Service Workers Research Articles

Machine Learning Framework for Classifying and Predicting Depressive Behavior Based on PPG and ECG Feature Extraction

Depression is a significant risk factor for other serious health conditions, such as heart failure, dementia, and diabetes. In this study, a quantitative method was developed to detect depressive states in individuals using electrocardiogram (ECG) and photoplethysmogram (PPG) signals. Data were obtained from 59 people affiliated with the high-specialized medical center of Bajio T1, which consists of medical professionals, administrative personnel, and service workers. Data were analyzed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to discern potential false positives. The statistical analyses performed elucidated distinctive features with variable behavior in response to diverse physical stimuli, which were adeptly processed through a machine learning classification framework. The method achieved an accuracy rate of up to 92% in the identification of depressive states, substantiating the potential of biophysical data in increasing the diagnostic process of depression. The results suggest that this method is innovative and has significant potential. With additional refinements, this approach could be utilized as a screening tool in psychiatry, incorporated into everyday devices for preventive diagnostics, and potentially lead to alarm systems for individuals with suicidal thoughts.

Voluntary sector specialist service provision and commissioning for victim-survivors of sexual violence: results from two national surveys in England

BackgroundIn England, voluntary sector specialist (VSS) services are central to supporting victim-survivors of sexual violence (SV). However, empirical evidence is lacking about the scope, range and effectiveness of VSS provision...

Association between temperature and occupational injuries in Spain: The role of contextual factors in workers’ adaptation

BackgroundExtensive evidence links both cold and hot temperatures to an increased incidence of occupational injuries. Contextual modifiers of the temperature-injury association have been scarcely researched. The present study addresses temporal and spatial variations to identify factors associated with (mal)adaptation to heat and cold among Spanish workers. MethodsWe assessed the association between daily mean temperature and work injuries using quasi-Poisson time-series regression models in 48 Spanish provinces over the period 1988–2019, with comparative analyses with census and economic data for the sub-periods 1989–1993, 1999–2003, 2009–2013 and 2015–2019. We explored the spatial and spatiotemporal modification of the association by demographic and socioeconomic variables via cross-sectional and longitudinal meta-regressions. Findings:We found an increased risk of work-injuries by 4 % [95 % CI: 3 %-6 %] and 12 % [95 % CI: 10 %-13 %], for the 1st and 99th percentiles of temperature, respectively, for period 1988–2019. Heat had a greater overall impact than cold, and the groups more vulnerable to heat were male workers, under 35 years, and working in agriculture, construction and hostelry. Vulnerability to heat was highest in the earliest sub-period, while vulnerability to cold rose during periods of both economic expansion and recession. High educational attainment emerged as a protective factor during the warm months in the cross-sectional meta-regressions. ConclusionsOur findings suggest an adaptation of Spanish workers to high temperatures over time. However, preventive measures are needed for traditionally exposed workers (agriculture and construction), non-traditionally vulnerable sectors (hostelry), and young, male, and less educated workers during warm months. For cold vulnerability, targeted measures should focus on women, the elderly, and tertiary service workers, especially in colder regions. Addressing temperature vulnerability would enhance worker safety, reduce injuries, and yield economic benefits.

Prehospital neurological emergencies– a survey on the state of prehospital neurological assessment by emergency medical professionals

