bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced machine learning models for predicting breast cancer: Healthcare system
Authors: Mawlood Dilshad Fadhil , Franci Dona A. , Hamad Darun Mudhafar , Kareem Shahab Wahab
Published: July 2024

Currently, breast cancer is a popular illness that can lead to many consequences, with the most severe outcome being death rates. Therefore, there is a pressing requirement for a diagnostic tool that can aid healthcare professionals in early detection of the illness and provide required lifestyle modifications to prevent its development the possibility of developing cancer at a young age has also been significantly enhanced by environmental alterations in our daily existence. This analysis aimed to accurately classify features into either malignant or benign classes. The suggested methodologies and classifying systems were applied to the Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer (WDBC) and Breast Cancer Coimbra Dataset (BCCD) datasets. Conventional performance measures, such as (KNN, SVM, ensemble classifier (EC), and logistic regression (LR)) methods, were utilized to evaluate the efficacy and time of training for each classifier. The diagnostic power of the models was enhanced by our DET (Diagnostic Enhancement Technique). Specifically, the polynomial SVM achieved an accuracy of 98.3%, LR (Logistic Regression) reached 97.04%, KNN (KNearest Neighbors) achieved 96.3%, and EC (Ensemble Classifier) achieved 96.6% accuracy with the dataset is called WDBC. In addition, in this study, there’s just make a comparative analysis of the findings in relation to the accuracy of the outcomes of prior research. The implementation process and results can assist clinicians in adopting an efficient prototype for functional comprehension and forecast of breast cancer (BC) tumours.
Wegweiser durch das Labyrinth der Begriffe – Konstrukte der Occupational Science
Authors: Unger Julia , Kriegseisen-Peruzzi Melanie , Lettner-Hauser Karin , Pechstädt Katrin
Published: July 2024

Die unterschiedlichen Konstrukte aus der Occupational Science zu kennen, hilft Ergothera-peut*innen, relevante Erkenntnisse und Beobachtungen aus dem Alltag ihrer Klient*innen zu benennen und zu beschreiben. Am Beispiel von Übergängen zwischen Lebensphasen zeigt der Artikel, wie verschiedene Konstrukte der Occupational Science zusammenwirken.
Recovery from Sepsis: Management beyond Acute Care
Authors: Andersen Sarah K. , Herridge Margaret S. , Fiest Kirsten M.
Published: July 2024

Recovery from sepsis is a key global health issue, impacting 38 million sepsis survivors worldwide per year. Sepsis survivors face a wide range of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial sequelae. Readmissions to hospital following sepsis are an important driver of global healthcare utilization and cost. Family members of sepsis survivors also experience significant stressors related to their role as informal caregivers. Increasing recognition of the burdens of sepsis survivorship has led to the development of postsepsis recovery programs to better support survivors and their families, although optimal models of care remain uncertain. The goal of this article is to perform a narrative review of recovery from sepsis from the perspective of patients, families, and health systems.
Membrane association of active genes organizes the chloroplast nucleoid structure
Authors: Palomar V. Miguel , Cho Yoonjin , Fujii Sho , Rothi M. Hafiz , Jaksich Sarah , Min Ji-Hee , Schlachter Adriana N. , Wang Joyful , Liu Zhengde , Wierzbicki Andrzej T.
Published: July 2024

DNA is organized into chromatin-like structures that support the maintenance and regulation of genomes. A unique and poorly understood form of DNA organization exists in chloroplasts, which are organelles of endosymbiotic origin responsible for photosynthesis. Chloroplast genomes, together with associated proteins, form membrane-less structures known as nucleoids. The internal arrangement of the nucleoid, molecular mechanisms of DNA organization, and connections between nucleoid structure and gene expression remain mostly unknown. We show that
Arabidopsis thaliana
chloroplast nucleoids have a unique sequence-specific organization driven by DNA binding to the thylakoid membranes. DNA associated with the membranes has high protein occupancy, has reduced DNA accessibility, and is highly transcribed. In contrast, genes with low levels of transcription are further away from the membranes, have lower protein occupancy, and have higher DNA accessibility. Membrane association of active genes relies on the pattern of transcription and proper chloroplast development. We propose a speculative model that transcription organizes the chloroplast nucleoid into a transcriptionally active membrane-associated core and a less active periphery.
Unraveling the mesoscale organization induced by network-driven processes
Authors: Barzon Giacomo , Artime Oriol , Suweis Samir , Domenico Manlio De
Published: July 2024

