High Level Of Risk Research Articles

Impact of Geopolitical Risks on Herding Behavior in Some MENA Stock Markets

In this study, we examine the herding behavior in MENA stock markets in response to global geopolitical risk by using daily data, ranging from 4 January 2011 to 31 December 2023, on stock-listed companies in some MENA countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and Tunisia) and the daily geopolitical risk index. In our analysis, we consider that investors’ behavior varies depending on the global economic and political period conditions. We use quantile regression analysis to investigate the effect of asymmetry on herding behavior among investors during bearish and bullish market conditions. The results show that herding behavior is evident in all stock markets, except for the Lebanon market, at a lower 5% quantile during down-market periods. A significant estimated coefficient of geopolitical risk was detected on the dispersion of stock returns, except for the stock markets of Morocco and Saudi Arabia. We found that a high level of geopolitical risk contributes to an increase in dispersion in the Lebanese stock market whereas it is associated with a high probability of increasing herding in the Jordanian and Tunisian stock markets. This paper contributes to the existing literature by explaining the impact of geopolitical risks on herding behavior in six MENA countries. This can be considered to be an empirical contribution as we propose to introduce the effect of geopolitical risks on the basis model of herding. Our findings can have significant implications for investors and policymakers in financial markets.

Unveiling the Impacts of Geopolitical Risk on the Transition to the Decentralized Financial Landscape

Abstract This paper examines the dynamic interplay between the global geopolitical risk and eleven decentralized finance (DeFi) digital currencies during the inflationary burden caused by the Russia-Ukraine war episodes. Daily data spanning from 13 October 2021 to 29 October 2024 and the innovative Quantile-Vector Autoregressive (Q-VAR) methodology are employed for estimating the pairwise, joint and network linkages at the lower, middle and upper quantiles. High levels of geopolitical risk are more connected with bull markets of the DeFi assets and new war episodes strengthen this relation. Geopolitical tensions combined with high inflation lead to the GPR becoming major determinant of DeFi markets so contributing to the transition to the digital decentralized cashless financial system. Maker is the leading DeFi asset in this transition and constitutes a promising successor of fiat currencies that suffer from devaluation generated by conflicts.

Integrating D-Dimer Thresholds into the Revised Caprini Risk Stratification to Predict Deep Vein Thrombosis Risk in Preoperative Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.

Preoperative patients with knee osteoarthritis have a significantly increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). While the Caprini risk assessment model offers some clinical guidance in predicting deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it has a relatively low predictive accuracy. Enhancing the model by integrating biomarkers, such as D-dimers, can potentially improve its accuracy. In this study, we explored the effectiveness of combining the Caprini risk model with D-dimer levels for individualized DVT risk assessment in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This retrospective cohort study included 1605 knee osteoarthritis patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, screened between January 2015 and December 2018. A revised Caprini risk stratification model was developed, and a predictive DVT model was developed based on this revised system. The sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to determine predictive effectiveness of the model. In the revised Caprini risk stratification, the incidence of DVT increased with higher risk levels: 2.52% in the low-risk group (scores 0-2), 2.88% in the moderate-risk group (score 3), 6.47% in the high-risk group (score 4), and 9.09% in the highest-risk group (score ≥ 5). The incidence of DVT was 3.869-fold higher in the highest-risk group and 2.676-fold higher in the high-risk group compared to the low-risk group (p = 0.013 and p = 0.014, respectively). Combining the revised Caprini risk stratification with D-dimer level demonstrated an improved AUC of 0.792, compared to D-dimer level alone (AUC 0.774) and the revised Caprini model alone (AUC 0.598). Furthermore, applying specific D-dimer thresholds across the four Caprini risk stratifications outperformed the combination of the revised Caprini model and D-dimer level in terms of AUC, specificity, and reduction in unnecessary ultrasonography. Using the Youden index, the AUC for the threshold-based method was slightly higher (0.775 vs 0.754, p = 0.310), with significantly better specificity (76.8% vs 63.6%, p < 0.001) and a greater reduction in ultrasound use (74.1% vs 61.4%). At a sensitivity of 85.5%, the differences were modest but still favored the threshold-based approach. At a sensitivity of 100%, the specificity (36.0% vs 24.7%, p < 0.001) and ultrasound reduction (34.8% vs 23.9%) were significantly better. The revised Caprini risk stratification improves preoperative DVT prediction in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Incorporating specific D-dimer thresholds into the four-level Caprini risk model enhances specificity and reduces unnecessary ultrasonography, outperforming both the use of individual indicators and the combination of the revised Caprini model with D-dimer level.

