Occupational Profile Research Articles

Occupational Well-Being Profiles and Learning Climate as an Organizational Resource: A Latent Transition Analysis

AbstractThe aim of the present longitudinal study was to profile the occupational well-being (burnout, work engagement) of highly educated employees (n=442) at three measurement points: in 2017 (T1), 2019 (T2), and 2021 (T3). We were interested in whether profile transitions would occur during the follow-up, and if so, whether the three dimensions of perceived learning climate (facilitation, appreciation, and error avoidance) predict these transitions, and hence function as an organizational-level resource that could help highly educated employees to sustain or improve their occupational well-being. We identified three profiles at each measurement point: (1) burnout, lowered engagement; (2) average exhaustion, high engagement; and (3) low burnout, very high engagement. Latent Transition Analysis indicated that employees both maintained their profiles and made transitions during the follow-up. The findings for the second study period (T2-T3) showed a somewhat less favorable development of occupational well-being. Multinomial Logistic Regression Analysis revealed that perceived learning climate predicted the T2-T3 but not T1-T2 transitions. We conclude that employee well-being can simultaneously comprise both positive and negative states. Although the organizational resource perspective gained some support, this tentative evidence also raises the question of whether employees perceive an appreciative learning climate as more stressful than helpful. Overall, the longitudinal relationship of occupational well-being with the dimensions of perceived learning climate warrants further study.

The role of the electricity grid in operation-induced greenhouse gas emissions by a residential building: A multi-year retrospective simulation study

In view of the growing shares of renewables in the electricity grid in combination with the electrification of hvac (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) systems in residential buildings, the grid intensity (in terms of carbon dioxide emissions per unit of electric energy) becomes increasingly sensitive to weather conditions, and synchronicity between weather and the grid becomes a more critical aspect in building performance assessment. Using building performance simulation techniques to seek robust building designs requires awareness about the uncertainties in circumstantial factors that affect performance. This 2016 – 2022 retrospective study highlights the effects of using low or high temporal resolution grid emissions intensity data on projected operation-induced carbon dioxide emissions for a terraced dwelling in the Netherlands. Building fabric quality, the occupant profile, and systems configurations (i.e., hvac and photovoltaics) are varied to investigate the effects of the applied grid model resolution. This study shows that ignoring high-resolution grid intensity data is getting increasingly problematic; applying low resolution (annual) instead of high-resolution (15-minute) grid intensity data leads to an increasingly unjustified optimistic assessment both for net and gross emissions (either or not allowing for carbon displacement by feeding locally generated electricity into the grid).

From roads to roofs: How urban and rural mobility influence building energy consumption

Understanding the relationship between travel behavior and building energy use at an urban scale is crucial for developing effective energy management strategies. Mobility patterns significantly impact building occupancy, which in turn affects energy consumption. However, existing methods often focus on individual buildings, whereas geographical influences on energy usage are not adequately examined. This study addresses this gap by using transportation origin-destination (OD) data to estimate building occupancy and energy. The proposed method assigns OD trips from census block groups to the building level, incorporating building, travel survey, and census data to derive building occupancy profiles. This method was applied to urban and rural areas with 4062 buildings in 70 census block groups. We found that the OD-informed occupancy profile exhibits smoother energy consumption patterns compared with that of Department of Energy reference occupancy profiles. Our analysis reveals distinct building energy consumption patterns among groups with long and short commutes, emphasizing the effect of commute times and work schedules on residential energy usage. This framework is useful for practitioners in transportation agencies and utility companies, enabling the estimation of building energy based on mobility patterns. Overall, this study shows the potential of integrating transportation and building energy data to inform cross-sector energy management strategies.

Occupational stress profiles of prehospital and clinical staff in emergency medicine-a cross-sectional baseline study.

