Safe Practices Research Articles

Literature study: Comparative analysis of lead content in blood between spot workers, Caroseries industry workers, and metal smelting industry workers

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the comparison of lead content in blood between gas station attendants, bodywork industry workers, and metal smelting industry workers. Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal that can have dangerous effects on human health. Lead exposure can occur through various sources, including the work environment. Method: The research used is a literature study by collecting articles published between 2013-2023. After selection, there were 18 articles that were relevant to the research topic. Results and Discussion: The average lead content in the blood of gas station attendants ranges from 2.75 μg/dL to 35,317 μg/dL, bodywork industry workers range from 14.4 μg/dL to 35 μg/dL, and metal smelting industry workers range from 14.4 μg/dL. dL up to 50.83 μg/dL. Differences in levels of lead exposure between these three professions can be caused by differences in type of work, activities and work environment. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that gas station officers, bodywork industry workers, and metal smelting industry workers have different levels of exposure to lead. Therefore, appropriate health protection, such as the use of PPE and safe work practices, needs to be implemented to reduce the risk of lead exposure.

Prediction of shield tunneling attitude: a hybrid deep learning approach considering feature temporal attention

Accurate prediction of shield attitude deviation is essential to ensure safe and efficient shield tunneling. However, previous studies have predominantly emphasized temporal correlation, which has limitations in engineering guidance and prediction accuracy. This research proposes a hybrid deep learning approach considering feature temporal attention (FTA-N-GRU) for shield attitude prediction. To elucidate the contributions of each parameter, the Integrated Gradients algorithm is leveraged for parameter sensitivity analysis. The results from the Bangladesh Karnaphuli River Tunnel Project indicate that: the proposed model outperforms other models in prediction accuracy. The integration of feature attention can adaptively allocate attention weights to input parameters, facilitating inexperienced operators in discerning crucial parameter variations and decision-making. By incorporating temporal attention, the model effectively explores the connection among different output time steps, improving overall prediction accuracy and reliability. Consequently, operators are empowered with timely information to proactively adjust operations before deviations occur, underscoring the significance of this approach in promoting safe and efficient shield tunneling practices.

Promoting Health and Safety among Construction Workers in Pasay City: Towards an Enhanced Security and Safety Labor Policies

This research investigates the health and safety obstacles encountered by experienced construction professionals in Metro Manila. By addressing these challenges, the study aims to enhance worker well-being, safety practices, and policy formulation, potentially yielding economic benefits through cost reduction for construction firms and improved safety standards. Emphasizing social responsibility, the research advocates for promoting worker health and safety to bolster public trust and company reputation. Evidence-based recommendations provided can aid policymakers and regulatory bodies in updating regulations tailored to construction workers' needs, ensuring compliance and addressing sector-specific challenges. Valuable insights for the construction industry include strategies to retain and support experienced workers, anticipating reduced turnover rates and increased productivity. A safer construction environment not only benefits workers but also the broader community by reducing accidents and fostering societal harmony. The study prioritizes enhancing construction workers' quality of life by addressing physical hazards and safety protocol gaps, offering practical guidelines for employers to cultivate a culture of worker well-being and satisfaction. Furthermore, the research contributes to the academic discourse on occupational health and safety in physically demanding industries like construction, advancing understanding and facilitating future discussions on challenges and solutions in this field.

School Occupational Health and Safety Performance Scale: Validity and Reliability Study for Scale Development

The aim of this study is to develope a scale to evaluate the performance of occupational health and safety practices in schools. The form created for this purpose was presented to experts and the content validity rates of the items were determined in line with the feedback received.The items with a content validity ratio below .80 were excluded from the study. The 49-item trial form was applied via e-mail to 990 teachers working at primary, secondary, and high school levels in public and private schools in İstanbul, affiliated with the Ministry of National Education, and the data obtained were analyzed. With exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), a two-dimensional structure consisting of 40 items in total revealed "Occupational Health and Safety Training Practices Applied in Schools" and "Occupational Health and Safety Practices Applied in Schools, Managerial Precautions and Precautions". It was determined that the goodness of-fit indices of the model were quite high. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) also confirmed the EFA results. The obtained correlation coefficients were examined. Item-total score correlation coefficients were between r = .878 and r = .650, and a significant relationship was observed at the p < .01 level. The internal consistency coefficient obtained for the entire scale was .92. There was a significant (p< 0.05) difference between the items and the total score between the 27% lower and 27% upper groups. It was determined that this difference was in favor of the upper 27% group. There was high reliability in the items on the scale, and the items were distinguishable on the basis of the characteristics the scorers of the scale were looking for.

