Occupational Personnel Research Articles

Mechanical strength recognition and classification of thermal protective fabric images after thermal aging based on deep learning

Objectives. Currently, numerous studies have focused on testing or modeling to evaluate the safe service life of thermal protective clothing after thermal aging, reducing the risk to occupational personnel. However, testing will render the garment unsuitable for subsequent use and a series of input parameters for modeling are not readily available. In this study, a novel image recognition strategy was proposed to discriminate the mechanical strength of thermal protective fabric after thermal aging based on transfer learning. Methods. Data augmentation was used to overcome the shortcoming of insufficient training samples. Four pre-trained models were used to explore their performance in three sample classification modes. Results. The experimental results show that the VGG-19 model achieves the best performance in the three-classification mode (accuracy = 91%). The model was more accurate in identifying fabric samples in the early and late stages of strength decline. For fabric samples in the middle stage of strength decline, the three-classification mode was better than the four-classification and six-classification modes. Conclusions. The findings provide novel insights into the image-based mechanical strength evaluation of thermal protective fabrics after aging.

Instant energy stimulant nutraceutical cube formulation

The need for innovative study and formulation is praised from the claim of those occupational personnel including software Engineers, those who get tremendously tired after their office work 9:00am -05:00pm. That time tea/coffee/health drinks won’t work with many pros and cons because it takes a long time to prepare and to initiate action, sometimes addiction, its lengthy preparation and blending processes and single mild stimulation drug efficiency. The method development and preparation of a formulation processing the cumulative effects of CNS stimulant, effective natural vasodilatation, energy boosting to brain, normalize function of immune system to reduce tiredness and fatigue, as brain tonic with caffeine dust, Theobroma Cacao dust, glucose/sucrose, vitamin –C, Brahmi’s leaf extract respectively. These components were in the form of solid cubes formulation with dispersible deliquescent additives of sodium citrate. Thus, get soluble in a low temperature 60-70°C of Luke warm liquid medium for drinks. These low temperature instant-energy boosters take less time to prepare and avoid thermo-labile constituent’s degradation. This formulation acts as multifactor benefits to the volunteers as instant stimulation and steady energy–brain tonic along with zero recurrent hangovers.

Climate Warming and Occupational Heat and Hot Environment Standards in Thailand.

BackgroundDuring the period 2001 to 2016, the maximum temperatures in Thailand rose from 38–41oC to 42–44oC. The current occupational heat exposure standard of Thailand issued in 2006 is based on wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) defined for three workload levels without a work–rest regimen. This study examined whether the present standard still protects most workers.MethodsThe sample comprised 168 heat acclimatized workers (90 in construction sites, 78 in foundries). Heart rate and auditory canal temperature were recorded continuously for 2 hours. Workplace WBGT, relative humidity, and wind velocity were monitored, and the participants' workloads were estimated. Heat-related symptoms and signs were collected by a questionnaire.ResultsOnly 55% of the participants worked in workplaces complying with the heat standard. Of them, 79% had auditory canal temperature ≤ 38.5oC, compared with only 58% in noncompliant workplaces. 18% and 43% of the workers in compliant and noncompliant workplaces, respectively, had symptoms from heat stress, the trend being similar across all workload levels. An increase of one degree (C) in WBGT was associated with a 1.85-fold increase (95% confidence interval: 1.44–2.48) in odds for having symptoms.ConclusionCompliance with the current occupational heat standard protects 4/5 of the workers, whereas noncompliance reduces this proportion to one half. The reasons for noncompliance include the gaps and ambiguities in the law. The law should specify work/rest schedules; outdoor work should be identified as an occupational heat hazard; and the staff should include occupational personnel to manage heat stress in establishments involving heat exposure.