Using a Fuzzy Model to Evaluate Risks caused by Variation Orders in Construction Projects

The construction industry is the main driving sector for any country's economy. However, it is too risky due to the many risks and challenges in this industry. One of the main challenges in construction projects is variation orders, as they lead to conflicts between project parties and cause poor project performance. This study aims to evaluate the risks associated with variation orders in construction projects using fuzzy risk assessment. The targeted population is the construction contractors in Palestine. A questionnaire survey was used to collect data on the severity and frequency of the 22 identified factors of variation orders. Then, a fuzzy logic system was developed to rate these factors. The factor risk level was determined by connecting the relationship between the severity and frequency indices using If-Then rules. The determination of risk level is a critical task in the proposed fuzzy system, which depends on the complex combinations of all If-Then rules. Risk is determined not only by the If-Then rules but also by the weight of each rule. This study shows that the factors with the highest risk levels are scope change by the client, client financial problems, unavailability of required materials, poor design documents, and modification of specifications. The results can serve as guidelines for project participants who need to prepare and implement a comprehensive and effective risk management plan to meet project goals. To improve project performance, construction parties are recommended to implement the proposed method to assess risks related to construction projects. Finally, the proposed risk model demonstrates the ability to evaluate risk levels by aggregating rules and combining the project risk factors using a fuzzy logic model and MATLAB.

Extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from surface soils of East Kolkata wetland, India, and its distribution, sources, and risk assessment.

The East Kolkata wetland (EKW) in West Bengal, India is a Ramsar site and has ecological importance to the city. The booming urbanization history of Kolkata city causes increase in concentration of persistent air pollutants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which got adsorbed eventually in the wetland soil due to their hydrophobicity and lipophilicity. Therefore, current study aims to investigate PAHs pollution level along with associated ecological health risk and optimization of PAHs extraction to develop standard analysis protocol. Three different extraction methods including Soxhlet extraction (SE), Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and Mechanical stirring extraction (MSE), four different organic solvents with different polarity (acetone, n-Hexane, DCM and Toluene) and varying extraction time between 6 and 24h are used in the optimization study. The SE method outperformed among them with toluene as most effective solvent with maximum yield at 12h of time. Concerning risk assessment study, total PAHs concentration (288.47±14.52μgg-1) exceeded the effect range median (ERM, 44.79μgg-1) and probable effect levels (PEL, 16.77μgg-1) based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indicating adverse biological effects on the ecosystems. The values of Benzo[a]Pyrene-toxicity equivalent quotient (BaP-TEQcar=70.54±4.83μgg-1; BaP-MEQ=64.51±6.30μgg-1) suggest high level of risk. On the contrary, the total carcinogenic PAHs concentration suggests very low risk via the ingestion. The source apportionment study using different diagnostic ratios (DRs) reveal pyrogenic and petrogenic origins along with biomass. Hence, the findings of the present investigation could aid in enhancing the sustainable management of EKW area.

Mechanism of risk perception diffusion in public health emergencies: Based on the dual perspectives of cross-evolution and emotional difference.

