bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Assessment of the NIOSH Lifting Equation in Asymmetric Load-Handling Activities Using a Detailed Musculoskeletal Model
Authors: Behjati Mohamad , Arjmand Navid
Published: September 2018

Objective:

To assess adequacy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Lifting Equation (NLE) in controlling lumbar spine loads below their recommended action limits during asymmetric load-handling activities using a detailed musculoskeletal model, that is, the AnyBody Modeling System.

Background:

The NIOSH committee employed simplistic biomechanical models for the calculation of the spine compressive loads with no estimates of the shear loads. It is therefore unknown whether the NLE would adequately control lumbar compression and shear loads below their recommended action limits during asymmetric load-handling activities.

Method:

Twenty-four static stoop lifting tasks at different load asymmetry angles, heights, and horizontal distances were performed by one normal-weight (70 kg) and one obese (93 kg) individual. For each task, the recommended weight limit computed by the NLE and body segment angles measured by a video-camera system (VICON) were prescribed in the participant-specific models developed in the AnyBody Modeling System that estimated spinal loads.

Results:

For both individuals, the NLE adequately controlled L5-S1 loads below their recommended action limits for all activities performed in upright postures. Both individuals, however, experienced compressive and/or shear L5-S1 loads beyond the recommended action limits when lifting was performed near the floor with large load asymmetry.

Conclusion:

The NLE failed to control spinal loads below the recommended limits during asymmetric lifting tasks performed near the floor.

Application:

The NLE should be used with caution for extreme tasks involving load handling near the floor with large load asymmetry.
Speaking Up When Water Is Murky: An Uncertainty-Based Model Linking Perceived Organizational Politics to Employee Voice
Authors: Li Chenwei , Liang Jian , Farh Jiing-Lih
Published: September 2018

Employee voice is thought to result from a cognitive calculus of costs and benefits. However, it is not known whether and when employees speak up in contexts where the costs and benefits of voice are not readily assessed. The purpose of this research is to answer this question by exploring the impact of employees’ perceived organizational politics (POP)—a social context in which complicated interpersonal relationships make it difficult to predict the outcomes of voice—on promotive and prohibitive voice. Results from an experimental scenario study and a time-lagged field study revealed that POP is negatively related to the two types of voice through psychological uncertainty, even after controlling for psychological safety and felt obligation to voice. Furthermore, job autonomy weakened the negative influence of psychological uncertainty on promotive voice, whereas job security weakened the negative influence of psychological uncertainty on prohibitive voice. Not only do the findings demonstrate psychological uncertainty as a viable mechanism that links unpredictable social contexts such as POP to employee voice, but they also offer insight into the remedies that might mitigate its negative impact. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Sarcocystis calchasi Outbreak in Feral Rock Pigeons (Columba livia) in California
Authors: Mete Aslı , Rogers Krysta H. , Wolking Rebecca , Bradway Daniel S. , Kelly Terra , Piazza Melanie , Crossley Beate
Published: September 2018

Twenty-two feral rock pigeons ( Columba livia) from 10 counties in California with ataxia, torticollis, and difficulty standing and flying were admitted to rehabilitation centers in late winter and spring of 2017 and died or were euthanized. Common necropsy findings included thin body condition, generalized deep red discoloration of organs, and hemorrhagic subcutaneous neck tissues. Meningoencephalitis was observed microscopically in 16 pigeons, and 3 also had protozoal schizonts in the brain. The most consistently affected regions of the brain were cerebellum and brainstem. Skeletal muscles, and less frequently the heart, contained large intrasarcoplasmic bradyzoites typically without inflammation. Fifteen of the 22 birds tested positive using pan- Sarcocystis polymerase chain reaction. The sequence of the amplicon was most closely related to S. calchasi, and the 8 subtyped sequences had 100% homology with S. calchasi. This investigation demonstrated the transcontinental and North American spread of S. calchasi causing a disease outbreak in free-ranging rock pigeons, thus warranting increased surveillance in susceptible native columbids.
Feline Neovascular Vitreoretinopathy and Anterior Segment Dysgenesis With Concurrent Glaucoma in Domestic Cats
Authors: Beckwith-Cohen Billie , Hoffman Allison , McLellan Gillian J. , Dubielzig Richard R.
Published: September 2018

