Hasil untuk "Industrial hygiene. Industrial welfare"

Angeliki Flokou, Styliani Spyrou, Dimitris A. Niakas et al.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), also referred to as nosocomial or hospital-acquired infections, are a significant cause of death worldwide, with hand hygiene being the most powerful means to tackle them. The present study had a twofold aim: first, to assess the level of knowledge and the degree of compliance with hand hygiene practices based on healthcare workers’ self-reports; second, to evaluate whether behavioral economics techniques, specifically a poster combining an image and an informational message, designed according to the published literature, can increase the level of healthcare workers’ compliance with hand hygiene. Factors that potentially affect compliance were also examined. This study involved distributing a questionnaire to healthcare workers in Greek public hospitals, from which 314 completed responses were collected during the last quarter of 2023. Participants were randomly and evenly assigned to an intervention group that received a nudging poster or to a control group, which did not. Self-reported compliance with hand hygiene practices was high, based on two latent variables derived through exploratory factor analysis, although knowledge of germ transmission was moderate, as reflected in the relevant knowledge question scores. However, nudging had no statistically significant effect on hand hygiene behavior. Compliance was associated with several factors, including gender, age, work experience, profession, perceived adequacy of available hygiene-related resources, and perceived consequences of nosocomial infections on patient outcomes.

Ismena Gałęcka, Natalia Szyryńska, Jarosław Całka

Abstract Background Currently, society and industry generate huge amounts of plastics worldwide. The ubiquity of microplastics is obvious, but its impact on the animal and human organism remains not fully understood. The digestive tract is one of the first barriers between pathogens and xenobiotics and a living organism. Its proper functioning is extremely important in order to maintain homeostasis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of microplastic on enteric nervous system and histological structure of swine duodenum. The experiment was carried out on 15 sexually immature gilts, approximately 8 weeks old. The animals were randomly divided into 3 study groups (n = 5/group). The control group received empty gelatin capsules once a day for 28 days, the first research group received daily gelatin capsules with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles as a mixture of particles of various sizes (maximum particle size 300 µm) at a dose of 0.1 g/animal/day. The second study group received a dose ten times higher—1 g/animal/day. Results A dose of 1 g/day/animal causes more changes in the enteric nervous system and in the histological structure of duodenum. Statistically significant differences in the expression of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, galanin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, substance P, vesicular acetylcholine transporter and vasoactive intestinal peptide between control and high dose group was noted. The histopathological changes were more frequently observed in the pigs receiving higher dose of PET. Conclusion Based on this study it may be assumed, that oral intake of microplastic might have potential negative influence on digestive tract, but it is dose-dependent.

Ni Luh Gede Aris Maytadewi Negara, I.A. Pascha Paramurthi, Ni Ketut Putri Purnama Dewi

Introduction: TBS textile factory is one of several textile factories where the process of fabrics dyeing takes place. In the process, workers lift and transport cloth loads manually, and thus work routines make their body bend. TBS textile factory ignored the health and safety aspects of work procedures which could cause worker fatigue. Safe work behaviour may prevent occupational sickness if the company applies appropriate occupational safety and health procedures. The purpose of this study was to determine the reduction of worker fatigue in the dyeing process of woven fabrics by applying occupational safety and health procedures. Methods: This study used treatment by subject design, where all samples were subjected to control and treatment, in different time periods. In this design, the interval between the time periods required washing out and adaptation, to eliminate the effects of previous work. The research population were workers in charge of dyeing section at TBS textile factory located in Gianyar regency. This study was conducted in July 2021 by involving 20 samples selected through purposive sampling technique. Data were collected from occupational safety and health procedures (how workers lifted and transported loads), legal limitations, and worker postures. Data analysis was carried out using t-independent test. Results: There was a decrease in scores of worker fatigue. The two different tests showed the scores after the study were significantly different (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Occupational safety and health procedures can reduce fatigue among workers in charge of fabrics dyeing by 40.77%.

