bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing hotspot for tropical cyclone compound rainstorms from a disaster perspective: a case study in Guangdong, China
Authors: Zhao Shanshan , Li Ying , Zhao Dajun , Jiang Yundi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
In Guangdong Province, China, known as a hotspot for tropical cyclone (TC) and rainstorm disasters, investigating the role of hazard factors for both TC and rainstorm disasters is of great scientific and operational importance. Daily observational data from meteorological stations along with rainstorm/TC disaster loss data at the county level in Guangdong during 2001–2020 were analyzed to compare the characteristics of rainstorm and TC disasters. During the study period, although non-TC rainstorm rainfall in Guangdong was generally greater than TC rainstorm rainfall, TC disaster losses were double those of rainstorm disasters. Non-TC rainstorms and their losses predominantly occurred during the first flood season, whereas TC disaster primarily occurred in the second flood season. Although regional-average TC rainstorm rainfall was similar to non-TC rainstorm rainfall during the second flood season in Guangdong, it was greater than non-TC rainstorm rainfall in western Guangdong. Additionally, the coastal areas were frequently affected by TC strong winds, resulting in greater TC disaster losses than rainstorm disaster losses. The maximum daily precipitation was significantly correlated with rainstorm disaster losses. In areas influenced by both TC strong winds and rainstorms, TC disaster losses exhibited a significant positive correlation with the daily maximum wind speed, and the combined effect of strong winds and rainstorms led to greater disaster losses than with TC rainstorms alone. These findings emphasize the effects of TC strong wind and storm surges, besides those of heavy rainfall, in coastal areas of China when assessing the risks related to TC disasters.
Mechanical and wear characteristics of aluminium-7075/graphene/TiB2 prepared by stir casting
Authors: Menda Venkataramana , Dora Sivaprasad , Palli Srihari , Rallabandi Sivasankara Raju , Sharma Rakesh Chandmal , Sharma Neeraj , Bondala Ramakrishna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The rapid development of Aluminium composites with advanced hybrid materials is increasing due to increasing demand. This composite material is used in many applications in the aerospace and automotive industries due to its lightweight, good corrosion resistance and high thermal resistance. To meet this demand, this study focused on the development of Al-7075 alloy reinforcements containing TiB2 and graphene, using Aluminium-7075 as the base material, mixed with TiB2 and graphene to measure and improve mechanical and tribological properties by using stir casting technique, with the proposed graphene content of 1%, 2% and 3% and TiB2 content varying between 1 to 15% of its overall weight. With the addition of TiB2 and graphene properties such as hardness, tensile strength, impact strength and tribological behaviour are improved. The 12% reinforcement combination (i.e. 10% TiB2 and 2% Gr) exhibit better tensile strength, hardness and wear resistance. Microstructure and phase characterization of the composite material are analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. A microstructure evaluation is employed to justify the homogenous dispersal and the existence of reinforced particles. To ensure the quality and reliability of products made from these alloys, destructive tests are often conducted to evaluate their mechanical properties and behavior under different loading conditions.
Conclusion
Authors: Mueller Sean 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis chapter summarizes the main findings of the entire book, discusses the value of shared rule for political purposes, outlines the limits of the present study, and provides suggestions for further research. To do so, each chapter of this book is briefly summarized and connected to the overall question of what shared rule is and what it does. Three paradoxical effects of federalism are then discussed in terms of policy, polity, and politics, with shared rule presented as a potential remedy to each of the resulting tensions. The three design recommendations introduced at the outset are then rediscussed in light of the evidence presented, thus paving the way for further research into the dynamics, empirics, and effects of shared rule in democratic multilevel governance systems.
4 Strategies for effective risk communication following an emergency event or disaster
Authors: Bullock William 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The science of emergency response preparedness has advanced over the past 30 years, but the human brain has not fundamentally changed in thousands of years. Communicating OEHS concepts is a priority for all occupational hygienists – but how can you help workers, management, and the community better understand the importance of these concepts?