Narratives of postpartum women about childbirth care practices

The objective of this article was to investigate the narratives of postpartum women about childbirth care practices. This is narrative research with a qualitative approach, whose setting was the municipality of Sobral, Ceará, in a reference maternity hospital for the 11th health region. Information collection took place in the months of November and December 2023, with 14 postpartum women. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, with opinion no. 6,478,196. Thus, it can be seen that the majority of women had positive perceptions regarding the obstetric care provided by the institution: presence of a companion, satisfaction with the health team, normal birth without medical interventions, recognition of normal birth as the best birth. Thus, it is concluded that the quality of the service at the unit presented as the stage for the interviews shows dynamic access, assistance aimed at care with information and conduct and the encouragement of safe practices for maternal and child health.

Does higher performance in a national licensing examination predict better quality of care? A longitudinal observational study of Ethiopian anesthetists.

Ethiopia made a national licensing examination (NLE) for associate clinician anesthetists a requirement for entry into the practice workforce. However, there is limited empirical evidence on whether the NLE scores of associate clinicians predict the quality of health care they provide in low-income countries. This study aimed to assess the association between anesthetists' NLE scores and three selected quality of patient care indicators. A multicenter longitudinal observational study was conducted between January 8 and February 7, 2023, to collect quality of care (QoC) data on surgical patients attended by anesthetists (n = 56) who had taken the Ethiopian anesthetist NLE since 2019. The three QoC indicators were standards for safe anesthesia practice, critical incidents, and patient satisfaction. The medical records of 991 patients were reviewed to determine the standards for safe anesthesia practice and critical incidents. A total of 400 patients responded to the patient satisfaction survey. Multivariable regressions were employed to determine whether the anesthetist NLE score predicted QoC indicators. The mean percentage of safe anesthesia practice standards met was 69.14%, and the mean satisfaction score was 85.22%. There were 1,120 critical incidents among 911 patients, with three out of five experiencing at least one. After controlling for patient, anesthetist, facility, and clinical care-related confounding variables, the NLE score predicted the occurrence of critical incidents. For every 1% point increase in the total NLE score, the odds of developing one or more critical incidents decreased by 18% (aOR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.70 = 0.96; p = 0.016). No statistically significant associations existed between the other two QoC indicators and NLE scores. The NLE score had an inverse relationship with the occurrence of critical incidents, supporting the validity of the examination in assessing graduates' ability to provide safe and effective care. The lack of an association with the other two QoC indicators requires further investigation. Our findings may help improve education quality and the impact of NLEs in Ethiopia and beyond.

Workplace hazards and safety practices in the small-scale industries

Abstract The small-scale industries are considered a major sector of economic investment in the world. Small-scale industries typically suffer from problems such as poor management systems, poor safety training, difficulties in complying with legislation, and absence of safety performance. This study aimed to measure the levels of heat stress and noise and assess the safety performance in small-scale industries. Twenty industrial workshops were selected representing four different types of small-scale industries (foundries, automotive repair, metal processing, and aluminium processing) in Alexandria, Egypt. Inside each selected workshop, both levels of heat stress and noise were measured by calibrated instruments. A pre-designed checklist evaluated the adequacy of the safety performance. Noise levels ranged between 86.4 ± 2.0 and 89.7 ± 2.7 dB exceeding the recommended value (85 dB). In the most studied workshops, the levels of heat stress were relatively high, especially in the foundries. Besides, the safety practices at all these workshops were poor or very poor. The most obvious safety problems included poor housekeeping, lack of PPEs, inadequate illumination, absence of emergency exits, and insufficient fire extinguishers. The results emphasize the responsibility of the local authorities to give more attention and interest to this type of industry.

“I’ve had constant fears that I’ll get cancer”: the construction and experience of medical intervention on intersex bodies to reduce cancer risk

ABSTRACT Purpose This paper examines the subjective experience of medical interventions on intersex bodies to reduce cancer risk. Methods Twenty-five individuals with intersex variations took part in semi-structured interviews, analysed through thematic discourse analysis. Results Intersex bodies were positioned as inherently sick and in need of modification, with cancer risk legitimating surgical and hormonal intervention. This resulted in embodied shame, with negative impacts on fertility and sexual wellbeing. However, many participants resisted discourses of bio-pathologisation and embraced intersex status. Some medical interventions, such as HRT, were perceived to have increased the risk of cancer. Absence of informed consent, and lack of information about intersex status and the consequences of medical intervention, was positioned as a human rights violation. This was compounded by ongoing medical mismanagement, including health care professional lack of understanding of intersex variations, and the objectification or stigmatization of intersex people within healthcare. The consequence was non-disclosure of intersex status in health contexts and lack of trust in health care professionals. Conclusions The legitimacy of poorly-evidenced cancer risk discourses to justify medical intervention on intersex bodies needs to be challenged. Healthcare practitioners need to be provided with education and training about cultural safety practices for working with intersex people.

