Hasil untuk "Industrial hygiene. Industrial welfare"

Mapula Luckyjane Molewa, Lee Heine, Tobias George Barnard et al.

Background: Environmental surfaces are key reservoirs for pathogen transmission, with the survival of bacteria on fomites influenced by factors such as temperature, humidity, and microbial interactions. This study aimed to determine microbial surface contamination and to determine the antimicrobial resistance profile of bacteria isolated from the indoor surface where the presence of cockroaches was observed in households of the Greater Letaba Municipality (GLM), South Africa. Methods: Swab samples were collected from kitchen countertops and food storage areas with visible cockroach activity. Bacteria were isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted with the Vitek^® Automated 2 system. Results: Of the 120 samples collected, 82 (68%) showed bacterial growth, resulting in 190 isolates. The majority of isolates (93%) were Gram-negative, comprising <i>Klebsiella</i>, <i>Pseudomonas</i>, <i>Enterobacter</i>, <i>Escherichia</i>, <i>Serratia</i>, <i>Stenotrophomonas</i>, <i>Pantoea</i>, <i>Raoultella</i>, and <i>Salmonella</i> species, with 98% demonstrating multidrug resistance (MDR) to multiple antibiotics. Resistance was particularly high against gentamicin (94%), fluoroquinolones (88%) and amikacin (77%). Among Gram-positive isolates, all belonged to the <i>Enterococcus</i> species, with 22% being resistant to one or two of the tested antimicrobial agents and 78% exhibiting MDR. Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolated from household surfaces. The spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens via environmental surfaces presents a significant risk to human health, safety, and well-being.

Indah Pratiwi, Robi Setyawan

Introduction: This study focuses on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in the manual production of bricks. Specifically, it addresses the repetitive tasks of hoeing, mixing clay, and lifting and carrying bricks, which are performed for prolonged periods. The aim is to assess and mitigate risk factors associated with these manual tasks that may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Methods: The study involved 75 male workers with an average age of 43.52 ± 11.02 years, an average work experience of 14.18 ± 10.43 years, and an average body mass index (BMI) of 23.73 ± 2.59. The workers' manual material handling (MMH) activities were evaluated using the Workplace Ergonomic Risk Assessment (WERA) and Key Indicator Method (KIM). Additionally, the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire was used to identify areas of the body where workers experience pain related to their tasks. Results: The WERA assessment identified ten activities with a medium risk level, necessitating further analysis. The KIM assessment revealed six activities with a very high risk level and four with high risk. Recommendations were made for four high-risk activities, specifically suggesting the redesign of material transport carts. This intervention has the potential to reduce injury risk scores by up to 50%. Conclusion: The combined use of the WERA and KIM methods proves effective in assessing MMH risk in brick-production MSMEs, offering insights for targeted ergonomic interventions.

Bahaudin Mujtaba, Belal Kaifi, Eleanor Lawrence

A commitment to safety is not a once-a-year endeavor that requires minimum training or awareness, but rather, it is a comprehensive concern for all stakeholders. Every business should provide a safe environment for their workers. This paper provides an overview of safety concerns, legal requirements, and best practices based on a review of the literature and government fatality data in the workplace, especially in the construction industry. Managers and human resource professionals must ensure their workplace places are as safe as possible. Using personality assessments to identify high-safety risk professionals can be one tool in their toolbox for creating and sustaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Winda Ayu Suntari, Suroto Suroto, Ekawati Ekawati

Introduction: Tasik Agung Coastal Fishing Port handles the most fish unloading activities in Rembang, which include high and strenuous work with no rest before the activity is completed, long work duration as well as high work demand, work fatigue, work period, and workload. In the professional world, human resources are said to be productive if they complete their tasks and fulfill their responsibilities on time. This study aims to analyze the factors related to the productivity of fish unloading workers. Methods: This study is an analytical observational study applying quantitative method with a cross-sectional approach. The population examined in this study was 100 fish unloading workers. Sampling was carried out offline through the accidental sampling technique, or the determination of samples by chance, in which potential respondents were selected from coincidental meeting with the fish unloading workers. The main data sources are direct measurements of variables, questionnaires, surveys, and interviews. Meanwhile, the secondary data as supporting information were obtained from journals of previous related studies. The data analysis used Spearman's rank correlation test. Results: The study did not find any relationship between work fatigue (p-value = 0.419) and workload (p-value = 0.975) with worker productivity. On the other hand, work period is proven to significantly related to worker productivity (p-value = 0.001). Conclusion: Work fatigue and workload are not related to the productivity of fish unloading workers. Meanwhile, there is a relationship between work periods and worker productivity. The increase in job mastery and work periods are followed by an increase in worker productivity.

