Torbat Heydarieh Research Articles

Epidemiological analysis of pediculosis and the distribution of kdr mutation frequency in head lice populations in Torbat Heydarieh city of Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeastern Iran

Head lice infestations are the most prominent ectoparasitic infection in the world, including Iran, particularly among school children. Recently, numerous cases of infestation have been reported in various provinces of the country. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of head louse infestations and analyze kdr gene sequences in terms of resistance mutations in the Torbat-e Heydarieh, Mahvelat, and Zaveh cities of Khorasan Razavi Province, Northeast Iran. The data related to the epidemiological and demographic history of head lice populations were extracted from their medical records and analyzed in Excel software. After extracting the genomic DNA, the kdr fragment was amplified using specific primers. The sequences were also analyzed using bioinformatics software. The prevalence of head louse infestations was 1.59% and 1.7% during 2016 and 2017, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed the frequency distribution of two kdr haplotypes, I and V, in the study areas. The increase in head louse infestations in recent years and the simultaneous presence of kdr mutations indicate the need for new treatments and monitoring/controlling resistance to head louse insecticides.

Megafauna Fossils in Iran's Quaternary Period: An Overview

The Quaternary is marked by numerous climatic fluctuations, including glacial and interglacial periods. Interglacial periods were characterized by warmer and wetter conditions, and are associated with a unique group of large vertebrate animals, or mammals. Fossil remains of these large mammalian vertebrates, such as elephants, rhinoceroses, horses, deer, and boars, are commonly found in Quaternary sediments. One reason for the abundance of Quaternary vertebrate fossils compared to those from other geological epochs is the relatively young age of Quaternary deposits. Additionally, the size of these creatures' skeletal remains and their higher preservation potential in high-energy environments contribute to their prevalence in the fossil record. In recent years, the study of Quaternary paleontology in Iran has gained significant momentum, with numerous research projects focusing on the animal remains of ancient caves throughout the country. This review aims to summarize and introduce the most significant discoveries in this vital field by examining the regions with substantial Quaternary mammalian vertebrates in Iran. Notable areas include Lorestan, Moghan Plain, Ravansar inKermanshah, Natanz, Isfahan, Qaleh Joq, Torbat Heydarieh, Zaviya Saveh, Shahreza, Isfahan, Qazvin, and Haft Tepeh of Khuzestan. The primary fossils of these regions' large animals, such as elephants, geckos, and horses, have been discussed.

Comparison quality parameters of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) produced in Herat, Afghanistan and Torbat Heydarieh, Iran

Saffron Crocus sativus L. (Iridaceae) is one of the most valuable and expensive medicinal plants in the world. In order to compare the quality characteristics of saffron in Afghanistan and Iran, samples of dried C. sativus from different saffron-producing regions of Herat province (Afghanistan) and Torbat Heydarieh county (Iran) were collected in the year 2021. The experiment was analyzed in GLM format and Nested method with three replications. The samples of saffron produced from seven different districts of Herat province in Afghanistan, including Injil, Karukh, Guzara, Pashtun Zarghun, Zendeh Jan, Ghoryan, Obeh and nine saffron-producing villages (Fakhrabad, Kadkan, Nasar, Ghaleno, Feizabad, Khorgh, Abrood, Benhang, Shadmehr) of Torbat Heydarieh county in Iran were examined. The results showed that the effect of country and region (districts and villages) on the quality traits of saffron (crocin, picrocrocin and safranal) was significant. Moreover, the comparison of the mean values indicated the presence of significant differences in the qualitative characteristics of saffron among the different investigated villages of Torbat Heydarieh. The saffron produced in Afghanistan had the highest amount of crocin (on average 279.1 ɷ 440nm) and picrocrocin (on average 101 ϕ 257nm), while the highest value of safranal (on average 34.2 θ 330nm) was observed in saffron samples produced in Iran. The highest amount of the above quality traits belonged to the saffron of Zendeh Jan Herat region 5 (Af5, crocin: 303 ɷ 440 nm, picrocrocin: 106 ϕ 257 nm, safranal: 33 θ 330 nm), while the five Torbat Heydarieh villages had the lowest quality of saffron (Ir5, crocin: 164 ɷ 440nm, picrocrocin: 71 ϕ 257 nm, safranal: 34 θ 330 nm). In the comprehensive analysis of saffron-producing regions in Afghanistan and Iran, in terms of the qualitative attributes (crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal) it was evident that regions 1 to 6 in Herat, Afghanistan (Af1, Af2, Af3, Af4, Af5, Af6) and the Abrood village of Torbat Heidarieh, Iran (Ir7) formed a distinct cluster, demonstrating superior quality compared to other regions. Furthermore, with the exception of the Feizabad village of Torbat Heydarieh (Ir5), all examined samples surpassed the saffron ISO international standard and were categorized as first-grade quality. The exceptional quality of Herat saffron from Afghanistan is likely attributable to the unique geographical features, virgin lands, and specific climatic conditions across diverse cultivation areas.