Feline neovascular vitreoretinopathy (FNV) is a newly recognized rare condition affecting kittens and young domestic cats. This study investigated the clinical and pathologic findings in 22 cats with FNV. In affected cats, ophthalmoscopy of the fundus (when visible) revealed avascular peripheral retinae and epiretinal vascular membranes. Frequent nonspecific clinical findings were buphthalmos ( n = 21), medically uncontrollable glaucoma ( n = 22), and lenticular abnormalities ( n = 13). Anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) was detected clinically in affected cats ( n = 6). The fellow eye was affected in 11 of 18 cats to a variable degree or appeared clinically normal in 7 of 18 cats. The globes were examined histologically and using immunohistochemistry for vimentin, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), synaptophysin, neurofilament, laminin, factor VIII–related antigen (FVIII-RA), and smooth muscle actin (SMA). Histologically, diagnostic features included laminin-positive epiretinal vascular membranes affecting the central retina, with an avascular peripheral retina and gliosis. Enucleated globes exhibited multiple additional abnormalities, including corneal disease ( n = 15), anterior segment dysgenesis ( n = 21), lymphoplasmacytic anterior uveitis ( n = 19), peripheral anterior synechiae ( n = 20), retinal degeneration ( n = 22), and retinal detachment ( n = 19). Gliotic retinae labeled strongly for GFAP and vimentin with reduced expression of synaptophysin and neurofilament, consistent with degeneration or lack of differentiation. While an avascular peripheral retina and epiretinal fibrovascular membranes are also salient features of retinopathy of prematurity, there is no evidence to support hyperoxic damage in cats with FNV. The cause remains unknown.
Multiple rock-slope failures from Mannen in Romsdal Valley, western Norway, revealed from Quaternary geological mapping and 10Be exposure dating
Authors: Hilger Paula , Hermanns Reginald L , Gosse John C , Jacobs Benjamin , Etzelmüller Bernd , Krautblatter Michael
Published: September 2018

Oversteepened valley walls in western Norway have high recurrences of Holocene rock-slope failure activity causing significant risk to communities and infrastructure. Deposits from six to nine catastrophic rock-slope failure (CRSF) events are preserved at the base of the Mannen rock-slope instability in the Romsdal Valley, western Norway. The timing of these CRSF events was determined by terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating and relative chronology due to mapping Quaternary deposits. The stratigraphical chronology indicates that three of the CRSF events occurred between 12 and 10 ka, during regional deglaciation. Congruent with previous investigations, these events are attributed to the debuttressing effect experienced by steep slopes following deglaciation, during a period of paraglacial relaxation. The remaining three to six CRSF events cluster at 4.9 ± 0.6 ka (based on 10 cosmogenic 10Be samples from boulders). CRSF events during this later period are ascribed to climatic changes at the end of the Holocene thermal optimum, including increased precipitation rates, high air temperatures and the associated degradation of permafrost in rock-slope faces. Geomorphological mapping and sedimentological analyses further permit the contextualisation of these deposits within the overall sequence of post-glacial fjord-valley infilling. In the light of contemporary climate change, the relationship between CRSF frequency, precipitation, air temperature and permafrost degradation may be of interest to others working or operating in comparable settings.
A comprehensive approach for optimal design of magnetorheological dampers
Authors: Naserimojarad Mohammad Mehdi , Moallem Mehrdad , Arzanpour Siamak
Published: September 2018

Magnetorheological dampers have been used in automotive industry and civil engineering applications for shock and vibration control for some time. While such devices are known to provide reliable shock and vibration suppression, there exist emerging applications in which the magnetorheological dampers have to be optimized in terms of power consumption and overall weight (e.g. energy-efficient electric vehicles). Utilizing traditional optimal design approaches to tackle those issues can sometimes lead to convergence problems such as getting trapped in a local extremum and failing to converge to the global optimum. Furthermore, manufacturing limitations are usually not taken into account in the optimization process which may hamper achieving an optimal design. In this article, we present a method for optimal design of magnetorheological dampers by utilizing mathematical optimization and finite element analysis. The proposed method avoids infeasible solutions by considering physical constraints such as fabrication limitations and tolerances. This approach takes every single feasible solution into account so that the final solution would be the global extremum of the optimization cost function. The proposed approach is applied to optimize a complex magnetorheological damper structure with different types of materials such as steel and AlNiCo. In particular, we present the design of a valve-mode magnetorheological damper with AlNiCo integrated as its core. A magnetorheological damper prototype is manufactured based on the proposed optimization method and tested experimentally.
Writing the doctoral thesis differently
Authors: Weatherall Ruth
Published: September 2018

Writing a doctoral thesis is a testament to years of anxiety, excitement, confusion, terror and passion. A thesis is, however, much more than just an output of learning. It is a formative process through which a doctoral student learns what it means to be a researcher. The doctoral thesis as a form of academic writing has, however, received scant attention in organisational studies. My decision to write my thesis differently inspired me to think deeply about the conventions and procedures of doctoral writing. How is it that doctoral students write? What conventions govern them? And how could doctoral writing be done differently to expand the boundaries of thought in management? In this article, I give an autoethnographic account of how I wrote my thesis differently to provide the groundwork for doctoral students to reconsider the conventional approach to doctoral writing. Ultimately, I offer guidance and points of reflection for how doctoral students and their supervisors might break with writing conventions and contribute to their learning as emerging management researchers through writing the doctoral thesis differently.
School- and class-level variation in self-harm, suicide ideation and suicide attempts in Danish high schools
Authors: Pisinger Veronica S.C. , Hawton Keith , Tolstrup Janne S.
Published: September 2018

