Physical Risk Research Articles

<p>Does climate change pose physical and transition risks to the financial stability of Türkiye? Evidence from Fourier Bootstrap ARDL</p>

Türkiye is experiencing unprecedented events of climate-related natural disasters in recent years ranging from wildfires, drought, floods, and earthquakes. These natural disasters may trigger financial instability via physical risk, arising from damages to fixed capital, disrupting coastline operations, and decline in agricultural products. The introduction of environmental regulations, policies, and innovations aimed at the mitigation of physical risk might trigger transition risk. This affects the value of the assets held by businesses within the fossil fuel industry and carbon-related industries; leading to increased insurance liability, reduction in cashflows, profitability, and insurability of corporations that depend on ecosystem services. Thus, the impact of physical and transition risk on the financial stability of Türkiye was investigated from 1980-2020 using the novel Fourier Bootstrap ARDL technique. The analysis revealed that physical risk measured as the frequency of natural disasters increases the risk of financial instability in Türkiye both in the short and long run. Contrarily, transition risks measured by environmental taxes and environmental technologies were found to increase the financial stability in Türkiye. As a major policy implication, it is suggested that companies must consider the risk of climate change during the infrastructure planning and building process. In addition, the government should revise environmental taxes to boost environmental innovation for a sustainable future.

Noise as a physical risk factor in furniture industry machines

This study aimed to determine the risk level of noise, which is an important physical risk, in small and medium-sized furniture industry enterprises. The noise levels of the circular sawing machines, edge banding machines, and mitre cutting machines, which are among the main processing machines of the sector, were measured. The study was carried out in 32 furniture businesses. The possible risks of noise on the operators of the machines in question and other employees were evaluated. Noise level measurements were made with the help of TESTO 815 measuring device. Dunnett’s T3 test was used to detect differences in noise levels for machine operators and other employees. It was determined that the edge banding machine does not pose an occupational health and safety risk in terms of noise risk factors. However, the mitre cutting machine and the circular sawing machine pose a risk for the machine operator in active production by creating noise above the established exposure limit value. The mitre cutting machine carries the same risk for the machine operator when it is in operation but in passive production. The results revealed the need for personal protective equipment for machine operators for mitre cutting and circular sawing machine.

International exchanges and cooperation in art education in Ukraine: challenges and opportunities

The purpose of the article is to study international exchanges and cooperation in art education in Ukraine, to identify challenges and opportunities in the development of these areas in the future. to achieve this goal, the article uses general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis. The methods of abstraction, comparison, content analysis, and the prognostic method were also used, which made it possible to formulate some comments for the future development of international cooperation in art education in Ukraine. The results of the study highlight the importance of international cooperation, which is becoming an increasingly important aspect of modern art education. The analysis of the legislative framework has shown that Ukraine has created favourable conditions for academic exchange, and joining the Bologna system contributes to the internationalisation of higher education in the arts. These trends are also reflected in the development strategies of art universities in different regions of Ukraine, such as Kharkiv, Lviv and Kyiv, where establishing international exchanges is considered an important priority for educational institutions. In addition, the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts actively uses digital channels to transmit information, especially in remote locations. Although distance learning has its limitations in art education, the conditions of modern reality, such as Russian aggression, create an opportunity to organise international cooperation with foreign partners without physical risk. It is important to note that there are common challenges to the successful implementation of international exchanges and cooperation in art education, such as cultural and language barriers, financial support, visa and administrative restrictions, as well as academic requirements and potential global threats. However, a possible way to overcome these difficulties is to use the international experience of involving NGOs or special state structures that would coordinate the provision of grants for academic mobility of arts students. The conclusions emphasise that it is also worth considering the possibility of special digital platforms that provide opportunities for internships and distance learning, which can be an effective solution for organising international cooperation in the current situation.