BackgroundNeurological emergencies are one of the major diagnosis groups in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with the highest rate of misdiagnosis. Despite the knowledge of time sensitivity and the importance of prehospital factors, prehospital delay is common. Although several stroke triage scales have been developed, a gold standard in the prehospital setting is lacking.ObjectivesOur aim was to evaluate the perception of neurological emergencies by EMS personnel and to identify current problems, difficulties and opportunities for improvement in the prehospital management of stroke, seizure, non-specific neurological symptoms, and paediatric neurological emergencies.MethodsThe study was conducted as an online survey through SoSci Survey and was made available from March 1st to June 30th 2023 to all personnel working in emergency medical services. The access link was distributed through snowballing, social media, and through a QR code on a promotional poster. The survey was completed anonymously. The final survey consisted of 30 questions in German on the topics of neurological emergencies, general neurological assessment, specific neurological examination including paediatric assessment, stroke, and seizures, and finally suggestions for improvement.ResultsThe largest group of participants were paramedics, who estimated to encounter neurological emergencies at a general rate of 20–60%. When unease was felt, the main reasons were ambiguity of symptoms and insufficient admission capacity of hospitals. The biggest challenges were highly varied. Almost 80% of participants assumed that the neurological assessment would be omitted in difficult patient groups such as demented, intoxicated or children. 75% felt uncomfortable making a paediatric assessment, 50% were unfamiliar with the Paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale.ConclusionsSupport through more standardized practical training and defined, uniform guidelines is needed. There was also a clear need for peer collaboration, feedback and case sharing. Digitalization, the usage of telemedicine and updated versions of the documentation protocols including paediatric adaptations to current guidelines could further improve current neurological assessment in the prehospital setting.

Physical, functional and personal variables affecting shoulder complaints in healthcare workers.

Work-related shoulder disorders adversely affect the quality of life and lead to increased costs related to decreased productivity and injury treatment. Therefore, understanding the relationship between strength, upper extremity function and work ability contributes to the development of interventions aimed to improve the well-being of healthcare workers. Correlate shoulder abduction and handgrip strength with upper extremity function and work ability in healthcare workers with shoulder complaints. 67 workers with shoulder pain in the last year were assessed by Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), Work Ability Index (WAI), isokinetic shoulder strength and isometric handgrip strength dynamometers. Data were analysed with Spearman's Correlation Coefficient (ρ= 0.05), SPSS 20.0®. 52% males, mean age 48.4 years, 42% physically active, most administrative and general services workers. Low correlation between handgrip strength and QuickDASH (r=-0.359; p = 0.004); low correlation between handgrip strength and WAI (r = 0.359; p = 0.003) and between shoulder abduction strength and the QuickDASH (r = -0.267; p = 0.049); no significant correlation between shoulder abduction strength and WAI (r = 0.001; p = 0.997). Handgrip and shoulder abduction strength were inversely associated with upper extremity dysfunction. Shoulder abduction strength was associated with work ability. The inclusion of strength assessment in workers is important to guide strategies to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Signs of social protection of public service workers

Signs of social protection of public service workers

‘We are ignored rather than attacked politically’. Youth participation in regional sustainability transformation in eastern Germany

ABSTRACT In the context of Germany's coal phase-out, substantial resources are allocated to transform coal regions economically and socially. This study examines the opportunities and aspirations of young people in shaping local spaces, focusing on four participatory processes in Lusatia, eastern Germany. Utilising document analysis and 17 interviews with youth service workers, participants, and politicians, the study combines Massey, Doreen. 2005. For Space. London: Sage concept of space with Cahill, Helen, and Babak Dadvand. 2018. “Re-conceptualising Youth Participation: A Framework to Inform Action.” Children and Youth Services Review 95:243–253 model for youth participation. It bridges the gap between young people's goals and motivations and the quality of participation formats, with a regional focus. Findings reveal that young people's aspirations align with adult-developed projects in transport, digital and business infrastructure, energy transition, and technology, but youth advocate for a more ambitious ecological transformation, digital solutions, and democratic decision-making. Despite well-designed participatory programmes demonstrating youth ability to contribute to transformation, their ideas are often publicly praised but rarely integrated into political decisions due to inadequate procedures. Some formats allowed youth to reposition themselves, highlighting the fluidity of power. The study calls for further research on youth participation from a spatial perspective, and emphasizes the need to better prepareyoung participants and policymakers to manage expectations and responsibilities in participatory processes.

