Current Workers Research Articles

Association between Spirometric Parameters and Depressive Symptoms in New Mexico Uranium Workers

Uranium workers are at risk of developing lung disease, characterized by low forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and/or forced vital capacity (FVC). Previous studies have found an association between decreased lung function and depressive symptoms in patients with pulmonary pathologies, but this association has not been well examined in occupational cohorts, especially uranium workers. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between spirometric measures and depressive symptoms in a sample of elderly former uranium workers screened by the New Mexico Radiation Exposure Screening & Education Program (NM-RESEP). Race- and ethnicity-specific reference equations were used to determine predicted spirometric indices (predictor variable). At least one depressive symptom [depressed mood and/or anhedonia, as determined by a modified Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2)], was the outcome variables. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression models were used for statistical analyses. At least one depressive symptom was self-reported by 7.6% of uranium workers. Depressed mood was reported over twice as much as anhedonia (7.2% versus 3.3%). Abnormal FVC was associated with at least one depressive symptom after adjustment for covariates. There was no significant interaction between race/ethnicity and spirometric indices on depressive symptoms. Although depressive symptoms are uncommonly reported in uranium workers, they are an important comorbidity due to their overall clinical impact. Abnormal FVC was associated with depressive symptoms. Race/ethnicity was not found to be an effect modifier for the association between abnormal FVC and depressive symptoms. To better understand the mechanism underlying this association and determine if a causal relationship exists between spirometric indices and depressive symptoms in occupational populations at risk for developing lung disease, larger longitudinal studies are required. We recommend screening for depressive symptoms for current and former uranium workers as part of routine health surveillance of this occupational cohort. Such screening may help overcome workers' reluctance to self-report and seek treatment for depression and may avoid negative consequences to health and safety from missed diagnoses.

Risk assessment of inhaled diacetyl from electronic cigarette use among teens and adults

Diacetyl (C4H6O2) is a toxicant commonly found in electronic cigarettes (e-Cigs) as a flavoring component and an enhancer of e-juices. Lung injury in current and former workers in popcorn manufacturing suggests a possible association with diacetyl inhalation exposure. Although the number of e-Cig users continues to rise steadily among the teens and adults, the potential risk of pulmonary disease has not been characterized. A systematic review of the open literature identified bronchiolitis obliterans—a pathological inflammation resulting in fibrosis of the bronchioles leading to an irreversible limitation to airflow in lungs—as the primary outcome of diacetyl exposures. Following the deterministic United States National Research Council/Environmental Protection Agency's risk assessment framework, that consists of four key steps: hazard identification, dose-response assessment, exposure assessment and risk characterization, we estimated noncarcinogenic (systemic) risks using a Hazard Quotient (HQ) approach upon exposure to diacetyl among teens and adults who use e-Cigs. Based on the NIOSH Benchmark Dose (BMD; 0.0175 mg/kg-day) and modelled Average Daily Doses (ADDs; range 0.11–5.2 mg/kg-day), we estimated 12 different HQ values—a measure of non-carcinogenic risk for diacetyl inhalation exposures—all of which were greater than 1 (range 6.2875–297.1429), suggesting a significantly higher non-carcinogenic risk from diacetyl exposures among the teens and adults who use e-Cigs. These results underscore the need to regulate e-Cigs to protect teens and adults from diacetyl exposures and risk of developing lung injuries, including bronchiolitis obliterans.

STEM Knowledge in Non-STEM Occupations: Implications for Community Colleges

ABSTRACT The U.S. faces increasing demand for STEM knowledge, contributing to enhanced products, improved health care, more efficient energy sources, a preserved environment, safeguarded national security, and economic growth. In addition, high-paying occupations increasingly require STEM knowledge, and in non-STEM occupations, workers increasingly need STEM knowledge for workplace success and earn significantly more than those without such knowledge. Community colleges supply a major portion of STEM education to the current and future workforce, and researchers have examined the role of community colleges in preparing current and future workers with for STEM occupations but less so for non-STEM occupations. The current study examined STEM knowledge in non-STEM occupations in the U.S. Using data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the findings included 19 major groups of non-STEM occupations and 15 STEM knowledge areas in non-STEM occupations. The study further found higher levels of STEM knowledge associated with higher wages for select areas and, using O*NET benchmark standards, identified the levels of STEM knowledge required in non-STEM occupations.

