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This article identifies the health of the worker as a third source of labour power indeterminacy to be added to the indeterminacy of labour effort and the indeterminacy of labour mobility. The paper clearly differentiates worker health from effort as a distinct source of labour power indeterminacy—something that cannot be guaranteed and that varies for an individual over time. It considers the relationship between worker health as a new source of indeterminacy and the two extant sources of labour power indeterminacy, focussing on the way in which health moderates the relationship between effort and output. The paper also considers the way in which worker health investment moderates the indeterminacy of labour effort and labour mobility, independently of its impact on the health of the worker. The paper documents the potential value of worker health investment to the organisation and also considers the boundary conditions for investment in worker health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We estimated associations of a rest break ordinance, implemented for construction workers in Dallas, Texas in 2016, with workplace injuries and illnesses. Methods: We used workers' compensation claims data to compare changes in rates of injuries and illnesses among Dallas County, Texas construction (ie, "treated") workers with changes in untreated workers, before (2013-2015) and after (2016-2018) a rest break ordinance was implemented. Results: Immediately after the ordinance was implemented, rates of injuries/illnesses among treated workers were modestly lower than in comparison workers (rate ratio comparing postmandate vs premandate rates, treated vs comparison workers: 0.89, 95%confidence interval: 0.72-1.11). Postordinance versus preordinance slope trends were similar in the treated versus the comparison group. Conclusions: Ten-minute rest breaks were associated with modestly lower rates of workplace injury/illnesses. More comprehensive standards may be needed for protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of GeSec: Revista de Gestao e Secretariado is the property of Sindicato das Secretarias e Secretarios do Estado de Sao Paulo (SINSESP) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We provide new evidence on the economic and health impacts of government- mandated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Apart from labor force participation, unemployment, and hours worked, we provide novel results on work absence due to illness. We also examine the heterogeneity of these results by demographic and employment groups. We use recent innovations in the difference-in-differences methodology to capture the dynamic effects of these orders that were staggered in nature. Our findings show that states' social distancing measures increased unemployment and lowered labor market participation and hours worked. The adverse labor market effects were more pronounced for single parents and those working non-teleworkable jobs. We find some evidence that workers' health improved as absence from work due to illness significantly decreased, suggesting that NPIs protected many vulnerable workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Professional Business Review (JPBReview) is the property of Open Access Publications LLC and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Diversitas Journal is the property of Diversitas Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Forestry Society of Croatia / Sumarski List Hrvatskoga Sumarskoga Drustva is the property of Forestry Society of Croatia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, two closely related threats to human and planetary health, meet the criteria for the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an international public health emergency, as occurred with COVID-19 (1), and urged by numerous scientific journals (2). Attaining decent work, understood as “opportunities for women and men to work in conditions of freedom, equity, security and human dignity” (3), in the context of the climate emergency, creates a paradox for worker health. Outdoor workers (notably those in agriculture and construction), many of them informal workers, are among the populations most vulnerable to climate-related hazards. Simultaneously, they are inevitably at risk of exposure due to their role in maintaining the economy and functioning of society. A similar situation happened during the pandemic with essential workers (4). The WHO declaration of a public health emergency helped manage that global crisis. A consequence of the industrial revolution The current climate crisis is a direct consequence of the Industrial Revolution where key processes emerged to explain the current situation: the appearance of wage labor and the working class, with consumerism as a basic economic driver, and the exploitation of natural resources – especially fossil fuels – in their own territories and in the colonies. The extension of this capitalist model of society to virtually the entire planet is a reality. Now, we see how this economic system has brought both great harm and significant benefits. Since its beginning, capitalism has wrought great suffering for people, masterfully described, among others, by Fredrich Engels in the Manchester of 1845 (5) or the London of 1838 in Charles Dickens` Oliver Twist (6). Although working conditions have since improved in many countries, there are still unbearable examples worldwide of worker exploitation and suffering. Among them, child labor, where 70% are working in agriculture (7) or some underregulated platform work (8), in a context of ever-increasing social inequalities (9). On the other hand, due to improved working and life conditions, there has also been an extraordinary increase in the world population, from one billion at the beginning of the 19th century to approximately eight billion today, leading to a linear increase in life expectancy at birth, which doubled globally between the beginning of the 20th century and the present. In 2015, the Lancet Commission on Planetary Health (10) pointed out that never before has humanity faced such an unintended paradox. While human well-being has been improving, the planet has been degrading. A contradiction that can no longer be sustained. We have lived as if our planet`s resources are unlimited. Based on comparisons to average temperature readings of the planet between 1850 and 1900, the United Nations International Panel on Climate Change estimated in its latest report that temperatures increased by 1.1° C between 2011 and 2020. This increase is very close to the 1.5° C established by the 2015 Paris Agreement as the limit beyond which climate impacts may become irreversible. Beyond any reasonable doubt, this is mostly attributable to the greenhouse effect produced by CO2 emissions, a consequence mainly of human activity and our way of living initiated by the Industrial Revolution. This global increase in temperature, with heat waves, floods and other extreme temperature events as its most obvious manifestations, is already having effects on worker health (12, 13). Climate change is also having effects on the economy and the labor