bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jumping plant-lice of the tribe Paurocephalini (Hemiptera: Psylloidea: Liviidae) in Brazil
Authors: SERBINA LILIYA Š. , MALENOVSKÝ IGOR , QUEIROZ DALVA L. , BURCKHARDT DANIEL
Published: February 2025

The predominantly tropical tribe Paurocephalini of jumping plant-lice currently consists of seven genera and 94 described species worldwide, of which the genera Klyveria Burckhardt et al. and Melanastera Serbina et al. have been recorded from Brazil with two and one species, respectively. Here we review the taxonomy of the Brazilian species based on material collected from extensive fieldwork carried out in 15 states over the last decade. One species of Klyveria and 59 species of Melanastera are newly described, bringing the number of extant Klyveria spp. to three (both in Brazil and worldwide) and that of extant Melanastera spp. to 69 (60 in Brazil, 67 in the Neotropical region and one each in the Afrotropical and Oriental regions). The new species are described and illustrated, and identification keys for the Brazilian species are provided for adults and last instar immatures. The most diagnostically important structures are the distal segment of the aedeagus and the paramere, the forewing (shape, venation, surface spinules and colour pattern) and the female terminalia in the adults, and the chaetotaxy, tarsal arolium and shape of the additional pore fields on the caudal plate in the last instar immatures. The species descriptions are complemented by mitochondrial DNA barcodes (COI and cytB) and information on host plants. Klyveria spp. are restricted to Luehea (Malvaceae), while in Brazil 28 Melanastera spp. develop or are likely to develop on Melastomataceae, 18 spp. on Annonaceae, four spp. each on Asteraceae and Myristicaceae, and one species on Cannabaceae. Only three of the 63 species of Paurocephalini reported here from Brazil, are also known from other countries: two from Paraguay and one from Trinidad. Probably many more species of Melanastera are yet to be discovered and described. Priority in fieldwork should be given to areas that are at high risk of destruction or degradation by human activities, such as the Amazon rainforest, the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado.
Exploring Psychological Needs and the Mediating Effect of Fear of Missing out, Psychological Distress and Self-Compassion on Phubbing: A Cross-Sectional University Study
Authors: Incoll Bruce , Knowles Simon R.
Published: February 2025

Phubbing, or prioritising smartphone use during face-to-face interactions, is an increasingly common behaviour with detrimental effects on mental well-being. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationships between basic psychological needs, psychological distress, the fear of missing out (FoMO), self-compassion and phubbing. A total of 774 university students ( M age = 28.3, 74% women) completed an online questionnaire assessing these variables. After accounting for dysfunctional personality traits, age, gender, and years of smartphone ownership, partial correlations revealed that reduced psychological needs were significantly associated with increased FoMO ( r = .27, p < .001), psychological distress ( r = .42, p < .001), phubbing severity ( r = .17, p = .01), and showed a significant negative relationship with self-compassion ( r = - .46, p < .001). FoMO, but not self-compassion, was found to partially mediate the relationship between psychological needs and phubbing. The findings highlight the critical influence of FoMO on phubbing.
Climate change and youth development: A view of an emerging field
Authors: Thomaes Sander
Published: February 2025

Climate change is a defining challenge of our time, and it disproportionally impacts young people. This poses a call to action for developmental science. How does climate change shape youth’s psychological development and well-being? Can we use our expertise to empower youth to cope with and help mitigate climate change? The emerging field of research on climate change and youth development addresses these timely questions. Here I provide a concise perspective on the field, highlighting lines of research and ideas, including our own, that have begun to develop in recent years. Climate change threatens our global society, which means that our research should be global as well. I call for coordinated, international, and cross-cultural investigation to address the big questions ahead of us and empower young people from across the globe to respond to the challenges of a warming world.
Points to Consider From the ESTP Pathology 2.0 Working Group: Overview on Spatial Omics Technologies Supporting Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Hahn Kerstin , Amberg Bettina , Monné Rodriguez Josep M. , Verslegers Mieke , Kang Byunghak , Wils Hans , Saravanan Chandra , Bangari Dinesh S. , Long Simon Y. , Youssef Sameh A , Pesti Benedek , Schaffenrath Johanna , Valdeolivas Alberto , Kumpesa Nadine , Galván José A. , Richardson Marion , Giroud Nicolas , Kunz Leo , Veiga Inês Berenguer , Bscheider Michael , Cramer Precious , Jiang Sizun , Kreutzer Robert , Vezzali Enrico , Yun Seong-Wook , Rottenberg Sven , Jacobsen Bjoern
Published: February 2025