The Impact of the Chilean Pension Reforms on the Savings Rate

Public pensions can be positive for income redistribution, but lower incentives for private savings. Estimating a life cycle model with the Expenditures Survey I find that households consume a significant fraction of their noncontributory pension wealth, implying a tradeoff between improving public pensions and increasing savings. Counterfactual simulations show that the two pension withdrawals of 2020 may decrease the future savings rate by 0.7%. Furthermore, policy reforms may decrease the aggregate savings rate by 0.3% for each percentage point of solidarity rate tax from current workers. The solidarity taxes increase substantially the pension income of poor retirees, but their effects decline over time.

The Correct Form of Testamentary Disposition for Health Workers and Covid-19 Patients in Quarantine

Indonesia has a relatively high Covid-19 death rate. Many people face the risk of death due to Covid-19. They are, among others, health workers and Covid-19 patients. They need to prepare for the worst. For instance, they may need to make a will. During the pandemic, there is no standard guideline to dispose a will for health workers and Covid-19 patients in quarantine. Based on the current pandemic situation, health workers and Covid-19 patients are parties who need to write legal wills in the form of testamentary disposition considering the risk they face and their limited circumstances. The pandemic situation does not enable them to make testamentary disposition properly before a notary public. This study covers the problems of health workers and Covid-19 patients in making testamentary disposition in quarantine. Health workers and Covid-19 patients must be isolated from the public to avoid the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Surely, the situation avoids them to see public notary. In accordance with the situation, it is necessary to have a form of an appropriate testamentary disposition without the presence of a notary public. The study employed a normative juridical method with statutory and case approaches.

Stability of economy of the organizations under the conditions of modern economic environment

The article is devoted to the author’s approach to the formation of indicators of the sustainability of the economy of organizations. The developed approach holds the attention focused on its classical understanding, modified for the modern entrepreneurial era, based on the environment of organizations’ activities, a term of internal (interpolation) and external (extrapolation) factors that form their costs, determine the financial result and its efficiency, on which the prospective financial benefit. The study considered the selected resulting and factor indicators of the sustainability of the economy of organizations: the efficiency and cost of activities, changes in their results and costs under the influence of qualitative (profitability, profitability, expense) and quantitative (income, profit, costs) parameters of activity in dynamics. The construction of these dependencies between the selected combination of the resulting and factor indicators of the stability of the economy of organizations is carried out through the union of differentiated by types of additive, multiplicative and multiple interactions of intermediate (factor) values with the final (resulting) values. The combination of all types of dependencies that form a common system of the studied indicators will provide organizations with an accurate assessment of the analyzed final values and ranking pursuant to the degree of significance of the values of the intermediate group and the adoption of objective measures to optimize the sustainability of their economies. The material will benefit entrepreneurs of all spheres and industries, carrying out their activities under the current economic mechanism, education and science workers, students in economic areas.

Comprehensive knowledge and HIV prevalence in two migrant mineworkers' communities of origin in Gaza Province in Southern Mozambique: evidence from a cross-sectional survey.

Introductionmigrant mine workers are susceptible to engage in risky sexual behaviour due to their high mobility, putting at risk their families and home communities. Because comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS is a key factor in reducing HIV infections, this study aims to understand the current state of knowledge about HIV in these communities, estimate HIV prevalence and evaluate the risk behaviour associated with comprehensive knowledge.Methodssecondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey conducted in two communities of origin of mine workers in Gaza Province, targeting current and former mine workers of the South African mines and their relatives. Households were selected using simple random sampling methodology. Chi-squared tests and logistic regression analysis were used to assess statistical differences between comprehensive knowledge and categorical variables.Resultsfrom a total of 1,012 participants, only 22.0% of the respondents had comprehensive knowledge about HIV. The overall HIV prevalence in these communities was 24.2% and the HIV prevalence in individuals with comprehensive knowledge was 18.6%. Among the respondents with comprehensive knowledge, 33.1% were male, 22.0% have worked in a South African mine and the median age was 34 years old. Individuals from Muzingane were almost twice as likely (AOR 1.7; 95% IC 1.21-7.44, p=0.014) to have less comprehensive knowledge about HIV than their counterparts in Patrice Lumumba.Conclusionthe results demonstrate a low level of comprehensive knowledge about HIV amongst this population and reveal an association between comprehensive knowledge about HIV and prevalence. Therefore, it is important to improve knowledge about HIV, its transmission and prevention amongst this population.