Professional quality of life among Israeli social workers in hospitals and a health maintenance organization (HMO) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We examined differences between social workers in hospitals versus social workers in community health services regarding levels of professional quality of life (ProQoL), proximity to COVID-19, resilience, perceived social support, and preparedness for the next pandemic during waves 3-5 of the COVID-19 pandemic in Israel (December 2020-December 2021, the main COVID-19 variants were Alpha and Delta). We also examined the moderating role of resilience, social support, preparedness for the next pandemic, and health care service type in the association between proximity to COVID-19 and ProQoL. Participants were 163 social workers from four hospitals and 98 social workers from a major health maintenance organization in the community. Social workers in both settings revealed moderate-high levels of compassion satisfaction and moderate levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress. The study's model indicated that after controlling for the effects of the covariates, higher levels of self-reported-resilience and greater perceived organizational support were associated with higher compassion satisfaction and lower burnout and secondary traumatic stress. Furthermore, a stronger sense of preparedness for the next pandemic was related to lower levels of burnout. The model indicated that the effects of organizational support, informal social support, and preparedness on compassion satisfaction were dependent on the study group (i.e., working in hospital or community settings). Findings indicate that intervention programs should be implemented to help increase compassion satisfaction and prevent/reduce burnout and secondary traumatic stress among social workers in health care settings during health care crises. Enhancing resilience and preparedness should focus not only on the social workers as individuals but also on the institutions for which they work. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Change in occupational burnout measures in emergency medical service workers after a psychedelic experience induced by a single self-administered dose of psilocybin mushrooms

AbstractBackground and AimsThis naturalistic mixed methods field study, aimed to assess the potential of a psilocybin induced experience, to help Emergency Medical Service Workers (EMSW) to address psychological and stress related symptoms stemming from a challenging working environment, known to contribute to occupational burnout (OB).MethodsThis exploration was conducted with an intentional sample of five participants, recruited through an online survey who self-administered a therapeutic dose of psilocybin mushrooms to manage psychological symptoms resulting from their work as EMSW, allowing the authors to assess the outcome. To measure the impact of the experience, changes in OB measures were assessed with psychometric instruments previously used in this population at three timepoints, before and after the session. The subjective impact of the psychedelic experience, through psychological insights and emotional breakthroughs, was also assessed, and two follow-up interviews were conducted to collect further data.ResultsThe results showed that, two weeks after the session, a visible improvement was noticed in several measures of pre-existent OB, that remained stable after two months. Additionally, most participants reported a strong subjective impact, that they perceived as fundamental for the positive outcome.ConclusionsAfter one therapeutic psylocibin session, several measures of OB showed an encouraging level of improvement and may constitute an important step towards finding alternative and innovative solutions to address high rates of psychological distress experienced by EMSWs, also benefiting the organization and the quality of patient care. The limitations and implications of the study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Digital Drift: Unraveling Impact of Cyberloafing on Job Performance among Service Workers in the Klang Valley

Digital Drift: Unraveling Impact of Cyberloafing on Job Performance among Service Workers in the Klang Valley

Sosialisasi Penyuluhan Pentingnya Imunisasi di Kampung Kadu Pereup

This community service work program aims to make people aware of the importance of the benefits of immunization for pregnant women and toddlers, to prevent various diseases. Health is an important foundation in life, through immunization children will have a good immune system, and will not get sick easily. Various diseases that can be prevented through immunization include tuberculosis, measles, tetanus and other diseases that are transmitted through viruses. This outreach discusses the importance of immunization and at the same time invites the public to diligently attend the routine posyandu that the local government has organized. This activity was carried out with posyandu activities for approximately 3 hours, held in Kadu Pereup Village, Kubang Baros Village, Cinangka District, Serang Regency.

Pengelolaan Cache pada Aplikasi Pencatatan Penjualan Menggunakan Fuzzy Page Replacement Algorithm

The challenges faced in website development are becoming increasingly diverse, particularly in delivering a responsive website that aligns with user preferences. Progressive Web App (PWA) is an advanced web technology that combines the advantages of mobile applications with the ease of access provided by browsers. With features such as offline access and responsiveness across various devices through the utilization of web caching, PWA can offer a better and more interactive user experience. This study aims to develop a sales recording application based on PWA, optimized using an algorithm with a fuzzy approach, namely the Fuzzy Page Replacement Algorithm (FPRA) in cache management. FPRA is applied to enhance cache efficiency through the clustering of pages based on recency, access frequency, and page reference levels using the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm. The research was conducted with a case study on the sales recording application for a fried chicken business, employing the Rapid Application Development (RAD) method for the design and construction of the application. The results indicate that FPRA successfully reduced page load time significantly, achieving up to 37% faster performance based on the average results of five tested scenarios. The implementation of FPRA in the service worker also increased the average performance score of the application by 15 points, from 56 to 71, as evaluated using the Lighthouse testing tool. Thus, the utilization of caching and the application of FPRA in cache management have been proven to enhance application performance.