Fiona Murphy, Nicklas Raun Jacobsen, Emilio Di Ianni et al.

Abstract Background The EU-project GRACIOUS developed an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment (IATA) to support grouping high aspect ratio nanomaterials (HARNs) presenting a similar inhalation hazard. Application of grouping reduces the need to assess toxicity on a case-by-case basis and supports read-across of hazard data from substances that have the data required for risk assessment (source) to those that lack such data (target). The HARN IATA, based on the fibre paradigm for pathogenic fibres, facilitates structured data gathering to propose groups of similar HARN and to support read-across by prompting users to address relevant questions regarding HARN morphology, biopersistence and inflammatory potential. The IATA is structured in tiers, allowing grouping decisions to be made using simple in vitro or in silico methods in Tier1 progressing to in vivo approaches at the highest Tier3. Here we present a case-study testing the applicability of GRACIOUS IATA to form an evidence-based group of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) posing a similar predicted fibre-hazard, to support read-across and reduce the burden of toxicity testing. Results The case-study uses data on 15 different MWCNT, obtained from the published literature. By following the IATA, a group of 2 MWCNT was identified (NRCWE006 and NM-401) based on a high degree of similarity. A pairwise similarity assessment was subsequently conducted between the grouped MWCNT to evaluate the potential to conduct read-across and fill data gaps required for regulatory hazard assessment. The similarity assessment, based on expert judgement of Tier 1 assay results, predicts both MWCNT are likely to cause a similar acute in vivo hazard. This result supports the possibility for read-across of sub-chronic and chronic hazard endpoint data for lung fibrosis and carcinogenicity between the 2 grouped MWCNT. The implications of accepting the similarity assessment based on expert judgement of the MWCNT group are considered to stimulate future discussion on the level of similarity between group members considered sufficient to allow regulatory acceptance of a read-across argument. Conclusion This proof-of-concept case-study demonstrates how a grouping hypothesis and IATA may be used to support a nuanced and evidence-based grouping of ‘similar’ MWCNT and the subsequent interpolation of data between group members to streamline the hazard assessment process.

Diana Milena Ramírez Osorio, Melania Satizabal Reyes, Claudia Patricia Rojas Castillo et al.

Este artículo identifica y analiza el camino recorrido en las maneras de concebir lo comunitario en las publicaciones de la Revista Ocupación Humana, entre los años 1996 y 2021. Como metodología, se realizó una revisión documental de los artículos publicados en esta revista y disponibles en línea, guiada por la presencia de las palabras “comunidad”, “comunitario” y “participación comunitaria”, en español, en los títulos, resúmenes y palabras clave. El corpus documental quedó conformado por 13 artículos. De la revisión documental emergieron dos formas de entender lo comunitario: la primera, como un grupo poblacional a intervenir, y la segunda, en clave relacional. Este artículo aporta a la comprensión de lo comunitario en Terapia Ocupacional y contribuye a los análisis situados y críticos locales.

Tae Hwan Shin, Balachandran Manavalan, Da Yeon Lee et al.

