Journal of Human, Environment, and Health Promotion

106-114

Authors: Md. Juel Mahmud , Mahfuza Sharifa Sultana, Sakhawath Hossain , Sajin Sultana , Md. Mostafizur Rahman *

Background: Food security is an alarming issue to researchers. This study aimed to evaluate the trace metals in fruits and vegetables and their impact on human health in Konabari industrial area (Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh) during 2016-2017. Methods: Wet acid digestion determined the concentrations of eight trace elements (aluminum, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, and zinc) in 28 samples of 10 fruits and vegetables (papaya, guava, banana, Malabar spinach, eggplant, jute tender leaves, watercress, water spinach, gourd leaves, and cauliflower) using a microwave and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. To assess the human health risk, the target hazard quotient (THQ) was calculated only for iron, manganese, and zinc in Microsoft Excel. Results: The mean concentrations of aluminum, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium manganese, sodium, and zinc were 764.2, 6664.6, 556.2, 3551.14, 4479.4, 1034, 1559.8, and 128.6 mg/kg, respectively, which decreased as Ca>Mg>K>Na>Mn>Al>Fe>Zn. Most values exceeded the total nutritional levels for these fruits and vegetables, while the estimated daily intake of the elements was acceptable. The THQ of the fruits and vegetables consumed by the adult population was <1. Conclusion: As the THQ was <1, the consumption of the samples posed no major health risks in terms of the trace elements.

121-127

Authors: Mohammad Baratchi *

Background: Healthcare systems are exposed to various occupational hazards (e.g., infectious diseases), which threaten the health and safety of the employees. This study, conducted in September 2017 aimed to outline a two-phased approach for the identification of the most important hazards accurately and rapidly and better decision-making in the next step of risk management. Methods: This two-phased study aimed to rank the most important hazards in the operating room of a hospital and identify the hazards using two methods (HAZID and ANP) consecutively. Data management was performed in the Super Decisions software. Results: In total, 44 hazards were analyzed in three categories, and five hazards (occupational stress, formaldehyde exposure, shift work, poor posture, and exposure to anesthetic gases) had the highest priority. The normalized values of the alternatives obtained from a limit super matrix were 0.33, 0.251, 0.258, 0.096, and 0.06. Occupational stress was the most weighted hazard, while formaldehyde exposure was the least weighted hazard. Conclusion: Using the two approaches of hazard identification helped us conduct new, rapid hazard identification activities and increased the accuracy of the process as well. As a result, the time-consuming risk assessment phase was focused on the most important hazards.

134-141

Authors: Hamid Reza Eshraghi1 , Rahmatollah Amir Ahmadi * 1, Mohammad Reza Naeemi1

Background: Considering the shortcomings of the government and donors’ background, public participation in the development of the healthcare system is an essential strategy in national social development. The present study aimed to evaluate the influential factors in donor participation. Methods: This applied, descriptive-correlational study was conducted on 230 donors in Iran during 2018-2019. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and its internal consistency was evaluated using the Cronbachchr('39')s alpha coefficient. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 26. Results: In total, 70.9% of the participants were male, and the remaining were female. Self-employment was reported in 59.2% of the participants, and the others were government employees. The most significant correlations were observed between volunteering (r = 0.776) and religious beliefs (r = 0.644) with donor participation, while the least significant correlation was between social awareness and donor participation (r = 0.121). No significant associations were denoted between education level, income status, and donor participation. Conclusion: According to the results, the most important influential factors in donor participation were volunteerism and religious beliefs. Therefore, it is recommended that policymakers and decision-makers pay special attention to the importance of donor activities in the healthcare system.

147-152

Authors: Mahdieh Momayyezi1 , Hossein Fallahzadeh * 1, Masoud Mirzaei1

Background: Sleep disorders adversely affect human health. The present study aimed to compare the sleep patterns of menopausal and non-menopausal women. Methods: This case-control study was based on the data of the first phase of Shahedieh cohort study in Yazd, Iran during 2015-2016. The case group included menopausal women (n = 1,709), and the control group included non-menopausal women (n = 3,121). The study variables were assessed by the questions regarding the menopause status and sleep. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20. Results: The sleep duration of the menopausal and non-menopausal women was 7.1 ± 1.3 and 7.4 ± 1.3 hours, respectively (P = 0.001). Most of the menopausal women reported the restless legs syndrome during sleep, naps during the day without specific activity, and using sleeping pills more than twice weekly. After adjusting the effect of the other variables, the possibility of the sleep duration of less than six hours or more than eight hours in the menopausal women was 13 times higher than the non-menopausal women, while the correlation was not considered significant (OR = 1.13; 95% CI = 0.98-1.29; P = 0.07). Conclusion: The prevalence of sleep disorders (e.g., sleep latency, restless legs syndrome, naps during the day, use of sleeping pills) was higher in the menopausal women.