Colorectal cancer literacy and related factors in northeast of Iran: A cross-sectional study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a health challenge and the second most common cancer worldwide. Increasing colorectal cancer literacy (CRCL) is one of the most effective factors in CRC prevention. The aim of this study was to determine and evaluate CRCL and its related factors in Torbat Heydarieh, northeastern Iran. This study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2021 in Torbat Heydarieh, a city in northeastern Iran, on 200 clients presenting to a comprehensive health service centers. In addition to collecting sociodemographic characteristics, participants were administered the Knowledge and Attitude Questionnaire and the Colorectal Cancer Literacy Questionnaire (CRCLQ). Data were analyzed with SPSS software version 25 using independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis, chi-square, and Pearson correlation coefficients. The statistical significance level was set at p < .05. The results showed that the mean age of the participants was 51.12 ± 8.45 years. The majority of participants (84%) stated that their friends and relatives had no history of CRC. Pearson correlation coefficient results showed a significant correlation between knowledge and attitude toward CRC (r = .15, p = .041). A significant correlation was also found between knowledge and CRCL (r = .4, p ≤ .001). We found low CRCL among clients of comprehensive health service centers. More targeted educational interventions are needed to promote CRCL among Iranian adults.

The Correlation of Social Support and Fear of Breast Cancer among Women in Northeast of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. Screening programs are the most common prevention methods. Perceived social support and fear are two important factors affecting women's participation in breast cancer screening. This study aimed to determine the relationship between fear of BC and perceived social support among women in Torbat Heydarieh, northeast of Iran. This study is an online cross-sectional survey that was conducted on 352 women in Torbat Heydarieh city of Northeast Iran, from October 26th, 2021 to December 26th, 2022. Along with collecting sociodemographic characteristics, the Breast Cancer Fear Scale (BCFS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were electronically administered to participants. Data were analyzed through SPSS software version 25, using independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression models. The statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. The mean score for the BCFS was 20.67±1.03 which was in the moderate range for the total score of 40. Assessment of perceived social support indicated a moderate level of perceived support for all dimensions. Also, a significant correlation was found between the women's BCFS scores and perceived social support (r=-0.29, P<0.001). We found that there was a negative statistically significant correlation between the BCF and social support. Therefore, this study suggests that healthcare providers pay attention to these factors. Moreover, further research is needed to explore the long-term effects of BCF due to low social support.

Examining the Role of Empowerment Criteria on Employee Performance: A Quantitative Analysis in the Oil Industry

This investigation elucidates the influence of Administrative Empowerment (AEM) on employee performance within the distribution sector of petroleum products in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran, utilizing a case-study approach to examine the correlational effects of varied AEM factors. A descriptive-analytical methodology was employed, with data collected through a standardized empowerment questionnaire, administered to the entire workforce as the population of interest. The validity of the questionnaire was ensured through the application of the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test and Cronbach's alpha, while regression correlation coefficients were used to confirm the legitimacy of the resultant data. A simple random sampling method was employed, yielding a sample size of 45 participants. The principal outcome of this research suggests a consensus regarding the positive influence of AEM on expertise-based outcomes within the Iranian petroleum product distribution sector. Further, the study identified the workplace environment, morale, organizational belongingness, access to knowledge information, and job skills as the most potent determinants influencing human resource motivation. These elements surfaced as critical, feasible, and interesting aspects of work, and were found to be of paramount importance in the empowerment process.

