Hazardous Profession Research Articles

Analysis of occupational injuries among workers in foundry workshops

The results of the analysis of occupational injuries among workers in foundry workshops with different types of production are presented. It is shown that the highest number of accidents by location occurs in the fettling‑cleaning, molding, and meltingpouring areas of foundry workshops, and the most hazardous professions are those of fettler, molder, melter, pourer, and repair fitter. An analysis of the causes of injuries in foundry workshops showed that about 76 % of cases occur due to organizational reasons, about 16 % due to technical reasons, about 6 % due to sanitary‑hygienic reasons, and about 2 % due to psychophysiological reasons. The possibility of predicting injury rates among workers in foundry workshops is demonstrated.

Autonomous Robotic System for Identifying and Extinguishing Fire

Putting out fires is a hazardous profession with a high death rate. The new approach to preserving both the environment and human life is robotics. This work suggests an autonomous robot system that uses a flame sensor to invariably detect and put out fires. The Arduino UNO, water pump, servo motor, motor driver, relay module, Bluetooth HC-06 module, and flame sensor are all part of this project. In addition, the robot's mobility is controlled by commands transmitted to the receiver via the push Bluetooth app on the transmitting end. The robot moves and the fire is doused with water thanks to the motors that are attached to the microcontroller. The robot body has a water pump and tank that are automatically identified by the infrared. The flame sensor and the entire system are managed by a microprocessor from the ATMEGA328 series. The microcontroller and a motor driver integrated circuit (L298N) are interfaced so that the controller may drive the motors. The robot can therefore sense fire at a distance. Around 5.11 cm is the average length for detecting flame, and 300 cm is the typical length for Bluetooth transmission. It might lessen constraints brought on by human mistake and fire extinguishing tasks.

Characteristics the Living, Working Conditions, and Nutrition of Seafarers Working on Transoceanic Ships: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Seafaring is a particularly strenuous and hazardous profession. When sailing at sea, the ship is both a living place and a working place for the seafarers. Working conditions at sea are extremely difficult, they often have to work in harsh conditions of nature and workers have to suffer loneliness, isolation from the mainland. The aim of this research is to describe the living, working conditions, and nutrition of seafarers working on transoceanic ships. Subjects and Methods: Four hundred Vietnamese crew members working on 21 ocean freighters docked at Hai Phong and Cai Lan ports in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam in 2021. Using cross-sectional, descriptive, epidemiological methods through observation and measurement of the room area, the area of the gym, the equipment for exercise on the ship of the crew; direct interviews with all crew members about living, working and nutritional conditions on board: Recreational conditions; physical training; drink beer, wine; smoke; shiftwork; time a sea trip; micro-social environment on board; the crew’s nutrition. Results: Micro-social environment on board (100% male), 100% crew working in shifts work; the living room and the gym room are narrow; monotonous, boring life, poor cultural and spiritual activities; inadequate and lack of exercise equipment. 61.5% of crew members smoke; 48.7% of seafarers do not exercise, 32.5% exercise infrequently, 18.8% exercise regularly; 88.7% of seafarers drink alcohol, of which 22.5% of seafarer’s abuse alcohol. The crew’s nutrition is unreasonable and unbalanced, excess protein, lipid, and lack of green vegetables: Unreasonable diet (79.2%); excess energy diet (68.8%); diets high in protid (58.5%), high in lipids (54.8%), unbalanced in the ratio of animal/vegetable protid (50.2%), and lack of fiber (79.2%). Conclusion: The living and working conditions of crew members are still difficult and not guaranteed. Improper and unbalanced nutrition, excess protein, and lipid but lack of fruit and fiber.

A technical evaluation of robots in hazardous professions

In recent years, the rapid development of robot technology has gradually led to the reality that humans are replaced by robots in dangerous occupations. However, in contrast to robots in other fields, robots in hazardous professions have a wide variety and complexity due to the low repeatability and high uncertainty of tasks, so they have specialized functions and no relative standard form. As a result, the eligibility criteria for evaluating this type of robot remain unclear. This paper focuses on two criteria that can be used to evaluate such robots and determine whether existing robots in hazardous professions meet these criteria. In order to find solutions to the issues, many papers related to rescue robots is reviewed, and important information is extracted and reintegrated to obtain the final results. In this paper, capability and practical acceptability are two evaluation criteria of robots in hazardous obtained. At the same time, it is judged that most of the existing robots meet both of the standards, but they expose a great number of defects when facing a more complex environment. This paper also provides several suggestions that might address the existing limitations.

