Impact Of Occupation Research Articles

High Blood Pressure among Young Adults Aged 18 - 45 Years Presenting for Care to a Health Center in Karongi District in Rwanda

Hypertension is a major global health challenge, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of hypertension among young adults aged 18 – 45 years in Karongi District, Rwanda, to inform effective prevention and management strategies. Hypertension prevalence serves as a critical measure of community health, with further epidemiological data needed to address treatment gaps, elevated prevalence rates, and suboptimal blood pressure control. The study also aims to promote routine blood pressure monitoring and highlight the efficacy of lifestyle interventions, including reduced salt intake, regular physical activity, weight loss, alcohol moderation, and smoking cessation, in managing hypertension. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, utilizing patient questionnaires and observation checklists at Rubengera Health Center. Data analysis was conducted using STATA version 15, with logistic regression identifying factors influencing hypertension. The study found an overall hypertension prevalence of 30.3%, with 9.09% representing newly diagnosed cases, consistent with trends in African populations. Significant sociodemographic factors included older age, lower education levels, urban residence, and marital status, with higher prevalence among married and widowed individuals. Key lifestyle contributors were high saturated fat intake, low physical activity, and excessive salt consumption, while regular exercise and a balanced diet were protective factors. The study concludes that hypertension is a prevalent health issue among young adults in Karongi District, driven by both sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. It underscores the need for data-driven strategies for hypertension management and control, providing essential insights for health planners in estimating disease burden and designing targeted interventions. Recommendations include public awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and policy measures addressing unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity. Further research is encouraged to examine the impact of occupation, gender, marital transitions, and intervention efficacy in reducing hypertension prevalence. These efforts aim to mitigate the burden of hypertension in Rwanda, contributing to improved health outcomes and population well-being. Keywords: Hypertension, Prevalence, Risk factors, Lifestyle interventions, Sociodemographic factors, Management strategies

Occupant-Aware Energy Consumption Prediction in Smart Buildings Using a LSTM Model and Time Series Data

Accurate energy consumption prediction in commercial buildings is a challenging research task. Energy prediction plays a crucial role in energy efficiency, management, planning, sustainability, risk management, diagnosis, and demand response. Although many studies have been conducted on building energy predictions, the impact of occupancy on energy prediction models for office-type commercial buildings remains insufficiently explored, despite its potential to improve energy efficiency by 20%. This study investigates energy prediction using a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) model that incorporates time-series power consumption data and considers occupancy. A real-world dataset containing the per-minute electricity consumption of various appliances in an office building in Houston, TX, USA, is utilized. The proposed machine learning models forecast future energy consumption based on hourly, 3-hourly, daily, and quarterly predictions for individual appliances and total energy usage. The model’s performance is evaluated using the following three metrics: Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). The results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed system.

Burnout Levels of Healthcare Professionals During the Covid-19 Pandemic Period: A Mixed Model Research

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the likelihood of burnout among healthcare workers, as well as the likelihood of burnout-related hazards. The study aims to explore burnout in healthcare professionals and the specific changes and challenges brought on by the epidemic. Participants complete the Maslach Burnout Scale Short Form and answer four open-ended questions through Google Forms. The impact of occupation on burnout is minimal, with only slight differences observed between physicians, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Change in working hours is associated with higher levels of burnout compared to unchanged working hours. Participants with low and very low levels of burnout report more occupational changes, while those with high and very high burnout levels experience more psychological difficulties. High burnout levels are associated with challenges in working conditions, mask-equipment use, and psychological well-being. These findings are consistent with previous research linking increased workload, alterations in work environment, and psychological difficulties to burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. In general, the findings align with previous studies that highlight the impact of changes in the work environment, increased workload, and psychological factors on burnout.

Chronic Hand Eczema in France: Occupational Impact and Work Absenteeism.

Chronic Hand Eczema in France: Occupational Impact and Work Absenteeism.

Incidence of Alpha-Gal IgE Sensitization in 3000 Military Personnel, Assessing Sex, Race, Installation, and Occupational Impacts.