Effective communication is a learned skill. Building trust and empathy are critical in any two-way conversation, and listening is often the most crucial aspect in effective communication. Having a well laid out plan is a critical element for any successful emergency response. Once the bad thing happens, it is difficult, if not impossible to earn trust within the community. Trust must be earned and part of your preplanning efforts. Preplanning must include elements aimed at developing a solid reputation and building trust within communities and/or among stakeholders. This talk will focus on the following elements of communication after an emergency event has occurred (using first-hand experience from train derailments in the U.S.):
•the importance of effective communication and the relationship between engagement and outrage,
•the importance of preparing a communication plan for when (not if) an emergency event occurs,
•how companies/ organization can build trust and develop positive relationships before the emergency event occurs.
19 Exploring the variability of hazards behind the global epidemic of engineered stone-associated silicosis
Authors: Ramkissoon Chandnee , Gaskin Sharyn , Pisaniello Dino , Zosky Graeme 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
The emergence of engineered stone (ES)--associated silicosis is a global health crisis. This ‘new’ version of silicosis is more severe than what is traditionally seen in workers. This suggests that non-silica components of ES potentiate disease. The aim of this study was to explore the physical and chemical characteristics of ES dust emissions, at a sufficient scale and specificity to enable subsequent risk factor analysis with toxicology assays.
We established a unique repository of &gt;50 ES products. We cut/processed these stones under real-world conditions, and captured dust emissions using conventional air sampling approaches. Dust particles were analysed for crystallinity by XRD, resin content by TGA, metal composition by XRF, particle size and charge by DLS technique, and morphology by SEM. In addition, generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were captured using appropriate sorbent tubes and analysed by liquid and/or gas chromatography.
ES processing emitted very fine dust, ranging in aerodynamic size from &lt; 100 nm to 825 nm, of high surface area. These respirable dust particles comprised &gt;90% crystalline silica in the form of quartz and cristobalite, and up to 25% resin by weight. Actively machining ES also released harmful VOCs such as phthalic anhydride, styrene, and benzene, which have been linked to adverse health effects. We suggest, for the first time, that occupational hygienists need to consider co-exposures to dust and VOCs in undertaking exposure assessment and management for ES workers. Work is in progress to elucidate the role of particle size and chemistry on the pathogenesis of ES-associated silicosis.
62 Artificial intelligence and the Future of Work; opportunities and risks associated with worker health and safety
Authors: Vietas Jay 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Continued advances in artificial intelligence and the rapid pace of change within the workplace is presenting opportunities improve safety and health conditions for workers, particularly with respect to dangerous or repetitive work. These technologies also present increasing demands on the workforce to adapt and keep up with this technology, and in some cases create job uncertainty, loss of autonomy and privacy concerns. This session will discuss various aspects of artificial intelligence which are transforming how and where work is performed and the implications, both positive and negative, on the safety and health of workers. A description of NIOSH’s Future of Work initiative along with considerations for the design, implementation, and maintenance of these systems will be discussed along with guidance for occupational safety and health professionals on methods to assess the risk to workers and implement controls
80 Sun safety knowledge, practice, and perceived constraints in Irish agricultural and construction workers
Authors: Hogan Victoria , Hogan Michael , Moynihan Áine , Kirwan Orla , McLaughlin Christopher , Walsh Caolan Langan , Connolly Alison , Walsh Joan , Coggins Marie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Agricultural and construction workers spend much of their work time outdoors, which influences their exposure to ultra-violet radiation (UVR) and associated risk of skin cancer. However, no studies have examined UVR exposure knowledge and associated safety practices and constraints within these occupational groups in Ireland. This study aims to describe and compare UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices and perceived constraints of Irish agricultural and construction workers and to assess the association of demographic, personal and occupational factors with knowledge, practices, and perceived constraints in order to identify potential strategies for improving sun safety in these occupational groups.

