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BackgroundBefore SARS-CoV-2 vaccination availability, medical center employees were at high risk of COVID-19. However, risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in medical center employees, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers, are poorly understood.MethodsFrom September-December 2020, free IgG antibody testing was offered to all employees at a large urban medical center. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on work and non-work related risk factors for COVID-19 infection.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was found in 4.7%. Seropositivity was associated with close contact with COVID-19 cases with or without the use of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.4-6.9] and OR 4.7 [95% CI 2.0-11.0] respectively), never wearing a mask outside of work (OR 10.1 [95% CI 1.9-57]), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race (OR 6.3 95% CI (1.6-25)].ConclusionsAmong workers in a large urban medical center, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was associated with work-related COVID-19 close contacts and low mask use outside of work, suggesting that non-workplace close contacts are also relevant routes of COVID-19 spread among healthcare workers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss the status of novel radiation shielding and other methods to reduce radiation exposure and its associated health risks within the CCL. RECENT FINDINGS: There are many devices on the market each with its unique advantages and inherent flaws. Several are available for widespread use with promising data, while others still in development. The field of percutaneous transcatheter interventions includes complex procedures often involving significant radiation exposure. Increased radiation exposes the proceduralist and CCL staff to potential harm from both direct effects of radiation but also from the ergonomic consequences of daily use of heavy personal protective equipment. Here we discuss several innovative efforts to reduce both radiation exposure and orthopedic injury within the CCL that are available, leading to a safer daily routine in a lead [apron]-free environment.

BackgroundHundreds of millions of people become infected globally every year while seeking care in health facilities that lack basic needs like infection control measures and personal protective equipment (PPE). We aimed to evaluate the availability of infection control items and PPE in eight low- and middle-income countries and identify disparities in the availability of those items.MethodsIn this study, we combined publicly available nationally representative cross-sectional health system surveys (Service Provision Assessments by the Demographic and Health Survey Programme) conducted in eight countries between 2013 and 2018: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Malawi, Nepal, Senegal, and Tanzania. The availability of infection control items was evaluated using a list of six items (a waste receptacle, a sharps container, disinfectant, single-use disposable or auto-disposable syringes, soap and running water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, and guidelines for standard precautions). PPE includes four items: gloves, medical masks, gowns, and eye protection. We considered these items available in a facility if they were observed in general outpatient areas or any service-specific area (i.e. delivery room).ResultsWe analysed data from 7948 health facilities (694 hospitals and 7254 health centres/clinics). Overall, among the infection control items and PPE, most surveyed facilities had high availability of single-use disposable or auto-disposable syringes (91.40%) and latex gloves (92.56%). Of infection control measures, guidelines for infection control were the least available during the survey, with the lowest (6.15%) in Nepal and the highest (68.18%) in Malawi. Of the PPE items, eye protection was the least available during the survey, with the lowest (5.4% in Senegal) and the highest (28.17%) in Haiti. Only 1567 (19.71%) facilities looked to have all the basic infection control materials, and 1023 (12.87%) of the analysed facilities possessed all of the PPE. Within the same country, the availability of items varied more between hospitals and health centres/clinics than between them.ConclusionsAll eight of our study countries experience shortages of the most fundamental standard precaution items to avert infection. Steps must be taken in each of these countries to reduce inadequacies and disparities and enhance efficiency in the conversion of health-system inputs into the facility's availability of standard precaution items for infection control - to curb the risk of infectious disease transmission.

The risk for transmission of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus from dairy cows to humans is currently low; however, personal protective equipment (PPE) use during work activities on dairy farms has not been well described. PPE use can protect farmworkers when they are working with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1)–infected cows. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) offered PPE to all Colorado farms before or during an A(H5N1) outbreak in cows in 2024. CDPHE surveyed 83 dairy workers from three farms with a confirmed bovine A(H5N1) outbreak. Frequently reported farm worker activities included milking cows or working in the milking parlor (51%), cleaning cow manure (49%), and transporting cows (46%). Frequently reported PPE items available to workers before A(H5N1) outbreaks included gloves (88%), eye protection (e.g., safety glasses or goggles) (76%), rubber boots or boot covers (71%), and head covers (69%). N95 respirator use was low among workers who were exposed to ill cows after detection of A(H5N1) virus (26%). PPE use while working with ill cows increased a mean of 28% after detection of A(H5N1) virus on surveyed farms; use of eye protection while milking cows increased the most (40%). Public health PPE distribution, education, and collaboration with CDA might have increased PPE use on dairy farms with A(H5N1) virus–infected cows and mitigated risk for farmworkers acquiring A(H5N1) virus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), a partner in the Joint Trauma Analysis for the Prevention of Injury in Combat (JTAPIC) partnership, conducted a series of retrospective reviews to investigate injuries sustained by occupants of U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft involved in combat damage incidents. The reviews were conducted to provide occupant survivability information to the Aviation Survivability Development and Tactics team, an agency within the U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence. For these reviews, combat damage incidents that produced casualties were separated into direct events (i.e. events in which an enemy weapon system directly injured occupants) and indirect events (i.e. incidents in which occupants were injured as a result of a crash caused by the enemy weapon system). The previous USAARL reviews provided an overview of injuries sustained during direct and indirect events. The objective of this review was to conduct a detailed analysis of injuries occurring during direct events. Materials and Methods A descriptive retrospective review was conducted on injuries sustained by occupants of U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft involved in combat damage incidents between 2003 and 2014. All Black Hawk, Apache, and Chinook combat aviation damage incidents for the study period were reviewed. Personnel casualty information from the Defense Casualty Information Processing System (DCIPS) was linked to combat damage incident information by matching the aircraft platform, incident date, and circumstantial information found in incident narratives. Injury information for personnel identified in DCIPS as being wounded in action was obtained from the JTAPIC partnership; injury data for personnel killed in action were retrieved from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. All injuries were coded using the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the frequency and distribution of injuries to personnel involved in direct events. Results Overall, the extremities were the most commonly injured body regions, with lower extremities suffering more injuries than upper extremities. Penetrating injuries were identified as the primary injury mechanism for all body regions. Injuries to each AIS body region were predominantly of minor (AIS 1) and moderate (AIS 2) severity. Conclusions Although injury severities were generally low (AIS 1 or AIS 2), the results of this effort indicate which body regions may benefit from additional protection during rotary-wing operations in hostile environments. The influence of occupant position within the aircraft and the use and effectiveness of personal protective equipment could not be effectively analyzed due to a lack of information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Why you should read this article: • To learn about a project that aimed to support teams caring for children and young people to reflect on their experiences and the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic • To recognise the need to ensure staff are adequately prepared to manage any future surges in respiratory illness effectively • To be aware of the potential long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on emotional health and well-being. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was a challenging experience for children and young people’s services, and the workforce. The Valuing All Staff Together programme was a one-year project hosted by the North West Paediatric Critical Care, Surgery in Children, Long Term Ventilation Operational Delivery Network to support teams caring for children and young people to reflect on their experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using an online survey, focus groups and interviews, it gave staff the opportunity to explore and understand the effects of the pandemic and the subsequent surge in demand, including how these affected services and the emotional health and well-being of staff. This would enable better preparation for future surges in respiratory illness in terms of learning, training and development. This article describes the programme’s aim, method and findings, and the main recommendations for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health care workers (HCWs) are front line responders to the COVID-19 pandemic, but limited data is available for pediatric HCWs, as the research response has largely focused on adult patients and medical personnel that treat these patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence and risk factors in HCWs at a Children's Hospital in CO, USA from September 2020 to April 2021. Pediatric HCWs were defined as clinical care providers and administrative staff. Seroprevalence was determined using the Epitope SARS-CoV-2 anti-Nucleocapsid IgG assay (San Diego, CA) and the Euroimmun SARS-CoV-2 anti-Spike Protein IgG assay. Risk factors and vaccination status were assessed via questionnaire. Results: Overall, 110 HCWs were enrolled, 79 subjects were positive for anti-S antibodies and negative for anti-N antibodies, indicating COVID-19 vaccination. 31 subjects had neither anti-N or anti-S antibodies, indicating no exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and no vaccination. 3/110 had a nucleocapsid serology consistent with a SARS-CoV-2 prior infection. Seroprevalence was observed at 2.7%. It was noted that asthma requiring medication was associated with positive serostatus. Conclusions: During the winter 2020/21, SARS-CoV-2, we found a 2.7% seroprevalence of pediatric HCW at a children's hospital in Colorado. We compared this with publicly available seroprevalence data for seroprevalence rates of pediatric HCWs globally. This suggests that this specific children's hospital COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection control guidelines were effective in limiting SARS-CoV-2 in hospital transmission at the children's hospital prior to the presence of the Delta variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Quantify disparities and identify correlates and predictors of 'wellness' supplement use among nurses during the first year of the pandemic. Design: Longitudinal secondary analysis of Nurses' Health Studies 2 and 3 and Growing Up Today Study data. Methods: Sample included 36,518 total participants, 12,044 of which were nurses, who completed surveys during the first year of the COVID‐19 pandemic (April 2020 to April 2021). Analyses were conducted in March 2023. Modified Poisson models were used to estimate disparities in 'wellness' supplement use between nurses and non‐healthcare workers and, among nurses only, to quantify associations with workplace‐related predictors (occupational discrimination, PPE access, workplace setting) and psychosocial predictors (depression/anxiety, county‐level COVID‐19 mortality). Models included race/ethnicity, gender identity, age and cohort as covariates. Results: Nurses were significantly more likely to use all types of supplements than non‐healthcare workers. Lacking personal protective equipment and experiencing occupational discrimination were significantly associated with new immune supplement use. Depression increased the risk of using weight loss, energy and immune supplements. Conclusion: Nurses' disproportionate use of 'wellness' supplements during the COVID‐19 pandemic may be related to workplace and psychosocial stressors. Given well‐documented risks of harm from the use of 'wellness' supplements, the use of these products by nurses is of concern. Impact: 'Wellness' supplements promoting weight loss, increased energy, boosted immunity and cleansing of organs are omnipresent in today's health‐focused culture, though their use has been associated with harm. This is of added concern among nurses given their risk of COVID‐19 infection at work. Our study highlighted the risk factors associated with use of these products (lacking PPE and experiencing occupational discrimination). Findings support prior research suggesting a need for greater public health policy and education around the use of 'wellness' supplements. Reporting Method: STROBE guidelines were followed throughout manuscript. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution was involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We quantified relative and absolute risks of postpartum psychiatric episodes (PPE) following risk factors: Young age, past personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, and genetic liability. Methods: We conducted a register‐based study using the iPSYCH2012 case‐cohort sample. Exposures were personal history of psychiatric episodes prior to childbirth, being a young mother (giving birth before the age of 21.5 years), having a family history of psychiatric disorders, and a high (highest quartile) polygenic score (PGS) for major depression. PPE was defined within 12 months postpartum by prescription of psychotropic medication or in‐ and outpatient contact to a psychiatric facility. We included primiparous women born 1981–1999, giving birth before January 1st, 2016. We conducted Cox regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) of PPE, absolute risks were calculated using cumulative incidence functions. Results: We included 8174 primiparous women, and the estimated baseline PPE risk was 6.9% (95% CI 6.0%–7.8%, number of PPE cases: 2169). For young mothers with a personal and family history of psychiatric disorders, the absolute risk of PPE was 21.6% (95% CI 15.9%–27.8%). Adding information on high genetic liability to depression, the risk increased to 29.2% (95% CI 21.3%–38.4%) for PPE. Conclusions: Information on prior personal and family psychiatric episodes as well as age may assist in estimating a personalized risk of PPE. Furthermore, additional information on genetic liability could add even further to this risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of enhanced personal protective equipment (Enhanced_PPE) on student‐operator's experience and restorative procedure. Methods: Student‐operators (N = 29 Year 3 dental students) performed Class II composite restorations (SimpliShade, Kerr) in typodont upper molars (OneDental) equipped with N95 respirators, full‐face shields, disposable headwear and gowns (Enhanced_PPE) or surgical masks, protective glasses/goggles and non‐disposable gowns (Standard_PPE) 2 weeks later. Cavity dimensions were measured on cone beam computed tomography images. The quality of composite restorations was assessed using selected FDI criteria and Vickers hardness. A questionnaire assessed the operators' discomfort, anxiety, confidence, ability to perform, and procedure outcome. Data were analyzed using paired t‐test and McNemar test (alpha = 0.05). Results: Student‐operators experienced greater discomfort and anxiety, reduced confidence and ability to perform, and rated the procedure as less satisfactory with Enhanced_PPE (p < 0.05). Differences in proximal box width were marginally significant (Enhanced_PPE 1.8 ± 0.4 mm, Standard_PPE 1.6 ± 0.3 mm) (p = 0.047). Other cavity dimensions were similar between groups (p > 0.05) as were restorations regarding surface luster, anatomical form, marginal adaptation, proximal contour, and contact (p > 0.05). There were no differences in the hardness of composite restorations (top p = 0.349, bottom p = 0.334). Conclusions: Enhanced_PPE led to student‐operator discomfort, anxiety, and reduced confidence, but did not impact the quality of Class II preparation and composite restorations versus Standard_PPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall objective of this work was to conduct a critical literature review on the application of the circular economy (CE) hierarchy for the management of COVID-19 healthcare waste (HCW). To describe the problem created by COVID-19 HCW, first, the subsystems of the