Craft Workers Research Articles

Sociodemographic differences in low back pain: which subgroups of workers are most vulnerable?

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a common health problem in workers that contributes to work disability and reduces quality of life. However, studies examining vulnerable groups in relation to sociodemographic differences in LBP remain scarce. Therefore, the current study investigates which sociodemographic groups of workers are most affected by LBP.MethodsData from the 2018 BIBB/BAuA employment survey were used (N = 16252). Age, education, occupational group, income, working hours, atypical working time, relationship status, and having children were used as sociodemographic predictors. Gender-stratified logistic regression analyses and intersectional classification tree analyses were conducted.ResultsA higher prevalence of LBP was observed for women compared to men. Significant differences in LBP emerged for age, working hours, atypical working time, occupational group and education, with some gender differences in the importance of predictors: Age was a significant predictor mostly in men as compared to women, atypical working hours had a slightly greater effect in women, whereas differences in LBP according to the occupational group were more pronounced for men. Vulnerable groups were found to be women who work in occupations other than professionals or managers, work atypical hours and have an intermediate or low educational level as well as men who work as skilled agricultural workers, craft workers, machine operators, or elementary occupations and are between 35 and 64 years old.ConclusionsThus, workers with certain occupations and lower levels of education, middle-aged men and women with unfavourable working time characteristics are most affected by low back pain. These groups should be focused on to potentially increase healthy working life and prevent work disability.

Analysis of Legal Protection for Unregistered Bamboo Woven Craft Businesses from a Copyright Perspective

This research aims to analyze how legal protection is given to bamboo woven craft businesses whose copyrights have not been registered from a copyright perspective. The problem in this research is related to the existence of a violation of rights committed by other parties who carry out acts of imitation or duplication of woven bamboo crafts in terms of motifs, designs and shapes made by the original owner which are duplicated or imitated by irresponsible parties with the aim of traded without the permission or knowledge of the creator, causing losses to the original creator of the woven bamboo craft. The aim of carrying out this research is to analyze the condition of legal protection for the bamboo woven craft business that occurs in Indonesia. The legal research method used is normative legal research which is carried out by identifying and studying statutory regulations related to Copyright in the issue of providing legal protection in the bamboo woven craft business sector. The approach method used is the legal approach (statue approach) in analyzing existing problems, then the data collected and obtained are processed using qualitative methods. The results of the research are then explained descriptively to provide an overview related to the research results obtained, namely that copyright for works of art and crafts whose copyright ownership has not been registered can still receive legal protection, this is because the copyright of a work attaches automatically to a work created by the creator as long as it has met the requirements as an original work and has been expressed in a concrete form, in which case it has been expressed as a work of woven bamboo craft. However, to obtain stronger legal recognition, bamboo woven works that are developed into bamboo woven craft businesses need to register the copyrighted work.

Social Systems of Flexible Production: Organizational Conditions for the Resurgence of Craft

Abstract Against the background of a growing interest in the resurgence of craft work, this article examines the organizational conditions that characterize craft-based production in contemporary society and how they help to facilitate craft resurgence. The paper identifies three organizational conditions of contemporary craft-based production, relating to the mass market, producing by means of flexible specialization, and using infrastructures. By applying a historical lens, I argue that these organizational conditions have formed into a particular way of organizing craft-based production which is attuned to local and temporal specificities. Therefore, this study builds on a complementary, symbiotic notion of craft which considers industrial manufacture, serial production and digital technologies to be constitutive of craft making. By offering an alternative conceptual framework to grasp the resurgence of craft, this article contributes to the understanding of organizational resilience.

Prevalence of hepatitis A virus among migrant workers in Qatar: A national study.

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is the predominant cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide; however, data on HAV antibody prevalence (seroprevalence) among migrant populations are limited. This study aimed to investigate HAV seroprevalence among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting approximately 60% of the country's population. HAV antibody testing was conducted on stored serum specimens obtained from CMWs during a nationwide severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) population-based cross-sectional survey between July 26 and September 9, 2020. Associations with HAV infection were investigated through regression analyses. Of the 2,607 specimens with HAV antibody test results, 2,393 were positive, and 214 were negative. The estimated HAV seroprevalence among CMWs was 92.0% (95% CI: 90.9-93.1%). HAV seroprevalence was generally high but exhibited some variation, ranging from 70.9% (95% CI: 62.4-78.2%) among Sri Lankans to 99.8% (95% CI: 98.2-99.9%) among Pakistanis. The multivariable regression analysis identified age, nationality, and educational attainment as statistically significant factors associated with HAV infection. Relative to CMWs aged ≤29 years, the adjusted relative risk (ARR) was 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03-1.10) in CMWs aged 30-39 years and reached 1.15 (95% CI: 1.10-1.19) in those aged ≥50 years. In comparison to Indians, the ARR was lower among Sri Lankans, assessed at 0.81 (95% CI: 0.72-0.91), but higher among Nepalese at 1.07 (95% CI: 1.04-1.11), Bangladeshis at 1.10 (95% CI: 1.07-1.13), Pakistanis at 1.12 (95% CI: 1.09-1.15), and Egyptians at 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08-1.23). No evidence for differences was found by geographic location or occupation. HAV seroprevalence among Qatar's CMW population is very high, with over nine out of every ten individuals having been exposed to this infection, likely during childhood.