Aim: Strong associations have been found between being exposed to self-harm in family and friends and own self-harm in adolescence. Therefore, self-harm and suicide behaviour might tend to cluster within school and school classes. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, frequency and type of self-harm, suicide ideation and suicide attempts within Danish high schools and to test whether self-harm and suicide behaviour cluster in schools and school classes. Methods: Data came from the Danish National Youth Study 2014, a national survey. The respective study included 66,284 high-school students nested in 117 schools and 3146 school classes. The prevalence and clustering of self-harm behaviour, ever and within the last year, type of self-harm (e.g. cutting, burning, scratching and hitting) and suicide ideation and suicide attempts were investigated. Multi-level logistic regression was applied to quantify clustering among participants within the same class and school. Results: In total, 12,960 (20%) reported self-harm ever and 5706 (8.6%) within the last year. Prevalence was higher among girls than boys. Among girls, cutting (15%) and scratching (13%) was the most common type of self-harm, whereas among boys, hitting (6.7%) was most prevalent. The degree of clustering of self-harm and suicide behaviour was low, with school-level intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.8–1.8% and school class level ICC’s from 4.3–6.8%. Conclusions: This study shows that self-harm was common, especially in girls. The degree of clustering of self-harm and suicide behaviour in school and school classes was low.
Factors impeding the effective utilisation of an electronic patient report form during handover from an ambulance to an emergency department
Authors: Altuwaijri Eman A , Budgen David , Maxwell Sharyn
Published: September 2018

We investigated the reasons why the transition from paper to electronically formatted records during patient handover between ambulance crews and emergency department staff in a North East England Emergency Department has not always been viewed positively. Interviews with seven paramedics and three emergency department staff were conducted in addition to observations of 74 ambulance staff during 37 handovers in the emergency department. In just over half of the handovers (20), paramedics found it necessary to provide written information to aid emergency department staff, in addition to that recorded electronically. There were a number of issues that impeded the ready utilisation of electronic records in this context. The major factors identified as contributing to this were the choice of system architecture, the design of user interfaces, and the procurement process used by the National Health Service. We have made some suggestions about how the system could evolve from one focused on providing management information to one that also supports operational needs.
Re-examining age: Journalism’s reliance on the young
Authors: Josephi Beate , Oller Alonso Martin
Published: September 2018

Journalism has long been seen as a ‘young person’s occupation’. While the average age of journalists has increased from 35 to 39 in past 20 years, this article investigates what developments are covered, or covered up, by this average. The Worlds of Journalism Study data permit us to compare journalistic workforce ages with that of the general workforce, we juxtapose labour force median ages with journalists’ median ages in 60 countries. On realizing that age alone does not present experience, we also include years of professional experience as indicator for journalistic workforce profiling, and also analyse the journalistic and general workforce in age segments in 14 countries to arrive at a more detailed picture of age distribution. Our findings reaffirm that journalism is still an occupation for the young, and underscore the fact that in many countries journalists do not stay in the job for long. This leads us to contend that journalism lives with large numbers of young and relatively inexperienced workers, making it an easier transition into the digital age when journalism similarly is created from many diverse sources and with workers with varying levels of experience.
COPD patients in need of palliative care: Identification after hospitalization through the surprise question
Authors: Noppe Dionne , Veen Hans in ‘t , Mooren Kris
Published: September 2018

Currently, few patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who might benefit from a palliative care approach are referred to a palliative care team. Tools to identify patients eligible for a palliative care approach have been found to be difficult to apply in daily practice. Therefore, there is need for a simple and easily applicable tool to identify those patients who would benefit from referral to a palliative care team. The aim of this study was to determine if the surprise question (SQ) “Would I be surprised if this patient dies within 12 months?” in a subset of recently hospitalized COPD patients identifies those subjects. Recently hospitalized COPD patients were included, and the answer to the SQ was provided by the treating pulmonologist. The gold standards framework (GSF) prognostic indicator guidance was regarded as the gold standard test and was assessed for each patient. Sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were calculated to determine the accuracy of the SQ plus recent hospitalization compared to the variables of the GSF. A total of 93 patients were analyzed. In 35 patients (38%), the answer to the SQ was “not surprised”; 78 patients (84%) met ≥1 criteria of the GSF (15 (16%) did not meet any criteria). Specificity and positive predictive value for the SQ were both 100% ((78.2–100) and (87.7–100), respectively). Sensitivity was 44.9% (33.7–56.5) and negative predictive value was 25.9% (22.2–29.9). The “not surprised” group fulfilled significantly more GSF criteria. The SQ after recent hospitalization for COPD has a very high specificity compared to a standardized tool and is therefore a useful tool for the quick identification of patients who are most likely to benefit from palliative care. However, this method doesn’t identify all patients who are eligible for referral to palliative care.
First Lifetime Back Pain and Physiatry Treatment
Authors: Sewitch Maida J. , Rossignol Michel , Bellavance Francois , Leclaire Richard , Esdaile John M. , Suissa Samy , Proulx Roland , Dupuis Michel
Published: September 2018