Effect of Aging on Movement Quality in Australian Urban Firefighters.

Redshaw, AS, Carrick-Ranson, G, Bennett, H, Norton, KI, and Walker, A. Effect of aging on movement quality in Australian urban firefighters. J Strength Cond Res 37(11): e601-e608, 2023-Adequate levels of movement quality (MQ) are required to safely perform occupational tasks in physically demanding and hazardous professions such as firefighting. Although it is well established that MQ deteriorates with age in population studies, there is conflicting evidence in older tactical populations. This study sought to examine the relationship between age and MQ in Australian urban firefighters. The impact of physical activity, injury history, and body mass index on MQ were also explored. The MQ of 324 professional Australian urban firefighters was assessed using MovementSCREEN MQ assessment tool. Scores of whole-body MQ ranged from 35.3 to 82.6 (0-100 scale), with a mean score of 59.2 ± 10.0. There was a moderate, negative association between MQ and age (r = -0.500; p ≤ 0.001), with those older than 50 years of age having significantly lower scores of MQ than their younger counterparts (p ≤ 0.001). Secondary analysis found that higher body mass index (r = -0.285; p ≤ 0.001), lower habitual physical activity levels (r = 0.165; p ≤ 0.003), and the presence of any musculoskeletal injury in the previous 12 months (p = 0.016) had significant negative effects on composite MQ. Firefighters older than 50, obese, and engaging in low levels of physical activity should be considered a high priority for functional strength training interventions to maintain adequate MQ throughout their careers.

Coal miner's day in India: a reflection on health risks and legislation

Coal mining is a hazardous profession in India that exposes workers to a range of health risks, including respiratory diseases, skin disorders, hearing loss, and injuries. The coal miner's day, observed on May 4th every year, commemorates the hard work and sacrifices of coal miners. The mines act, 1952, and its associated regulations mandate the provision of medical facilities, safety and health measures, and rescue stations and trained personnel for the rescue of workers. The coal mines (Conservation and development) act, 1974, mandates the conservation of coal resources and the development of coal mines while ensuring the safety and health of workers. However, the implementation of these laws has been inadequate in many cases, leading to a high prevalence of occupational diseases among coal miners. The lack of proper implementation of safety and health regulations has been identified as a key factor contributing to the high prevalence of occupational diseases. Additionally, the existing regulations do not address the specific safety and health issues associated with the use of automation and robotics in mining. To safeguard the health and safety of coal miners, more efforts are needed to ensure the effective implementation of these laws and to provide adequate medical support and rehabilitation services. Prioritizing the health and well-being of coal miners can pay tribute to their contribution to society while promoting a safer and healthier workplace for all.

Эмпирическая валидность методики дистанционного измерения уровня работоспособности PsyFace в приложении для смартфона

The problem of the implementation of a preventive strategy in reducing the role of the human factor in the accident rate at hazardous production facilities through remote monitoring of the level of employee performance is considered. The purpose of the study is to establish the empirical validity of the method of operational remote measurement for the performance capacity level of employees with PsyFace smartphone application. The developed method of operational remote measurement of the PsyFace performance level is based on the modification of Landolt performance diagnostics method under adaptation of V.N. Sysoev. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out in the SPSS Statistics 23 program using the non-parametric r-Spearman rank correlation test. Sample: 256 professional drivers (male) aged 22 to 60 years. The PsyFace method has the necessary empirical validity for diagnosing such performance indicators as productivity, which determines the amount of information processed per unit of time (r = 0.376 at p  0.05), average accuracy, which determines the error-free performance of activities (r = 0.290 at p  0.05) and reliability, which determines the probability of maintaining a given performance for a given time (r = 0.284 at p  0.05). The PsyFace methodology has great practical potential for its application among employees of hazardous professions and industries and fully complies with the principles of a preventive response strategy to reduce the risks of the human factor, designated by the Russian Ministry of Labor the Russian Federation. The developed PsyFace methodology in a smartphone application can be used by the company management to ensure employee performance monitoring during a work shift, including remotely.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ СТРЕССОВЫХ РЕАКЦИЙ У ПРЕДСТАВИТЕЛЕЙ ОПАСНЫХ ПРОФЕССИЙ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ ИХ ВОЗРАСТА И СТАЖА РАБОТЫ