Suburban Autonomy? The Case of Inter‐Suburban Commuting Outside Prague

AbstractThis paper aims to map daily mobility to work and services within the suburban zone of Prague and to explain temporal changes in the structuration of the suburban zone during the day. This involves the identification of local centres outside Prague's administrative boundaries, defining their catchment areas, and exploring the temporal variability of daily mobility. Using mobile phone data, the paper identifies the main flows of commuting to work and mobility for services or leisure activities. The focus on two distinct timeframes presented in two synthetic maps compares the mobility patterns of these activities. Empirical findings identify 53 local centres of inter‐suburban mobility and delimitate their commuting areas. Noticeable variation in mobility patterns throughout the day was observed. Beyond empirical insights relevant to Prague and similar Central and Eastern European cities, the paper contributes to theoretical knowledge by introducing a hierarchical classification of mobility relationships within metropolitan areas.

Features of epidemic risks in the work of the endoscopic service of the pulmonological center

Features of epidemic risks in the work of the endoscopic service of the pulmonological center

Why School Bus Drivers Stay in Their Jobs

With the current shortage of school bus drivers in many states, access to education is at risk for the many students who get to and from school by bus. Despite the critical role drivers play, little is known about why they stay in their jobs, and what can be done to keep them. To learn more about school bus driver retention, 301 drivers in 32 districts in New York were surveyed. Drawing on an overarching model of person-environment fit, perspectives of job satisfaction, meaningful work and public service motivation were used to explore what aspects of the driver role relate to turnover intention. Findings indicated lower turnover intention when drivers reported higher extrinsic satisfaction, when they found their work to hold personal significance, and when they saw their work as a source of broader meaning for their lives. Drivers also viewed themselves as making a difference in the lives of students and considered themselves a significant part of their education. They also indicated that pay and benefits were important in their decision to stay or leave. Findings are discussed in terms of implications for school leadership practice and future research.

Acceptability of Telepsychiatry among Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait

The challenges faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) expose them to abuse, harming their mental wellness. Telepsychiatry offers hope by allowing prompt diagnosis, management, and treatment of mental health issues. Yet, the acceptability of this technology among OFWs has not been studied, and specialized psychiatric services for them are scarce. This study assessed telepsychiatry acceptance among OFWs in Kuwait. Using a cross-sectional design, participants with mental health concerns in a Philippine Embassy shelter were selected. Tailored telepsychiatry software facilitated secure online video consultations and psychotherapy sessions with a Philippines-based psychiatrist. Acceptance was measured with the telemedicine satisfaction and usefulness questionnaire. Fifty-five (55) female OFWs participated; most were household service workers (n = 53; 96.36%) with a median age of 35. Mental health disorders were diagnosed in 22 participants (40%) – including acute stress disorder (n = 14; 25.45%), major depressive disorder (n = 5; 9.09%), brief psychotic disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 1; 1.82%), and adjustment disorder (n = 1; 1.82%). Acceptance-wise, the majority of the participants expressed satisfaction with the telepsychiatry service provided (mean = 4.77; SD=0.48). This pioneering research demonstrates the viability of telepsychiatry in providing vital psychosocial support to distressed OFWs in Kuwait. Sustaining and expanding this service across various countries is essential to ensure access to culturally sensitive and responsive mental health resources, thereby promoting mental health equity and the overall well-being of migrant workers

Not a good fit? The roles of aesthetic labour, gender, race, Indigeneity, and citizenship in food service employment

Abstract Companies and business lobby groups bemoan a lack of qualified workers, even for entry-level or low-skill jobs. At issue is a stated inability to find workers with the right ‘fit’ for the role or business. But what does fit really mean? We draw on human capital theory and labour segmentation theory to examine how perceptions of fit are shaped. We conducted ninety-three interviews with food service workers, managers, and other industry stakeholders and found that employment decisions are shaped by stereotypes, with a particular focus on ‘pretty privilege’ or aesthetic labour, as well as Indigeneity, citizenship, race, and gender. We present implications for research and practice in the food services industry.