Complex systems are characterized by emergent patterns created by the nontrivial interplay between dynamical processes and the networks of interactions on which these processes unfold. Topological or dynamical descriptors alone are not enough to fully embrace this interplay in all its complexity, and many times one has to resort to dynamics-specific approaches that limit a comprehension of general principles. To address this challenge, we employ a metric—that we name Jacobian distance—which captures the spatiotemporal spreading of perturbations, enabling us to uncover the latent geometry inherent in network-driven processes. We compute the Jacobian distance for a broad set of nonlinear dynamical models on synthetic and real-world networks of high interest for applications from biological to ecological and social contexts. We show, analytically and computationally, that the process-driven latent geometry of a complex network is sensitive to both the specific features of the dynamics and the topological properties of the network. This translates into potential mismatches between the functional and the topological mesoscale organization, which we explain by means of the spectrum of the Jacobian matrix. Finally, we demonstrate that the Jacobian distance offers a clear advantage with respect to traditional methods when studying human brain networks. In particular, we show that it outperforms classical network communication models in explaining functional communities from structural data, therefore highlighting its potential in linking structure and function in the brain.
Substrate stress relaxation regulates neural stem cell fate commitment
Authors: Qiao Eric , Fulmore Camille A. , Schaffer David V. , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2024

Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, and their capacity to generate neurons and glia plays a role in learning and memory. In addition, neurodegenerative diseases are known to be caused by a loss of neurons and glial cells, resulting in a need to better understand stem cell fate commitment processes. We previously showed that NSC fate commitment toward a neuronal or glial lineage is strongly influenced by extracellular matrix stiffness, a property of elastic materials. However, tissues in vivo are not purely elastic and have varying degrees of viscous character. Relatively little is known about how the viscoelastic properties of the substrate impact NSC fate commitment. Here, we introduce a polyacrylamide-based cell culture platform that incorporates mismatched DNA oligonucleotide-based cross-links as well as covalent cross-links. This platform allows for tunable viscous stress relaxation properties via variation in the number of mismatched base pairs. We find that NSCs exhibit increased astrocytic differentiation as the degree of stress relaxation is increased. Furthermore, culturing NSCs on increasingly stress-relaxing substrates impacts cytoskeletal dynamics by decreasing intracellular actin flow rates and stimulating cyclic activation of the mechanosensitive protein RhoA. Additionally, inhibition of motor–clutch model components such as myosin II and focal adhesion kinase partially or completely reverts cells to lineage distributions observed on elastic substrates. Collectively, our results introduce a unique system for controlling matrix stress relaxation properties and offer insight into how NSCs integrate viscoelastic cues to direct fate commitment.
Constraining Earth’s nonlinear mantle viscosity using plate-boundary resolving global inversions
Authors: Hu Jiashun , Rudi Johann , Gurnis Michael , Stadler Georg
Published: July 2024

Variable viscosity in Earth’s mantle exerts a fundamental control on mantle convection and plate tectonics, yet rigorously constraining the underlying parameters has remained a challenge. Inverse methods have not been sufficiently robust to handle the severe viscosity gradients and nonlinearities (arising from dislocation creep and plastic failure) while simultaneously resolving the megathrust and bending slabs globally. Using global plate motions as constraints, we overcome these challenges by combining a scalable nonlinear Stokes solver that resolves the key tectonic features with an adjoint-based Bayesian approach. Assuming plate cooling, variations in the thickness of continental lithosphere, slabs, and broad scale lower mantle structure as well as a constant grain size through the bulk of the upper mantle, a good fit to global plate motions is found with a nonlinear upper mantle stress exponent of 2.43

±

0.25 (mean

±

SD). A relatively low yield stress of 151

±

19 MPa is required for slabs to bend during subduction and transmit a slab pull that generates asymmetrical subduction. The recovered long-term strength of megathrusts (plate interfaces) varies between different subduction zones, with South America having a larger strength and Vanuatu and Central America having lower values with important implications for the stresses driving megathrust earthquakes.
Stabilizing Ti
3
C
2
T

x

MXene flakes in air by removing confined water
Authors: Fang Hui , Thakur Anupma , Zahmatkeshsaredorahi Amirhossein , Fang Zhenyao , Rad Vahid , Shamsabadi Ahmad A. , Pereyra Claudia , Soroush Masoud , Rappe Andrew M. , Xu Xiaoji G. , Anasori Babak , Fakhraai Zahra
Published: July 2024

MXenes have demonstrated potential for various applications owing to their tunable surface chemistry and metallic conductivity. However, high temperatures can accelerate MXene film oxidation in air. Understanding the mechanisms of MXene oxidation at elevated temperatures, which is still limited, is critical in improving their thermal stability for high-temperature applications. Here, we demonstrate that Ti