The high-level risk perception diffusion caused by public health emergencies seriously threatens public mental health and social stability. Much scholarly attention focused on the traditional epidemic models or simply combined content and social attributes, overlooking the differences in public individual characteristics. This paper proposes an S1S2EIposIneuInegR model of risk perception diffusion by innovatively subdividing susceptible people and infectious people. Then, taking the Xi'an epidemic as an example (N = 105,417), this paper employs the sentiment analysis model of Word2Vec and Bi-LSTM to calculate the emotional value of microblog text to quantify public risk perception. Finally, numerical experiments are conducted to explore the effects of cross-evolution and emotional difference on risk perception diffusion under different scenarios. Findings reveal that a larger initial density of infectious people accelerates diffusion, with negative emotions playing a dominant role. In addition, the higher the risk perception level and the lower the heterogeneity, the greater the maximum impact and the final scale of diffusion. When the public health emergency deteriorates, the cross-evolution tends to shift to a high-risk perception. Otherwise, it tends to tilt to a low-risk perception. These findings provide critical insights for developing precise risk perception guidance strategies and enhancing public health governance capabilities.

COVID-19 Vaccine Preferences in China: A Comparison of Discrete Choice Experiment and Profile Case Best-Worst Scaling.

Little is known about the diversity of residents' preferences for COVID-19 vaccines during the time when COVID-19 management was downgraded in China. This study aims to investigate these preferences using discrete choice experiment (DCE) and profile case best-worst scaling (BWS-2), and to assess the concordance between these two methods. Chinese residents recruited for the online survey were asked to evaluate COVID-19 vaccine profiles through both DCE and BWS-2 from April to July 2023. Attributes included effectiveness, duration of protection, risk of severe adverse events (degree), the total out-of-pocket (OOP) cost, brand, and the vaccination method. We utilized conditional regression and mixed logit regression models to estimate the preferencelevels for potential attributes. To assess preference concordance between the two methods, re-scaling and the Spearman correlation test were used. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted to determine the most suitable method for different population groups, categorized by vaccine hesitancy and risk level. A total of 438 (71.22%) respondents were included. A similar pattern was found in the DCE and BWS-2 methods, with the respondents having a strong preference for 90% vaccine effectiveness. However, the methods diverged in other preferences; DCE favored domestic brands and low severe adverse event risk, while BWS-2 preferred moderate risk and three years of protection. Concordance assessment, including Spearman's correlation and linear regression, showed no significant correlation and poor concordance between the methods, underscoring these differences. Preference heterogeneity is revealed among different groups; however, effectiveness remained the most important attribute for all subgroups of the population. Oral vaccination was the preferred option for both the vaccine-hesitant and high-risk groups. This study offers new insights into the varying preferences for COVID-19 vaccines among Chinese residents following the downgrading of pandemic management measures. The findings underscore the need for diverse strategies in vaccine policy design. Special emphasis should be placed on vaccine attributes that align with public priorities, such as high effectiveness and low risk levels, to enhance vaccine uptake.

Discipline "Extreme sports" in the physical education system

Extreme sports are a special type of activity that is associated with a high level of risk, physical and psychological challenges. They attract many people who seek to test the limits of their capabilities, experience sharp emotions and adrenaline. Extreme sports are gradually taking an important place in the physical education system, because they develop physical endurance, psychological resilience and form a responsible attitude towards a healthy lifestyle in young people. In educational institutions and sports institutions, extreme activities can be integrated as a supplement to traditional physical education programs. It is obvious that extreme sports are very interesting, exciting types of recreation and are becoming more and more popular among different segments of the population every year, no matter what. Today, Ukrainian students are increasingly participating in many international competitions. It is obvious that extreme sports will gradually develop. The task of the state is to make it as safe as possible for participants and prevent uncontrolled use and destruction of natural tourist resources. Non-Olympic sports are an important component of extreme sports, characterized by a high level of risk, physical exertion and specific technical training. These sports are usually not included in the Olympic Games program, but are widely popular among young people and extreme sports enthusiasts.