The best practices for safety and effectiveness in pregnant: zero-fluoroscopy arrhythmias catheter ablation

Abstract Background Arrhythmias are common during gestation. While the safety and effectiveness of zero-fluoroscopy arrhythmias catheter ablation has been studied, the effects of it in pregnant poorly understood. Purpose The aim of our single-center, prospectively study is explore feasibility, efficacy and safety of zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation in pregnant. Methods Characteristic, obstetric and neonatal outcomes of 47 cases of zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation during gestation (main group) within 24 month follow-up were compared with group of pregnant with antiarrhythmic therapy (control group, p=54). Ablation was performed under the guidance of CARTO (n=21; 44.7%) and Ensite Precision systems (n=26; 55.3%) and intracardiac echocardiography without using fluoroscopy in all cases. Results Mean age of pregnant and mean gestation age were comparable in both groups (25.3±3.9 vs. 27.3±3.9 years, p=0.093 and 23.7 ±3.1 vs. 23.8 ±3.2 weeks, p=0.123). Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia was the most common indications for ablation during gestation (n=21; 44.7%), which was followed by Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome (n=15; 31.9%). Cases of combination of accessory pathways with slow conduction ways (n=3, 6.4%), ventricular tachycardia (n=3, 6.4%) and premature ventricular contraction (n=5; 10.6%) were rare. Acute procedural success of zero-fluoroscopy ablation was in 100% with mean procedural time 71.9±14.5 minutes. Complication (ileofemoral thrombosis) was in one pregnant (2.1%). Further course of pregnancy characterized by occurring increased uterine contractile activity and placental abruption only in main group (4.54%, p=0.464 and 2.3%, p=0.414 respectively), while uterine blood flow violation and preeclampsia were in both groups (15.9% vs. 13%, p=0.234 and 4.55% vs. 3.7%, p=0.730 respectively). Obstetric outcomes characterized by prevalence of vaginal delivery and delivery in term in both groups (76.6% vs.81.5%, p=0.241 and 95.7% vs. 96.3%, p=0.743). There were live births in all cases with normal range of fetal birth weight in both groups (3207.4±485 vs 3142.2±214.1 grams and 8.4±1.6 vs. 8.6±1.3 respectively). There were no incidence of mortality and arrhythmia recurrence at follow up. Conclusions Zero-fluoroscopy ablation is feasible and can be safety performed during gestation with good outcomes.

Outcomes of tine-based leadless pacemakers retrieval: a multicenter study

Abstract Background Leadless cardiac pacemakers (LCP) are well established in daily practice and comparable in safety as well as efficacy to conventional transvenous pacemakers. With increasing implant volumes, more patients may need extraction and retrieval of these devices. Data on extractability of LCPs is however scare. Purpose The aim of this study is to analyze indication, techniques, efficacy and safety of LCP extractions in a multicenter international registry. Methods This is an international, multicenter retrospective registry. Demographic parameters, indication of LCP extraction, success and complication rate were analyzed. Results A total of 50 patients (median age 71 years (IQR 64-81), 34% female) were included in this study. 52% of patients received the LCP for complete AV block. The primary underlying cardiac condition was coronary artery disease in 42%. The main indication for LCP extraction was rise in threshold with loss of capture (32%), upgrade to biventricular pacemaker (26%) or upgrade to transvenous dual-chamber device (14%) (Figure 1). The overall success rate of device extraction was 96% with a mean dwell time of the LCP of 715 days (range 0-1477 days). In most cases, a steerable sheath with a single loop snare (71%) was used (Figure 2). Procedure related adverse events were low and included two pericardial effusion (not requiring any intervention) and one case of a device embolization that was retrieved successfully in the same setting. Overall mortality at 7 days was 0 %. Conclusion Retrieval/extraction of chronically implanted LCP appear to be safe and feasible in centers with expertise in femoral snaring.Indication for LCP retrievalTools used for LCP extraction