Antonio Torres Valle, Ana Teresa Carbonell Siam

Introducción: Las dificultades asociadas a las evaluaciones de riesgo exigidas por la normativa cubana de seguridad y salud en el trabajo, por desconocimiento de muchos de sus aspectos, provocan improvisaciones en su realización y problemas de calidad de sus documentos, que derivan en el cumplimiento formal de dichas evaluaciones. La evidencia de estos problemas impulsó el diseño y programación de un sistema de evaluación de seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Objetivo: Mostrar el proceso de informatización y aplicación de un sistema cubano de gestión de riesgos laborales. Método: Se desarrolló el código SECURE-SST Ver. 1.0 con capacidades analíticas y gráficas que permiten cumplir, de manera automatizada, los requerimientos de identificación, evaluación y redacción de los planes generales de prevención de riesgos laborales y la generación de mapas de proceso y mapas de riesgo. El enriquecimiento del programa con bases de referencia relativas a tipos de riesgos, situaciones peligrosas y medidas preventivas constituye una de las capacidades más trascendentes con las cuales se ha potenciado el programa, respecto a los métodos de partida. Resultados: La herramienta es un sistema con enfoque proactivo para la gestión de riesgos y toma de decisiones en la seguridad y salud en el trabajo. Se muestra un ejemplo práctico detallado, Conclusiones: SECURE-SST Ver. 1.0 se ofrece con un curso de capacitación asociado. Queda instalado en las PC de los usuarios junto a su manual de usuario y archivos tutoriales. El código permite la documentación en detalle de cada una de sus opciones. Introduction: The difficulties associated with the risk assessments required by the Cuban regulations on safety and health at work, due to ignorance of many of its aspects, cause improvisations in its implementation and problems of quality of its documents, which result in the formal fulfillment of these evaluations. The awareness of these problems prompted the design and programming of an occupational safety and health evaluation system. Objective: To show the process of computerization and application of a Cuban occupational risk management system. Methods: The code SECURE-SST Ver. 1.0 is developed with analytical and graphic capabilities that allow to fulfill, in an automated way, the requirements of identification, evaluation, and drafting of the general plans of prevention of occupational risks and the generation of process maps and risk maps. The enrichment of the program with reference bases related to types of risks, dangerous situations, and preventive measures constitutes one of the most important capacities with which the program has been strengthened, with respect to the starting methods. Results: The tool is a system with a proactive approach to risk management and decision-making in occupational health and safety. A detailed practical example is shown. Conclusions: SECURE-SST Ver. 1.0 is offered with an associated training course. It is installed on users' PCs along with their user manual and tutorial files. The code allows detailed documentation of each of its options.

Yanbing Chen, Seamus Kelly, Conor Buggy

Introduction: Considerable media attention has recently focused on an increased number of professional athletes that experience forced retirement due to severe injuries. Despite the highly completive, physical nature and tolerance of risk in contact sports, no Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) awareness-related measurement instrument exists in professional sports. As part of a wider project, this study aimed to develop a survey instrument to evaluate risk and safety awareness in sports, taking elite rugby (union) as an example. Methods: Based on the identified conceptual framework incorporating theories from the OSH discipline, the survey has been updated for three rounds according to the feedback from a multidisciplinary team of experts before the pilot test. The pilot test data (n=46, response rate 76.7%) were imported to SPSS for analysis and validation. The survey's key themes included health outlook, tackle behavior, awareness of risk acceptance, reasons for risk-taking, and safety consideration for other players. Results: Overall, the survey has a high internal consistency (Cronbach's α= 0.742). Some sections of the survey require a further factor analysis, such as awareness of risk acceptance during the competition (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy - KMO <0.767, p<0.001) and reasons for risk-taking (KMO<0.604, p=0.003). Some sections require a larger sample size for further validation, such as safety consideration for other players (KMO<0.481, p<0.001). Conclusion: This is the first survey that evaluates players' safety and risk awareness in rugby drawing upon OSH concepts. Such a survey has the potential to improve athletes' health and wellbeing by customized educational intervention, which could point the way forward for its application in a wider range of sport settings internationally.

Yongliang Zhang, Shumin Duan, Ying Liu et al.