Occupational stress among emergency medical staff remains a central problem. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies were focused on the working conditions of clinical emergency staff, but few examined the occupational stress profiles of prehospital emergency dispatchers (ED). The aim of this study is therefore to provide baseline data on the differences in occupational stress profiles between prehospital and clinical emergency medical staff. ED, emergency nurses (EN), and trauma surgeons on duty (TS) were questioned using the established and validated standardized short version of the instrument for stress-related job analysis for hospital physicians (ISAK-K). Differences between occupational groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Our data indicate significant differences in perception of stressors between professional groups (p < 0.05), with ED showing the highest psychological stress, followed by EN. Social stressors and emotional dissonance were significantly higher in ED and EN compared to TS (p < 0.05). Time pressure was identified as major stressor for ED and TS, but not for EN (p < 0.01). All professions showed moderate high levels of uncertainty and frustration (p = n.s.). Support from colleagues and supervisors was the greatest positive resource for all professional groups (p = n.s.). In accordance with current literature, our results advocate for a re-evaluation of the identified stressors, as ED, EN, and TS continue to show high levels of occupational stress. Training programs for coping with emotional dissonance and social stressors are likely to be crucial for reducing job stress among ED and EN.

Socio-cultural Analysis of Gaddi Tribe - A Sociological Study of Saraj Area in Jammu Region

The present paper deals with the detail analysis of socio-cultural conditions of Gaddi tribe of Saraj area of Chenab Valley in Jammu region. This study gives focus on socio-cultural importance, constitutional status, tradition and customs of Gaddi tribe. These custom and traditions compel them to be remain ethnocentric in nature. On the basis of fieldwork, participant observations, in-depth long interviews and data collection from concern community development block, it is found that Gaddi tribes are still economically and socially backward. Since the homogenous nature of all Gaddi settlements in the region, the Gaddi hamlet namely Barshalli has been chosen as sample and locale of the present study. The study is based on four main objectives which fulfilled the requirement of the entire investigation. 1). Demographic and occupational profile of the Gaddi tribes in Saraj. 2). Socio-cultural conditions of Gaddi in the area. 3). Dependence of Gaddi on intra-religious communities. 4). Religious consciousness of Gaddi tribes in the region. The researcher has conducted fieldwork at village Barshalli and applied qualitative research techniques for data collection. The entire data so collected has been analysed with various tool and techniques. On the basis of data analysis it is found that Gaddi are ethnocentric and endogamous in nature. Their traditions and customs highlight their identity. Their dairy produce is for their domestic consumption only. They sale out few sheep and goats to meet out expenses for their rituals and diseases. They are facing identity crisis in the region. Gaddi tribes affiliate themselves with upper caste Rajputs but in turn they keep social distance from these tribes. Gaddi also maintain strong social stratification with lower castes Hindus in the area. Despite of various government initiatives adopted for their wellbeing. There is still a need of more affirmative targeted schemes as per demand of the hour for them. These tribes are facing multi-dimensional issues in their daily life.

Cracking the physical insight of power law models: Bridging the gap between macroscopic kinetics and surface coverages

AbstractWe propose a methodological framework to quantify the relative abundance of key surface intermediates via analysis of the macroscopic intrinsic kinetic characteristics of gas‐phase data. At the core of this approach is the development of analytical expressions, which link reaction orders and activation energies in macroscopic power law models to the fractional coverage of the non‐observable intermediates. Through the design of an advanced parameter estimation methodology, these relationships were further exploited to develop thermodynamically consistent and mechanistic‐based power law models which could capture the evolution of surface occupancy profiles along the reactor length. The developed framework was tested through in‐silico water gas shift reaction case‐studies; the results indicate the robustness of the approach and the mechanistic insight that can be gained from its application. The methodology proposed in this study could thus be of general value to assist in reaction mechanism analysis, identification of key surface intermediates, and reactor optimization.

Modeling and Analyzing the Availability of Technical Professional Profiles for the Success of Smart Cities Projects in Europe.

