Cumulative Work Research Articles

Histological Peripheral Margins and Recurrence of Melanoma In Situ Treated with Wide Local Excision.

Background The incidence of melanoma in situ (MIS) is increasing faster compared to invasive melanoma. Despite varying international practice, a minimum of 5 mm surgical excision margin is currently recommended in the UK. There is no clear guidance on the minimum histological peripheral clearance margins. Aim This study compares the histological peripheral clearance margins of MIS using wide local excision (WLE) to the rate of recurrence and progression to invasive disease. Methods A retrospective single-center review was performed over a 5-year period. Inclusion criteria consisted of MIS diagnosis, ≥16 years of age, and treatment with WLE with curative intent. Those patients with a recurrence of a previous MIS or with a reported focus of invasion/regression were also included. Clinicopathological data and follow-up were recorded. Results 167 MIS were identified in 155 patients, 80% of which were lentigo maligna subtype. Of patients with completely excised MIS on histology (>0 mm), 9% had recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 36 months. Three (1.8%) cases recurred as invasive disease. Age, MIS site, MIS subtype, and histological evidence of foci of invasion/regression did not predict recurrence nor progression to invasive disease (p > 0.05). The recurrence rate of MIS with a histological excision margin ≤3.0 mm was 13% compared to 3% in those with histology margins of >3.0 mm (p=0.049). Conclusion A histological peripheral clearance of at least 3.0 mm is advocated to achieve lower recurrence rates. The follow-up duration should be reviewed due to the median recurrence occurring at 36 months in our cohort. Cumulative work on MIS needs to be collated and completed in a large multicenter study with a long follow-up period.

Self-reported treatment burden in patients with atrial fibrillation: quantification, major determinants, and implications for integrated holistic management of the arrhythmia.

Treatment burden (TB) refers to self-perceived cumulative work patients do to manage their health. Using validated tools, TB has been documented in several chronic conditions, but not atrial fibrillation (AF). We measured TB and analysed its determinants and impact on quality of life (QoL) in an AF cohort. A single-centre study prospectively included consecutive adult AF patients and non-AF controls managed from 1 April to 21 June 2019, who voluntarily and anonymously answered the TB questionnaire (TBQ) and 5-item EQ-5D QoL questionnaire; TB was calculated as a sum of TBQ points (maximum 170) and expressed as proportion of the maximum value. Of 514 participants, 331 (64.4%) had AF. The mean self-reported TB was 27.6% among AF patients and 24.3% among controls, P = 0.011. The mean TB was significantly higher in patients taking vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) vs. those taking non-VKA antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOAC; 29.5% vs. 24.7%, P = 0.006). The highest item-specific TB was reported for healthcare system organization-related items (e.g. visit appointment), diet, and physical activity modifications. On multivariable analyses, female sex, younger age, and permanent AF were associated with a higher TB, whereas NOACs and electrical AF cardioversion exhibited an inverse association; TB was an independent predictor of decreased QoL (all P < 0.05). Our study provided clinically relevant insights into self-perceived TB among AF patients. Approximately one in four patients with AF have a high TB. Specific AF treatments and optimization of healthcare system-required patient activities may reduce the self-perceived TB in AF patients.

“A Number of Beginnings”: The n Phases of Utopian Genres

This essay honors Lyman Tower Sargent's cumulative work on utopian genres by offering a brief provocation about genre in general. Beneath the evolving faces of utopianism, it proposes that we focus on a different aspect of genre: the indeterminate number n of embodied labors at particular sites and times where people applied the conceptual and material tools at hand to the work of interacting with particular aspects of lived experience. It argues that much of the work of genre—the work of genre deploying, genre undoing, genre becoming, or genre aspiring to become—happens at unique sites of labor, past, present, and future. Following McKenzie Wark, it refers to this as a labor point of view toward genre.