Abstract Objective Up to 44% of particulates of food-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2) are in nanoscale, while the effect and combined effect of which with other substances on intestinal barrier haven’t been fully understood yet. This study is aimed to study the effect of two kinds of TiO2 nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs and TiO2 MPs) on intestinal barrier functions, to reveal the combined effect of TiO2 NPs and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on intestinal barrier. Methods Male ICR mice were randomly divided into 18 groups (3 feed types * 3 exposure length * 2 LPS dosage) and were fed with normal or TiO2-mixed feed (containing 1% (mass fraction, w/w) TiO2 NPs or TiO2 MPs) for 1, 3, 6 months, followed by a single oral administration of 0 or 10 mg/(kg body weight) LPS. Four hours later, the transportation of TiO2, the intestinal barrier functions and the inflammatory response were evaluated. Results Both TiO2 notably increased the intestinal villi height / crypt depth ratios after 1 and 3 months of exposure, and increased the expression of ileal tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) after 1 month of exposure. After 6 months of exposure, TiO2 NPs led to reduced feed consumption, TiO2 MPs caused spare microvilli in small intestine and elevated Ti content in the blood cells. The intestinal permeability didn’t change in both TiO2 exposed groups. After LPS administration, we observed altered intestinal villi height / crypt depth ratios, lowered intestinal permeability (DAO) and upregulated expression of ileal ZO-1 in both (TiO2 +LPS) exposed groups. There are no significant changes of ileal or serum cytokines except for a higher serum TNF-α level in LPS treated group. The antagonistic effect was found between TiO2 NPs and LPS, but there are complicated interactions between TiO2 MPs and LPS. Conclusion Long-term intake of food additive TiO2 could alter the intestinal epithelial structure without influencing intestinal barrier function. Co-exposure of TiO2 and LPS would enhance intestinal barrier function without causing notable inflammatory responses, and there is antagonistic effect between TiO2 NPs and LPS. All the minor effects observed might associate with the gentle exposure method where TiO2 being ingested with feed.

Ulrike Brueckner, Anne S. Schulze, Dirk Walter et al.

Abstract Background Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF) are man-made mineral fibres used in high performance thermal insulation applications. Analogous to asbestos fibres, RCF are respirable, show a pleural drift and can persist in human lung tissue for more than 20 years after exposure. Pleural changes such as localised or diffuse pleural thickening as well as pleural calcification were reported. Result A 45 years old man worked in high performance thermal insulation applications using refractory ceramic fibres (RCF) for almost 20 years. During a occupational medical prophylaxis to ensure early diagnosis of disorders caused by inhalation of aluminium silicate fibres with X-ray including high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), bilateral pleural thickening was shown and a pleural calcification next to a rounded atelectasis was detected. Asbestos exposure could be excluded. In pulmonary function test a restrictive lung pattern could be revealed. In work samples scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) classified used fibres as aluminium silicate fibres. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed crystalline as well as amorphous fibres. Conclusions A comprehensive lung function analysis and in case of restrictive lung disorders additional CT scans are needed in RCF exposed workers in accordance to the guidelines for medical occupational examinations comparable to asbestos exposed workers.

Eva Bongaerts, Tim S. Nawrot, Thessa Van Pee et al.

Abstract Fetal development is a crucial window of susceptibility in which exposure may lead to detrimental health outcomes at birth and later in life. The placenta serves as a gatekeeper between mother and fetus. Knowledge regarding the barrier capacity of the placenta for nanoparticles is limited, mostly due to technical obstacles and ethical issues. We systematically summarize and discuss the current evidence and define knowledge gaps concerning the maternal-fetal transport and fetoplacental accumulation of (ultra)fine particles and nanoparticles. We included 73 studies on placental translocation of particles, of which 21 in vitro/ex vivo studies, 50 animal studies, and 2 human studies on transplacental particle transfer. This systematic review shows that (i) (ultra)fine particles and engineered nanoparticles can bypass the placenta and reach fetal units as observed for all the applied models irrespective of the species origin (i.e., rodent, rabbit, or human) or the complexity (i.e., in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo), (ii) particle size, particle material, dose, particle dissolution, gestational stage of the model, and surface composition influence maternal-fetal translocation, and (iii) no simple, standardized method for nanoparticle detection and/or quantification in biological matrices is available to date. Existing evidence, research gaps, and perspectives of maternal-fetal particle transfer are highlighted.

