Work Activities Research Articles

Thermal and functional condition of microbiological laboratory workers when using personal protective equipment against biological factors

Introduction. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) against pathogenic biological agents (PBA) by medical workers in microbiological laboratories is a mandatory requirement for infectious safety, however, low or absent air and vapor permeability of these PPE and their elements can contribute to disruption of the functional and thermal state. The aim of the study is a physiological and hygienic assessment of PPE against pathogenic pathogens based on indicators of the thermal state of the body when modeling the professional activities of microbiological laboratory workers. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the laboratory of personal protective equipment and industrial exoskeletons of Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health on 12 practically healthy individuals — male and female medical workers while simulating work activities and sanitary and epidemiological requirements for a microbiological laboratory. Results. The values of skin and body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation levels obtained in the dynamics of the study made it possible to determine the degree of stress in the thermal and functional state of the body of medical workers. The indicators obtained during the experiment were assessed in accordance with current regulatory documents. A number of thermal state indicators obtained during the study had statistically significant differences from their initial values at p<0.05. Conclusions. When using personal protective equipment against pathogenic pathogens under comfortable microclimatic conditions, an increase in some criterion indicators of the examined individuals was noted, in particular to the upper limit of permissible values of thermal state, which indicates the leading influence of PPE on the thermoregulation of the body and necessitates a reduction in the process of production activities and requires limiting the maximum duration of a work shift under given conditions is three hours, followed by a break to restore the thermal state and water-salt balance. Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with ethical principles and norms, an extract from the minutes of the meeting of the local ethics committee No. 9 dated 11/23/2022 was obtained.

Physiological and hygienic assessment of a multilayer set of personal protective equipment against low temperatures made using membrane materials

Introduction. Advanced personal protective equipment (PPE) against low temperatures is a high–tech product created using the latest achievements of science, design designs, ergonomic, aesthetic solutions that determine its thermal protection properties. The use of membrane materials in PPE from low temperatures allows them to combine low weight and high thermal protection properties, low air permeability and sufficient vapor permeability necessary to ensure heat and moisture exchange between humans and the environment. The study aims to determine the thermal protection properties of various sets of multilayer workwear and indicators of heat and moisture exchange of volunteers when modeling professional activity at low air temperature. Materials and methods. The authors have conducted a study in a microclimatic chamber with the participation of six practically healthy male volunteers. The researchers have determined the thermal protection properties of multilayer workwear of various configurations in accordance with GOST R 12.4.185-99 and MUK 4.3.1894-04. As test samples, they have used pipes of three different configurations to protect against low temperatures, wind, water, general industrial pollution and mechanical influences, as well as short-term exposure to open fire. The assessment of heat and moisture exchange indicators of various PPE configurations was carried out by specialists when modeling work activities with measurements of the relative humidity level in the layers of the kits and the level of accumulated moisture in each element of the PPE. Results. The authors have determined the values of thermal insulation of the studied materials and the scope of their application. To assess heat and moisture exchange, two samples of PPE were selected, made using membrane and cotton fabrics with similar thermal insulation values. The analysis of the results of studies of moisture exchange indicators showed a slightly lower efficiency of moisture evaporation of the control sample. The indicator of the relative humidity of the air under the shelter space and between the layers of the package of materials and clothing has shown its informative significance for assessing the effectiveness of moisture transfer from the surface of the human body to the environment. Conclusion. The results of a physiological and hygienic assessment of a set of multilayer clothing made of membrane materials have shown that various combinations of its constituent elements make it possible to create kits that provide adequate protection for an employee in a wide range of air temperatures and wind speeds. The use of membrane materials in combination with structural elements (ventilation openings) provides a more efficient transfer of moisture from the skin surface to the external environment, as evidenced by the values of the relative humidity index of the air under the clothing space and between the layers of clothing. Ethics. The study was approved by the local Ethical committee of the Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health (Minutes of the meeting No. 6 dated 07/20/12)

Estimating the Health Care Providers’ Number Needed in Northwest Health Service Centers of Tehran Based on Workload Index