The success of developing and implementing Smart Cities (SC) projects depends on a varied set of factors, where the availability of a qualified technical workforce is a critical one. The combination of ICT requirements, like the effectiveness and quality of solutions merging IoT, cloud computing, sensors, and communications with the work from many varied disciplines (e.g., civil engineering, architecture, etc.), mixed with aspects of environmental and business sustainability, makes the management of these projects really challenging. Reports forecast a scarcity of qualified candidates, given this complexity and the growth of activity in SC projects. The European project SMACITE has addressed the requirements of the qualification of an ICT workforce with an analysis of multiples sources of information from the labor market, feedback from involved stakeholders, and the literature. The goal was the development of two occupational ICT profiles as a reference for training and for the availability of candidates for job vacancies. The result is two ICT role profiles for engineers and technicians, mapped with the European skills frameworks ESCO and EN16234. The profiles determined the whole set of requirements, including not only the technical areas and soft skills, but also additional technical areas and sustainability and managerial skills and the analysis of different sources of information. Our work has also determined which existing ESCO occupations are similar to the two reference profiles, so they are better adapted to SC projects. The training activities of SMACITE have also suggested the amount of training expected for a varied sample of candidates who want to be qualified for SC projects.

Sociodemographic, Occupational, and Health Profile of Brazilian Housekeepers and House Cleaners-A Hypothesis-Generating Study.

For many women, house cleaning is an important way to participate in the labor market. In Brazil, there are 2 types of domestic workers: housekeepers have relatively secure employment and house cleaners are day laborers. The aim of this hypothesis-generating study was to describe the sociodemographic, occupational and health profile of a sample of domestic workers in Brazil. House cleaners received lower wages, had longer daily working hours and worked in a larger number of homes each week in comparison to housekeepers. About 51% of the domestic workers in this sample reported the use of pain medication and 34% reported spinal problems. Musculoskeletal symptoms were frequent in the lower back and upper limbs. Forty-seven percent reported high blood pressure. This study highlights the vulnerability of domestic workers, especially house cleaners, regarding workload, salary, and health conditions. Level of education is a contributing factor to this vulnerability.

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 skills dimension in the talent acquisition processes of Greek private schools

This paper explores the processes involved in talent acquisition practices, including recruitment, selection, and professional development within the context of private schools in Greece. Unlike the standardized recruitment and selection processes observed in the Greek public educational sector, which assess formal qualifications alongside social criteria, the private sector in Greece adopts a talent acquisition approach primarily based on job-matching theory. The theoretical section of the paper examines the divergence in talent acquisition processes between the Greek public and private educational sectors. In the empirical research section, the study presents findings from qualitative research conducted through semi-structured interviews with 15 managers from private schools in Northern Greece. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis, with convenience sampling utilized as the sampling method. The research aims to capture managers' perspectives on selection methods, training practices, and professional development initiatives for educational staff. The findings highlight the emphasis placed on soft skills during the recruitment process, the diverse blend of skills and qualifications that form the occupational profile demanded and the significant role of managers in facilitating the professional growth of educational staff.

EWS-WT1 fusion isoforms establish oncogenic programs and therapeutic vulnerabilities in desmoplastic small round cell tumors

EWS fusion oncoproteins underlie several human malignancies including Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor (DSRCT), an aggressive cancer driven by EWS-WT1 fusion proteins. Here we combine chromatin occupancy and 3D profiles to identify EWS-WT1-dependent gene regulation networks and target genes. We show that EWS-WT1 is a powerful chromatin activator controlling an oncogenic gene expression program that characterizes primary tumors. Similar to wild type WT1, EWS-WT1 has two isoforms that differ in their DNA binding domain and we find that they have distinct DNA binding profiles and are both required to generate viable tumors that resemble primary DSRCT. Finally, we identify candidate EWS-WT1 target genes with potential therapeutic implications, including CCND1, whose inhibition by the clinically-approved drug Palbociclib leads to marked tumor burden decrease in DSRCT PDXs in vivo. Taken together, our studies identify gene regulation programs and therapeutic vulnerabilities in DSRCT and provide a mechanistic understanding of the complex oncogenic activity of EWS-WT1.