Assessing the Effects of Acceptance-commitment and Psychodrama Therapies in Nurses With Social Anxiety Disorder

Objectives: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is one the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and generates severe negative effects on patients' mental, individual, and social health. Decreased responsibility, absenteeism, and poor life quality can be the consequences of this disorder. Considering the effective empirical background of both therapeutic approaches in reducing social anxiety symptoms and the lack of research on combining both interventions to reduce anxiety, this study was performed to determine the effects of acceptance-commitment therapy (ACT) and psychodrama therapy on nurses' social anxiety. Methods: This randomized trial research was conducted at Torbat Heydarieh University of Medical Sciences in 2017 with a pre-test-post-test design. A total of 48 nurses with SAD who were referred to the university counseling center were chosen at random and entered into 4 equal groups (12 subjects) (an intervention group and 3 control groups). The intervention group received a combination of psychodrama and ACT therapies in twelve 90-minute treatment sessions (2 meetings every week). The control groups were provided with psychodrama therapy, ACT, and no treatment. The study data were collected by Connor's social anxiety questionnaire (2000). The collected data were analyzed by analyses of variance and covariance. Results: A decrease was observed in the social anxiety scores in the four groups of the study after psychological therapies. The Mean±SD of the social anxiety score in the treatment group based on psychodrama was 64.75±13.37 before the study period and 49.08±6.71 after that. While in the ACT group, it was 59.65±12.21 and 42.66±8.05 before and after the study, respectively, and in the group provided with a combination of both therapies, it was 62.75±13.49 before the study period and 35.75±7.19 after that. A lack of significant difference (P=0.86) could be detected in the mean anxiety score in the group of control. However, the social anxiety score of the group with a combination of both therapies significantly decreased (P&lt;0.001) compared to other studied control groups. Discussion: The data analysis showed that a combination of ACT and psychodrama therapies significantly reduced the social anxiety of nurses.

Comparison of the Impacts of Benson Relaxation Technique and Foot Reflexology Massage on Sleep Quality of Patients with Systolic Heart Failure: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Cardiovascular diseases can affect sleep quality. The use of non-pharmacological methods to improve the sleep quality of heart failure patients is essential. Therefore, this study compared the effects of the Benson relaxation technique and foot reflexology massage on sleep quality of those patients. In this clinical trial study, 93 patients with systolic heart failure referred to Javad Al-Aeme heart clinic in Torbat Heydarieh were selected with purposive sampling method and divided into the foot reflexology massage, Benson relaxation technique, and control groups using the balanced blocking randomization method. The Benson relaxation technique and the foot reflexology massage were performed for 20 and 30 minutes three days per week for four weeks, respectively. The control group only received routine care. Sleep quality was measured by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index and then compared among the groups before and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc tests, paired t test, and Chi-square at the significant level of p < 0.05. After interventions, the mean (SD) quality of sleep significantly increased in both intervention groups (Reflexology: pre-intervention 10.80 (3.40), post-intervention 6.60 (3.10), Benson relaxation: pre-intervention 15.50 (2.40) post-intervention 12 (2.60), compared to the control group (pre-intervention 10.50 (1.90) post-intervention 9.40(1.70) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the two intervention groups (p = 0.53). The interventions improved the quality of sleep in patients with systolic heart failure. Therefore, these methods can be used as a suitable complementary treatment to improve the quality of sleep by nurses and midwives.

The Spiritual Coping Model of Patients with Chronic Back Pain According to Mood/Anxiety Symptoms Mediating by Emotional Schemas

Background and Objectives: Spiritual coping strategies of patients are influenced by their mood/anxiety symptoms and emotional schemas. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a conceptual model of spiritual coping in patients with chronic back pain, considering the role of mood/anxiety symptoms and emotional schemas. Methods: The research method was descriptive correlational. The statistical population included all women and men 25 to 55 years old with chronic back pain referring to the orthopedic and neurology clinics of Torbat Heydarieh City, Iran, in 2021-2022, of whom 400 people were selected considering the inclusion criteria using the convenience method. The tools used were the mood and anxiety symptoms questionnaire (MASQ-D30), a brief version of the Leahy emotional schema scale II-(LESS II), and the religious coping scale. The data were analyzed by structural equation modeling by SPSS software, version 24 and LISREL software, version 8.8. Results: The fitted model showed a direct relationship between mood/anxiety symptoms and emotional schemas (β=0.740), an inverse relationship between mood/anxiety symptoms and spiritual coping (β=-0.480) at the significant level of 0.05, and an indirect relationship between mood/anxiety symptoms and spiritual coping through emotional schemas (β=-0.488), which was significant at the 0.05 level. Conclusion: The results of the study supported the mediating role of emotional schemas in the relationship between mood/anxiety symptoms and spiritual coping strategies of patients with chronic back pain. Therefore, developing therapeutic interventions to reduce emotional schemas and improve spiritual coping strategies along with medical treatments is useful in adapting and improving chronic pain sufferers