The Work of Craft in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction: The Lai Xá Photography Village in Vietnam

In Lai Xá Village, Vietnam, studio photography is the village handicraft. Counter to Walter Benjamin’s characterization of the click of a button, privileging eye over hand, but typical of many craft traditions, photographers there describe painstaking apprenticeships through which they learned to master the tools and materials of their craft. They learned to compensate for the shifting properties of light, climate, humidity, and irregular supplies of electricity, chemicals and printing paper, and adapted to changing regimes of technique and labor organization. As in many other craft traditions, apprentices often acquired their most valuable knowledge by stealth. We argue that studio photography belongs within contemporary discussions of craft as a handed, adaptive, engaged, small-scale social practice, and that craft awareness enables a richer ethnographic understanding of the work of studio photographers, both material and social.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among migrant workers in Qatar.

Limited data exist on viral hepatitis among migrant populations. This study investigated the prevalence of current hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and lifetime hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Qatar's migrant craft and manual workers (CMWs), constituting 60% of the country's population. Sera collected during a nationwide COVID-19 population-based cross-sectional survey on CMWs between July 26 and September 9, 2020, underwent testing for HBsAg and HCV antibodies. Reactive samples underwent confirmatory testing, and logistic regression analyses were employed to explore associations with HBV and HCV infections. Among 2528 specimens tested for HBV infection, 15 were reactive, with 8 subsequently confirmed positive. Three samples lacked sufficient sera for confirmatory testing but were included in the analysis through multiple imputations. Prevalence of current HBV infection was 0.4% (95% CI 0.2-0.7%). Educational attainment and occupation were significantly associated with current HBV infection. For HCV infection, out of 2607 specimens tested, 46 were reactive, and 23 were subsequently confirmed positive. Prevalence of lifetime HCV infection was 0.8% (95% CI 0.5-1.2%). Egyptians exhibited the highest prevalence at 6.5% (95% CI 3.1-13.1%), followed by Pakistanis at 3.1% (95% CI 1.1-8.0%). Nationality, geographic location, and occupation were significantly associated with lifetime HCV infection. HBV infection is relatively low among CMWs, while HCV infection falls within the intermediate range, both compared to global and regional levels.

The evolution of craft work in the strategic development of a family enterprise

AbstractResearch SummaryCraft firms characterized by a humanistic approach to work face a tension between adhering to pure craft principles and embracing industrialization. This challenge is heightened in family‐controlled craft firms, striving to uphold tradition while adapting to change. This study examines how craft work evolves along the trajectory of entrepreneurial development through a case study of Thun, a third‐generation family craft firm. We identify a set of mechanisms and four configurations—pure, technical, narrative, and ecosystemic—through which craft work evolves over time. These configurations not only preserve traditions, but also infuse them with entrepreneurial spirit, reinterpretation, and deep innovation. This study contributes to the craft work literature by moving beyond static perspectives and revealing the dynamic interplay between different craft configurations.Managerial SummaryCraft firms, which emphasize a humanistic approach to work, often struggle with the tension between preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing industrialization. Our study of Thun, a third‐generation family craft firm, provides practical insights for managers by identifying a set of mechanisms and four configurations—pure, technical, narrative, and ecosystemic—that show how craft work can evolve over time. Managers can use these configurations to balance tradition and innovation, and inject entrepreneurial spirit into craft processes. Our findings underscore the importance of managing this balance for sustainable competitiveness and fostering an entrepreneurial firm culture that supports both artisanal and industrial production. Our study also provides a practical guide for craft firms seeking to evolve strategically, ensuring the integration of tradition with contemporary entrepreneurial development.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among male craft and manual workers in Qatar

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among male craft and manual workers in Qatar

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among craft and manual workers in Qatar

Seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among craft and manual workers in Qatar

Crafting a ‘senseplace’: the touch, sound and smell of graffiti

ABSTRACT This article explores the senses of touch, sound and smell through the craft work of subcultural graffiti to develop a new understanding of place. It draws from ethnographic data collected from 18 months of research edgework involving active participation in the field. Firstly, it positions graffiti as craft work involving practice, skilled use of tools, insightful judgments and use of the body. Secondly, because graffiti can provoke strong practitioner feelings it explores sensory engagements. In forming this somatic link between the senses and craft work this article reveals how a particular personal consciousness regarding place is produced by an individual practitioner. It then discusses how sensory engagements through graffiti craft practice produce a conceptual reconfiguration of space and this is posited as a senseplace.

