Occupational Problems Research Articles

Developing single ligand strategy for engineering a high-performance photocatalyst with the pore space partition and open-metal sites

Realizing the precise structure design and functional customization of photocatalysts is essential for achieving high conversion and selectivity. Herein, we propose an innovative pore space partition strategy for constructing a high-performance photocatalyst from a single ligand by regulating the group modification and symmetry of the ligand, which solves the problem of open-metal sites occupation. A novel polyoxometalate-based metal-organic framework, CoW–BTIz, was synthesized successfully from a new donor-acceptor-donor type photosensitizer 4, 7-bis (imidazolyl) benzothiazole, Co cations and electron sponge [BW12O40]5– anions. The push−pull effect of the D–A–D units in the confined spatial ensures the charge rapid transport processes. Incorporating POM into photoactive MOF is beneficial to produce single •O2– via type I pathway primarily in air atmosphere by photogenerated electron transfer. CoW–BTIz gave a high yield in the aerobic synthesis of 2-arylbenzothiazole and the cyclization of thioamide to 1,2, 4-thiadiazole by the synergetic effect of each component in mild conditions.

Effect of the Occupational Stress and Psychological Problems of Special Post Teachers in Zunyi City, Guizhou Province

The investigation of the current status of occupational stress and psychological problems among special post-teachers in Zunyi City is crucial. This study provides insights into improving their working environment and promoting their well-being. This study aimed to 1) assess the level of occupational stress among teachers in special post teachers in Zunyi City, 2) study the status of psychological problems among teachers in special post teachers in Zunyi City, and 3) analyze the influence of occupational stress on psychological problems. This study used questionnaire surveys and interviews. A total of 324 special post-teachers answered the questionnaires. It served as a valid sample for this study, using the "Special Post Teacher Occupational Stress Questionnaire" as the research tool and supplemented by the "Self-Psychological Harmony Scale" for psychological problems data collection. Statistical methods such as frequency, percentage, average, standard deviation, independent sample t-test, and multiple regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between occupational stress and psychological problems among special post-teachers, indicating that higher levels of occupational stress are associated with an increased likelihood of psychological problems. Additionally, notable differences in occupational stress and psychological problems were observed among special post teachers from different backgrounds. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between occupational stress and psychological problems among special post-teachers, offering important implications for improving their work environment, reducing occupational stress, and promoting mental health.

Drug problems and treatment services at the community level: findings from a national sample of key informants in Nigeria

ABSTRACT Aims This study aimed to provide community-level perspectives on substance use, related health and social harms and utilization of treatment for substance use disorders in Nigeria. Methods The study is based on descriptive-qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 2,787 key informants (e.g. police officers, health workers) from the 36 states of Nigeria. Results The findings highlight social, economic, legal, academic, occupational and health problems linked to drug consumption. Drug-related problems extended beyond individuals who consume drugs to impact close relations and local communities. Government-funded facilities (e.g. general hospitals, specialist psychiatric facilities) were thought to be more available, accessible and acceptable to people seeking treatment for substance use disorders than other types of facilities (e.g. faith-based facilities, NGO treatment centers). The provision and uptake of services in these facilities are constrained by financial cost and inadequate specialist services for drug use owing to shortage of skilled professionals. Conclusion There exist a need to improve access to substance use disorder treatment through development of skilled manpower, expansion of health service coverage and strengthening of community-based services. Further, prioritizing healthcare services and combating stigma against people who use drugs could contribute to uptake of services.

Improved event-based fault detection filter for networked fuzzy systems under DoS attacks

This paper investigates an improved event-based fault detection method for networked fuzzy systems under denial-of-service (DoS) attacks. In order to solve the bandwidth occupation problem of communication network, a resilient event-triggered transmission strategy is developed. Additionally, a fault detection filter is designed to estimate the time of fault occurrence by using the residual signal. Under this framework, a novel Lyapunov functional related to attack parameters is established to analyze the exponential convergence of the error signals, and the filter gains and event-triggered parameters are obtained by solving linear matrix inequalities. The designed functional reduces the conservatism of the stability criteria significantly in contrast with the previous discontinuous Lyapunov functionals. Finally, a simulation example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Occupational Priorities of People on Hemodialysis Who Participated in Energy Management Education.