market, both in the primary (agriculture and fishing) and services (tourism) sectors, with reductions in productivity and employment. Estimates from the European Commission reveal an average loss of 3% of GDP among EU countries between 1980 and 2020 (14). Simultaneously, we should not forget that the capitalist society that emerged from the Industrial Revolution is based, among other pillars, on full or near full employment. As such, wages represent the main economic resource for the majority of people, in addition to being the primary source of wealth generation for society, on whose income and taxes the welfare state was built. Of course, employment means much more than wage earning, as it plays a fundamental role in the social processes that sustain human dignity and social cohesion (15). However, only approximately 50% of the employed population, mainly in high-income countries, enjoy decent employment with a living wage and social rights (16). The resulting Gordian knot before us is enormous, with humanity facing the climate emergency and trying to move from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, while simultaneously seeking to maintain and increase decent employment for all Earth`s inhabitants, boosting the welfare states at the same time (17). Controlling climate-related hazards and just green transition The alternatives proposed to escape this crossroads vary between those that propose a new paradigm, which radically changes the current economic model, betting on measures that break drastically from the capitalist economy (18), versus a gradual process, supported by mitigation, adaptation, and compensation policies (19). Favoring this second alternative, but without ruling out the need to profoundly change human consumption patterns with important repercussions on the productive system (energy, transportation, food, etc.), gradualist policies will also directly or indirectly impact employment and working conditions during the transition from carbon emission energy to green energy. To cope with this urgent situation, specific control measures have been proposed over the last few decades. Schulte and colleagues have systematically reviewed the literature (20, 21, 22), identifying new and exacerbated old climate-related hazards such as extreme temperatures, air pollution, ultraviolet radiation, natural disasters, biological hazards, indoor air quality, etc., and they also assessed the impact of employment transition and economic burden on occupational health equity and mental health. On this basis, the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has elaborated recommendations to mitigate and control the impact of several climate-related hazards on worker health and well-being (23). Similarly, the EU Agency for Safety and Health at Work has published guidelines for heat at work (24). Going further, some governments, such as Spain, have begun regulating and enforcing specific measures (25). Implementation of these workplace preventive measures to mitigate the impact of climate change is the responsibility of employers, with full participation of workers. Devoting resources to hazard recognition; performing risk assessments to identify which workers are most vulnerable to climate change-related hazards; and implementing a control strategy with policies, procedures, equipment, and work organization changes aiming to eliminate or minimize the impact of these hazards can improve employer preparedness (26). Adaptation policies to reduce emissions of CO2 and other gases that are driving the greenhouse effect, still with limited results, could mean a loss of six million jobs worldwide, according to estimates of the International Labor Organization (ILO) (27). This same estimation predicts a promising creation of 24 million jobs, mainly in economies emphasizing recycling and reutilization of manufactured products (the so-called “circular economy”), infrastructure construction, development of renewables and energy efficiency. Also, during this transition, new forms of work will emerge (e.g., human-robot interfaces and artificial intelligence), and with them the need to train workers, both new and existing, to adapt to those new forms of work. While waiting for positive results from mitigation and adaptation policies, a just transition to a green economy must simultaneously incorporate compensation policies. To achieve this, it is essential to strengthen social protection systems, a cornerstone of decent employment. For example, there were measures adopted during the pandemic, such as temporary employment regulation for employees or benefits covering the cessation of activity of the self-employed. Similar compensation measures may help workers affected by mitigation and adaptation policies during a transition phase, possibly to a lesser degree than in the pandemic, but lasting longer. In summary, as was the case in the most recent public health emergency, the COVID-19 pandemic, declaring the climate emergency as an international public health emergency by the WHO could play a critical role in managing this new global health crisis. Research programs, supported by global occupational health surveillance systems, to monitor the effectiveness of mitigation, adaptation and compensation measures are urgent. Conflict of interest statement The authors report no conflicts of interest. References 1. WHO. International Health Regulations, 3rd edition. Geneva: WHO; 2016. Available on: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241580496. Accessed 4 February 2024. 2. Zielinski C. Time to treat the climate and nature crisis as one indivisible global health emergency. BMJ Open. 2023;13(10):e080907. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080907 3. International Labour Organization. Report of the Director-General: decent work. Paper presented at the 87th Annual International Labour Conference, Geneva, 1999. Available at: https://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/ilc/ilc87/rep-i.htm [Accessed March 9 2024]. 4. Burdorf A, Porru F, Rugulies R. The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic: consequences for occupational health. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2020; 46(3):229-230. https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.3893 5. Engels, F. The condition of the working class in England (D. McLellan, Ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2009. https://doi.org/10.1093/owc/9780199554652.003.0151 6. Dickens C. Oliver Twist. London: Lacy; 1938. https://doi.org/10.1093/oseo/instance.00121337 7. Piketty, T. Capital in the twenty-first century (A. Goldhammer, Trans.). London: Belknap Press; 2017. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvjnrvx9 8. International Labour Organization, Issue paper on child labour and climate change, Geneva: ILO; 2023. Available on: https://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/newsroom/news/WCMS_905673/lang--en/index.htm. 9. Eurofound. Back to the future: Policy pointers from platform work scenarios, New forms of employment series. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union; 2020. 10. Whitmee S, Haines A, Beyrer C et al. Safeguarding human health in the Anthropocene epoch: report of The Rockefeller Foundation-Lancet Commission on planetary health. Lancet. 