Background: One of the major challenges of primary health care (PHC) in developing countries is supplying the growing needs of the populations with sufficient and skilled health workers. In this context, use of a simple and relevant workforce planning method such as Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN) could help authorities allocate adequate number of professionals to health centers to meet the health needs of target populations. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study, and WISN methodology was used at 48 Comprehensive Health Centers (CHC) located in the northwest of Tehran, in 2022. The present study was conducted in 7 steps and included measures such as the available work Stime, initial and final required manpower, extracurricular activities and their coefficients, standard work activity and workload, and scheduling activities. Results: According to the collected data, the total number of health care workers needed for the covered population was calculated to be approximately 1018 people, and the ratio of available manpower to the required manpower was reported as 24%; this indicated a 76% difference in the number of health care providers regarding the implementation of complete service package. Conclusion: The results of the research showed that if all the referrals are made through network, the network would likely have a shortage of human resources. Although the standard workload in most cases is lower than anticipated based on the reviewed performance regarding the health care provided, this can be caused by not going to the center to receive services, going to the private sector, and also not knowing about the services that can be provided.

Principles of professional selection of nursing staff

An important component of the effective operation of a medical organization is the selection of personnel, the attraction of workers with the necessary knowledge, experience, skills, and personal qualities. Properly selected personnel forms a system of relationships between people, includes everyone in the creative process of collective work activity, in this regard, the goal of professional personnel selection is: expanding the capabilities of personnel, promoting the development of employees, their training and growth, including the promotion of employees based on the planning system and career development. Target. Improving the personnel policy of a medical organization, effective forms of searching for recruitment and selection of personnel, and placement of personnel.Results. The existing personnel planning system was analyzed, the causes of personnel turnover were studied, and measures were developed to reduce it. Conclusion. A qualitatively new level of healthcare development cannot be achieved without the effective use of the organization’s personnel, who must be competently selected, trained and adapted to professional activities.

E-Upkruti-A Novel App to Attend Social Problems

Due to the fasting moving technical world all are busy in our routine life, without getting the time to pay heed on the social problems occurring in the society. These problems remain unaddressed by the public because of the lack of time coordination and lack of moral untechnical support. Hence our project aims at creating a platform for solving these issues. By taking the help of relevant departments and social workers into picture for help. This project aims at capturing the real-time photos of social problems and sending it to the relevant sectors to solve in the stipulated time. In an era of dynamic and innovative solutions, its designed to revolutionize the way social work is administered, executed, and experienced. This project addresses this demand by creating a seamless ecosystem that caters to the unique requirements of three distinct user groups: Administrators, Social Workers, and Users. For Administrators, the system provides a robust suite of tools that enables them to not only log in and oversee social work activities, but also to verify and manage user complaints. This Social Work Management System represents a significant step in optimizing the social work process, promoting collaboration, and ultimately improving the lives, who rely on social services

Ultrasound assessment of the spring ligament and posterior tibial tendon in healthy subjects: A descriptive study

BackgroundThe main aim of this study was to ultrasonographically analyse the thickness and the relationship between the Superomedial Bundle of the Spring Ligament and the Posterior Tibial Tendon in healthy subjects and its relationship with different epidemiological variables. MethodsFifty-five healthy feet with a mean of 47 years old measuring the same ultrasound model and researcher. Demographic variables (age, sex, laterality, BMI, type of sports activity performed, and type of work activity) were collected from all participants. The thickness of the PTT and the Spring Ligament was measured in both longitudinal and transverse diameters. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was also analysed to assess the agreement of the measurements between a researcher and the ultrasound specialist radiologist. ResultsThe mean thickness of the Spring ligament was 5.07 mm (95 % CI 4.75–5.38), while that of the PTT in its long axis was 3.58 mm (95 % CI 3.37–3.79). Regarding the interobserver agreement analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient for measurements between observers was 0.91 (CI95 %: 0.698–0.977) which denotes a high degree of similarity between the clinician and the radiologist. ConclusionThis study describes the relationships between the thickness of the posterior tibial tendon and the superomedial Bundle of the Spring ligament in healthy subjects, as well as their variability according to certain epidemiological variables such as age, gender, occupation, and sport. On the other hand, the measurements taken by a researcher high agreement with those taken by a radiologist specialized in ultrasound.