3

C

2

T

x

MXene monoflakes have exceptional thermal stability at temperatures up to 600

°

C in air, while multiflakes readily oxidize in air at 300

°

C. Density functional theory calculations indicate that confined water between Ti

3

C

2

T

x

flakes has higher removal energy than surface water and can thus persist to higher temperatures, leading to oxidation. We demonstrate that the amount of confined water correlates with the degree of oxidation in stacked flakes. Confined water can be fully removed by vacuum annealing Ti

3

C

2

T

x

films at 600

°

C, resulting in substantial stability improvement in multiflake films (can withstand 600

°

C in air). These findings provide fundamental insights into the kinetics of confined water and its role in Ti

3

C

2

T

x

oxidation. This work enables the use of stable monoflake MXenes in high-temperature applications and provides guidelines for proper vacuum annealing of multiflake films to enhance their stability.
Interaction structure constrains the emergence of conventions in group communication
Authors: Boyce Veronica , Hawkins Robert D. , Goodman Noah D. , Frank Michael C.
Published: July 2024

Real-world communication frequently requires language producers to address more than one comprehender at once, yet most psycholinguistic research focuses on one-on-one communication. As the audience size grows, interlocutors face new challenges that do not arise in dyads. They must consider multiple perspectives and weigh multiple sources of feedback to build shared understanding. Here, we ask which properties of the group’s interaction structure facilitate successful communication. We used a repeated reference game paradigm in which directors instructed between one and five matchers to choose specific targets out of a set of abstract figures. Across 313 games (
N
= 1,319 participants), we manipulated several key constraints on the group’s interaction, including the amount of feedback that matchers could give to directors and the availability of peer interaction between matchers. Across groups of different sizes and interaction constraints, describers produced increasingly efficient utterances and matchers made increasingly accurate selections. Critically, however, we found that smaller groups and groups with less-constrained interaction structures (“thick channels”) showed stronger convergence to group-specific conventions than large groups with constrained interaction structures (“thin channels”), which struggled with convention formation. Overall, these results shed light on the core structural factors that enable communication to thrive in larger groups.
A multi-iron enzyme installs copper-binding oxazolone/thioamide pairs on a nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
virulence factor
Authors: Manley Olivia M. , Shriver Tucker J. , Xu Tian , Melendrez Isaac A. , Palacios Philip , Robson Scott A. , Guo Yisong , Kelleher Neil L. , Ziarek Joshua J. , Rosenzweig Amy C.
Published: July 2024

The multinuclear nonheme iron-dependent oxidases (MNIOs) are a rapidly growing family of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of ribosomally synthesized, posttranslationally modified peptide natural products (RiPPs). Recently, a secreted virulence factor from nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) was found to be expressed from an operon, which we designate the
hvf
operon, that also encodes an MNIO. Here, we show by Mössbauer spectroscopy that the MNIO HvfB contains a triiron cofactor. We demonstrate that HvfB works together with HvfC [a RiPP recognition element (RRE)-containing partner protein] to perform six posttranslational modifications of cysteine residues on the virulence factor precursor peptide HvfA. Structural characterization by tandem mass spectrometry and NMR shows that these six cysteine residues are converted to oxazolone and thioamide pairs, similar to those found in the RiPP methanobactin. Like methanobactin, the mature virulence factor, which we name oxazolin, uses these modified residues to coordinate Cu(I) ions. Considering the necessity of oxazolin for host cell invasion by NTHi, these findings point to a key role for copper during NTHi infection. Furthermore, oxazolin and its biosynthetic pathway represent a potential therapeutic target for NTHi.
Ingredients of excess
Authors: Erlewine Michael Yoshitaka , Nguyen Anne
Published: July 2024

We describe the various uses of the Vietnamese morpheme quá which appears in excessive
constructions. Unlike most other degree morphemes in Vietnamese, quá can precede or follow its gradable
predicate, and we argue that these two different uses convey excess in very different ways: pre-predicate quá
encodes purpose-oriented excessive truth conditions, whereas post-predicate quá is a comparative which projects a
not-at-issue malefactive inference. We propose that the two constructions trace back to pre- and post-predicate 過
kua` in Middle Chinese, motivated by comparisons with cognate constructions in contemporary Chinese languages. We
also describe two other uses of quá, as an intensifier with speaker commitment and as an exclamative marker, and
explain how they developed from the excessives. This study thus offers an explanatory account of the various uses of this
multifunctional expression and the relationships between them, grounded in the history of the language and in principles of
semantic change.
Legalities of language use in linguistic landscaping
Authors: Manalastas Nicko Enrique L. , Auxtero Sean Virgil J.
Published: July 2024