Recent advances in bioanalytical and imaging technologies have revolutionized our ability to assess complex biological and pathological changes within tissue samples. Spatial omics, a rapidly evolving technology, enables the simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules in tissue sections, allowing for high-dimensional molecular profiling within tissue microanatomical contexts. This offers a powerful opportunity for precise, multidimensional exploration of complex disease pathophysiology. The Pathology 2.0 working group within the European Society of Toxicologic Pathology (ESTP) includes a subgroup dedicated to spatial omics technologies. Their primary goal is to raise awareness about these emerging technologies and their potential applications in discovery and toxicologic pathology. This review provides an overview of commonly used, commercially available platforms for transcriptomic, proteomic, and multiomic analysis, discussing technical aspects and illustrative examples of their applications. To harness the power of spatial omics for translational drug discovery and human safety risk assessment, we emphasize the important role of pathologists at every stage of the workflow—from hypothesis generation to sample preparation, data analysis, and interpretation. Spatial omics technologies offer novel opportunities in target discovery, lead selection, preclinical assessment, and clinical development in compound development.
Obesity-related indices are associated with self-reported infertility in women: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yu Minmin , Li Li , Chen Chen , He Qinyuan
Published: February 2025

Objective

Obesity can contribute to infertility, but the exact relationship between infertility risk and obesity-related measurements like waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CoI), and A body shape index (ABSI) in women is uncertain. We investigated the association between these indices and female infertility.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2013–2018). We used weighted multivariable logistic regression analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and subgroup analysis, as well as propensity score matching.

Results

Among 3373 participants, 344 (10.2%) reported infertility. A significant link between higher infertility risk and increased WHtR, BRI, CoI, ABSI, and body mass index (BMI) was found. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed WHtR (odds ratio [OR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.42), BRI (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05–1.14), CoI (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.56), ABSI (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12–1.33), and BMI (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.05) were significantly associated with female infertility. CoI had the best diagnostic performance (area under the ROC curve 0.628, 95% CI: 0.597–0.658).

Conclusions

Obesity-related indices were positively linked to infertility risk among women in the United States. These indices serve as valuable tools for assessing female infertility risk.
Tissue expression and urinary excretion of liver-type fatty acid binding protein in older dogs with or without early signs of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Marynissen Sofie , Demeyere Kristel , Daminet Sylvie , Meyer Evelyne , Chiers Koen , Paepe Dominique
Published: February 2025

Liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is expressed by several tissues, plays a role in fatty acid metabolism, and has antioxidant effects. Its renal expression is upregulated by stress. Urinary L-FABP (uL-FABP) is a promising kidney biomarker in people for detection of early acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and as a marker for progression in patients with glomerulonephritis. However, data on canine uL-FABP are currently limited. This prospective study was designed to examine canine tissue expression of L-FABP and to validate an ELISA to quantify uL-FABP in older dogs with or without early signs of CKD. Tissues of 4 recently euthanized dogs and 117 urine samples of 73 client-owned older dogs undergoing health screening were evaluated in the study. Immunohistochemistry was performed on kidney and liver tissues. Analytical validation of a commercially available ELISA for measurement of L-FABP in canine urine was performed (limit of detection, imprecision, specificity). The ELISA was used to measure L-FABP in stored urine samples from a cohort of older dogs. Dogs were found to express L-FABP, mostly in proximal tubular epithelial cells and in the periportal hepatocytes of the liver. Assay validation revealed poor sensitivity and imprecision for measurement of canine uL-FABP. Of the 117 urine samples analyzed, 98 were below the limit of detection (LOD; 7.30 ng/mL) and a further 5 were below the limit of quantification (LOQ; 16.20 ng/mL). The proximal tubules of dog kidneys express L-FABP, but the value of uL-FABP as tubular marker in older dogs warrants further study.
Establishing Benchmarks for Case Minimum Requirements During Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–Accredited Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship Training
Authors: Silvestre Jason , Slone Harris S. , Kelly John D.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Accrediting bodies and professional societies for surgical education are increasingly recognizing the need for case minimum requirements to enhance standardized training.

Purpose:

To determine case volume benchmarks for operative training during Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships in the United States.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional analysis; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Case volume percentiles were calculated across ACGME-defined case categories and temporal changes analyzed with linear regression. Variability was defined as the fold difference between the 90th and 10th percentiles by case volume. Sensitivity analyses were performed to identify potential targets for case minimum requirements.

Results:

Case logs from 1281 orthopaedic sports medicine fellows were analyzed. There was an increase in the mean reported case volume over the study period (from 323.3 ± 125.0 to 375.6 ± 144.0; P = .049). Pediatric patients accounted for a minority of cases (annual range, 6%-7%). The bottom 10th and 30th percentiles of fellows reported a total of 179 and 239 cases, respectively. Most cases were reported in the rotator cuff (29%), meniscus (26%), and knee instability (21%) categories. Variability in the reported case volume was greatest in hip arthroscopic surgery (37.0), patellofemoral instability (15.5), the foot and ankle (12.9), and elbow instability (10.7). Variability decreased for knee instability ( P = .006) and total ( P = .028) cases over the study period but increased for foot and ankle ( P = .002), knee multiligament repair/reconstruction ( P = .008), and knee osteotomy ( P = .025) cases.