This article is a review of the results of an empirical study of the characteristics of stress reactions in representatives of hazardous professions, depending on their age and length of service among employees of the EMERCOM of Russia aged 22 to 56 years with a length of service from 1 to 34 years. The results of the study show that the experience of stress by representatives of dangerous professions depends on the age, with the increase of which the emotions of excitement and irritation significantly decrease in employees. Increased tension, contributing to the activity, and fatigue. In addition, with an increase in the length of service of employees, their working resources significantly change. The data obtained must be taken into account in the process of psychological preparation of specialists for professional activities and the prevention of stress disorders.

Use of modern psychotraining technologies in the framework of the recovery period of extreme detail profile specialists

The article considers the problem of the recovery period of activity of specialists of risky professions after their performance of tasks on purpose. In solving this problem, it was suggested to use socio-psychological training.
 Within the framework of this issue, a study was conducted on the basis of the educational and scientific laboratory of extreme and crisis psychology of the research center of the National University of Civil Defense of Ukraine. Rescuers took part in it, were directly involved in the elimination of the consequences of emergencies.
 In order to restore the psychological stability of rescuers, specialists of the training and research laboratory of extreme and crisis psychology of the research center of NUCDU developed a socio-psychological training with a clear structure that corresponds to the professional activities of hazardous professions, including rescuers.
 During the study of the influence of psychological training technologies on the personality of specialists of emergency rescue units, a methodical algorithm was used: the method of observation, questionnaires, the method of color choices, the method of "Anxiety Research" Ch.D. Spielberger (adapted version by YL Khanin), method "Forecast-2", statistical methods.
 As a result of the study, the positive impact of socio-psychological training on the process of restoring the psychological resilience of specialists in high-risk occupations in the post-disaster period was proved.

Assessment of the diagnostic significance of modern biomarkers and hemodynamic alterations in workers of vibration-hazardous occupations

Introduction. One of the most significant tasks in modern labor medicine is to reduce the indicators of early disability in persons in contact with harmful and dangerous factors of the production environment. The issue of finding markers of early preclinical manifestations of vibrational disease and establishing comorbid conditions that are prognostically unfavorable for the course of the underlying occupational disease remains relevant. The purpose of the study is assessment of diagnostic significance of current neurospecific biomarkers and hemodynamic changes in workers of the profession related to vibration. Material and methods. The results of two studies were the basis for this work. The first, aimed at determining the concentration of neurospecific markers in the blood of miners, includes 154 working vibration hazardous professions. At the same time, groups were identified depending on the type of exposure to vibration: total (69 workers), local (24 workers) and combined general and local (61 miners) and control group of workers not in contact with vibration (49 people). The second study was performed to assess the change in hemodynamic parameters among 216 industrial workers, of which 114 people were in contact with vibration generating equipment, and 102 workers were included in the control group. Results. Data from the first study showed an increase in the titer of neuron-specific indicators, mainly protein S100B, depending on the type of exposure vibration and its seniority dose. The second study results indicated an increase in systolic blood pressure and total peripheral vascular resistance in miners under exposure to vibration factor. Conclusion. The results of both studies suggest that hemodynamic disorders and changes in the performance of neuro specific proteins may be interconnected. It seems advisable to continue the study in workers in vibrant occupations with comorbid pathology.

Respiratory symptoms and spirometric abnormalities among welders in the welding workplace of the Indian unorganized sector.