Optimal stopping problems for mission oriented systems considering time redundancy

Catastrophic failures of safety-critical systems could result in irretrievable economic losses and damage. To enhance the survivability of safety-critical systems, a mission can be terminated if the failure risk becomes too high. Time redundancy can be commonly observed in many practical systems where missions can be executed multiple times during a constrained time to improve the mission reliability. This paper investigates the optimal mission abort policies for systems with continuous degradation considering two types of time redundancy. Under type I time redundancy, the system should keep operational continuously for a time period greater than a specific value. In the second case, mission success requires that the cumulative working time should be greater than the given value. Dynamic mission abort decisions are considered based on the degradation level and mission attempts. Mission reliability and system survivability are derived under two types of time redundancy. The optimal mission abort threshold in each attempt is investigated to minimize the expected total cost of mission failure and system failure. A case study is presented to illustrate the obtained results.

The global politics of the age–gender divide in violence against women and children

ABSTRACT Decades of collective and cumulative work by practitioners, activists and researchers have made violence prevention an important part of international development agendas. However, violence prevention and response work addressing women and children has historically been siloed. Those working at the intersection of violence against women (VaW) and violence against children (VaC) have wrestled with the age–gender divide. Addressing the historical and political influences that underpin this divide will likely enhance progress towards more integrated strategies. This paper examines the origins and development of this polarisation and potential strategies for a more coordinated and collaborative agenda. This paper draws on the insights gained from eleven (11) semi-structured interviews conducted with key violence prevention actors in VaW and VaC from across the globe, alongside relevant published literature. Informants were purposively sampled on the basis of their expertise in the field. Findings reveal key differences and tensions between the two fields, including in collection and use of research and evidence, core conceptual frameworks, and the development, funding and implementation of policy and practice. Potential opportunities for future synergies between the two fields are highlighted, particularly through a focus on the adolescent girl.

Monitoring innovation in education to improve education policies and outcomes in OECD countries

Developing the ability to measure innovation as well as its drivers and effects is a first step to refining innovation policies and understanding how innovation can be used to improve education. Developing metrics also aims to set the basis for cumulative work on educational innovation and innovation policy in education by providing countries with indicators that can be regularly updated over time. The paper shows how this could draw on existing efforts in other sectors than education, then presents a recent measurement attempt at the international level using existing international education databases (TIMSS, PIRLS and PISA). After defining innovation and presenting the methodology, the paper shows where process innovation lay in education in Italy and in OECD countries. The conclusion highlights the link between innovation and improvement and notes some of the limitations of the current approaches.

Journey towards E-Learning in Pakistan: A Systematic Review

The 21st century has witnessed the advent of Information and communication technology (ICT) as an imperative medium of education to refurbish education by means of efficient, effective and latest way i.e. e-learning. The intention of introducing e-learning in modern world is to open innovation vistas of learning in education and replacing face to face traditional classrooms. Consequently, researches are becoming progressively more interested to observe the proliferation of e-learning across the country. This review intends to present information of the various findings regarding cumulative research work in the domain of e-learning so far. Reviews of nearly 70 articles published in electronic journals in Pakistan and are recognized by HEC during the time period of 2010-2019. The analysis of documented researches reveal that majority of the research literature related to e-learning during early 2010 to late 2014 were primarily focused on computer usage, implementation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and adoption of e-learning models using research designs such as descriptive, survey and mixed method research whereas the trend shifted towards distance education and e-learning after this time period. The literature review witnessed many researches during 2015 and 2016 after the growing interest of students towards this mode of education. However, the researchers have started giving immense importance to e-learning as the researches begin to publish in social sciences literature in Pakistan during 2017. As far as 2018-2019 is concerned, the relevance and reliance on e-learning have augmented as compared to past because e-learning has broadened its roots and scope whereas researchers show continued interest in this field.