An Optimization Algorithm Based on Artificial Potential Field and Particle Swarm Optimization to Avoid Radiation Exposure Under Radioactive Environment

This study introduces a radiation avoidance algorithm to help radiological occupational personnel (ROP) avoid high radiation exposure in a radioactive environment. The premise of this study is that ROP can be designated as a movable point in a two-dimensional radioactive scene with known radioactive sources. A trajectory of ROP is generated by the radiation avoidance algorithm based on an artificial potential field (APF) and particle swarm optimization (PSO). In the algorithm, ROP is subjected to an attractive force from a target as well as multiple repulsive forces from multiple radioactive sources. The attractive force and repulsive forces drive ROP moving toward the target along the trajectory. APF has obvious difficulties with parameter selection and a local minima problem. So, we used the PSO algorithm to solve these difficulties of APF. Additionally, we developed a radiation avoidance simulation program using the C# programming language. Simulation experiments showed the proposed algorithm could be useful to meet the challenges of radiation avoidance applications that can be described as trajectory optimization problems.

Electromagnetic Dosimetry of Radiofrequency Portable Transceivers Used in Front of the Face

Abstract Portable transceivers emitting in the UHF radiofrequency band are sources of human electromagnetic exposure, when located in front of the face. Three output power levels were tested while the exposed target was a phantom filled with dielectric liquid simulating average human head behavior at the used frequency of 446 MHz. A flat phantom and a head phantom were scanned by an automatic E-field probe robot, based on the standardized procedure, in order to report specific absorption rates of energy deposition in the head. A discussion on the obtained results is provided, together with a comparison with other similar results in the literature. Consequences upon the safe use of such devices by public or by occupational personnel in the proximity of the brain and eyes are underlined.

Personal radiation monitoring of occupationally exposed radiographers in the biggest tertiary referral hospital in Ghana

The use of radiation in the health sector is of tremendous diagnostic and therapeutic benefit to patients. However, scatter radiation associated with its use poses detrimental risks to occupational staff and other health personnel whose activities are associated with the use of radiation. Therefore, there is a need to ensure effective monitoring of occupational exposed health personnel. Presently, the effectiveness of this programme at the biggest tertiary hospital in Ghana is however unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate if occupationally exposed radiographers in the biggest tertiary referral hospital in Ghana were monitored in compliance with international regulations. A quantitative descriptive survey design was used to obtain data on radiation monitoring in the biggest tertiary referral hospital in Ghana from February 2014 to April 2014. Two different tools, observation and questionnaire, were employed for data collection from 50 radiographers purposively sampled in the study. The data was analysed with Microsoft Excel 2010. A 100 % response rate was obtained. All respondents were monitored by means of a TLD badge except 4(8 %) who did not have any personal radiation monitoring device. Although 86 % of respondents confirmed that their personnel dosimeters were collected for reading after 3 months of use, all the respondents however, did not receive TLD readings feedback until after 3 or more months. In particular, 38 % of diagnostic radiographers claimed they never received any feedback, while 66 % respondents indicated radiation monitoring in their various departments were unsatisfactory. Delays from the service provider (regulatory body) were identified as the causes of irregularities in supply of dosimeters and monitoring feedback. Radiation monitoring of occupational personnel at the biggest tertiary hospital was unsatisfactory and did not meet required standards. Hospital management and the regulatory body should ensure strict compliance with international regulations for purposes of achieving occupational radiation safety.

Multiple balances in workplace dialogue: experiences of an intervention in health care

Purpose– This paper aims to illuminate and analyse the participants’ experiences of the influences of a dialogue intervention. Cooperation and coordination in health care require planning of dialogically oriented communication to prevent stress and ill health and to promote health, well-being, learning and efficiency in the organisation.Design/methodology/approach– An intervention method based on dialogue theory, with Socratic provocations and concrete workplace examples enhanced authenticity of conversations. A qualitative study, using qualitative content analysis, entailed interviews with 24 nurses, assistant nurses and paramedics, strategically selected from 156 intervention participants.Findings– Two themes emerged, dialogue-learning processes and dialogue-promoting communicative actions. The first includes risk-taking to overcome resistance and fear of dialogue, expressing openly thoughts and feelings on concrete issues and taboo subjects, listening to and reflecting on one’s own and others’ perspectives and problematising norms and values. The second comprises voicing opinions, and regarding one’s own limits; requesting support and room for manoeuvre; and restraining negative emotions and comments in the interest of well-being. Findings depict strengthened awareness and readiness regarding dialogue and multiple balancing of dialogue at work.Research limitations/implications– This study implies further observing and examining of communicative patterns during workplace dialogue.Practical implications– A useful approach to communication development for occupational health and personnel in health care and other workplace contexts.Originality/value– Previously, arenas have been created for dialogue, but close-process studies of dialogue in health-care work are scarce. This study provides insights into how workplace communication can develop towards dialogue.