The double materiality of climate physical and transition risks in the euro area

We analyse the double materiality of climate physical and transition risks in the euro area economy and banking sector. First, by tailoring the EIRIN Stock-Flow Consistent behavioural model, we provide a dynamic balance sheet assessment of the Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS) scenarios. We find that an orderly transition achieves early co-benefits by reducing CO2 emissions (12% less in 2040 than in 2020) while supporting growth in economic output. In contrast, a disorderly transition worsens the economic performance and financial stability of the euro area. Further, in a disorderly transition with higher physical risks, real GDP decreases by 12.5% in 2050 relative to an orderly transition. Second, we analyse how firms’ expectations about climate policy credibility (climate sentiments) affect investment decisions in high or low-carbon goods. Firms that trust an orderly policy introduction do anticipate the carbon tax and switch earlier to low-carbon investments. This, in turn, accelerates economic decarbonization and decreases the risk of carbon-stranded assets for investors. Our results highlight the crucial role of early and credible climate policies to signal investment decisions in the low-carbon transition.

Accelerometer-measured physical activity, sedentary behavior, and risk of incident pelvic organ prolapse: a prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank

BackgroundPrevious studies on physical activity (PA) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) were largely limited to self-reported PA in athletes, soldiers, and women in postpartum. We aimed to investigate the association of accelerometer-measured PA and sedentary behavior with the risk of POP in middle-aged and elderly women.MethodsIn this prospective cohort derived from the UK Biobank, the intensity and duration of PA and sedentary behavior were measured with wrist-worn accelerometers over a 7-day period in 2013–2015 for 47,674 participants (aged 42.8–77.9 years) without pre-existing POP. Participants were followed up until the end of 2022, during which incident POP was ascertained mainly by the electronic health records. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic splines were used to assess the associations of interest. Isotemporal substitution models were applied to test the effects of substituting a type of activity with equivalent duration of others.ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 8.0 years, 779 cases of POP were recorded. The duration of light-intensity PA (LPA) was positively whereas sedentary time was negatively associated with the risk of POP. Every additional 1 h/day of LPA elevated the risk of POP by 18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10%–26%). In contrast, the risk decreased by 5% (95% CI, 0–8%) per 1 h/day increment in sedentary behavior. No associations were found between moderate-intensity PA (MPA) or vigorous-intensity PA (VPA) and POP, except that women who had a history of hysterectomy were more likely to develop POP when performing more VPA (53% higher risk for every additional 15 min/day). Substituting 1 h/day of LPA with equivalent sedentary time was associated with a 18% (95% CI, 11%–24%) lower risk of POP. The risk can also be reduced by 17% (95% CI, 7%–25%) through substituting 30 min/day of LPA with MPA.ConclusionsMore time spent in LPA or less sedentary time was linked to an elevated risk of POP in middle-aged and elderly women, while MPA or VPA was not. Substituting LPA with equivalent duration of sedentary behavior or MPA may lower the risk of POP.

Journalism and social-political conflict in contemporary society

This study delves into the intricate dynamics between journalism and contemporary social-political conflicts. It aims to comprehend the challenges journalists face when reporting on such conflicts, encompassing physical risks in conflict zones, ethical dilemmas arising from portraying sensitive issues, and economic pressures influencing media coverage decisions. Grounded in the theoretical framework of Peace Journalism, the study adopts principles emphasizing accuracy, fairness, and the promotion of dialogue over sensationalism. Utilizing the descriptive research method, the study consults and analyzes relevant literatures, documents, and records to interrogate media ethics and power in multicultural Nigeria. Findings reveal challenges in conflict reporting, including threats to physical safety, ethical quandaries, and economic constraints shaping narratives. Social-political conflicts trigger shifts in the media landscape, influencing news consumption patterns, contributing to media polarization, and fostering the rise of citizen journalism facilitated by social media platforms. Hence, the study offers a set of recommendations to address identified challenges. These encompass safeguarding press freedom, implementing media literacy programs, providing comprehensive journalist training and support, diversifying news sources, establishing ethical reporting guidelines, promoting peace journalism initiatives, fostering international collaboration, launching public awareness campaigns, investing in conflict reporting, and advocating for ongoing research and continuous monitoring.