Newly diagnosed disease and job loss: a nationwide longitudinal study among middle-aged Japanese

ObjectivesSince previous studies have only used past or current medical history of disease, there is no information on newly diagnosed disease in relation to job loss. Our objective was therefore...

Compassion Fatigue and Resiliency Factors in Animal Shelter Workers

Abstract This phenomenological study explored compassion fatigue and resiliency factors in animal shelter workers. Compassion fatigue is a phenomenon in which individuals become traumatized through the process of helping others. The sample included seven current and former animal shelter workers. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews to examine general experiences with animal shelter work as well as compassion fatigue. The researchers read the transcripts multiple times and coded the data into themes and sub-themes. Four major themes and five sub-themes emerged from the data. These themes were 1) Intrinsic Motivations including (a) Right reason, (b) Affinity with animals and (c) Attachment to animals; 2) Purpose, including (a) Making a difference and (b) Focusing on the positive; 3) Social supports; and 4) Coping Strategies. The study has important practical implications, including the potential benefits of screening job applicants for intrinsic motivations and fostering positive relationships between coworkers and the animals they work with.

Different exposure metrics of rotating night shift work and hyperhomocysteinaemia among Chinese steelworkers: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo examine the associations of rotating night shift work with hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) odds by different exposure metrics.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingOccupational physical examination centre for steel production workers, Tangshan, China.ParticipantsA total of 6846...

TB patient support systems in Kerala: A qualitative analysis

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of death due to infectious diseases in the world. Kerala a southern state in India aims to eliminate TB in the near future. In order to achieve its goal Kerala is providing various social support services to TB patients to ensure their smooth transition as they pass through the treatment cascade. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to qualitatively analyse the support systems provided for TB patients in Kerala and to assess the enablers and challenges faced during the provision of these services. MethodologyA qualitative study using grounded theory approach was carried out among TB survivors, current TB patients and healthcare workers from all 14 districts of Kerala along with district health officials. A total of 14 in depth interviews were conducted among healthcare workers from all the districts of Kerala. Three FGDs were conducted, out of which two were among TB survivors and another one among current TB patients. The data was collected till data saturation was reached. The audio recorded data was transcribed, translated, manually coded and emerging themes and sub themes were identified. Using data triangulation, conclusions were made. ResultsIt was observed that different TB support services were being provided across all the 14 districts of Kerala. Each of these initiatives were found to be unique in their own way for bridging the gaps in the in the continuum of care provided for TB patients. The main domains identified were grouped as support services provided for getting diagnosis, services provided after diagnosis of TB, prevention of TB and support provided to the patients reaching private sector. Under each of these domains a wide range of TB support initiatives that facilitated early diagnosis, good adherence to treatment, minimising patient inconveniences, stigma reduction, prevention out of pocket expenditure and emotional support were identified. Majority of these supportive measures were found not to be uniform throughout. Those are locally customised initiatives, evolved at different time periods with common objective of patient support. Community ownership, proactive health care system and political commitment contributed to these patient support systems. ConclusionThese support services offered to TB patients were found to be very effective in paving the way towards the goal of TB elimination in Kerala.