SJCIT Transport Management System

Innovative software developed with great care to maximize transportation inside of educational institution called the SJCIT Transport Management System (TMS). Acting as a single point of contact for all student and faculty transportation-related information, including records, routes, diversions, and more, this system includes sophisticated features like effective database management, user-friendly interfaces, and aesthetically pleasing design elements. Its rapid adaptation minimizes transition times by guaranteeing quick user onboarding. A key instrument in coordinating the smooth movement of people across multiple locations and schedules is the SJCIT TMS, which is centred around the promotion of safe, efficient, dependable, and sustainable transportation practices. Its adaptability makes it possible for it to function seamlessly in both standalone and integrated configurations, which makes it an essential tool for improving transportation management in learning environments

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Sterilization and Disinfection of Health Care Professionals in Bangladesh

<i>Background:</i> Healthcare professionals face a constant risk of acquiring infections from patients. Exposure to blood, saliva, and sharp instruments increases their susceptibility to various infectious diseases. Proper sterilization and disinfection procedures are crucial for protecting both healthcare workers and patients. <i>Objective:</i> This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding sterilization and disinfection among healthcare professionals in Bangladesh.<i> Methods</i>: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases & Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from January to June 2023. A total of 81 healthcare professionals were randomly selected and participated in the study after providing verbal consent. Data collection involved a pre-structured questionnaire focusing on knowledge, attitude, and practices related to sterilization and disinfection. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Ethical clearance was obtained before the study commenced. <i>Results: </i>The study included healthcare professionals from various backgrounds, with the majority being young adults (21-25 years old). Knowledge assessment revealed a good understanding of sterilization methods, disinfection procedures, post-sterilization instrument management, and waste disposal practices. Additionally, most participants were aware of the hospital's sterilization protocols and infection prevention policies. Regarding attitudes, a positive response was observed towards regular training for staff, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and adherence to sterilization and disinfection guidelines. However, a minority expressed concerns about reusing disposable items. Practices reflected the positive knowledge and attitudes, with a high percentage of participants following hand hygiene protocols, using PPE, and opting for disposable equipment. However, a small number reported experiencing needle-stick injuries, highlighting a potential gap between knowledge and practice. <i>Conclusions:</i> the study found that a majority of healthcare professionals in this setting demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and appropriate practices regarding sterilization and disinfection. However, a small knowledge, attitude, and practice gap was identified, particularly concerning needle-stick injuries. These findings suggest a need for ongoing education and reinforcement of safe practices to ensure optimal infection prevention and control in healthcare facilities.

Assessment of pesticide knowledge, Safety Practices and postharvest handling among cocoa farmers in South Western Nigeria

Cocoa beans are susceptible to fungal contamination during processing and storage. The knowledge of the use of pesticides and post-harvest handling of cocoa beans among farmers is of great importance for safe consumption. The study evaluated common cocoa production and post-harvest practices of farmers in selected study locations in South Western Nigeria. Primary data were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires, and interviews. The collected data were analyzed using inferential descriptive statistics. The results of 394 farmers showed that 52.9 % in Osun and 47.3 % in Oyo were primarily farmers by occupation, the rest had other ventures. The majority of cocoa farmers were men:83.6 % in Oyo State, 88.2 % in Osun state and 87.9 % in Ondo state. 28.6 % and 32.7 % of farmers were aged 51–60 in the Ondo and Oyo communities, respectively. Osun farming communities are dominated by young adults (51 %) of 31–50 years, followed by Ondo 40 % and36 % of farmers in Oyo State. Most cocoa farmers were married with 4–6 children as the most common household size in Osun (51 %), Ondo (60.4 %) and 49.1 % in Oyo State. The literacy level of farmers in cocoa communities was the highest in Oyo state where 47.3 % had tertiary education. Farmers in Oyo State had better knowledge of the dangers of pesticides than Ondo and Osun. However, ignorance of dangers in agrochemicals was higher among Osun farmers than in Ondo State. The highest (18 %) pesticide use during storage was recorded among Oyo farmers, while the least (11.0 %) was recorded among farmers in Ondo State. Pesticide usage was more abundant in Osun (50 %) during cocoa production than in the other study areas. The majority of farmers were positively disposed to make use of nose masks during agrochemical application, meanwhile, 69 %, 62 %, and 61 % of farmers used them already in Oyo, Ondo, and Osun states, respectively. Educational qualification (χ2 = 9.176, p = 0.027) of cocoa farmers was significantly related to knowledge of best practices. Farmers with higher education have a greater ability to receive and process information relating to global best practices in production, postharvest, and pesticide handling in cocoa. In conclusion, cocoa farmers’ knowledge of processing, use of pesticides, and storage practices differed from one location to another. Intensive orientation and more enlightenment by extension workers against indiscriminate use of pesticides in cocoa plantations and stores must be consistently and continuously done.