2015;386(10007):1973-2028. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(15)60901-1 11. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Synthesis report (SYR) of the IPCC sixth assessment report (AR6). Available on: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-cycle. Accessed 4 February 2024. 12. Martínez-Solanas È, López-Ruiz M, Wellenius GA, Gasparrini A et. Evaluation of the impact of ambient temperatures on occupational injuries in Spain. Environ Health Perspect. 2018;126(6):067002. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP2590 13. Johnson RJ, Wesseling C, Newman LS. Chronic kidney disease of unknown cause in agricultural communities. N Engl J Med. 2019;380(19):1843-1852. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1813869 14. European Environment Agency. Economic losses and fatalities from weather and climate-related events in Europe. Available on: https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/economic-losses-and-fatalities-from#:~:text=Between%201980%20%20and%202020%2C%20total,of%20these%20losses%20were%20insured. Accessed 4 February 2024. 15. Budd JW. The thought of work. J Ind Rel. 2012;54(4):542-545. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022185612456331 16. Frank J, Mustard C, Smith P, Siddiqi A, Cheng Y, Burdorf A et al. Work as a social determinant of health in high-income countries: past, present, and future. Lancet. 2023 Oct 14;402(10410):1357-1367. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00871-1 17. Benavides FG, Serra C, Delclos GL. What can public health do for the welfare state? Occupational health could be an answer. J Epidemiol Community Health. 2019;73(12):1141-1144. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2018-211561 18. Saito K. El capital en la era del Antropoceno. Barcelona: Penguin Random House Grupo Editorial, 2022. 19. Eurofound. Impact of climate change and climate policies on living conditions, working conditions, employment and social dialogue: A conceptual framework. Luxembourg: Eurofound research paper, Publications Office of the European Union; 2023. 20. Schulte PA, Chun H. Climate change and occupational safety andhealth: establishing a preliminary framework. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2009; 6:9, 542-554. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459620903066008 21. Schulte PA, Bhattacharya A, Butler CR et al. Advancing the framework for considering the effects of climate change on worker safety and health. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2016;13(11):847-65. https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2016.1179388 22. Schulte PA, Jacklitsch LB, Bhattacharya A et al. Updated assessment of occupational safety and health hazards of climate change. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2023;20(5-6):183-206, https://doi.org/10.1080/15459624.2023.2205468 23. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Occupational safety and health and climate. Available on: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/climate/default.html. Accessed 6 February 2024. 24. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Heat at work - Guidance for workplaces. Available on: https://osha.europa.eu/en/publications/heat-work-guidance-workplaces. Accessed 7 February 2024. 25. Real Decreto-ley 4/2023, de 11 de mayo, por el que se adoptan medidas urgentes en materia de […] prevención de riesgos laborales en episodios de elevadas temperaturas. Available on: https://www.boe.es/eli/es/rdl/2023/05/11/4. Accessed at 7 February 2024. 26. Levy, Barry S, Cora Roelofs. Impacts of climate change on workers’ health and safety. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Global Public Health. 2019. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190632366.013.39 27. International Labor Organization (ILO). World employment and social outlook 2018: Greening with jobs. Geneva: ILO; 2018. Available on: https://www.ilo.org/weso-greening/documents/WESO_Greening_EN_web2.pdf. Accessed at 7 February 2024.

Copyright of Trabalho & Educação is the property of Work & Education of the Graduate Program, Faculty of Education, Federal University of Minas Gerais and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Extreme cold weather conditions affect construction workers' health and safety performance. Hence, the goal of this article is to identify and analyze these challenges so that effective measures can be developed and implemented to mitigate or eliminate them. To this end, a questionnaire was created and circulated through the online platform QuestionPro. The Kruskal–Walli's test was used to examine the physical and mental health issues identified by the 111 responders, and quantitative analysis was performed by using physiological indicators such as heart rate and personal indicators, including degree of comfort and acclimation. The results showed that physical obstacles such as hypothermia and respiratory issues were perceived differently based on heart rate and garment comfort; and mental issues, such as poor concentration and frequent mood swings, varied with the workers' heart rate and level of acclimatization. Some of the strategies developed for protecting the workers are ensuring that they wear sufficient layers of clothing and heated gloves and have access to technologies such as infrared heaters. Existing practices and legislation that control construction "workers" safety in extreme cold weather conditions are also addressed. The findings of this article will help construction industry professionals effectively manage projects while ensuring their workers' safety in harsh cold weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational health issues identified in maquilas include respiratory, musculoskeletal, psychological problems, and accidents. This study identifies the basic health issues, as well as the sources and investigational methods needed for drafting health standards for maquilas. It sets out conceptual guidelines, suggesting general methodological strategies appropriate for studies of workers’ health and its determinants in the maquiladora sector. The conceptual-methodological model is based on 1) a review of relevant studies, 2) a mixed methods pilot feasibility study within the community of workers and social actors of a textile maquila in Nicaragua, and 3) the conceptual-methodological integration of a literature review with the results of the pilot study. The main issues identified are the organization of work, health, governmental regulation, family and gender, infrastructure and environment. Methodological recommendations focus on the principle of triangulation; the use of anonymous questionnaires and focus groups to examine specific issues; individual interviews with management personnel and members of the community; and the value of family members as key informers on the impact on family, environment and community. Observation of actual work procedures is ideal but not always possible. A joint health and safety committee and a health services unit would be key instruments in the prevention of accidents and illness and in health promotion and care.

