Esfahan Steel Company Research Articles

Exposure to occupational air pollution and vascular endothelial dysfunction in workers of the steel industry in Iran.

Air pollution is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; however, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the impact of occupational air pollution exposure on endothelial function in workers within the steel industry. Specifically, we examined male employees in the coke-making division of the Isfahan Steel Company in Iran, as well as those in administrative roles with no known history of cardiovascular risk. Data on age, body mass index, duration of employment, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, and lipid profile were collected. To assess endothelial function, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was measured. The baseline brachial artery diameter was greater (mean difference [95% CI] = 0.068mm [0.008 to 0.128]), while the FMD was lower (mean difference [95% CI] = -0.908 % [-1.740 to -0.075]) in the coke-making group than in the control group. After controlling for potential confounding variables, it was observed that working in the coke-making sector of the industry was associated with lower FMD (F = 3.954, p = .049). These findings indicated that occupational air pollution exposure among workers in the steel industry is linked to impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilation.

The Relationship between Dietary Patterns and Metabolic Phenotypes: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Representative Sample of Iranian Industrial Employees.

Background and Aim: There is limited evidence to support the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic phenotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association of dietary patterns with metabolic phenotypes among a large sample of Iranian industrial employees. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 3,063 employees of Esfahan Steel Company, Iran. Using exploratory factor analysis, major dietary patterns were obtained from a validated short form of food frequency questionnaire. The metabolic phenotypes were defined according to Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. The independent-sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, χ2 test, and multivariable logistic regression were applied to analyze data. Results: Three major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis: the Western dietary pattern, the healthy dietary pattern, and the traditional dietary pattern. After controlling for potential confounders, subjects in the highest tertile of Western dietary pattern score had a higher odds ratio (OR) for metabolically healthy obese (MHO; OR 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-1.94), metabolically unhealthy normal weight (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.08-3.45), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUHO) phenotypes (OR 2.87, 95% CI 2.05-4.03) than those in the lowest tertile. Also, higher adherence to traditional dietary pattern was positively associated with a higher risk of MHO (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.56-2.34) and MUHO phenotypes (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.69-3.22) in the final model. Conclusion: There were significant associations between dietary patterns and metabolic phenotypes, suggesting the necessity of nutritional interventions in industrial employees to improve metabolic phenotype, health outcomes, and, therefore, job productivity in the workforce population.

Design and Elaboration of the Neuro-Coaching Education Model (Neuroscience of Coaching)

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to design and elaborate the neuro-coaching model (neuroscience of coaching) at Isfahan Steel Company. Methodology: This research is an applied study and, in terms of methodology, a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) research. The statistical population of the study consisted of 15 experts from Islamic Azad Universities and managers of the Isfahan Steel Company. In the qualitative section, their opinions were used to identify and code the categories. For modeling purposes, the statistical population included a group of officials from the Isfahan Steel Company. Cochran's formula was used for sampling, resulting in a sample size of 384, and the sampling method was randomly accessible. To identify the factors, interviews were conducted initially, and with the help of open coding, selective coding, and axial coding, categories and concepts were extracted. Findings: The results of included 41 axial codes and 251 open codes. Subsequently, in the next stage, using confirmatory factor analysis, the axial, causal, contextual, intervening conditions, strategies, and outcomes were examined. Finally, consensus was reached on 209 open codes and 40 selective codes. For modeling, structural equations and partial least squares (PLS) with Smart PLS software were utilized. The results indicated that the neuro-coaching model (neuroscience of coaching) at Isfahan Steel Company is underpinned by 8 causal conditions, 8 contextual conditions, 6 intervening factors, and 7 strategies, leading to 11 major outcomes for Isfahan Steel Company. These outcomes include: improved neural process performance, personal growth and development, empowerment and psychological improvement, enhanced interactions and satisfaction, improved performance and cost reduction, psychology and personal relationships, interaction and communications, personal and psychological growth, individual and professional development, interactions and exercises, and the quality and effectiveness of neural solutions. Conclusion: In conclusion, the neuro-coaching model holds significant promise for transforming coaching practices and enhancing organizational outcomes. The integration of neuroscience principles provides a robust framework for developing more effective and scientifically grounded coaching interventions.

