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Price: EUR 250.00Authors: Garg, Mudit | Das, Gurumukh | Vuppuluri, Prem Prakash
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Quantitatively analyzing the impact of UV radiation and noise during welding operations is essential to assess the exposure, identify potential hazards, and develop targeted safety protocols to ensure worker safety and adherence to safety regulations, especially in developing countries with inadequate adherence to safety standards and resources. OBJECTIVES: This study employs machine learning for predicting ultraviolet radiation and noise levels during welding, emphasizing worker safety. The focus is on the Indian foundry sector to gauge actual exposure vis-á-vis safety standards. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultraviolet radiation and noise emitted during the welding of …a ferrous alloy were collected from three foundries in Agra, India. Five machine learning (ML) algorithms were applied for data analysis and prediction of UV radiation and noise levels, and a relative performance comparison was carried out on the compiled data against safety standards. RESULTS: Out of all the ML algorithms applied, the Support Vector Machine regression algorithm (RMSE = 356.93) obtained the best performance on UV radiation data, and the Random Forest algorithm (RMSE = 11.4) was found to give the best results for the noise level prediction task. CONCLUSIONS: This work represents the first known application of machine learning techniques for predicting UV radiation and noise levels in arc welding processes. The results show the efficacy of algorithms such as SVM regression and Random Forest for the problem. Further, the datasets and ML algorithms implemented in the work will be made openly available to support further research endeavors in this and related areas. Show more
Keywords: Welding, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, occupational noise, safety, health, machine learning, industry
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230465
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024
Authors: Erden, Dilek
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is extremely important for nursing students to be professionally motivated to train qualified future professional nurses. Students’ vocational motivation is affected by their experiences in clinical and academic learning environments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the vocational motivation levels of nursing students and their attitudes toward clinical practice. METHODS: 292 nursing students participated in the cross-sectional, descriptive study. The Student Information Form, Nursing Students’ Attitudes Towards Clinical Practices Scale, Motivation Sources and Problems Scale (MSPS) were used to gather the data. RESULTS: …The average score for students’ attitudes toward clinical practice was 107.08±18.13, while the total score for MSPS stood at 3.80±0.63. A positive correlation was identified between the attitude toward clinical practice and vocational motivation levels (r = 0.367; p < 0.001). There were positive correlations between the intrinsic motivation (r = 0.572; p < 0.001) and extrinsic motivation (r = 0.58; p < 0.001), and negative correlations were observed between the negative motivation (r = -0.324; p < 0.001) and the attitude toward clinical practice scale. There were positive correlations between belief and expectation (r = 0.492; p < 0.001) and positive approach (r = 0.532; p < 0.001) with the MSPS. In the multiple regression analysis, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, satisfaction with studying nursing, and participation in vocational courses were determined as effective predictors of attitudes towards clinical practice and explained 60.4% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that nursing students’ attitudes toward clinical practices affect vocational motivation. Clinical learning environments should be arranged in a way to increase the motivation level of students towards professional learning. Show more
Keywords: Attitude, clinical practice, clinical mentoring, nursing education, nursing students, vocational motivation
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230492
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024
Authors: Lucas, Ruan Eduardo Carneiro | da Silva, Luiz Bueno | de Souza, Erivaldo Lopes | Leite, Wilza Karla dos Santos | da Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Educational environments can have environmental conditions that are incompatible with the needs of students, compromising their well-being and affecting their performance. OBJECTIVE: To identify the environmental variables that influence the performance of university students and measure this influence through an experiment in indoor environments. METHODS: The study applied an experimental methodology for three consecutive days in seven educational environments located in different regions of Brazil, measuring the environ-mental conditions, the students’ perception of the environment, and their cognitive performance. The impact of environmental variables and environmental perception on student performance was analyzed …using Generalized Linear Models and a Structural Equation Model. RESULTS: Students who took the test at air temperatures between 22.4°C and 24.7°C had a 74.20% chance of performing better than those outside this range. Air temperatures between 26.2°C and 29°C were associated with an 86% chance of taking less time to complete the test. High illuminance levels increased the chance of taking longer to answer the test by 41.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Three environmental variables (relative humidity, lighting and air temperature) and two perceptual dimensions (light and thermal perception) directly influence student performance. Show more
Keywords: Students, classroom, indoor environments, environmental variables, perception, performance
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220055
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024
Authors: Ichikura, Kanako | Fukase, Yuko | Asada, Fuminari | Hino, Ayako | Tanoue, Asuka | Murase, Hanako | Shimazu, Akihito | Tagaya, Hirokuni