overall management system, including generation, segregation, classification, storage, collection, transport, treatment and disposal, were reviewed and briefly described. Then, the CE hierarchy using the 10R typology was adapted to the management of COVID-19 HCW and included the strategies Refuse, Reduce, Resell/Reuse, Repair, Reprocess, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle and Recover (energy). Disposal was added as a sink of residues from the CE strategies. Using the detailed 10R CE hierarchy for COVID-19 HCW management is the novelty of this review. It was concluded that R-strategy selection depends on its position in the CE hierarchy and medical item criticality and value. Indicative HCW components, which can be managed by each R-strategy, were compiled, but creating value by recovering infectious downgraded materials contaminated with body fluids and tissues is not currently possible. Therefore, after applying the circular solutions, the end of pipe treatment and disposal would be necessary to close material cycles at the end of their life cycles. Addressing the risks, knowledge gaps and policy recommendations of this article may help to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics without creating environmental crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to develop a novel design method to make personalized masks for the effective prevention of pandemic respiratory infectious disease. Design/methodology/approach: The changes in facial shape during speaking were analyzed using a three-dimensional (3D) scanning technique. In total, 13 anthropometric items were measured, and mask patterns were generated using a parametric pattern design method. Three sizing methods were proposed to reflect not only static but also dynamic body dimensions on the mask patterns. Findings: A significant increase or decrease was observed in 10 out of 13 measurement items. Based on this, four items were selected to be used in the mask pattern design. The nose and cheek areas of a mask were fixed to protect the respiratory tract against viruses. The lower jaw area was deformed to improve the fit. Social implications: This study is expected to provide fundamental data to understand the changes in facial shape during movement. In addition, it is expected that the development of individualized personal protective equipment with movement adaptability will facilitate an effective response to various pandemic respiratory diseases. Originality/value: In order to develop a personal protective equipment (PPE) that has a good fit and can protect against pandemic respiratory infectious diseases, morphological analysis was attempted using 3D facial data. It would be possible to design various products and equipment to be worn on the face by using the method proposed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Nanotechnology (NT) advancements in personal protective textiles (PPT) or personal protective equipment (PPE) have alleviated spread and transmission of this highly contagious viral disease, and enabled enhancement of PPE, thereby fortifying antiviral behavior. Design/methodology/approach: Review of a series of state of the art research papers on the subject matter. Findings: This paper expounds on novel nanotechnological advancements in polymeric textile composites, emerging applications and fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Research limitations/implications: As a panacea to "public droplet prevention," textiles have proven to be potentially effective as environmental droplet barriers (EDBs). Practical implications: PPT in form of healthcare materials including surgical face masks (SFMs), gloves, goggles, respirators, gowns, uniforms, scrub-suits and other apparels play critical role in hindering the spreading of COVID-19 and other "oral-respiratory droplet contamination" both within and outside hospitals. Social implications: When used as double-layers, textiles display effectiveness as SFMs or surgical-fabrics, which reduces droplet transmission to <10 cm, within circumference of ∼0.3%. Originality/value: NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles, and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, flame retardancy, self-cleaning, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Therefore, this paper expounds on recently emerging trends in nanotechnological influence in textiles for engineering and fight against COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper presents a transparent and rigorous methodological approach to conducting a case study of social performance (SP) within the conventional life cycle of Canadian beef. The objective was to explore the potential benefits and risks (or hotspots) of practices on Canadian beef farm businesses (BFBs) and slaughter operations (BSOs) to establish valid benchmarks and a social sustainability roadmap for decision-makers to improve SP. Methods: This study undertook a novel and participatory approach to social life cycle assessment (S-LCA). Respondents from both within and at-arms-length to the beef value chain were engaged to identify SP practices and perceptions and develop the life cycle inventory. The goal and scope, inventory, assessment, and interpretation were conducted in a three-phased approach: (i) scoping; (ii) practice-based assessment; and (iii) deep-dive assessment. Data collected through mixed methods, including Q method, interviews, surveys, and literature review, were assessed using a type I (reference scale) approach and interpreted through critical interpretive synthesis. Organizational SP was explored at BFBs and BSOs, considering the following stakeholders: value chain actors, farmers, employees, and cattle. Results and discussion: Outcomes from the applied approach explore the interrelations between organizations and stakeholders along the value chain. Impact categories concerning labour management, people's health and safety, and animal care were prioritized for deep-dive assessment. Subcategories included novel topics, like recruitment and retention and access to mental health resources. A range of potential benefits and areas for improving SP were identified at BFBs and BSOs. Potential risks from SP were identified for stakeholders from working hours, communication and dispute resolution, animal transport, and personal protective equipment practice areas. Results informed strategic activities for the National Beef Sustainability Strategy. Conclusion: This study contributes to the social sustainability discourse in livestock systems by demonstrating a qualitative approach to S-LCA that can be replicated by practitioners to explore valid and locally specific social dimensions of sustainability. Practitioners may consider the approach and results in future studies to better capture and manage the complex and dynamic nature of livestock systems, leading to more effective social sustainability decisions that incorporate diverse stakeholder perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent advancements in the utilization of naturally derived nanocellulose and nanochitin/chitosan have opened new avenues for self‐cleaning and purification applications to address environmental challenges. This review highlights the unique structural properties of bio‐based nanofibers, which are typically rich in hydroxyl groups that enhance their functionality in various industrial sectors. Through appropriate chemical modification, they can perform specific functions facilitated by carboxylic acids or amine groups. We explored the mechanisms by which these materials facilitate oil/water separation, ultrafiltration, and self‐cleaning processes, including the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles, such as TiO2, to improve hydrophilicity and oleophobicity. Furthermore, this review discusses innovative fabrication techniques, such as spray‐assisted layer‐by‐layer assembly, which enhance the performance of nanofiber‐based coatings. We examined the potential of these materials for diverse applications, including food packaging, wastewater treatment, and personal protective equipment, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable industrial practices. As the global emphasis on eco‐friendly solutions intensifies, continued research and development of nanocellulose and nanochitin is expected to drive significant advancements in materials science, paving the way for greener technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Riverine Macroplastic Survey along the Segments of Tullahan River in Metro Manila, Philippines" presents data on the types and quantities of macroplastics found in the Tullahan River. The study conducted at three different sites along the river revealed a significant amount of plastic waste, including beverage bottles, straws, grocery bags, and food wrappers. The research also analyzed the relationship between macroplastic flux and river flow velocity, finding correlations at some sites but not at others. The study aims to provide valuable insights into the pollution levels in the river and the impact of plastic waste on the environment. [Extracted from the article]

