and DFS (HRadj = 23.52, 95 % CI: 4.21to128.33, p = &lt; 0.001) as significant covariates. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that disease-free survival and ascites are the main risk factors for OC and paying attention to them will be effective in increasing patient survival.

An nalyzing the strategies of female head and non-head of the household in creating happiness in the family environment; (a qualitative study in the city of Yazd)

An nalyzing the strategies of female head and non-head of the household in creating happiness in the family environment; (a qualitative study in the city of Yazd)

The Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Factors and their Population Attributable Risks in Yazd City, Iran: A Letter-to-Editor.

The Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease Risk Factors and their Population Attributable Risks in Yazd City, Iran: A Letter-to-Editor.

A survey on mean glandular dose in mammography examination and the factors affecting it in Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Yazd, Iran.

mammography is the gold standard in the early detection of breast cancer. Due to the increase in the rate of women suffering from this malignancy all over the world, this imaging modality has been widely used. Considering the side effects caused by ionizing radiation to measure the carcinogenic risk of mammography X-rays, mean glandular dose (MGD) is the best parameter to evaluate the dose received by patients undergoing mammography. The aims of this study were to measure MGD in mammography in mammographic craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral oblique (MLO) projections and investigate the relationship of MGD with compressed breast thickness (CBT), body mass index, age of the patient, and device exposure conditions. this cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on women aged 30-70 referring to the mammography unit of Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd city from May to August 2022. The TLD-GR 200 (thermoluminescence dosimeter) was placed on the breast of the patients for CC and MLO projections, and then the MGD was obtained by multiplying the entrance surface dose and the normalized glandular dose. Analysis of data (such as demographic information of patients, CBT, kVp, and mAs) was done by SPSS 23 software. The normality of the data was checked using Shapiro-Wilk tests. It was found that except for age, other variables did not have a normal distribution; therefore, equivalent parametric and nonparametric tests were used. In this regard, Spearman's correlation was used to assess the correlation between variables. P-value < .05 was considered as level of significance. The mean±standard deviation (SD) age of patients was 47.3±7.1years. The median±IQR (the interquartile range (IQR) is a measure of statistical dispersion, which is the spread of the data. It is defined as the difference between the 75th and 25th percentiles of the data.) (mean±SD) value of MGD per woman was 1.2±0.4mGy (1.3±0.3mGy). The median±IQR MGD in the MLO and CC projections was 1.6±0.6mGy and 0.9±0.4mGy, respectively. Significant relationships (P-value ≤ .001) were observed between MGD with CBT (R=0.62) and age (R=-0.85). The results showed that the mammography unit at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital in Yazd is functioning properly. The calculated median±IQR MGD per woman referring to this unit (1.2±0.4mGy) was clearly below the dose limit recommended by American College of Radiology and International Commission on Radiological Protection (3mGy). Moreover, among the factors affecting MGD, the highest correlation was seen between MGD and age (R=-0.85).