Metaphors for multiculturalism in the Canadian context

Abstract Although Canada is reputed for being a multicultural society, Canadians’ opinions vary regarding the extent to which multiculturalism should be promoted. Examining metaphorical language in discourse about multiculturalism may reveal which metaphors are typically used to endorse it and which ones are typically used to express a more skeptical stance. This study analyzed 646 opinion pieces regarding multiculturalism published in Canadian newspapers. Linguistic metaphors were identified and then grouped under themes. The texts were categorized according to the authors’ stance, and instantiations of the metaphor themes were tallied to determine if some occur more frequently in discourse that promotes multiculturalism compared to discourse that expresses reservations. Some metaphor themes were instantiated more often either in texts painting a positive picture of multicultural society (e.g., a multicultural society is a varied, multi-component work of art or craft) or in ones expressing reservations (e.g., multiculturalism is a destabilizing or divisive force). Such contrasts were nonetheless attenuated by the way a single metaphor theme can be used to serve different rhetorical purposes. It also appears that writers are not always aware of the entailments of the metaphors they use, especially if these are conventionalized phrases.

IMPROVEMENT OF CRAFT WORK PRODUCTION THROUGH PROMOTION OF CREATIVITY IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN IMPERATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

This paper discussed the importance of improving craft work production through promoting creativity in entrepreneurship. The problems facing the country which include high rate of poverty; youth and graduate unemployment; and low economic growth among others can be reduced if craftwork production through promoting creativity in entrepreneurship is improved and encouraged. This paper therefore argues that equipping individuals and the nation at large with improved craftwork skills will make them self-reliant and employers of labour. This will go a long way in helping the country achieve the first sustainable development goal of poverty reduction. The different approaches for promoting creativity in the craft world market were discussed. Various ways craft world market can grow to encourage craft work production was therefore recommended among others.

Déjà brew: Has a new generation of craft workers taken over William Morris’s utopian dream?

Déjà brew: Has a new generation of craft workers taken over William Morris’s utopian dream?

TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS OF UTTAR PRADESH

Uttar Pradesh is famous for its art, craft, culture and spirituality form ancient time. It contributes in Indian economy by its art, crafts and culture. Beautiful shapes and colours of Zari Zardozi 's work of Bareilly, Budaun, Kasganj and Lucknow impress common people as well as richest. Ideal of gods and goddesses of Mathura craft are the symbols of Indian ideals, imagination, and sentiments. Due to the dence forest there are plenty of wood in Chitrakoot. Manufacturing of cheap and beautiful wooden toys has been going for thousands of years in Chitrakoot district. Khurja is famous for its white poetry that are the best examples of art and craft. Lucknow is famous for its Chikankari and hand block textile printing. Meenakari jewellery, stone work and silk sarees of Varanasi is well known in India as well as in foreign countries. Agra is famous for its leather work, stone work and engraving. Carpets designs of Bhadoi, handicrafts of Munj grass of Lakhimpur khiri and Prayagraj are marvelous. Brass items of Aligarh and Moradabad are also world famous. Kasganj, Firozabad, Mainpuri, Unnao, Hardoi, Shahjahanpur and Saharanpur are famous for its beautiful art and craft works.

Mortality of older construction and craft workers employed at Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear sites: Follow-up through 2021.

To determine if construction and trades workers formerly employed at US Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear weapons sites are at significant risk for occupational diseases, we studied the mortality experience of participants in the Building Trades National Medical Screening Program (BTMed). The cohort included 26,922 participants enrolled between 1998 and 2021 and 8367 deaths. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated based on US death rates. Cox models compared construction workers (n = 22,747; 7487 deaths) to two nonconstruction subpopulations: administrative, scientific and security workers (n = 1894; 330 deaths), and all other nonconstruction workers (n = 2218; 550 deaths). Mortality was elevated for all causes, all cancers, cancers of the trachea, bronchus, lung, kidneys, and lymphatic and hematopoietic system, mesothelioma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asbestosis, transportation injuries, and other injuries, particularly accidental poisonings. There were 167 deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was lower than expected using US death rates. Overall cause-specific mortality was significantly higher among construction workers than for internal comparison groups. Construction workers employed at DOE sites have a significantly increased risk for occupational illnesses. Apart from COVID-19 deaths, this update: (1) found that mortality among construction workers is significantly elevated compared to the US population and significantly higher than in the internal comparison populations, and (2) confirmed excess risk for these workers for first employment after 1990. Cancer mortality risks are similar to the cancers identified for DOE compensation from radiation exposures. The high lung cancer risk supports the value of early lung cancer detection. Continued medical surveillance is important.