Modelling occupant behaviour in residential buildings: A systematic literature review

This systematic literature review examines Occupant Behaviour (OB) modelling in residential buildings, focusing on its role in narrowing the energy performance gap and enhancing occupant comfort. It provides an overview of methodologies from simple statistical models to advanced machine learning algorithms. We conducted a chronological literature review on OB modelling in residential buildings, identifying the algorithms and the main remarks and limitations of each study. We also present sample populations for each study, offering a comprehensive view of OB modelling's evolution. Our study shows a trend towards incorporating intelligent technologies like IoT and Artificial Intelligence, highlighting an evolution towards more advanced and precise techniques. The review evaluates studies utilizing monitoring, diary, or survey data to improve behavioural model accuracy, covering aspects such as occupant presence, window manipulation, lighting and shading regulation, thermostat adjustment, and usage patterns of domestic hot water and appliances. The review underscores the importance of standardized data collection and integrating OB into building standards. It advocates for adaptive OB models leveraging IoT data with privacy considerations and calls for comparative analysis of modelling techniques. Future research should develop adaptable occupancy profile repositories and integrated modelling frameworks to address OB complexities.

Pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic and rat brain receptor occupancy profile of NLX-112, a highly selective 5-HT1A receptor biased agonist.

NLX-112 (i.e., F13640, befiradol) exhibits nanomolar affinity, exceptional selectivity and full agonist efficacy at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. NLX-112 shows efficacy in rat, marmoset and macaque models of L-DOPA induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease and has shown clinical efficacy in a Phase 2a proof-of-concept study for this indication. Here we investigated, in rats, its pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic (PK) and brain 5-HT1A receptor occupancy profiles, and its PK properties in the absence and presence of L-DOPA. Total and free NLX-112 exposure in plasma, CSF and striatal ECF was dose-proportional over the range tested (0.04, 0.16 and 0.63mg/kg i.p.). NLX-112 exposure increased rapidly (Tmax 0.25-0.5h) and exhibited approximately threefold longer half-life in brain than in plasma (1.1 and 3.6h, respectively). At a pharmacologically relevant dose of 0.16 mg/kg i.p., previously shown to elicit anti-LID activity in parkinsonian rats, brain concentration of NLX-112 was 51-63 ng/g from 0.15 to 1h. In microPET imaging experiments, NLX-112 showed dose-dependent reduction of 18F-F13640 (i.e., 18F-NLX-112) brain 5-HT1A receptor labeling in cingulate cortex and striatum, regions associated with motor control and mood, with almost complete inhibition of labeling at the dose of 0.63 mg/kg i.p.. Co-administration of L-DOPA (6mg/kg s.c., a dose used to elicit LID in parkinsonian rats) together with NLX-112 (0.16mg/kg i.p.) did not modify PK parameters in rat plasma and brain of either NLX-112 or L-DOPA. Here, we demonstrate that NLX-112's profile is compatible with 'druggable' parameters for CNS indications, and the results provide measures of brain concentrations and 5-HT1A receptor binding parameters relevant to the anti-dyskinetic activity of the compound.

Chromatin and gene regulation in archaea.