Субъективное благополучие родителей в условиях инклюзивной школы

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">This work presents results of a study of the correlations between indicators of subjective well-being of parents with their assessments of an inclusive environment and satisfaction with school. 1583 parents of children with disabilities (4,2%) and without disabilities (95,8%) studying in schools in the city of Tyumen and the south of the Tyumen region were recruited for this work. The author's questionnaires "Subjective well-being", "Assessment of the inclusive environment", "Satisfaction with the school" were used. As a result, a stable relationship between the well-being of parents and their assessments of the inclusive environment and satisfaction with the school was empirically confirmed. The study showed that parental subjective well-being is characterized by a state in which it is possible to show agency and control over situations that arise, a sense of satisfaction, emotional comfort, and a level of meaningful life. The association of subjective well-being with the level of involvement in the inclusive process at school, understanding of inclusion, acceptance of the ideas and values of inclusion was revealed. Parents with a high level of subjective well-being have a significantly higher level of school satisfaction, they also value inclusion resources more and note a higher level of inclusion risks.</span></p>

Study of Teachers’ Participation in Mentoring Activities in Schools (Using the Example of St. Petersburg)

Study of Teachers’ Participation in Mentoring Activities in Schools (Using the Example of St. Petersburg)

Morton's Metatarsalgia: The Current State of the Issue

A typical complaint with Morton's neuroma is a burning paroxysmal pain in the area of the plantar surface of the metatarsal bones with irradiation into the III interdigital space, which forces the patient to take off his shoes and massage the foot in the most inappropriate situations. Given that women are mostly ill, clinical manifestations reduce the quality of life of patients, limit their daily professional and work activities. The paper presents the etiology, pathogenesis and clinical picture of this disease, diagnostic features. A radical method of treatment is surgery, which is relatively simple in technique and consists in dissecting the tissues that compress the nerve and creating optimal conditions for the nerve trunk, preventing its subsequent traumatization.

Measurement of fisheries provisioning services and its pressure to support sustainability of fisheries in the Jatigede Reservoir, Indonesia

Jatigede Reservoir is a newly inundated reservoir in Sumedang Regency, West Java. Jatigede Reservoir provides ecosystem services in the form of aquatic organisms as food for the surrounding community. The lack of research related to ecosystem services in Jatigede Reservoir, and there has been no research related to the method of measuring the status of fisheries provisioning services, makes this article focused and aims to determine the status of ecosystem provisioning services in the fisheries sector and elaborate anthropogenic pressures. The results obtained in this study are the status of provisioning services getting 2.2 points which means the status is in the moderate class. The anthropogenic pressure obtained is in the form of residual waste from the floating net cage, trash or waste sent from rivers that enter the Jatigede Reservoir, residual oil and boat oil waste, and domestic waste in the form of metabolic waste (urine and feces) and residual oil food and leftover soap from people working and doing activities in the waters. This data is needed for making strategies and a policy for the sustainability of fisheries in Jatigede Reservoir.

The socio-economic burden of H1-antihistamine-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria in Germany.

