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IEEE 802.15.4, commonly known as ZigBee, is a Media Access Control (MAC) and physical layer standard specifically designed for short range wireless communication where low rate, low power, and low bandwidth are required. This makes ZigBee an ideal choice when it comes to sensor networks for monitoring data collection and/or triggering process responses. However, these very characteristics bring into question ZigBee's ability to perform reliably in harsh environments. This paper thoroughly explains the experimental testbed setup and execution to demonstrate ZigBee's performance in several practical applications. This testbed is capable of measuring the minimum, maximum, and average received signal strength indicator (RSSI), bit error rate (BER), packet error rate (PER), packet loss rate (PLR), and the bit error locations. Results show that ZigBee has the potential capabilities to be used in all four tested environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is substantial interest in the potential health effects of workplace flexibility; however, the literature linking flexibility to health is limited. The purpose of this study was to enhance understanding of the potential benefits of flexibility for employee health and well-being. Additionally, this study determines if this association is mediated by work-family balance. Results from longitudinal data obtained from a large multinational company showed that increased flexibility was associated with decreased sickness absence and work-related impairment and improved job commitment over a 1-year period. Furthermore, work-family balance partially mediated the effects of flexibility on impairment and job commitment but not sickness absence. This study strengthens the evidence base for the beneficial health effects of workplace flexibility and suggests that organizations benefit from building a culture of flexibility in the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the effects of having a flexible workplace on the health behaviors of the employees. It is suggested that workplace flexibility is an important element to achieve an effective work environment health promotion programs. It is inferred that companies providing their employees the ability to change their schedules to allow the incorporation of health related activities can build a stronger culture for health promotions. It is the author's view that flexibility in the workplace minimizes structural and temporal demands imposed on individuals.

Background. The US Army has traditionally utilized bent-knee sit-ups as part of physical training and testing. It is unknown whether the short-term effects of a core stabilization exercise program without sit-up training may result in decreased musculoskeletal injury incidence and work restriction compared with traditional training. Objective. The objective of this study was to explore the short-term effects of a core stabilization exercise program (CSEP) without sit-up training and a traditional exercise program (TEP) on musculoskeletal injury incidence and work restriction. Design. The study was designed as a cluster randomized trial. Setting. The setting was a 16-week training program at Fort Sam Houston (San Antonio, Texas). Participants. The study participants were soldiers with a mean age of 22.9 years (SD=4,7, range= 18-35) for whom complete injury data were available for analysis (n=1,141). Intervention. Twenty companies of soldiers were cluster randomized to complete the CSEP (10 companies of 542 soldiers) or the TEP (10 companies of 599 soldiers). The CSEP included exercises targeting the transversus abdominus and multifidus musculature. The TEP comprised exercises targeting the rectus abdominus, oblique abdominal, and hip flexor musculature. Measurements. Research staff recorded all injuries resulting in the inability to complete full duty responsibilities. Differences in the percentages of musculoskeletal injuries were examined with chi-square analysis; independent sample t tests were used to examine differences in the numbers of days of work restriction. Results. Of the 1,141 soldiers for whom complete injury data were available for analysis, 511 (44.8%) experienced musculoskeletal injuries during training that resulted in work restrictions. There were no differences in the percentages of soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries. There also were no differences in the numbers of days of work restriction for musculoskeletal injuries overall or specific to the upper extremity. However, soldiers who completed the TEP and experienced a low back injury had more days of work restriction: 8.3 days (SD= 14.5) for the TEP group and 4.2 days (SD=8.0) for the CSEP group. Limitations. A limitation of this study was the inconsistent reporting of injuries during training. However, the rates of reporting were similar between the groups. Conclusions. The incidence of musculoskeletal injuries was similar between the groups. There was marginal evidence that the CSEP resulted in fewer days of work restriction for low back injuries. INSET: The Bottom Line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]