Background/Objectives: IgE to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) is associated with Amblyomma americanum (lone star tick) bites, accounting for the regional distribution of the alpha-gal syndrome (AGS). Longitudinal studies describing risk factors for incident alpha-gal sensitization are lacking. The objective of this project was to assess the incidence of alpha-gal IgE seroconversion and identify associated demographic, occupational, and geographical risk factors among US military personnel. Methods: Samples from the Department of Defense Serum Repository were evaluated at two time points at least 3 years apart. In total, 3000 service members stationed at 10 military installations within the A. americanum tick range were included. Installation, sex, race and ethnicity, rank, military occupation, and branch of service were evaluated. Alpha-gal IgE seroconversion was defined as a change from <0.1 kU/L) to ≥0.1 kU/L. Results: Among the 2821 personnel who were alpha-gal IgE-negative at baseline, 138 (4.9%) seroconverted over a mean interval of 3.4 years. Seroconversion was more frequent in males (5.5% vs. 1.9%), White individuals (6.6% vs. 1.0% in Black people and 1.5% in Hispanics), and individuals in occupations with higher presumed outdoor exposure (e.g., infantry/law enforcement: 12.7% vs. administrative: 1.2%). Differences were not significant between sexes when accounting for military installation/occupation, but differences in race and ethnicity remained significant. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that alpha-gal IgE seroconversion is occurring within the A. americanum tick range and is associated with White race and ethnicity, and occupations with higher outdoor exposure. Further research is needed to elucidate the influence of race and ethnicity on alpha-gal sensitization and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for AGS.

Unpacking the gender wage gap in the U.S.: The impact of rural employment, age, and occupation

AbstractThis paper examines three dimensions influencing the gender wage gap: rural employment, type of occupation, and workers' career stage. The findings suggest that (1) rural workplaces are associated with lower wages; (2) women face a higher wage penalty than men in rural, low‐paying jobs; (3) wage determinants differ between low‐ and high‐paying jobs, leading to variable impacts on the gender wage gap; (4) gender wage gaps are significantly narrower for early‐career workers than for older workers; and (5) even minor annual wage disparities contribute to significant wealth gaps by the end of the working life.

Demographic Change and Social Cohesion In Post‐Islamic State Iraq

AbstractBetween 2014 and 2017, the Islamic State (ISIS) brutally ruled over a population of eight million in Iraq and Syria. The group systematically persecuted and murdered tens of thousands of people of minoritized ethnicities and destroyed their houses and heritage, schools and hospitals, resulting in the displacement of an estimated three to five million people. In this article, we analyze the ongoing impact of the ISIS occupation on social cohesion in Iraq. Our report is based on interviews conducted with community representatives in the Nineveh Plains of the country's northwest. We focus on the dynamics of displacement and return in historically Christian, Assyrian‐majority areas during and since the occupation. Our findings show that people's everyday experiences and senses of community in Nineveh are intertwined with adjusting to the recent population changes, which have redrawn ethnic minority/majority relations. The research illustrates that demographic change—which we define as shifts in ethnic composition—is a relevant consideration for policies that seek to foster social cohesion in post‐ISIS Iraq. More broadly, the article highlights how post‐conflict policy making benefits from research conducted directly with conflict‐affected populations, as it reflects communities’ experiences.

IAQ and ventilation measurements at the “ZEB Laboratory” office building in Norway

This study aims to assess indoor environmental quality (IEQ) within a Zero Emission Building (ZEB) office in Norway, focusing on occupant impact (CO2, temperature, humidity) and materials/substances influence (formaldehyde, particulate matter (PM2.5), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC)). It presents a detailed data collection spanning 14 months from March 30th, 2022, to June 1st, 2023. Occupancy varied significantly, affecting measured indoor air quality (IAQ) parameters, with the lowest temperatures recorded on the second floor and specific areas like the canteen experiencing temperature drops during low usage times. Relative humidity levels remained over 20 % in winter despite the building's low occupancy, a notable aspect given Norway's dry winters. PM2.5 levels stayed below World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, indicating effective pollution management. The study also evaluates the impact of reducing the ventilation rates on IAQ, noting no significant IAQ compromise. An analysis correlating IAQ measurements with building occupants' satisfaction post-intervention revealed that temperature is the most significant factor affecting satisfaction levels, excluding acoustic satisfaction. Occupants generally reported satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ), with specific dissatisfaction tied to thermal environment and IAQ, suggesting the importance of temperature control in occupant perception. This research not only provides valuable insights into IEQ management in Zero Energy and Zero Emission office buildings but also emphasizes the critical role of indoor temperature and the potential of wooden structures to stabilize humidity levels, contributing to occupant comfort and satisfaction.