Data from the AWARE study (A Worldwide Antihistamine-Refractory chronic urticaria patient Evaluation) illustrate a substantial disease burden in German patients with H1-antihistamine (-H1-AH)-refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Detrimental effects on patients' quality of life, poor disease control and impairment in the ability to work and perform other daily activities are reported. Based on these findings, this study aims to quantify the epidemiological and socio-economic burden of H1-AH-refractory CSU in Germany. To determine the epidemiological burden of H1-AH-refractory CSU, the age- and gender-specific prevalence of CSU and the proportion of H1-AH-refractory patients in Germany anonymized data from the InGef research database have been used. In a second step, the socio-economic burden in terms of lost numbers of hours in paid and unpaid work was calculated by extrapolating the age- and gender-specific work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI) observed in AWARE to the H1-AH-refractory CSU population in Germany. Finally, productivity losses in paid and unpaid work were monetized using the human capital and the friction cost approach respectively. Moreover, socio-economic burden was calculated depending on symptom control of the patients (measured by urticaria control test [UCT]). In Germany, over 203,000 patients (20 years or older) had H1-AH-refractory CSU in 2018. The avoided lost paid and unpaid work hours attributable to H1-AH-refractory CSU summed up to over 100 million. Overall, the socio-economic burden of H1-AH-refractory CSU in monetary terms was evaluated at € 2.2 billion and the majority of this was due to unpaid work loss. Patients with poor disease control, as indicated by UCT score < 12, were more likely to suffer from high impairment than patients with controlled disease, resulting in a higher socio-economic burden. The results of our analyses picture the substantial socio-economic burden of H1-AH-refractory CSU and therefore the tremendous impact it has on daily lives of individuals and society overall.

Ulnar Neuropathy after Distal Radius Fractures - A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Background: Ulnar neuropathy after a distal radius fracture is rare and has limited reports in literature. As such, there is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment and management of such injuries. We report our experience with managing these uncommon injuries. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted where patients presenting with ulnar neuropathy after sustaining a distal radius fracture were identified from January 2021 to December 2023 from our hospital database. Results: A total of four patients were identified. All of them underwent surgical fixation for their respective fractures. None of them underwent immediate or delayed exploration and decompression of the ulnar nerve. All patients had clinical improvement at 3 months after their initial injuries. Three patients eventually had resolution of the neuropathy between 5 and 9 months post injury, while one had partial recovery and developed a neuroma but declined surgery due to symptoms minimally affecting work and daily activities. Conclusions: Ulnar neuropathy after distal radius fractures may not be as rare as previously thought. Expectant management of the neuropathy would be a reasonable treatment as long as there is no evidence of nerve discontinuity or translocation and that there is clinical and/or electrodiagnostic improvement at 3-4 months after the initial injury. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

The Utilization of Sociometric Tests in Identifying School Integration Challenges Among Students with Immigrant Parents.

The purpose of this study is to investigate how sociometric relationships are configured within the primary and secondary school group that have immigrant parents. The analysis of the specialized literature was carried out based on clear selection criteria, both chronologically and of the variables. Statistical analyses, including correlations and frequency calculations, were conducted for the research variables. The study also clarifies certain procedural aspects in the application of sociometric tests. Our study included four school groups, two with 4th-grade students and two with pre-adolescent high school students. Parental emigration is a phenomenon that can have significant negative effects on the school integration of children who are left behind. They may experience emotional stress and anxiety that can affect their school performance. Some may also face financial difficulties, resulting in material shortages necessary to participate in school activities. The overload of tasks and household responsibilities can lead to their stigmatization in school groups. Our study examined three dimensions of school integration: partnership in work activities, participation in leisure time activities, and leadership within the group. The results of the research indicate a poor sociometric positioning for the children of emigrants, who are often rejected by the group for work activities, ignored in terms of spending free time, and overlooked for leadership roles within the group. Even if there are situations where some of them gain followers, they are also among the students rejected by the group. Most of them are ignored or rejected by the more socially prominent students in the class,

Characterizing health-related quality of life and identifying disease predictors among patients suspected of having long COVID: an analysis of COMET-ICE clinical trial data.