The role of psychological factors in recovery from first lifetime low back pain (LBP) was explored in this study. Consecutive clients from one physiatry clinic in Montreal who had LBP of less than 3 months' duration, were on sick leave and receiving workers' compensation benefits, and reported the current event as first lifetime LBP were enrolled. Psychological factors that fluctuate with current events (Psychiatric Symptom Index) and remain stable over time (General Well Being Scale) were assessed. Outcomes were late return to work (> 31 days) and 1 year incidence of compensated recurrence. Results from two multivariate models indicated lower psychological distress predicted late return to work, and higher well being, higher aggressiveness, and lower anxiety predicted compensated recurrence. Researchers concluded psychological factors do not impact clients with all types of LBP in the same way. For individuals lacking prior LBP experience, better psychological functioning increased lengthy work absence. Thus, awareness of the clients' psychological profiles and previous LBP experiences may benefit recovery.
Hepatitis B Immunity in High Risk Health Care Workers
Authors: Funderburke Paula L. , Spencer Linda
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this descriptive, quantitative study was to examine hepatitis B immunity in high risk health care workers 7 years post immunization. The study related immunity to age and site of injection, and also described titer results. The study sample was composed of 42 health care workers from areas with frequent blood exposure. The study found that 21% of the health care workers had nonreactive titers 7 or more years post immunization. No significant differences existed in the percentages of the reactive participants according to injection site, although it is recommended the injection be given intramuscularly in the deltoid. No statistically significant relationship was revealed by comparing titer results to age. The low power (.24) displays the need for larger sample sizes which could be obtained by using multicenter data sites. Future research with national collaboration and standard performance measurement systems could provide crucial information related to hepatitis B immunity in health care workers.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Randolph Jo Ann Kennedy
Published: September 2018

A convenience sample of 52 participants was used to examine the construct validity and sensitivity of four “localized discomfort” instruments and the severity of clients with carpal tunnel syndrome, using the “known group” method. Three groups known to have severe, mild, or no carpal tunnel syndrome based on either nerve conduction studies or an inability to complete a physical challenge (exercise) were used. The participants rated the amount of localized discomfort for one hand, wrist, and arm on four different instruments. Following a physical challenge, strenuous enough to result in an increase in localized discomfort, the four instruments were readministered. The difference in the pre- and posttest scores was compared for both sensitivity and validity. The ease of administration of the four instruments was also assessed. All four instruments were found to demonstrate sensitivity. Two of the four instruments, the Unipolar Borg Scale and the first Visual Analog Scale, were found to be most valid and easiest to administer. Occupational health nurses could use these two valid and sensitive tools as early markers for future injury. The tools also could be used to measure the progress of an intervention or therapy following an injury and gauge readiness for return to work.
Agricultural Health Nurses
Authors: Lundvall Ann Marie , Olson Debra K.
Published: September 2018

Agricultural health nurses address the health and safety issues of farmers, agricultural workers, and farm families. This nurse role incorporates both public health and occupational health nurse specialty practice. The purpose of this study was to describe agricultural health nurse job functions and competencies used in providing services to agricultural populations. A two round modified Delphi technique was used to attain a consensus among participants related to agricultural health nurse functions and competencies. In Round I, a mailed survey assessing demographic characteristics, and job functions and competencies was sent to an identified list of 61 nurses. A second mailed survey, with categorized job function and competency responses elicited through Round I, was sent to the 32 Round I respondents to assess the importance of the job functions and competencies and the frequency of performing each job function. Twenty four Round II surveys were returned. Job functions rated highest were:

Serve as a liaison for the agricultural, health and medical, and nonfarm communities. Promote agricultural health and safety issues through the media. Implement educational courses for various groups. Conduct follow up assessment of injury, illness, or disease occurring as a result of an agricultural exposure. Function as a resource for information to victims of agricultural injury and illness and their families.