Conclusion:

Surgical benchmarks can assist future trainees and faculty identify areas to improve the operative experience and reduce variability during fellowship training. The operative experience of recent fellows suggests a potential case minimum target between 179 and 239 cases to achieve the 10th and 30th percentiles, respectively. However, further research is needed to establish evidence-based case minimum requirements for ACGME-accredited orthopaedic sports medicine fellowship training.
Is there a correlation between urodynamics findings and clinical outcomes in females with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome (OAB)
Authors: Abushamma Faris , Bishara Mais , Holy Mhmod , Obeidat Sandy , Egbaria Mobarak , Abu Alwafa Rola , Aghbar Amir , Hashim Hashim
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

This study investigates the intricate relationship between urodynamic findings and clinical symptoms in females with overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study, conducted at a tertiary university hospital, included female patients with positive detrusor overactivity (DO) OAB between November 2020 and November 2023. Patient demographics, OAB symptoms, and responses to anticholinergic treatment were recorded. Different Urodynamic features were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 92 female patients with positive detrusor overactivity (DO) and overactive bladder (OAB) were included. The median age was 49 years (IQR: 30.75–61.75). Among them, 16 (17.4%) were diabetic, 18 (19.6%) had hypertension, and 69 (75%) were regular coffee drinkers. Over half of the participants, 56 (60.9%), were overweight (BMI 25–29.9). The prevalence of key symptoms included frequency in 54 (58.7%), urgency in 73 (79.3%), urgency incontinence in 33 (35.9%), and nocturia in 44 (47.8%). Frequency of urination was more common among non-diabetic patients (41/54, 75.9%; p = 0.04), and urgency was significantly associated with non-smoking status (51/73, 69.9%; p = 0.025). Most patients (84, 91.3%) had phasic DO, with a median maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet DO) of 30 cmH2O (IQR: 20.0–53.0) and a median cystometric capacity of 385.5 mL (IQR: 296.25–443.75). Frequency was significantly associated with higher maximum Pdet DO pressure ( p = 0.049). In terms of treatment response, 81 patients (88.0%) demonstrated a good response to anticholinergic therapy. Non-responders had significantly higher maximum Pdet DO pressure (median 59.0 cmH2O, IQR: 30.0–66.0) compared to responders (median 30.0 cmH2O, IQR: 19.5–47.0; p = 0.013).

Conclusion:

The amplitude of DO in female with idiopathic OAB is theoretically and clinically correlated to symptomatology and response to anticholinergic treatment.
Psychometric Properties of the Indonesian Version of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE)
Authors: Akhtar Hanif , Firdiyanti Retno
Published: February 2025

Psychometric Properties of the Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) have been extensively evaluated in numerous countries, but not in Indonesia. This study investigated factor structure, reliability, measurement invariance, and validity of SPANE scores among a sample of Indonesian university students ( N = 405). Multiple measurement models, including one-factor and two-factor models, were tested. The results supported a correlated two-factor structure, with the uniqueness of general and specific items allowed to correlate with each other. The SPANE scores indicated acceptable internal consistency reliability for the sample in this study. Measurement invariance analyses indicated that the two-factor structure was invariant across sex. Furthermore, the SPANE scores correlated with life satisfaction in the expected direction: Positive feelings showed a positive correlation with life satisfaction, while negative feelings showed a negative correlation. With its conciseness, the SPANE shows promising results, though future research on its invariance across different population subgroups is needed.
Existence and Convergence of Ground State Solutions for a (p,q)-Laplacian System on Weighted Graphs
Authors: Zhang Xingyong , Zhang Xuechen
Published: February 2025

We investigate the existence of ground state solutions for a [Formula: see text]-Laplacian system with [Formula: see text] and potential wells on a weighted locally finite graph [Formula: see text]. By making use of the method of Nehari manifold and the Lagrange multiplier rule, we prove that if the nonlinear term [Formula: see text] takes on the super-[Formula: see text]-linear growth and the potential functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] satisfy some suitable conditions, then for any fixed parameter [Formula: see text], the system is provided with a ground state solution [Formula: see text]. Additionally, we set up the convergence property of the solutions set [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text].
Enhanced mixing characteristics in a spiral micromixer with grooves having variable configurations: A computational analysis
Authors: Tripathi Ekta , Patowari Promod Kumar , Pati Sukumar
Published: February 2025