The chromatinisation of DNA by nucleoid-associated proteins (NAPs) in archaea 'formats' the genome structure in profound ways, revealing both striking differences and analogies to eukaryotic chromatin. However, the extent to which archaeal NAPs actively regulate gene expression remains poorly understood. The dawn of quantitative chromatin mapping techniques and first NAP-specific occupancy profiles in different archaea promise a more accurate view. A picture emerges where in diverse archaea with very different NAP repertoires chromatin maintains access to regulatory motifs including the gene promoter independently of transcription activity. Our re-analysis of genome-wide occupancy data of the crenarchaeal NAP Cren7 shows that these chromatin-free regions are flanked by increased Cren7 binding across the transcription start site. While bacterial NAPs often form heterochromatin-like regions across islands with xenogeneic genes that are transcriptionally silenced, there is little evidence for similar structures in archaea and data from Haloferax show that the promoters of xenogeneic genes remain accessible. Local changes in chromatinisation causing wide-ranging effects on transcription restricted to one chromosomal interaction domain (CID) in Saccharolobus islandicus hint at a higher-order level of organisation between chromatin and transcription. The emerging challenge is to integrate results obtained at microscale and macroscale, reconciling molecular structure and function with dynamic genome-wide chromatin landscapes.

Cultural Influence on Child-Rearing of Hispanic Fathers of Children With Autism

Abstract Date Presented 03/23/24 The purpose of this study is to explore cultural influence on child-rearing of Hispanic fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder. By knowing Hispanic fathers’ experiences, it can help guide the occupational profile and fit intervention to both the dad and the child. Primary Author and Speaker: Penny Escobedo Luna Additional Authors and Speakers: John Luna Contributing Authors: Jack Ruelas

Phylogenetic climatic niche evolution and diversification of the Neurergus species (Salamandridae) in the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot.

This study explores how climate variables influenced the evolution and diversification of Neurergus newts within the Irano-Anatolian biodiversity hotspot. We use a dated phylogenetic tree and climatic niche models to analyze their evolutionary history and ecological preferences. Using genetic data from nuclear (KIAA) and mitochondrial (16s and 12s) genes, we estimate divergence times and identify four major Neurergus clades. The initial speciation event occurred approximately 11.3 million years ago, coinciding with the uplift of the Zagros and Anatolian mountains. This geological transformation isolated newt populations, likely triggering the first speciation event. By integrating potential geographic distribution with climate variables, we reconstruct ancestral niche occupancy profiles. This highlights the critical roles of temperature and precipitation in shaping Neurergus habitat preferences and distribution. We observe both phylogenetic niche conservatism and divergence, with niche divergence playing a dominant role in diversification. This research emphasizes the complex interplay of geography, climate, and ecology in speciation and the vulnerability of isolated mountain newt populations to environmental changes.

The Occupational Therapy Vocational Profile (OTVP): Supporting transition and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities

ABSTRACT Transition to adulthood can be challenging for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), with and without concurrent mental health conditions. Research shows that young adults with disabilities face a variety of barriers and are more likely to be unemployed than those without a disability. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) can play an integral role in supporting young adults as they transition out of school and into supported or competitive employment. The Occupational Therapy Vocational Profile (OTVP) was developed to support young adults with IDD, with or without concurrent mental health conditions, as they leave school and transition to adulthood. The OTVP is a non-standardized, comprehensive evaluation tool that consists of three subtests based on the Person-Environment-Occupation (PEO) Model. It includes a summary of results that provides a description of an individual’s goals, interests, strengths, needs, and recommended vocational accommodations. This article discusses the development and pilot testing of the OTVP in a residential school setting. The OTVP may provide OT practitioners, educators, vocational staff, and employers with information to support young adults seeking supported or competitive employment after high school.

Epidemiology of work-related hand and wrist injuries in a referral center: A descriptive study.