Methodology
Study participants completed a questionnaire which measured UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices, and perceived constraints in addition to demographic, personal and workplace characteristics. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in knowledge, practices, and constraints by these characteristics.

Results
A total of 441 construction workers and 150 agricultural workers completed the questionnaire. Although significantly higher amongst construction workers when compared with agricultural workers, UVR exposure knowledge and use of sunscreen was low for both groups. Knowledge, practices, and perceived constraints also differed significantly according to demographic, personal, and workplace characteristics.

Conclusions
There is a need to design and evaluate interventions that increase UVR exposure knowledge and reduce constraints that may negatively impact on sun safety practices of agricultural and construction workers.
85 Elastic-band beard cover for P2/N95 respirators in healthcare workers: an evaluation
Authors: Bodas Charles , Williams Daryl , Ng Irene , Kave Benjamin , Roberts Megan , Begg Fiona 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Disposable P2/N95 respirators are important in preventing nosocomial infections within the healthcare system. Healthcare workers who cannot shave for cultural, religious, or medical reasons, face restrictions in using tight fitted respirators. Alternative solutions, like powered air purifying respirators, do not provide source control and are not universally accepted in healthcare settings, potentially exacerbating staff shortages during periods of high demand.
Over the past 18 months, The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the under-respirator elastic band beard cover, also known as the Singh Thattha Technique.
The protocol for implementing and evaluating the technique, has been published in a peer-reviewed open-access journal. Participants are required to pass three fit tests with the elastic band/respirator combination, exceeding standard fit testing practices.
The trial results involving the initial 87 participants have also recently been published. Ninety-nine percent of participants successfully passed fit testing with the Industree Trident P2 respirator, while 78% met the protocol criteria using the 3M Aura 1870+. All 87 participants achieved successful fit testing on at least one of these respirators following our stringent protocol.
This presentation will explore RMH’s methodology for assessing the elastic band beard cover, examine the test protocol, discuss findings, highlight limitations of the technique, and explore future implications. This work aligns with the conference theme, offering a transformative solution that empowers the healthcare workforce to be prepared for the future.
94 Factors determining the uptake of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by firefighters during fire operations
Authors: Taeger Dirk , Koslitz Stephan , Käfferlein Heiko Udo , Lotz Anne , Pelzl Tim , Heinrich Birgit , Pitzke Katrin , Weiß Tobias , Behrens Thomas , Harth Volker , Brüning Thomas 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
During fire operations, firefighters are exposed to fumes containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The objective of this study is to identify factors that determine the uptake of PAHs during firefighting operations.

Methodology
Fifty-four firefighters who had a fire assignment in residential buildings in Germany were included. During an initial examination and at three further time points after the fire mission, the amounts of PAHs incorporated were assessed by the biomarker 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP). Detailed information on fire circumstances and equipment were recorded and related to 1-OHP concentrations. Regression models were used to account for repeated measurements on the same responder.

Results
Firefighters at interior attacks showed highest concentrations of 1-OHP of all studied firefighters. The presence of smoke gases (p=0.0591), missions lasting more than 30 minutes under respiratory protection (p=0.0905), dark grey (p=0.0777) and black smoke (p=0.0498), a smoke-free layer of less than one meter above the ground (p=0.0086), and visibility of 0.5 - 2 meters (p=0.0010) and less than 0.5 meters (p&lt;0.0001) statistically significantly increased 1-OHP concentrations.

Conclusions
During fire operations, PAHs can be absorbed especially in fires with a strong smoke development, deep smoke layer and low visibility. Even with fully and correctly donned personal protective equipment, including respiratory protection, the 1-OHP increases during an interior attack and with increasing duration of the operation. Overall, these results show that properly donned, functional personal protective equipment minimizes, but does not completely eliminate, mission-related exposures to carcinogenic PAHs in firefighters.
105 An online tool to query exposure measurements collected in French workplaces since 1987 by work situation
Authors: Mater Gautier , Emili Andrea , Savary Barbara , Humbert Audrey , Sauve Jean-Francois 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Occupational exposure databases represent important sources of information for exposure surveillance. Unfortunately, the information contained in these databases is rarely publicly accessible. We developed an online tool to allow external users access to detailed statistical exposure data for specific exposure scenarios by leveraging air sampling data collected in French workplaces since 1987 and stored in the Colchic database.

Methods
The tool relies on a database containing over 800,000 exposure results to 614 chemical agents as of 2023. For each agent, queries can be made for a combination of up to ten exposure variables: time period, industrial sector, occupation, task, company size, process type (e.g. open, closed), exposure frequency, product associated with the exposure (e.g. “paints and varnishes”), general ventilation, and local exhaust ventilation. Ring charts dynamically display the distribution of data across categories for each exposure variable to guide users in their queries. Descriptive statistics (e.g. number of samples, quantiles of the exposure distribution, proportion of samples above the exposure limit) are reported when at least fifty number of measurements are available. A detailed printable report providing enhanced graphics and information on co-exposures and time trends can also be generated. The tool is updated yearly by including the previous year’s measurement data.

Results
The online tool is freely available in English and French at https://www.inrs.fr/outil110.