The efficient and rapid mixing of fluids in a microfluidic channel is a challenging issue as it requires a large channel length and time to obtain the desired mixing. The mixing and hydrodynamic performance of spiral micromixers with grooves of different sizes, shapes, and numbers are examined in this work throughout a Reynolds number (Re) range of 1–150. Three distinct groove widths (100 µm, 125 µm, and 150 µm) were investigated for circular groove (CG) and rectangular groove (RG) shapes, and the total number of grooves was adjusted between four and fifteen. The results are compared to those from a spiral micromixer without grooves (spiral-noG). The results show that the mixing index increases with the number of grooves and groove width, with CG-15G having the maximum mixing efficiency across all Re. Wider grooves (150 µm) perform better than narrower ones, whereas groove shape has minimal impact on mixing. The CG-150 and RG-150 configurations provide notable increases in mixing at low Re (=1–10), with improvements ranging from +2.89% to +48.89%. At intermediate Re (=30–60), notable improvements are also seen, for example, at Re = 30, RG-150 shows an improvement of +87.54%. RG-150 consistently exhibits the highest pressure drop, though, as the number of grooves increases. Spiral-noG has the lowest cost at both low and high Re, but mixing costs increase in all configurations. The study concludes that micromixers with CG-100 and CG-125 are the best for mixing efficiency alone, while spiral-noG and CG-4G are suggested for real-world applications for a balance between mixing and pressure drop.
The effect of PWHT on the mechanical properties of HHA 500 armor steel welds
Authors: Ertek Emre Hayriye , Keçe Serkan , Kaçar Ramazan , Nohutçu Samet
Published: February 2025

Armor steels are produced to protect against any explosions and armed attacks. In addition, high hardness armor (HHA) steels have excellent ballistic properties due to their hardness and strength. Choosing the correct welding method and providing optimum heat input when joining armor steels is very important in order to obtain the desired properties. Additionally, unwanted residual stresses occur after welding. It can be relieved by post-weld heat treatments (PWHT). This research aims to investigate the effect of PWHT on the mechanical properties and microstructure of Bisalloy HHA500 armor steel welded with gas metal arc welding (GMAW). The Bisalloy HHA500 series armor steels were joined with the automated GMAW method at optimized welding parameters through preliminary experimental tests. After welding processes, PWHT was applied at 650°C for 1 hour. In order to determine the mechanical properties of both as-welded and PWHT joints, tensile, bending, and Charpy-notch impact tests were performed. The microstructure investigation and hardness measurements were carried out. As a result of PWHT, an increase in the Charpy-notch impact strength by 16% was detected.
Revisiting the Infrastructure–Industrialisation Nexus in Africa: Economic Uncertainty Contingent and Thresholds
Authors: Ketu Isaac , Tchapchet-Tchouto Jules-Eric
Published: February 2025

Does infrastructure development help African countries boost their currently weak industrial structure to meet with pressing needs of their growing population? Answering this question which is also the ambition of SDG 9 requires taking into account rising global uncertainty which provokes a ‘wait-and-see’ behaviour in production and consumption expenditures. To this end, the new World Uncertainty Index and data on 43 African countries from 2003 to 2018 are used. The two-step system generalised method of moments modelling framework was recruited for regression analysis. Results show that while infrastructure development boost industrialisation in Africa, global economic policy uncertainty and risk of uncertainty undermine these benefits after a given uncertainty threshold. The positive net effects were apparent up to respective global uncertainty and uncertainty volatility thresholds where these effects are nullified. When disaggregated proxies of infrastructure are used, similar results are obtained with transport and electricity. Practical policy implications are discussed.

JEL Codes: C23, D8, H54, O14, O55
Whole-genome sequencing of Salmonella serovars isolated from diarrheic and non-diarrheic foals
Authors: Basso Roberta M. , Cerri Fabrício M. , Possebon Fábio S. , Braga Pollyana R. C. , Casas Monique R. T. , Oliveira-Filho José P. de , Araújo Júnior João P. de , Ribeiro Márcio G. , Arroyo Luis G. , Borges Alexandre S.
Published: February 2025

Salmonella spp. are important pathogens of foals, causing clinical enterocolitis and sepsis. We characterized the resistance, virulence, and stress response genes in Salmonella isolates from foals with or without diarrhea. Salmonella isolates ( n = 23) recovered from fecal samples of 16 diarrheic and 7 non-diarrheic <1-y-old foals were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The most common serovars detected in diarrheic foals were S. enterica subsp. enterica serovars Infantis and Minnesota. Multidrug resistance was observed in 9 of 23 isolates, with 8 of the 9 from diarrheic foals. All of the isolates contained at least 2 resistance genes, with most of the genes related to the multidrug efflux pump complex. Among the 9 isolates shown to be resistant to β-lactam antimicrobials, at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) related to the inactivation of these antimicrobials was observed ( blaTEM-1, blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M-8). Among the 7 isolates resistant to the quinolone class, 3 contained ARGs ( qnrB19, qnrB6). The occurrence of multidrug-resistant isolates, particularly among foals with diarrhea, and the zoonotic potential of Salmonella species, highlight the importance of implementing biosecurity measures on the studied farms.
Design, development and ergonomic evaluation of a manual cutter for mat-type paddy nursery based on a human-centered approach
Authors: Lohan Shiv Kumar , Narang Mahesh Kumar , Singh Ajaib , Dixit Anoop Kumar
Published: February 2025

Background

The cutting operation of the mat-type paddy nursery for mechanical transplanting poses significant human postural challenges, leading to potential health risks for farmers.