Cardio-vascular risk factors according to different profiles of night work and shift work

Abstract Background The shift-night work concerns around 17% workers in our modern society with evident need of this type of organisation for productivity and economic reasons for the companies. if the impact of this global organisation pattern on cardiovascular disease or risk factors is more and more documented, it remains unclear which types of rotating or night work are really involved and which are the impact on cardiovascular risk of being exposed currently or in the past to these different types of shift-night work. Purpose To study possible relationships between arterial blood pressure, anthropometric markers, fasting biomarkers, and sleep disturbances, and different exposure profiles of night work and/or shift work. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 65.126 workers aged 18–70 at baseline in the French random population-based Constances cohort. Four exposure groups were defined: (1) workers with current permanent night work, (2) current night shift workers 3x8, (3) day workers with past night and/or shift work, (4) day workers without night and/or shift work during their work history (reference group). Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, socio-economic position, and personal history of ischemic cardiovascular disease (CVD) were performed to assess associations between clinical risk markers for CVD at baseline and these exposure groups. Results Compared with the reference group, current and past night workers had a significant higher risk of obesity (Body Mass Index≥30). Permanent night workers had a significant higher risk of metabolic syndrome, mostly due to abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia (>1.7 mmol/l) and low level of high density lipoprotein. Even if day workers with past night/shift work had no statistically significant over-risk of metabolic syndrome, they presented significantly higher risks for the same three criteria as observed for the permanent night workers. However, only hypertriglyceridemia was significantly more frequent among 3x8 workers. Among current night workers, 3x8 had a higher risk of sleep disturbances while permanent had not. Sleep disturbances over-risk was also observed among day workers with past night/shift work. No over-risk of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, and elevated levels of gamma-glutamyl-transferase was observed among the three groups. Conclusion The results support the need for enhanced cardiovascular follow-up of workers exposed to night and/or shift work. However, it is also necessary to follow regularly and specifically current day workers with a past night and/or shift work history. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): INRS: institut National de Recherche et de Sécurité

Suggestions for improvement in Vietnam employment laws in the context of gender equality

Improving gender equality in the workplace is an urgent task for Vietnam Communist Party and the Government. Despite the ratification of international conventions on labour, women rights, as well as amendment to relevant domestic laws, it appears that the provisions have not satisfied the requirements set forth to combat discrimination at work against women. Through this article, the author intends to propose some ideas to improve the laws on the protection of the current female workers’ rights based on the 2012 Labour Code (amended and supplemented in 2019), related laws and sub–law documents.

The Settlement and Integration Experience of Temporary Foreign Workers Living in an Isolated Area of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

This study explored the settlement and integration experiences of 12 current and former Filipino temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in the low-wage service industry residing in a remote and isolated area of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The study employed a qualitative research approach that involved five in-depth semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions, with data analyzed using thematic analysis. Informed by labour process theory, four major themes emerged from individual interviews and focus group discussions: (1) the importance of employment, (2) settlement and integration challenges, (3) looking forward-looking back–transnational navigation and (4) settlement and integration support. These themes help to tell the stories of TFWs in the service industry, including the challenges and opportunities of transnational migration. The findings highlight minimal organizational support available to TFWs in the settlement and integration process, with the lion’s share of this responsibility falling on other Filipinos within the community to provide tangible and emotional support. Recommendations for how to support TFWs’ settlement and integration needs in remote and isolated communities are discussed.

Identification of early-stage silicosis through health screening of stone benchtop industry workers in Victoria, Australia

ObjectivesThe popularity of high silica content artificial stone has been associated with emergence of severe, progressive silicosis as a major health issue affecting workers in the stone benchtop industry. This...

Profile of the Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Health Study: Exposure to and health risks of environmental PFAS contamination in Australian communities

The extensive distribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to concerns about environmental and human health impacts. Risk assessments of contaminated areas in Australia have evaluated PFAS exposure pathways but have not quantified PFAS exposure levels in affected communities or the associated health risks. The PFAS Health Study aims to investigate multiple aspects of the PFAS exposure pathway, including the environmental and behavioural factors that influence PFAS body burdens, as well as health outcomes and concerns associated with PFAS exposure. We conducted a cross-sectional study of current and former residents and workers of three Australian communities affected by environmental PFAS contamination−Williamtown in New South Wales, Oakey in Queensland and Katherine in the Northern Territory−and three comparison communities. This Study included biomonitoring and a self-administered survey. The findings will guide our understanding of the determinants of PFAS exposure, associations with self-reported psychosocial or physical health outcomes and concerns, and actions that residents have taken in PFAS affected communities to reduce their exposure. The study design was informed by a systematic review of the health effects of PFAS exposure and a qualitative study of the health and social concerns of people living in Australian communities affected by environmental PFAS contamination. This study will produce knowledge to assist affected communities in understating the impact, if any, of PFAS exposure on their health and to aid policy makers in responding to PFAS contamination issues. The PFAS Health Study is the first of its kind in Australia and will add to the body of international literature around the effects of environmental PFAS exposure on human health.