Physical Activity Intensity and Risk of Dementia

IntroductionRegular participation in aerobic physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of dementia. It is currently unclear whether this association is due to the total volume or intensity of physical activity. MethodsThis prospective cohort study analyzed 386,486 adults from the UK Biobank who were free of dementia and self-reported >0 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) at baseline (2007-2010). Participants were categorized as performing 0%, >0% to 30%, or >30% of their total MVPA in vigorous activity (VPA). Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the associations between categories of VPA and incident dementia while adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors including total MVPA. Analyses were performed in 2022. ResultsOver an average follow-up of 12.0 (1.7) years, there were 5,177 (1.3%) cases of dementia. Compared to the group reporting 0% VPA, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of dementia for the groups reporting >0% to 30% and >30% VPA were 0.73 (0.68-0.78) and 0.81 (0.75-0.87), respectively, in the fully adjusted model. In a joint analysis, reporting some VPA was associated with a reduced risk of dementia regardless of meeting the aerobic physical activity guidelines (HR=0.78 [0.72-0.85]) or not (HR=0.76 [0.60-0.98]), while meeting the aerobic physical activity guidelines alone without VPA was not associated with incident dementia (HR=0.98 [0.90-1.07]), compared to the group that did not meet the guidelines and reported no VPA. ConclusionsThese results suggest that engaging in VPA as part of MVPA is associated with a lower risk of dementia.

Validation and psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the prenatal body image questionnaire

BackgroundThe body image during pregnancy potentially affects both short- and long-term maternal and child health outcomes, including pregnancy mood, postpartum weight recovery, and the quality of mother–child interactions. However, research on the impact of body changes during pregnancy in the Chinese population is scarce. A comprehensive, practical, and reliable tool for assessing pregnant women is needed to detect, intervene in, and implement the reduction of physical dissatisfaction risk. This study translated the Prenatal Body Image Questionnaire (PBIQ) into the Chinese version (PBIQ-C) to assess the body image of pregnant women and evaluated its reliability and validity.MethodsAn improved Brislin translation model was used for the translation. A panel of experts determined the content validity. A convenience sample of 429 pregnant women was chosen from three third-class hospitals in different regions of Fujian Province, China. Factor analysis, Pearson’s correlation, retest reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha were employed to evaluate structural validity and reliability.ResultsThe final PBIQ-C had five dimensions with 21 items. Exploratory factor analysis obtained a five-factor solution, which accounted for a total of 60.34%. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the model fit of the five-factor model also reached a satisfactory model fit after modifying: The Comparative Fit Index was 0.93, and the Tucker-Lewis Index was 0.92; the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation was 0.079. The content validity index of the scale ranged from 0.63 ~ 1.00. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.95 for the total scale, and the test–retest reliability was 0.80.ConclusionsThe findings indicated that the PBIQ-C is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing women’s body image during pregnancy, which helps in the early identification of body dissatisfaction during pregnancy and enables the early prevention of postpartum depression.

Prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among Southern Indian pregnant women attending antenatal care

