Work Activities Research Articles

PERANCANGAN NAKAS MULTIFUNGSI HIDDEN DRAWER DENGAN MIX MATERIAL

In the development of minimalist and modern interior design, space limitations are a major problem, especially in creating a multifunctional bedroom design. The bedroom is not only used as a place to rest, but is used as a place for storage, work, and other activities, so it requires several functional and efficient design solutions. One of the products developed is a multifunctional nightstand that has been equipped with more storage, hidden drawers, and a table top that can be directed to the bed. This product is designed using a combination of teak wood, plywood, and veneer with natural finishing, giving a natural and aesthetic impression. Research on this product uses quantitative method research through filling out questionnaires to respondents. The process of designing this product follows by using the design thinking method which involves five stages, namely the empathize, define, ideate, prototype, and test stages. The final result is a prototype of a multifunctional nightstand that has been equipped with woven rattan to add an aesthetic impression. The data shows that this product obtained score of 91.05%, which shows that this product is very attractive and meets the needs as a creative solution to the problem of limited space.

Home environments in an age of precarity

Environment-behavior research prior to the 2000s often portrayed homes as relatively self-contained, insular settings that provided residents refuge from the demands and distractions of the outside world—a kind of safe haven for domestic activities and family life. Residential security was viewed largely in relation to personal assets and the nearby environment, including one's capacity to afford high quality housing, defensible space design of the dwelling, and the absence of nearby threats such as fire and flood hazards, seismic risks, and undesirable land uses like oil drilling sites, landfills, and congested roadways. These proximal sources of residential precarity still play a role in people's lives, but their impacts on people are amplified nowadays by a variety of increasingly pervasive threats situated at societal and global levels such as climate change and extreme weather events, disease pandemics, rampant cybercrime, and growing worries about the spread of nuclear weapons. Also, the modern home has become a polyfunctional hub for both household and non-domestic activities, owing to the infusion of work, educational, and recreational activities into residences via their online connections to the outside world. We offer a social ecological analysis of the changing meanings and functions of home environments in the early 21st Century, and a conception of domestic precarity that highlights its links to broader existential concerns driven by societal and global forces. Future policies and environmental interventions to effectively curb residential precarity will require collaboration among individuals from multiple fields and between diverse organizations and institutions working at municipal, state, national and international levels.

Influence of Industrial Relations with Ukhuwwah (brotherhood), ‘Adl (justice) and Ihsan (benevolence) among Islamic Universities

The existence of industrial relations with the industrialization drivers has been argued with the persistent competition among different entities, including workers, capitalists, bureaucrats, and authorities, to reduce operating costs while maximizing financial profits. While industrial relations have been relevant through the human resource management of organizations, from the perspectives of Islam, three core values, ukhuwwah (brotherhood), ‘adl (justice), and Ihsan (benevolence) are essential in establishing a harmonious and ethical relationship between employers and employees, which serves as a solid foundation for creating a positive work environment. This study used the grounded theory method through focused group discussion to explore the integration of Islamic values into the industrial relations of Islamic universities. It focuses on insights from participants who emphasized the significance of promoting positive human relationships, incorporating Islamic teachings, and maintaining a balance between procedural work and community-building activities. The study's findings suggest that incorporating these principles can establish a cohesive and morally upright work environment that is advantageous for both employees and organizations. Suggestions for the industrial relations unit, top management, board of governors, and the government involve cultivating strong unity through team-building, maintaining fairness with clear and open policies, and promoting excellence by supporting professional growth and empathetic work conditions.

Skilled Workers’ Perspectives on Utilizing a Passive Shoulder Exoskeleton in Construction

This field study explores construction workers’ perceptions of using a passive shoulder exoskeleton to better understand how to improve its adoption in construction. We provided forty-one construction workers with an exoskeleton to perform their regular work activities for two days. Workers’ feedback of the tool was collected at the end of each day. Two-thirds indicated they would likely or very likely use an exoskeleton if their employer provided it. Participants felt exoskeletons were helpful for specific overhead tasks, such as installing upper tracks, framing and drywalling bulkheads, taping and mudding ceilings, and installing light fixtures. To improve their adoption within the construction industry, exoskeletons should be designed to be compatible with harnesses and toolbelts, be close-fitting to allow working in tight spaces, be easily adjustable (for fit and level of support), be rugged and easy to clean, and should not encumber workers in performing their tasks.