УПРАВЛЕНИЕ ЗАТРАТАМИ И ВЫБОР СТРАТЕГИИ ЦЕНООБРАЗОВАНИЯ В ИННОВАЦИОННОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ: ПУТЬ К УСТОЙЧИВОМУ РАЗВИТИЮ

The innovative sphere of activity of modern enterprises, being the engine of economic growth, is characterized by a high level of uncertainty and risk. The development and implementation of new products and technologies require significant investments, and successful cost and pricing management is key to achieving profitability and ensuring the sustainable development of innovative enterprises. This article examines the specifics of cost management and pricing in the innovation sector, analyzing specific challenges and proposing effective strategies.

Holistic Assessment of Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts of Pipe Breaks: The Case Study of Vancouver

This paper presents a holistic assessment framework for the impacts of water distribution pipe breaks to promote environmentally sustainable and socially resilient cities. This framework considers social, environmental, and economic vulnerabilities as well as probabilities associated with pipe failure. The integration of these features provides a comprehensive approach to understanding infrastructure risks. Taking the city of Vancouver as a case study, the social vulnerability index (SVI) is obtained following the application of a cross-correlation matrix and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify the most influential among 33 selected variables from the 2021 census of the Canadian population. The Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) is evaluated by considering the park and floodplain areas. The Economic Vulnerability Index (ECI) is derived from the replacement cost of pipes. These indices offer valuable insights into the spatial distribution of vulnerabilities (consequences) across urban areas. Subsequently, the Consequence of Failure (COF) is computed by aggregating the three vulnerabilities with equal weights. Pipe probability of failure (POF) is evaluated by a Weibull model calibrated on real break data as a function of pipe age. This approach enables a dynamic evaluation of pipe deterioration over time. Risk is finally assessed by combining COF and POF for prioritizing pipe replacement and rehabilitation, with the final objective of mitigating the adverse impacts of infrastructure failure. The findings show the significant impact of ethnicity, socioeconomic indices, and education on the social vulnerability index. Moreover, the areas close to English Bay and Fraser River are more environmentally vulnerable. The pipes with high economic vulnerability are primarily concrete pipes, due to their expensive replacement costs. Finally, the risk framework resulting from the vulnerabilities and pipe break probabilities is used to rank the Vancouver City water distribution network pipes. This ranking system highlights critical areas requiring different levels of attention for infrastructure improvements. All the pipes and corresponding risks are illustrated in Vancouver maps, highlighting that the pipes associated with a very high level of risk are mostly in the south and north of Vancouver.

Association of Sociodemographic Variables and Healthy Habits with Body and Visceral Fat Values in Spanish Workers.

Background and Objectives: The accumulation of fat in the body, especially visceral fat, is associated with various cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus and fatty liver. The reasons for the accumulation of this fat are diverse. Some studies, also in the working population, have shown a clear association between sociodemographic variables and health habits with scales that assess overweight and obesity. This study aims to determine how certain sociodemographic variables, such as age, gender, and socioeconomic level, as well as certain healthy habits like physical activity and tobacco consumption, affect the levels of body and visceral fat. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive and cross-sectional study involving 8590 Spanish workers. The percentage of body and visceral fat was measured using a bioimpedance analysis with a Tanita DC 430MA device. Results: Both the average values and the prevalence of elevated body and visceral fat increase with age and decrease with social class and lower levels of physical activity. These values are higher in smokers. A multivariate analysis shows that the variables most influential in increasing the risk of high levels of both body and visceral fat are age and low levels of physical activity. Conclusions: The profile of a person at high risk of having elevated body and visceral fat levels is an older male with a low socioeconomic status who smokes and leads a sedentary lifestyle.