Background: Physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy can alter the sleep patterns of the pregnant women and were said to be precursor for the development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and complication of pre-existing OSA. Developing country like India has no health cost distribution for the treatment, as this condition’s treatment trends absorbs 65–82% of all health cost. There is oblivious state among clinicians and patients, self-reporting of the symptoms are poor which, in turn, results to upshot underdiagnoses of OSA among southern Indian population. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study is to screen the prevalence of OSA among the southern Indian pregnant women attending antenatal care and to evaluate its predisposing factors. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 305 pregnant women according to our study selection criteria, attended antenatal care at ACS medical college and hospitals from Chennai. On face-to-face basis, berlin questionnaire screening was done. With a brief interview, sociodemographic details, medical records and laboratory parameters were obtained. To cluster the risk of OSA prevalence, percentage was estimated using frequency distribution. Chi-square analysis was done to obtain significant relationship between contributing factors and OSA symptoms. Statistical testing was done with SPSS software version 21. Results: Among 305 pregnant women, 31.8% (97) were shown to have high-risk OSA and 68.2% (208) low-risk OSA. Across the trimester, high-risk OSA were noted among 8.2% (25), 11.1% (34), and 15.4% (48) at first, second, and third trimester, respectively. Age, body mass index, occupation, neck circumference, multiple pregnancy, and presence of conditions such as gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, adenoids, mallampatti grade, nasal congestion, and family history of OSA can be the predisposing factors which could influence the OSA symptoms. Conclusion: The future investigations should rely on the analysis of the fetal outcomes after proper diagnosis of OSA. Furthermore, independent predictive values of physical signs, history, risk factors, and mechanisms behind the progression of OSA should be studied well. Region and area specific difference of risk of OSA to identify disparities and to promote decentralization of sleep care could be done.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Related Factors among Foreign Medical Students of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Musculoskeletal pain impacts our daily lives in numerous ways. So, it is very important to investigate this problem to find out its prevalence and factors related to it. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 360 randomly selected medical students from different medical colleges in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. With consent, data was collected by the principal investigator by pretested interview schedule through face-to-face interviews. Participants had the freedom to withdraw from the study at any point without the obligation to provide a reason, and measures were taken to maintain data confidentiality. The procedure posed no physical, mental, or social risks. Data were analysed by SPSS version 25.0 and presented through tables and diagrams for clarity. Results: Of the respondents, 213(59.2%) had musculoskeletal pain. But the majority 314(87.2%) had no history of trauma and 221(61.4%) had a family history of musculoskeletal pain. Of them, only 116(32.2%) respondents performed physical exercise while nearly two-thirds 224(62.2%) had normal BMI. Near cent per cent of respondents had prolonged sitting history, which is more than 2 hours. Most 273(75.8%) of them use chairs for study purposes. Near three-fourths, 259(71.9%) had travel time of more than one hour per day and a significant 328(91.1%) number of them use backpacks. Of 213 sufferers, more than two-fifths 128(60.1%) had musculoskeletal pain often. Almost half (47.4%) of medical students were suffering from back pain and 69(32.4%) from neck pain. Conclusion: Medical students were suffering from musculoskeletal pain with no history of trauma and positive family history. Students do not perform physical exercise regularly with normal BMI. During travel, they use backpacks to carry educational materials. Smartphones, computers or laptops are used by them during their leisure time. Students were mainly suffering from back, neck and shoulder pain.

Exploring Social, Physical, and Mental Risks of Ecological Modernization Through Dam Construction: A Case Study of PT. Vale Indonesia's Mining Activities

Exploring Social, Physical, and Mental Risks of Ecological Modernization Through Dam Construction: A Case Study of PT. Vale Indonesia's Mining Activities

A Review of Bed Nets Usage and Sewerage Conditions as Risk Factors for Lymphatic Filariasis in Developing Countries

Introduction: Lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is a parasitic disease caused by microscopic worms that live only in the human lymphatic system. Mosquitoes, as vectors of lymphatic filariasis, play an important role in the prevention of this disease. The aim of this study was to identify agent, vector, and physical environment risk factors for filariasis in developing countries through a literature review. Discussion: This study was conducted using the narrative literature review method. The main sources for this study were articles from Google Scholar, Research Gate, PubMed, Springer, Scopus, and DOAJ databases. The criteria for articles were published between 2012 and 2022, observational studies including cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort designs, open access, and articles were organized according to STROBE guidelines. This study showed that from a total of 100 articles found, 14 articles met the predetermined criteria. Wuchereria bancrofti is the most common agent of filariasis. Culex and Anopheles are the vectors. The presence of bed nets and sewerage conditions were physical environment risk factors for filariasis in developing countries. Conclusion: Prevention of filariasis can be achieved by using mosquito nets or insect repellent when sleeping at night. In addition, open drains should be cleaned regularly to prevent them from becoming breeding sites for mosquitoes as vectors.