The competencies of greatest importance were interpersonal communication skills, knowledge of injury prevention principles and measures, ability to recognize potential hazards within the work and home environment, and demonstrate a strong sense of self. This study adds to the body of knowledge needed to define the agricultural health nurse role.
Effectiveness of Installing Overhead Ceiling Lifts
Authors: Ronald Lisa A. , Yassi Analee , Spiegel Jerry , Tate Robert B. , Tait Don , Mozel Michelle R.
Published: September 2018

The effectiveness of replacing floor lifts with mechanical ceiling lifts was evaluated in the extended care unit of a British Columbia hospital. Sixty-five ceiling lifts were installed between April and August 1998. Injury data were abstracted from injury reports for all staff musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) occurring in the unit during a 3 year period prior to installation and a 1.5 year follow up period. Descriptive statistics were calculated for injuries pre- versus post-installation. Rates were calculated as number of injuries per 100,000 worked hours. Rates for three pre- and three post-installation intervals were compared using Poisson regression. The rate of MSI caused by lifting/transferring patients was significantly reduced (58% reduction, p = .011) after installation, but rates of all MSI and MSI caused by repositioning did not statistically decline ( p > .05). Further follow up is necessary to determine whether or not ceiling lifts also can be effective for decreasing injuries related to repositioning patients on this unit.
Predictors of Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Blue Carolyn L. , Valley Juanita M.
Published: September 2018

A self administered questionnaire with items derived from the Health Belief Model was mailed to a random sample of workers prior to a worksite influenza vaccine program in this descriptive study of 207 service and clerical workers. The researchers investigated the utility of the Health Belief Model in predicting influenza vaccine acceptance. A second postcard questionnaire was mailed after the program to verify the vaccination status. Workers who received the vaccine had higher scores for susceptibility, seriousness, benefits, cues to action, knowledge, and health motivation and lower scores for barriers than did workers who did not receive a vaccine. Logistic regression analysis revealed the importance of benefits, barriers, and cues to action in predicting influenza vaccine acceptance. Study results suggest education and program efforts directed toward increasing benefits, dispelling myths about influenza and the vaccine, reducing barriers, and developing a campaign to increase program awareness may increase workers' vaccine acceptance.
Controlling Stress: In the Home and the Workplace
Authors: Kopecki Robert A.
Published: September 2018

This has been a general overview of the very fundamental principles of stress management. However, if the principles are followed, one can find ways to handle stress in a very constructive instead of a destructive manner.

The basic principles include realization that there is a problem, that the problem mayor may not have a solution even with effective planning, and understanding the difference between the two.

Efficient and effective time planning or management at the workplace or at home is one of the most important methods of stress management. Effective planning probably decreases related stress more than any other single aspect of stress reduction at work.
Smoking and Smoking Cessation: Occupational Health Issues
Authors: Alexander Linda L
Published: September 2018

Cigarette smoking is clearly a dangerous health behavior. Worksite cessation programs are a valuable means to reduce the health hazards associated with smoking and to reduce overall employer costs. Occupational health nurses are in a unique position to make a significant impact on employee health by supporting individual cigarette smoking cessation efforts and by promoting the development of organized worksite smoking cessation programs.
Disaster Preparation Planning: In Industry
Authors: Frankel Cynthia L. , Fink Aileen L.
Published: September 2018

Sixty-eight disaster planners in manufacturing companies from the state of Washington provided information pertaining to their disaster planning practices by completing a mailed questionnaire. A checklist-grid format of nineteen emergency care procedures was presented to respondents with four questions asked in relation to each procedure.

Less than half of the sample reported that the protocols are utilized in written plans, disaster drills or educational procedures. Thirty-five percent of the respondents indicated that no internal accountability exists for all of the 19 procedures. Ten percent to thirty percent of the sample of respondents reported that no internal or external accountability exists for all of the 19 procedures. Respondents reported that disaster drills and real disaster events rarely occur within the time interval of a year; less than ten percent of the respondents have drills or real events in a year for each of the protocols. Twenty-five percent to forty-five percent of the respondents reported they do not have education and teaching for each of the disaster procedures and protocols. The majority of respondents (54.4%) had no education in disaster planning as well.

The data show that large- and medium-sized rather than small-sized companies more frequently utilize disaster preparedness strategies including written plans and disaster drills. Twenty-one (approximately 30%) of the respondents out of a total of 68 stated that their companies engaged in post-drill evaluations and critiques. Nineteen out of 68 respondents modify their written plans following the disaster critique.

The protocols for which occupational health nurses mainly play a primary role include employee safety and first aid, employee information/awareness, and lead in emergency shelter and employee care. However, the 68 respondents recognized occupational health nurses as participants at a ten % or less rate.