Improving the clarity of doctoral admissions webpage information: a UK institutional case study

ABSTRACT This paper explores data from an institutional case study on doctoral admissions at one UK university. Using a multi-part design, this paper first shares the results of a desk review of institutional webpages, and then reports on empirical research with academic directors of postgraduate research (n = 12), doctoral programme officers (n = 8), doctoral supervisors (n = 19), and doctoral researchers (n = 15) on their perceptions of, and interactions with, doctoral admissions webpage information. The webpage review identified seven categories of information departmental doctoral admissions webpages typically convey. The study reveals that doctoral admissions webpages have complex functions and diverse intended audiences. We document the key activity of webpage work and how this is divided. We also highlight potential information gaps for certain audiences. Our paper aims to contribute insights to create more transparent and accessible doctoral admissions information for all potential applicants. We conclude by sharing recommendations to enhance the quality of such information.

An experimental setup to investigate relevant validation parameters for the auralization of commercial aircraft flyovers in complex urban contexts

Auralization has a key role in the design of immersive virtual reality tools for the study of human environments and their evolution. In soundscape and multisensory research, the validation of auralization frameworks traditionally relies on the impressions engendered by the virtual acoustic environment on the human subjects, and whether those impressions match real-world experiences. It uses subjective surveys related to the perceptual and affective spheres of individuals. This may lead to unclear validation. In this paper, we present an experimental setup to search for a set of relevant validation parameters for the auralization of complex urban environments involving commercial aircraft flyovers. Our investigation is tailored to the study of working and learning activities in offices or universities neighboring the flight paths. The experimental setup focuses on the quantitative evaluation of cognitive performance instead of the classic perceptual or affective personal survey-based approach. In the experiment, subjects undergo distinct acoustic environments, synthesized from real-world binaural recordings. Simultaneously, subjects perform memory, fluency, or puzzle-like tasks. Different cognitive performance parameters are measured throughout the experiment. The parameters most strongly correlated to the environments' acoustic events and properties are considered meaningful validation parameters.

A Study on the Job Characteristics of Police Officers and the Status of Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Musculoskeletal disorders occur frequently in industrial settings, and police officers in particular are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to the nature of their work, but research on this is lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders according to the job functions of police officers. A survey was conducted, targeting active-duty police officers, and data were collected from 4268 respondents who answered all items on the questionnaire. As a control group, we used the general population dataset from the 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in Korea. The survey included general information such as gender, age, working hours, and type of work. It also investigated medical utilization, including the frequency of medical visits and hospitalizations. The assessment of musculoskeletal disorders was analyzed using pain NRS, VAS, SPADI, and ODI. The working characteristics of police officers were found to be more irregular in terms of working hours and involved a higher intensity of work activities compared with the general population. However, there was a lack of precise diagnoses and continuous treatment for these disorders. These results imply that police officers' occupational characteristics are related to musculoskeletal disorders. Considering the direct relationship between police officers' health and public safety, systematic evaluation and management of their musculoskeletal disorders are needed.

Design solutions to optimise acoustic requirements for specific work activities in open-plan offices

A high level of concentration is required in open-plan offices, which entails an optimized acoustic environment. The aim is to create a fit-employee environment in which speech privacy is guaranteed without compromising the sense of cooperation among occupants. The purpose of this study is to investigate the design solutions which optimize the acoustic requirements of ISO 3382-3 for a specific work activity defined in ISO 22955, such as non-collaborative work, collaborative work between people and mixed between collaborative and non-collaborative. The case study is one open-plan office occupied by 12 workers, which was not compliant with the standard. Acoustic measurements were used to calibrate the acoustic model in the Odeon software. Two screen and cubicle heights, three types of ceilings and two wall absorption configurations have been tested in a matrix of solutions for the office in the simulation model. This allowed us to investigate the design solutions that guarantee optimal values for the acoustical parameters chosen for each specific activity.

Подготовка к трудовой деятельности молодежи с психическими нарушениями в рамках гастрономической модельной площадки (ГАМП): оценка эффективности программы обучения

<p>This article presents a comprehensive study on the efficiency of a cooking skills training program for young adults with mental disabilities, conducted at the Gastronomic Model Platform (GAMP) of the Regional Non-commercial Organization "Center for Curative Pedagogy". The study hypothesized that this training would enhance the professional skills and life independence of students with mental disorders, facilitating successful employment and participation in work activities. Twenty-three GAMP students with varying levels of mental disabilities participated in a pre-post test study to assess changes in professional competencies and independence. The results confirmed the hypothesis regarding the improvement of professional skills during the GAMP training process (t(21)=-2,97; p=0,007). However, while indicators of independence significantly increased for some students, the overall hypothesis of increased independence was not statistically confirmed. This may be attributed to the fact that individuals with severe disabilities often show improvements in independence primarily in familiar environments and with the support of an accompanying person.</p>