Linguistic landscapes, according to Backhaus (2009: 170), are
“consciously shaped and controlled by official rules and regulations.” However, the current body of Philippine linguistic
landscape research – under-studied as it already is – lacks a close examination of Philippine national laws governing the
(re)production of public signage. This paper therefore investigates the linguistic and ideological underpinnings of select
[…] national sign laws by situating these not only within the context of their legal precedents, mandates, and history but
also through an examination of 600 public signs collected from six diverse region centers in the Philippines. It examines how
national laws prefer English in public signs over local and Indigenous languages, thereby perpetuating what Phillipson (1992) calls “English linguistic imperialism” and exacerbating the unequal power dynamics
between those who speak English and those who do not in the Philippines.
Assessment of the runaway electron load distribution in ITER during 3D MHD induced beam termination
Authors: Bergström Hannes , Särkimäki Konsta , Bandaru Vinodh , Skyllas M M , Hoelzl Matthias ,   JOREK Team
Published: July 2024

In ITER, disruption-born runaway electrons (REs), unless mitigated, are expected to form a several Mega-Ampere beam that ultimately intercepts the first wall leading to melting of the plasma facing components. Developing a successful mitigation strategy therefore requires modeling that takes into account the coupling between REs and the MHD during the formation and termination of the beam, along with estimates for the wall loads that can be compared to design values. Using the JOREK code, this work aims to provide the latter by presenting a novel model for collisions between REs and the wall and applying it to a beam termination scenario in ITER. To this end, the transport of REs is modeled by tracing particles in the fields calculated by preceding simulations of the disruption event where REs were treated in the fluid picture and self-consistently coupled to the MHD. The resulting heat loads are found to be highly localized in both the poloidal and toroidal directions, with 3D features also playing an important role in the appearance of hot spots. Peak loads were on the order of

10
7

−

10
8

J

m

2

. The load distribution was found to only be weakly sensitive to the initial phase space distribution of the REs when decoupled from the fields, while modifying properties of the underlying MHD yielded notable differences in wetted area and peak loads, in particular for cases with higher resistivity.
The politics of ward committees in enhancing community development through democratic participation in the perspective of structuration
Authors: Yende Nsizwazonke E , Mahlangu Petunia B , Mkhwanazi Andiswa
Published: July 2024

The paper aims to explore the politics of ward committees in enhancing community development through participation. In post-1994 South Africa, ward committees are perceived as one of the key structures that are constitutionally required to be established to enhance community development through democratic participation. These structures are envisioned as playing a critical role in ensuring a contact between local people at the grass-roots level and their local authorities. Despite the conspicuous successes of establishing the ward committees at the municipal level, their effectiveness in executing their constitutional mandate remains an issue. This is because such structures have been ‘caught up’ in ambiguous political contestations at the local level. Hence, these structures are perceived as ‘watchdogs’ and an extension of the dominant party from the ward level to the municipality level. This negatively affects their ability to progressively realize their constitutional mandate. This paper adopts a secondary research approach to explore the politics of ward committees in enhancing community development. Gidden’s theory of structuration is employed as a theoretical lens to interpret the findings. Based on this theory, the paper highlights that ward committees are ineffective in promoting community development through democratic participation because of the environment within which they operate. Thus, the environment where these structures operate is characterized by power dynamics, and intra- and inter-political fighting, which provide a context within which they can operate. The paper concludes by recommending that the government should consider professionalizing ward committees to enhance their effectiveness in the complex environment within which they operate.
Shifted Contact Structures on Differentiable Stacks
Authors: Maglio Antonio , Tortorella Alfonso Giuseppe , Vitagliano Luca
Published: July 2024

We define $0$-shifted and $+1$-shifted contact structures on differentiable stacks, thus laying the foundations of shifted Contact Geometry. As a side result we show that the kernel of a multiplicative $1$-form on a Lie groupoid (might not exist as a Lie groupoid but it) always exists as a differentiable stack, and it is naturally equipped with a stacky version of the curvature of a distribution. Contact structures on orbifolds provide examples of $0$-shifted contact structures, while prequantum bundles over $+1$-shifted symplectic groupoids provide examples of $+1$-shifted contact structures. Our shifted contact structures are related to shifted symplectic structures via a Symplectic-to-Contact Dictionary.
PL01 HEALTHY, SAFE AND RESILIENT WORKPLACES FOR ALL
Authors: Neira Maria , Ivanov Ivan
Published: July 2024

The goals of the World Health Organization and its 195 Member States for the coming years as stipulated in its 14th General Programme of Work (2025-2028) will be to strengthen the prevention of diseases, to promote health and wellbeing, to protect health in emergencies and to provide health services. Addressing the health impacts of climate change and the determinants of health, as well as health actions in priority settings, such as cities, schools and workplaces are among the key strategies to achieve these goals.