Faisal Lestaluhu, Indriati Paskarini

Fire extinguisher is one of active protection that effectively used to extinguish at the incipient of the fire. Installation of fire extinguisher were urgently needed to support a company’s efforts to control fire. The purpose of this study was to learn about appropriate the installation of fire extinguisher in PT. E-T-A Indonesia with Peraturan Menteri Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi No. PER.04/MEN/1980. This study was a descriptive research. The primary data obtained by interviews, observation and measurements in the field. Data collected were analyzed descriptively using narration and tabulation. In addition, secondary data were also obtained from documents at PT. E-T-A Indonesia. The research result was the company did not have a spesific policy but the installation of fire extinguisher had been applicated. PT. E-T-A Indonesia had 36 pieces of fire extinguisher with 23 dry chemical powder type and 13 carbon dioxide (CO2) type, which has capacity 3–6 kgs. Implementation of the fire extinguisher insatallation was not accordance with requirements in terms by the distance of each fire extinguisher, fire extinguisher mounting height, and sign to declare fire extinguisher. Based on the research result, it was recommended that the company to make specific policy about the installation of the fire extinguisher. Therefore, the implementation of installation of the fire extinguisher at PT. E-T-A Indonesia more appropriate with Peraturan Menteri Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi No. PER.04/MEN/1980. Keywords: installation, fire, fire extinguisher

Myriam Lorena Cardozo Tafur

Introducción. Las AVD tienen diversas perspectivas para su instrumentalización (Moruno, Pedro. Romero, 2006). El presente trabajo muestra una revisión acerca de los usos prevalentes de las AVD en Terapia Ocupacional (T.O) y áreas afines, comparándolas con estas perspectivas. Objetivos. Determinar cuál es la instrumentalización que se hace de las AVD en T.O y áreas afines. Materiales y métodos. Revisión desde SCOPUS - ELSEVIER bajo los términos: Activities of Daily Living y Daily Activities entre 2007 y 2017. Se clasificadas por parámetros de: población (edad y diagnóstico); tendencias metodológicas; resultados contrastados con la instrumentalización de las AVD de Romero y Moruno(Moruno, Pedro. Romero, 2006). Resultados. Las perspectivas de los estudios son: los que determinan la afectación de las AVD como consecuencia de alteraciones físicas, mentales o cognitivas; los que determinan las variables que favorecen o limitan el desarrollo de las AVD; los que puntualizan el papel de las AVD en el desarrollo del infante; y los que consideran las AVD en su complejidad y relación con factores socioculturales.

Julie Vásquez Duque, Lisette González Duk

The goal of this research was to identify the influence of teaching strategies and methodologies on significant learning of Occupational Therapy students in a private university at Santiago, understanding teaching methodologies as the way and resources used to introduce the content, and strategies as the actions oriented towards benefiting learning acquisition. With this aim, the authors considered as specific objectives to identify the frequency with which professors use strategies and methodologies; identify the magnitude of these strategies and methodologies on the student’s disposition towards learning; and identify specific strategies and methodologies that students relate to the development of their effective learning. The authors elaborated an online survey with 9 questions with a Likert type scale. The results show high influence of methodologies and strategies on significant learning

Claudia Marcela Rozo Reyes, Nancy Gárces Robayo

.

Maria Rosa Nico

The purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics of human figure drawing (HFD) in children with sensory modulation disorders (SMD) establishing whether there are significant differences relative to typically developing children, and to identify in which dimensions those differences are observed: quantitative (different number of parts) qualitative (clear disproportions, aggregates or omission) or both. For that a HFD was administered to twenty one children between the ages of 4.9 and 5.8 years of age, from public or private schools of the Autonomus city of Buenos Aires and the province of Buenos Aires, who obtained a score of two standard deviation below the norm in the Sensory Profile Short Form (Spanish version) of McIntosh, Miller, Syu & Dunn (1999) and were compared with twenty one children of similar age and education who received a score within the typical range on this test instrument.The Sensory Profile was used as a tool to discriminate children with and without SMD.While the HFD were analyzed using the Miller Assessment for Preschoolers (MAP, 1982, 1988) sub-test of the Humane Figure. The results obtained, confirmed the stated hypothesis. The children with SMD produced a HFD with less number of parts (p=

Willybaldo Saavedra P., Camilo Campos R.