Imagem e história

Este artigo propõe uma reflexão metodológica sobre o uso da fotografia como fonte para a pesquisa histórica no campo trabalho-educação, a partir do dialogo com alguns autores que pensam o objeto fotográfico, seu caráter monumental e documental, o estatuto e valor da fotografia como fonte arquivística disponível para uso. A partir das imagens pertencentes ao Departamento de Arquivo e Documentação da Casa de Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, procura analisar as relações de trabalho no Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, atual Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), em suas três primeiras décadas de atuação, a partir do universo dos auxiliares de laboratório dos cientistas. Compreendendo que uma imagem é e não é ao mesmo tempo, mostra e dissimula, as fotografias que retratam os auxiliares de laboratório do Instituto carregam um sentido histórico quando percebidas no conjunto de relações sociais de produção da existência, em um determinado contexto, refletindo concepções e ideologias relativas aos atuais trabalhadores técnicos e, em nosso caso particular, aos atuais trabalhadores técnicos da saúde.

Changes in miR-222 expression, DNA repair capacity, and MDM2-p53 axis in association with low-dose benzene genotoxicity and hematotoxicity

Mechanisms for hematotoxicity and health effects from exposure to low doses of benzene (BZ) remain to be identified. To address the information gap, our investigation was focused onto using appropriate populations and cell cultures to investigate novel BZ-induced effects such as disruption of DNA repair capacity (DRC). From our study, abnormal miRNAs were identified and validated using lymphocytes from 56 BZ-poisoned workers and 53 controls. In addition, 173 current BZ-exposed workers and 58 controls were investigated for key miRNA expression using RT-PCR and for cellular DRC using a challenge assay. Subsequently, the observed activities in lymphocytes were verified using human HL-60 (p53 null) and TK6 (p53 wild-type) cells via 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ) treatment and miR-222 interferences. The targeting of MDM2 by miR-222 was validated using a luciferase reporter. Our results indicate induction of genotoxicity in lymphocytes from workers with low exposure doses to BZ. In addition, miR-222 expression was up-regulated among both BZ-poisoned and BZ-exposed workers together with inverse association with DRC. Our in vitro validation studies using both cell lines indicate that 1,4-BQ exposure increased expression of miR-222 and Comet tail length but decreased DRC. Loss of miR-222 reduced DNA damage, but induced S-phase arrest and apoptosis. However, silencing of MDM2 failed to activate p53 in TK6 cells. In conclusion, our in vivo observations were confirmed by in vitro studies showing that BZ/1,4-BQ exposures caused genotoxicity and high expression of miR-222 which obstructed expression of the MDM2-p53 axis that led to failed activation of p53, abnormal DRC and serious biological consequences.

Labor Issues in the Food Supply Chain Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The impacts of COVID‐19 on labor in the food supply chain and on workers’ decisions to accept essential jobs are discussed. We then analyze surveys administered to low‐skilled domestic workers before and during the pandemic to assess respondents' attitudes toward food production, guest workers, immigration policy, and the government's response to COVID‐19. Results suggest the outbreak resulted in respondents, on average, shifting their view toward food being a national security issue and a higher degree of empathy for H‐2A workers. Regression analysis shows that gender, current agricultural workers, and information on COVID‐19 and agricultural field workers influenced respondents' answers.

Recovering Dunham’s pacifism in macro social work: implications for community organization education and practice

ABSTRACT Using primary and secondary sources, the author describes the pacifist social work and community organization contributions of Arthur Dunham and positions them among the contributions of past and current social workers, historical trends, and contemporary research. This manuscript details the suppression of pacifist tendencies within social work. Implications for social work education and practice are provided specifically regarding community development-conflict resolution and policy practice.