The capacity to withstand challenges posed by complex environments is crucial for developing advanced high‐performance protective materials with mechanically adjustable nature. By constructing long‐range hierarchical network of shear‐stiffening gel‐carbon nanotube‐cellulose nanofiber (SCC) embedded within epoxy resin (ER), this work engineers a nacre‐inspired variable‐stiffness SCC‐ER composite (SCCE). Lightweight SCC scaffold attenuates falling impact force from 2.23 to 0.46 kN, and reaches 60 °C within 20 s under 1 sun exposure. Additionally, owing to the rigid ER matrix, SCCE exhibits 4.03 GPa elastic modulus, outperforming numerous conventional engineering materials in puncture resistance. Specific energy absorption of nacre‐mimetic SCCE presents 1.91 MJ m−3 while that of random structural SCCE is only 0.50 MJ m−3. More importantly, SCCE features representative photothermal‐induced reversible rigidity whose storage modulus varies from 9.85 MPa at 30 °C to 11.61 kPa at 116 °C under light stimulation. It also presents shape‐programmability, capable of adhering complex structural surfaces for protection. Eventually, SCCE‐based semi‐active adjustable protectors are constructed that leverage contactless photothermal effect to modulate rigidity. 5 mm‐thick smart SCCE‐protectors resist 163.93 m s−1 ballistic impact while 15‐mm commercial kneepads are penetrated at lower speed of 136.98 m s−1. This bio‐inspired semi‐active strategy proposes a promising avenue for enhancing personal protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of an appropriate fabric for technical applications, such as protective masks, hinges on a thorough understanding of the fabric's physical and mechanical properties. This study addresses the challenge of selecting the optimal material structure for the upper layer of a protective mask, aiming to ensure adequate breathability while providing effective filtration against airborne particles and contaminants. We assessed and compared the physical–mechanical properties of five polymer spun-bond nonwoven fabrics from different suppliers. Our comprehensive evaluation included, as follows: a visual inspection; light permeability analysis; mass and thickness measurements; elongation and tensile strength tests; breathing resistance assessments; and filter penetration tests with paraffin oil. The results revealed significant variations in performance among the samples, with one fabric consistently outperforming the others across multiple parameters. Notably, this top-performing fabric met or exceeded the EN 149:2001+A1:2009 standard for breathing resistance and filtration efficiency and, in combination with additional filter layers, met the requirements or exceeded class FFP2 (filtering face piece). This study underscores the importance of meticulous material selection and quality control in optimizing PPE (personal protective equipment) performance and user safety, providing valuable insights for mask manufacturers and healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of BTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene) compounds in beauty salons has raised concerns about potential health risks. This study aimed to measure the levels of BTEX compounds in the air of beauty salons in Lahijan, Iran and assess the associated health risks. Air samples were collected from 15 beauty salons, and the concentrations of BTEX compounds were measured according to 1501 NIOSH standard method. The results showed that the mean concentrations of benzene (20.62 µg/m3), toluene (18.3 µg/m3), ethylbenzene (38.36 µg/m3), and O and P-xylene (27.35, 23.6 µg/m3) were above the recommended levels. The indoor to outdoor ratios for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, O and P-xylene were 3.04, 2.36, 3.75, 4.89, and 6.54, respectively. Also, the toluene/benzene (T/B) ratio in indoor and outdoor was 20.9 and 2.68 respectively. Almost half of the technicians (49.12%) reported adverse health effects, including joint pain, itchy eyes and nose, and respiratory allergies. The IARC guideline suggests that there is a potential risk of cancer development for individuals in all salons with LCR values exceeding 10−6, but the HQ index values indicate no non-carcinogenic risk. The findings suggest that beauty salon workers and customers are at risk of developing health problems from exposure to BTEX compounds. Effective risk management strategies, such as proper ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and substitution of harmful chemicals with safer alternatives, to minimize exposure and protect the health of salon workers and customers recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety management of laboratories is of utmost importance in the construction and management of university laboratories. Abnormal behaviors such as smoking, incorrect wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) like lab coats, hats, masks, and gloves pose significant safety hazards. In this paper, in order to improve the level of laboratory safety management and effectively provide an alert in the case of unsafe behaviors, video analysis technology is employed to achieve abnormal behavior recognition and monitoring through steps such as human key point detection, posture estimation, and behavior recognition. Firstly, the human pose estimation algorithm YOLO is used for human detection, followed by the extraction of human key points after segmentation. Finally, spatiotemporal graph convolution is used for feature detection and classification of abnormal behaviors. The experimental results show that the accuracy of abnormal behavior detection and recognition based on human key points reaches over 85%, which is of great significance for safety management and behavior warning in university laboratories, and thus, improves the efficiency and level of laboratory safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionThe level of greenhouse farmers’ personal protection in pesticide use and the possibility of environmental protection through farmers’ willingness to reduce chemical sprayings were assessed in Khuzestan Province, Iran.A survey of 80 active greenhouse vegetable growers was carried out in 2021 with face-to-face interviews. Willingness to reduce chemical sprayings was examined with the theory of planned behavior (TPB) model.Several intoxication symptoms were reported, with the most common symptom of pesticide intoxication being dizziness. Farmers showed unsafe or rather unsafe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during pesticide handling. The maximum use of PPE pertained to the use of mask, spray clothing, and long-sleeved shirts. On a scale from 1 (= totally disagree) to 5 (= totally agree), the respondents showed negative attitudes towards reducing chemical sprayings (mean = 2.30), rather low levels of subjective norms (mean = 2.67), and rather low levels of perceived behavioral control over reduction of chemical sprayings (mean = 2.76). The TPB variables accounted for 73% of the variance in farmers’ behavioral intention. Overall, farmers’ behavioral intention to reduce chemical sprayings was almost neutral.Increasing knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides on health is necessary to promote safety behavior of farmers in the greenhouse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal protective equipment (PPE) detection plays a crucial role in ensuring safety in various settings such as factories, hospitals, and disease prevention measures. However, manually checking individuals for proper PPE usage in public can be a challenging task. This paper focuses on the detection of face mask usage and aims to develop a robust system that can identify individuals who are not wearing masks or are not wearing them correctly. Here, we present an enhanced face mask detection method based on YOLOv4. Currently, there is a shortage of a comprehensive and diverse dataset that can be used to accurately evaluate the correct use of masks, mainly due to limited samples of incorrect mask wearing. To address this issue, we propose a pipeline to generate a simulated face mask dataset derived from the original dataset. This approach allows us to enhance the performance of the face mask detection model without requiring additional data samples. Additionally, we introduce a modified face mask detection model called MaskYOLO, which includes improvements in the original YOLOv4 network structure. In the feature extraction network, a global context block is incorporated between the backbone and neck of YOLOv4 to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the scene. Furthermore, the prediction network incorporates an improved structure to achieve a more efficient network. The effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed method are demonstrated through statistical analyses of the experimental results. Our method outperforms the YOLOv4 baseline by 3.1% in mean Average Precision (mAP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn in a range of industrial environments by women and men alike. However, the majority of PPE is designed around male anthropometrics and the impacts of this on women are largely undocumented. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to develop themes from in-depth interviews with 30 women working in diverse roles in industrial environments, around their experiences of wearing PPE. Four themes developed: ‘There's nothing here for me’; ‘Collateral damage’; ‘Organisational culture and the burden of responsibility’; and ‘Personally protective women’. The findings significantly expand upon previous literature concerning: the reduced range of PPE available for women when compared with men; considerable fit and comfort issues; and physical, day-to-day and health-related consequences. This work evidences the increased PPE-related burden on women, and demonstrates fundamental links between women wearing ill-fitting or inappropriate PPE and their reduced sense of belonging, confidence and morale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The agricultural sector is vital for food production, economic stability, and environmental sustainability. However, it also poses significant occupational health and safety challenges due to factors such as heavy machinery usage, exposure to chemicals, and challenging environmental conditions. Method: This cross-sectional study involved 366 farmers affiliated with the Yozgat Chamber of Agriculture in Turkey. Data on demographic characteristics, occupational factors, and work accidents were collected with interview technique between May and August 2023. While descriptive data were expressed as categories with numbers and percentages, chi-square analysis was used to compare the obtained answers with the status of having or not having a work accident. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of independent variables on the probability of having a work accident. Results: The study revealed that 33.0% of farmers experienced work accidents in the last year. Most accidents occurred during work shifts (28.8%) and in the fall season (34.8%). Factors contributing to accidents included lack of personal protective equipment (51.5%) and transportation-related issues (36.4%). Logistic regression analysis indicated that working more than 8 h daily, working 5 days or more per week, and using bus/minibus transportation significantly increased the likelihood of experiencing work accidents. Conclusion: Findings underscore the importance of implementing effective occupational health and safety measures, including proper training, provision of personal protective equipment, and improving transportation safety. Addressing these issues can enhance the well-being of agricultural workers and contribute to a safer working environment in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved implicit direct-forcing immersed boundary method (DF-IBM) is presented for simulating incompressible flows around complex rigid structures undergoing arbitrary motion. The current approach harnesses the pressure implicit with splitting of operators algorithm to handle the fluid–solid system's dual constraints in a segregated manner. As a result, the divergence-free condition is preserved throughout the Eulerian domain, and the no-slip velocity boundary condition is exactly enforced on the immersed boundary. A new pressure Poisson equation (PPE) is derived, incorporating the boundary force where the no-slip condition is already met, enabling the use of fast iterative PPE solvers without modifications. The improvement involves integrating Lagrangian weight methods having better reciprocity over the IBM-related linear operators with the implicit formulation. An additional force initialization scheme is introduced to further boost the algorithm's performance. The method's accuracy, efficiency, and capability are verified through various stationary and moving immersed boundary cases. The results are validated against experimental and numerical data from the literature. The proposed improvements seamlessly integrate into existing incompressible fluid solvers with minimal adjustments to the original system equations, highlighting their ease of implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement and analysis of the continuous and intermittent noise produced by armored vehicle (AV) platforms, including the output from communications systems as experienced by crew, are necessary for the purposes of exposure prediction, to support the selection of hearing protection and communication devices, and to facilitate assessments of compliance with occupational health and safety legislation. Practical estimation of the personal noise exposure of AV crews requires the assessment of the vehicle, communications and special-to-role activity noise sources, and an understanding of how these sources combine. Procedures are described that consider instrumentation requirements, AV configuration and build standard, operating conditions representative of actual use, the application of speed thresholding to measurements, and derivation of communications noise levels. Real-world examples are given where these procedures have been applied to an in-service tracked AV to estimate crew noise exposure. The procedures and methods presented are a compromise between precision, repeatability, reproducibility, and pragmatism. Measurements of AV noise are expected to be obtained during the commissioning stage of vehicle design, immediately prior to the vehicle being put into operational service and following any major modifications to the vehicle to inform the necessary engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) and pomegranate concentrate (PC) on improving the oxidative stability of cream powder in comparison with synthetic antioxidant (Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)) during the storage period at 20°C (8 weeks) and 45°C (4 weeks) was evaluated. The finding exhibited that peroxide, p‐anisidine, and total oxidation (TOTOX) values increased during the storage period. Samples containing PPE and PC showed suitable performance in controlling the cream powder oxidation. Also, PPE showed the highest antioxidant activity and can be proposed as a suitable replacement for a synthetic antioxidant (BHT). L* and b* values increased, while a* value decreased during the storage period. Also, the pH of the powders decreased significantly throughout the storage (reached nearly 6). Microbial counts of cream powders did not change during the storage period. The control sample showed the highest overall acceptability. Antioxidants of pomegranate can be proposed to control the oxidative stability of fat‐rich food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Healthcare workers (HCWs) wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) experience physiological strain that can impair motor and psychological functions, potentially affecting patient care. We assessed the effects of heat exposure on maximal strength and risk-taking behavior among PPE-wearing HCWs and the efficacy of ice slurry to alleviate adverse effects. Methods: Seventeen HCWS completed two experimental trials in a crossover design, consuming 5 g·kg−1 of body mass of ambient drink (AMB) or ice slurry (ICE) before donning PPE and undergoing 2 h of simulated decontamination exercise (wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT): 25.9° C ± 0.8°C, PPE microenvironment WBGT: 29.1°C ± 2.1°C). Body core temperature (Tc), heart rate (HR), chest skin temperature (Tsk), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal sensation (RTS), maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), risk-taking behavior (balloon analogue risk-taking task (BART)), and salivary cortisol were assessed. Results: Predrinking to postdrinking ΔTc was greater in ICE (−0.2°C ± 0.1°C) than AMB (−0.0°C ± 0.1°C, P = 0.003). Post-drinking RTS was lower in ICE (2.7 ± 1.2) than AMB (4.1 ± 0.4, P < 0.001). ICE and AMB had similar Tc and HR (both P > 0.05), but Tsk was lower in ICE than AMB (P = 0.049). A lower MVC (30.3 ± 6.7 vs 27.4 ± 4.9 kg, P = 0.001) and higher BART-adjusted total pump count (472 ± 170 vs 615 ± 174 pumps, P = 0.017) was observed pretrial to posttrial in AMB but absent in ICE (both P > 0.05). Salivary cortisol was similar between trials (P = 0.42). Conclusions: Heat-exposed PPE-wearing HCWs had impaired maximal strength and elevated risk-taking behavior. This may increase the risk of avoidable workplace accidents that can jeopardize HCWs and patient care. Ice slurry ingestion alleviated these heat-related impairments, suggesting its potential as an ergogenic aid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the incorporation of CuO and TiO2 nanoparticles into polypropylene or cotton fabrics to develop reusable personal protective equipment. Different preparation methods are applied to anchor the nanoparticles and avoid leaching. The composition and preparation of fabrics are verified by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Optical properties