Background. People with kidney failure who undergo hemodialysis treatment and experience chronic fatigue identify negative effects on occupational performance and participation as a key aspect of their illness experience. Purpose. To describe the occupational performance and participation problems of people treated with hemodialysis who live with debilitating fatigue. Method. Fifteen participants, who were randomized to participate in an energy management intervention as part of a randomized controlled trial, completed two occupation-based assessments at baseline and chose three priority occupational performance or participation problems to address as goals during the intervention. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics (counts and percentages). Findings. Fifteen participants (mean age 60, 53% male) completed the occupation-based assessments. Participants stated that they wanted or needed more energy for a median of 22 of 55 occupations. Going out for food/drinks (n = 11), going to a movie/concert/performance (n = 10), and food preparation/clean-up (n = 10) were the top occupations for which participants required more energy. Prioritized occupational performance and participation problems most often fell within the household management (14 goals), self-care (6 goals), and hobbies (5 goals) domains. Conclusion. Occupational performance and participation problems are extensive among people treated with hemodialysis who live with debilitating fatigue. There is a clear need for occupation-based interventions that optimize occupational performance and participation in this population.

Performance of Adults With & Without Sensory Processing Challenges on the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions Assessment

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 Scores from the Sensory Processing 3 Dimensions (SP3D) Assessment were used to examine sensory modulation, discrimination, praxis, and postural functions, along with associated occupational performance problems in a sample of adults with and without sensory processing challenges. Primary Author and Speaker: Shelley Mulligan Additional Authors and Speakers: Sarah A. Schoen

Occupational health problems among waste collectors in a metropolitan city: a cross-sectional study

Waste collectors are often exposed to various occupational problems. This study aims to assess occupational health problems of waste collectors and personal protective equipment use in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among 158 household waste collectors. Data was collected using a self-constructed questionnaire through face-to-face interviews from April to September 2022. Twelve wards were randomly chosen among all thirty-two wards, and all workers from the selected wards were included in the study. Data entry was done in Epi-data, and analysis was in the SPSS version 25. The chi-square test measured the association between demographic and occupational diseases. Occupational diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders (65.2%), physical injuries (61%), gastrointestinal tract infections (18.4%), and skin allergies (32.9%) were reported. Almost all workers used masks and gloves. Sociodemographic factors such as age and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) showed significant association (p-value=0.001). Additionally, variables like sex showed a significant association with occupational health problems, such as disease faced by waste collectors (P-value of 0.049). Similarly, other variables like educational status and using separate clothing at work (p-value 0.004), changing clothes daily (p-value, <0.01), work experience and bathing daily after work (p=0.01), and changing clothes (p=0.003) also showed a significant association. Our study showed that almost all workers experienced occupational diseases. These findings highlighted the need to emphasize occupational health within municipal solid waste management to develop a safer and healthier work environment for waste collectors.

Measurement properties of the Spanish COPM in older adult rehabilitation inpatients

Aims To analyse the measurement properties of the Spanish version of the COPM (Canadian Occupational Performance Measure) in older adult rehabilitation inpatients. Method A sample of 172 users from 17 inpatient care facilities for older adults (47% nursing homes) participated in a quantitative prospective study. We examined validity by correlating the COPM with the Barthel Index (BI), the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), the EuroQol-five domains-three level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and the Client-Centred Rehabilitation Questionnaire (CCRQ) and by examining associations with demographic variables. Reliability was evaluated through test-retest and responsiveness through differences in change scores in two types of care facilities. Results Participants prioritised 637 occupational performance problems, mainly in the area of self-care (70.5%). The COPM scale scores were significantly correlated with BI, IADL, EQ-5D-3L (except the pain dimension), and CCRQ (except the family involvement and continuity dimensions). COPM scores did not show statistically significant differences concerning educational level. Regarding reliability, high test-retest correlations were obtained (>.80). Nursing home users showed less responsiveness to rehabilitation than other users (change score < 2 vs. > 2 points). Conclusion and significance The Spanish COPM provides satisfactory measurement properties as a client-centred instrument in older adult rehabilitation inpatient.

