Testing Occupational Hazard Self-Evaluation Module (OHSEM) Intervention among Workers of SME (Manufacturing) in Northern Malaysia

@#Introduction: Workplace accidents have been a persistent problem in Malaysia’s manufacturing industry, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Employee behavior has been identified as a significant contributing factor to these accidents, and research has suggested that improving safety knowledge and attitudes can enhance safety behavior. Despite this, there have been no empirical intervention studies in Malaysia to investigate the effectiveness of safety intervention programs aimed at improving SME worker safety behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of the Occupational Hazard Self-Evaluation Module (OHSEM) intervention in enhancing safety knowledge, attitudes, and behavior (KAB) among SME workers in the manufacturing sector. Methods: A quasi-experimental design with control group was utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the OHSEM intervention. The intervention was implemented over a 12-week period on production workers in the experimental group, while the control group received no intervention. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 88 production workers in both groups before and after the intervention to measure the improvement of safety KAB. Descriptive analysis and an independent t-test were used to analyse the data. Results: The post-test results showed that safety KAB for the control group was moderate (mean = 2.11), while the mean score in the experimental group was high (m=4.17). Furthermore, the t-test result revealed a significant difference in safety KAB mean scores between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the OHSEM intervention in enhancing safety KAB in SMEs in the Malaysian SME (manufacturing) sector.

Development of Mobile Application in Assessing Commuting Accident Risk (CommuRisk) Amongst Commuters at Klang Valley

@#Introduction: Globally, commuting accident risks are always neglected in an organisation. There is a need to assess the impact of commuting accidents based on sociodemographic, human, vehicle, road, and environmental factors and to find suitable and effective mitigation strategies to alleviate the associated undesirable outcomes. Methods: This research was designed to develop a mobile application to assess commuting accident risk levels using artificial intelligence principles, as we are now in the 21st-century technology era. A total of 216 respondents from private and government industries participated in this study. Besides, to prove the developed application’s effectiveness, the study evaluated the effectiveness of the identified risk factor in determining the level of commuting risks predicted by respondents with the risk level calculated by the mobile application. Results: A major contribution of this paper is the effectiveness and accuracy of a mobile application known as CommuRisk. The app was developed using Android Studio and natively uses Java. There was a significant difference between with and without mobile applications in determining the level of commuting risks, and the effectiveness was proven with a (p-value = 0.001) at a 95% confidence interval with large sample size. Conclusion: Thus, this paper proved the effectiveness and accuracy of a mobile application in calculating risk levels exposed by commuters compared to risk levels predicted by commuters.

Systematic Review of Intervention Programs to Improve the Level of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices towards Work Safety Culture among Office Workers

@#Introduction: Workplace safety culture (WSC) is crucial in providing a safe working environment. Workers need to be reminded regularly of its importance, and therefore effectively, work safety intervention programs need to be identified to be used for this purpose. The main objective is to identify workplace intervention programs to improve WSC among office workers. The specific goals are to determine the types of intervention (knowledge-based, attitudinal, and practices-based interventions), the theories used, and the effectiveness. Methods: Databases such as ProQuest, CINAHL, Medline, and ScienceDirect were used to perform literature searches with the keywords [“safety culture training” OR “safety culture education” OR “safety culture promotion”] AND [“office workers” OR “civil servant” OR “white-collar workers” OR “administrative officers” OR “clerical officer”]. The inclusion criteria set for the search process included research articles, publication between January 1, 2015, and September 10, 2020, which were research articles within five years and eight months of publication to the time of data extraction of this study. Availability of full-text articles, articles published in English, and only articles among office workers. Results: This review includes seven articles and the techniques used for these studies were knowledge, attitude, and practices towards WSC. Conclusion: As the number and scope of intervention of studies on WSC seem scarce, the nature of jobs nowadays and in the future seems to be more office-based; consequently, more of these studies are recommended among office workers.

Fadiga vocal em professores disfônicos que procuram atendimento fonoaudiológico / Vocal fatigue in dysphonic teachers who seek treatment

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a autopercepção de fadiga vocal de professores disfônicos em atividade letiva que procuram atendimento fonoaudiológico. Método Participaram desta pesquisa 60 professores com queixa vocal, dentre estes, 30 que buscaram tratamento no Programa de Saúde Vocal do Sindicato dos Professores de São Paulo - SinproSP (G1) e 30 professores que não buscaram atendimento (G2). Todos os participantes responderam a um questionário de identificação, a um de caracterização pessoal e do trabalho, a uma lista de sinais e sintomas vocais e ao Índice de Fadiga Vocal - IFV. Além disso, foram registradas contagem de números de 1 a 10 e vogal sustentada "é" para definição do grau de desvio vocal por meio da análise perceptivo-auditiva. Resultados Os professores que procuraram o atendimento (G1) apresentaram piores escores nos protocolos IFV, maior número de sinais e sintomas, além de pior autoavaliação da voz quando comparados aos professores que não procuraram tratamento (G2). Além disso, os docentes dos dois grupos estudados apresentaram desvios de voz de leve a moderado. Conclusão Professores disfônicos que procuram atendimento fonoaudiológico apresentam maior sensação de fadiga vocal, principalmente em relação aos domínios restrição vocal e desconforto físico do IFV. Além disso, apresentaram maior número de sintomas e pior autoavaliação vocal em relação àqueles que não procuraram o atendimento, apesar de ambos os grupos apresentarem vozes desviadas.