53-59

Authors: Amir Hossein Baghaie , Amir Ghafar Jabari , Roya Sattari

Background: This research was done to evaluate the effect of corn and white clover intercropping on bio-degradation of diesel oil in arsenic (As) contaminated soil in the presence of Piriformospora indica (P.indica). Methods: Treatments included corn planting with three plant density of white clover (0, 20 and 30 seeds per pots) as an intercropping system, As polluted soil (0, 12 and 24 mg/kg soil) and diesel oil (0, 4 and 8 % (W/W) in the presence and absence of P.indica . After 10 weeks, plants were harvested and the soil and plant as concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, the soil microbial activity and the percentage of diesel oil degradation were measured. Results: The results of this study showed that cultivation of corn in intercropping system with white clover (1:20 seeds corn to white clover) relative to monoculture significantly (P < 0.05) increased the diesel oil degradation in soil by 14.6%. In addition, the soil microbial activity was increased by 13.4%. Plant inoculation with P.indica had additive effect on degradation of diesel oil in the soil. Conclusion: Plant inoculation and intercropping system can effect on increasing the percentage of diesel oil degradation in As contaminated soil that is an important role in environmental studies.

69-76

Authors: Rana Roshani Neshat , Mandana Bimakr , Ali Ganjloo

Background: Verbascoside is the major biophenolic compound of Lemon verbena leaf. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the binary solvent system on the free radical scavenging activity (FRSA) and verbascoside recovery from L. verbena leaves, as well as the kinetic mass transfer of verbascoside. Methods: Classic extraction was performed using various ratios of ethanol (EtOH) and water (H2O) (50:50-90:10% v/v). The FRSA was analyzed using spectrophotometric methods (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] and hydroxyl radical [HO˙] assays). Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography was used for the qualification and quantification of verbascoside, and the Peleg model described the kinetic mass transfer of verbascoside. Results: The hydroethanolic solvent was composed of EtOH:H2O (80:20% v/v) as the optimal medium for the maximum recovery of verbascoside (19.20 ± 0.12 mg/g) and FRSA of the extracts (45.25 ± 0.95% DPPHsc% and 31.17 ± 1.20% HOsc%). The Peleg model had a proper fit for the observed data with the highest coefficient of determination (R2 =0.999), the lowest root mean square error (RMSE = 0.093), and the mean relative percentage deviation modulus (E = 0.968). Conclusion: The valuable bioactive compounds of L. verbena could be successfully extracted using the binary solvent system. The Peleg model is also an efficient non-linear model to describe the verbascoside release rate during extraction.

83-90

Authors: Seyyedeh Maryam Seyed Mohammadi Fard , Peymaneh Ghasemi Afshar , Morteza Adeli Milani

Background: Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils in the world with a high nutritional value. Zanjan province has the highest acreage under olive cultivation in Iran. Given the importance of olive oil purity, this study aimed to investigate the quality and authenticity of the olive oils produced in Tarom region, Iran during January-March 2019. Methods: Bulk samples consisting of five virgin olive oils and brand samples consisting of two virgin and three refined olive oils were collected. The fatty acid profile, sterol and squalene contents, and iodine and Cox values of the samples were determined. Results: In terms of fatty acid composition, 30% of the samples were adulterated with other vegetable oils and contained more than 1% linolenic acid. The total sterol in the samples conformed to the standards (>1,000 mg/kg). However, the concentrations of campesterol and delta-7-stigmastenol in two bulk samples were above the national standard limits. The high content of squalene (55.37%) in a bulk sample was attributed to the soybean oil presence. Conclusion: The quality properties of the brand samples complied with the national and Codex standards. Due to possible adulteration with other vegetable oils, the continuous monitoring of bulk olive oil supplies is recommended.

97-100

Authors: Joyal Alias Saji , Abel K Samuel Johnson , Koshy M. Cherian

Background: Wells are the main source of water supply in rural areas. Bleaching powder is the most effective and inexpensive method for well water disinfection. In the great floods of 2018 in South India, community volunteers (ASHA) were trained on promoting preventive measures (e.g., well water chlorination) and use of boiling water. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 101 households in the field practice area of the Rural Health Training Center of a teaching institution in Central Kerala affected by flood to assess the extent of the correct method of well water disinfection during September 2-12, 2018. Results: All the wells were disinfected by chlorination using bleaching powder, and most of the wells (86%) were super-chlorinated. To determine the amount of the required bleaching powder, the well water volume was calculated by guesswork in 91 households (89%). All the households used a bleaching powder solution rather than directly sprinkling the powder. Conclusion: According to the results, effective health awareness campaigns, community participation, and the use of appropriate technologies could change the behavior of the community. All the households practiced well water disinfection with some minor lacunas.