Objective

A nursery cutter was designed, developed and evaluated considering the ergonomic guidelines for the human farm workers.

Methods

Anthropometric dimensions of 5th and 95th percentile of the Indian Agricultural workers was considered for the design of nursery cutter. The total length of cutter 1205 mm aligns with 80% of the 95th percentile male acromial height ensuring operator comfort. Additionally, a 413 mm handle crossbar length (95th percentile female elbow-elbow breadth) and a 280 mm width (5th percentile for both genders) were selected for ergonomic compatibility and ease of operation. Computer-aided design with human manikin was simulated for the postural evaluation.

Results

The developed equipment could achieve a cutting capacity of 325–425 mats/ h with uniform cutting. The cost comparison analysis revealed that cutting mats for one hectare with the manual nursery cutter was significantly lesser (INR 71.00–89.00) than using a sickle/knife (INR 162.00–202.00) or an indigenous cutter (INR 146.00–172.00). Physiological results of workers showed that heart rates, oxygen consumption rate and energy expenditure rate ranged from 104–120 bpm, 0.66–0.88 l/min, and 13.7–18.37 kJ/min, respectively, indicating that the physical demands on workers were within moderate limits rather than heavy workload as in case of other conventional methods.

Conclusions

Adopting ergonomic design equipment, the PAU manual nursery cutter can potentially enhance productivity, timeliness in operation, reduce operator fatigue, and mitigate health risks associated with nursery cutting operations.
Quantifying the impact of occupational stress on long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders
Authors: Iwasaki Shinichi , Deguchi Yasuhiko , Okura Shohei , Maekubo Kunio , Inoue Koki
Published: February 2025

Background

Work-related stressors are a significant predictor of long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders (LTSA-MD) issues.

Objective

To examine the relationship between work-related stressors and LTSA-MD among Japanese public servants.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was utilized, analyzing data from public servants in City A, Japan, who underwent mandatory annual stress checks from 2011 to 2020. The study focused on LTSA-MD instances lasting over three months due to mental disorders. The Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) was employed to measure occupational stress factors. Cox Hazard Models adjusted for demographic and occupational variables were used to examine the relationship between BJSQ sub-items and the onset of LTSA-MD.

Results

Among the 1026 LTSA-MD instances identified, an association was found between the scores of job stressors, stress responses, and job satisfaction of BJSQ with increased LTSA-MD risk, whereas social occupational support was not related.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the critical role of occupational stress, stress response, and job satisfaction in predicting LTSA-MD among Japanese public servants. Mitigating these factors could significantly reduce the risk of LTSA-MD, underscoring the importance of implementing targeted workplace interventions.
Assessing stress among community health workers due to COVID-19 related work: A comparative study from Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh , Quach Ha-Linh , Hoang Ngoc Van , Nguyen Khanh Cong , Pham Thai Quang , Vogt Florian
Published: February 2025

Background

Community health workers (CHWs) involved in COVID-19 response might be at increased risk of stress, though evidence remains absent.

Objective

To assess the effects of COVID-19 related work on stress and identified factors associated with the risk of deteriorating to severe stress among CHWs in Vietnam.

Methods

Using a nation-wide survey among 979 CHWs involved in COVID-19 response, we applied multivariable logistic regression to estimate the risk of deteriorating to high stress levels between before the epidemic (average June–December 2019) and at its peak (January–March 2021). Stress levels were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10).

Results

Median stress levels among CHWs increased from 10 (IQR = 7–16) before COVID-19 to 15 (IQR = 11–19) on the PSS-10 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The proportion of CHWs with low stress levels decreased from 67.6% to 42.2% (p-value <0.001), while the proportion of CHWs with moderate and high stress levels increased 1.8 and 4.2-fold, respectively. Less sleep and poor sleep quality, working in unfavorable work environments, and being involved in daily high-risk SARS-CoV-2 exposure activities were associated with an increased risk of deterioration to high stress levels.

Conclusions

We found a substantial increase in stress levels among CHWs in Vietnam that is probably due to their COVID-19 related work; the observed 2 and 4-fold increase in CHWs suffering from moderate and high stress levels, respectively, is particularly worrisome. Targeted support for CHWs is crucial to ensure the sustainability of health interventions during COVID-19 and future epidemics.
Musculoskeletal pain and risk factors in office workers versus teleworkers: A systematic review
Authors: Alencar Maria do Carmo Baracho de , da Silva Nilson Rogério , Serranheira Florentino
Published: February 2025

Background

Musculoskeletal pain is common in office workers and teleworkers, but the causes remain not enough visible in society.

Objective

This systematic review examines main risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMSD) in office workers versus teleworkers.

Methods

PubMed/ Medline, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched using keywords based on the theme, CoCoPop was used to define the inclusion criteria, also used the PRISMA guidelines, the QuADs tools to evaluate the quality of the studies, risk of bias analyses was done with the Navigation Guide for Systematic Reviews in environment and occupational health.