Discussion
The tool provides information to industrial hygienists on historical and recent exposure levels across a wide range of chemical substances and work situations for a priori occupational risk assessment and prevention.
125 Biological monitoring of exposure to benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and persistent organic pollutants in Norwegian Firefighters
Authors: Olsen Raymond 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
It is well known that firefighters may be exposed to carcinogenic compounds present in the fire smoke during extinguishing of fires. Several of these compounds can be adsorbed by the body both by inhalation and dermal exposure. Recently, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified occupational exposure as a firefighter as carcinogenic to humans. Firefighters in Norway are currently using protective clothing and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during both knock down and overhaul. The amount of known carcinogenic compounds absorbed by the body during extinguishing of fires is, however, not known. Thus, there is a need to determine firefighters’ exposure to known carcinogens in fire smoke. S-phenyl mercapturic acid (SPMA), a specific metabolite of benzene, and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP), a biomarker of PAHs exposure, were determined in urine samples collected from a total of 205 firefighters extinguishing regular fires (n=123) and controlled-residential fires (n=82). Furthermore, fifty seven persistent organic pollutants (dioxins, PCBs, PBDEs and PFAS) were determined in serum collected from a sub-group of twenty firefighters with a duration of employment of minimum twenty years. The measured concentrations of SPMA and 1-OHP in urine were in the range &lt; 0.02 – 16.1 µg/g creatinine and &lt; 0.03 – 5.8 µg/g creatinine, respectively, six hours after the work related to the fire. The firefighters’ concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in serum were similar to those found in the general Norwegian population or other investigated groups in Norway.
138 Boosting effectiveness of cytotoxic drug exposure controls in an Australian compounding pharmacy
Authors: Patel Ritesh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Managing exposure to cytotoxic drugs is difficult because of high toxicity and lack of health-based exposure limits. Cytotoxic drugs are often prepared and supplied to hospitals by compounding pharmacies. These pharmacies often use a combination of cytotoxic drug safety cabinets (CDSC), respiratory protective equipment (RPE), disposable coveralls, and gloves to reduce the risk of exposure. However, work practices play a crucial role in the overall effectiveness of these controls. We assessed the impact of enhanced work practices on the effectiveness of these controls.
We reviewed the work practices through direct observations and took surface wipe samples for Cyclophosphamide before and after the recommended improvements to evaluate the impact. The surface wipe samples were taken from the CDSC and compounding room (red zone), the secondary change room (yellow), and the control areas (green). We compared the results with the respective adopted performance-based surface limits (PBSLs).
Before improvements, the cyclophosphamide levels in each zone and on the reusable RPE exceeded the PBSLs. The cyclophosphamide levels ranged between &lt;0.003 and 2.3 µg/100 cm2, with the highest level inside the CDSC. After improvements, the cyclophosphamide levels ranged between &lt;0.003 and 0.3 µg/100 cm2, and there was no exceedance of PBSLs.
The work practices are crucial to the effectiveness of the CDSC and personal protective equipment for handling cytotoxic drugs. Surface wipe sampling is a handy tool for evaluating work practices. In addition, we recommend monitoring cyclophosphamide levels in the urine to determine the overall effectiveness of controls.
157 Occupational chemical JEM development within the European Job-Exposure Matrix (EuroJEM), EU Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research (EPHOR)
Authors: Wiebert Pernilla , Xu Yiyi , Koponen Milja , Uuksulainen4 Sanni , Notø Hilde , Turner Michelle , Santibañez Miguel , Pilorget Corinne , Peters Susan , Schlünssen Vivi , Basinas Ioannis , Ge Calvin B , Selander Jenny , Albin Maria , Tinnerberg Håkan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
A first version of a European Job-exposure matrix (EuroJEM) for chemicals and particles has been developed within the EU Exposome Project for Health and Occupational Research (EPHOR). The aim was to produce an improved tool for exposure assessment for epidemiological studies on the European population. The working group includes experts on job-exposure matrices and/or occupational exposures from several European countries, including Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, France, and Spain.

Methodology
The first version, EuroJEM1.0, includes Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust, Wood dust, Diesel Engine Exhaust (EC) and Nickel. Exposure data were obtained from JEM-holders, and occupational codes were translated into ISCO-88(COM).
Experts from the working group independently harmonized EuroJEM values from three to five JEMs for each agent. Consensus was reached during meetings. First the prevalence of exposed subjects in an occupation was assessed. In the next step a level was assigned to occupations with at least 25 % exposed workers. Nickel could not be assigned with exposure levels due to poor data quality. Regional differences in exposure have been included when indicated from the underlying data. The EuroJEM will be made publicly available.

Results
EuroJEM contains 29 occupations exposed to Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust, 12 to Wood dust and 44 to Diesel Engine Exhaust and 14 to Nickel.

Conclusions
This is the first attempt to harmonize several European JEMs to be used in European epidemiological studies on work exposure and disease. It will be linked with the EPHOR mega cohort as a next step.