Differences In Quadriceps Muscle Endurance Between Healthy Males And Females

Muscle endurance is critical for many sports, but is rarely assessed. Previous work has used a sustained contraction to measure muscle endurance, finding that females have greater endurance than males. However, a sustained contraction results in greater ischemia and is driven by peak strength. Thus, new clinical assessments of muscle endurance that overcome this challenge are needed. PURPOSE: To evaluate quadriceps endurance between healthy males and females, and compare quadriceps endurance to quadriceps strength. METHODS: 19 healthy subjects (10 M, 26.8 ± 7.6 y; 77.6 ± 12.2 kg; 9 F, 23.8 ± 7.3 y; 60.4 ± 6.2 kg; Tegner 7.0 ± 0.9) participated in this study. Leg dominance was self-reported. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and endurance were assessed at 90° of flexion on a Biodex dynamometer. Endurance was assessed via 5-second contractions followed by 3-second rests at a target of 70% MVIC. Once the subject’s torque output fell below 50% of the target for 3 repetitions, the test was completed. Endurance was calculated as the area under the torque curve summed across repetitions. Independent t-tests compared differences between males and females. Pearson product moment correlation coefficients assessed the relationship between quadriceps strength and endurance. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in peak isometric strength normalized to body weight (M: 2.6 ± 0.6 Nm/kg, F: 2.6 ± 0.5 Nm/kg), nor was there a relationship between cumulative work and peak strength (p = 0.85, r = -0.05), age (p = 0.22, r = 0.30) or bodyweight (p = 0.31, r = 0.25). Males displayed greater cumulative work than females (M: 242.9 ± 127.3 Nm*s/kg, F: 142.9 ± 71.6 Nm*s/kg, p = 0.05). Both males and females showed significantly greater endurance in the dominant limb (Dominant: 194.9 ± 114.3; Non-dominant: 122.2 ± 55.3; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The muscle endurance test was not influenced by strength, age, or bodyweight. However, we did find significant differences in limb dominance which could be due to greater use of the dominant limb. In contrast to prior studies, males had greater endurance. We speculate that this could be due to differences in how the muscle reperfuses during rest periods. Future work should assess if these differences carry over after injury and evaluate the physiological determinants for the observed differences.

Inspiratory Muscle Fatigue Is Not Different In Response To Long Vs. Short-duration High-intensity Exercise

Maximal isokinetic power (PISO) at the limit of short duration (<6 min) high-intensity constant-power exercise (TlimSHORT) is not different from task power. Conversely, PISO at the limit of long duration (>7 min) high-intensity constant-power exercise (TlimLONG) exceeds task power. This suggests that while TlimSHORT is predominantly limited by locomotor neuromuscular fatigue, other physiological mechanisms contribute to exercise limitation in TlimLONG. One possibility for this difference in the mechanism of exercise intolerance is that the severity of exercise-induced inspiratory muscle fatigue is greater in TlimLONG vs. TlimSHORT due to a larger cumulative work of breathing in the longer-duration task. PURPOSE: To determine whether the magnitude of exercise-induced inspiratory muscle fatigue is greater in TlimLONG vs. TlimSHORT. METHODS: Ten healthy adults (3 females; 25 ± 3 yr) completed a maximal ramp-sprint test (RIT) to determine critical power (CP), V̇O2peak and peak ramp power (RITpeak). Maximal constant-power exercise was then performed at 1) 50% (TlimSHORT), and 2) 25 % (TlimLONG) of the difference between CP and RITpeak. PISO (6 s effort at 80 r/min) was measured at intolerance. Inspiratory muscle fatigue was assessed as the pre- to post-test reduction in magnetically evoked transdiaphragmatic (Pditw) twitch pressure. RESULTS: TlimLONG was longer than TlimSHORT (10.3 ± 2.6 vs. 5.2 ± 1.1 min; P < 0.001), but V̇O2peak was not different between tests (3.7 ± 0.8 vs. 3.7 ± 0.8 L/min; P > 0.05). PISO at intolerance was not different from task power in TlimSHORT (294 ± 101 vs. 241 ± 58 W; P = 0.11). Conversely, PISO at intolerance was greater than task power in TlimLONG (341 ± 106 vs. 215 ± 53 W; P = 0.008). Cumulative diaphragm pressure-time product was higher in TlimLONG vs. TlimSHORT (5945 ± 1956 vs. 2729 ± 1004 cmH2O/s; P < 0.001). Both TlimLONG and TlimSHORT induced a reduction in Pditw (-15 ± 13% vs. -19 ± 13%, respectively; P < 0.05). However, the magnitude of exercise-induced inspiratory muscle fatigue was not different between tests (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite PISO at intolerance being greater than task power in TlimLONG but not TlimSHORT, inspiratory muscle fatigue was not different between tests and therefore may not contribute to differences in exercise limitation in TlimLONG vs. TlimSHORT.