Welding is one of the most hazardous professions across the globe. Several risk factors are associated with Indian unorganized welding units such as welding gases, fumes and dust particles resulting in various respiratory health problems. The objective of the present study is to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, their associated factors and lung function impairment amongst the welders of the unorganized sector in India. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 283 welders of age group 18-55 years from Punjab, India who responded to the interviewer-administrated respiratory symptoms questionnaire. Also, the lung function parameters of 50 male welders (exposed group) and 50 male non-welders (control group) working in the same environment were evaluated. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms such as chronic cough (38.86%), phlegm (38.86%), shortness of breath (33.56%), wheezing (32.15%), chest tightness (36.40%,) and sputum (34.27%) was reported by the welders. The observed mean values of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC ratio of welders were (3.37±0.175), (2.59±0.16) and (76.63±6.16) respectively and that of non-welders were (3.70±0.15), (3.05±0.25) and (82.49±7.62) respectively. The welders were found to be at significant risk of developing pulmonary diseases. Long working hours, low level of education, hazardous working conditions, lack of implementation of safety laws make welders more vulnerable to health risks. The welders of Indian unorganized sector work without any technical training related to welding and safety. Proper orientation sessions about the workplace hazards and to maintain hygiene at their workplace should be organized. Welders must be provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Welders should take proper health check-up and medication to sustain healthiness.

КРИТЕРІЇ ПСИХІЧНОГО ЗДОРОВ’Я ПРАЦІВНИКІВ РИЗИКОНЕБЕЗПЕЧНИХ ПРОФЕСІЙ

У статті проаналізовано проблему психічного здоров’я працівників ризиконебезпечних професій. Розглянуто історію питання та сучасний її стан. Вивчено критерії психічного здоров’я працівників ризиконебезпечних професій як основного в порушеній проблемі, уточнено їхній перелік. Встановлено, що основним науковим підходом до визначення критеріїв психічного здоров’я працівників ризиконебезпечних професій є їх поділ відповідно до прояву психічного: психічні процеси як здатність до динамічного відображення дійсності в різних формах психічних явищ (відповідність психічного відображення об’єктам дійсності й характеру реакцій на зовнішні подразники; критичність до себе і власної психічної діяльності та її результатів; здатність до логічної обробки інформації в умовах, що швидко змінюються); психічні стани як прояви відносно тимчасових статичних явищ психіки (самовладання, здатність до адаптації в різних умовах, здатність до тривалого збереження активності в екстремальних та кризових ситуаціях, усвідомлення і дотримання техніки безпеки та гігієни праці); психічні властивості як прояви стійких психічних явищ (впевненість у собі, зосередженість, відповідальність за своє життя та життя оточуючих, потреба в професійному саморозвитку, готовність до особистісного зростання, здатність адекватно планувати власну життєдіяльність відповідно до життєвих та кар’єрних цілей). Визначено критерії психічного нездоров’я зазначених фахівців, до яких віднесено: зниження когнітивної активності, неорганізованість мисленевих процесів, навіюваність, агресивність, підвищена ворожість, наявність шкідливих звичок, втрата віри в себе та колектив, знижений рівень відповідальності.
 Перспектива подальших досліджень лежить у площині вивчення основних суб’єктів впливу на психічне здоров’я працівників ризиконебезпечних професій, зокрема фахівців ДСНС України.

The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Iranian Firefighters

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely related to the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in stressful occupations. Firefighting is a hazardous profession and is associated with high metabolic risk. However, limited studies on firefighters are available. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS among firefighters in Zahedan city, Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 140 firefighters (age range, 16 - 55 years) employed at the fire department in Zahedan city, southeast Iran. Anthropometric characteristics and metabolic risk parameters, including blood pressure (BP), fasting blood sugar (FBS), and lipid profile were measured, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was assessed based on National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Results: MetS was presented in 47 (33.6%) of the firefighters. Among the metabolic risk factors, abdominal obesity (87.1%), low-high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (62.1%), and hypertriglyceridemia (61.4%) were more prevalent. Moreover, a significant increasing trend was found with increasing age and work experience (both, P = 0.05). However, no significant differences were found for the remaining metabolic risk factors. Conclusions: The findings showed that about one-third of the firefighters had MetS. Age, abdominal obesity, and dyslipidemia were independent risk factors for MS in the firefighters. Thus, efforts should be undertaken to implement healthy lifestyle promotion programs for firefighters.