The association between dietary patterns and quality of life: a cross-sectional study among a large sample of industrial employees

Backgroundconsidering the diet, as a whole (dietary patterns), can provide more information regarding dietary guidelines to decrease health problems and improve quality of life (QoL) of industrial workers.Therefore, the aims of this study were to identify major dietary patterns and to evaluate their association with quality of life among Iranian industrial employees.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 3,063 employees of Isfahan Steel Company, Isfahan, Iran, in 2015. Dietary data were evaluated through a validated form of a food frequency questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract major dietary patterns,. To assess the QoL, Euro-QoL five- dimension questionnaire was used. Latent class analysis was used to classify participants based on QoL. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to evaluate the association between dietary patterns and QoL.ResultsThree dietary patterns, i.e. western, healthy and traditional, and two classes, i.e. high and low quality of life. were identified from study participants. Lower adherence to the healthy dietary pattern increased the risk of being in low QoL class in which subjects in the lowest tertile of healthy dietary intake had higher odds of being in low QoL class (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.51, 95% CI: 1.19–1.91). However, subjects in the lowest tertile of traditional diet, low adherence, had 30% lower risk of belonging to the low QoL class (AOR:0.70, 95% CI: 0.55–0.88). Higher adherence to western dietary pattern increased the risk of low quality of life, but it was not statistically significant.ConclusionHigher adherence to a healthy diet and lower adherence to traditional dietary pattern were associated with better QoL in manufacturing employees.

Exploring the relationship between humour in the workplace and organisational health: an empirical study: Isfahan Steel Company

Exploring the relationship between humour in the workplace and organisational health: an empirical study: Isfahan Steel Company

Variability of Airborne Dust Fallout and Associated Trace Metals around Industrial Sites in Esfahan, Iran

AbstractThe seasonal and spatial variability of airborne dust deposits and associated trace metals such as Pb, Co, Ni, Cd, Mn in 15 sites surrounding a heavily industrialized region in south Esfahan (central Iran) are investigated. Total deposit rates (TDR) of dusts and trace metals are analyzed, contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) are also calculated. Furthermore, correlation and cluster analysis are performed to identify the source of the pollution. The highest dust‐TDR (15.97 g m−2 per season), the highest concentration of trace metals, CF and PLI are recorded in summer because of the lack of precipitation, high temperature, and drought conditions in this season. Pb and Cd show the highest CF values. In the towns near the two major steel mills in the region (i.e., Esfahan Steel Company and Mobarekeh Steel Complex), the CF values for Pb and Cd are about 13 and 12, respectively (i.e., 13 and 12 times higher than the pre‐industrial values, respectively). The spatial distribution maps of the dust deposit rate, dust‐borne trace metals, and the obtained PLI of the trace metals in the study area reveal that the two major industries in the region are the main sources of dust and trace metal distribution.

Modeling and thermoeconomic analysis of a 60 MW combined heat and power cycle via feedwater heating compared to a solar power tower

Considering the critical role of electricity in the industrial and economic infrastructures and the large investments in this sector, it is necessary to correctly utilize and maintain this great industry. Further, due to the increasing prices of energy, environmental damages, and the limitation of non-renewable energy sources, it is increasingly important to maximize the performance of energy production and transformation systems. This study aims to model and analyze the economic exergy of the 60 MW heat and power generation power plant in the Esfahan steel company, as the installation has never been modeled or optimized. After 50 years of operation, the results of modeling the steam power plant and exergoeconomic analysis can lead to optimal operating conditions and be of benefit to the stakeholders. The findings indicate that the condenser, or rather cooling tower is where the maximum loss of energy occurs, whereas the boiler has the most exergy loss while the turbine ranks next in exergy loss. Increasing the load ratio increases the cycle efficiency, whereas maximum efficiency and the least heat rate occur at full load. However, increased load also increases energy/exergy loss. Increasing the temperature of the feedwater plus decreasing the condenser pressure can reduce energy/exergy loss.