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic could have led to a technological revolution however it has caused work productivity loss, especially among people working from home. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the frequency and related factors of work productivity loss, focusing on work-related factors, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, web-based survey of Japanese workers. Questionnaires were distributed using snowball sampling through e-mail and social networking sites. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 708 non-medical workers reported subjective work productivity loss during the first wave of …the pandemic, compared with before. A multiple regression analysis showed that living with preschool-age children, having poor mental health, not using video conferencing solutions, and increased e-mail communication were related to work productivity loss. A subgroup analysis of those working from home showed similar variables associated with work productivity loss. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of workers in Japan experienced work productivity loss during the first wave of the pandemic. Moreover, factors such as time-consuming tasks or background distractions might lead to operational inefficacy. Show more
Keywords: COVID-19, infections, efficiency, teleworking, mental health, family characteristics
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230415
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Shrimal, Pragya Jain | Maharana, Satyapriya | Dave, Anupama | Metri, Kashinath G. | Raghuram, Nagarathna | Shrimal, Shivendra
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health Care Professionals (HCPs) working on the frontlines of health care emergencies/pandemics often experience elevated anxiety, stress and reduced quality of sleep. Yoga is a mind-body practice that has been proven to effective in improving physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of integrated Yoga intervention on mental health measures and sleep quality among HCPs working during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: It was a quasi-experimental study on 110 HCPs, including Doctors and nursing staff, with an age range of 20 to 65 years who were recruited through a convenience sampling …method and assigned to a Yoga group (n = 55) or a control group (n = 55).The Yoga group received a weekly one-hour Yoga session followed by a 30-minute self-practice three times a week at home for one month. The control group followed routine activity. Heart rate (HR), Blood Pressure, stress measures (Perceived Stress and visual analogue Scale for Stress), COVID-related anxiety, Sleep Quality, Quality of life and Preservative Thinking were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: A significant decrease in stress measures, COVID-19-related anxiety and fear, and perseverative thinking was noticed in the Yoga group. Sleep quality and quality of life also improved significantly. The control group showed no significant change. At one month, the Yoga group showed significantly greater improvement in stress measures, COVID-19-related anxiety and fear, perseverative thinking, sleep quality and quality of life compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Yoga practice during the public health crisis would help reduce anxiety and stress and improve sleep among HCPs. Further, RCT studies are warranted. Show more
Keywords: Mental health, healthcare, sleep, mind-body medicine
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230061
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024
Authors: Bingöl, Ümran | Kutlu, Adalet
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is important to identify the hazards encountered by nurses before and after COVID-19, assess the potential risks and risk levels, take measures for the identified hazards and risks, and determine the effect of risk management on employee performance evaluation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of hazard and risk management of nurses before and after COVID-19 on performance evaluation. METHODS: The study consisted of two stages. The first stage had a descriptive design, while the second stage had a one-group pre-test and post-test design. The second …stage of the study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were 377 nurses who agreed to participate in the study in the first stage and 201 nurses in the second stage. The study data was collected via Information Form, Hazard and Risk Identification Form, and Employee Performance Scale (EPS). In the second stage of the study, training was provided using instruction cards called “Means of Protection Against Hazards and Risks” for potential moderate- and high-level hazards and risks existing after the pre-test. The post-test stage was conducted two weeks after the training. Mann-Whitney U Test, Kruskal-Wallis Test, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were used for statistical analyses of descriptive statistics RESULTS: The mean EPS score was found to be pre training 3,85±0,60 after training \it was was found to be 3.92±0.55. Moreover, there was a weak negative correlation between pre- and post-training risk levels during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Hazard and risk management training had a positive effect on the performance of employees. Show more
Keywords: Nurse, hazard, risk management, COVID-19, employee performance
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230285
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-16, 2024
Authors: Alsobhi, Mashael | Aldhabi, Rawan
