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Price: EUR 250.00Authors: Samani, Ali Sahraneshin | Ghavamabadi, Leila Ibrahimi | Dehaghi, Behzad Fouladi
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Climate change and global warming are emerging as new challenges worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the temperature is expected to rise by an average of 1.2°C between 2021–2025. This increase in temperature will expose more and more workers to extreme heat. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the possibility of using thermoelectric coolers for cooling the water circulation circuit of a cooling belt, which can be used for extended periods in high-temperature environments. METHODS: A cooling belt was designed using thermoelectric coolers (TEC) and two blowers. The TECs were equipped with heat …sinks and heat exchange block made of aluminum at hot and cold sides to exchange heat effectively. RESULTS: The experiment was conducted under actual environmental temperature conditions during three different time periods, with mean temperatures of 31, 48, and 41°C. The mean temperature of the belt section was recorded as 20.73, 24.52, and 21.38°C, respectively. The maximum average difference between the inlet air temperature and the inside cooling belt temperature was 40.45°C. CONCLUSION: The experiment revealed that the cooling performance of the designed prototype remained within an acceptable range (18°C) despite the increase in ambient temperature. Moreover, the cooling system can be utilized in high-heat environments to reduce thermal stress. Show more
Keywords: Cooling belt, air temperature, thermoelectric, heat stress, control
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230329
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Alnaser, Adnan Raed | Zitoun, Osama A. | Saquib, Juliann | Rajab, Tawfik Mamoun | Khojah, Abdullah Abdulaziz Abdulwahab | Almazrou, Abdulrahman | Saquib, Nazmus
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Professional drivers in Saudi Arabia may be at increased risk for mental illness because of their expatriate status, long driving hours, and unhealthy lifestyles. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are expatriates. METHODS: Professional drivers (n = 324) were interviewed after convenient sampling of transportation companies. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to screen for depressive symptoms. Correlates of depressive symptoms were identified using Cox regression with a fixed follow-up time. RESULTS: Of the drivers, …20.4% had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Sleep quality was found to be a significant independent correlate of depressive symptoms. Drivers with poor and fair sleep quality had higher risk of depressive symptoms than drivers with excellent sleep quality (poor: OR = 5.8, CI: 1.95–17.11; fair: OR = 4.5, CI: 1.68–11.96). CONCLUSION: The frequency of depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia is high (one out of five). Companies should consider screening for depressive symptoms and sleep disorders among employees and should provide referrals as needed. Show more
Keywords: Automobile driving, occupational health, mental health, depression, migrant health, epidemiology
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220631
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Blumenthal, Maike | Van der Heijden, Beatrice I.J.M. | Dautzenberg, Rikkie L. | Boot, Cécile R.L.
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the changing world of work, there is an urgency to gain insight into determinants of the employability among support staff workers with long tenure whose functions may become outdated as their competencies may no longer match the requirements of future jobs. OBJECTIVE: The specific aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between transformational leadership and employability. METHODS: Support staff (n = 236) from a university participated in an online questionnaire focusing on five dimensions of employability (occupational expertise, anticipation and optimization, personal flexibility, corporate sense, and balance) and transformational leadership (identifying and articulating …a vision, providing an appropriate model, fostering the acceptance of group goals, providing individual support, and intellectual stimulation. RESULTS: Identifying and articulating a vision (β= 0.247, p < 0.001), providing an appropriate model (β= 0.196, p = 0.002), fostering the acceptance of group goals (β= 0.298, p < 0.001) and providing individual support (β= 0.258, p < 0.001) were associated with higher balance scores. No significant associations were found between the transformational leadership subscales and the other dimensions of employability. CONCLUSION: The current study found that just one specific dimension of transformational leadership was associated with only one aspect of employability for our target group of long-term employed support staff workers with a high level of job security. Show more
Keywords: Leadership, occupational health, staff development, career mobility, employment, universities
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230371
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2024
Authors: Mann, Stephanie | Paarup, Helene M. | Søgaard, Karen
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study focuses on the user experience of a novel developed ergonomic chinrest (EC), customised to accommodate the individual violinist’s anthropometry and playing style. The EC was recently tested for biomechanical effect, but the violin player’s motivation, usage behaviour, usability and acceptability may be equally important. OBJECTIVE: To explore the user experience of violinists who used the novel EC with a low shoulder rest for two weeks. Through that experience, we wanted to learn about the potential user barriers and facilitators related to their motivation, usage behaviour, usability, and acceptability, when trying a new product. …METHODS: Thirty-eight professional violinists participated and evaluated motivation, user behaviour, usability and acceptance using a 5-point Likert scale and open-ended questions. RESULTS: Participants showed high motivation hoping to improve posture, reduce muscle tension and enhance performance. Usage behaviour was also high, while product appearance, adjustment time, and sound impact were negatively evaluated. However, 37% planned to continue to use EC after the study. CONCLUSION: Participants showed high motivation and usage behaviour but faced challenges with product appearance, adjustment time, and sound impact compared to their usual chinrest. Incorporating user feedback and addressing design and usability challenges can enhance the user experience. Show more
Keywords: Ergonomics, music, neck, work performance
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230389
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024
Authors: Mosquera, Rodolfo | Pérez Vergara, Ileana G. | Contreras-Pacheco, Orlando E.