Retracted: Prevention of Physical Risk and Rehabilitation of Muscle Injury in Sanda Competition.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/9486697.].

Identification and categorization of hazards in the mining industry: A systematic review of the literature

AbstractControl of OHS risks in the mining industry has been attracting increasing attention in recent years. Because of their great diversity in a complex system, hazards can be difficult to identify and classify, especially when system components interact. Risk cannot be managed successfully without comprehensive investigation of all its aspects. A coherent and integrated classification for identifying and categorizing all hazards is currently lacking in mining. We propose an integrated system classification of OHS hazards in mining based on our review of 44 studies retrieved using PRISMA. Considering Canadian and international standards, regulations and conventions, new hazard categories are proposed and hazard prevention is discussed from 12 perspectives: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, accident and psychosocial risks, as well as policy, legislation, management, design, geography, and uncertainty, with reference to each of the four phases of a typical mine life cycle, the hazards were shown in a portrait. This paper provides suitable categories based on rational data for creating a portrait in order to OHS hazards prevention in life cycle activity in mine.

A model based on PDCA and data mining approach for the prevention of occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in the construction sector.

Occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in the construction sector in developing countries have high rates of work absenteeism. The productivity of enterprises is heavily influenced by it. To propose a model based on the Plan, Do, Check, and Act cycle and data mining for the prevention of occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in the construction sector. This cross-sectional study was administered on a total of 200 male technical workers in plumbing. It considers biological, biomechanical, chemical, and, physical risk factors. Three data mining algorithms were compared: Logistic Regression, Naive Bayes, and Decision Trees, classifying the occurrences occupational accident. The model was validated considering 20% of the data collected, maintaining the same proportion between accidents and non-accidents. The model was applied to data collected from the last 17 years of occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in a Colombian construction company. The results showed that, in 90.5% of the cases, the decision tree classifier (J48) correctly identified the possible cases of occupational accidents with the biological, chemical, and, biomechanical, risk factors training variables applied in the model. The results of this study are promising in that the model is efficient in predicting the occurrence of an occupational accident in the plumbing activity in the construction sector. For the accidents identified and the associated causes, a plan of measures to mitigate the risk of occupational accidents is proposed.

Climate Risks in the Commercial Mortgage Portfolios of Life Insurers: A Focus on Sea Level Rise and Flood Risks

In this paper, we explore the climate risk exposure of U.S. life insurers' commercial mortgage loan portfolios, focusing on sea level rise (SLR) and flood risks. While vast literature and industry reports document the potential impact of climate change on the insurance industry, most focus on the property insurance market. Life insurers hold a significant number of commercial mortgages, representing approximately 15% of their assets by the end of 2021. These investments are susceptible to both physical and transitional risks of climate change and are much less researched or understood. From 2012 to 2019, we find that the size of newly issued commercial mortgages by life insurers in the U.S. grew from $37 billion to $56 billion (by 51%). We find heterogeneity across life insurers in terms of the average loan size, the loan origination frequency, as well as loan locations. In terms of locations, life insurers tend to originate loans in metropolitan areas, many of which are on the coast. Some life insurers focus on specific geographical areas that happen to be exposed to high levels of SLR or flood risks (e.g., Florida), while some diversify across metropolitan areas (coastal or noncoastal) in the U.S. Our findings have important policy implications for regulators and researchers.

Corporate Climate Risk: Measurements and Responses

Abstract This paper conducts a textual analysis of earnings call transcripts to quantify climate risk exposure at the firm level. We construct dictionaries that measure physical and transition climate risks separately and identify firms that proactively respond to climate risks. Our validation analysis shows that our measures capture firm-level variations in respective climate risk exposure. Firms facing high transition risk, especially those that do not proactively respond, have been valued at a discount in recent years as aggregate investor attention to climate-related issues has been increasing. We document differences in how firms respond through investment, green innovation, and employment when facing high climate risk exposure.