UK Dietitians’ and Nutritionists’ Perceptions of Low-Calorie Sweeteners in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS), also known as non-nutritive sweeteners, are suggested to reduce sugar and calorie intake, potentially serving as a useful strategy for weight loss and management of type 2 diabetes (T2D)(1). However, inconsistencies in scientific research and conflicting guidelines regarding the benefits and risks of LCS rendered professionals uncertain about their safety and effectiveness in the management of obesity and T2D(2). Dietitians and nutritionists play a crucial role in preventing and managing obesity and T2D. Understanding their perceptions and knowledge of LCS is essential for developing strategies to keep them updated with the latest evidence. This survey aimed to assess the perceptions and knowledge of LCS among HCPC registered dietitians and nutritionists living and working in the UK.An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to nutritionists and HCPC registered dietitians in the UK through social media and workplaces such as gyms, hospitals, and universities. Participants rated statements on their perceptions and knowledge of LCS use in obesity and T2D management, their risks, benefits, and government regulations. Ordinal logistic regression was used to investigate the impact of educational level and occupation (dietitians versus nutritionists) on the outcomes.A total of 200 participants (136 dietitians and 54 nutritionists) responded to the survey. While 99% of respondents were familiar with LCS, only 62.5% were confident about advising clients/patients on their appropriate use. Additionally, 69.9% believed that LCS are helpful for weight loss and 67.8% stated that they can help manage T2D. Some respondents viewed LCS negatively: 15.5% considered it harmful, 39% deemed it unsafe, while 42.5% saw its benefits outweighing risks. Interestingly, 41.5% of respondents were not aware of the regulations surrounding the use of LCS. Open-ended questions revealed that some participants expressed concerns about the negative health effects of aspartame, with many considering stevia to be a healthier alternative due to its natural origin. Further analysis revealed that professionals with a doctorate degree in Nutrition/Dietetics were less likely to believe that LCS are bad for health when compared to those with an undergraduate degree (Wald χ2(1) =4.209, p=0.04). Compared to nutritionists, dietitians were more likely to express concerns regarding the impact of LCS on weight gain (p=0.029), yet the latter outcome is limited by the unequal sample size between the 2 groups.While the majority of respondents recognize LCS as a valuable tool in managing obesity and T2D, a research and educational knowledge gap remains. Perceptions and knowledge of LCS could be further explored in a larger survey. It is crucial for professional and regulatory bodies to disseminate accessible information, ensuring that healthcare professionals provide the public with evidencebased guidance on the use of LCS in addressing obesity and T2D.

Impact of Occupational Cement Dust Exposure on Hematological Health Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction Contact with the dust of cement consisting of toxic components brings about inflammatory damage (often irreversible) to the body of a human being. The circulatory system exhibits sensitivity to inflammatory changes in the body, and one of the earliest changes may be observed in the blood parameters like mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). MCHC and MCH are possibly easily accessible and affordable parameters that can detect harmful changes in the body before any irreversible damage occurs. Objectives This research aimed to seek the changes in MCHC and MCH upon occupational contact with the toxic dust of cement. Methods The execution of this research was done in the Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh, and a cement plant in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. This research was carried out between September 2017 and August 2018. Individuals (20 to 50 years old, 92 male adults) participated and were grouped into the group with occupational cement dust impact (46 subjects) and the group without occupational dust of cement impact (46 subjects). Data was collected in a pre-designed questionnaire. An independent sample t-test was conducted to analyze statistical and demographic data like body mass index and blood pressure. A multivariate regression model was applied to note the impact of cement dust on the group working in this dusty environment. Again, a multivariate regression model was employed to observe whether the duration of exposure to this dust affected MCHC and MCH. The significance level was demarcated at p < 0.05 Stata-15 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, US) for statistical analysis, and GraphPad Prism v8.3.2 (Insight Venture Management, LLC, New York, NY, US) was employed to present the data graphically when required. Results There was a reduction in MCHC by 0.58 g/dL and MCH levels by 0.68 pg in the cement dust-exposed subjects when compared to controls, but not significant (95% CI: -0.93, 2.10;p = 0.448 and 95% CI: -0.37, 1.73;p= 0.203, respectively). However, MCHC was reduced significantly by 0.51 g/dL (p = 0.011) with the duration of exposure to the dust. Conclusion The study showed that MCHC was significantly reduced with the duration of exposure to cement dust in cement plant workers. Such alterations may hamper heme synthesis, hemolysis, and inflammatory changes in the body.