are assessed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The results show that for a low ratio of CuO to TiO2, the optical properties improve, reducing bandgap energy and the electron-hole pair recombination rate. Photodegradation of methylene blue increases by 22.8% in polypropylene fabrics and up to 350% in cotton fabrics. In conclusion, photoactivity in polypropylene fabrics is 23.7 times higher than in cotton fabrics, since the preparation method controls the loading of active species [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global shortages of critical equipment and supplies induced by COVID-19 forced countries to rapidly build and ramp up their indigenous testing and production capacities. However, the many ways in which institutional and organizational change occurred has not been sufficiently captured. Building domestic capacity requires the leveraging and repurposing of existing domestic scientific and technological capabilities, coupled with intensified global outreach to new and existing partners and suppliers. Using the framework of institutional variety, this paper looks at two facets of the UK's COVID emergency industrial response: (1) building its laboratory testing capabilities and (2) for increasing production of personal protective equipment; assessing the institutional capacities and relations that were leveraged in this regard. It uses these findings together with observations of 'innovation processes under emergency conditions' and the potential uses of a 'critical equipment policy' to sharpen some of the recommendations made in the UK's post-COVID Research and Development Roadmap. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazardous chemicals are transported on rail and road networks. In the case of accidental spillage or terror attack, civilian and military first responders must approach the scene equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment. The plausible manufacturing of chemical protective polymer material, from photocatalyst anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) doped low-density polyethylene (LDPE), for cost-effective durable lightweight protective garments against toxic chemicals such as 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulphide (CEES) was investigated. The photocatalytic effects on the physico-chemical properties, before and after ultraviolet (UV) light exposure were evaluated. TiO2 (0, 5, 10, 15% wt) doped LDPE films were extruded and characterized by SEM-EDX, TEM, tensile tester, DSC-TGA and permeation studies before and after exposure to UV light, respectively. Results revealed that tensile strength and thermal analysis showed an increasing shift, whilst CEES permeation times responded oppositely with a significant decrease from 127 min to 84 min due to the degradation of the polymer matrix for neat LDPE, before and after UV exposure. The TiO2-doped films showed an increasing shift in results obtained for physical properties as the doping concentration increased, before and after UV exposure. Relating to chemical properties, the trend was the inverse of the physical properties. The 15% TiO2-doped film showed improved permeation times only when the photocatalytic TiO2 was activated. However, 5% TiO2-doped film exceptionally maintained better permeation times before and after UV exposure demonstrating better resistance against CEES permeation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare settings is a very important factor of infection control activities to prevent transmission of infection. In this study, we aimed to develop a non-face-to-face method that can reduce transmission of infection and an educational method that allows self-learning and self-training, and verify the effectiveness of a donning and doffing PPE education using video debriefing on third-year nursing students in clinical train. Methods: The researcher assigned groups through random sampling using a random number table from the list of research subjects who agreed to participate. Therefore, 35 subjects in the experimental group with an education on donning and doffing PPE using video debriefing and 34 subjects in the control group with video-based training (VBT) were participated in April 2023 at a university in Incheon, South Korea. The evaluation phase involved verifying effects of the education on observer evaluation donningand doffing PPE performance and self-evaluation donningand doffing PPE performance. Satisfaction with the education also assessed immediately after intervention by the experimental group. Results: The experimental group had significantly higher scores for observer evaluationdonning (t = 7.84, p <.001) and observer evaluation doffing (t = 6.52, p <.001) PPE performances than the control group. However, there was no significant difference in self-evaluation donning (t = 0.98, p <.330) or doffing PPE performance (t = 0.17, p <.869) between the two groups. In the experimental group that applied video debriefing, learning satisfaction was 4.33 ± 0.82 points out of 5 points. Conclusions: The education on donning and doffing PPE applying video debriefing was effective. If the education developed in this study is used as a self-learning method to improve the infection control capacity necessary to respond to a disaster crisis caused by infectious diseases, it is considered to be useful for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this case study we describe how Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) Disability Inclusion and Advice Service (DIAS) provided support to disability group homes during the COVID-19 Delta and Omicron waves. The study provides insights into group home providers' experience of supports implemented by SLHD and other stakeholders. A mixed method approach was undertaken that included analysing data from a database and electronic medical records and a survey of disability group home managers. DIAS developed a range of processes to support prevention, outbreak preparedness and response. This included developing a Disability Shared Living COVID-19 Pathway, engaging with group home providers through a fortnightly Community of Practice, assisting with improving vaccination status and procuring personal protective equipment. During an outbreak DIAS provided a 24 h, 7 days per week on call support, coordinated outbreak management team meetings and collaborated with several internal and external stakeholders. SLHD infection prevention and control nurses were recruited to undertake a process of reviewing outbreak management plans and providing support during an outbreak. Most disability providers (86%) reported that they felt very prepared to manage outbreaks at the time of the survey (August 2022) compared with the pre-Delta wave, for which 36% reported feeling 'not prepared'. The proportion who rated the support from the stakeholders as very supportive/supportive was as follows: SLHD (100%), NSW Health (64%), National Disability Insurance Agency (50%) and National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality & Safeguards Commission (37%). Our case study provides insights into the support that LHDs can provide to disability homes in response to future outbreaks. What is known about the topic? People with a disability (PWD) are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality following COVID-19 infection but little is known about how PWD were supported during the COVID-19 pandemic. What does this paper add? Describes one local health district (LHD's) approach to prevent, manage and minimise COVID-19 outbreaks in disability group homes along with insights from the disability group home managers on their experience of support provided by the LHD and other stakeholders. What are the implications for practitioners? Awareness of effective strategies supporting PWD that could be replicated in health organisations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusionThis study examined the factors affecting the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) among US agriculture producers, specifically focusing on chemical, respiratory, and hearing protection. The primary goals were to identify demographic and farm-related factors linked to lower PPE usage and to explore the associations between PPE use and self-reported injuries or diseases in this occupational context.We developed generalized multilevel multinomial logistic regressions for the agricultural safety and health survey data from 2018 and 2020. Our models aimed to explore associations between PPE use, covariates, and their impact on skin diseases, hearing loss, and respiratory diseases. The hierarchical structure of the data was accommodated by designating the survey year as the level-3 variable and the state of residence as the level-2 variable, further delineating the nested structure of the respondents. We proposed using Adaptive Quadrature methods to approximate marginal maximum likelihood function, along with Gauss-Hermite quadrature weights when estimating fixed-effects and random effects in the proposed models. Missing