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and action mechanisms of exopolysaccharides from Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Z-1

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) derived from lactic acid bacteria have received considerable attention because of their diverse bioactivities and high safety. In our previous work, a crude EPS produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Z-1 under H2O2 stress and its three purified fractions were prepared and characterized. In the present work, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of these EPSs were investigated. The four EPSs were found to possess considerable free radical scavenging activity, and be able to decrease the ROS and MDA levels in H2O2-induced oxidative stress RAW 264.7 macrophages, and increase the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes. It is likely that activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway is one of their important antioxidant mechanisms. These EPSs were also found to effectively reduce the secretion of inflammatory mediators, such as pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL6) and NO, and increase the release of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. The anti-inflammatory effect of EPSs could be due to their ability to inhibit the activation of NF-κB/TLR4 signaling pathway and intracellular COX-2 signaling cascade. Therefore, these EPS fractions have good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, providing useful enlightenment for the application of these EPSs in functional foods and medicines.

Evaluation of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for Measuring Prevalence and the Consequence of Pain in a Danish Adult OI Population: A Pilot Study.

Pain is a challenge in persons with OI and causes much concern in the Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) population. We aim to evaluate the usability of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) to identify painful sites in adults with OI and to describe the occurrence of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain and its impact on their work and daily activities. This cross-sectional pilot study uses the OI-NMQ to study MSK pain prevalence in nine separate anatomical regions (neck, upper back, lower back, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot) and its impact on regular work and daily activities in adults with OI. The questionnaire was distributed among participants of the 2023 annual meeting of The Danish OI Society. The response rate was 68%, and all participants considered the OI-NMQ helpful in assessing the presence of pain and its consequences. The analysis included 27 adults with OI type I, III, or IV above 18years. Among all 27 participants, MSK pain was present in 15-56% of the 9 sites within the last 7days and 33-89% of the nine anatomical regions during the last 12months. In 7-48% of all the participants, their regular work and daily activities had been affected by the presence of MSK pain. The OI-NMQ was feasible in assessing MSK pain among adults with OI and displayed a high prevalence of MSK pain with a moderate impact on their regular work and daily activities in this OI population. A larger and repeated measurement of MSK pain in adults with OI is needed to confirm these results.

Factors Associated with Health-related Quality of Life in Moroccan Adults with Asthma

Introduction: The assessment of asthmatics’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has become an important outcome measure of the disease’s effects from the patient’s perspective. This study aims to assess the asthmatics’ QOL and determine the factors affecting it. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 adult people with asthma attending the Pneumology Department of Hassan II University Hospital in Fez from March to May 2022. Patients were questioned by a face-to-face questionnaire, an asthma control test, an observance questionnaire, a knowledge questionnaire, and a specific asthma QOL questionnaire. The influence of the variables was evaluated by bivariate analysis and multiple linear regression. Results: The mean age was 48.4 ± 15.4. 71.8% were women, half were not attending school, and 77.7% lived in urban areas. 67.7% were nonsmokers, and 72.73% were passive workers. Only 42.27% complied well with treatment, and 41.82% have well-controlled asthma. The majority of people had insufficient knowledge. The QOL was considered good for 20% of the participants, poor for 11.8%, and average for 68.2% of the patients. The mean of the global QOL score was 5.1 ± 0.9. The most significant factors associated with a higher QOL were good asthma control (ß = 0.70; P ≤ 0.001), good knowledge score (ß = 0.125; P = 0.013), insurance coverage (ß = 0.144; P = 0.005), and work activity (ß = 0.133; P = 0.007). Conclusion: Our study found multiple factors affecting asthma patients’ QOL, including asthma control, knowledge, and socioeconomic status. We can take some measures to improve the situation through patient education.