6-10

Authors: Ayodele Owolabi * , Patrick Adesida

Background: Blasting is used for the extraction of hard rocks using explosives and has easy operation and high efficiency. The explosives used in blasting are combined chemical substances, which enter the environment after detonation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the chemicals released into the environment in blasting. Methods: Water and soil were collected from inside and outside the quarry. Heavy metals and other deleterious constituents were assessed for AAS, and the results were compared with the WHO standards (domestic water use) and FAO (classification of soil macro- and micronutrients). The impact of mining on water and soil was evaluated by comparing the samples of the inside/outside the quarry. Results: The mean pH of the water samples of the inside and outside the quarry was 5.52 and 5.47, respectively. Manganese and chromium in both water samples were WHO standard, while lead and cadmium were not detected in these samples. The mean pH of the soil samples of the inside and outside was 5.98 and 6.0, respectively. The heavy metals in the soil samples were FAO standard. Conclusion: Quarrying adversely affects the environment. The EIA and strict implementation of the outlined mitigation measures should be enforced to guarantee sustainability.

19-23

Authors: Hassan Izanloo, Zahra Atafar , Yadollah Ghafuri *

Background: The water safety plan is the new approach of the WHO to ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water. This study aimed to investigate the microbiological quality control accreditation process in the identification and risk assessment of the critical points in the water safety plan of Qom province, Iran. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in two phases; initially, the microbial indicators of microbial validation were monitored (fecal streptococci, heterotrophic plate count, Escherichia coli, and bacterial ratio). The other qualitative and chemical parameters of water in the distribution network were also assessed (pH, residual chlorine, temperature, and turbidity). The DotMapper software was used to identify the critical control points. The second phase involved risk assessment and critical control point design. Results: We selected 160 urban water distribution network points. In 30 points, the critical points were determined based on the fecal contamination indicators using the DotMapper software. Based on the risk assessment model and semi-quantitative method, the urban water distribution network was considered high-risk. Conclusion: Considering the implementation steps of the water safety program in urban water distribution networks, attention must be paid to validating microbial indicators and the impact on identifying critical control points and control criteria.

30-34

Authors: Batool Soltaninezhad , Saeid Khanzadi * , Mohammad Hashemi , Mohammad Azizzadeh

Background: Antimicrobial compounds have numerous applications, and essential oils could be used in edible films to enhance the food shelf life. This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of a chitosan/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) film containing the nanoemulsions of Bunium persicum essential oil (NBPEO) and Trachyspermum ammi essential oil (NTEO) on Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated in hamburger during storage (4°C). Methods: After inoculation, the hamburger samples were classified into three treatment groups of, control, chitosan containing 7.5% CNF (Ch-CNF), and chitosan containing 7.5% CNF enriched with 1.6% NTEO and 0.8% NBPEO (Ch-CNF-NEO). The samples were preserved at the temperature of 4°C, and the bacterial counts were determined on days zero, three, six, nine, and 12. Data analysis was performed using Bonferroni post-hoc test and repeated measures ANOVA. Results: The mean E.coli O157:H7 count significantly decreased in the treatments groups compared to the control group. In addition the Ch-CNF-NEO film exerted the most significant inhibitory effects on the growth of E. coli O157: H7 in the hamburger samples. Conclusion: According to the results, the Ch-CNF-NEO film could effectively reduce the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in hamburger. Therefore, Ch-CNF-NEO film could be used to effectively increase the safety of meat products against E. coli O157: H7.

40-46

Authors: Mahdi Maleki Kakelar * , Mohsen Yavari , Mohammad Reza Yousefi , Amir Nimtaj

Background: Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is a promising biological soil improvement method in geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, which requires the recognition of the effects of various treatment methods on its applications. Methods: To improve the efficiency of MICP by urea hydrolysis bacteria, bio-grouting experiments were conducted at low urease activity using laboratory sand columns, and injection scenarios with different procedure steps were performed. The scenarios varied in the incubation time, fixation fluid, and number of the injection steps, and their efficiency was assessed using the unconfined compressive strength test. Results: The sand column experiments with multistep injection of bacteria and cementation solution showed that when the precipitated calcium carbonate content increased from 7.7% to 18.9%, the strength of the samples enhanced from 0.25 to 1.55 MPa, respectively. The precipitation conditions were influenced by the sand grain properties. The samples with diversified particle sizes had greater strength than those with uniform particle sizes. The multistep cementation solution injection at various concentrations had a significant clogging effect, thereby decreasing the sand column permeability. Conclusion: According to the laboratory results, this innovative technique could be potentially practical for engineering applications, such as liquefaction prevention, clogging, and sand in oil reservoir consolidation.