Since its creation WHO acted to improve working conditions through different strategies and action plans from industrial health, occupational health, and workers’ health and in collaboration with ILO. Between 2007 and 2018 WHO implemented a global plan of action on workers’ health. Currently, WHO action on occupational health is integrated in the Global Strategy on Health, Environment and Climate Change adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2019. This strategy links occupational health to environmental health and climate change emphasizing the role of workplaces as a key setting for action on prevention of occupational and work-related diseases and injuries, provision of essential health services through workplaces and their integration with primary health care systems.

Half of the world population are working adults. The health of the worlds’ workforce and the health determinants related to work and employment are important for achieving the overall objectives of promoting, protecting and providing health. According to recently released joint estimates of WHO and ILO, more than two million deaths annually can be attributed to occupational risks, such as exposure to carcinogens, workplace air pollutants, unergonomic work, noise, and long working hours. There is a growing concern about the impacts of work and employment on mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the role of businesses and workplaces as essential settings for public health and social measures to contain the spread of the disease. Action at workplaces is also vital to protect workers from other public health threats such as periods of severe air pollution, extreme weather events, chemical, radiological and other public emergency hazards.

At the recent high-level meetings on universal health coverage and non-communicable diseases, held at the UN General Assembly, countries committed to scaling up efforts to build healthier and safer workplaces, to improve access of workers to occupational health services and stimulate the promotion of health and wellbeing at work.
SPL02 PLATFORM WORKERS: SOCIAL INEQUITY IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Authors: Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The rise of the platform economy has created new forms of work, including platform work. However, platform workers are more vulnerable to occupational safety and health (OSH) risks compared to traditional workers. Platform algorithms, designed for efficiency, can endanger workers' health and safety. For example, delivery riders face increased traffic accident risks due to short delivery times imposed by algorithms. Additionally, platform workers often experience psychological stress due to unstable work environments, opaque evaluation systems, and unfair attribution of responsibility.

Research Objectives

This study aims to contribute to the social discourse on platform workers' health issues by thoroughly analysing them through qualitative and quantitative research methods and proposing solutions. The research comprises three main components:

1. In-depth Interviews with Platform Workers

We conducted in-depth interviews with platform workers from seven different types of jobs: delivery, ride-hailing, caregiving, quick service, food delivery, housework, and cultural arts. By analyzing the characteristics and OSH issues of each type, we shed light on the diversity of the platform economy, the seriousness of the health problems it generates, and seek to identify homogenous occupational health challenges faced by workers across various sectors.

2. 10-Year Research on Platform Drivers and Participatory Research

We present the results of a 10-year study on platform drivers and a participatory research project on how they protect their occupational health. This study analyzes the types of health problems, causes, and preventive measures for platform drivers, specifically identifying the health risk factors in the platform economy. Additionally, the participatory research conducted with platform drivers highlights their strategies and challenges in protecting their occupational health.

3. Algorithm Tax as a Policy Solution

We analyze the negative impact of platform algorithms on platform workers' health and propose an algorithm tax as a policy solution. The algorithm tax would be a levy on platform companies' algorithm usage, generating the necessary resources to improve OSH for platform workers. This would enhance platform companies' social responsibility and establish a social safety net for platform workers' health protection.

Conclusion and Policy Implications

This study emphasizes that platform workers' health issues should not be regarded as individual problems but as social issues that require collective solutions. As the platform economy grows, platform workers' health problems are becoming more severe, potentially affecting the health and safety of society as a whole. Therefore, collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including governments, businesses, workers, and academia, are crucial to addressing platform workers' health issues.
SPL10 CARING FOR THOSE WHO CARE: SAFEGUARDING HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELLBEING OF HEALTH WORKERS.
Authors: Ngajilo Dorothy , Ivanov Ivan
Published: July 2024

Health workers play a crucial role in providing quality healthcare services to communities around the world. However, the health sector, which is supposed to restore, protect, and promote health, is also among the most hazardous sectors for the health and safety of workers. Health workers are exposed to a wide range of occupational hazards, including biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards, including violence, which can affect their health and wellbeing.