A Comparative Study of Different Unorganized Sectors’ Workers in India to Identify Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevalence through Empirical Survey and Deep Learning Methods

Background:: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a group of non-fatal injuries that can occur as a result of various repetitive workplace activities, mainly in unorganized sectors. Workers who engage in highly repetitive activities involving constant hand effort, localized mechanical pressure, and vibration are more prone to developing these disorders. Objective:: The objective of this research was to determine the prevalence of MSDs among workers in various unorganized sectors in India who perform hand-intensive occupations. Method:: A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 340 workers from diverse groups such as sugarcane farmers, footwear industry workers, and tarpaulin weavers, to accomplish this goal. Data for the survey was collected using a questionnaire. Additionally, a comprehensive time study and a deep learning-based posture detection study were conducted on the different activities performed during the workers' occupational tasks. The chi-square test was used to assess the relationship between discomfort and work repetitiveness. Result:: The data analysis revealed that the working activities (especially cutting/harvesting, rubber cutting, etc.) of unorganized sector workers were repetitive, with more than half of each activity’s work cycle involving a similar usage pattern. Furthermore, a significant association was observed between the level of discomfort and work repetitiveness among workers in different sectors (sugarcane farmers: p < 0.01, footwear industry workers: p < 0.05, tarpaulin weavers: p < 0.05). Consequently, it can be concluded that prolonged occupational activities involving repetitive and prolonged standing may contribute to the occurrence of MSDs. Conclusion:: Ergonomic interventions/modifications in the form of patent work will be necessary to prevent these issues in the near future.

Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Fishing Community in Southern Italy

BackgroundWork organization and psychosocial factors influencing sleep patterns may be significant risk factors for developing obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the impact on the health of working patterns in the fishing sector is not well characterized. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of MetS and its components in fishermen and to analyze occupational-specific risk factors contributing to metabolic alterations. MethodsOne hundred forty-three male fishermen from Apulia (Southern Italy) and 93 male university workers age-matched and from the same geographical area were included in this cross-sectional study. A questionnaire was administered to investigate socio-demographic variables, work activity, health status, and dietary habits. All subjects underwent clinical evaluation and blood sampling to depict their metabolic profile. ResultsA higher body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (p < 0.001) were observed in fishermen than in university workers. No significant difference between the two groups was observed in the prevalence of MetS (15.4% fishermen vs 16.1% university workers) and its relevant diagnostic criteria, except abdominal obesity (42.7% fishermen vs 29.0% university workers, p = 0.021). The Castelli risk index, the monocyte/c-HDL ratio, and the Sokolow index were significantly greater in fishermen (p < 0.001). In the fishermen group, the total number of sleeping hours on working days was negatively correlated with WC (r = -0.17; p = 0.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-LDL) (r = -0.21; p = 0.02), and the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (r = -0.19; p = 0.02). ConclusionThe higher prevalence of obesity and the imbalance of the metabolic profile observed in fishermen could be related to occupational factors, including the specific working pattern that influences their sleeping hours and sleeping-waking rhythms.

Deep learning algorithms for the recognition of human movements in work activities

Deep learning algorithms for the recognition of human movements in work activities

MONITORING OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN THE MOSCOW HEALTHCARE SYSTEM

Monitoring of scientific activity is a process of systematic tracking, analysis and evaluation of the activity and results of scientific research, to identify new directions and trends in research, as well as to assess the growth, level of activity and significance of scientific activity in a particular field of knowledge. This paper summarizes and analyzes statistical data for 2023 on publication and patent activity, personnel, directions and topics of research work of participants in the Scientific Program of the Moscow Healthcare Department for 2023-2025, the functions of which are coordinated by the Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management of Moscow Healthcare Department.

Clinical and Humanistic Burden of Non-inhibitor HaemophiliaA in Five European Countries: Insights from the CHESSII Study.

HaemophiliaA (HA) is a congenital bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency/absence of factorVIII (FVIII) and characterised by frequent, acute and prolonged spontaneous or traumatic bleeding events, often leading to haemophilic arthropathy and progressive joint deterioration. HA severity is characterized by endogenous FVIII activity: mild (> 5-40%), moderate (1-5%), or severe (< 1%). HA poses a substantial clinical and socioeconomic burden on people with HA (PWHA), their caregivers, and society. This analysis evaluates clinical and patient-centric outcomes of a cohort of individuals with non-inhibitor HA sampled from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK in the 'Cost of Haemophilia in Europe: A Socioeconomic Survey II' (CHESSII) study. CHESSII was a cross-sectional burden-of-illness study collecting clinical and socioeconomic data on adult (≥ 18years) individuals with haemophiliaA or B of any severity with or without inhibitors from eight European countries. Descriptive analyses were conducted examining physician-reported demographics, clinical and health resource utilisation information. PWHA-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the EQ-5D-5L and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) were also examined. Outcomes were stratified by HA severity and reported at country level. Demographics and clinical characteristics of the cohort (N = 880) were generally consistent across countries. Individuals with severe HA experienced more frequent bleeding events and joint disease despite broad use of factor replacement therapy long-term prophylaxis. A minority of those with mild or moderate HA also experienced such challenges. HRQoL and workforce participation diminished, and chronic pain increased, with increasing HA severity. This analysis provides up-to-date insights on the impact of HA across five European countries. Increasing HA severity was generally associated with worse clinical outcomes, HRQoL and workforce participation. These findings suggest a place for continued evidence-based tailored treatment and clinical management approaches in addressing the residual burden of HA.