Multi-Emission Carbon Dots Combining Turn-On Sensing and Fluorescence Quenching Exhibit Ultrahigh Selectivity for Mercury in Real Water Samples.

Mercury is a ubiquitous heavy-metal pollutant and poses serious ecological and human-health risks. There is an ever-growing demand for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of mercury in natural waters, particularly for regions lacking infrastructure specialized for mercury analysis. Here, we show that a sensor based on multi-emission carbon dots (M-CDs) exhibits ultrahigh sensing selectivity toward Hg(II) in complex environmental matrices, tested in the presence of a range of environmentally relevant metal/metalloid ions as well as natural and artificial ligands, using various real water samples. By incorporating structural features of calcein and folic acid that enable tunable emissions, the M-CDs couple an emission enhancement at 432 nm and a simultaneous reduction at 521 nm, with the intensity ratio linearly related to the Hg(II) concentration up to 1200 μg/L, independent of matrix compositions. The M-CDs have a detection limit of 5.6 μg/L, a response time of 1 min, and a spike recovery of 94 ± 3.7%. The intensified emission is attributed to proton transfer and aggregation-induced emission enhancement, whereas the quenching is due to proton and electron transfer. These findings also have important implications for mercury identification in other complex matrices for routine, screening-level food safety and health management practices.

Pengembangan Prosedur Haccp Food Safety dengan Metode Design Thinking

An overview of important aspects of food safety in the restaurant industry by outlining the significant threat of microbial contamination in food processing and the subsequent health implications that can arise from foodborne illness. This article underscores the need for strict management and hygiene practices to mitigate these risks. In addition, it highlights the important role of preventive measures, particularly the adoption of food safety management systems such as HACCP, which play a role in identifying and controlling potential hazards in food production and preparation processes. In addition, the impact of customer feedback can affect a restaurant's reputation and customer satisfaction levels. Overall, it emphasized the importance of routine food safety practices and the proactive role of restaurant management in maintaining public health and maintaining consumer trust.

Analysis of The Effect of The Implementation of The Behavior Based Safety (BBS) Program By Company Management on Labor Behavior At PT. HYZ

HYZ Company is a goods shipping and logistics company in the maritime sector with a significant risk of work accidents, especially in the Occupational Health and Safety aspect. The company has implemented a Behavior Based Safety (BBS) program since 2011 to reduce the risk of accidents. This program is designed to increase safe behavior in the workplace and reduce accident incidents. Although BBS is known to reduce work accidents by up to 40-75%, HYZ Company has not conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the extent to which the implementation of this program affects the level of compliance with Occupational Health and Safety principles, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe work procedures and other safety practices. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of BBS at HYZ Company in the context of Occupational Health and Safety, focusing on changing workers' behavior and levels of compliance with safety standards. The results of this research can help companies strengthen their Occupational Health and Safety systems and reduce the risk of accidents while promoting a sustainable safety culture. With a better understanding of the impact of BBS on Occupational Health and Safety compliance, HYZ Company can take more effective measures to ensure worker safety and a safe working environment

A novel approach for state-of-charge estimation of lithium-ion batteries by quasi-static component generation of ultrasonic waves

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries content complex internal components, such as porous media and electrolytes, which result in strong scattering and high attenuation of ultrasonic waves in these batteries. The low attenuative feature of the quasi-static components (QSC) of ultrasonic waves offers great potential for nondestructive assessment of highly attenuating and porous materials. This paper presents an innovative approach for estimating the state-of-charge (SOC) of lithium-ion batteries using QSC of ultrasonic waves. Experimental results demonstrate a clear and repeatable linear relationship between the amplitudes of the generated QSC and the SOC of lithium-ion batteries. In addition, the relationships between different SOCs of the battery and the conventional linear ultrasonic parameters, second harmonic generation (SHG), and the QSC were compared to verify the improved sensitivity of the proposed approach. Notably, compared to linear ultrasonic features and the SHG, the generated QSC shows much higher sensitivity to the variations of SOC. We employ the phase-reversal method to further enhance the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of measured QSC signals. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits a heightened sensitivity to changes in the SOC of batteries, resulting in significantly enhanced detection accuracy and resolution. This method effectively addresses the deficiencies observed in the current detection methods such as limited accuracy and sluggish response times. This method provides a new solution to overcome this challenge. Meanwhile, it also confirms that nonlinear ultrasound promises an alternative method for SOC assessment, providing a foundation for efficient and safe battery management practices.