153-159

Authors: Amir Hossein Baghaie *; Aminollah Aghilizefreei

Background: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of PGPR and AMF on the changes in sorghum phytoremediation efficiency in the soil amended with lead (Pb)-polluted cow manure. Methods: Treatments consisted of applying two rates of Pb [0 (Pb0) and 800 (Pb800) mg/kg] polluted cow manure [0 (C0) and 30 (C30) t/ha], two levels of AMF [without (AMF-) and with (AMF+)] and PGPR (without (PGPR-) and with (PGPR+) inoculation. Pseudomonas sp. R9 was considered as a PGPR bacteria. The plant used in this experiment was sorghum. Plant Pb concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: The highest plant Pb concentration belonged to the cultivated plant in the soil treated with 30 t/ha Pb-polluted cow manure, while the lowest that was observed in the soil without amending cow manure in the absence of PGPR or AMF. The presence of AMF significantly increased the Pb translocation value and sorghum phytoremediation efficiency by 8% and 13.4%, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results, the inoculated plant with PGPR and AMF had positive effects on increasing Pb phytoremediation efficiency that, which is notable in environmental studies. However, the effects of soil chemical properties on Pb phytoremediation efficiency cannot be overlooked.

165-171

Authors: Ahmad Mirzaei; Mostafa Shahmohammadi; Fazel Rajabi; Rasoul Mirzaei; Abdolsattar Zare; Ehsan Bakhshi; Reza Kalantari

Background: Workload is defined as the amount of work assigned to employees. The imbalance of efforts and rewards may cause occupational stress. The present study aimed to assess the impact of workload-related factors on the effort-reward imbalance in various working groups at a gas refinery complex. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 274 employees in five working groups in 2018. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, NASA TLX, need for recovery scale, and effort-reward imbalance (ERI) questionnaire. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 22. Results: In total, 97 participants (34.3%) had the ERI score of more than one, and the imbalance was higher in the service workers. The ERI score was significantly correlated with the mental workload in the staff (P = 0.034) and engineering personnel (P = 0.045). A significant association was observed between the need for recovery and ERI score in the staff, engineering personnel, and middle managers (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The ERI score reduced with the reduction of workload-related factors through improving the workplace conditions, hiring sufficient employees, and proper rewards. Therefore, special attention must be paid to the needs of various working groups in order to enhance their working conditions.

177-182

Authors: Mehdi Shamsaie Mehrgan *; Seyed Pezhman Hosseini Shekarabi; Bahareh Hasanzadeh; Seyed Hadi Seyed Alhosseini

Background: The present study aimed to determine the concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in water, bottom sediments, and tissues of sampled fish from Mellat artificial lake in Iran. Methods: Two stations were selected to evaluate the heavy metal concentrations, including the IRIB qanat (S1) and middle part of the lake (S2). The measurements were performed in triplicate via flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: In water, the highest levels of Pb (5.33 mg/l) and Cd (0.650 mg/l) were observed in the sampled sediments from S2 in autumn and winter, respectively (P < 0.05). Seasonal analysis revealed that the highest and lowest Pb concentrations were in the fish muscles in summer (8.107 mg/kg) and spring (0.487 mg/kg), respectively, while the fish liver showed the maximum (3.982 mg/kg) and minimum Pb concentrations (0.690 mg/kg) in autumn and winter, respectively. The Pb concentration in the fish muscle and liver was above the standard limits for human consumption. However, the Cd level in the fish muscle in spring was below the standard limits, which gradually increased and exceeded the standard limits. Conclusion: Precautions are required to avoid the contamination of Mellat Lake with heavy metal-based sources due to the discharge of pollutants.

188-194

Authors: Majid Maani; Mir Mozaffar Fallahchai *; Fatemeh Shariati

Background: Phytoremediation is a method in which plants are used to absorb pollutants. Heavy metals, through competition with nutrients elements, have a significant effect on their distribution in the plant. Methods: In this study, seedlings were exposed to different concentrations (0.50, 100 and 150 ppm) of cadmium nitrate during a growing period in a completely random design with three replications. Then the value of cadmium uptake was measured by atomic absorption device in different organs of c.aronia and j. polycarpos (root, stem and leaf). Results: The obtained results of the analysis of variance showed traits such as stem length, basal diameter, and root length were significantly affected by cadmium metal (P < 0.01).It was also observed that cadmium accumulation in the root and aerial parts of the plant increased with increasing cadmium concentration, and cadmium accumulation in the root tissues was higher in all treatments than aerial parts. In addition, heavy metals reduced the concentration of all nutrientelements in leaves and stems of seedlings. Conclusion: According to the results, Seedlings of c.aronia and j. polycarpos can be suggested as stabilizing varieties for remediation of Cadmium polluted soils. It is worth to note that j. polycarpos, in comparison with c.aronia, is better absorbent of Cadmium.