Psychological Effects of the Outbreak of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers in Iran

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed healthcare workers to heavy stress and made them vulnerable to various types of mental illnesses. This study aims to evaluate the psychological effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of healthcare workers in the COVID-19 ward. Methods: This study was performed during the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 9-Dey Hospital of Torbat Heydarieh in Iran, in which a total of 178 healthcare workers in the COVID-19 ward participated via the census sampling method. In this study, we employed the Goldberg general health questionnaire along with a researcher-made questionnaire on the experience of exposure to COVID-19 disease. Following the completion of the questionnaires, the participants’ data were analyzed by the SPSS software and statistical tests (the Spearman and Pearson correlations). Results: Our results showed 91.1%, 77.57%, 87.55%, 87.07%, 56.75%, and 74.16% for the general health, physical symptoms, anxiety symptoms, sleep disorders, social dysfunction, and depression symptoms, respectively, during the COVID-19 pandemic conditions. The results showed a significant association between the experience of exposure to COVID-19, anxiety symptoms, and sleep disorders (P&lt;0.05). Discussion: Access to counseling and psychotherapy systems, rehabilitation, and the improvement of working conditions can effectively enhance resilience and promote the mental health of healthcare workers and increase the quality of care and treatment services.

Variation of yield and physiological characteristics of Lathyrus sativus L. populations under terminal drought

Grass pea is one of the oldest native crops grown in vast geographical regions of Iran, however ‎little is known about its tolerance to water shortage during post flowering period. We conducted ‎field experiments in 2018 and 2019 to study the effects of terminal drought on growth, yield, and ‎some physiological characteristics of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) ecotypes. Nine local grass pea ‎ecotypes (Baft_1, Baft_2, Bardsir, Dehbakri, Kuhbanan, Rabor, Sirjan, Shiraz, and Torbat ‎Heydarieh), collected from different climatic regions in the east, southeast, and south of Iran, were ‎exposed to either normal irrigation or terminal drought (water withholding after flowering). Normal ‎irrigation was applied after 60 mm water evaporation from class A evaporation pan for the whole ‎growing season. Terminal drought decreased seed and biological yields, relative to normal ‎irrigation, with Baft_2 and Rabor the superior ecotypes in both treatments. Among yield traits, pod number per plant had very high correlation with seed and biological yields in either irrigation regime and was the highest in high yielding ecotypes. Leaf surface area, relative water content (RWC) and starch content decreased while soluble sugars and proline content increased by terminal drought. The highest yielding ecotypes, Baft_2 and Rabor had not the highest leaf area and RWC though they had the highest starch content under normal and sugars content under terminal drought. Also they had the greatest water use efficiency in both years and watering regimes. Proline content, RWC and sugar contents did not significantly correlate with seed or biological yield under terminal drought. Our results suggest that drought tolerance in ‎grass pea is closely associated with better utilization of water and plant photosynthetic capacity, as reflected in high starch ‎accumulation and conversion to sugars, perhaps as an osmotic adjustment factor. Also, high yielding ecotypes allocated higher dry matter to reproductive tissues.

Trying to Control the Situation: A Theory of Iranian Midwives' Experiences of the Coping Process with their Professional Roles Following COVID-19.

Background:Midwives are at the frontlines of the fight against the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Working under these circumstances threatens their lives and that of their family members; midwives’ adjustment to work increases their efficiency in providing care services to pregnant mothers, but midwives’ coping process is ambiguous and complex. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the coping process of midwives with their professional roles following COVID-19.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted using grounded theory during 2020 to 2021. For this purpose, 30 midwives were purposively and theoretically selected from two educational hospitals and health centers in Mashhad and Torbat Heydarieh cities, Iran. The data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews. The collected data were analyzed using the Strauss and Corbin method (2008) in MAXQDA software.Results:The main concern of the participants was “perception of the threats to their health” and the core category revealed from the data was “trying to control the situation.” Midwives coped with the COVID-19 pandemic in four steps, namely early initial confrontation, reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, management of challenges, and reconstructing. Support from family and the health system and religious belief were the interventional conditions in this theory.Conclusions:Results of this study can be used to provide health managers with a better understanding of the conditions affecting the coping strategies of midwives with their professional roles during COVID-19. Therefore, this study provides the required data for developing an effective intervention to help nurse midwives to cope with this issue.