Work-Related Risk Factors of Knee Meniscal Tears in Korean Farmers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BackgroundMeniscal tears are among the major risk factors for knee osteoarthritis progression. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between meniscal tears and work-related factors in the farming occupation.MethodsThe participants included 486 farmers (238 men and 248 women), aged 40–69 years, who were among the 550 farmers registered in the Korea Farmer's Knee Cohort (KFKC). Data such as those on gender, age, body mass index (BMI), mechanical axis, cumulative heavy-lifting working time (CLWT), cumulative squatting working time (CSWT), and previous knee injury history were collected from the questionnaire, along with whole leg radiographic findings. Two radiologists assessed the magnetic resonance images of both knees to confirm the presence of meniscal tears. The factors related to meniscal tears were analyzed by multiple logistic regression.ResultsA total of 54.5% of the farmers (48.7% of men and 60.1% of women) had meniscal tears. These tears were associated with gender, age, and BMI. We also identified an association between meniscal tears and CSWT, an especially important factor in farming [10,000–19,999 working hours, odds ratio = 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14-4.07, ≥20,000 working hours, odds ratio = 2.35, 1.45-3.80]. However, mechanical axis, knee injury history, and CLWT were not significantly related to meniscal tears.ConclusionThis study's findings show that squatting for long periods, as an occupational factor, is related to meniscal tears.

Frailty affects employment outcomes in patients with schizophrenia in noncompetitive employment: A 4-year longitudinal study

ObjectivesEmployment status is considered a crucial predictor of improved functioning for patients with psychotic disorders. Frailty affects not only physical well-being but also employment outcomes, but few studies have explored the association between frailty and employment outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. This study is a longitudinal follow-up study that aimed to determine whether frailty is associated with employment outcomes in schizophrenia. MethodsAll 561 stable patients with schizophrenia in a therapeutic community in Taiwan were recruited. Employment outcomes, defined as the cumulative annual work duration (months per year) and income (USD per year), were investigated repeatedly at the end of 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year follow-ups after enrollment. Generalized estimating equation models were constructed to determine the association between frailty and employment outcomes after controlling for variables, including age, sex, education, antipsychotic medication and daily dose, cognitive function, instrumental activities of daily living, medical comorbidity, and initial employment state at the beginning year. ResultsThe average age was 53.78 years, and 64.7% were men. Among them, 57 patients (10.2%) met the frailty criteria at the baseline. After controlling for other factors, we found that patients with frailty were employed 1.01 month less (p = 0.004) and earned 17.2 USD less (p = 0.029) per year than those without frailty. ConclusionsFrailty may reduce duration of employment and income for patients with schizophrenia. The biopsychosocial care model for these patients should include development of strategies to prevent or reverse preexisting frailty to improve and preserve employment outcomes.

Three Generations Micro-Allying Steel Processing: Thirty Years of Successive Work at CMRDI