Sensory irritation is a health endpoint that serves as the critical effect basis for many occupational exposure limits (OELs). Schaper 1993 described a significant relationship with high correlation between the measured exposure concentration producing a 50% respiratory rate decrease (RD50) in a standard rodent assay and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH®) Threshold Limit Values (TLVs®) as time-weighted averages (TWAs) for airborne chemical irritants. The results demonstrated the potential use of the RD50 values for deriving full-shift TWA OELs protective of irritant responses. However, there remains a need to develop a similar predictive model for deriving workplace short-term exposure limits (STELs) for sensory irritants. The aim of our study was to establish a model capable of correlating the relationship between RD50 values and published STELs to prospectively derive short-term exposure OELs for sensory irritants. A National Toxicology Program (NTP) database that included chemicals with both an RD50 and established STELs was used to fit several linear regression models. A strong correlation between RD50s and STELs was identified, with a predictive equation of ln (STEL) (ppm) = 0.86 * ln (RD50) (ppm) − 2.42 and an R2 value of 0.75. This model supports the use of RD50s to derive STELs for chemicals without existing exposure recommendations. Further, for data-poor sensory irritants, predicted RD50 values from in silico quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models can be used to derive STELs. Hence, in silico methods and statistical modeling can present a path forward for establishing reliable OELs and improving worker safety and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Construction laborers succumb to poor health due to the inherent workplace health hazards and poor socio-economic living conditions. With rising healthcare expenses, the increased risk of poor health may aggravate their economic status, pushing them deeper into poverty. Settings and Design: The current cross-sectional multicenter study comprehensively investigated the determinants of health, health-seeking behavior, and poor economic impact regarding catastrophic health expenditure (CHE) among construction laborers. Methods and Material: We collected details on illnesses among self and family members of the construction laborers that required healthcare visits during the previous year and their approximate expenses. Among the 1110 participants with complete data, 37% reported illness requiring a healthcare visit either for self or a family member. Results: Regression models to ascertain demographic and living condition determinants of perceived illness revealed an increased risk of illness when the kitchen is shared with the living space (OR = 1.87) and use unhygienic smoky cooking fuels (OR = 1.87). More than 25% of those who reported illness incurred CHE. Conclusion: We conclude that the frequency of perceived illness and the economic impact, i.e., CHE is relatively higher among the construction laborers. Our results demonstrate that poor living conditions add to the burden of morbidity in construction workers and families. Providing healthcare coverage for this population and engaging and educating them about affordable healthcare are necessary future steps to prevent the worsening of the economic situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This literature review analyzes the impact of commuting labour migration (CLM) on human health. Travel time is one of the major CLM factors affecting migrant health in both active and passive way. Fatigue and stress associated with commuting result in the increased blood pressure and risk of obesity. The paper also dwells upon the impact of CLM on worker stress by gender. The article also explores the relationship between CLM and mortality. Work-life balance plays a crucial role in migrant health, while satisfaction with life can be compromised due to insecure life style associated with CLM. There is an effect of adaptation that can influence migrant health in a positive way. In addition to negative aspects the article reviews benefits of CLM, including improved professional skills and higher income, and effective use of travel time. A special attention is payed to health of the Russian commuting migrants and their specific challenges and problems. The article is a comprehensive review of scientific literature on CLM impact of human health. the results obtained can be used to develop programs and policies aimed at improving health of labour migrants and mitigating negative effects of commuting labour migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Çalışma ve Toplum is the property of Calisma ve Toplum and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Explore the differing associations of Sonography Work Systems (SWS) model factors with work-related discomfort outcomes among sonographers in four sonographic practice areas. Materials and Methods: Survey data from a national cross-disciplinary cohort of sonographers was analyzed to explore experiences of work factors and work-related discomfort in sonographers across four practice areas: abdominal (ABD+), adult echocardiography (Echo), obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN), and vascular technology (VT). One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and chi-square tests were conducted on SWS factors and work-related discomfort to examine differences across practice area groups. Associative analyses were conducted between upper extremity musculoskeletal discomfort and hand used during sonography examinations. For each practice group, regression analyses examined associations of SWS factors with work-related discomfort (i.e., musculoskeletal and visual discomfort, headaches). Results: 2924 survey respondents (n = 1747 ABD+, n = 519 Echo, n = 351 VT, and n = 307 OB/GYN) were identified. Descriptive differences were identified in SWS factors and discomfort across practice area groups. Significant differences were noted in distribution of upper extremity pain compared with the hand used to complete sonography examinations (P <.001). Conclusion: This study identified multiple organizational, tool, and process factors commonly associated with discomfort across specialties, which underscores the need for multidimensional approaches to worker health that include effective administrative and engineering controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace harassment, or perceived mistreatment directed toward a worker, is dangerous to worker health and job attitudes. Child welfare workers are particularly susceptible to workplace harassment due to high-stress job environments. Using a work stress process framework, this study examined how perceptions of status-based bias (i.e., discriminatory behaviors based on a status characteristic), supervisor bullying (i.e., bullying behaviors from a supervisor), and client violence (i.e., violence perpetrated by clients) related to personal and work-related outcomes among child welfare workers. Separate models considered independent and collective effects. This study used data from the Florida Study of Professionals for Safe Families (FSPSF), a statewide sample of child welfare workers (n = 969). Regression models tested the associations among the types of workplace harassment and workers' outcomes. Descriptive findings indicated that, largely regardless of status characteristics, status-based bias, supervisor bullying, and client violence are pervasive. Linear regression results showed that harassment related to negative, independent, collective, and largely additive effects to mental health and job attitudes. The widespread nature of workplace harassment among child welfare workers coupled with the evidence that each additional form of harassment is associated with worse outcomes suggests the importance of proactive and responsive measures at the agency level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mobile Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) played a crucial role in the care and transportation of patients. However, the working conditions and human cost faced by SAMU workers in this context are underexplored. This study assessed the work context and the human cost from the perspective of SAMU professionals during the pandemic, with a sample of 179 workers across 16 Brazilian states. The results revealed that approximately 80% of the workers faced critical to severe working conditions, along with issues related to work organization and socio-professional relationships. The human cost, particularly the cognitive cost, was also high, affecting around 78.2% of SAMU workers. Notably, the study highlights the significant influence of work organization on the human cost, specifically the cognitive cost.