The protection of the health and safety of health workers should be part of the core business of the health sector: to protect and restore health without causing harm to patients and workers. Safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of health workers contributes to improving the productivity, job satisfaction, and retention of health workers. It also facilitates the regulatory compliance of health facilities with national laws and regulations on occupational health and safety, considering the specific working conditions and occupational hazards in the sector.

At the United Nations (UN) High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage held during the 74th session of the UN General Assembly in 2019, all heads of states and governments committed to scaling up efforts to promote healthier and safer workplaces, increase access to occupational health services for workers, and take action to improve the protection of health, safety, and wellbeing of health workers. In 2022, with resolution WHA74.14 on protecting, safeguarding, and investing in the health and care workforce, the World Health Assembly called upon Member States to take the necessary steps to safeguard and protect health and care workers at all levels. In light of this, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have jointly issued a guide on the development and implementation of occupational health and safety programmes for health workers and work with international partners to build capacities for its implementation in countries.

This session will provide an overview of WHO/ILO recommendations for safeguarding the health, safety, and wellbeing of health workers, including the development and implementation of occupational health and safety programs for health workers. The session aims to raise awareness, foster collaboration, and inspire action among stakeholders to prioritize and invest in initiatives that protect and promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of health workers globally.
SPL24 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SURVEILLANCE OF WORKERS EXPOSED TO NON-IONIZING RADIATION: LESSONS LEARNED AND NEW CHALLENGES
Authors: Gobba Fabriziomaria
Published: July 2024

Non-Ionizing radiations (NIR) include Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) and Optical radiation (OR). Occupational exposure is related to both the natural and the innumerable, and continuously increasing, artificial sources: nowadays is substantially ubiquitous and potentially involves almost all workers. A health risk evaluation and, based on the results, the implementation of adequate Health Surveillance (HS) programs is certainly needed.

Considering EMF, currently no agreement on the more appropriate specific contents of HS exists but, at least, an active search of possibly related symptoms occurrence, and a screening of the conditions inducing particular risk should be implemented in all exposed workers. Other procedures should be considered only if required on an individual basis

Regarding OR, a HS is needed in case of exposure to artificial sources, but also to solar radiation. UV related long term effects are cumulative, and especially the effects to the eye (as cataract) and skin (as skin cancer) are frequent and relevant health problems not sufficiently considered. Better prevention, and further knowledge on levels adequately protective for long term effects, are needed, also considering the challenge of climate changes.

Specific conditions inducing a higher susceptibility to adverse health effects of both, EMF and OR, are known (“workers at particular risk”), but better knowledge is needed for more adequate HS interventions.

A last, but relevant, point is the need that HS of NIR exposed workers is performed by OM specialists with an adequate and updated competence and skill in this specific field, sometimes/often not sufficiently enhanced during the training.
SPL28 THE CONTRIBUTION OF ISO STANDARDS TO THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, AND HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THEIR DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Cottam Martin , Humphreys Lachean , Swingewood Sally
Published: July 2024

The development of ISO standards in the field of occupational health and safety (OH&S) is a relatively recent development, beginning with the publication of ISO 45001 in 2018. Since then, a number of further guidance standards have been published, including ISO 45003 the first international standard to address the psychological health, safety and wellbeing of workers, ISO/PAS 45005 which provided OH&S guidance specific to the Covid-19 pandemic, and ISO 45006 providing broader guidance on preventing and managing infectious diseases in the workplace. Work is now getting underway on the development of several more such standards, including guidance on the OH&S impacts of climate change, and guidance on managing OH&S for remote working.

As a relative newcomer to the OH&S toolbox, what impact has ISO 45001 had? And how does ISO determine on which topics to supporting guidance materials? How are the standards developed, and how can OH&S practitioners contribute to the process?

This semi-plenary session aims to answer these questions by explaining how ISO standards are created, who they are written for, and how they can be used. It will describe the relationship between standards and regulation, and how the use of voluntary standards can complement and support the effective implementation of OH&S regulations.

The session will include an overview of the work of the ISO Technical Committee for OH&S (ISO/TC 283) describing its current portfolio of published standards and standards under development, as well as explaining the composition of the international committee and how it undertakes document development. The various stages of the development of a new standard will be described from initial concept through to publication, and the process of decision making explained, as will the various types of deliverables that the committee can develop.

The opportunities for OH&S practitioners to contribute to the development of the committee’s standards will be described, ranging from the submission of comments on public drafts of documents under development, through to participation in national mirror committees and TC 283 itself. The session will include guidance on how to comment effectively on public drafts of standards for maximum impact.