Results

Of 468 studies identified, 17 were included in the final selection. Both office workers and teleworkers have working conditions at risk of developing or aggravating MSD, but results highlighted the poor teleworkers workplaces, ICT equipment's as laptops, psychosocial and organizational demands that increased the working time and family conflicts, and environmental risk factors associated to teleworkers increased WRMSD symptoms/pain.

Conclusions

This review underline the lack of appropriate working conditions at home and that is a contribute for increasing WRMSD pain in teleworkers. Employers should give more importance ensuring ergonomic workplace at teleworkers home, including also worker's organizational companies support.
Safety climate, safety behavior, injury experience, and musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian manufacturing employees: A structural equation modeling study
Authors: Ghahramani Abolfazl , Panahi Saghar , Ebrahimi Mahbob , Hajaghazadeh Mohammad
Published: February 2025

Background

While safety climate and performance are extensively studied, few research studies have explored the relationship between safety climate and both retrospective and prospective indicators of safety performance.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the relationships between safety climate, safety behavior, musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms, and injury experience in manufacturing using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Methods

The study enrolled 409 employees from 15 manufacturing companies in Urmia, Iran in 2021. Data were collected using safety climate, safety behavior, and Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaires. Occupational injury experiences from the past year were also recorded. SEM was used to analyze safety climate's relationships with performance variables.

Results

A positive relationship was observed between safety climate and safety behavior (r = 0.38, p < 0.01). Symptoms of MSD correlated significantly with safety climate (r = −0.12, p < 0.05) and injury experience (r = 0.10, p < 0.05). A significant association was found between safety climate and safety behavior factors in the first model (ß = 0.19, p = 0.001). The overall fit indices for the proposed model were acceptable. SEM confirmed a significant association between safety climate and safety behavior (ß = 0.20, p = 0.001). However, no relationship was found between safety climate/behavior and injury experience or MSD symptoms.

Conclusions

The safety climate influenced safety behavior but had no effect on employees’ self-reported injuries or MSD symptoms. Enhancing workplaces safety climate could prevent unsafe behaviors. This study recommends exploring the association between safety climate and safety performance indicators, considering potential mediators and moderators.
Back to work again: Survival analysis of factors promoting return after industrial accidents
Authors: Kang Dongsuk
Published: February 2025

Backgrounds

Since 2022, South Korea has enacted the “Serious Accident Punishment Act” to enhance the safety of industrial workers. However, serious industrial accidents have continued to occur since the Act's implementation. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen an increase in both the number and severity of these accidents. This highlights the need for better policies to prevent accidents and provide comprehensive medical and social support for injured workers.

Objectives

This study examines how different factors (e.g., policies, personal efforts, and demographic factors) affect the time it takes for workers injured in industrial accidents to return to their jobs.

Methods

This research utilized the Cox hazards model to examine the factors using data from the Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (2018–2020).

Results

The study found that several factors (e.g., experience with vocational rehabilitation services, living in large cities, having a higher disability rating, and being younger) helped workers return to their jobs more quickly.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that younger workers living in big cities with access to vocational rehabilitation services can return to work faster. This study also emphasizes the need for stronger policies to support older workers in rural areas. As South Korea's population ages and more young people move to cities, these challenges will become even more pressing.
The relationship between artificial intelligence anxiety and unemployment anxiety among university students
Authors: Uçar Mehmet , Çapuk Hüseyin , Yiğit Muhammet Faruk
Published: February 2025

Background

The idea that people will lose their jobs because of robots with artificial intelligence is one of the biggest recent concerns about artificial intelligence technology. There are predictions that unemployment will increase with the introduction of robots into the business sector, and due to artificial intelligence, automation in the production sector will make work completed by robots more practical than the efforts accomplished by humans.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the correlation between artificial intelligence anxiety and the level of unemployment anxiety among university students.

Methods

As a cross-sectional and descriptive study, the population comprised of 10,682 university students actively enrolled at a university. While the minimum sample size was calculated as 371 students, the research included 476 students as participants. The study used the ‘Personal Information Form’, ‘Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale’, and ‘Unemployment Anxiety Scale’ as data collection tools.

Results

The demographic information of the participants follows: 50.4% were male, 33.8% were freshmen, and 96.2% were single. The total score averages for the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale and Unemployment Anxiety Scale are 56.00 ± 15.51 and 53.52 ± 11.55, respectively. A statistically significant difference between the participants’ score averages on the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale and the Unemployment Anxiety Scale was identified for gender, major/college, trust in technology, and use of artificial intelligence ( p < 0.05). There was a moderately positive relationship between artificial intelligence anxiety and unemployment anxiety level total score averages ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions

There were high scores among participants for artificial intelligence anxiety and unemployment anxiety.
Fatigue induced by combined exposure to noise and whole-body vibration under simulated off-road heavy equipment driving conditions
Authors: Golhosseini Seyyed Mohammad Javad , Aliabadi Mohsen , Golmohammadi Rostam , Farhadian Maryam , Akbari Mehdi , Samavati Mehdi
Published: February 2025

Background

Fatigue, a complex state of lack of alertness, contributes to accidents, injuries, and death in different conditions. Previous research has studied the effects of noise and whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure on fatigue separately; however, there is little information about fatigue induced by combined exposure.