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in the construction sector in developing countries have high rates of work absenteeism. The productivity of enterprises is heavily influenced by it. OBJECTIVE: To propose a model based on the Plan, Do, Check, and Act cycle and data mining for the prevention of occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in the construction sector. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was administered on a total of 200 male technical workers in plumbing. It considers biological, biomechanical, chemical, and, physical risk factors. Three data mining algorithms were compared: Logistic Regression, …Naive Bayes, and Decision Trees, classifying the occurrences occupational accident. The model was validated considering 20% of the data collected, maintaining the same proportion between accidents and non-accidents. The model was applied to data collected from the last 17 years of occupational accidents in the plumbing activity in a Colombian construction company. RESULTS: The results showed that, in 90.5% of the cases, the decision tree classifier (J48) correctly identified the possible cases of occupational accidents with the biological, chemical, and, biomechanical, risk factors training variables applied in the model. CONCLUSION: The results of this study are promising in that the model is efficient in predicting the occurrence of an occupational accident in the plumbing activity in the construction sector. For the accidents identified and the associated causes, a plan of measures to mitigate the risk of occupational accidents is proposed. Show more
Keywords: Machine learning, risk assessment, workplace safety, construction industry, accident reduction
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230112
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024
Authors: Umair, Sonia | Waqas, Umair | Mrugalska, Beata
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The success of organizations’ sustainable performance mainly depends on their human resource capital and for this organizations now need to focus on green human capital development programs including green talent management (GTM). GTM entails attracting, nurturing, and retaining those people who can promote the green initiatives of the organization. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to investigate the impact of GTM, transformational leadership, and employee engagement on the sustainable environmental performance of organizations. METHODS: The data were collected from both academic and administrative employees in five Omani higher education institutions (HEIs). In total 367 questionnaires were collected …using drop-off and pickup methods. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that green hard and green soft talent management (TM) and employee engagement with green initiatives are significant predictors of the sustainable environmental performance of HEIs. Moreover, transformational leadership can moderate the influence of green soft TM on employee engagement with green initiatives by strengthening the relationship. CONCLUSIONS: For sustainable performance and development, organizations especially HEIs need to actively assume their social responsibilities and implement sustainable environmental management. The present study provides meaningful implications for practitioners, educational policymakers, and leaders to promote GTM and employee engagement for sustainable environmental performance. Supporting green skill development, engaging employees with green initiatives, and promoting staff with green skills can help organizations particularly HEIs to increase their sustainable environmental performance and gain a competitive advantage. Show more
Keywords: Human resource management, green talent management, leadership, employee engagement, sustainability, sustainable environmental performance
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230357
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2023
Authors: Xu, Yanzhen | Liu, Ya | Huang, Maoyong | Fang, Hongmei
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although research has increased the current understanding of creative teaching, evidence on the factors that influence this behavior and the underlying mechanisms remains limited. OBJECTIVE: This study, grounded in conservation of resources theory, proposed and empirically examined the relation between contingent reward leadership (CRL) among Chinese kindergarten principals and teachers’ creative teaching performance (CTP). In addition, the study assessed the mediating effect of organizational innovation support (OIS), bureaucratic organizational culture (BOC), and innovative organizational culture (IOC), as well as the moderating effect of ideological psychological contracts (IPCs), to provide robust insights into how CRL can motivate kindergarten …teachers’ CTP. METHODS: A total of 518 kindergarten teachers aged 20–55 years participated in the study. Structural equation model analysis was conducted to examine the multiple mediating effects of OIS, BOC, and IOC, as well as the moderating effect of IPC in the relation between CRL and CTP. RESULTS: OIS served as a mediator in the relation between CRL and CTP. OIS and BOC played a chain mediating role in the relation between CRL and CTP. OIS and BOC played a chain mediating role in the relation between CRL and CTP. Additionally, IPC positively moderated the indirect relation of CRL on CTP via OIS. CONCLUSIONS: Kindergarten principals should pay attention to the positive impact of leadership style and organizational culture on teachers’ innovative behavior. Moreover, prioritizing the improvement of IPCs would benefit the development of innovative behavior. Show more
Keywords: Contingent reward leadership, creative teaching performance, organizational innovation support, organizational culture, ideological psychological contract, kindergarten principal, kindergarten teacher
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230229
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-16, 2023
Authors: Miaary, Zuha | Kalichman, Leonid | Ezra, David | Moshe, Shlomo | Alperovitch-Najenson, Deborah