The session will describe some of the challenges faced in the development of standards and in achieving impact across the broad target audience that our documents seek to address. It will explain how research has resulted in an evolving approach to how diversity is addressed within ISO 45000 series standards, where further research is needed, and the importance of collaboration with other actors in the OH&S field.
SS01-02 APPROACHES ON MENTAL HEALTH IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: Wiezer Noortje , Niks Irene , Roozeboom Maartje Bakhuys , Wortelboer Heleen
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Psychosocial occupational risks cause human suffering and high costs for companies and society. Work-related stress is high in the Netherlands in sectors with high labour shortages (education, healthcare). All this makes it an important topic of OSH policy in the Netherlands. With its research programme, TNO supports the government and organisations in creating conditions that enhance employee health, wellbeing, and performance.

Materials and Methods

Four projects will be presented: 1) the Just In Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI), aimed at supporting employees and teams in managing their daily psychosocial working conditions, 2) the Participatory Work Stress Prevention Approach, aimed at reducing psychosocial risks in organisations, 3) the Innovation in Workplace Wellbeing approach, a system dynamic approach to support employees and employers in increasing employee wellbeing and 4) DESTRESS aimed at recognizing stress signals at an early stage, both at organisational and individual levels. The interventions 1, 3 and 4 are still in development and being tested in practice. Intervention 2 is evaluated in a controlled trial. Results will be available at the presentation.

Results

First pilot studies have shown promising results. Interventions 1 and 3 are perceived useful and feasible. Evaluations of intervention 2 show positive effects on the intended outcomes. The quality of the implementation process is important in all interventions.

Conclusions

Based on the results of the studies we conclude that, to increase employee health and wellbeing, interventions at all levels (individual, team, leadership, organisation, and environment) are needed. In the coming years, the interaction between interventions at different levels will be examined.
SS01-03 ACCIDENT PREVENTION FOR AND BY NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Wittlich Marc
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Accident prevention is challenged by new technologies, as this may result in new hazards calling for new measures for prevention at the shop floor level. IFA faces the challenges with several partners and by involving research and practice. Among others, collaborating robots, artificial intelligence (AI), and techniques of virtual reality (VR) at work serve as examples on how to serve accident prevention for and through application of technologies.

Materials and Methods

A joint project involves IFA and several partners from research and practice in testbed development for safe and efficient robotics in public. IFA cooperates in requirement specification and testing regarding functional safety, interaction quality design, and trustworthy AI. By use of new technologies, in contrast, in a VR simulation project on standardisation of future river lock design and maintenance, the IFA used VR technologies to support risk assessment design and application.

Results

Robotics in public not only share some challenges of workplaces, but also use common ground (e.g., service robotics in hospitals, industry parcs). Therefore, selected design requirements were transferred from industry to public application (e.g., power and force limiting, interaction principles, trustworthiness). The VR project facilitated application of risk assessment templates to 150 work scenarios in virtual simulations, identified safety relevant flaws, and fed back preventive measures into river lock planning. Revised river locks will go into service in 2024 with templates being re-used for placing into operation.

Conclusions

New technologies incorporate challenges and solutions. Accident prevention should embrace and manage new technologies and make them the object of research in practice.
SS01-05 THE NORWEGIAN SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Authors: Nordberg Hanvold Therese
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The National Institute of Occupational Health in Norway (STAMI) was in 2006, commissioned to develop and operate the National Surveillance System for Work Environment and Health (NOA). The surveillance system is based on research and the purpose is to provide the Norwegian working life and the Norwegian authorities with regular updates on the status and trends of different working environment exposures and health conditions among the Norwegian workforce.

Materials and Methods

The national surveillance system collects data from nationally representative and high-quality registers from different data providers such as, Statistics Norway and the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. The surveillance system maps and interprets data that can tell us more about the state of the working environment in Norway. The surveillance system covers 47 occupations and 29 different sectors.

Results

Every third year, the ‘Fact book on working environment and health’ is published and the interactive website containing all the different indicators is updated. These two deliverables give the current status and trends for all exposures and health outcomes that are relevant to the workplace. The 5th edition of ‘Factbook on working environment and health’ was published in the spring of 2021, and in the spring of 2024 the 6th edition of the ‘Factbook’ will be available.

Conclusions

The Norwegian Surveillance System for Work Environment and Health forms an important pillar in the systematic and knowledge-based preventive work environment as it provides a basis for a common understanding of challenges and can point direction and priorities in the working environment for the future.
SS02-04 MODELS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM OF THE CAUSAL LINK CHARACTERIZING OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES (BENCHMARK)
Authors: Belbaraka Mohamed
Published: July 2024

We will address the difficulty of defining occupational diseases (OD), a definition that necessarily arises from consensus among governments or regulators, employers' representatives, and employees' representatives.