Objective

This experimental study aimed to investigate the combined effects of exposure to noise and WBV on fatigue.

Methods

Thirty young male participants were assessed for fatigue resulting from combined exposure to noise (85 dB) and WBV (0.87 and 1.3 m/s2) during five scenarios under simulated off-road heavy equipment driving conditions. Fatigue level was measured based on brain electrical activities as objective fatigue indicator and self-reported perceptions as subjective feeling of fatigue.

Results

The results showed significant differences in the participants’ objective and subjective fatigue after exposure to noise and/or WBV (p < 0.05). Single noise exposure affected the participants’ objective fatigue the least while combined exposure to noise and WBV affected the participants’ fatigue the most with effect sizes 0.465 and 0.868, respectively. There was a high correlation between objective and subjective fatigue measures (r = 0.826, p < 0.05). The findings demonstrated that subjective fatigue increased more in combined exposure to noise and WBV compared to separate exposure to the agents (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

It can be concluded that some interaction effects can occur in fatigue level in co-exposure to noise and WBV. It is verified that combined or even multiple exposures of drivers to harmful agents can be used in setting the action limit values.
Effect of environmental distraction on safety behavior: A path analysis approach
Authors: Mahdinia Mohsen , Yarandi Mohsen Sadeghi , Hosseinzadeh Kiana , Fallah Hossein , Hokmabadi Rajabali , Soltanzadeh Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Background

Environmental variables can affect employee safety in different ways. These variables can reduce attention and concentration and cause distraction. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the impact of distraction on safety, with results that have been inconsistent.

Objective

Based on a comprehensive literature review, we propose the hypothesis that environmental distractions can affect safety behavior either directly or indirectly through other factors. This study was conducted to investigate this hypothesis.

Methods

This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 474 employees from manufacturing industries in Iran. Data were collected through a self-report questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using the path analysis method in IBM SPSS AMOS 24.0 software. The validity of the model was assessed using the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), comparative fit index (CFI), and the coefficient of determination (R²).

Results

Based on the results of the path analysis and model fit indices (CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, χ²/df = 1.09, RMSEA = 0.014), environmental distraction indirectly affects safety behavior through fatigue, human–systems interaction, and situation awareness. The findings indicated that environmental distraction did not have a significant direct effect on safety behavior. Among the four variables studied, situation awareness had the greatest impact on safety behavior.

Conclusions

The study results indicated that more favorable workplace conditions (such as noise levels, temperature, colleagues’ traffic, crowded work environments, and availability of private space) help prevent fatigue and improve human–system interaction. Consequently, reduced fatigue and enhanced human–system interaction lead to greater situation awareness and safer behaviors.
Evaluation of mental health problems and psychological burnout among the bankers in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Mosharrafa Rana Al , Nazmunnahar  , Baqui Khalily M. A. , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: February 2025

Background

Individuals working in the banking sector may face several mental health-related issues. Job-related stress may act as a causative factor for the deterioration of the mental health of bank employees. This stress leads to other mental health concerns like depression, anxiety, and burnout.

Objective

Here, we aimed to investigate the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout among bank employees.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 397 bank employees. The characteristics of study participants and job-related variables were collected using a structured questionnaire. We applied the DASS-21 scale to assess depression, anxiety, and stress and the 15-item Bergen Burnout Inventory to assess burnout among participants.

Results

The prevalence of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms were 67.5%, 74.56%, and 59.56%, respectively, among the respondents. In comparison, about 93.45% of respondents were dealing with burnout symptoms. The majority of bank employees with mental health issues had mild depression (33%), extremely severe anxiety (37%), mild stress (40%), and severe burnout (46%). According to our findings, sex, area of residence, financial status, daily working hours, task variations, overstay at the office, salary satisfaction, work-life balance, and growth opportunity worked as contributing factors for poor mental health. Cronbach's alpha for the DASS-21 and 15-item Bergen Burnout Inventory scales were 0.939 and 0.924, respectively, which shows high internal consistency among the survey questions.

Conclusions

To promote the mental well-being of bank employees, policymakers and respective experts in the banking sector must emphasize regulations and carry out awareness-raising efforts to enhance the efficiency of bank employees.
The role of attention deficit disorder in workplace accidents: An emergency department perspective
Authors: Orhan Ahmet Faruk , Kaptan Şeyda , Tatliparmak Ali Cankut , Ak Rohat , Yilmaz Sarper
Published: February 2025

Background:

Occupational accidents pose significant health risks, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) potentially influencing accident rates and severities.