Dynamic simulation of landscape ecological risk in Gansu’s farming-pastoral ecotone based on topographic gradients

The farming-pastoral ecotone in Gansu Province, a crucial green barrier in northwestern China, faces a conflict between economic development and environmental fragility. Scientifically assessing the landscape ecological risks in this region is essential for developing an early warning system for ecological security and ensuring the sustainable management of regional ecosystems. This study systematically analyzes the dynamic evolution patterns and clustering characteristics of landscape ecological risk along the topographic gradient in the area, using Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LUCC) data from five periods (each period representing 10 years) between 1980 and 2020, as well as Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data. Methods such as CA-Markov and the Topographic Position Index (TPI) were employed to assess these risks. Additionally, the study simulates the spatial distribution patterns of ecological risks in future years. The results reveal that from 1980 to 2020, the area of built-up land in the farming-pastoral ecotone of Gansu Province increased by approximately 82%, with roughly 21% of the expansion occurring at the expense of grasslands and 53% from arable land. Ecological risk in the study area exhibits a spatial distribution pattern characterized by lower risk in the southwest and higher risk in the northeast. Overall, ecological risk initially increased and then decreased. The area of high-risk zones has steadily decreased by approximately 50% since 2010, primarily in regions with low topographic gradients and high human activity. In other areas, high-risk levels are directly proportional to the topographic gradient, showing a high degree of spatial clustering. Consequently, land-use planning should be tailored to local conditions, and a long-term monitoring mechanism should be established. This study provides novel insights into the spatiotemporal changes in landscape ecological risk in ecologically vulnerable areas, focusing on topographic gradients.

Risk Management Analysis in the Implementation of Building Construction Projects

This research aims to identify risks and determine responses to risks that can affect the implementation of the Bojonegoro Regency Oncology Specialised Hospital Construction Project Phase 2. The research was conducted using literature study and field study methods. Primary data was obtained through documentation, field surveys, and interviews, while secondary data included the Cost Budget Plan (RAB), project schedule, and weekly project reports. Sampling was conducted using the Slovin technique to obtain a representative number of respondents. The results showed that there were 31 relevant risk variables, grouped into 8 categories, namely force majeure, material, equipment, labour, contractual, construction, design and technology, and management risks. Significant risks were identified using the Severity Index method, which measures probability and time impact. The results of the risk analysis using the severity index method showed that there were 24 risks included in the low risk level, 3 risks included in the medium risk level, and 2 risks included in the high risk level.

Evaluation of the frequency and risk of corona virus in different occupations of a teaching hospital in Yazd City

Introduction: Healthcare professionals are the frontline soldiers against Corona. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on all personnel at a teaching hospital located in Yazd City. Each participant completed a questionnaire that included demographic information as well as their history regarding the frequency and length of daily contact with a patient infected with COVID-19. It also covered the duration of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and alcohol-based hand rub application during direct exposure (with 1 meter) and throughout aerosolizing procedures performed on the patient. Incidence rate, Frequency rate, probability, severity rate, and risk of corona infection were evaluated among various occupational groups within the hospital. Results: 40.66% of the staff employed in the hospital were infected with corona virus. The highest frequency of corona infection was observed among nurses (51.60%). Over 90% of healthcare personnel who did not utilize PPE for 95% of their work time faced a high-risk level for the coronavirus. Physicians reported the highest number of daily exposures (averaging 27.94 exposures) and the longest exposure time (averaging 243.89 minutes). The highest risk of infection among doctors (60.93) and nurses (39.49) was observed. The nurses exhibited the highest incidence rate (51.22) and frequency rate (26.27). Conclusion: Due to a significant percentage of hospital staff with coronavirus, and with the highest infection rates occurring among nurses, adequate training for the use of PPE is necessary.

Factors Associated With Type 2 Diabetes in Older Japanese With Similar Genetic Risk Scores: The Bunkyo Health Study.