Energy analysis and simulation of PCM‐enhanced building envelopes in commercial buildings: A case study

AbstractIntegrating phase change materials (PCMs) into the building envelopes is considered a promising solution to reduce the energy consumption in buildings. These materials, acting as thermal energy storage systems, delay the heat transfer from the building to out or in for several hours. The present research investigates the effect of PCM employed in the building envelopes on the building's energy‐saving. For this purpose, the central office building of the University of Torbat Heydarieh is simulated as the case study using DesignBuilder software in climatic conditions of East of Iran (dry climate with hot summer and cold winter). All materials are defined in the software, and a dynamic thermal model is developed to simulate the thermal loads of the building. The energy consumption of the building for cold seasons (from October to March) is simulated for the two scenarios of with and without PCM. The effect of the melting point is also investigated by considering three types of PCMs with different melting temperatures. After choosing the proper PCM according to weather conditions for this building, the effect of different combinations of PCMs applied to the south wall of the building on the reduction of the total energy consumption is investigated.

Surveying training needs of nursing staff of Razi Hospital, Torbat Heydarieh Iran through ISO 10015 standard in 2018

Background: Nurses are the largest group of medical caregivers in the world. Having highly capable nurses in a healthcare system is directly associated with more favorable outcomes for patients. The rapid development of new medical procedures and equipment necessitates constantly developing new skills and competencies. Thus one of the effective means towards their efficient training is to identify and assess their educational needs. The purpose of this investigation is to study educational needs of nurses by ISO 10015 method. Methods: A descriptive survey research was designed surveying all of the nursing staff of Razi Hospital of Torbat Heydarieh. At the first stage of the study, necessary competencies and skills were identified using two methods of Delphi and job analysis, and then educational needs assessment was done according to ISO 10015 steps. The tools used were researcher designed questionnaires and their reliability and validity were tested by achieving a Cronbach's alpha of 83.9%, and by content validity method, respectively. Data analysis was done using version 16 of SPSS software. Results: Three hundred and sixty-one skills were identified and were categorized into three categories of general (48 skills), specialized (303 skills), and management (10 skills). Nurses had acceptable competencies in 312 of the identified skills, while there were educational and structural gaps found in 8 general, 36 specialized and 5 management skills, as well as the solutions to overcome the gaps were proposed by a group of experts. At the end, 7 general, 33 specialized and 5 management skills were identified and recorded as knowledge gaps. Conclusion: In this study we found out that the specialized skills are the most important educational needs (ABG interpretation, ventilator settings, and cardiac arrhythmias for nurses; and staff and patients’ needs assessment for head nurses) followed by general nursing skills (hemovigilance), and management skills (quality management). The identified knowledge gaps were considered in planning for the future trainings of the study population.

Nutritional Effects of Three Mulberry Varieties on Silkworms in Torbat Heydarieh

This research was conducted to evaluate and compare the performance of the silkworm hybrid p31×p32 reared with three varieties of mulberry leaves. In this study, the silkworms were fed with leaves from Kenmochi (Morus bombycis), native mulberry (Morus alba L.), and black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) trees and their influence on the leaf ingested, leaf digested, cocoon weight, efficiency of feed consumption to cocoon shell, efficiency of digested feed to cocoon shell weight, efficiency of digested feed to cocoon weight, and efficiency of feed consumption to cocoon weight was studied in the Torbat Heydarieh region. The results showed that silkworms that consumed leaves of Kenmochi had better performance. Also, they had better performance for traits of cocoon shell weight, feed efficiency to cocoon shell weight, and feed efficiency to cocoon weight. Therefore, Kenmochi tree is suggested for development of sericulture in the region.

Nutrition Management and Farm’s Age Affect Saffron Daughter Corms Behavior, Nutrients Uptake and Economic Water and Fertilizer Use Efficiency: A Large Scale On-farm Experiment in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran

ABSTRACT Evaluation of the relationships between nutritional patterns and farms’ age with the behavior of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) daughter corms based on farmers’ management (on-farm) can be crucial in improving saffron sustainable yield. Furthermore, in commercial saffron production, especially in small farms, the purchased water and fertilizers are the basis of sustainable saffron profitability, hence, recognizing the relationships between economic water use efficiency (EWUE) and economic fertilizer use efficiency (EFUE) can be important. An on-farm experiment was conducted on a large scale based on farmers’ management in Torbat Heydarieh, Iran. The farms’ age (1–6 years old) and fertilizers management approaches (organic, mineral and integrated) were considered as the first and second factors, respectively. Large-sized daughter corms number and weight and corms N and P content increased with increasing farms’ age from 1 to 4 years old. However, these parameters decreased with increasing farms’ age from 4 to 6 years old. Irrespective of saffron farms’ age, the minimum large-sized daughter corms number and weight were observed when mineral fertilizer management was practiced. By contrast, the maximum values were related to integrated fertilizer management. In each type of fertilizer management, EWUE and EFUE (based on large-sized daughter corms monetary value) increased with increasing farms age from 1 to 4 years. However, increase in farms age from 4 to 6 years caused a significant reduction in mentioned indices. Overall, if high-quality saffron corm production is needed, corms should be harvested in the fourth year to gain the maximum yield and profit.