Risk assessment of healthcare workers’ exposure to physical load in relation to patient handling and movement: a feasibility study of the instrument TilThermometer

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders are common among healthcare workers (HCWs) but might be prevented by risk assessment and further promotion of occupational safety and health.The aim of this study was to investigate if the risk assessment instrument TilThermometer can be used to identify risk profiles of physical exposure in HCWs working with patient handling and movement (PHM). Further aims were to describe HCWs’ perceptions and experiences of using the TilThermometer.MethodsThis feasibility study has a mixed design methodology. In total, 54 HCWs from 17 Swedish care units participated and performed risk assessments with the TilThermometer. Data collected from the risk assessments were used to identify risk profiles of physical exposure. HCWs’ experiences of using the TilThermometer were collected from activity logs and analysed qualitatively. Three questionnaires were used to assess perceived acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the risk assessment, and eight study specific questions were used for perceived usefulness.ResultsThe TilThermometer was used at the care units by assessing each care recipient, and when compiling the data at a group level, a summarized risk profile for the care unit could be provided. Risk for physical exposure was reported as high in two work tasks; no care unit used the high-low adjustable seat when showering care recipients sitting down, and 13% used the recommended assistive devices when putting compression stockings on. However, 99% used high-low adjustable assistive devices when caring and bathing care recipients lying down. TilThermometer was described as easy to use, enabling team reflections and providing an overview of the care units’ recipients and workload, but difficulties in categorizing for mobility groups were also reported. The TilThermometer was, on a five-point scale, perceived as acceptable (mean 3.93), appropriate (mean 3.9), and feasible (mean 3.97). These scores are in line with questions evaluating usefulness.ConclusionThe risk assessment provided risk profiles with potential to contribute to care units’ development of a safe patient handling and movement practice. The findings suggest that the TilThermometer can be used to assess risks for physical exposure in relation to patient handling and movement in care units at hospital and nursing homes.

A photoaging smartphone application to promote sun safety behaviors among youth in late childhood and adolescence.

Ultraviolet (UV)-exposure behaviors can directly impact an individual's skin cancer risk, with many habits formed during childhood and adolescence. We explored the utility of a photoaging smartphone application to motivate youth to improve sun safety practices. Participants completed a preintervention survey to gather baseline sun safety perceptions and behaviors. Participants then used a photoaging mobile application to view the projected effects of chronic UV exposure on participants' self-face image over time, followed by a postintervention survey to assess motivation to engage in future sun safety practices. The study sample included 87 participants (median [interquartile (IQR)] age, 14 [11-16] years). Most participants were White (50.6%) and reported skin type that burns a little and tans easily (42.5%). Preintervention sun exposure behaviors among participants revealed that 33 (37.9%) mostly or always used sunscreen on a sunny day, 48 (55.2%) experienced at least one sunburn over the past year, 26 (30.6%) engaged in outdoor sunbathing at least once during the past year, and zero (0%) used indoor tanning beds. Non-skin of color (18 [41.9%], p = .02) and older (24 [41.4%], p = .007) participants more often agreed they felt better with a tan. Most participants agreed the intervention increased their motivation to practice sun-protective behaviors (wear sunscreen, 74 [85.1%]; wear hats, 64 [74.4%]; avoid indoor tanning, 73 [83.9%]; avoid outdoor tanning, 68 [79%]). The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that a photoaging smartphone application may serve as a useful tool to promote sun safety behaviors from a young age.

Random forest models of food safety behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Machine learning approaches are increasingly being adopted as data analysis tools in scientific behavioral predictions. This paper utilizes a machine learning approach, Random Forest Model, to determine the top prediction variables of food safety behavioral changes during the pandemic. Data was collected among U.S. consumers on risk perception of COVID-19 and foodborne illness (FBI), food safety practice behaviors and demographics through online surveys at ten different time points from April 2020 through to May 2021; and post pandemic in May 2022. Random forest model was used to predict 14 food safety-related behaviors. The models for predicting Handwashing before cooking and Handwashing after eating had a good performance, with F-1 score of 0.93 and 0.88, respectively. Attitudes- related variables were determined to be important in predicting food safety behaviors. The importance ranking of the predicting variables were found to be changing over time.