data in this hierarchical structure were addressed through a multiple imputation method.Our findings revealed older age is associated with lower PPE usage across all types. Males exhibited higher PPE use, particularly for chemical (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.47) and respiratory protection (OR: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.52). Producers on grain-only farms showed increased chemical PPE use (OR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.43) compared to those on livestock-only farms. Additionally, individuals spending 0%–24% of their worktime on the farm/ranch demonstrated lower PPE use than those who spent more time engaged in farm-related activities.The study underscores the importance of addressing low PPE usage among agriculture producers. Interventions tailored to specific groups, such as female producers, livestock-only farms, older-aged producers, and part-time producers, can effectively improve PPE use. By identifying these high-risk groups, interventions can be better adapted and targeted to enhance the adoption of PPE, subsequently reducing the risk of health hazards in the agriculture sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper explores how frontline nurses experienced the onset of the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic to provide appropriate care during a global health crisis. Design and Methods: A qualitative descriptive phenomenological study. The sample consisted of 13 frontline nurses from Turkey, working in intensive care units, inpatient clinics and emergency unit. Data were collected online through face‐to‐face interviews based on a semi‐structured interview guide. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Nurses experienced certain difficulties in the continuous use of protective personal equipment, communication both with patients and colleagues, administrative processes. Besides, they experienced exhaustion, reduced job satisfaction and certain physical complaints. Conclusions: Hospital administrators and health policy makers should effectively manage human and hospital resources effectively and solve nurses' problems in times of crisis, such as pandemics. Clinical Relevance: Understanding the challenges faced by frontline nurses during the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic may help healthcare practitioners and policy makers to implement targeted interventions, support mechanisms and resource allocation strategies that enhance the well‐being of frontline nurses and optimise patient care delivery during health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused massive losses for the global economy. Scholars have used different methods to study the transmission mode and influencing factors of the virus to find effective methods to provide people with a healthy built environment. However, these studies arrived at different or even contradictory conclusions. This review presents the main research methodologies utilized in this field, summarizes the main investigation methods, and critically discusses their related conclusions. Data statistical analysis, sample collection, simulation models, and replication transmission scenarios are the main research methods. The summarized conclusion for prevention from all reviewed papers are: adequate ventilation and proper location of return air vents, proper use of personal protective equipment, as well as the reasonable and strict enforcement of policies are the main methods for reducing the transmission. Recommendations including standardized databases, causation clarification, rigorous experiment design, improved simulation accuracy and verification are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There have been over 40 descriptions of the common developmental variants of the accessory ossicles of the feet. Although predominantly asymptomatic, they sometimes may be linked to painful conditions. One of the most common accessory ossicles in the foot is the accessory navicular bone (AN), located on the medial side of the foot. Our research provides a first meta-analysis on this topic that establishes its frequency by contrasting 39 studies from across the globe. Methods: Up to February 2024, PubMed and Embase databases were thoroughly searched for research on the AN. Eligible data regarding AN prevalence was extracted. This study strictly adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: A total of 39 studies, 11,015 patients, and 36,837 feet were analyzed in our study. The pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of AN was found to be 17.5% (95%CI: 11.5–25.7) and 12.6% (95%CI: 10.1–15.5) in patients and feet analyses, respectively. Accessory navicular occurred bilaterally in 50.0% of patients, with similar distribution in gender-based groups (21.1% of males and 22.0% of females were confirmed with AN). Accessory navicular was most prevalent in the East Asian population (38.4%) and least prevalent in North Americans (8.0%). No significant differences in AN prevalence were found when comparing different imaging modalities (X-ray and cadaver dissection). Conclusion: Accessory navicular is a common finding in imaging studies. Its prevalence depends on the population covered by the study but is not affected by the patient's gender or the imaging modality utilized for AN assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of workers on construction sites by mitigating the risk of accidents and incidents. Nevertheless, incidents stemming from a lack of awareness regarding PPE usage persist. To enhance the oversight of construction laborers for accident prevention, most current approaches involve overseeing the availability and correct utilization of PPE using intricate data processing techniques. However, these methods encounter challenges related to their applicability and capacity for universal implementation. This study presents the hybridization of seahorse optimization (SHO) algorithm with the YOLOv5 model to ultimate detection accuracy. First, an improved YOLO network is constructed through scale and loss function enhancement. Second, the SHO is utilized to tune the parameters of the improved YOLOv5. A data set with 4535 construction work images was collected for training, validation and testing the hybrid SHO-YOLOv5 model. Experimental results supported by statistical tests show that the SHO-YOLOv5 is a capable method for detecting automatically the PPE with a precision value of 0.74, recall value of 0.65 and F1 score of 0.68. The SHO-YOLOv5 surpasses the benchmarked models like YOLOv8, YOLOv5, Faster-R-CNN MobilenetV3, and Faster-R-CNN Resnet50. Therefore, the proposed hybrid approach is a promising tool to support the project managers in the task of safety inspection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive assessment of the active/passive seismic stability of shallow tunnel faces is an urgent and complex task. This work establishes a promising three-dimensional (3D) approach using upper-bound limit analysis to evaluate the active and passive seismic stability of shallow shield tunnel faces. The outcrop failure model and inside failure model are provided for active failure analysis. To capture the spatiotemporal variations of seismic loading, the pseudodynamic approach is employed to assess the limit active and passive support pressures. Comparisons with published studies and numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed 3D approach greatly improves existing 2D results for limit active and passive support pressures. A detailed investigation is then conducted to analyze the effects of pseudodynamic parameters, surface surcharge, and buried depth on face stability of shallow tunnels. Finally, the proposed approach is further tested by conducting the seismic face stability analysis of Changsha Metro 2 tunnel based on actual seismic response. The results indicate that the surface surcharge has a greater influence on limit passive support pressure than limit active support pressure, and increasing of buried depth leads to a larger safety range of limit support pressure. Practical Applications: Active and passive face failure of shallow tunnels under earthquakes can endanger the safety of tunnels and ground surfaces, leading to severe casualties and property losses. Determination of limit support pressures under seismic forces is a critical task in shield tunnel construction. This work establishes an approach to assess 3D active and passive seismic stability of shallow shield tunnel faces. Time–space variations of seismic loading are incorporated to accurately determine limit active and passive support pressures using pseudodynamic approach. Effects of seismic parameters, surface surcharge, and buried depth on face stability of shallow tunnels are then presented and discussed. Finally, the proposed approach is tested by conducting the seismic face stability analysis of Changsha Metro 2 tunnel based on actual seismic response. The results indicate that surface surcharge has a greater influence on limit passive support