The Making and Proliferation of Jāti: A Historical Inquiry

The article seeks to argue that the making of jāti was homologous with the opening up of deltas for agriculture, involving integration of agro-pastoral descent groups into hereditary specialists of occupational identity, and formation of stratified relations of production transcending kin labour. It emphasises that productive relations in the deltas had preconditions such as hereditary occupations, asymmetrical social relations, amenability to differential allocation of status, and the dominant presence of the Brāhman.a-s with tacitly recognized ritual supremacy, resource potential, social control, political influence and cultural pre-eminence for the emergence of jāti hierarchy. A related argument is that the emergence of hereditary occupation groups and promulgation of sāstraic norms must have been processes of mutuality and concurrence. It has been understood the context of the Jāti institution of coercive control and seigniorial jurisdiction over the labouring body was crucial. As regards proliferation of jāti-s, the argument is that it had been an ongoing process ever since jāti became the dominant paradigm of identity construction for occupational groups and service personnel claiming socio-cultural distinction on the basis of their association with the seigniorial power. Rewarded under land-tenure, the personnel in service to the king and the local chieftains became hereditary for stability of service as well as permanence of family landholding. Illustrating the historical experience of the Tamil South in general and the Kerala region in particular, the argument found feasible is that the proliferation of jāti-s happened as a land tenure based phenomenon under the three seigniorial streams represented by the king, the chieftain and the temple – brahmadēya combine, as realized in terms of the sāstraic norms.

Respiratory-Related Limitations in Physically Demanding Occupations

Respiratory muscle work limits high-intensity exercise tolerance in healthy human beings. Emerging evidence suggests similar limitations exist during submaximal work in some physically demanding occupations. In an occupational setting, heavy loads are routinely carried upon the trunk in the form of body armor, backpacks, and/or compressed air cylinders by military, emergency service, and mountain rescue personnel. This personal and respiratory protective equipment impairs respiratory muscle function and increases respiratory muscle work. More specifically, thoracic load carriage induces a restrictive ventilatory limitation which increases the elastic work of breathing, rendering the respiratory muscles vulnerable to fatigue and inducing a concomitant reduction in exercise tolerance. Similarly, breathing apparatus worn by occupational personnel, including fire fighters and military and commercial divers, increases the inspiratory elastic and expiratory resistive work of breathing, precipitating significant inspiratory and expiratory muscle fatigue and a reduction in exercise tolerance. An argument is presented that the unique respiratory challenges encountered in some occupational settings require further research, since these may affect the operational effectiveness and the health and safety of personnel working in physically demanding occupations.

TL measurement of ambient dose at a Nuclear Medicine Department

Abstract An investigation of ambient dose at the Nuclear Medicine Department, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Mexico, was performed using two types of thermoluminescent dosemeters: TLD-100 and TLD-900. In addition, ambient dose was measured at the outside corridor of the hospitalization room for 137 Cs brachytherapy patients. Radionuclides used at the Nuclear Medicine Department are 131 I, 18 F, 67 Ga, 99m Tc, 111 In, 201 Tl. Main gamma emission energies from these elements are in the range from 93 to 511 keV. High dose values were obtained at the waste storage room, the outside corridor of 131 I patients, the PET/CT room and the outside corridor of 137 Cs brachytherapy patients. The maximum ambient dose equivalent rate equal to about 19 μSv/h was obtained for the 137 Cs brachytherapy corridor. Sites with minimum doses are the gamma camera rooms, having ambient dose equivalent rates equal to about 0.05 μSv/h. At most sites where both types of dosemeters were placed ambient dose equivalent values obtained with TLD-900 were 25–45% higher than TLD-100 values. This result was attributed to scattered radiation producing low energy photons which results in over response of TLD-900 and thus, TLD-100 values are considered to be more reliable. Knowledge of ambient dose values is relevant to the occupational exposure personnel who may limit the time spent at high dose areas. Recommendations were given to the Department authorities to implement actions in order to reduce doses at high dose sites in order to comply with the ALARA principle.