Extreme events and ichthyofauna: case report of a neotropical river

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and their impact on aquatic ecosystems and fish species is concerning. This manuscript reports and analyzes two events, a drought in 2019 and a flood in 2024, providing valuable insights into the consequences of these events. The rescue of 269 individuals of 19 fish species during the 2019 drought highlights the significant impact of the extreme conditions on the ichthyofauna. Rising temperatures, isolation, and habitat fragmentation must have posed severe challenges for the fish species during this period. On the other hand, the observation of 53 dead individuals of 5 species during the 2024 flood indicates the detrimental effects of this event on the fish population. The association of mortality and dispersal of several species with the existing dam further underscores the complexity of the challenges faced by fish during extreme flood events. The correlation between rainfall, river regime, and the impact of land use and occupation provides an important context for understanding the dynamics of these extreme events. The low rainfall during the 2019 drought and the gradual increase in rainfall between 2022 and 2024 leading to the flood demonstrate the significant role of precipitation patterns in shaping the outcomes for fish species. Additionally, the analysis of land use and occupation, particularly the substantial increase in urbanization in the drainage basin over the last 30 years, highlights the human-induced factors contributing to the stress on aquatic ecosystems. Both extreme floods and droughts have significant implications for fish species. Extreme floods can alter riverbeds, cause direct mortality, and disrupt isolated populations, while extreme droughts can lead to fish kills, and habitat fragmentation, and exacerbate environmental stressors. This analysis emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events on aquatic ecosystems and fish species. Addressing factors such as land use and occupation, water management, and climate change adaptation strategies is crucial for promoting the resilience of fish populations in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. Keywords: drought, Ipanema National Forest, rainfall.

Impact of space utilization and work time flexibility on energy performance of office buildings

This study investigates the impact of different space utilization on energy use intensity, heating load, cooling load, and thermal comfort of occupants using a combination of empirical data gathering and simulation-based studies. The increasing worldwide preoccupation with energy consumption and environmental sustainability has led to increased attention on optimizing interior spaces to mitigate total energy demand. The considered case study for conducting this research was the Norwegian living lab namely Zero Emission Building (ZEB) Flexible Lab in Trondheim, Norway. In this study, 10 different scenarios of occupancy schedules based on flexible arrangements from standard workweeks to extensive remote work configurations were designed and analyzed using IDA ICE 5.0. The findings demonstrate significant reductions in energy use across scenarios with increased teleworking and compressed work weeks. The remote scenario achieved the most significant decrease in Energy Use Intensity (EUI), with a reduction of 46 % compared to the base case. Similarly, the implementation of flexible hours and remote working in scenarios resulted in a reduction of electric heating demand by up to 23 %, underscoring the potential of occupancy-based strategies in enhancing building energy efficiency. However, uncomfortable hours increased by 59 % in the 2-day remote working scenario compared to the base case, demonstrating the need to consider climate conditions when implementing remote work. The research offers valuable insights into the complex connections between flexible arrangements and energy efficiency, considering many elements such as occupancy schedule and use dynamics. This article offers a comprehensive analysis that may give architects, building managers, and policymakers valuable insights. This study contributes to the developing sustainable architecture by emphasizing the impact of dynamic occupancy on the energy performance of office buildings.

Exploring Hand Function and Performance Disparities among Women in Varied Occupational Spheres: A Preliminary Report

Abstract Introduction The hand represents the most interactive aspect of the upper extremity. Previous research indicates that young individuals and females typically exhibit superior hand dexterity. Limited literature exists regarding the impact of occupations that require dexterous activities on hand function, potentially influencing the preservation of dexterity as individuals age. Objectives This study sought to assess the hand dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength of female beedi rollers involved in intricate tasks with those of female nonbeedi workers across different age brackets. Materials and Methods This study in a community setting included a sample of 664 female participants, evenly distributed between two groups. The participants were further categorized into age brackets: 25 to 34, 35 to 44, 45 to 54, and 55 to 64 years. Dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength were assessed using Purdue Pegboard, Jamar hand dynamometer, and pinch meter, respectively. Statistical Analysis Descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation; analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test were done for multiple comparisons. Results Manual dexterity scores, grip strength, and pinch strength were evaluated and recorded for all age groups among both beedi rollers and nonbeedi workers. Manual dexterity scores were higher in beedi rollers than nonbeedi workers for all age groups, with statistically significant differences (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, grip strength and pinch strength scores were significantly greater in beedi rollers across all age groups (p &lt; 0.05), except for pinch strength in the nondominant hands of participants aged 35 to 44 and 45 to 54 years of nonbeedi workers, where the differences were not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion Across all age brackets, beedi rollers exhibited superior manual dexterity, grip strength, and pinch strength compared with nonbeedi rollers. The elevated dexterity scores observed in beedi rollers aged 25 years and older suggest that occupations requiring dexterity may positively influence and maintain hand performance as individuals age, thus highlighting the potential benefits of dexterity-based occupations on aging.