pressure compared with limit active support pressure, and increasing buried depth leads to a larger safety range of limit support pressure. The proposed approach determines a safety range of limit support pressures more accurately for shallow shield tunnels during earthquakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to clarify the mechanism of slurry support and its effect at different stages of slurry infiltration in shield construction. The analysis of various expressions of slurry support throughout the entire excavation cycle is based on the theories of slurry infiltration effects and the cutting action of the cutters. Furthermore, the limit support pressure calculation method at the tunnel face is modified considering the slurry support mechanism observed during different slurry infiltration stages. Some of the main conclusions drawn are as follows. (1) When slurry deep infiltration occurs, the main form of slurry support is the seepage force acting on the soil skeleton. At this stage, the limit support pressure from the filter cake model will not be sufficient to meet the tunnel face stability requirements. (2) The effectiveness of slurry support is influenced by both the slurry infiltration state and the cutting action of the cutterhead. Slurry infiltration and shield tunneling together create a quasi-static equilibrium state, in which slurry support is effective only when the infiltration velocity corresponding to this state is greater than the critical velocity. (3) And the influence of shield tunneling parameters on the slurry support mechanism is significant. Compared with the cutter's penetration degree, the cutter's rotational speed has a more pronounced effect on the conversion rate of slurry support pressure at the shield tunnel face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limit support pressure significantly influences the stability of the shield tunnel face and deformation control during tunneling. Current research predominantly focuses on soils under dried or saturated conditions. However, unsaturated soils, which are more commonly encountered in engineering practice and widely distributed, have not been as extensively studied. Based on limit equilibrium theory, a modified analytical wedge-prism model is proposed in this paper to predict the limit support pressure acting on the shallow shield tunnel face in unsaturated sandy soil where the soil arching effect is considered. Taking advantage of finite-element software ABAQUS (version 2021), a series of numerical trapdoor tests are conducted first to study the failure behavior of unsaturated sandy soil. Then, by combining the rotation trajectory of major principal stress with the shear strength theory of unsaturated soil, the loosening earth pressure solution above the shallow trapdoor can be derived analytically. The limit support pressure can be finally obtained through a force equilibrium analysis of the wedge body. The accuracy of the proposed model is validated by comparing the calculated results with current model tests and numerical simulations. Parameter analysis results reveal that both the loosening earth pressure and limit support pressure initially decrease and then increase with the rising degree of soil saturation. A critical saturation point is identified where the loosening earth pressure and the limit support pressure reach their minimum values, attributed to the full development of the soil arching effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of African Journal of Reproductive Health is the property of Women's Health & Action Research Centre and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Construction workers are exposed to risks that differ markedly from general industry related to occupational health and safety. Objectives: • To study the morbidity profile of construction workers. • To assess the socio-demographic profile of construction workers • To assess working conditions and facilities available at construction site. • To know the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) among construction workers. Methodology: An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted by Department of Community Medicine, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam among 305 construction workers. All male and female construction workers aged above 14 years who were available at the construction site. After obtaining permission from the Institutional Ethics Committee, and Informed written consent data was collected. Data analysis was done by using SPSS software. Results: In the present study the current morbidity among the study population was 46.9%. The most common morbidity among construction workers was musculoskeletal problems (34.1%), followed by respiratory disorders (30.5%), gastrointestinal problems (23.6%), skin problems (21.6%), and central nervous system problems (22.6%). About 40.7% of the study participants were using personal protective equipment. Conclusion: Health education for workers is required to create awareness regarding workplace problems and the correct usage of Personal Protective equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Work accidents are unwanted events that harm people, cause damage to property, and work processes. In the construction sector, the work accident rate in Indonesia reaches 32%. This research aims to determine the relationship between compliance with the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) with the incidence of work accidents in construction sector workers at Bali International Hospital Sanur managed by PT PP (Persero) Tbk. This research used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The research population was all construction workers in the Bali International Hospital Sanur project as many as 286 people, with random sampling techniques. The instrument used in data collection was a questionnaire, and data analysis was carried out univariate and bivariate using the Chi-square test. The results showed a relationship between the use of safety helmets and the incidence of occupational accidents in construction workers at Bali International Hospital Sanur by PT PP (Persero) Tbk (p = 0.11). The implication of this research is the importance of compliance with the use of PPE in preventing work accidents in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes, through experimental and numerical investigations, the mechanical behavior and energy absorption characteristics of 3D-printed sandwich panels with cellular cores subjected to low-velocity impact. Using fused deposition modeling techniques (FDM), three different sandwich panels, one with a regular hexagonal core and two with re-entrant cores at 0 and 90 degrees, were fabricated. The sandwich panels were subjected to low-velocity impact, at impact energies of 10 J and 15 J. A comprehensive investigation of the panels' behavior through experimental testing and numerical simulation was conducted. The results indicate that the sandwich panel with a 90 degrees re-entrant core is stiffer and absorbs the largest amount of impact energy but, at the same time, suffers significant damage to the upper facesheet. The 0 degrees re-entrant core is compliant and provides both impact resistance and good energy absorption characteristics. Such a sandwich panel finds its application in the construction of personal protective equipment, where the aim is to minimize the forces transmitted during low-velocity impacts and maximize the total absorbed energy. Re-entrant core sandwich panels prove to be very good candidates for replacing the honeycomb core sandwich, depending on the desired engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safety and health in the workplace continues to be one of the most discussed topics both at the professional level, as well as at the legal and academic level, bringing to attention the importance of respecting safety norms and professional information of employees, for to efficiently avoid possible incidents that may threaten him during the exercise of his duty. Safety and health at work is an important component of the social protection of employees, which is protected by national and international acts. The implementation of laws and regulations, regarding safety and health at work and the working environment, is ensured through a sufficient and appropriate inspection system. On the other hand, poor standards of safety and health at work, injuries at work, accidents with occupational death and disease cause a heavy burden on the national economy due to payments from the social insurance scheme, hospital costs, retraining and replacement of workers and loss of productivity. Both sides, employers and workers, have a responsibility to take care of health and for safety at work. Employers have the primary duty to prevent risks to their workers by implementing protective measures, including safe working methods, safe equipment, appropriate personal protective equipment as well as information, instructions and training for workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)