MO‐B‐BRC‐01: Shielding Design for Linear Accelerators Using NCRP Report 151

The application of the structural shielding design techniques and goals as outlined in NCRP Report 147: Structural Shielding Design for Medical X‐ray Imaging Facilities (November 2004) and NCRP Report 151: Structural Shielding Design and Evaluation for Megavoltage X‐ and Gamma‐Ray Radiotherapy Facilities will be the basis for this practical course. Actual facility designs will be used as the example calculations of required shielding for Linear Accelerators to be installed in modern radiation therapy facilities. Examples of methods to minimize the amount of additional shielding needed for new departments due to well planned designs will be given.As the equipment in radiation oncology departments has evolved to linear accelerators with IMRT as state of the art modalities, the requirements for adequate radiation shielding for these modalities has become more rigorous. Architectural designs no longer depend on standard maze design rectangular rooms. Innovative layouts and utilization of multiple layers of shielding materials allow much greater flexibility in room designs. Shielding calculations for these challenging designs will be covered in this presentation.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the workload and occupancy factors to be used for dual energy linear accelerators with IMRT capabilities to determine required structural shielding to meet exposure limits for occupational personnel and the public.2. Understand the effectiveness of existing and additional structural shielding materials to provide radiation protection and methods to calculate the required amounts of these materials.3. Understand the calculation methods to be used in performing the shielding calculations for all aspects of linear accelerator installations to insure adequate shielding is provided to meet applicable state and ALARA requirements.

TH-SAMS-L100J-02: Shielding Design Workshop with Practical Problems II

The application of the structural shielding design techniques and goals as outlined in AAPM Task Group Report 108: PET and PET/CT Shielding Requirements Medical Physics (Vol. 33., Issue 1 (2006)) will be the basis for this practical course. Actual facility designs will be used as the example calculations of required shielding for PET/CT installations. As the use of PET and PET/CT units expands rapidly in the medical arena, the requirements for providing adequate radiation protection for both occupational personnel in these facilities and the public in uncontrolled areas around them necessitate the involvement of a qualified medical physicist. The many areas involved in implementing a PET/CT program including the Hot Lab, Patient Uptake Rooms, Patient Restrooms, Scan Rooms, and Disposal areas will be used as practical examples of typical structural shielding designs and evaluation methods. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the exposure factors to be used for currently used PET isotopes to determine required structural shielding to meet exposure limits for occupational personnel and the public. 2. Understand the effectiveness of existing and additional structural shielding materials that provide radiation protection and methods to calculate the required amounts of these materials. 3. Understand the methods to be used in performing the shielding calculations of PET and PET/CT installations to insure adequate shielding to be provided to meet applicable state and ALARA requirements.

EXTREMITY DOSIMETRY FOR RADIATION WORKERS HANDLING UNSEALED RADIONUCLIDES IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE DEPARTMENTS IN INDIA

In India, for the past five decades, whole body radiation dose of radiation workers has been monitored by means of film and thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) badges worn on the body. However, there are no provision/regulatory requirements to monitor doses received at the extremities, i.e., to fingers. Finger dose monitoring is essential for controlling the extremity dose limits for occupational personnel handling unsealed radioactive sources. In order to estimate the doses received in various types of procedures using unsealed sources, finger dose monitoring was carried out in 54 major institutions in the country using a specially designed plastic finger ring embedded with a TLD. The maximum finger dose of occupational workers involved in handling Tc in such activities as extraction and radiopharmacy work is 0.35 mSv GBq; during injection of radiopharmaceuticals and scintigraphy, the doses were observed to be 1 and 0.95 mSv GBq, respectively. Similarly, while handling F-FDG, the maximum doses received during dispensing, injection, and scintigraphy were 0.098, 0.324, and 0.56 mSv GBq, respectively. The maximum radiation dose received during Re/Re balloon angioplasty and while handling Sm was 3.92 and 6.5 mSv GBq, respectively. All the doses recorded were well within the prescribed limit. However, monitoring of these doses periodically would help in compiling the feedback regarding the work practices followed in institutions handling radioisotopes in the country and would also help in maintaining a record of safe work procedures while handling radioisotopes.