The present article presents cumulative works, which were carried out in the field of micro-alloying steel processing at Central Metallurgical R&amp;D Institute (CMRDI) and/or full scale trials in collaboration with the Egyptian steel industry.It was agreed upon defining three main generations of processing micro-alloying steel. The 1stgeneration starts officially on 1975 and continues up to 1995, where it deals with using Ti and V as micro-alloying elements for steel long products. On the year 1985, Central Metallurgical R&amp;D Institute (CMRDI) succeeded to implement of HSLA V-micro-alloyed rebar steel grades at Delta steel mills instead of conventional rebar grades.The 2nd generation was starting on late 1995 and continued to 2005. It was dealing mainly with low carbon content steel (0.04-0.08 %) for flat products (plate and sheet). The most successfully used micro-alloying element was Nb. Beside its precipitate forming effect, Nb is working as substitution solid solution strengthener. Moreover, it raises the recrystallization temperature (Tr). Mainly, micro-alloyed flat steels were developed to fulfill the requirements of the American Petroleum Institute (API) specifications 5L- Product Specification Levels (PSL1) and (PSL2) for manufacturing oil and natural gas pipelines. Meanwhile, a newly born Compact Slab Processing (CSP)-hot strip direct rolling technology was created. On years 2002, the metal forming department in CMRDI succeeded to implement controlled rolling of hot strip Nb-steel sheet at the Compact Slab Process (CSP) Machine in Alexandria National Iron and Steel (ANSDK) Company. Controlled hot rolling schedules were used and followed by early and late cooling at the run out table (ROT). Both contracts were fruitfully succeeded to introduce the API X52 grade at ANSDK Company, followed by X60, and X70 steel grades at Ezz Flat Steel (EFS) Company. The essential mechanical properties of the processed API steel sheets were matched with the API 5L-PSL2 specifications.The 3rd generation was initially developed after 2005 and continued up to day. It deals with micro-alloying with special functional elements like Boron (B). Boron was favored as a micro-alloying element for bilateral effects. Boron carbide (B4C) precipitates are the hardest after diamond, which would be reflected on raising the mechanical properties of the steel. Moreover, Boron was favorably used because it delays the temper embrittlement phenomena. On year 2014, the National for Military Industrialization authority requested from CMRDI to collaborate with Military Factory 100 to develop a technology package for processing armor steel plates. Trials were started with a 3rd generation B-micro-alloyed steel alloy. Many other alloying elements were used beside Boron to develop extra high strength 6.0 mm thickness plates. Finish hot rolled plates were then subjected to a subsequent water quenching from 900 °C and followed by tempering at 250 °C for 20 min. Representation 50X50 cm2 steel plates were successfully passed after 3 bullets in front and 3 bullets rear shooting.

Reference-Dependent Preferences and the Labor Supply of Chinese Drivers

This paper takes a comprehensive study of taxi drivers’ labor supply behavior using a new dataset of taxi drivers from China. We find strong evidence that the working hours of drivers are negatively related to the hourly rates, and this effect is both statistically and economically significant. We then conduct a discrete-choice model, showing that the probability of stopping keeps increasing as cumulative working hours increase, but the probability of stopping first increases and then decreases as the cumulative fare increases. Lastly, we use the asymmetric model with the income target and working hour target as dummy variables, and the probability of stopping is significantly positively related to income target but shows no significant relation with cumulative fare.

Work-related factors of knee osteoarthritis in Korean farmers: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported a high prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee among agricultural workers. We investigated work-related factors that increase the risk of knee OA among Korean farmers.MethodsData were extracted from the Jeonnam Center for Farmer's Safety and Health survey, conducted between 2013 and 2015. The sample included 489 farmers (man 240, woman 249). We defined knee OA as radiographic knee OA (≥ Kellgren-Lawrence grade 2) with symptoms (≥ Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis, Korean version score 29.5). We considered covariates such as cumulative squatting working time (CSWT), cumulative heavy lifting working time (CLWT), body mass index (BMI), and history of knee injury. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for knee OA and adjusted for relevant covariates.ResultsThe results of multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that knee OA was correlated by factors such as sex, age, BMI, history of knee injury, CSWT, and CLWT. Particularly, CSWT > 20,000 hours (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.35–5.92; reference < 10,000 hours) and CLWT > 5,000 hours (OR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.14–6.06; reference < 2,000 hours) were associated with an increased risk of knee OA after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionsSquatting posture and heavy lifting associated with farm work might increase the risk of knee OA among Korean farmers.