Abstract Background Nanoparticles have been utilized in brain research and therapeutics, including imaging, diagnosis, and drug delivery, owing to their versatile properties compared to bulk materials. However, exposure to nanoparticles leads to their accumulation in the brain, but drug development to counteract this nanotoxicity remains challenging. To date, concerns have risen about the potential toxicity to the brain associated with nanoparticles exposure via penetration of the brain blood barrier to address this issue. Methods Here the effect of silica-coated-magnetic nanoparticles containing the rhodamine B isothiocyanate dye [MNPs@SiO2(RITC)] were assessed on microglia through toxicological investigation, including biological analysis and integration of transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. MNPs@SiO2(RITC)-induced biological changes, such as morphology, generation of reactive oxygen species, intracellular accumulation of MNPs@SiO2(RITC) using transmission electron microscopy, and glucose uptake efficiency, were analyzed in BV2 murine microglial cells. Each omics data was collected via RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteome analysis, and gas chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry-based metabolome analysis. The three omics datasets were integrated and generated as a single network using a machine learning algorithm. Nineteen compounds were screened and predicted their effects on nanotoxicity within the triple-omics network. Results Intracellular reactive oxygen species production, an inflammatory response, and morphological activation of cells were greater, but glucose uptake was lower in MNPs@SiO2(RITC)-treated BV2 microglia and primary rat microglia in a dose-dependent manner. Expression of 121 genes (from 41,214 identified genes), and levels of 45 proteins (from 5918 identified proteins) and 17 metabolites (from 47 identified metabolites) related to the above phenomena changed in MNPs@SiO2(RITC)-treated microglia. A combination of glutathione and citrate attenuated nanotoxicity induced by MNPs@SiO2(RITC) and ten other nanoparticles in vitro and in the murine brain, protecting mostly the hippocampus and thalamus. Conclusions Combination of glutathione and citrate can be one of the candidates for nanotoxicity alleviating drug against MNPs@SiO2(RITC) induced detrimental effect, including elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species level, activation of microglia, and reduction in glucose uptake efficiency. In addition, our findings indicate that an integrated triple omics approach provides useful and sensitive toxicological assessment for nanoparticles and screening of drug for nanotoxicity. Graphical Abstract

Avinash Kumar, Vivek S. Patel, Jeffrey N. Harding et al.

Abstract Background Particulate matter (PM) containing environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are formed during various combustion processes, including the thermal remediation of hazardous wastes. Exposure to PM adversely affects respiratory health in infants and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality due to acute lower respiratory tract infections. We previously reported that early-life exposure to PM damages the lung epithelium and suppresses immune responses to influenza virus (Flu) infection, thereby enhancing Flu severity. Interleukin 22 (IL22) is important in resolving lung injury following Flu infection. In the current study, we determined the effects of PM exposure on pulmonary IL22 responses using our neonatal mouse model of Flu infection. Results Exposure to PM resulted in an immediate (0.5–1-day post-exposure; dpe) increase in IL22 expression in the lungs of C57BL/6 neonatal mice; however, this IL22 expression was not maintained and failed to increase with either continued exposure to PM or subsequent Flu infection of PM-exposed mice. This contrasts with increased IL22 expression in age-matched mice exposed to vehicle and Flu infected. Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), which mediates the induction and release of IL22 from immune cells, was also transiently increased with PM exposure. The microbiome plays a major role in maintaining epithelial integrity and immune responses by producing various metabolites that act as ligands for AhR. Exposure to PM induced lung microbiota dysbiosis and altered the levels of indole, a microbial metabolite. Treatment with recombinant IL22 or indole-3-carboxaldehyde (I3A) prevented PM associated lung injury. In addition, I3A treatment also protected against increased mortality in Flu-infected mice exposed to PMs. Conclusions Together, these data suggest that exposure to PMs results in failure to sustain IL22 levels and an inability to induce IL22 upon Flu infection. Insufficient levels of IL22 may be responsible for aberrant epithelial repair and immune responses, leading to increased Flu severity in areas of high PM.

Roselia Inés Bustamante Rojas, Félix Jesús Amador Romero

The increase in mental effort is inherent to natural aging. It induces an increase in the variability of the response speed and alteration of the variability of the heart rate. However, studies comparing these two sources of different variability are scarce and inconsistent. The objective of the present work was to describe the patterns of variability in response speed and heart rate during the execution of tasks with increasing demands of decisive difficulty in a group of older adults and healthy young controls, in addition to comparing both patterns of variability. In the present study 18 older adults over 60 years and 18 young people between 20 and 25 years were compared during the execution of tasks with increasing degree of difficulty. The net time of evaluation of the stimulus (central time) was isolated from the motor component. In parallel the electrocardiographic activity was recorded. The central time and indicators of heart rate variability were compared using ANOVAs. As a consequence of the increase in mental load, healthy older adults exhibited a multiplicative increase in psychomotor retardation, and gradual vagal control of the heart. In healthy older adults, the increase in complexity causes increased attention span and, consequently, variability, as well as a predominance of vagal control as an adaptive mechanism of regulation of the prefrontal cortex to environmental challenges.