WE‐B‐330A‐01: Shielding Design Workshop: PET/CT

The application of the structural shielding design techniques and goals as outlined in AAPM Task Group Report 108: PET and PET/CT Shielding Requirements Medical Physics (Vol. 33., Issue 1 (2006)) will be the basis for this practical course. As the use of PET and PET/CT units expands rapidly in the medical arena, the requirements for providing adequate radiation protection for both occupational personnel in these facilities and the public in uncontrolled areas around them necessitate the involvement of a qualified medical physicist. The many areas involved in implementing a PET/CT program including the Hot Lab, Patient Uptake Rooms, Patient Restrooms, Scan Rooms, and Disposal areas will be used as practical examples of typical structural shielding designs and evaluation methods. The testing of PET shielding insures that the shielding is properly installed and that individuals do not exceed the radiation exposure levels required by applicable regulations and ALARA policies. Testing of PET and PET/CT shielding is a complex multidimensional problem since there are multiple sources and the radiation is emitted isotropically from the patients. Thus efficient testing can both save time and reduce radiation exposure to the physicists doing the testing. This course will discuss efficient methods for shielding testing. It will also review the instrumentation available to physicists for making the measurements. Practical methods of testing of a PET/CT facility will be presented.Educational Objectives:1. Understand the exposure factors to be used for currently used PET isotopes to determine required structural shielding to meet exposure limits for occupational personnel and the public.2. Understand the effectiveness of existing and additional structural shielding materials that provide radiation protection and methods to calculate the required amounts of these materials.3. Understand the methods to be used to evaluate the adequacy of PET and PET/CT installations to insure adequate shielding has been provided to meet applicable state and ALARA requirements.

Radiation exposure to the patient and operating room personnel during percutaneous nephrolithotomy

The increased use of fluoroscopy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) places the urologist and operating room personnel at an occupational risk for measurable radiation exposure. We evaluated the degree of radiation exposure received by the patient and operating room personnel at our endourology facility during PCNL. The incident radiation dose to the patient and the urologist during 50 consecutive PCNL procedures was monitored using lithium fluoride thermo-luminescent dosimeter chips (TLD chips). A hand held radiation survey meter was used to measure the radiation in air at different positions occupied by various operating room personnel. The approximate distances of the various personnel from the X-ray tube were also measured. PCNL was performed upon 35 males and 15 females. The average time for the procedure was 75 minutes (range: 30-150 min). The mean fluoroscopy screening time during the procedure was 6.04 min (range 1.8-12.16 min) with a mean fluoroscopy tube potential of 68 kVp and a mean tube current of 2.76 mA. The mean radiation exposure dose to the patient was 0.56 mSv (SD +/- 0.35), while the mean incident radiation exposure to the finger of the urologist was 0.28 mSv (SD +/- 0.13). The various operating room personnel are within safe radiation dose limits during PCNL. Efficient fluoroscopy further reduces the radiation scatter. All occupational personnel should 'achieve as low as reasonably achievable' dose by adhering to good practices.

TH‐B‐330A‐01: Shielding Design Workshop: CT

The application of the structural shielding design techniques and goals as outlined in NCRP Report 147: Structural Shielding Design for Medical X‐ray Imaging Facilities (2004) will be the basis for this practical course. The wide variety of facilities installing CT imaging equipment requires the medical physicist to consider an array of radiation protection concerns for the installation of these units. To meet the challenge of maintaining construction costs to a minimum while providing adequate radiation shielding protection requires the physicist to utilize all available materials to reduce radiation exposure to surrounding personnel and the public. Estimating future workloads as well as considering current workloads for uses of CT scanners as the ability to perform many more scans more quickly can present challenges. Practical examples of implementing multi‐slice scanners with a variety of imaging purposes into facilities with a wide variety of existing shielding materials will be explored in this course.Educational Objectives:1. Understand the methods of structural shielding design to use for sing and multi‐scan CT scanners.2. Understand the radiation exposure limits for surrounding areas occupied by the public and occupational personnel.3. Understand methods to predict applicable workloads for various types of facilities and CT scanners.