Enhancement noise margin and delay time performance of novel punch-through nMOS for single-carrier CMOS

In this paper, we propose the use of punch-through nMOS (PTnMOS) as an alternative to pMOS in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) circuits. According to the TCAD simulation results, PTnMOS exhibit sub-threshold characteristics similar to those of pMOS and can be formed by simply changing the doping concentration of the source and drain. Without the need for sizing, which solves the area occupation problem caused by the need to increase the width of pMOS due to insufficient hole mobility. In addition, we compose a PTnMOS and nMOS without sizing to form a single-carrier CMOS in which only electrons are transmitted, and We extract its performance for comparison with conventional CMOS (Wp/Wn = 1). The results indicate that single-carrier CMOS has symmetric noise margin and 29% faster delay time compared to conventional CMOS (Wp/Wn = 1). If III–V or II–VI group materials could be applied to single-carrier CMOS, not only could costs be reduced and wafer area occupancy minimized, but also significant improvements in the performance and bandwidth application of microwave circuits could be achieved.

Data-driven offline reinforcement learning approach for quadrotor’s motion and path planning

Non-learning based motion and path planning of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is faced with low computation efficiency, mapping memory occupation and local optimization problems. This article investigates the challenge of quadrotor control using offline reinforcement learning. By establishing a data-driven learning paradigm that operates without real-environment interaction, the proposed workflow offers a safer approach than traditional reinforcement learning, making it particularly suited for UAV control in industrial scenarios. The introduced algorithm evaluates dataset uncertainty and employs a pessimistic estimation to foster offline deep reinforcement learning. Experiments highlight the algorithm’s superiority over traditional online reinforcement learning methods, especially when learning from offline datasets. Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of a more general behavior policy. In evaluations, the trained policy demonstrated versatility by adeptly navigating diverse obstacles, underscoring its real-world applicability.

Preparation of superior magnetite concentrate from waste tailings with clean energy: Semi-industrial utilization, economic profits, and environmental benefits

The effective utilization and clean recycling of tailings are important to solve land occupation and waste mine pollution problems. A semi-industry experiment of hydrogen-based mineral phase transformation for tailings is conducted with a roasting temperature of 500 °C, a reducing gas concentration of 20 %, a total gas volume of 12 m3/h, and a handing capacity of 100 kg/h. A concentrate product with an iron grade of 66.75 % and a recovery of 82.79 % was obtained. The detail roasted iron phases of 23.96 % Fe3O4 (A) and 47.93 % Fe3O4 (B) were obtained. The maximum saturation magnetization increased from 6.69 to 18.96 A·m2·kg−1 after roasting. The surface of Fe3O4 occurred on the iron mineral surface. The SEM-EDS results showed the order of reduce behavior. In addition, the pollutions of the roasting process were controlled strictly, and the final benefit was calculated to be $33.86 million.

Risk analysis of noise-induced hearing loss of workers in the automobile manufacturing industries based on back-propagation neural network model: a cross-sectional study in Han Chinese population

ObjectivesThis study aims to predict the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) through a back-propagation neural network (BPNN) model. It provides an early, simple and accurate prediction method for NIHL.DesignPopulation...

Design and Implementation of Time Point Approval and Dynamic Monitoring for Rural Illegal Occupation of Farmland for Constructing Houses

Abstract. The illegal occupation of farmland for building houses has impact not only on the land resources, but also the agricultural production, ecological environment, and food security. In order to protect farmland resources, maintain stable agricultural production activities and improve ecological environment, this paper designs and implements a time-point approval and dynamic monitoring solution and system for the problem of rural illegal occupation of farmland for constructing houses by comprehensively utilizing the satellite remote sensing technology (RS) and geographic information system technology (GIS). The result shows that the time-point approval and dynamic monitoring system can identify the illegal construction of houses accurately, thus this work can curb the generation of new illegal houses, and support the special governance of the construction of illegally occupied farmland effectively and continuously.

Occupational Health-Related Problems among Portuguese Fitness Instructors.