Starting from the conventions and recommendations of international bodies, we will review a benchmark of existing definitions of occupational diseases in different markets. Having a list of OD established by law is a solution to the issue of a generic definition. However, this system is not without its challenges. The diversity of professions and exposures makes it difficult to create exhaustive lists. The lists are not uniform across countries. It is often very difficult, if not impossible, to prove that a disease is directly attributable to the victim's profession. The question of revising the lists remains open.

We will review models and approaches aimed at addressing the issue of the cause-and-effect relationship characterizing occupational diseases: prevention, surveillance, long-term monitoring, these models can vary depending on jurisdiction, available resources, and the complexity of occupational exposures. Each model aims to strengthen the correlation between workplace exposure and OD while adapting to the specificities of each national context.

In summary, defining OD and how to manage them poses significant challenges that requires in-depth consideration and international cooperation. Establishing specific lists and exploring various models are crucial steps in protecting workers' health and ensuring adequate recognition of occupational diseases in the ever-evolving world of work.
SS02-05 CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES INHERENT IN OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE LISTING SYSTEMS IN EUROPE
Authors: Kieffer Christine
Published: July 2024

Introduction

More than accidents at work, the concept of occupational diseases covers different realities in Europe, depending on the social history and choices of each country. Almost all of them have adopted a list of occupational diseases to provide a framework for recognising them and compensating workers.

Materials and Methods

EUROGIP has published numerous comparative studies on the subject of occupational diseases, analysing different European regulations and practices.

Results

The way in which each list of occupational diseases is drawn up is a determining factor for the insurer: the structure of the document, the level of detail in the description of the diseases, and whether the recognition criteria are included in the list are all parameters which impact on the recognition procedure. It appears that some countries investigate the causal link between disease and work on a case-by-case basis. On the other hand, in those countries which have conferred a presumption of occupational origin on the diseases listed, easier investigation has resulted in greater recognition of occupational diseases, particularly those of a multi-factorial nature such as musculoskeletal disorders.

Conclusions

The choice of one model or another for the list of occupational diseases has consequences not only for insurance practices, but also for the volume of diseases recognised and compensated by each country, as European statistics show.
SS03 CLIMATE CHANGES AND OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Authors: Marina Fischer Frida
Published: July 2024

The session ‘Climate changes and occupational safety and health’ (OSH) aims to have five presentations: a general approach of the negative OSH impact of climate change on organizations; climate changes and aging workers; climate change and its impact on OSH of Sherpa mountaineers; Arctic cooperation for developing a framework of activities for managing thermal strain at outdoors workplaces in a changing climate; and the connections among poverty, education, work and the climate agenda.

The presentations are to explore and discuss: a) the negative OSH impact of climate change on organizations and their workers examining related health and safety risk and risk management strategies; b) the emerging research on the relationships between older workers and the impacts of climate change and the implications for research in occupational health; c) the study of the effect of climate change factors on the job of Sherpa mountaineers on expedition to Mount Everest; d) planning a holistic framework for managing thermal strain in outdoor work in the Arctic; and e) the outcomes of a survey on poverty, education, work and climate change.
SS03-02 CLIMATE CHANGES AND AGEING WORKERS
Authors: Fischer Frida Marina , Martinez Maria Carmen , Cotrim Teresa , Oakman Jodi
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Health and work ability are impacted by the aging process, with potential declines in physical and cognitive abilities, an increase in illness burden and mortality, which can be exacerbated by changing climatic conditions (EPA 2022). With an ageing population and increased expectations for longer working lives, the need for employees to maintain good health is of critical importance.

Materials and Methods

This presentation will explore emerging research on the relationships between older workers and the impacts of climate change and discuss implications for research in occupational health.

Results

A range of risks associated with climate change are important considerations for occupational health, and include: extreme weather conditions, increased ambient temperature, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, communicable diseases, habitat modifications, built environments. A need exists to take a systematic approach to the development of appropriate risk controls and might include: adaption to current threshold exposures, risk management guidelines, changes to requirements for personal protective equipment, early warning systems, a need for acclimatization procedures, rethinking appropriate work design and workload, continuous training of OSH professionals, leadership personnel and workers. However, given the rapid changes that we are witnessing due to climate change, further research is needed to support occupational health practice and ensure we are using contemporary evidence to support older workers in sustainable employment.

Conclusion

High quality surveillance data is needed on impacts on ageing workers due to a changing environmental profile.

Acknowledgments

CNPq-productivity grant to FM Fischer (306963/2021-3)