Occupational hand and wrist injuries (OHWIs) account for 25% of work-related accidents in low- and middle-income countries. In Colombia, more than 500000 occupational accidents occurred in 2021, and although the rate declined to less than 5% in 2020 and 2021, at least one in four accidents involved a hand or wrist injury. To describe the OHWIs in workers seen at the emergency room at a second-level hospital in Colombia. An observational study was performed using data from workers who experienced OHWIs and attended a second-level hospital, between June, 2020 and May, 2021. The overall frequency of OHWIs, as well as their distribution by sociodemographic, clinical, and occupational variables, are described. Furthermore, association patterns between sex, anatomical area (fingers, hand, wrist), and type of job were analyzed by correspondence analysis (CA). There were 2.101 workers treated for occupational accidents, 423 (20.3%) were cases of OHWIs, which mainly affected men (93.9%) with a median age of 31 years and who worked mainly in mining (75.9%). OHWIs were more common in the right upper extremity (55.3%) and comprised different types of injuries, such as contusion (42.1%), laceration (27.9%), fracture (18.7%), and crush injury (15.6%). They primarily affected the phalanges (95.2%), especially those of the first finger (25.7%). The CAs showed associations between the injured anatomical area and the worker's job that differed in men and women (explained variance > 90%). One out of five workers who suffered occupational accidents in Cundinamarca, Columbia had an OHWI, affecting mainly males employed in mining. This occupational profile is likely to lead to prolonged rehabilitation, and permanent functional limitations. Our results might be useful for adjusting preventive measures in cluster risk groups.

Profile of drug-resistant tuberculosis post universal drug susceptibility testing in Jabalpur division, Madhya Pradesh: study

Abstract Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) can be a menace for TB elimination, making it crucial to identify the drivers of this multifaceted challenge. Now, as drug sensitivity results are available at the commencement of the treatment, DRTB patients can be delineated earlier rather than once landing into treatment failure. Objectives: The study was done to assess the sociodemographic and behavioral profile of DR-TB patients and its association with the drug-resistant pattern following the introduction of universal drug sensitivity testing in the program. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the DRTB center, Jabalpur. Record review was done for registered patients through the NIKSHAY portal, notification, laboratory registers, and PMDT treatment cards, for the period January 2018 to December 2019 excluding the transferred-out cases. Patients were contacted for any missing information. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. The Chi-square test was applied for statistical significance considering P ≤ 0.05 to be significant at 95% confidence level. Results: Among 201 patients, the majority were males (62.2%) of the younger (18–30 years) age group (42.3%), residing below the poverty line (62.2%) in urban slums (40.8%). There was a preponderance of tobacco users (88.5%), whereas 22.9% were alcoholics. Nutritional status revealed 59.7% to be underweight, whereas 9% were overweight. Review of drug-resistant profile had shown multidrug resistance (MDR) to be most common (70.6%), followed by H resistance (13.4%) and others (MDR + fluoroquinolone [FQ] [10.4%], extensively drug-resistant [3.5%], H + FQ/second-line injectable [SLI]/LZ [1.5%], MDR + SLI [0.5%]). Belonging to lower socioeconomic strata, residing in urban slums, and being engaged in a labor class occupational profile carries a statistically significant association with MDR TB. Conclusion: MDR is the most common pattern of DR TB in the study population, proportionally higher in urban slum dwellers.

Analysis of the Relationship between Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profile and Occupational Profile to the WHO Cardiovascular Risk Chart 2019 for South-East Asia in Oil and Gas Industry

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new 10-year cardiovascular risk prediction recommendation known as the WHO Cardiovascular Risk Chart 2019 (WHO CRC). However, there is currently no assessment available regarding the relationship between ASCVD classic and occupational profiles to WHO CRC, specifically in occupational settings and in the context of the Indonesian Heart Association’s (IHA) adjusted version of the WHO CRC for South-East Asia (WHO CRC-INA). This study aims to fill this gap by examining the relationship between classic (Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease) ASCVD and occupational profiles within the oil and gas industry, specifically the WHO CRC-INA. This study is analytical cross-sectional research data were analyzed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression, with a significance level of P &lt; 0.05. The research using total sampling method amounted to 240 workers from January to May 2022 of Medical Check Up (MCU) in a major oil and gas company. The ASCVD risk measurement instrument uses the final score of the WHO CRC-INA, grouped into low- and medium-high risk. Analysis showed that occupational profiles had a relationship with WHO CRC-INA medium-high risk, as seen in the bivariate analysis for shift work and work type (P = 0.018; OR = 2,045) had a relationship with WHO CRC-INA medium-high risk.