Investigating ICT on Empowerment Considering Social Capital and Self-Efficacy (Case study: Isfahan Steel Company)

امروزه اعتقاد بر این است که پدیده موجود و محوری عصر فرا صنعتی یا عصر اطلاعات، فناوریهای اطلاعات و ارتباطات هستند. بازده بالای چنین فناوری هایی باعث گرایش‏های فزاینده¬ای برای سرمایه‌¬گذاری در این حوزه و محور قرار دادن آن در چارچوب برنامههای توسعه و پیدایش برنامه-های توسعه دانایی محور، شده است. از این رو پژوهش حاضر با هدف بررسی فناوری اطلاعات و ارتباطات بر توانمند‌سازی با در نظر گرفتن سرمایه اجتماعی و خودکار آمدی انجام شده است. جامعه آماری پژوهش را 130 نفر از کارکنان شرکت سهامی ذوب‌ آهن اصفهان طی بازه‌ی زمانی 1398تا 1399 تشکیل می¬دهند که با استفاده از جدول مورگان، نمونه 97 نفره با استفاده از پرسشنامه مورد بررسی قرار گرفت و دادههای به دست آمده با استفاده از نرم‌افزارهاي آمـاری 25 spss و Smart pls تحليـل شد. پژوهش از نظر هدف کاربردی و از لحاظ نحوه گردآوری داده¬ها توصیفی از نوع همبستگی است. الگوریتم تحلیل داده‌ها به روش حداقل مربعات جزئی که شامل: بررسی مدل‌های اندازه‌گیری (آلفای کرونباخ، پایایی ترکیبی، روایی همگرا) و برازش مدل ساختاری (ضرایب بار عاملی، معناداری ضرایب مسیر و ضریب تعیین، شاخص پیش‌بینی مدل، نیکوی برازش) است، جهت ارزیابی چهار مؤلفه فناوری اطلاعات و ارتباطات، سرمایه اجتماعی، خودکار آمدی و توانمند سازی مورد استفاده قرار گرفت. برازش هر دو بخش الگوریتم داده‌ها با مقادیر پایایی ترکیبی به ترتیب برابر با 894/0 ، 881/0 ، 864/0 ، 821/0 و روایی همگرا به ترتیب برابر661 /0 و702/0 و631/0 و689/0 نیز نشان‌دهنده مطلوبیت و قابل قبول بودن ساختار مکنون در سطح شاخص‌ها و مؤلفه‌ها بود بنابراين مدل نهايي توانسته است به گونه مناسبي روابط بين سؤالات توصیف ‌کننده متغير را بيان كنند. هم‌چنین یافته‌‌های این پژوهش نشان داد که فناوری اطلاعات و ارتباطات بر توانمند سازی با در نظر گرفتن سرمایه اجتماعی و خودکار آمدی در شرکت ذوب‌ آهن اصفهان تأثیرگذار است.

The Impact of Learning Organizations on Employee Performance with an Emphasis on Network Communication Approach

In this study, an attempt was made to gain knowledge about the impact of learning organizations on employee performance, emphasizing the network communication approach in Esfahan Steel Company. We used a questionnaire to collect the research data. The study's statistical population included all managers and (staff) employees of Esfahan Steel Company, whose number is 300 people. The stratified random sampling was done in this study. The sample size was estimated to be 118 people. Besides, three questionnaires were employed for data collection in this survey that experts confirmed its validity, and Cronbach's alpha confirmed its reliability. The SPSS and the Smart PLS software were used to analyze the data. According to the results achieved from the statistical analysis, learning organizations impact employee performance. Moreover, learning organizations influence the network communication approach. The network communication approach affects the performance of the organization's employees. Small and medium-sized production companies in the Steel industry can use the findings of this research to Achieve continuous improvement of individual and organizational performance through learning organizations and network communication.

System identification using NARX and centrifugal compressor control through the intelligent, active method—Case study: K‐250 centrifugal compressor

AbstractSurge and constant pressure are some of the most critical issues in compressor control. In this paper, the problem of the surge and constant pressure in the presence of environmental disturbances is solved. Proposed design for control system based on proportional–integral controllers, adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (FIS), and particle swarm optimized neural fuzzy and for modeling neural network strategy fuzzy nonlinear automatic regression with external input is used. Based on this, for modeling, practical and real data are extracted from the K‐250 compressor of Isfahan Steel Company. In the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system–particle swarm optimization (ANFIS‐PSO) controller, the control algorithm is made of the third FIS structure based on the fuzzy center clustering method and trained based optimization on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, which has three layers, two inputs, and a single output. The proposed control algorithm has finally been able to bring the compressor to the desired pressure, and when the compressor enters the surge area, the controller has been able to remove the compressor from this area without damaging the compressor. Finally, the proposed control system's capability and effectiveness are shown through simulation in MATLAB software and practical implementation.