The relationship between firefighters’ physical performance characteristics and simulated firefighting demands

Prior research indicates firefighting to be a demanding and hazardous profession that places tremendous amounts of stress on the body, both physically and mentally. Likewise, degraded fitness levels can affect the firefighter’s (FF) ability to execute rescue tasks efficiently and places the imperiled and FF at risk for injury or death. The current study examined the relationship between physical fitness tests (PFT) and Simulated Fire Ground Test (SFGT) performance among active FF. Twenty (n=20) male career FF (age 37.8±8.4 years, height 182.1±7.0 cm, body mass 95.6±8.9 kg) were assessed for PFT and the SFGT. The PFT assessments included: maximum grip strength (GS), 3-minute step test, vertical jump (VJ), 1-RM back squat (BS), and 1-RM bench press (BP). The SFGT was composed of: stair climb with hose bundle (SC), 30m charged hose advance (CHA), and 30m dummy drag (DD). The SFGT demands were completed in full PPE (personal protective equipment) gear and pack. SFGT scores were then compared to the PFT scores with Pearson correlation coefficients (r). Grip strength demonstrated a negative moderate (r=-0.49: p<0.05) relationship with the time to complete the CHA, a high negative relationship with the SC times (r=-0.61: p<0.05), a high negative relationship with the DD times (r=-0.70: p<0.05), and a high negative relationship the total time to complete all tasks (r=-0.64: p<0.05). Heart rate response, measured as %HRmax following the step test demonstrated a positive moderate relationship with the time to complete the SC (r=0.51: p<0.05), CHA (r=0.52: p<0.05), and the total time to complete all tasks (r=0.50: p<0.05); and a positive low (r=0.38: p<0.05) relationship with the time to complete the DD. The BP 1-RM demonstrated a negative high relationship with the time to complete the SC (r=-0.79: p<0.05) and CHA (r=-0.79: p<0.05); and a negative very high relationship with the time to complete the DD (r=-0.80: p<0.05) and the total time to complete all tasks (r=-0.82: p<0.05). The SQ 1-RM demonstrated a negative moderate (r=-0.52: p<0.05) relationship with the time to complete the CHA; and a negative high relationship with the time to complete the SC (r=-0.70: p<0.05), DD (r=-0.68: p<0.05), and the total time to complete all tasks (r=-0.70: p<0.05) (p<0.05). The VJ scores demonstrated a negative moderate (r=-0.49: p<0.05) relationship with the time to complete the CHA; and a negative high relationship with the time to complete the SC (r=-0.67: p<0.05), DD (r=-0.60: p<0.05), and the total time to complete all tasks (r=-0.66: p<0.05). Peak power relative to body mass demonstrated a negative moderate relationship with the time to complete the SC (r=-0.55: p<0.05), DD (r=-0.42: p<0.05), and the total time to complete all tasks (r=-0.52: p<0.05); and a negative low non-significant relationship with the time to complete the CHA (r=-0.30: p>0.05). Age did not demonstrate a significant relationship with performance on any of the SGFT assessments (p>0.05). Within the parameters of this study, FF’s exhibited a moderate to very high relationship between PFT and the execution of simulated firefighting demands.

Postural stability pattern as an important safety factor of firefighters.

Firefighting is a hazardous profession that involves high fall risk and is crucial component for the safety of people. The aim of this study was to identify factors that impact on postural stability patterns of firefighters. The study examined 177 Polish firefighters from the National Firefighting and Rescue System (NFRS) aged 31.9±10.1 years, with body height of 179.6±5.93, body mass of 83.9±11.0 and BMI of 26.0±3.03. Postural stability was evaluated by means of the Balance System SD (Biodex USA) set at the level 12 of instability, in a sportswear, bunker gear, with and without visual input. The fall risk test (FRI) was also performed. Four indices were analysed: overall stability index (OSI), anterior-posterior stability index (APSI), medial-lateral stability index (MLSI), and fall risk index (FRI). Mean results for fall risk index (FRI) were in the normal range for all age groups regardless of the type of clothing the firefighters were wearing. Individual results obtained in the fall risk test, 128 firefighters were in the normal range for their age, furthermore, 10 firefighters obtained better results than the normal range, 34 firefighters had worse results and 5 people failed to complete the test. Postural stability with eyes closed was found to decline with age. Wearing bunker gear did not have an effect on postural stability. Balance tests should be integrated into the firefighting training routines in order to improve balance and support fall prevention. Exercises with reduced visual input should also be incorporated into the training methodology.