Arelis Jaime Novas, Rita María González Chamorro, Lillian Villalba González et al.

Introducción: Los análisis de la protoporfirina libre eritrocitaria (pel) y del ácido 5-aminolevulínico en orina (alao) se realizan en los laboratorios del Instituto Nacional de Salud de los Trabajadores (insat) de La Habana, Cuba, para el control de la exposición a plomo inorgánico. Objetivo: Mostrar el comportamiento de estos bioindicadores en un grupo de trabajadores expuestos a plomo inorgánico con diferentes ocupaciones de las provincias La Habana, Mayabeque y Artemisa. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal donde se evaluó un total de 463 pacientes, en el periodo 2016-2017, provenientes de diferentes centros laborales; se les realizó los análisis del alao y la pel, según métodos establecidos. Los datos obtenidos fueron procesados utilizando el programa estadístico SPSS versión 23. Resultados: El 96 % de los trabajadores estudiados fueron del sexo masculino, el 40 % llevaba más de 20 años en sus puestos de trabajo respectivos y la ocupación que predominó fue la de soldador, con un 42 %. La pel en el 12 % de los casos analizados presentó valores por encima de los valores normales, indicativo de una exposición prolongada a concentraciones relativamente altas de plomo, fundamentalmente en los reparadores de baterías y fundidores del metal; la media de los valores hallados fue de 65 µg/dL. En el caso del alao, el 17 % de los casos se encontraron por encima del valor de referencia, con una media de 6 mg/L, obteniéndose mayor valor en los reparadores de baterías. Conclusión: De los casos evaluados, las ocupaciones que se comportaron con mayores valores de exposición fueron los trabajadores de fundición del metal y los reparadores de baterías

Ratih Putri Ramadhani

Working in confined space has very high risks, therefore, one of the hierarchy control to manage identified risk is administrative by implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The implementation of SOP correlates with the worker behaviors. The purpose of this research is to find out correlation between knowledge, facilities, and supervision to implementation behaviors of sop in confined space. This study is an observational descriptive research using cross sectional approach. The subject is a total population of 19 cleaning workers in Ducting Dust Collector PT. X . The data provided in distribution of frequency tables and was analyzed using crosstabulation followed with Phi and Cramers V Coefficient to see the relation strength. The result of the study shows that most of the workers has a good behavior in implementing the working SOP in  confined space. According to Phi and CramersV Coefficient, Knowledge (0,57) and Facilities (0,57) has a strong relation with the implementation behavior of SOP in confined space. Supervision has no relationship at all with the implementation behavior of working SOP within the confined space.  Keywords: confined space, behavior, SOP

Rodrigo Sepulveda Prado, Temistocles Molina Gonzalez, Ramiro Molina Cartes

Presentation of the analysis of some of the results of a study carried out by the Vice-rectorship of Student Affairs of the University of Chile to characterize the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in first-year students. Objective: To characterize the first-year student population at the University of Chile in relation to HRQOL, through the application of the Kidscreen-52 Test, analyzing variables of gender and school vulnerability. Method: Observational, transversal and analytical study in students from 17 to 18 years of age. The KS52 test, sent by email, was applied in 2015, 2016. 1,277 (34.16%) students answered the survey in 2015 and 1052 (26.59%) in 2016. Analysis with WINSTEPS program and expression with Rasch scores. Results: The critical dimensions are Physical Wellbeing, Mood and Emotions and Autonomy. The lowest scores occur in female students and those with the highest vulnerability Conclusions: The study generated a characterization of university students based on the results of a psychometric test, integrating dimensions that are not usually considered in university policies and that could guide actions to improve the quality of life and health of students.