Impact of Hydrogen Cage Occupancy on the Mechanical Properties and Elastic Anisotropies of sII Hydrates

In this study, we investigate the composition-dependent mechanical properties and elastic anisotropies of sII hydrogen hydrates using first-principles method. The evaluation of the elastic moduli and their direction dependency is achieved by computing the second-order elastic constants (SOECs) of the unit lattice. The various trends of elastic constants with the hydrogen composition of the cages introduces variations in the bonding strength, compressibility, stiffness, and shear properties of the structure which are captured by the Poisson's ratio, bulk, Young, and shear moduli, respectively. Elastic properties were found to be significantly influenced by the system's anisotropy, arising from the geometry of the cages and their unique arrangement within the lattice being affected by the increase in the hydrogen occupancy of the cages. The detailed analysis of elastic anisotropies revealed shifts in the strongest and weakest directions of the material with varying the hydrogen content of the cages. The Poisson's ratio captures the anisotropic bonding strengths within the crystal structure with the hydrogen composition of the lattice, explaining the reason behind the existence of strongest and weakest directions in terms of compression, tension, and shear forces. Taken together the established structure-property-composition relations will be useful in the design and optimization of hydrogen sII hydrates for energy storage applications.

Pilots, Astronauts, and the Aerospace Microbiota: A Narrative Review of Occupational Impact.

The human microbiota plays a crucial role in maintaining health and preventing disease; however, the effects of occupational exposureon the microbiota of aircrew and astronauts are not fully understood. This narrative review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on microbiota alterations in aerospace medicine, assess the potential of probiotics as a countermeasure, and identify key gaps that warrant further research. The references were identified through searchingPubMed for English articles published between 2010 and 2024, using keywords related to microbiota, probiotics, aviation, spaceflight, pilots, and astronauts. Additionally, the bibliographies of relevant papers were reviewed. Studies in aerospace medicine were selected based on their focus on the occupational impacton microbiota and the use of probiotics in this context. For aircrew, initial studies indicatea decrease in beneficial gut bacteria, suggesting that probiotics could enhance gastrointestinal health, immunity, and overall well-being. However, unsupervised use of probiotics carries potential risks. Conversely, spaceflight induces significant changes in the gut, skin, oral, and nasal microbiota of astronauts, characterized by altered diversity and abundanceof specific microbial taxa. These changes include a relative decrease in the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria, an increase in opportunistic pathogens, and evidence of microbial transfer between astronauts and spacecraft surfaces. While simulated space studies suggest the potential for probiotics to mitigate dysbiosis, direct testing done during actual spaceflight is lacking. The observed microbiota changes during spaceflight are associated with various health implications, including alterations in metabolic pathways and interactions between the microbial metabolic capabilities and the host's metabolism. In conclusion, this review highlights the profound impact of spaceflight on astronaut microbiota and the promising role of probiotics as an intervention in both space and aviation medicine. However, significant research gaps remain. These include elucidating the functional implications of microbial shifts, developing personalized countermeasures, and validating the efficacy of probiotics during spaceflight. Future studies should leverage advanced tools such as metagenomic analysis and longitudinal tracking of astronaut health to inform targeted interventions that support the well-being of aerospace personnel. Integrating data across different sites of the body and missions, facilitated by resources like the Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA), can help identify consistent microbial changes induced by the unique occupational conditions of spaceflight and aviation. This integrated approach will be crucial for developing effective microbiota-based countermeasures to mitigate the occupational health risks associated with space and aviation.