Historical changes in chemical exposures encountered by Danish firefighters.

Objective This study aimed to demonstrate the possibility of using history science methods in occupational studies by evaluating overall historical changes in Danish firefighting modifying chemical exposures from smoke and fire trucks. Methods Data on changes in Danish firefighting after World War II were searched for in both museums and the Danish library catalogue REX, accessing collections of literature from all institutes of the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Royal Library. Results Several historical changes were identified either increasing or reducing chemical exposures in Danish firefighting. New sources of chemical exposures included more toxic smoke combustion from plastic materials introduced in the 1950s, exhaust from new diesel engines introduced in the 1960s and new assignments relating to chemical cleanups in the 1970s and traffic accidents in the 1990s. Nevertheless, several improvements in the profession`s work environment may have reduced chemical exposures, for example, mandatory use of more effective respiratory protection equipment in the 1970s, incorporation of mechanical exhaust systems in the 2000s, and filters and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for diesel engines in the 2010s. Conclusion The data showed that the work environment in Danish firefighting has undergone several improvements during the last decades. At the same time, however, several new chemical hazards have also been introduced. Consequently, no strong conclusions as to whether Danish firefighting overall has become a less hazardous profession can be made.

Psychophysiological Stress Assessment Among On-Duty Firefighters.

Firefighting is a hazardous profession commonly exposed to high stress that can interfere with firefighter's health and performance. Nevertheless, on-duty stress levels quantitative evaluations are very rare in the literature. In order to investigate firefighters' occupational health in terms of stress perceptions, symptoms, and quantified physiological reactions under real-world conditions, an ambulatory assessment protocol was developed. Therefore, cardiac signal from firefighters ($N =6$) was continuously monitored during two shifts within a working week with a medical clinically certified equipment (VitalJacket®), allowing continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) and actigraphy measurement. Psychological data were collected with an android application, collecting potential stressful events, stress symptoms, and stress appraisal. A total of 130 hours of medical-quality ECG were collected, from which heart rate variability (HRV) metrics were extracted and analyzed. Statistical significant differences were found in some HRV metrics - AVNN, RMSSD, pNN50 and LF/HF - between events and non-events, showing higher levels of physiological stress during events (p<0.05). Stress symptoms increase from the beginning to the end of the shift (from 1.54 ± 0.52 to 2.01 ± 0.73), however the mean stress self-perception of events was very low (3.22 ± 2.38 in a scale ranging from 0 to 10). Negative and strong correlations were also found between stress symptoms and some time-domain ECG measures (AVNN, SDNN and pNN50). It can be concluded that stress may not always be detected when using merely self-reports. These results enhance the importance of combining both self-report and ambulatory high-quality physiological stress measures in occupational health settings. Future studies should investigate not only what causes stress but also its impact on health and well-being of these professionals, in order to contribute to the design of efficient stress-management interventions.

Costume Jewellery: The Gloom Behind Its Lustre

This case study presents the strategic decision making aspects associated with the launch of a social entrepreneurial start-up: Lustreus. Lustreus developed the idea of substituting widely available costume jewellery / fashion jewellery by toxin free jewellery for everyday use at reasonable prices. They aim to do this by creating awareness of the harmful effects of the metals used in the making of costume jewellery; on the human body as well as the environment. The prominent 'toxic' elements present in costume jewellery are lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium and tin. There are documented evidences of the toxic effects of many such elements on the human body, ranging from carcinogenic effects to serious health problems. They collected costume jewellery available at prominent brand stores across India, local street vendors, novelty shops selling affordable ornaments, famed street locations in major cities in India and tested these samples at a prominent testing facility. A very high proportion of the sample was tested positive for toxic metals. This reinstated the company's mission for cultivating a more ethical, transparent and sustainable jewellery industry. However, toxin free jewellery shall be at least 15% costlier to the costume jewellery currently available. There are also certain health hazards related to the mining and extraction of metals used in the production of costume jewellery, and Lustreus aims to address this issue, preliminarily with donating 5% of its profits to the communities involved in this hazardous profession. Objectives: It needs to be identified as to how should the awareness for toxicity in jewellery be created. Communication efforts need to be identified which can address the consumers' existing beliefs, attitudes and persistent behaviour towards costume jewellery. Functional Areas: The case can be used for delivering aspects pertaining to social entrepreneurship, strategic marketing, consumer behaviour, business ethics and green marketing.