Long COVID affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Here, we investigate the extent to which symptoms experienced during the acute phase of COVID-19 are significant predictors of the presence of long COVID at 12 weeks. Post-hoc analysis of COMET-ICE trial data, which assessed sotrovimab vs. placebo for treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 among high-risk patients. Patient-reported outcome measures were completed during the trial, including the inFLUenza Patient-Reported Outcome Plus (FLU-PRO Plus), the 12-Item Short Form (SF-12) Hybrid questionnaire, and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health (WPAI:GH). COVID-19 symptoms and impacts (measured by the FLU-PRO Plus) and HRQoL (measured by SF-12 Hybrid and WPAI:GH) were compared between the acute phase (Days 1-21 and 29) and long-COVID phase (at Week 12) among patients with and without long COVID based on COMET-ICE data. Subgroups experiencing long COVID were derived using "All," "Returning," and "Persisting" symptomatic definitions. Long-COVID predictors were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model; odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Long-COVID subgroups had significantly higher baseline scores for most FLU-PRO Plus domains and Total Score compared with the non-long-COVID group. WPAI:GH and SF-12 Hybrid scores generally showed significantly more impairment for the long-COVID subgroups at baseline and Week 12 vs. the non-long-COVID group. In the univariate analyses, all FLU-PRO Plus domains were significant predictors of long COVID (all p < 0.05), with the exception of the Sense domain. Older age increased the risk of long COVID (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00-1.04, p < 0.05). Non-White patients were significantly less likely to have long COVID by the Returning and Persisting definitions vs. White patients (all p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, higher scores for the Nose domain (ORs 3.39-5.60, all p < 0.01) and having COPD (ORs 3.75-6.34, all p < 0.05) were significant long-COVID predictors. Patients who progressed to long COVID had higher symptom severity during the acute disease phase and showed significantly greater negative impact on HRQoL over an extended time period from initial infection through at least the subsequent 3 months. The FLU-PRO Plus Nose domain and having COPD were significant predictors of long COVID.

Return to work and activity after rib-fixation for acute chest trauma: first application of a validated patient-reported outcomes assessment tool.

Rib fractures present a heavy pain and functional burden in trauma. Our primary aim was to determine return to work in patients with acute rib fractures requiring surgical stabilization of rib fractures. Our secondary outcomes were pain and quality of life. We also document the first application of the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Instrument, a validated injury-specific patient-reported outcome measure, for chest wall injury in the literature. A retrospective review was conducted on patients with rib fractures requiring surgical fixation in a single centre between 2008 and 2020. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure relevance, all eligible patients were asked to complete patient-reported outcome measure questionnaires. Of 1841 trauma patients with rib fractures, 66 underwent surgical fixation. Thirty-nine patients were eligible and 31 completed the questionnaires. Pre-injury and post-injury answers were compared. The number of patients in employment decreased postoperatively from 22 to 16 (P = 0.006). For those who returned to work, there was no difference in hours missed but reduced weekly hours and productivity scores. There were significantly more patients with pain and on pain relief. There was a lower quality of life score postoperatively. Approximately 1 in 5 patients who require surgical fixation for rib fractures will not return to work. This is the first chest wall trauma study that uses the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Instrument, a validated tool for work productivity outcomes. We recommend this instrument as a reliable tool for investigating return-to-work outcomes in trauma patients.

Predictor Variables in the Spread of Chagas Disease in Rural Areas.

Over a hundred years ago after the discovery of Chagas disease (CD) in Brazil, the World Health Organization estimates a number of 6 to 7 million people infected by Trypanosoma cruzi worldwide. Therefore, the goal of this work was to identify variables related to the spread of infection by T. cruzi in humans living in rural areas, seeking predictor variables. A systematic review of the literature has been conducted, with a search in the Scopus platform, using the search string "Chagas disease" and "rural", resulting in 85 valid and analyzed scientific studies (1977 and 2022). Twenty-seven predictor variables have been acquired, and 19 of them have been grouped, such as: socioeconomic and educational, housing, environmental, sanitary, and cultural; and 8 variables related to T. cruzi seropositive individuals. The predictor variables yielded significant results (p-value < 0.05) in 59.5% of the cases (195/328), with a median of 66.7%. In other words, studies relating to 50% of the 27 variables showed significance equal to or greater than 66.7% of the time. The independent variables with the highest proportion of significant data (p-value < 0.05) were Education (87.6%), Intradomicile building (70%), Domestic animals (69.6%), and Triatomines (69.2%) in the households. Some variables reached 100%; however, few articles were found, indicating the need for further research, especially for Sanitation and Culture. It has been concluded that, in the several contexts found, the social vulnerability and lack of information led the individual to living in environments where inhabitability is inadequate, to perform limited work activity and develop habits and behaviors which impair them in an environmental insalubrity situation, favorable to the access of vectors and pathogens of anthropozoonoses such as CD.