The fitness sector has experienced significant expansion, with fitness instructors (FIs) playing a pivotal role. Given the demands of their profession, understanding their health profile is crucial. This study's purpose is to explore the prevalence of fitness instructors' occupational health-related problems. A questionnaire covering sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related items was administered. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests, Spearman's rho correlations, and logistic regressions, were conducted. Fifty-nine FIs reported occupational health-related problems, with the majority occurring during instruction (66.1%), being muscular (32.2%), and knee (15.3%), the most common type and localization. Significant statistical differences were observed between injured and non-injured FIs, including sex (p = 0.012), years as an FI (p = 0.001), weekly days worked (p = 0.039), and daily hours worked (p = 0.013). Weak negative (-0.284 - -0.362) statistically significant correlations were found between health problems; weight; height; main activity; and FIs in the workplace. Logistic regressions identified significant models showing that having a sport/physical exercise background and practicing it regularly were less likely to report bursitis (OR 0.018; p = 0.020) and hip injuries (OR 0.026; p = 0.037). Approximately one-third of FIs reported occupational-related health problems, predominantly musculoskeletal injuries. Sociodemographic, personal, and occupational factors appear to influence the prevalence of these health problems.

Prevalence and correlates of mental health problems among different occupations of medical workers during COVID-19 outbreak in China.

Health workers involved in the fight to prevent the COVID-19 outbreak were exposed to hazards. Detailed information on mental health problems in different medical occupations is crucial. To examined the prevalence of mental health issues in three medical occupations as well as the relationships between mental health problems and correlates in each occupation. This study utilizing the Questionnaire Star program was conducted among medical workers working at medical institutions in China from February 17 to 24, 2020. The Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), the Zung Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess mental health problems. The prevalence of any mental health problems in the three occupations was 43.6, 34.6, and 32.9% for nurses, paramedical workers (PMWs), and doctors, respectively. Three occupations shared some correlates, such as being overworked, not having enough time to rest, support from colleagues, and previous mental health status. There were specific factors for each occupation. For doctors, age, educational level, living status, support from family, and previous physical status were related factors in mental health problems. Working in a designated hospital for treating COVID-19, having COVID-19 event exposures, and receiving support from family were associated with the mental health problems of the nurses. PMWs' mental health problems was linked to educational level and care from supervisors or heads of department. Different medical occupations have distinct impacts on mental health issues. Policy makers and mental health professionals working to prepare for potential disease outbreaks should be aware of multiple factors in different occupations.

Occupational orthopedic problems and its relation to personal radiation protection in interventional radiology

PurposeSeveral studies report occupational orthopedic problems among interventional cardiologists. These health problems are usually multifactorial. However, the personal protective equipment used should play a major role. An online survey was conducted to determine the frequency of such health problems among interventional radiologists and to correlate them with the use of personal radiation protective clothing. Material and MethodsAn anonymous online survey that comprised of 17 questions was sent via e-mail to 1427 members of the German Society for Interventional Radiology (DeGIR) in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The questions were focused on interventional workload, the use of personal radiation protection apparel and orthopedic problems. Given the different scale levels, the associations between the variables were analyzed using different statistical methods. A significance level of p < 0.05 was chosen. ResultsThere were 221 survey responders (15.5% response rate). About half of responders (47.7%) suffered from more than five episodes of orthopedic problems during their interventional career. Lumbar spine was involved in 81.7% of these cases, cervical spine in 32.8%, shoulder in 28.5% and knee in 24.7%. Because of orthopedic problems, 16.1% of the responders had to reduce and 2.7% had to stop their interventional practice.The number of affected body regions correlates with the fit of the radiation protection means (p < 0.05, r = 0.135) and the reduction of activity as an interventional radiologist (p < 0.05, r = −0.148). ConclusionOverall, the survey reveals widespread orthopedic problems at several body regions among interventional radiologists, associated with the fit of radiation protection systems, among other factors. A connection between the orthopaedic complaints and the radiation protection system used could not be established.