Objectives:

This study evaluates the impact of ADHD potential on workplace accidents in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods:

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, adult patients presenting with occupational accidents at a secondary care facility were assessed for ADHD potential using the ASRS v1.1 scale. Structured interviews collected demographic, occupational, and health behavior data, while the severity and likelihood of workplace accidents were evaluated using a 5 × 5 matrix.

Results:

Out of the 205 patients evaluated, 124 were categorized as ADHD-Unlikely and 81 as ADHD-Potential. The median age was comparable between the ADHD-Unlikely group and the ADHD-Potential group (p = 0.071). A notable difference was observed in marital status, where 50.6% of the ADHD-Potential group were single compared to 36.3% in the ADHD-Unlikely group (p = 0.042). The median duration of employment was 18 months for both groups, and the analysis of workplace accidents using a 5 × 5 matrix revealed a higher median severity in the ADHD-Unlikely group (3 [IQR 2–3]) versus the ADHD-Potential group (2 [IQR 2–3]) (p = 0.009). The likelihood of accidents did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.782).

Conclusion:

The study reveals no significant association between ADHD potential and the frequency of workplace accidents among emergency department patients, though a statistically significant difference was noted in the severity of accidents as per the 5 × 5 matrix, with the ADHD-Unlikely group reporting higher severity (p = 0.009).
The impact of work-related stress on the well-being of healthcare professionals caring for COVID-19 patients: A study of a Jordanian sample
Authors: Ghaboush Reham Ibrahim Abu , Al-Olimat Hmoud Salem , Anabtawi Manal Fathi , Alkhatib Walid , Essa Ab Hammour Shorouq , Alqdah Talal Abdelkareem , Al Buniaian Nada A. , Alajmi Abduruhman Fahad
Published: February 2025

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated job pressure and risks for healthcare workers (HCWs), who have a significantly higher prevalence of COVID-19 than the general population. The study examines the work-related stressors encountered by healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients, focusing on potential variations based on personal and work-related variables.

Objective

This study investigated work-related stressors among healthcare professionals treating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients, aiming to identify challenges and inform targeted support. The hypothesis posited that stress levels vary based on workload, extended hours, insufficient rest, discomfort from protective gear, burnout, and job dissatisfaction. Additionally, stress effects were expected to differ by sex, age, marital status, income, and education, with younger individuals, women, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds experiencing higher rates of stress.

Methods

This study examined 198 Jordanian healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients across four government, semi-governmental, and private hospitals. The custom-designed instrument assessed demographics and work-related stressors. The measurement instrument and model showed high reliability and validity.

Results

The findings revealed that work-related stress and fatigue were rampant among participants, influenced by workload, extended working hours, insufficient rest time, and discomfort from protective gear. Burnout and job dissatisfaction were also reported, with a significant proportion contemplating leaving their jobs. Gender disparities were noted: males struggled with shift systems, while females faced difficulties accessing personal protective equipment and feared job loss. Younger individuals experienced higher stress and fatigue levels, whereas older groups reported significant stress and fatigue compared to middle-aged groups. Additionally, the marital status, education level, and income were linked to specific stress factors.

Conclusions

The findings confirm that healthcare professionals treating COVID-19 patients experience varying work-related stress levels due to workload, long hours, insufficient rest, protective gear discomfort, burnout, and job dissatisfaction. The findings, therefore, underscore the need for targeted support and interventions to address stress and safeguard their well-being during the pandemic.
ERP in Bangladesh healthcare industry: Current scenario, challenges, and future directions
Authors: Karim Mohammad Rezaul , Nordin Norshahrizan , Hassan Md. Sharif , Islam Md Aminul , Yusof Mohd Faizal
Published: February 2025

Background

Over the last twenty years, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become essential for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency and gain a competitive advantage in the fierce business landscape of today. ERP systems offer substantial benefits for quality, cost-efficiency, and timely services in healthcare globally, but many organizations in underdeveloped and remote areas lack adequate IT infrastructure.

Objective

This paper aims to provide an overview of the status of the ERP environment in Bangladesh's healthcare business and highlight the demands for IT-enabled health infrastructure and challenges to ERP-based health structure adoption.

Method

The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis extension for systematic reviews using the PRISMA method. Two digital libraries including Scopus and WoS were used in this study for systematic literature review.

Results

The study found no papers conducted on ERP in Bangladesh healthcare, including advantages and disadvantages. Some findings revealed that the adoption of ERP systems in the healthcare industry in Bangladesh remains challenging but not beyond overcome.

Conclusions

ERP systems would encourage substantial changes in finances, human resources and capacity, revenue, workforce scheduling, and customer satisfaction if they were successfully adopted in healthcare enterprises in Bangladesh. Further improvement is needed in various disciplines based on the existing situation and difficulties with ERP adoption in the healthcare industry. The results of this study will assist the stakeholders in making wise choices regarding the implementation of ERP and upcoming investments in Bangladesh's healthcare industry.