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hajj is a series of rituals that are done in specific areas and periods in Mecca. Performing Hajj requires a great amount of physical demand which may result in musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in different age groups. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of MSP and understand its pattern via exploring the factors that could be associated with muscular pain among pilgrims in the 2022 Hajj. METHODS: A web-based survey was distributed during the annual Hajj mass gathering. Pilgrims were recruited from Hajj ritual sites. The collected data included demographics, musculoskeletal …pain at ten anatomical body sites, and physical activity (PA) level. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data at a 0.05 significance level. RESULTS: A total of 248 pilgrims participated in the study. The mean age of the sample was 43.49±12.70 years. Of all pilgrims, 78.6% had reported MSP in at least one anatomical body site during performing Hajj. Results revealed that Pilgrims were more likely to have MSP in the lower limb while performing Hajj rituals where the most prevalent reported pain was in the legs (46% ), followed by the lower back (45% ), knees (37% ), and ankles/feet (30% ). Age, sex, and PA were not significantly associated with MSP except the BMI was found to be a significant factor related to MSP among pilgrims (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Many pilgrims exhibited pain in at least one body part. Although physical fitness recommendations are published in the Saudi Ministry of Health, MSP preventative measures need to be disseminated by organizations and interested parties worldwide. Show more
Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, musculoskeletal diseases, muscle stress, physical activity, mass gathering, pain
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230483
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2024
Authors: Kakaraparthi, Venkata Nagaraj | Vishwanathan, Karthik | Gadhavi, Bhavana | Abdulelah Alkhamis, Batool | Reddy, Ravi Shankar | Tedla, Jaya Shanker | Dixit, Snehil | Gular, Kumar | Gannamaneni, Vamsi Krishna | Ahmad, Irshad | Alshahrani, Oun Mohammad | Almushari, Muath Hassan Yahya
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment tools for work rehabilitation are essential in healthcare settings. Adapting the Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire (WORQ) to Arabic-speaking populations ensures effective evaluation and intervention for individuals with work-related disabilities. OBJECTIVE: To execute a cross-cultural adaptation of interview-administered version Work Rehabilitation Questionnaire –Arabic (WORQ-A) and assess the psychometric properties of WORQ-A in patients with musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: WORQ is mainly intended to assess the work functioning of persons who are involved in vocational rehabilitation. Psychometric properties were scrutinized in the outpatient rehabilitation center. Test–retest reliability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), …and internal consistency was evaluated with Cronbach’s alpha. The usability of WORQ-A was established in 46 patients with musculoskeletal problems. RESULTS: WORQ-A exhibited exceptional internal consistency (0.93) and a great test–retest reliability (0.87). Regarding usability, the ability to understand the questions and answer choices was established as good. Five percent of the participants encountered minor difficulties with certain words, while the majority found it quite straightforward to choose the correct answers. CONCLUSIONS: The WORQ-A is an effective, consistent, and very easy to administer questionnaire to assess the work-related functions assumed in our study context and the individualities of the sample. Show more
Keywords: Translation, cross-cultural adaptation, validation, vocational rehabilitation, WORQ
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230241
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Lopes, Ester Rodrigues do Carmo | Macêdo, Flávia Pessoni Faleiros | Fifolato, Tha’ıs Marques | Nardim, Heloisa Correa Bueno | Suzuki, Karen Ayumi Kawano | Fonseca, Marisa de Cássia Registro
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: 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. OBJECTIVE: Correlate shoulder abduction and handgrip strength with upper extremity function and work ability in healthcare workers with shoulder complaints. METHODS: 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 ® . RESULTS: 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). CONCLUSIONS: 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. Show more
Keywords: Occupational health, musculoskeletal disease, work, muscle strength, shoulder, pain
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230373
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024
Authors: Ziyan, Hou | Jizu, Li
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the context of smart mine construction, coal mine safety management is imposing stringent requirements on the safety competence of miners. To meet these demands, coal mine enterprises have initiated proactive measures to recruit a new generation of knowledge-based miners who possess high qualifications and specialized backgrounds. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of identity conflict (IC) and its influence on unsafe behavior (USB) among KBMs within the context of China’s smart mining initiatives, as well as to identify the role of potential mediating and moderating variables in this relationship. …METHODS: An empirical study was conducted on a sample of 304 KBMs with a college degree or above, selected from multiple coal mines in Shanxi Province, China. Hierarchical regression analysis and the Bootstrap method were employed for data analysis. This model incorporated IC as the antecedent variable and meticulously investigated the mediating effects of role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) and psychosocial resources (PSR), along with the moderating effect of positive explanatory bias (PEB). RESULTS: The findings indicate a significant positive correlation between IC and USB among KBMs. RBSE and PSR were found to mediate the relationship between IC and USB. Moreover, this mediating effect further influenced the relationship between IC and USB through a chain mediating effect. Additionally, PEB strengthened the positive impact of KBMs’ RBSE on PSR. CONCLUSION: These results provide a broader perspective on the antecedent variables associated with KBMs’ USB and provide valuable insights and practical management strategies enhancing the safety management practices within coal mining enterprise. Show more
Keywords: Knowledge-based miners (KBMs), identity conflict (IC), unsafe behavior (USB), role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE), psychosocial resources (PSR), positive explanatory bias (PEB)
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230685
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024
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