The port activity is developed within a context where the health of the workers is constantly exposed, giving the multiple dangerous situations that this activity entails. Is in this context that the high demands that the organization requires traduced in the constant pressure to mobilize the most amount of load and achieve with the productivity requirements, added to the interpersonal relations, the workload, the realization of the task, among others; might affect the development of the task, like, as well, the health of the worker, this is known like psychosocial risk. The objective of this research is to determine the level of psychosocial risks at the workplace of members in different areas at a port in the north of Chile. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on 298 workers, who were selected through a non-probability based sampling. An abridged version of the SUSESO ISTAS -21 (instrument provided by the government of Chile), was applied. Regarding the sections in which workers perform their duties, the highest percentage corresponded to operational staff with a 45.3% (135) and the lowest to management and administration with a 9.1% (27). Significant statistical differences between the areas were found in the dimensions of psychological requirements, active work & skill development, and compensation. For future research and interventions, it is recommended to incorporate qualitative work methodologies to do a more detailed analysis. Data suggests that port workers have high exposure to psychosocial risks in their workplace.

C. Axten, W. Fayerweather, D. Trumbore et al.

Lominiki Slawo, Ahlert Terry, Thevenot Paul et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Increased asthma risk/exacerbation in children and infants is associated with exposure to elevated levels of ultrafine particulate matter (PM). The presence of a newly realized class of pollutants, environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs), in PM from combustion sources suggests a potentially unrecognized risk factor for the development and/or exacerbation of asthma.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Neonatal rats (7-days of age) were exposed to EPFR-containing combustion generated ultrafine particles (CGUFP), non-EPFR containing CGUFP, or air for 20 minutes per day for one week. Pulmonary function was assessed in exposed rats and age matched controls. Lavage fluid was isolated and assayed for cellularity and cytokines and <it>in vivo </it>indicators of oxidative stress. Pulmonary histopathology and characterization of differential protein expression in lung homogenates was also performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Neonates exposed to EPFR-containing CGUFP developed significant pulmonary inflammation, and airway hyperreactivity. This correlated with increased levels of oxidative stress in the lungs. Using differential two-dimensional electrophoresis, we identified 16 differentially expressed proteins between control and CGUFP exposed groups. In the rats exposed to EPFR-containing CGUFP; peroxiredoxin-6, cofilin1, and annexin A8 were upregulated.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Exposure of neonates to EPFR-containing CGUFP induced pulmonary oxidative stress and lung dysfunction. This correlated with alterations in the expression of various proteins associated with the response to oxidative stress and the regulation of glucocorticoid receptor translocation in T lymphocytes.</p>

H. Afridi, TG Kazi, NG Kazi et al.

Newby David E, Donaldson Ken, Barath Stefan et al.

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Exposure to air pollution is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Vascular dysfunction reduces arterial compliance and increases central arterial pressure and left ventricular after-load. We determined the effect of diesel exhaust exposure on arterial compliance using a validated non-invasive measure of arterial stiffness.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In a double-blind randomized fashion, 12 healthy volunteers were exposed to diesel exhaust (approximately 350 μg/m³) or filtered air for one hour during moderate exercise. Arterial stiffness was measured using applanation tonometry at the radial artery for pulse wave analysis (PWA), as well as at the femoral and carotid arteries for pulse wave velocity (PWV). PWA was performed 10, 20 and 30 min, and carotid-femoral PWV 40 min, post-exposure. Augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AIx) and time to wave reflection (Tr) were calculated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Blood pressure, AP and AIx were generally low reflecting compliant arteries. In comparison to filtered air, diesel exhaust exposure induced an increase in AP of 2.5 mmHg (p = 0.02) and in AIx of 7.8% (p = 0.01), along with a 16 ms reduction in Tr (p = 0.03), 10 minutes post-exposure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Acute exposure to diesel exhaust is associated with an immediate and transient increase in arterial stiffness. This may, in part, explain the increased risk for cardiovascular disease associated with air pollution exposure. If our findings are confirmed in larger cohorts of susceptible populations, this simple non-invasive method of assessing arterial stiffness may become a useful technique in measuring the impact of real world exposures to combustion derived-air pollution.</p>

H. Cohen

D. Bartley