Factors related to femoral bowing among Korean female farmers: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundFemale farmers have a high prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) in South Korea. Femoral bowing has been reported to be related to KOA by increasing load on the mechanical axis. This study aimed to investigate factors related to femoral bowing in Korean female farmers.MethodsWe analyzed the legs of 264 female farmers registered with the Korea farmers' knee cohort of Jeonnam Center for Farmers' Safety and Health. A structured questionnaire was used to determine sociodemographic variables, agricultural career, cumulative squatting working time (CSWT), and cumulative heavy lifting working time. Femoral bone density was measured and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grades were obtained from the knee radiographs. Mechanical axis angle (MAA), femoral bowing angle (FBA), anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), anatomical medial proximal tibial angle (aMPTA), and condylar-plateau angle (CPA) were measured. We examined the relationship between the FBA and related factors by using multiple linear regression.ResultsThe proportion of individuals with radiographic KOA (≥ KL grade 2) in this study was 37.9%. As KL grades increased, MAA, FBA, and CPA increased, whereas aLDFA and aMPTA decreased. FBA increased with age. Multiple linear regression analyses using FBA as a dependent variable showed relationship with higher age, lower height, higher BMI, lower bone mineral density, longer CSWT, and longer agricultural careers.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that external factors related to agricultural work in female farmers was associated with femoral bowing, in addition to internal factors such as age, bone density, height, and obesity.

Cumulative risk, teacher-child closeness, executive function and early academic skills in kindergarten children

We tested the role of teacher-child closeness in moderating the associations between early childhood adversity, measured as a cumulative risk index, and child outcomes during the kindergarten year. Using the ECLSK:11, a national dataset of kindergarteners in the 2010–11 academic year, we examined three dimensions of executive function (cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, working memory), as well as early reading and math scores, as key skills that facilitate the transition to school. Cumulative risk was negatively associated with all outcomes, and teacher-child closeness was positively associated with all outcomes. Teacher-child closeness moderated the relation between cumulative risk and working memory and cumulative risk and reading scores in a protective manner, but not cognitive flexibility, inhibitory control, or math scores. Implications for research in early childhood adversity and education are discussed.

P4700Work during treadmill rehabilitation predicts clinical benefit and muscle mitochondrial improvements in intermittent claudication

Abstract Background Supervised exercise training is recommended for intermittent claudication in peripheral artery disease (PAD), but the relationship between work achieved during exercise and clinical outcomes is not well described. As in other training modalities, increased effort measured by cumulative work production is expected to be translate into to positive performance adaptations. In settings of constrained limb blood flow, this relationship is unknown. In addition, the impact of exercise on skeletal muscle oxygen use capacity changes is unknown. Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers a method of characterizing skeletal muscle mitochondrial adaptations before and after training programs. Methods We enrolled subjects (n=17, age 71±8.8 years, 20% female) with PAD and intermittent claudication (ankle brachial index [ABI]=0.76±0.21) in a 12-week supervised training program, randomized to traditional pain-based training strategy versus hypoxia-based training (using NIRS to direct training). Muscle work was calculated based on training performance. NIRS-based determination of mitochondrial capacity and microvascular flow were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results Subjects trained for an average of 32.9±5.9 sessions walking at 54.4±13.4 m/min per session. Subjects achieved a mean of average workload of 4767±5112 kilogram force meter (kpm) per session and an aggregate of 148536±148020 kpm for the training program. Baseline pain-free walking time of 2.95±2.10 minutes increased by a mean of 3.74±2.47 minutes. Increase in walking time was proportional to the average work level achieved per session, with a correlating trend to the overall work level performed over 12 weeks (r=0.543, p=0.024). There was no increase in blood flow measured by ABI or limb microcirculation perfusion index over the training period. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial capacity increased over the training period and correlated with the overall work performed (r=0.573, p=0.016). Figure 1 Conclusions Treadmill exercise rehabilitation for intermittent claudication may be guided by total dose of exercise and NIRS-based indices of mitochondrial capacity rather than pain-levels achieved or changes in perfusion measures. Acknowledgement/Funding American Heart Association