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical and psychosocial demands (e.g., serving, cleaning, fulfilling orders) can lead to work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of WRMSP in the upper quadrant and lower back among skilled male Arab waiters; to evaluate the disability related to WRMSP; to evaluate the association between work demands and WRMSP with related disability. METHODS: 100 skilled male Arab waiters working full-time, aged 18–60, participated in the cross-sectional study. Participants completed basic demographics and working conditions; the NDI; QuickDASH; the OswestryQ; workload, burnout, and job satisfaction at work; the adjusted NordicQ; and the TaskQ, compiled …especially for this study. RESULTS: A 12-month pain prevalence, pain frequency, and work avoidance were high: neck- 42%, 60.5%, 89.5% ; shoulders –53%, 78.2%, 94.4% ; elbows- 46%, 78.6%, 83.3% ; lower back- 45%, 44%, 78.7%, respectively. Pain prevalence in at least one site was 83% . The OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI revealed mild-moderate pain and disability (14.85/50, 25.54/75, 13.74/50, respectively). Burnout score was positively associated with OswestryQ, QuickDASH, and NDI. Job satisfaction was negatively associated with 12 months of pain in the lower back, hands, arms, shoulders, and hands (NordicQ). TaskQ was positively associated with OswestryQ. CONCLUSION: Male Arab waiters who work in physically and psychologically challenging conditions report high levels of WRMSP with a high frequency and related work avoidance. Many of them must keep their jobs as they are their families’ primary or sole providers. It is possible that they are trying to prevent more severe disabilities in the future by ensuring temporary rest and pain prevention. Show more
Keywords: Musculoskeletal, pain, disability, ergonomics, risk factors, waiters
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220666
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2023
Authors: Lorente Ramos, L. | Rodriguez Lozano, B. | Barroso Morales, M.L. | Rodríguez Perez, D. | Jiménez Sosa, A. | Hernández Cabrera, N.E. | Mora Quintero, M.L. | Rodríguez Gaspar, M. | Bustabad Reyes, M.S. | Cueto Serrano, M.M.
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace aggressions on hospital workers is a very frequent and under-reported problem. OBJECTIVE: The novel objective of our study was to analyze the number of workplace aggressions per hospital worker. Other objectives of the study were to analyze the management knowledge and interest in receiving training on aggressions by hospital workers. METHODS: An anonymous survey was handed out among all professionals in a university hospital. RESULTS: A total of 1118 anonymous surveys were collected. The responders declared that throughout their working life they had suffered some sort of verbal aggression in the hospital …in 766 cases (68.5%) and physical aggression in 393 cases (35.2%). Multiple logistic regression analyses found higher risk of receiving physical and verbal aggression in the nursing category and in the Emergency, Critical Care or Psychiatry Units, and a higher risk of receiving physical aggression in women. The score on the level of personal knowledge regarding the legal, physical, and psychological management of aggressions (score 0–10 for each of the 3 aspects) was 2.91±2.68 in legal management, 2.97±2.77 in psychological management and 2.91±2.76 in physical management. The opinion about the interest of receiving training (score from 0 to 10) on the legal management of hospital aggressions was 8.90±1.72, on psychological management was 8.85±1.78 and on physical management was 8.88±1.78. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace aggression on hospital workers mainly affects women, the nursing category and the Emergency, Critical Care or Psychiatry Units. Hospital workers showed little knowledge on the topic but a great interest in receiving training. Show more
Keywords: Aggression, violence, health care professionals, workers, hospital, workplace
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220702
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-8, 2023
Authors: Türken, Askeri | Çapar, Haşim | Çakmak, Cuma | Kurt, Mehmet Emin | Menteş, Nurettin
Article Type: Research Article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is important to measure the self-efficacy knowledge of the caregiver of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients in order to overcome the problems that arise and carry out the care process in a healthy manner. OBJECTIVE: This research was carried out to develop a self-efficacy scale in caregivers of individuals with DMD. METHODS: The study was conducted with 99 volunteer DMD caregivers to evaluate the psychometric properties of the developed scale. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed with the SPSS 25 Package Program to determine the factors of the scale. Confirmatory Factor …Analysis (CFA) analysis was performed with AMOS 23 to confirm the factors obtained by EFA. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used for the internal consistency of the DMD-CSES. RESULTS: A valid and reliable scale was obtained to measure the self-efficacy of caregivers of DMD patients. CONCLUSION: Although some scales have been developed to evaluate the care burden of family members who care for patient-centered symptoms and functional changes in patients with DMD, there is no single scale that adequately describes the conditions and resources of caregivers on a global scale. The search for a definitive scale is expected to continue until a definitive treatment for the disease is found. Developing a valid and reliable scale to identify the self-efficacy, knowledge, skills and resources of caregivers with a common perspective of physicians and health management team centred on patients with DMD will be effective in practice. Show more
Keywords: Disease management, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, family caregivers, health economics, self efficacy, reliability, validity
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230145
Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2023
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