Genome-wide association studies have identified numerous single-nucleotide variations (SNVs, formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D), thus improving the accuracy of genetic risk scores (GRS) in predicting T2D. This study aimed to investigate the association between the novel GRS and the prevalence of T2D and clarify the characteristics that differentiate individuals with and without T2D with similar genetic risk. This cross-sectional study analyzed 1610 Japanese individuals aged 65 to 84years. GRS were calculated using 110 SNVs associated with T2D in Japanese, and GRS classified individuals as having low, average, or high risk for T2D. The characteristics of participants with or without diabetes were compared by sex at each risk level. The prevalences of T2D were 7.8%, 14.7%, and 16.7% at low-, average-, and high-risk levels, respectively. The odds ratios at the high- and average-risk levels were significantly higher than those at the low-risk level, even after adjusting for confounding factors. The diabetes group had a higher visceral fat area (VFA) and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) value, but a lower insulinogenic index, than the nondiabetes group across all risk levels. In the nondiabetes group, the II decreased significantly as GRS increased, but the HOMA-IR and Matsuda index values showed no association. In men with diabetes, VFA tended to decrease with higher GRS. A higher GRS was significantly associated with increased T2D prevalence in older Japanese individuals. Our data demonstrated that the contribution of VFA to the development of diabetes varies with genetic risk.

Exploring public support for novel tobacco and alcohol control policies in Great Britain 2021-2023: A population-based cross-sectional survey.

This study assessed support for novel tobacco compared with alcohol control policies among adults in Great Britain in 2021-2023. Objectives were to assess 1) overall level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies; 2) level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies among people who smoke tobacco or who consume alcohol at increasing and higher risk levels, or who do both; 3) level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies among different sociodemographic groups? Data were collected in September/October 2021-2023 in a monthly population-based survey on smoking and drinking behaviour of adults across Great Britain (N=6311), weighted to match the overall population. Outcome measure was level of support for each seven tobacco and alcohol control policies. More people were in support of tobacco than alcohol control policies (e.g., 57% vs. 51% for tax-related policies). This trend was apparent across all sociodemographic subgroups. With one exception, the policies included in this study were supported by more than half of the participants. The exception was decreasing the visibility of alcohol products in shops, which received 41% of support. People who engaged in the behaviour targeted by policies (tobacco more so than alcohol use) were generally less supportive. Overall, public support for tobacco and alcohol control policies is high in Great Britain. With one exception, the policies were supported by over half of participants, suggesting that the public is in favour of government regulations to reduce smoking and drinking prevalence in Great Britain.

Analysis of the Endocrine Responses to Anti-Diabetes Drugs: An Issue of Elevated Plasma Renin Concentration in Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitor.

Glucose metabolism is associated with several endocrine disorders. Anti-diabetes drugs are crucial in controlling diabetes and its complications; nevertheless, few studies have been carried out involving endocrine function. This study aimed to investigate the association between anti-diabetes drugs and endocrine parameters. We performed a study of 180 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes who attended a medical center. Laboratory measurements of metabolic values and endocrine parameters were assessed after a stable treatment regimen of more than 12weeks. The differences in various endocrine parameters were compared between subjects with or without certain anti-diabetes drugs, with the administrated anti-diabetes drugs being analyzed to find independent risks associated with elevated endocrine parameters. After maintaining stable treatment, acceptable glycemic control was noted with an average HbA1c of 7.55% in females and 7.43% in males. Participants taking sulfonylurea (55.8 vs 26.34 ng/L, P=0.043), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) (47.14 vs 32.26 ng/L, P=0.096), or sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) (64.58 vs 28.11 ng/L, P=0.117) had higher plasma renin concentrations compared to those without this drug but the aldosterone levels did not differ, as well as for other adrenal tests and thyroid function. Under linear regression modeling, SGLT2i was found to be independently associated with a risk of high renin level (beta coefficient: 30.186, 95% confidence interval: 1.71─58.662, P=0.038), whereas sulfonylurea only had borderline associations (B: 21.143, 95% CI: -2.729─45.014, P=0.082). Additionally, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) blockade (B: 36.728, 95% CI: 12.16─61.295, P=0.004) or diuretics (B: 47.847, 95% CI: 2.039─93.655, P=0.041) was also independently associated with increased renin levels. SGLT2i was the only class of anti-diabetes drugs independently associated with elevated renin levels, with results similar to RAAS blockade and diuretics. Although SGLT2i appears to protect reno- and cardio-function, the clinical impact of increased renin warrants further precise study for verification.