ABSTRACT Purpose to verify the self-perception of vocal fatigue of dysphonic teachers in school year activity who sought speech-language pathology assistance. Methods Sixty teachers with voice complaints participated in the study, 30 of whom sought treatment in the Programa de Saúde Vocal do Sindicato dos Professores de São Paulo (SinproSP), and 30 volunteers' teachers who did not seek treatment (G2). All the participants answered a personal identification protocol and work characterization, vocal self-assessment, vocal signs and symptoms checklist, Vocal Fatigue Index protocol (VFI). In addition, a number counting from 1 to 10 and sustained vowel "e" were registered for the definition of the mean vocal deviation using perceptual-auditory judgment. Results Teachers who sought treatment (G1) obtained worst scores in the VFI, more numbers of signs and symptoms, and worst self-evaluation of the voice when compared with those who did not seek treatment (G2). In addition, teachers in both groups had light to moderate vocal deviation. Conclusion Dysphonic teachers who sought vocal treatment presented greater sensation of vocal fatigue, especially in the factors of tiredness of voice and voice avoidance and related to physical discomfort associated with voicing of the VFI. In addition, they reported greater number of symptoms and worse vocal self-assessment in relation to those who did not seek treatment, although both groups present deviated voices.

Effect of topiramate augmentation in chronic schizophrenia a placebo-controlled trial

The limitations of antipsychotics for treatment of schizophrenia have led to investigation of the usefulness of pharmacological augmentation strategies. Clinical studies have provided evidence for glutamate abnormalities in schizophrenia. Topiramate is an anticon-vulsant drug with alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor antagonist properties; therefore, the objective of the present study was to explore the therapeutic efficacy of topiramate as an adjunctive medication in schizophrenia. A17 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 80 patients [25 - 65 years] from 2005 - 2007. All were hospitalized in Mashhad psychiatric hospitals with chronic DSM-IV-TR-diagnosed schizophrenia. All participants received up to 300 mg/day of clozapine. In addition, participants randomly received either topiramate [200 - 300 mg/day] or placebo gradually added to their ongoing treatment. Efficacy of medication was measured by administering. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale at baseline and weeks 4, 8, 12, and 17. During the study, 5 patients from the placebo group and 12 participants from topiramate group were excluded. Clozapine and topiramate group showed significant decreases in all three subscales of PANSS values from baseline, with the maximum efficacy in week 12. However, after tapering topiramate, the general psychopathology sign was the only subscale that showed a significant difference. The clozapine and placebo group showed a significant decrease in all three subscales of PANSS values compared to baseline. The significant efficacy for all subscales was obtained at the end point. No significant differences in PANSS scores from baseline to end point were noted between case and control groups. Augmentation of clozapine and topiramate did not significantly decline patterns in any of the three subscales of PANSS compared to the clozapine and placebo group. Irct ID: IRCT138904014236N1

[Comparing knowledge, attitude and practice of American, Chinese and Iranian college students about tobacco use]

To assess and compare knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding tobacco use of college students in Iran, US and Chain. A modified questionnaire used in each of country US, Chain and Iran. A total of 3089 usable surveys were collected [47.5% for male and 52.5% for female]. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tests were employed in data analysis. Compared to male participants, American's female and male students scored higher in knowledge, Iranian genders [both female and male] students scored higher in negative attitude scale of the questionnaire regarding tobacco use. Knowledge of female students was a little greater than male students and their attitude was more negative. Male respondents also were more likely to smoke cigarettes and use other tobacco products and in heavier quantities. The findings provide exploratory information about aspects of tobacco use among students [as an important and reference class of the Iranian society], and based on the results, recommendations are made to national health policy makers and health educators for reducing tobacco related risks through improving associated knowledge, attitude and practice

impact of the genetic polymorphism of paraoxonase gene [PON1] on the incidence of coronary vascular disease in Saudi population

