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Developing solar energy conversion strategies is crucial to overcome stainless steel corrosion protection challenges. Through the chemical bath deposition (CBD) technique, zinc and cobalt nanoparticles were deposited onto TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) to use as photoanodes in the photoelectrochemical cathodic protection (PECP) of AISI 304 stainless steel. The composition of the chemical bath affected the structure and properties of the deposited TNT layers, which were analyzed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), elemental mapping, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Considering both illuminated and dark conditions, the photocathodic protection performance of the composite film was evaluated in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The Co3O4–ZnO/TNT photoanodes demonstrated enhanced light absorption, charge separation, and improvement of photoelectrochemical properties, attributed to the synergistic effect of the ternary system, n–p junction formation at the Co3O4–ZnO interface, and TiO2–ZnO heterojunction. The optimal photoanode achieved a 1.6% higher photocurrent density than the original TNT photoelectrode. Moreover, the Co3O4–ZnO/TNT photoanodes demonstrated corrosion protection for stainless steel by exhibiting a negative shift in corrosion potential of the steel (− 614 mV vs. Ag/AgCl for the optimal photoanode) following light exposure and showing delayed cathodic protection when the light was turned off. This study suggests that Co3O4–ZnO/TNTs have a promising potential for use in photocathodic protection. It also highlights how the photoelectrochemical properties of deposited layers are affected by the chemical bath composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Using ergonomics principles are effective on increasing production, job satisfaction productivity, and reducing medical and healing costs. This study investigated the relationship between nurses' knowledge of ergonomic principles with their musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Materials and Methods: This descriptive and analytical study was performed on 260 nurses working in selected hospital in Kashan/Iran, 2018. The nurses were randomly recruited to the study. Data were collected through personal profile questionnaires, knowledge of the ergonomics of the workplace, the questionnaire of the workplace ergonomics, and Nordic skeletal musculoskeletal questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 16 software. Descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Pearson's correlation coefficient) were used for data analysis. Results: The nursing staff had low level of knowledge with a mean score of (2.20 ± 0.68). The ergonomic condition of the nurses' work environment was weak (2.50 ± 0.76). About 77% of participants reported the MSD (neck 62.7% and shoulder pain 49.2%) and the least difficulty was in the elbow region (20.4%). There was a significant and negative correlation between knowledge of ergonomics principles (r = −0.180) and ergonomics condition of the workplace (r = −0.160) with musculoskeletal injuries. Conclusion: The study findings indicated low level of knowledge of the nurses regarding the ergonomics of workplace principles. Furthermore, results showed the ergonomics of the workplace was poor. The prevalence of MSD was high, which needs appropriate training and respecting ergonomics principles in the workplace.

Objectives: This study aims to develop strategies for risk management and accurately model the potential outcomes in hazardous zones. Methods: The initial step of this study involved conducting HAZOP studies to identify all process nodes and deviations in an urban watertreatment plant located in Markazi province. Subsequently, all risks associated with the identified deviations were evaluated using a qualitative risk matrix. To enhance the scientific accuracy of the risk assessment results, the fuzzy HAZOP methodology was employed. Finally, the assessed risks were prioritized with precision, and PHAST software was utilized to visualize critical scenarios and determine the zones of catastrophic consequences. Results: The initial findings from the HAZOP investigations conducted in the chlorination unit of the treatment facility reveal a total of 41 deviations out of 55 identified risks. Out of these risks, 47 (85%) were classified as high risk (HR), while 8 (15%) were categorized as medium risk (MR). The results of the risk assessment clearly demonstrate that the risks are of significant concern, despite the presence of existing controls. Ultimately, eight scenarios were identified and extracted from the analysis. Conclusion: Based on the research results, it is imperative that all chlorination facilities undergo redesigning to prevent corrosion, erosion, leakage, and rupture and to conduct risk-based inspections (RBI). Furthermore, regular chlorine leakage drills should be included to enhance emergency response and preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The creation of a working organization with a high safety level facilitates the employees' health in their workplaces; therefore, the current study evaluated the effect of the organizational structure on safety and health in the stone industry. Methods: This study was conducted among 100 stone industries in Isfahan, Iran. The participants were requested to complete the organizational structure questionnaire and ELMERI checklists. Smart PLS 3.0 used to test the hypothesis. Results: The model fit index showed the standardized root mean square (SRMR=0.08), the normalized fit index (NFI=0.9), the coefficient of determination (R2=0.362), effect size (ƒ2 was less than 0.2), and the Predictive relevance of the model (Q2=0.216) which is considered a good fit for mode. In addition, the relation between formalization and health and safety was significant (β=-0.47). Conclusions: The findings suggest that organizational factors are the basic reasons for occupational accidents and the main indicator of safety and health performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]