Cumulative Works of Cardiac Arrest from Chronic Periodontitis using Artificial Intelligence

Cardiac arrest is triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart and its pumping action is disrupted. Periodontal diseaseis an inflammatory disease of tissues that hold the teeth wherein, there is gradual destruction of tissues and subsequent loss of teeth. These two are interrelated and here, prediction is to prevent the disease occurrence in advance before it arise and create treatment strategies for future prevention of the disease.Prediction of cardiac arrest from periodontal dental disease is done using Artificial intelligence in cloud. Artificial intelligence is the “study and design of intelligent agents” where an intelligent agent is a system that perceives its surroundings and adapts to make the best probable action to Maximise the probability of success.. This paper highlights latest studies regarding implemented techniques such as diagnosis of Periodontal Dental Disease for all age group people, smokers and drunken people, risk assessment of periodontal dental disease for all age group people, heart disease prediction system, and heart rate monitoring using emotional intelligence.

Incident command post exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and particulate matter during a wildfire

Wildland firefighters engaged in fire suppression activities are often exposed to hazardous air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and particulate matter (PM2.5) during wildfires with no respiratory protection. Although the most significant exposures to smoke likely occur on the fireline, wildland firefighters may also be exposed at the incident command post (ICP), an area designated for wildfire suppression support operations. Our objective was to characterize exposures of PAHs and PM2.5 near an ICP during a wildfire event in California. We collected area air samples for PAHs and PM2.5, during the first 12 days of a wildfire event. PAH area air samples were actively collected in 12-hr shifts (day and night) using XAD4-coated quartz fiber filters and XAD2 sorbent tubes and analyzed for 17 individual PAHs. Hourly area PM2.5 concentrations were measured with an Environmental Beta Attenuation Monitor. Most PAH concentrations generally had similar concentrations during the day and night. PM2.5 concentrations were higher during the day, due to increased fire activity, than at night. The highest concentrations of the 17 PAHs measured were for naphthalene, phenanthrene, and retene. The location of an ICP may be a critical factor in reducing these potential exposures to firefighters during wildfire events. Additionally, exposures could be reduced by utilizing clean air tents or sleeping trailers with HEPA filtration or setting up smaller camps in less smokey areas closer to the fireline for firefighters. Although measured exposures to PAHs for firefighters from smoke are lower at an ICP, these exposures still contribute to the overall cumulative work exposures.

Occupational lifting predicts hospital admission due to low back pain in a cohort of airport baggage handlers

PurposeTo examine if occupational lifting assessed as cumulative years as a baggage handler is associated with first-time hospital diagnosis or treatment for low back disorders.MethodsThis study is based on the Copenhagen Airport Cohort consisting of male baggage handlers performing heavy lifting every day and a reference group of unskilled men from the greater Copenhagen area during the period 1990–2012. We followed the cohort in the National Patient Register and Civil Registration System to obtain information on diagnoses, surgery, mortality, and migration. The outcomes were first-time hospital diagnosis or surgery for (1) lumbar disc herniation or (2) low back pain (LBP).ResultsBaggage handlers (N = 3473) had a higher incidence rate of LBP, but not of lumbar disc herniation, compared to the reference group (N = 65,702). Baggage handlers with longer employment had a higher incidence of LBP compared to baggage handlers with shorter employment. The linear association of cumulative years as a baggage handler on LBP was significantly increased with an incidence rate ratio of 1.16 (95% CI 1.07–1.25) for a 5-year increase of employment as baggage handler.ConclusionsIn this large cohort study, we found an increased incidence of LBP among baggage handlers compared to the reference group with indications of a dose–response relationship between years of employment and the outcome. For baggage handlers working on the apron, the incidence was particularly increased before introduction of technical lifting equipment, suggesting that preventive measures to reduce cumulative work load may have a positive effect.