The extent to which implementation of disaster procedures was based on written protocol guidelines and educational training or mandated by internal accountability was difficult to determine from the data due to the dissimilarity of the sample. These data, however, suggest that disaster protocol usage is not a widely established practice for this sample of disaster planners.
Coping with Stress in a Cross Cultural Setting
Authors: Gage Lois W. , Takeshita Yuzuru J.
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the psychosocial distress of Japanese auto workers with that of the American employees working in a Japanese managed plant, to describe mediating factors related to their distress, and recommend interventions. Japanese and American workers and spouses responded to five questionnaires and two open ended questions about changes in health, function, and time, and needs, problems, and recommendations for stress reduction. Japanese men had higher General Health Questionnaire scores than American workers. Psychosocial distress was related to work self confidence and individual responsibility for Japanese men, with social support for Japanese women, and with individual responsibility for American men and women. Stress was related to communication problems and misunderstanding about the management practices and cultural norms. Culturally appropriate worksite and community interventions are discussed.
Workplace Violence
Authors: Levin Pamela F. , Hewitt Jeanne Beauchamp , Misner Susan Terry
Published: September 2018

Homicide is the leading cause of fatal occupational injuries for women and accounts for 39% of all fatal injuries for women at work. Using medical examiner and coroner reports, this study analyzed female workplace homicides in three counties within metropolitan Chicago from 1984 to 1990. These workplace homicides were compared to non-workplace homicides of women. There were 1,354 female homicides; of the 17 workplace homicides, all occurred in Cook County. The annual rate of female occupational homicides was higher (1.5/105) for Cook County, while for the metropolitan Chicago area (Cook, DuPage, and Lake counties) it was 1.19/105. Black women experienced a higher workplace homicide rate (2.3/105) than white women (1.2/105). Most of these occupational homicides occurred in retail trade, predominately in eating and drinking establishments; robbery was a frequent occurrence, and the women often worked alone. Only three medical examiner reports cited a known assailant. The leading cause of death was from gunshot wounds. Workplace homicides were similar to non-workplace homicides in relation to age, race, and cause of death. Identified risk factors associated with workplace homicides, as well as non-fatal assaults, should be used to develop effective preventive measures. A national standard for general workplace security also is needed.
Student/Faculty Practice and Research in Occupational Health
Authors: Wold Judith L. , Williams Armenia M.
Published: September 2018

Faculty strive to connect theory and practice with real life situations for students. This study evolved from student intervention with small industries as part of their undergraduate community health nursing clinical experience. A preexperimental static group design was used to explore the impact of health service availability on selected cardiovascular risk factors. Levels of health service: a) no service; b) student service; and c) formal health care service were compared. Chi-square, t-tests and MANOVA analyses supported three hypotheses that student intervention was equally as successful as formal health care service in reducing the selected cardiovascular risk factors of high weight to height ratios, blood pressure readings above 140/90 on three separate measurements, total cholesterol readings above accepted norms, and a health risk profile that identifies risk for cardiovascular disease.
Form Follows Function
Authors: Olson Debra K. , Kochevar Laura , McGovern Patricia
Published: September 2018

Role, often designated by a given title, e.g., manager, has been one of the most common means of defining occupational health nursing practice. A function based model provides an opportunity to reframe the occupational health nurse as a member of the management team. This descriptive study characterized the functions of a random sample (40%) of members of the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses from eight Midwestern states (463) in 1994. With a 78% response rate, the most frequently performed function for all respondents was “evaluate status of employees returning to work after absence” (68%). The relative frequencies for functions performed by the associates degree nurses were very similar to those for diploma nurses (r=.889 based on a perfect relationship value of 1). Subjects with baccalaureates in nursing performed more educational programming than subjects with non-nursing baccalaureates who performed more frequently in a policy area. Type of masters preparation represented different functional activities. The department to which the respondent reported affected functions. Reviewing function by salary level revealed a linear relationship with certain functions by frequency. To facilitate the investigation of the role construct based on functions, the researchers conducted a principle components analysis of the data. Four principle components were found representing groups of functions that tended to be performed by the same sets of respondents. The functions in each component tended to cluster around common skills as defined by Hersey (1988).
Health Beliefs of Blue Collar Workers
Authors: Wilson Suzanne , Sisk Rebecca J. , Baldwin Kathleen A.
Published: September 2018

The study compared the health beliefs of participants and non-participants in a blood pressure and cholesterol screening held at the worksite. A cross sectional, ex-post facto design was used. Questionnaires measuring health beliefs related to cardiac screening and prevention of cardiac problems were distributed to a convenience sample of 200 blue-collar workers in a large manufacturing plant in the Midwest. One hundred fifty-one (75.5%) completed questionnaires were returned, of which 45 had participated in cardiac worksite screening in the past month. A multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze data. Participants perceived significantly fewer barriers to cardiac screening and scored significantly higher on self efficacy than non-participants. These findings concur with other studies identifying barriers and self efficacy as important predictors of health behavior. Occupational health nurses' efforts are warranted to reduce barriers and improve self efficacy by advertising screenings, scheduling them at convenient times and locations, assuring privacy, and keeping time inconvenience to a minimum.
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Authors: Hong Oi Saeng , Chen Shu-Pi C. , Conrad Karen M.
Published: September 2018