CMQ Matrix for Occupational Impact Measurement 4.0

This article presents its own original methodology to measure the occupational impact of the digitalization of companies, or occupational impact 4.0, by measuring 10 indicators obtained in research carried out by the author on the effects of Industry 4.0 on occupations and jobs. Drawing on different research traditions, the matrix of indicators measures the occupational impact, individually in each job, connecting the substantive content of the work (the tasks and activities carried out in the workplace) with the specific organization of work that takes place in each company or industrial plant because of its digital transformation programs.

Effect of the Surface Peak-Valley Features on Droplet Impact Dynamics under Leidenfrost Temperature.

This study explores the kinetic behavior of droplets impacting microtextured surfaces under a Leidenfrost temperature, employing high-speed photography and picosecond laser micromachining techniques. The investigation focuses on two types of microtextured surfaces with totally different surface peak-valley features: a negatively skewed surface with micropit arrays (Ssk < 0) and a positively skewed surface with micropillar arrays (Ssk > 0). The results indicate that both microtextured surfaces contribute to a higher Leidenfrost temperature compared with the original smooth surface, which is consistent with previous studies. However, it is worth noting that the Leidenfrost points of the micropit and micropillar surfaces showed opposite trends with the microtexture area occupancy. Specifically, the Leidenfrost temperature on micropit surfaces increases with greater micropit area occupancy, while it decreases on micropillar surfaces under similar conditions, which is mainly attributed to the differential impact of area occupancy on droplet heat transfer efficiency. When the microtexture area occupancy is 50%, it is worth noting that the micropit and micropillar surfaces have nearly same roughness (Sa), but the Leidenfrost temperature was notably higher on the micropit surface with negative skewness (Ssk < 0), which was related to differences in vapor flow dynamics. We further find that the Weber number (We) significantly influences the Leidenfrost point, with the droplet impact wall behavior going through the states of film bounce back, ejecting tiny droplets and bounce back, and ultimately droplet breakup as the We increases. The dynamic Leidenfrost point was found to be generally higher than the static point and increases with the We. Finally, we compare the cooling efficiency of these surfaces, and it is found that the micropit surfaces with a negative skewness exhibit superior heat dissipation performance under the same conditions, which proved that the negatively skewed surface may have great potential in high-density heat dissipation technology.

Revisiting the Occupational Health Impact of Right-to-Work Laws: A Research Note.

This research note reevaluates the occupational health impact of right-to-work (RTW) legislation, incorporating recent developments in causal inference techniques. In an era marked by an uptick in the adoption of anti-union legislation and increases in workplace fatalities and injuries, it is particularly urgent to examine the extent to which RTW laws affect workers' health. Using a state-year-level dataset spanning 28 years and collected from multiple data sources, we apply an innovative generalized synthetic control method to overcome several limitations of the traditional two-way fixed-effects approach to examine the effect of RTW laws on occupational fatal injuries as well as various other health outcomes. Robustness checks were conducted using a wide range of alternative methods for two-way fixed-effects adjustments. In contrast with findings from previous studies, we found null effects on occupational fatal injuries, as well as on all other health outcomes. Overall, our results indicate that findings from previous studies are based on very thin empirical evidence, with potentially underestimated standard errors and unobserved confounders. Our results highlight the importance of revisiting research questions using updated methodological tools.

Integrating Occupant Behaviour into Urban-Building Energy Modelling: A Review of Current Practices and Challenges

Urban-Building Energy Modelling (UBEM) tools play a crucial role in analysing and optimizing energy use within cities. Among the available approaches, the bottom-up physics-based one is the most versatile for urban development and management applications. However, their accuracy is often limited by the inability to capture the dynamic impact of occupants’ presence and actions (i.e., Occupant Behaviour) on building energy use patterns. While recent research has explored advanced Occupant Behaviour (OB) modelling techniques that incorporate stochasticity and contextual influences, current UBEM practices primarily rely on static occupant profiles, due to limitations in the software itself. This paper addresses this topic by conducting a thorough literature review to examine existing OB modelling techniques, data sources, key features and detailed information that could enhance UBEM simulations. Furthermore, the flexibility of available UBEM tools for integrating advanced OB models will be assessed, along with the identification of areas for improvement. The findings of this review are intended to guide researchers and tool developers towards creating more robust and occupant-centric urban energy simulations.

The Impact of Geography and Occupation on the Perspective of the Good Death Among the Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-sectional Study

The Impact of Geography and Occupation on the Perspective of the Good Death Among the Healthcare Professionals: A Cross-sectional Study