Physiological responses of Nigella Sativa ecotypes to drought stress condition

In order to study the effect of drought stress at budding stage on five black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) ecotypes (Arak, Yasuj, Semirom, Azarbaijan, and Torbat Heydarieh), an experiment was conducted in based on a factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in Islamic Azad University, Arak branch, Arak, Iran. Treatments included control (normal irrigation) and drought stress (stop irrigation at budding stage until the end of the growth period). Oil percentage, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid were affected by drought and the highest values of oil percentage (2.6%), oleic acid (0.27%), linoleic acid (13.02%) and linolenic acid (1.57%) were observed in Arak, Torbat Heydarieh, Yasuj, and Torbat Heydarieh ecotypes, respectively. Results of tolerance indices showed that Torbat Heydarieh had the highest value of GMP (233.8), STI (2.26), and SSI (84.64). The correlation analysis showed Yp with GMP (r=+0.89**), STI (r=+0.95**), and MP (r=+0.89**). Based on the present study, Torbat Heydarieh ecotype is recommended for planting in arid and semi-arid regions.

THE OPTIMAL NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS UNDER UNCERTAINTY: A COSTS MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Equipping hospital beds uses a great deal of a hospital''''s resources. Therefore, it is essential to consider the hospital beds'''' efficiency. To increase its efficiency, a fuzzy unrestricted model for managing hospital expenses is presented in this paper. The lack of beds in hospitals leads to patients’ admission loss and consecutively profit loss. On the other hand, increasing the bed count leads to an increase in equipment expenses. Therefore, in order to determine optimal bed capacity, it is of utmost importance to consider these two costs simultaneously. In our paper, hospital admission system is modeled with a multi-server queuing system (M/M/K). Therefore, to calculate the total cost function, limiting probabilities of multi-server queueing model is used. Furthermore, due to uncertain nature of parameters, such as interest rate and hospitalization profit in various future time periods, these uncertainties are covered by fuzzy logic. Finally, to determine the optimal bed count, Lee and Li''''s fuzzy ranking method is used. This model is implemented ona case study. Its goal is to determine the optimal bed count for emergency unit of Razi hospital in Torbat Heydarieh. Considering the high capability of Markovian chains in modeling different circumstances and the various queueing models, the proposed model can be extended for various hospital units.

Factors Affecting Saffron Farmers’ Willingness to Expand Saffron Cultivation (Case Study: Torbat-e-Heydarieh Region)

Factors Affecting Saffron Farmers’ Willingness to Expand Saffron Cultivation (Case Study: Torbat-e-Heydarieh Region)

Factors Affecting the Use of Long-Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Methods Among Married Women of Reproductive Age in East of Iran

Background: Long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs) are the most effective approaches to reduce fertility. The study of factors associated with the use of LAPMs is one of the key steps in finding the population involved in reduced fertility. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess factors affecting the use of LAPMs among married women of reproductive age in Torbat Heydariyeh city, East of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 304 married women aged 15 - 49 years in Torbat Heydarieh in 2016. Data were collected using demographic and fertility questionnaires. The data were analyzed using SPSS 13 by descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis. Results: The current overall prevalence of using LAPMs was 21.4%. The multivariate analysis showed that utilization of LAMPs was less frequent among the participants with diploma (AOR = 0.357, 95% CI = 0.156 - 0.817) and academic education (AOR = 0.418, 95% CI = 0.174 - 1.003) compared to women who had primary and secondary education. However, the utilization of LAPMs was more frequent in those with high income level (AOR = 8.364, 95% CI = 3.994-17.511) and those with higher number of living children (AOR = 2.247, 95% CI = 1.585-3.187). Conclusions: The persistent use of LAPMs is largely determined by education and income level and the number of surviving children. Reproductive health programmers can consider this group of women for interventions aiming at improving the fertility rate.