Exploring the Relationship between Humor in the Workplace and Organizational Health An Empirical Study: Isfahan Steel Company

Exploring the Relationship between Humor in the Workplace and Organizational Health An Empirical Study: Isfahan Steel Company

Analyzing the health risk assessment of particles in Isfahan Steel Company by AERMOD model

Introduction: One of the effects of air pollution in the community was increasing mortality rate. Determination of contamination was the first step in improving the existing conditions. Therefore, the way of pollutants distribution and the timing and spatial changes were important. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of Parental Emissions (PE) of Isfahan Steel company using AERMOD. Materials and methods: In this research, the distribution of suspended particles of the Isfahan Steel company were modeled in the AERMOD for 1 h, 24 h and yearly average (30×30 km2), then the comparison of the average concentrations modeled with air standards clean country and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regional risk maps were provided in Arc GIS. Results: The prediction of the distribution of 24-h mean concentrations indicated that the maximum value for the 24-h average was equal to 8.52 EPA and 25.25 times, the standard Iran's clean air. Also, the prediction of the distribution of average annual concentrations indicated that the maximum value for the average annual time was 91.1 times, the EPA standard and 4.78% higher than Iran's clean air standard. Conclusion: Health risk maps show that the risk spot was not regional in the direction of the region's wind and topography of the region was the main factor in the distribution of risky spots in the region. Legitimate use of the AERMOD could be useful in managing, controlling, and evaluating air pollutants especially in industrial units of the country.

Modeling of lime production process using artificial neural network

Abstract Lime is a significant material in many industrial processes, including steelmaking by blast furnace. Lime production through rotary kilns is a standard method in industries, yet it has depreciation, high energy consumption, and environmental pollution. A model of the lime production process can help to not only increase our knowledge and awareness but also can help reduce its disadvantages. This paper presents a black-box model by Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for the lime production process considering pre-heater, rotary kiln, and cooler parameters. To this end, actual data are collected from Zobahan Isfahan Steel Company, Iran, which consists of 746 data obtained in a duration of one year. The proposed model considers 23 input variables, predicting the amount of produced lime as an output variable. The ANN parameters such as number of hidden layers, number of neurons in each layer, activation functions, and training algorithm are optimized. Then, the sensitivity of the optimum model to the input variables is investigated. Top-three input variables are selected on the basis of one-group sensitivity analysis and their interactions are studied. Finally, an ANN model is developed considering the top-three most effective input variables. The mean square error of the proposed models with 23 and 3 inputs are equal to 0.000693 and 0.004061, respectively, which shows a high prediction capability of the two proposed models.

Determining the Best Combination of Perspective indicators of Balanced Scorecard by using Game Theory

Manufacturing performance measurement offers an appropriate program for future planning, controlling, and decision-making of organizations as well as determination of their present status. This paper aimed to assess a firm’s manufacturing performance using a reasonably comprehensive integrated BSC- Game model to empirically determine the importance of the perspectives and indicators under evaluation and the best combination of indicators A mathematical model was employed to determine the equilibrium among the four perspectives of the balanced scorecard (BSC) as four players in a cooperative game to specify the relationship among indicators in the strategy map of Esfahan Steel Complex Company. The GAMS optimization package was used to solve the model. The results suggest that the decision-makers of Esfahan Steel Company consider innovation, modern technologies, customer satisfaction, and equity profitability as the best combination of strategies and equilibrium point in the BSC. In fact, the proposed mathematical model successfully provided an equilibrium to minimize the costs and maximize the perspectives’ payoff of the BSC. The main contribution of this paper lies to the adaption of a game theory approach to performance measurement in the industrial sector that makes balancing in the BSC become more real