Effectiveness of an adjustable trolley for specimen handling in a blood screening unit

Background: Employees involved in sample collection for testing often perform physically demanding tasks such as bending, lifting, twisting, and standing for long periods. These repetitive activities can increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the ergonomic risks associated with sample collection in a blood screening laboratory. Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved eight volunteers who worked from August 21, 2023, to June 13, 2024, in a blood screening unit in the Nakhon Sawan province. Data were collected using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and flow process chart. Further analysis was conducted using the Wilcoxon signed rank test to evaluate the success of the intervention. Results: Six participants were women who frequently exhibited awkward postures, including bending, twisting, tilting, reaching with hands and arms, lifting over the shoulders, pulling, and bending their knees. The average REBA score for working postures was 11.63, indicating a high level of risk and the need for immediate corrective measures. Pain prevalence was highest in the lower back (100.0%), followed by the shoulders and upper back (87.5% each), and the neck (75.0%). After using the adjustable trolley, the risk assessment score for working postures decreased significantly to an average of 2.50. Pain levels in various body parts also showed a significant reduction, including the upper back (P-value = 0.027), lower back (P-value = 0.010), hands and wrists (P-value = 0.034), neck (p-value = 0.023), and shoulders (P-value = 0.016). Additionally, the trolley reduced the number of work steps from 16 to 9 (a 43.75% decrease) and shortened the work time per bag from 970 to 570 seconds (a 41.20% reduction). Conclusion: The use of the adjustable trolley significantly reduced awkward postures and pain, thereby lowering the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and enhancing worker safety and efficiency.

&lt;b&gt;Ergonomic risk assessment and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapist&lt;/b&gt;

Objective: Ergonomic risk in a workplace environment can result in musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapists, because of their demanding work, it is a major contributor to work-related musculoskeletal upper limb disorders WRULDs. This study aimed to assess the ergonomics risks and their association with WRULDs among physiotherapists. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate ergonomic risk and work-related upper limb disorders. The sample was 204 physiotherapists aged between 24 to 40 years from the clinical setups of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with a minimum experience of one-year experience and working for 5 hours per day. Demographic data were collected, a standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire for the evaluation of WRULDs. The posture was assessed through pen and paper observational method using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) sheet. RESULTS: In the study, 62% of physiotherapists had reported upper limb disorders. The order of pain was shoulder &gt; wrist &gt; elbow. Postural assessment on RULA scale showed a mean of 4.26 ±1.18. The result showed, 112 (65.8%) participants were at a low level of risk, 49 (28.8%) of participants were at medium risk, and 9 (5.2%) were at a high level of risk. The work-related upper limb disorders were significantly associated with ergonomic risk. CONCLUSION: The study concluded ergonomic risk is common among physiotherapists, and there is a need to implement change in the working posture. It is further concluded that there is an association between ergonomic risk and musculoskeletal problems of the upper limb.

Ergonomic risk and its association with musculoskeletal symptoms present in administrative assistants

Introduction: Musculoskeletal symptoms are frequent disorders in the different activities of people, the performance of work activities under ergonomic risk conditions can lead to occupational diseases, work absenteeism and economic losses. Objective: to determine which are the ergonomic risk factors in the performance of work activities and their relationship with musculoskeletal symptoms present in administrative assistants. Methods: The research was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of fifty administrative assistants who allowed their participation by signing the informed consent form. The instruments used were the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and the Rose Method. Results: Hundred percent reported the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, with the neck as the most affected region. Seventy percent of the participants presented a medium to very high level of ergonomic risk, with forced postures related to the use of the chair presenting the highest average. There was a significant relationship between the specific ergonomic risk generated using the telephone and the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in the wrist and hand, as well as between the specific ergonomic risk generated by the armrest of the chair and the presence of symptoms in the dorsal spine, shoulders, arms, elbows and forearms. Conclusions: the evaluation of ergonomic risk factors is a tool that will allow the generation of specific proposals for prevention and intervention programs, so that the necessary changes can be made to reduce occupational injuries and diseases in work activities.