Rizqi Fajri Dhi'fansyah

Hazard identification is an effort to identify potential hazard that exist in the workplace. The aim of this study was identify hazards on Oxy-Cutting work in PT. Aziz Abadi Jaya Tuban. This study was a decriptive observational research with cross sectional design.Population of this study is 5 people consisting of 3 workers oxy - cutting, 1 welder superisor and 1 HSE Officer at PT. Aziz Jaya Abadi, Tuban. Samples from this study is the total population. Primary data were collected in the manner of observation and interviewing where as the secondary data obtained from the PT. Aziz Abadi Jaya Tuban profile and Oxy-Cutting Job Safety Analysis. The results showed that the hazards identified in Oxy-Cutting work on PT. Aziz Jaya Abadi Tuban includes damaged regulator, flashback arrestor not avaliable, leaking or torn hoses, the pressure is not balanced, smoking workers, the heat source due to the reaction of Oxy-Acetylene, dust, noise, and poor ergonomics. Company recommended to do risk control that doesnt exist yet to push the risk level with doingflashback arrestor installation and regulator replacement, noise measurement and environment measurement, provision of a fire extinguisher, tighten regulation of the use of personal protective equipment and conduct risk assessment at least once a year

Irvan Prayogo, Noeroel Widajati

ABSTRACT The role of central control room (CCR) operator in Steam Power Plant (PLTU) or Gas and Steam Power Plant (PLTGU) of a work environment has high noise intensity with range (62.2– 99.8 dBA). Noise resulting from the process of production of electrical energy by machinery such as power generation unit boiler/HRSG, turbine, generator, condenser and other supporting equipment can cause Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Study with cross-sectional design aims to analyze the difference in Noise Induced Hearing Loss between shift operator CCR PLTU and PLTGU PT PJB UP Gresik. Research on samples taken with the technique of simple random sampling with the majority of respondents were ≥ 40 years old, have a working periode ≥ 4 years, have a work area with a level of intensity noise > 85 dBA, long exposure noise ≤ 1 hour and good level of compliance of the use of ear protection in both of units. There was a difference of NIHL shift operator CCR PLTU and PLTGU. The number ofoperator who have experienced hearing loss due to noise on the shift operator CCR PLTU greater than PLTGU. Shift operator CCR PLTU and PLTGU are advised to obey and comply with safe working hours in areas with particular noise intensity has been set and the use of ear protection with right, also have to perform regular an audiometry exam tests so that the function of hearing of shift operator CCR could in monitor continuously. Keywords: central control room operator, power plant, noise induced hearing loss

Patricia Cuéllar Sánchez

Se presenta un resumen de la investigación sobre la transición ocupacional de exguerrilleros: “De la reinserción al reencuentro: una mirada desde la Terapia Ocupacional”, propuesta académica de Terapia Ocupacional de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia para proyectarse como estrategia de paz una vez se firmen negociaciones entre fuerzas guerrilleras y el Gobierno Nacional. A partir de la pregunta: ¿cuáles son las fases de trabajo de un programa de Reorganización del Desempeño Ocupacional para exguerrilleros que reinicien su vida civil en Santa Fe de Bogotá?, se contextualiza el problema, luego se presenta un cuadro comparativo desde diferentes categorías de experiencias de reinserción, se muestra el modelo investigativo seguido y se finaliza con la presentación del programa y las conclusiones.

José Aravena C., Jean Gajardo J., Alexa Molina Q.

Scientific research is the basis of knowledge for health disciplines. In occupational therapy has had a growing and priority development, so it is necessary to begin to understand the perceptions of therapists themselves in relation to that topic. To know what is the perception that teachers and students in relation to occupational therapy research descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a group of teachers and students from a School of Occupational Therapy between September 2015 and January 2016. They were applied a face questionnaire containing: sociodemographic background, academic degree, conducting research related courses, degree of interest in the research in occupational therapy and importance of this, and understanding of concepts related to evidence-based. The data were analyzed descriptively and the open questions by accumulated responses according to categories. 86.5% of people expressed a strong interest in research, 50% knew the concept of evidence-based Occupational Therapy (TOBE), and the most relevant topics that generate interest and importance of the research are to validate and positioning the role of the occupational therapist, and generate knowledge to strengthen practice. In conclusion, both students and teachers refer interest in learning from occupational therapy research and application. It is necessary to incorporate concepts such as TOBE, and strengthen education in undergraduate and graduate research aimed at the profession.

H. Yılmaz, E. Tutkun, Kemal Demıralp et al.

H. F. Smyth

R. Skonieczny

C. Nenadic, J. V. Crable