Prioritising potential locations to determine distribution warehouses by fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making approach - the case of Esfahan Steel Company

This study is aimed at selecting the location of warehouses and the distribution of goods in a distribution network using fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy AHP methods. According to experts, several potential areas for Esfahan Steel Company warehouses were identified to test the model. The statistical population of this study includes all cities in the country. The purpose of this study was to determine the location of warehouses and the distribution of goods in a distribution network. Fuzzy TOPSIS and fuzzy AHP methods have been used for this purpose. The main findings indicate that six cities of Tehran (Khorasan Road), Shiraz, Kerman, Mashhad, Rasht, and Hamadan are suitable as central warehouses of Esfahan Steel Company. Also, to commercialise the proposed priorities, six suggestions including branding, rail freight development, defining new delivery terms, defining the goals and strategies of warehouses and agencies, controlling virtual needs, and blocking products in warehouses are presented.

Selecting maintenance strategy and policy based on key performance indicators using TOPSIS technique - with a case study in the steel industry

The aim of the study is to find how a framework could be developed for selecting the relevant strategy and policy of maintenance by TOPSIS and weighted mean approaches. For this purpose, first maintenance criteria and KPIs have been weighted; and then, maintenance strategy and policy have been selected. Esfahan Steel Company (ESCO) has been selected as the case study where in, the proposed approach has been examined. Statistical population included maintenance experts and managers of the company. TOPSIS and weighted mean approaches have been used for analysis. Findings imply that the strategy of preventive maintenance and policy of proactive maintenance have been selected and suggested to ESCO for decision making with the weights of 144.86 and 162.84, respectively.

Studying the conformity level of customer needs and organisation perception using a customer satisfaction index

The aim of this study is to identify the conformity level of decision makers' perception of customer needs and indicators of satisfying customers. For this purpose, the marketing and sales department of Esfahan Steel Company (ESCO) was selected for case study. The statistical population included clients and decision makers of the company. Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used for data analysis. Main findings revealed that decision makers do not properly understand clients' demands and expectations; and the actions have been taken based on imaginations rather than realities arising from customers' expectations. Furthermore, there is no suitable process through which the customer priorities influence organisation's strategies. Customers' expectations were ranked and the results were taken for proposing priorities in developing suitable strategies and plans for continuous improvement.

The effect of work locus of control and general health on accident - proneness : The mediator role of effort - reward imbalance

Introduction: Workerschr('39') accident-proneness is considered as an inherent and coherent feature in incidence of occupational accidents. Therefore, recognizing its determinants could be effective in preventing such accidents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of work locus of control and general health on accident-proneness with the regard to the mediating role of effort-reward imbalance. Methods: This analytical and cross-sectional research was conducted in 2018 using structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least square approach. In total, 225 employees with a history of occupational accidents in Esfahan Steel Company were selected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS-23 and SMARTPLS3. Results: The obtained results indicated that the measurement and structural models were fitted. In addition, results demonstrated that all assumptions of the research were significant with the exception of the general health effect on accident proneness. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that by controlling the work environment stressors, such as balancing effort-reward, could reduce the accident- proneness. In addition, by checking the general health and work locus of control to prevent the occupational accidents in the sieving process, people with internal control should be selected for stressful occupations.of work locus of control and general health on accident-proneness with the regard to the mediating role of effort-reward imbalance.

Studying the conformity level of customer needs and organization perception using a customer satisfaction index

The aim of this study is to identify the conformity level of decision makers' perception of customer needs and indicators of satisfying customers. For this purpose, the marketing and sales department of Esfahan Steel Company (ESCO) was selected for case study. The statistical population included clients and decision makers of the company. Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was used for data analysis. Main findings revealed that decision makers do not properly understand clients' demands and expectations; and the actions have been taken based on imaginations rather than realities arising from customers' expectations. Furthermore, there is no suitable process through which the customer priorities influence organisation's strategies. Customers' expectations were ranked and the results were taken for proposing priorities in developing suitable strategies and plans for continuous improvement.

Association between shiftwork and second job with quality of life: a cross–sectional study in a large sample of Isfahan steel company's employees

Association between shiftwork and second job with quality of life: a cross–sectional study in a large sample of Isfahan steel company's employees