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Pain among Beauty Service Employees: An Observational Survey

Abstract Background and Purpose: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) include a variety of inflammatory illnesses and injuries that cause musculoskeletal pain as a result of work. Beauty service workers, including beauticians, cosmetologists, hairdressers, and hairstylists, are more prone to musculoskeletal pain due to repetitive movements and poor ergonomics. This observational study was designed to better understand WMSDs in beauty service employees. Materials and Methods: Demographic data, including age, gender, and work experience, were collected, and the Nordic Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) was employed to record musculoskeletal pain, and the capacity to perform routine activities during the past 7 days and 12 months. These data were collected offline (door-to-door). Approximately, 400 questionnaires were administered, however, only 345 (86.25%) were fully completed. The data obtained from participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequency distributions. Furthermore, the Chi-square test was utilized to investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics and musculoskeletal pain. Results: The results revealed that almost all of the beauty service workers experienced lower back stiffness that negatively impacted their job performance. Following low back pain, knee pain (76.5%), neck discomfort (70.1%), upper back pain (60.3%), shoulder pain (50.7%), and wrist pain (40.6%) were found to be the most prevalent. A significant correlation was found between musculoskeletal pain and age (χ2 = 204.643; P < 0.000), gender (χ2 = 9.417; P < 0.02), and work experience (χ2 = 38.333; P < 0.000). According to the NPQ, during the past 7 days, the most significant discomfort was reported in the elbows (χ2 = 259.133; P < 0.000), and ankles and feet (χ2 = 225.626; P < 0.000). Whereas, in the past 12 months, the most severe pain was reported in hips/thighs (χ2 = 222.403; P < 0.000) and ankles/feet (χ2 = 222.403; P < 0.000). Pain in the lower back was the most common reason reported by workers for the inability to carry out work-related activities during the previous 12 months. Conclusion: This study concludes that a large percentage of beauty service professionals are prone to WMSDs, which consequently has a significant impact on their ability to carry out their work. Low back pain, followed by knee pain, was the most prevalent WMSD among beauty professionals.

Public Workers in Service of America: A Reader

Public Workers in Service of America: A Reader

Trajectories and Predictors of Client Violence Among Child Protection Services Workers.

This study used social dominance theory and the Jobs Demands-Resources (JD-R) model to: (1) examine child protective services (CPS) workers' trajectories of client violence, including yelling, threats, and physical violence over job tenure; and (2) assess how demographic characteristics and job attributes contributed to the trajectories. Using data from a longitudinal study of newly-hired CPS workers (n = 837-859 depending on outcome), we examined trajectories of client violence from 6 months to 3.5 years. Multi-level mixed effect logistic regression was used to examine how demographic variables and time-lagged job attribute predictors (e.g., caseload characteristics, time pressure, role demands) contributed to the occurrence of client violence over time. Over the study period, the experience of being yelled at declined from 80% to 64%. Being threatened declined from nearly 48% to nearly 39%, while physical violence did not change. Younger and White workers as well as women generally experienced higher rates of non-physical violence. Caseload difficulty, role demands, and time pressure related to higher rates of non-physical violence, while organizational supports were not significant. Physical violence occurred sporadically; time pressure was the only significant variable. The influence of job attributes on each form of violence did not change over time. The high rates of non-physical violence, particularly during early tenure, suggest the need for providing vulnerable workers the skills to assess for and manage client violence. When violence occurs, developing responsive protocols for CPS workers at all levels can nourish a culture of safety thereby reducing future incidents.