Health risk assessment and occupational safety at hospitals in Southwest of Iran

Background/objectives: Risk assessment is very important to reduce the occurrence and spread of preventable accidents in hospitals because they have huge resources of funds related to the health of society, human, financial, physical, and equipment capital. This study was done in order to assess the occupational health and safety risks at Mehr and Razi Hospital in Ahvaz. MethodsIn this descriptive-cross-sectional study, the HOSHRA method was used at Mehr Private and Razi University of Education Hospital in Ahvaz during 2022. Then, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the results. ResultsBased on result of this study in Razi Hospital, the final score of risk is in order from the highest to the lowest related to biological risks > physical risks > chemical risks > ergonomic risks > psychological risks, and in Mehr Hospital, in order from the highest to the lowest related to biological risks > ergonomic risks > psychological risks > risks Physical and chemical hazards were obtained. The findings of the total HOSHRA index for different risks in the two selected hospitals showed that close to each other, but it was slightly higher in Razi Hospital in Ahvaz than in Mehr Hospital. ConclusionAccording to the findings study the chemical, ergonomic, psychological, physical, and biological risk assessment results showed that the risk level at Razi Educational and Mehr Private Hospitals is unacceptable and requires fundamental and urgent changes.

Poor mobility and lower limb weakness are associated with three distinct depressive symptom trajectories over 6 years in older people.

Physical decline can be associated with the onset of depressive symptoms in later life. This study aimed to identify physical and lifestyle risk factors for depressive symptom trajectories in community-dwelling older adults. Participants were 553 people aged 70-90 years who underwent baseline physical, psychological and lifestyle assessments. Group-based trajectory analysis was used to identify patterns of depressive symptom development over 6 years of follow-up. Strengths of associations between baseline functional test performances and depressive symptom trajectories were evaluated with univariable ordinal models. Subsequently, the adjusted cumulative odds ratio for the association between identified risk factors, demographic factors and baseline anti-depressant use were measured using multivariable ordinal logistic regression. Three distinct depressive symptom trajectories were identified: a low-and-stable course (10% of participants), a low-and-increasing course (81%) and a moderate-and-increasing course (9%). Timed Up and Go test time was the strongest risk factor of depressive symptom trajectory, followed by Five Times Sit-to-Stand test performance, planned physical activity levels, and knee extension strength (adjusted standardised ORs 1.65, 95% CI 1.34-2.04; 1.44, 95% CI 1.16-1.77; 1.44, 95% CI 1.17-1.76 and 1.41, 95% CI 1.15-1.73 respectively). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index and baseline anti-depressant use, Timed Up and Go test performance and knee extension strength were independently and significantly associated with depressive trajectories. Timed Up and Go test times, Five Times Sit-to-Stand test performance, planned physical activity levels and knee extension strength are associated with three discrete depressive symptom trajectories. These clinical tests may help identify older adults aged 70-90 years at risk of developing depressive symptoms and help guide subsequent strength and mobility interventions.

Interval-valued fermatean fuzzy based risk assessment for self-driving vehicles

The decision-making(DM) processes used by autonomous vehicle driving systems are separate from those of the users, allowing them to oversee and regulate the operations of the cars in expected and unforeseen circumstances. Although there are several advantages to using this technology, such as fewer accidents caused by human error and more efficient energy utilization, it is also evident that there are some risks involved. Hence, developing a risk assessment application for these systems will be advantageous given the hazards associated with autonomous cars and driving systems that must be tested and addressed. In this study, a new integrated FF-based MCDM methodology combining the Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP), Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution(TOPSIS), and Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC) methods is proposed as a new security model that will help decision-makers address the physical design and attack risks of autonomous vehicles, estimate their uncertainty, and control cyber risks Interval-valued Fuzzy Fermatean sets ten possibilities for autonomous vehicle driving systems assessed in the application based on six main criteria and fifteen sub-criteria. Comparative and sensitivity studies have also been used to demonstrate the adaptability, validity, and verification of the suggested approach and the sensitivity of the decisions made. Possible implications from a theoretical, managerial, and policy framework have been examined based on the application findings and studies that have been done.