The purposes of this study of airport workers were to a) determine the prevalence and symptoms of hearing loss, and b) identify compliance in using hearing protective devices (HPDs) and its relationship with hearing loss. This cross sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 255 noise exposed and 195 non-noise exposed, full time, male workers at a large metropolitan airport in Seoul, Korea. The three measures used were the self administered Occupational Hearing Questionnaire (OHQ), an audiological assessment, and a record review of baseline hearing and noise levels of locations in which the employee worked. The results showed a significant difference in prevalence of hearing loss (more than 25dB) between the noise and the non-noise exposed groups ( p < .05). About 60.8% of noise exposed workers reported continuous use of the HPDs. The continuous HPD users had significantly lower rates of hearing loss than the occasional users or non-users. The major symptom for workers with low frequency hearing loss was trouble in communication, whereas tinnitus and fullness in the ear were the most common symptoms for the workers with high frequency hearing loss. The airport workers exposed to excessive noise had a great deal of high frequency hearing loss. The degree of hearing loss present reinforces the need for aggressive hearing conservation programs among airport workers exposed to noise.
Prostate Cancer Screening in the Workplace
Authors: Snyder Claire , Schrammel Peggy N. , Griffiths Claudia B. , Griffiths Robert I.
Published: September 2018

Recognition of the mortality and morbidity associated with prostate cancer has resulted in employer based screening programs. This retrospective cohort study identified the employer costs of prostate cancer screening and referrals due to abnormal test results. The subjects were 385 men enrolled in a workplace screening program at a single employer between 1993 and 1995. Screening consisted of digital rectal examination (DRE) annually for enrolled employees aged 40 years and older, plus annual prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing for those 50 and older, and those 40 and older and considered at high risk. Data related to the health care and lost productivity costs of screening and referrals for abnormal test results were collected and analyzed. The total cost of screening was $44,355, or approximately $56 per screening encounter (788 DREs; 437 PSAs). Abnormal screening tests resulted in 52 referrals. Upon further evaluation, 42% were found to have an enlargement, 29% a node, and 12% benign prostatic hyperplasia. Only one malignancy was found. The total cost of additional referrals was $31,815, or 42% of the cost of screening plus referrals. As the cost per screening encounter was low, prostate cancer screening in the workplace is an efficient alternative.
Peg Seminario, Director of American Federation of Labor, Discusses Worker Safety and Health
Authors: Lukes Eileen
Published: September 2018

This is the third in an occasional series of interviews with leaders in occupational and environmental health and areas relating to occupational and environmental health.
Occupational Hazard Exposure and at Risk Drinking
Authors: Conrad Karen M. , Furner Sylvia E. , Qian Yunji
Published: September 2018

This study examined associations between workers' reported exposure to occupational hazards and at risk drinking. A sample of 15, 907 working adults was drawn from the 1985 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) (weighted sample represented 85, 395, 000 workers). This was the only year the NHIS included questions on both occupational hazard exposure and at risk drinking. Occupational hazard exposures included chemical/biological substances, physical hazards, injury risk, and mental stress. At risk drinking was defined as binge drinking and drinking and driving. Prevalence adjusted odds ratios were estimated. Sixty percent of workers reported exposure to one or more occupational hazards with considerable variation among and within occupations. In all, 31% reported binge drinking and 15% drove after drinking too much. In a multivariate analysis that controlled for background characteristics, workers who reported occupational hazard exposures were 1.2 to 1.4 times more likely to engage in binge drinking than workers without exposures. Similar results were found for drinking/driving. All multivariate results were statistically significant. Findings suggest workers who report occupational hazard exposures are at greater risk of both binge drinking and drinking/driving. Occupational and environmental health nurses can lead workplace initiatives to reduce occupational hazard exposure and, simultaneously, invest in health promotion efforts to curb at risk drinking among workers.
Injuries from Construction Falls: Functional Limitations and Return to Work
Authors: Gillen Marion
Published: September 2018

Finding a measure that distinguishes well between the severity levels of less serious injuries such as those found in occupational settings has been problematic. In this study of 255 construction workers who sustained nonfatal falls at work, two measures of injury severity were used — the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the disability index of the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), a functional limitation measure. The HAQ scores were more normally distributed than the ISS and provided useful information about the degree to which workers were disabled from falls during their first week of recovery. The mean HAQ score was 1.46 (SD = 0.75) on a scale of 0 to 3, with higher numbers representing more limited functioning. With regard to individual tasks, participants reported having the most difficulty performing heavy chores (mean = 1.89; SD = 1.02), dressing themselves (mean = 1.54; SD = 1.05), and bending to pick up clothing from the floor (mean = 1.40; SD = 1.02). The HAQ scores were significantly and moderately correlated with days lost from work (r = .52; p <.001). Unexpectedly, 97 workers reported that they were able to return to light or modified duty following their falls.
Health Risks of Health Care Workers: Health Risks of Health Care Workers: Health Risk Appraisal Results from the Newly Independent Country of Georgia
Authors: Wold Judith Lupo , Williams A.M. , Kobaladze Archil
Published: September 2018