The Work and Occupational Trajectories of Clinical Trials Research

This paper revisits the concept of trajectory, as set out by Glaser and Strauss in 1965 and developed by others. Much of the research utilizing this concept has been focused on illness and the organization of work and biographies of participants involved in managing illness trajectories. The emphasis of this paper is not illness, but clinical trial research. It utilizes the concept of trajectory as a lens for this empirically grounded thick description of the occupational personnel and the work activities of clinical trials research. It draws on data collected in an ethnographic field study of informed consent and AIDS clinical trials. Social scientists and clinicians are involved in the implementation of clinical trials and in the transfer and utilization of knowledge and interventions derived there from. Therefore, this paper seeks to contribute to scholarship on this complex field of practice.

Radiation Dose Reduction to Medical Staff During Vertebroplasty

Case crossover design was conducted. The purpose of the current study was to determine the radiation exposure level of operators performing fluoroscopically assisted vertebroplasty and to determine optimal techniques to reduce this exposure. The use of ionizing radiation to provide quality imaging during minimally invasive orthopedic procedures has dramatically increased. One such procedure, vertebroplasty, which is the percutaneous fixation of fractured vertebrae with polymethylmethacrylate, requires the use of ionizing radiation of biplanar fluoroscopy. The adverse effects of excessive radiation exposure to occupational personnel may not be realized for several years. Twelve months of occupational dose data for a single operator were evaluated and correlated to the modifications of practice habits implemented and shielding techniques used to reduce the operator's exposure while maintaining adequate image quality. Before the implementation of radiation-reduction procedures, the average whole-body dose per vertebroplasty procedure was 1.44 mSv/vertebrae, and the measured hand dose was 2.04 mSv/vertebrae. After implementation of radiation-reducing procedures and shielding techniques, the average whole-body dose per vertebroplasty procedure was 0.004 mSv/vertebrae, and the average hand dose was 0.074 mSv/vertebrae. Testing of the shielding device indicated a significant reduction in whole-body and hand doses. For the fluoroscopic modes investigated, the shielding used resulted in reductions ranging from 42.9% to 86.1%. It is critical that operators performing vertebroplasty procedures have a fundamental understanding of radiation physics and radiation protection to minimize radiation exposure.

A model for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces

Cold conditions increase health and safety risks at work in several ways. The effects of cold have not been sufficiently taken into consideration in occupational safety and health practices. A systematic model and methods were developed for managing cold-related health and safety risks at workplaces. The development work was performed, in a context-bound manner, in pilot industries and workplaces. The model can be integrated into the company’s occupational health and safety management system, such as OHSAS 18001. The cold risks are identified and assessed by using a checklist. The preventive measures are systematically planned in a written form specifically produced for cold workplaces. It includes the organisational and technical preventive measures, protective clothing and personal protective equipment, as well as training and information of the personnel. According to the model, all the workers, foremen, occupational safety personnel and occupational health care personnel are trained to recognise the cold risks and to conduct preventive actions. The developed model was evaluated in the context of cold outdoor (construction) and indoor work (fish processing), and by occupational health and safety professionals. According to the feedback, the model and methods were easy to use after a one-day introduction session. The continuum between the cold risk assessment and management worked well, although there was some overlap in the documentation. The cold risk management model and its methods form an essential part of ISO CD 15743 Strategy for risk assessment, management and work practice in cold environments.

Shadow Shield Design Analysis for Repository Emplacement Drifts

This paper describes the design approach and associated shielding analysis for radiological protection of occupational personnel in the subsurface facility of a potential repository that could be located at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. The VA (viability assessment) reference repository design provides a sufficient number of emplacement drifts for a capacity of 70,000 MTU spent nuclear fuel and defense high-level waste packages. The use of a simple, cost-effective concrete shadow shield after each last-emplaced waste package in an emplacement drift substantially eliminates direct radiation to subsurface workers in accessible areas such as the main drifts. The scattered radiation field becomes the major concern for worker safety in the subsurface facility. Adequacy of personnel protection was verified in a detailed shielding analysis using the MCNP4A code. Results show that the radiation field in the accessible main drifts is 1 mrem/hr at the worker elevation, once waste emplacement is complete and the drift isolation doors are closed. Therefore, the concrete shadow shield at the end of each emplacement drift provides adequate shielding for protection of repository workers.