Background: The turnover rate of nurse aides in Taiwan is high. However, the predictors of turnover behavior in the newly employed are still unclear. Objective: To examine the predictors of turnover behavior in newly employed licensed nurse aides. Methods: A longitudinal study design was used and subjects were newly employed certified nurse aides from a nurse aid training association in Taiwan. A total of five questionnaire surveys were conducted. The questionnaire was mainly used to collect information on turnover behavior, personal socioeconomic background, workplace psychosocial hazards, worker health hazards, and musculoskeletal disorders. Results: A total of 300 participants were recruited in the study. Cox regression analysis results showed that short working experience (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.21, p

IntroductionSmall business beauty salons have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their workplace air. VOCs are present as ingredients in beauty or hair products. They may also form because of chemical reactions, where thermal-styling elements accelerate the volatilization of these compounds. Uncertainties remain about the relationship between air pollutant concentrations and the variety of beauty salon activities in a work shift. Investigating these associations can help determine high-risk services, associated products, and at-risk workers.MethodsIn this exploratory study, female community health workers recruited beauty salons from target zip codes in predominately Latino neighborhoods, including primarily Spanish-speaking small businesses. We collected salon chemical inventories, business characteristics, and participant activity logs to understand how chemicals and activities influence the total and specific VOC concentrations. We sampled personal total VOCs and specific VOCs from the same shop during the participant work shift. We also measured personal total VOCs for four work shifts per shop.ResultsA linear mixed effects model of log VOCs on the fixed effect of activity and the random effects of salon and shift within the salon showed that the variance between salons explains over half (55%) of the total variance and is 4.1 times bigger than for shifts within salons. Summa canisters detected 31 specific VOCs, and hazard scores ranged between 0 and 4.3. 2-Propanol (isopropyl alcohol) was the only VOC detected in all shifts of all salons.DiscussionIn this study, differences in VOC measurements were primarily between salons. These differences may result from differences in ventilation, services rendered, and product lines applied.

Copyright of Arquivos de Ciências da Saúde da UNIPAR is the property of Associacao Paranaense de Ensino e Cultura and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The inaugural Workers' Voice Summit was held in Washington DC in 2022. Worker advocates from across the country spoke directly with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), part of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) about their concerns and ideas for solutions moving forward. Worker advocates shared their experiences with ineffective OSHA enforcement and a lack of accountability for poor employer behaviors. National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) network members developed priorities in advance of the summit that laid out a path for progress. Priorities included: engagement of workers and advocates as collaborators with OSHA; protection for workers from being silenced due to immigration status; enabling workers to fully participate in workplace investigations and enforcement proceedings; protection for temporary workers; and collaboration with state and federal agencies to maximize worker protections. The summit was a good start and worker advocates are prepared to keep pushing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction sites continue to operate despite inclement weather, exposing workers to unpleasant working circumstances that can lead to various physical and mental health challenges. A thorough literature review yielded 21 challenges for hot weather conditions such as heat stroke, kidney disease, heat cramps, anxiety and depression, and 20 challenges for cold weather conditions like asthma, frostbite, musculoskeletal disorders and hallucination. Workers vulnerable to hot and cold weather based on demographic characteristics were identified. The study also provides 27 strategies to address the challenges experienced in hot and cold weather conditions. Some of these include ensuring that workers stay hydrated, scheduling sufficient rest periods and allowing workers to self-pace. The results of this study will help construction decision-makers and project managers understand the difficulties faced by a field workforce who labors in extreme working conditions on construction sites and will facilitate adoption of strategies that can prevent weather-related physical and mental health problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The donation of unharvested or unsold crops to rescue organizations has been promoted as a strategy to improve healthy food access for food insecure households while reducing production-level food loss and waste (FLW). In this study, we aimed to assess the motivations, barriers, and facilitators for crop donation as a FLW reduction strategy among Maryland farmers. We interviewed 18 Maryland-based food producers (nine frequent crop donors and nine infrequent, by self-report) in 2016 - 2017, soliciting their perspectives on crop donation motivators, process feasibility, and interventions aimed at increasing crop donation. The interviews were thematically coded. All respondents were aware of crop donation as an option, and most expressed interest in reducing FLW by diverting crop surpluses for human consumption. While financial barriers represented one aspect influencing donation decisions, respondents also cited convenience, process knowledge, and liability as key considerations. In contrast to frequent donors, many of whom considered donation a moral imperative, some infrequent donors questioned the expectation that they would donate crops without compensation. Both frequent and infrequent donors were aware of pro-donation tax incentives, and infrequent donors reported being unlikely to use them. This research demonstrates that crop donation motivations, barriers, and facilitators can be diverse. Given the existence of crop surpluses and their potential benefits as emergency food, our results suggest that multiple interventions and policies may contribute to incentivizing and facilitating crop donation (or enabling the purchase of surplus crops) rather than one-size-fits-all approaches. Our findings also highlight a need to prioritize crop recovery methods that enhance growers' financial stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of SDU Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design / Mühendislik Bilimleri ve Tasarım Dergisi is the property of Journal of Engineering Sciences & Design and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract This paper describes experiences in Brazilian public health during the worst health crisis in Brazilian history, due to the threats of COVID-19. It highlights the work in health in its multiple dimensions and nuances, emphasizing the SUS Humanization Policy (PNH) which recognizes the unfavorable and oppressive conditions in health work. It rejects both the victimized or passive positions workers and managers sometimes take on one hand and the idealization of solutions that stem from outside workers’ context or those which are hetero determined, on the other. The paper describes PNH’s tools as strategies for workers’ collectives to increase their analysis and intervention capacities, thus engaging in new ways of organizing and reinventing work.