Environmental health risk assessment and acute effects of sulfur dioxide (SO2) inhalation exposure on traditional sulfur miners at Ijen Crater Volcano, Indonesia

The Ijen Crater volcano is one of the geological wonders recognized by UNESCO. Inside it is a blue lake with a high acidity level, and a blue fire phenomenon has formed due to the very high concentration of sulfur. This crater is also one of Indonesia's largest sources of sulfur and is used by locals as a traditional sulfur mine. This study aims to measure SO2 concentrations and assess the health risks of SO2 exposure in traditional sulfur mine workers. The SO2 measurements were taken using impingers at six sample points along the mine workers' path. In addition, anthropometric data, work activity patterns, and health complaints during work were collected through direct interviews with 30 respondents selected based on inclusion criteria. Short-Term Health Impact Method was carried out based on a comparison of threshold level values and acute effects obtained from interviews regarding health complaints. The Hazard Question Index (HQ Index) of SO2 exposure was calculated using the health risk assessment method. The SO2 concentrations between 3.14 and 18.24 mg/m3. All sample points were above the quality standard threshold set by the EPA of 1.97 mg/m3. The most common health complaints workers experienced were eye irritation and coughing while working, followed by headache, shortness of breath, and skin irritation. The HQ index of SO2 exposure in workers was 1.02 for real-time exposure and 2.15 for long-term exposure. An HQ index ≥ 1 indicates a potential health risk for workers. Therefore, it is important to control workers' SO2 exposure.

Factors Affecting the Workload of Horticultural Farmers in Agrotourism Areas

Working as a farmer is one type of job that has high risks, judging from the type of activity and the work environment. The work activities of horticultural farmers include preparing land for planting, caring for plants by fertilizing, pulling grass or weeds, spraying pests, and harvesting and processing or handling postharvest fruits. This is not a light job, especially if the land being worked on is quite large and there are so many plants. These cause a high workload on farmers. It is necessary to measure the workload of horticultural farmers in the agro-tourism area. Many factors affect the workload of farmers, such as internal factors and external factors. Internal factors can be influenced by aspects of work (tasks) and work organization. Meanwhile, external factors can be influenced by the working environment of farmers. This workload will also affect the work productivity of farmers. Whether these factors have a dominant effect on influencing the workload of farmers, it is considered necessary to conduct more in-depth research. This type of research includes quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach. The number of samples found with the Lemeshow formula was 33 farmers. Data collection techniques involve the distribution of questionnaires, interviews with farmers, and direct observation. The factors that affect the workload are predicted through questionnaires and direct observation. Workload categories are internal and external workloads. The data obtained in the analysis used inferential statistics, namely, factor analysis. The results of the research analysis concluded that the three components of the dominant factors affecting the workload of horticultural farmers are: (1) type of work, body mass index, and calorie intake; (2) work experience, motivation, income, work posture, lifting, and work duration; and (3) work aids, age, and work environment. It is recommended to conduct further research on things that can reduce the workload of horticultural farmers in agro-tourism areas.

Impacto de la motivación laboral en el desempeño del personal administrativo en home office: un caso de estudio en una empresa comercializadora de plásticos.

In 2020, the world faced a severe health crisis derived from SARS CoV-2, so different social sectors found it necessary to modify and acquire new habits aimed at preserving hygiene and health. Specifically in the workplace, organizations faced situations that forced them to make decisions that significantly changed their usual work style. As a result of this situation, companies implemented different strategies in favor of staff health, one of the most used was the Home Office (working at home), which caused various problems among employees, such as increased stress, lack of communication, poor time management, poor performance, etc. In relation to the above, this research was carried out using a quantitative approach, with the application of a survey to the administrative staff of a company dedicated to the marketing of plastic items, with the purpose of knowing the working conditions of the collaborator. At home, and consequently, propose motivational strategies focused on promoting their performance and well-being at work. The results obtained reflect that the staff did not have spaces suitable for working at home, as well as difficulty communicating and interacting with colleagues, as well as the lack of time organization to carry out their work activities. Finally, recommendations are designed such as the periodic scheduling of effective meetings, discussions; actions that favorably impact the performance of collaborators.