Пути повышения эффективности систем управления охраной труда

The high level of occupational injuries has been registered globally. Daily, 5,000 deaths are caused by industrial accidents and occupational illnesses. It is an issue that requires an urgent solution. The International Organization of Standardization has developed the ISO 45001:2018 Standard; implementing its recommendations in the working practices of an enterprise should increase the efficiency of activities aiming to ensure occupational safety. The basic recommendation of the standard is the development of an occupational safety management system at the enterprise. It is a documented system; within its setup, it is required to develop a significant volume of documentation and determine information links between the departments. The enterprise, however, must not focus only on documentation. The main functioning efficiency factor of the occupational safety management system is training for staff. Conditions to boost staff activities and their involvement in the development of favorable working conditions, detection and elimination of hazards at the workplace must be provided. An essential factor of the successful functioning of the occupational safety management system is the conducting of recurrent audits (1–2 times a year) at each department of the enterprise. Nevertheless, hazards and incidents at the workplace can emerge daily; therefore, the staff should act as auditors as the efficiency of detection of emerging hazards and risks and their timely elimination will depend on the staff’s qualification, attention, and active approach. In order to boost staff involvement, constant improvement of competencies and the use of an incentive system developed considering the efficiency of proposals on occupational safety improvements can be recommended. The involvement of staff in occupational safety activities, their understanding of the importance of such activities aiming at the safety of life and health, and the support of initiatives of the staff are possible on the condition of interest of the enterprise's top management in the efficient measures to ensure occupational safety. Involvement of all employees of the enterprise in solving occupational safety problems will enable significant improvement of working conditions, reduce the level of occupational injuries, and resolve social issues within the framework of achievement the goals of the sustainable development program.

Musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers

Purpose of review Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most relevant occupational problem. The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is found among healthcare workers, with potential adverse consequences for the provision of care and public health. The objective of this study is to identify and synthesize the most recent literature on musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers. This could be useful for healthcare decision makers in translating effective interventions into practice. Recent findings The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high among healthcare workers. The most studied population are nurses, surgeons, dental professionals, and physiotherapists. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in these professionals is high, especially in the low-back, neck, and shoulders body areas. Physical and technological interventions are effective in reducing the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the aforementioned body areas. Summary Research on musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare workers is growing, even if mostly descriptive and assessing the point prevalence of this issue. Musculoskeletal disorders represent major public health problems that should be reduced through feasible, cost-effective technological and physical interventions. Future longitudinal and qualitative studies could be valuable in improving knowledge on this complex phenomenon.

Using nano-CaCO3 and ceramic tile waste to design low-carbon ultra high performance concrete

Abstract China’s annual production of ceramic tiles inevitably produces a large amount of ceramic tile waste, which causes environmental and land occupation problems. Using a high-volume ceramic tile waste to fabricate ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) will reduce the workability and mechanical properties but increase the low-carbon properties. Motivated by such mechanical and low-carbon properties, this study introduced inexpensive, spherical, low-carbon nano-CaCO3 (NC) to improve the workability and mechanical properties of UHPC with a high volume of ceramic tile waste powder and aggregate (UHPCHCTWPA). The results of this study indicated that NC can improve the workability but shortened the setting times of UHPCHCTWPA. NC also significantly increases the mechanical properties including compressive strength, compressive work, flexural strength, fracture energy, and ratio of flexural strength to compressive strength. It is due to that NC enhances the hydration rate and hydration degree, and optimizes hydration product orientation, size, and distribution. Moreover, compared with UHPC, the UHPCHCTWPA with NC reduces energy intensity, CO2 emission, and cost by more than 20%. Therefore, adding NC can make UHPCHCTWPA with good workability, mechanical and low-carbon properties and can effectively and quickly utilize ceramic tile waste.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevalence among Sewing Machine Operators of Sewing Workplaces in Kerman City

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are one of greatest occupational problems in industrialized and developing countries, and whereas becoming switches to major challenge between worker and employers. The aim of present study was determination the prevalence musculoskeletal disorders among sewing machine operators of sewing workplaces in Kerman. In this cross-sectional study, 297 workers that working in 170 sewing workplaces in Kerman as research population by census method were selected. Nordic Questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were analyzed using Chi-square statistical test under SPSS 16 software. In this study 50.5 percent of subjects in the past 12 months and 34.3 percent of them in during one week before the study had experienced discomfort or pain at least in one body part. Highest frequency symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders was observed in lower back, later than the lower back, knee, upper back, neck and ankles had highest frequent. Also, in this study a significant relationship between musculoskeletal disorders of lower back, shoulder, neck and tailors work experience were obtained. Results of this study did show that workplace is the most important cause of the incidence musculoskeletal disorders in tailors under research. Therefore, the interventional programs include optimizing the design of workstations and chairs used in sewing workplace and also providing ergonomic principles training courses for improving work conditions of workers that working in sewing workplaces should be considered.