Preserving the Integrity of Li Yu's Craft Aesthetics using the Digital Information Technology

Preserving the integrity of ancient aesthetic works has become a greater matter of concern in the modern digital age. As the internet is streaming with data that are collected from multiple sources, it imposes a severe threat to the integrity and security of the original aesthetic of many craft works. This paper proposes a novel framework that attempts to preserve Li Yu's craft aesthetics, which can be explored from his wide range of literary collections. As the author is popular for his excellence in many art forms like gardening, theatre arts, etc, recreation of his work is a major problem of concern. The framework initially pre-processed the corpus to extract keywords, which are then subjected to a semantic vector to find the closely related as well as differing words. Then, these words are subjected to geometric perturbations to impart versatility to the training phase. The text under screening is fed to the classification phase to find whether it is an altered or modified work of Li Yu, thus isolating the author's work from being reproduced, which greatly affects the aesthetics. As a future extension, the work can be trained with different classifiers to develop a defrauding system.

ОПЫТ РЕКОНСТРУКЦИИ ШВОВ НА СТАРОЛАДОЖСКИХ АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКИХ БЕРЕСТЯНЫХ ТУЕСАХ И КОРОБАХ

The article is devoted to the study and reconstruction of fastening, birch bark bottoms to buildings on tuesa, baskets, boxes based on archaeological finds in Staraya Ladoga, dating from the 9th-10th centuries, and ancient Novgorod, dating from the 11th-15th centuries, stored in the funds of the State Hermitage Museum and the Novgorod State United Museum. The safety of the exhibits makes it possible to analyze the seam systems in detail and give options for their reconstruction. To date, this topic has not been touched upon in the scientific literature. The studied methods of fastening seams of birch bark bottoms for similar products have undergone transformation over the following centuries and with minor changes remained until the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th centuries in the craft work of craftsmen in Latvia and Estonia. The continuity of technological solutions from the masters of the 9th-15th to the masters of the 19th-20th centuries is becoming obvious.

Learning Crafts to Support the Creativity of Elementary School

Until now, there are still many elementary school students who do not know the true meaning of a work of art. Students who do not know the actual work of art will make it difficult for them to understand how the purpose of a work of art was created. Apart from knowing the purpose of creating a work of art, students will also be more creative and innovative in creating a work of art. Teachers play an important role in implementing fine arts learning for students. Because the teacher is the one who will teach art learning to students. Starting from explaining the meaning of craft art, its types, and even the practice of making craft art. This article attempts to explain the meaning of fine art from several existing sources, both writing and images. Not only understanding, learning about crafts is also presented in a simple way so that students can understand well the making of a work. So that they will create work that is very valuable for them, both in terms of aesthetic value and in terms of use value. It can be concluded that developing creativity in elementary school students through making craft works of art is very important. Teachers must be able to guide them in developing creativity and must also be appropriate to the abilities, interests and needs of each student. The author's hope is that students can develop their talents and creativity and also that they can understand the meaning of a work of art that is created and the purpose of making that work of art. For teachers or prospective teachers, this article will make it easier for elementary school students to learn craft arts.

A study about how to describe the work of teachers: craft workers, executive technicians or professional technicians

The definition of teacher identity is significant for the professional development and teaching methods used by teachers. In reality, teachers most of the time play more than one role. This study analyzes the three roles of teachers as craft workers, executive technicians and professional technicians. The result shows that the combination of executive technicians and professional technicians is currently the most suitable model in China. More efforts should be put on how to more effectively promote the teaching of teachers and improve the quality of education, which is the point that all teachers in any category should consider.

What is ‘Neo-Craft’ Work, and Why it Matters

Existing research has highlighted a global return into fashion of craft work in the new century. Within this context, the term ‘neo-craft’ work has been used to identify innovative craft work practices characterized by an aura of ‘coolness’, which promise a less alienated form of work; yet, the specific contours of this new form of work remain uncertain. In this article we develop a theoretical conceptualization of neo-craft work. We define it as an emergent form of post-industrial craft work whereby work that was previously considered low-status, or performed by the working class, is: (a) ‘resignified’ into status-producing activity through the integration of craft practices and values; and (b) conferred new meaningfulness as the outcome of a specific process of discursive materiality, by which the intra-action of discursive and material practices provides meaning to work activity. Neo-craft work, we contend, finds roots in the cultural milieu of hipster culture, where extenuating cultural negotiations around authenticity and ‘the particular’ constitute the baseline for a quest for social status based on practices of ‘marginal distinction’, and sets itself as an alternative not only to industrial work but, primarily, to the precarious, low-paid or otherwise unsatisfactory ‘bullshit jobs’ of the knowledge and creative economy.