Health promotion and disease prevention activities should be carried out by all health care professionals. These activities are especially important in the Newly Independent States (NIS) of the former Soviet Union where resources are not available to meet all health care needs. Little is known about actual health risks among health care professionals in the NIS. Such self knowledge is important to link professional's prevention activities to risk factors for disease. To determine the prevalence of selected health risks of health professionals in Tbilisi, the capital of the NIS Georgia, a survey was conducted in 1996 with a convenience sample of 107 physicians and nurses.

Participants completed the Healthier People Health Risk Appraisal (HPHRA), then researchers measured each subject's height, weight, blood pressure, and total cholesterol. Compared to the U.S. norms used in the HPHRA program analysis, measured group results for the Georgians were in the very high risk category for lack of seatbelt usage and stressful lifestyle, in the high risk category for lack of exercise, and in the moderately high risk category for blood pressure and smoking. The measured weight and reported alcohol consumption for Georgians was comparable to the U.S. national averages and total cholesterol values were below U.S. average levels.
Worksite Influenza Immunization
Authors: Dille JoAnne Hein
Published: September 2018

The first article of this two part series describes the application of the PRECEDE-PROCEDE model to the development, implementation, and evaluation of a worksite health promotion program. To achieve program success, this model provides a framework for each phase of planning and emphasizes open communication and feedback from all levels of management and support from both employer and employees.

The evaluation of program effectiveness in the achievement of desired outcomes provides quantitative data to communicate to employers, program planners, and funding sources to make more informed decisions regarding continuing or expanding program funding. The research article which follows describes the process used to study this program's effectiveness in meeting the outcome goals formulated during the PRECEDE phases of the planning process.
Health Conception and Health Promotion in Blue Collar Workers: Program Planning Issues
Authors: Bagwell Marilyn M. , Bush Helen A.
Published: September 2018

Health conception and health promotion behaviors were measured in 160 blue collar workers ages 18 to 65, focusing on factors influencing blue collar workers' participation in health promotion programs. Results of Laffrey's Health Conception Scale (LHCS) and Pender's Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) indicated:

• Health responsibility and interpersonal support were significantly greater for women than for men.

• Exercise was significantly greater for younger workers than for older workers.

• Nutrition was significantly greater for older workers than for younger workers.

• Health conception was significantly greater for younger women and for older men.

• A significant relationship exists between health conception and health promoting lifestyle.

• Role and self actualization were significantly greater for older workers than for younger workers.

Results suggest gender, age, and concept of health are important when planning health promotion programs at an industrial site.
Imaging-Based Prevalence of Superior Labral Anterior-Posterior Tears Significantly Increases in the Aging Shoulder
Authors: Lansdown Drew A. , Bendich Ilya , Motamedi Daria , Feeley Brian T.
Published: September 2018

Background:

Superior labral anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears can be associated with pain and shoulder dysfunction. Relatively little is known about the age-related prevalence of SLAP tears.

Purpose:

To investigate the age-related prevalence of imaging-diagnosed SLAP tears in a heterogeneous grouping of shoulder conditions in a large cohort at a single institution with multiple blinded reviewers.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A total of 281 shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans obtained over 8 months were reviewed by a musculoskeletal radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon. The mean ± SD age of the group was 49.6 ± 15.5 years, and 107 of the patients were female (38.1%). Patients were divided into 4 age groups: 35 years or younger, 36 to 50 years, 51 to 65 years, and older than 65 years. Statistical analyses were completed by use of the Fisher exact test to compare proportions of SLAP tears between age groups, odds ratios to determine the likelihood of having a SLAP tear in each age group, and a logistic regression to control for associated abnormalities.

Results:

There was a significant diffference in the proportion of SLAP tears found on the MRIs for each age group ( P < .001). Patients were significantly more likely to have SLAP tears if aged 51 to 65 years (66.7%; odds ratio [OR], 2.00; 95% CI, 1.27-3.15) and if older than 65 years (81.2%; OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 2.36-7.88). No increased prevalence was observed in patients aged 35 years or younger (47.5%; OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.55-1.50) or 36 to 50 years (51.8%; OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.70-1.67). Logistic regression demonstrated that age was the only significant predictor for having a SLAP tear ( P < .001). Kappa values were 0.46 to 0.65 between reviewers, indicating moderate to substantial agreement.

Conclusion:

An increasing prevalence of MRI-based SLAP tears was observed with increasing patient age. Patients older than 50 years were significantly more likely to have superior labral abnormalities regardless of other shoulder injury or disease.