Vagal Modulation and its Association With Cardiorespiratory Fitness During a Routine Firefighting Shift-work

Firefighting is a hazardous profession with high on-duty cardiovascular mortality, which might be associated with cardiac autonomic dysfunction (CAD) and/or low cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the vagal modulation of the heart in resting supine (SUP) and orthostatic (ORT) postures during a routine 12-hour work period among career firefighters (FF), in association with the CRF. METHODS: We evaluated 30 male military FF, aged 40±3.2 yrs, BMI = 26.3±3.1 kg/m2, CRF = 11.4±1.4 METs, recruited from a Brazilian Fire Department. Vagal modulation was evaluated by means of the short-term time-domain heart rate variability index PNN50%, which is the percentage of successive R-R intervals greater than 50 ms and reflects the beat-to-beat parasympathetic modulation. CRF was estimated by a validated self-reported physical activity questionnaire (Jackson & Blair, MSSE, 1990). PNN50% was measured in a basal condition on an off-duty day (Eva1) and immediately before (Eva2) and after (Eva3) a 12-hour period of work, in resting supine (SUP) and orthostatic (ORT) postures. PNN50% values were compared between the 3 evaluations (Friedman test), two postures (Wilcoxon-test) and by CRF categories (<12 METs vs ≥ 12 METs) after 12 hours of work in ORT (Kruskal Wallis test), at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Median (min-max) values of PNN50% in SUP and ORT in Eva1-3 are shown on Table. Those with better CRF (n=10) showed higher values of PNN50% in ORT after 12-hours of routine work: 3 (0-60%), as compared to FF with lower CRF: 0 (0 - 8%) (p = 0.047) CONCLUSION: Our data show a physiological decrease on PNN50% to active standing up. We also observed a significant reduction on the vagal modulation in ORT-Eva3 as compared to Eva1. The association between the reduced resting vagal modulation after a 12-hour period of work and low CRF reinforce previous recommendation for implementing physical training among FF as a cardioprotective strategy.(CNPq 480092/2013-3)Table: No title available.

Особенности саморегуляции у специалистов экстремального профиля профессиональной деятельности

Individually-psychological characteristics were studied and profiles of the styles of self-regulation of the employees engaged in hazardous were determined. The mainly group consisted of 30 men aged 21 to 60 years, who are specialists of dangerous professions. The comparison group included 30 men from 22 to 60 years, whose professional activity was not associated with risk. The following methods were used: questionnaire "Style of self-regulation of behavior" by V. I. Morosanova; questionnaire of self-control (H. Grasmik, 1993, adaptation Bulygina V. G., Abdrazakova A. M., 2009); the questionnaire BIS/BAS, used to study the sensitivity to punishment and reward; the questionnaire formal-dynamic properties of individuality by V. M. Rusalov; the aggression questionnaire by A. Buss and M. Perry (adaptation Enikolopov S. N., Cybulski N. P., 2007); the scale of anxiety Charles D. Spielberger (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory – STAI); personal questionnaire of the G. and S. Eysenck – EPQ. It was found that specialists hazardous professions are distinguished by: a higher level of development of the regulatory flexibility and individual system of conscious self-regulation activity; higher levels of extroversion, communication activity, the total adaptability; a lower level of reactive anxiety, trait anxiety and general emotional. Moreover, impulsiveness, egocentrism, lack of restraint and physical activity in the structure of self-monitoring specialists of dangerous professions associated with high levels of affective component of aggression and incoherence of parts of the process of self-regulation. There were allocated a 3 profile of self-regulation in specialists of dangerous professions: a) a high level of self-regulation – coupled with a high intellectual and physical development, the highest level of adaptability and general activity; b) medium – rapid response to emerging changes in the situation, the successful production alternatives, greater flexibility in the process of communicating with less intellectual and physical activity; c) low – the most developed stage of self-regulation is assessment of results with low rates of formal-dynamic properties of individuality and adaptability at the same time.