Background: Burnout Syndrome is a term used to explain a person's suffering in the workplace. It's associated to the reduction or the lack of motivation, as well as a high level of dissatisfaction due to physical and psychological exhaustion. It mostly attacks professionals who keep a narrow helping relationship with other people, like professionals in the biomedical field. Resident doctors are likely to suffer occupational burnout since they play a dual role, facing pressure from their preceptors, patients, society and from themselves. Objective: To analyze the sociodemograhic profile, the work conditions and factors associated to burnout syndrome in resident doctors at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Maranhão (HU-UFMA), São Luís, in 2015. Methods: Transversal, descriptive and observational study. Two self-applicable questionnaires were used: the first contained sociodemographic information; and the second, Maslasch Burnout Inventory, identifies the factors associated to occupational burnout. Statistical analyses were carried using the software IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0. The research was approved by the Research Ethical Committee of the HU-UFMA. Results: The research involved 141 resident doctors, of who 51,8% were 26-30 years old single women, graduated in the last three years, in the first year of residence. Pediatrics was the main specialty among the respondents. The prevalence of Burnout with high score in one of the three dimensions was 75,7%; with high score in the three dimensions was 12,1%. High levels in the dimensions which were distinctly analyzed was 60,3% in the Emotional Exhaustion, 31,2% in the Depersonalization and 36,7% in the Reduction of Professional Accomplishment. There was a significant association between Emotional Exhaustion and specialty, as well as residence year. Conclusion: We suggest emotional and psychological support to the resident doctor in the HU-UFMA. This practice can not only reduce the high index of burnout syndrome among the professionals, but also contribute to an improvement of life quality, humanization processes and the relationship between doctors and patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Interface - Comunicação, Saúde, Educação is the property of Fundacao UNI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Within the scope of this study, optimization of cutting parameters (feed rate, cutting speed and depth of cut) was aimed in order to reduce the noise level that occurs during the processing of AISI 2714 steel on CNC milling machine without compromising the surface roughness. Experimental design was examined in three variables, three levels and two target functions. In order to investigate the contribution of these parameters to the target function, the experiments were carried out in accordance with the experiment plan determined by using the "Central Composite Design (CCD)" of the "Response Surface Method (RSM)". Mathematical models have been developed in order to predict sound intensity and surface roughness by applying regression analysis to the experimental results. As a result, it has been observed that the most effective parameter in reducing the surface roughness is the feed rate, followed by the depth of cut. While the depth of cut was the most effective parameter in reducing the sound intensity, it was determined that the next effective parameter was the feed rate.

This paper presents the development and proof of concept of a tool to predict worker and system performance using inputs of work element descriptions and hand locations from a seated, light assembly workstation layout. Tool inputs can be obtained in the design stage. Tool outputs include human factors (shoulder load, hand movement, reach zone acceptability) and system (element time and cycle time) information. Shoulder loads are predicted from two-dimensional shoulder models created from a digital human model. The tool is demonstrated on a previous observation-based assessment of a workstation redesign. Results reflected the findings of the observation assessment, but also provided more work cycle information as well as cumulative, work shift information. The tool enables prediction of workload and task performance times from design stage parameters without the need of an ergonomist. It can be used to predict critical components of the layout and plan workflow based on worker, workstation and task information. The tool is available for free downloaded at: www.researchgate.net/project/Workstation-Efficiency-Evaluator-WEE-Tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While performance pay can benefit firms and workers by increasing productivity and wages, it has also been associated with a deterioration of worker health. The transmission mechanisms for this deterioration remain in doubt. We examine the hypothesis that increased stress is one transmission mechanism. Using unique survey data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, we find performance pay consistently and importantly associates with greater stress even controlling for a long list of economic, social and personality characteristics. The finding also holds in instrumental variable estimations accounting for the potential endogeneity of performance pay. Moreover, we show that risk tolerance and locus of control moderate the relationship between performance pay and stress. Among workers receiving performance pay, the risk tolerant and those believing they can control their environment suffer to a lesser degree from stress. : J33, I31, J32 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immigrants comprise over 40% of the low-wage workforce. They are more likely to be employed in service industries, paid less, and experience more illness and injuries than their native counterparts. Design/Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional pilot study was to explore the relationship between immigrant workers’ stressors and health. Sample: Twenty-five female Mexican immigrant hotel workers. Measurements: Surveys and blood samples were analyzed and compared to national data. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were used for analysis. Results: Longer length of stay, older age at migration, and higher Demands of Immigration (DI) were significantly associated with more chronic conditions. Higher DI were significantly associated with more depressive symptoms. This is comparable to national data (n = 468) which shows a significant relationship between length of stay, Allostatic Load (AL), and chronic conditions (β = 0.14, p = .043; β = 0.13, p = .025). Conclusions: Immigrant-specific factors affect individuals’ health. More studies are needed to further explore the relationship between DI and health among foreign-born workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Most child protection services (CPS) workers encounter client violence—physical and nonphysical violence initiated by clients—in their jobs, and such violence often harms worker health. Using the work-stress framework, this study aimed to understand the characteristics of client violence and how they affect worker health. Method: We conducted in-depth interviews with a statewide sample of CPS workers in Florida who have a range of exposure to client violence (N = 33). We used thematic analysis to identify patterns in workers' experiences and used narrative analysis to uncover event sequencing and consequences. Results: Participants commonly discussed three defining attributes of client violence: the spontaneity of violence, the personal nature of violence, and workplace support and responsiveness. Workers generally had one of two experiences: (a) Workers perceived that they experienced spontaneous attacks targeted at CPS workers, experienced ample agency support and responsiveness, and perceived no health consequence; or, (b) workers perceived premeditated, personal attacks without agency support and experienced psychological distress. Conclusions: Agency responsiveness and support, including protocols and guidelines to minimize and respond to violence, may negate health consequences. Protocols that consider worker subjectivity and provide workers with guidance in classifying violent incidents can direct and enhance agency response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welders are exposed to high levels of metal fumes, which could be resulting in various health impairments. Respirators became a practical protective option in workplaces, as they are lightweight and easy to use. This systematic review attempts to explore the field effectiveness of using respirators to reduce metal particle exposure in workplaces. We reviewed papers published from 1900 to April 2019 in five major bibliographic databases, including Embase, Web of Science, Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL, along with organizational websites to cover gray literature. In total, 983 references were identified from the databases, out of which, 520 duplicates were removed from the EndNote database. The remaining 463 references were screened for their title and abstract. Out of 463, 70 references went through the full-text screening. Finally, eight papers, including 19 workplace respirator studies, satisfied all the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in this report. The geometric means for metal levels in workers' breathing zone with and without respirators were 9.4 and 1,777 µg/m3 for iron, 1.1 and 139 µg/m3 for lead, 2.1 and 242 µg/m3 for zinc, and 27 and 1,398 µg/m3 for manganese oxide, respectively. Most reviewed studies reported significant differences between measured metal particle levels among workers who worn respirators and who did not. In addition, results showed that N95 provided significantly less protection than elastomeric half facepieces, full-face respirators, and powered air-purifying respirators (p<0.001). More field studies are recommended to investigate Workplace Protection Factor (WPF) and fit factor (FF) of different respirators to understand the actual protection levels that they could be provided to control welding fume exposure among welders in various workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Long-haul truckers depend on truck stop amenities for basic daily needs. • Truck stops do not support safety, health, and well-being of long-haul truckers. • Parking and basic amenity improvements should inform designs of truck stops. • Various stakeholders should inform truck stop policies and infrastructures. • Numerous avenues of future research are needed to transform truck stop amenities. Long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) are required to drive long distances to transport essential goods and products in a timely manner, which can lead to roadway safety risks, an unbalanced lifestyle, and poor health and wellbeing. While truck stops are designed for LHTD to park, refuel, eat, shower, and sleep, the lack of amenities (e.g., unavailable parking, poor food choices) contributes to poor safety and health outcomes. This scoping review synthesized the evidence on the current amenities offered at truck stops and how they can be improved to support LHTD safety and health. Research databases (e.g., EMBASE, Global Health, Medline) and online sources (e.g., transportation research websites) were searched for publications in English from 2006 to 2023. A total of 5,377 unique sources were identified. Two reviewers independently screened the 5,377 titles and abstracts and then the full texts of 59 sources. Three sources were included through searching reference lists of 13 full-texts included, totaling 16 sources included in the scoping review. Parking and basic truck stop amenities (e.g., fuel, food, restrooms, and showers) are most important to LHTD. However, there is currently a lack of available, accessible, affordable, or safe parking at truck stops which preclude LHTD from parking overnight. There is also a lack of food options to meet LHTD preferences for different cuisines, healthier choices, and options that accommodate food allergies. Moreover, LHTD expect parking, restrooms, and showers to be free when purchasing fuel. The current state of parking and basic truck-stop amenities should be improved to prevent safety-adverse LHTD behaviors (e.g., driving beyond their hours of service and increasing their risk of driving fatigued, falling asleep, or getting into an accident). There is a high demand among LHTD to improve and expand the availability, accessibility, security, and cost of these truck stop amenities. Improvements to truck stop amenities may improve the resilience of supply chains and constitute public health interventions to reduce longstanding safety and health disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determinate the prevalence of COVID-19 in the nursing personnel, working conditions, and their associated factors in three hospitals in Lima-Peru. Method: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study of the web survey was carried out between November 2020 and February 2021 with 495 nursing personnel members from the three public hospitals in Lima. Results: 63% of the participants were from the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, 20% from the San Isidro Labrador Hospital, and 17% from the II Vitarte Hospital. The prevalence of COVID-19 in the nursing personnel was 47.3%. When analyzing the demographic characteristics of the participants, a significant association of the education variable with the disease was evidenced (OR=1.50, p =0.04), showing that those with higher education are 1.5 times more likely to develop COVID-19 compared to those with postgraduate studies; the variables related to working conditions and risk factors did not show a significant association (p>0.05) with the disease. Conclusions: Except for education, there is insufficient evidence to affirm a significant association of COVID-19 with demographic characteristics, work-related variables, and those considered a risk. This research makes significant contributions to nursing practice, research, and teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Hotel room cleaners are disproportionately exposed to hazards that increase risk for poor health outcomes. Interventions are needed to improve the health of these workers. Yet we know little about the expressed needs of hotel room cleaners nor do we know about managers' perspectives on how to best optimize employee health. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop an understanding of perceived intervention needs among hotel room cleaners and to assess managers' views on the acceptability of the proposed interventions. METHODS: We used a community-based approach to recruit study participants. We conducted five focus groups among hotel room cleaners and individual interviews with hotel managers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: The workers expressed needs centered on pay, workload, appreciation, ergonomics, chemical and biological hazards, nutrition, smoking cessation, exercise, mental health and stress management. In addition to echoing the workers' expressed needs, managers emphasized employee retention and financial literacy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first paper to include both workers' and managers' accounts on intervention approaches that will optimize health and wellbeing. This paper offers a guide for future program development among hospitality workers. Effective interventions need to be integrated, encompassing the individual, intrapersonal, organizational, and policy levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-sourced wastes seriously threaten human health and natural balance. Waste Workers are exposed to biological, chemical and physical risk factors during the collection and processing of waste. This study focused on biological risk factors, which are one of the risk factors faced by solid waste collectors. Biological samples were taken from the hands, gloves, respiratory areas of waste workers and waste collection vehicles before and after the work in two different periods as hot and cold. As a result of the study, a total of 29 different bacterial species that have a clinical significance defined as a pathogen or opportunistic pathogen have been identified that may create a threat to workers' health. This research results show that, working conditions should be regulated in waste collection works and human-pathogen interaction should be minimized. It was aimed to raise awareness for the protection and improvement of workers and public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores practices and policies for managing information communication technologies (ICTs) and ensuring healthy and productive work environments in higher education settings. This was informed by: (1) semi-structured interviews with 12 senior Human Resource and Wellbeing personnel recruited from 11 public Australian universities; and (2) a review of policy documents that address ICTs/digital communication sourced from 37 Australian public universities. Analyses revealed that ICT management involved balancing flexibility and boundaries and expectations around responsiveness. Findings from interview data revealed that to improve ICT management it is important to develop university guidance material, detangle the notion of responsibility, establish boundaries around expectations of responsivity, provide more education and develop positive working practices. Thematic analysis and subsequent quantification of 654 policy documents revealed gaps in the university policy context on the topic of digital communication. The largest proportion of policies focused on privacy and security, followed by media representation of the university (e.g., throughout branding), then bullying, harassment and discrimination. We make recommendations for policy and practice improvement. It would be beneficial for future research to assess the impact of enacted digital communication management strategies (e.g., policy interventions) on worker wellbeing and work practice outcomes.

We explore how digital communication relates to worker health and wellbeing within Australian universities prior to COVID-19. To investigate effects of digital communication we sought perspectives of senior Human Resource and wellbeing personnel for semi-structured interviews. Analyses revealed that digital communication creates both negative and positive aspects of work, leading to differing effects and outcomes of health and wellbeing. Themes that emerged included flexibility, collaboration and access to resources, a sense of continual accessibility and connectivity to work, information overload and interpersonal relationships. Depending on how digital communication is managed, we found each aspect has the capacity to be simultaneously positive (i.e., resourceful) or negative (e.g., demanding). Drawing on organisational theory, we propose new ways to conceptualise workplace digital communication and propose practical management approaches. Future research should continue to unpack the relationship between digital communication and work practices, while considering potential management and policy strategies to protect worker health and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: case tracking through COVID-19 screening tests is indispensable to control/delay the spread of the disease. Objective: to identify the incidence of COVID-19 through the positivity of rapid tests and associated factors in the population of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: cross-sectional study, developed with 121,622 individuals notified and residing in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, from March to June 2020, from public domain data. For the analysis, positive results in COVID-19 rapid tests were considered. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify the association between the positive result in the rapid tests and demographic and clinical variables and the time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and the performance of the test. Likewise, odds ratios and their respective confidence intervals were calculated at the 95% level, and the p-value presented through the Wald method. Results: predominance of male individuals, 51%; in the age range of 20 to 39 years, 46,4%; and health professionals, 99,9%. Regarding the time elapsed between the onset of clinical signs and symptoms and diagnosis, 61,7% of the individuals who were tested up to 9 days after the onset of symptoms had a positive result. Sex, age group and time to test were associated with a positive result for the COVID-19 rapid test. Conclusion: it is important to minimize false-positive test results by choosing an assay with high specificity and testing populations and individuals in a timely manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Artvin Çoruh Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Artvin Coruh University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Texto & Contexto Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pos-Graduacao de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Texto & Contexto Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pos-Graduacao de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Psicologia. Organizacoes e Trabalho is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Psicologia Organizacional e do Trabalho and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)