The COVID-19 pandemic’s influence on employment outcomes of veterans enrolled in VA healthcare vocational rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Employment has been shown to be the fourth most commonly reported need for veterans and their families, and unemployment rates have ranged from 1–69% dependent on the mental health diagnosis. Complications from the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on psychological functioning, and social isolation has led to increased psychiatric symptoms. Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention provided to Veterans in an attempt to remove barriers to employment while also increasing involvement in gainful work activity. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to examine the impact that COVID-19 has had on employment rates at discharge for veterans with mental health disorders participating in a VHA vocational rehabilitation program. METHODS: An outcome-based, summative program evaluation design was used to assess the quality of Veterans served (2016-2021) at a vocational rehabilitation program served at a medical center located in VISN 12 of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. RESULTS: Findings showed that veterans with Bipolar and Psychosis were less likely to discharge with employment (not considering COVID-19). CONCLUSION: No significant meaningful differences existed in employment rates when comparing pre/post March 2020 (official start of COVID-19 pandemic) for veterans with psychiatric diagnoses.

AI at work: understanding its uses and consequences on work activities and organization in radiology

AI at work: understanding its uses and consequences on work activities and organization in radiology

Cooperative Learning in an Interior Architecture Studio

Design studio in interior architecture education is rarely conducted as a group learning activity, despite the benefits of preparing students for team-based industry work environments. Students have learnt to be protective of their design ideas and are not always encouraged to share resources, although theories on social learning indicate a deeper learning experience is achieved through collaboration. The theoretical framework for cooperative learning, as a form of collaboration, is extensive and positively supports the virtues of group work as an effective learning activity. This paper describes an action research cycle of preparation, implementation and reflection of a cooperative learning project with third year interior architecture students. For the purposes of this research, cooperative learning is defined as a structured group work activity, with participants working together towards a series of common objectives. The main objectives were for students to experience a typical interior architecture work environment, to promote deeper learning and foster a culture of sharing ideas and resources.

Physically demanding occupations among females and sex-related differences to develop osteoarthritis of the hip: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundHip osteoarthritis (HOA) is a leading cause of disability increasing with age and is more prevalent in women and in various physically demanding occupations. This systematic review identifies and summarises occupational exposures for women in physically demanding occupations and discusses sex differences and consequences.MethodsIn this systematic review, we searched various electronic databases for reports published between date of database inception and October 2022. We included cohort studies and case-control studies that assessed the association between exposure to physically demanding occupations and the development of HOA. We then assessed the methodological quality of selected studies, extracted relative effects, compared the risk for women and men and meta-analytically reviewed the effects of physically demanding occupations. All steps were based on a study protocol published in PROSPERO (CRD42015016894).ResultsWe included six cohort studies and two case-control studies in this systematic review. These studies showed a considerably increased risk of developing HOA in both sexes. Women working in traditionally female-dominated occupations such as cleaning, sales, catering, childcare and hairdressing that are physically demanding, have a higher risk of developing HOA than men in similarly physically demanding occupations. Conversely, in traditionally male-dominated occupations with a high heterogeneity of work activities, such as agriculture, crafts, construction, as well as in low-skilled occupations, the risk was higher for men. One exception are health occupations, which are grouped together with a wide range of other technical occupations, making it difficult to draw conclusions.ConclusionsExisting studies indicate an association between various occupations with a high physical workload and an increased risk of developing HOA. Occupational prevention and individual health promotion strategies should focus on reducing the effects of heavy physical workloads at work. The aforementioned as well as early detection should be specifically offered to women in female-dominated occupations and to people working in elementary occupations.