Cardiovascular diseases as being one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality drags attention for the study of their pathogenesis which seems multifactorial including habitual/ environmental and genetic causes. The major cause for atherosclerosis is deposition of oxidized lipoproteins in the blood vessel. Paraoxonase [PON1], an enzyme tightly linked to HDL plays an important role in decreasing the susceptibility of LDL-cholesterol for oxidation, thus minimizing atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels. Paraoxonase activity in the serum alone is not a determining factor for this role. This function is also controlled and affected by many polymorphisms occurring in the PON1 gene, The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of one of this genetic polymorphism [at position 192] on cardiovascular diseases in Saudi population. This study included 169 subjects [100 cases and 69 controls]. For all participants in the study paraoxonase activity, lipid profile, Apo A-l and genetic polymorphism was done. The percentage distribution of this genetic polymorphism differs in Saudi population than those observed in previous studies as in Mexican population and is more similar to those in Japanese population. There was no significant difference in the genetic distribution between control and CVD groups. The activity of paraoxonase was lower in the CVD group compared to the control; also there was no significant correlation between this genetic polymorphism and the lipid composition of the blood. PON1 activities toward paraoxon are lower in subjects with CVD than in control subjects regardless of the PON1 genotype although the PON1 activity is much lower in RR genotype than QQ genotype

Strategic management of municipal debris aftermath of an earthquake

Earthquakes in urban areas leave behind a considerable amount of debris, which delays the relief services and the reconstruction activities. The relief work would be impossible without the removal of debris from the main access roads to the devastated areas. The proper implementation of this endeavor requires a long-term management of debris. This article discusses development of strategic management for earthquake debris in the city of Tehran. Thus, the pertinent strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges are identified in order to assess the actual and potential debris management capacity of Tehran. The Personal judgments are used in a Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix [QSPM] in order to prioritize the strategies. The results of this research show that the sum of attractiveness numbers for the Internal Factors Evaluation [IFE] matrix is 2.3, which is less than 2.5. It indicates that weaknesses are more dominant than the strengths. Moreover, the sum of attractiveness numbers for External Factors Evaluation [EFE] matrix is 3.3, which indicates more potential opportunities than potential challenges. The analysis of results points out that the most important strategies in regard to the development of debris management plan are the accurate estimation of volume, weight and type of earthquake debris; reinforcement of the present structures; proper design of structures under construction; utilization of experiences from other earthquake prone countries; recycling and reuse of debris and construction wastes; and identification of the temporary debris depot sites within Tehran

Yoghurt for athletic people

Buffaloe's concentrated yoghurt was made by using different levels of Na-caseinate or wheat germ [0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%]. The obtained concentrated yoghurt of the all treatments had sufficient energy which is suitable to consume during training or sporting time. Concentrated yoghurt fortified with 1.0% Na-caseinate or 0.5% wheat germ gave the highest score for flavour, body and texture and appearance. ATB culture was used in this work

Congenital Absence of Tibia

Congenital absence of tibia is a rare anomaly. We repol1 a case who presented at the age of 3 years with absence of tibia right side with associated anomolies and was managed by reconstruction of the knee and ankle joints b) transfer of fibula.

Fresh ripened soft cheese

Domiati cheese was made from buffaloe's milk and ripened for three month [control cheese]. Yeast extract [cheese powder with high content of total and free amino acids] at levels 0.0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% was added to the concentrated milk [UF] to the manufacture of fresh white soft cheese. The fresh experimental cheese with 1% yeast extract had the highest score flavour, consistency and texture, similar to the three months ripened traditional cheese. The content of free amino acids in case of the experimental cheese was higher compared to traditional cheese

Subclinical carditis in pure Sydenham's chorea: a color doppler study

Sydenham's chorea [SC] is a late manifestation of rheumatic fever [RF] and its presence alone warrants the diagnosis of RF. Although SC seems to be a benign condition, 27% of patients who present with "pure chorea" to develop most likely rheumatic valvular disease within thirty years of the initial attack. To study the cardiac involvement in chorea patients without clinical signs of carditis the following investigation was carried out: Seventeen patients with chorea aged 7-15 years [mean +/- SD: 11.3 +/- 1.9] and 17 neurologic patients together with 28 normal children were surveyed with color flow imaging [CFI]. All chorea patients had left sided valvular regurgitation, whereas only one in each control group had the same finding, [p< 0.001]. We conclude that many, if not all, of the Sydenham's chorea patients have subclinical carditis. Doppler study is a valuable tool for detection of cardiac involvement. This underlines the rationale for patients with SC and "normal" heart to be placed on chemoprophylaxis, despite the absence of auscultatory findings on physical examination. To further evaluate these findings a larger group of children should be studied

Changes in bile acid metabolism in thyroid dysfunction

Bile acid kinetics in thyroid dysfunction attracted the attention of many investigators but the reports were confilicting. To analyze the mechanisms behind this controversy serum conjugated bile acid profile was examined, 18 hyperthyroid, 21 treated thyroid patients and 34 healthy controls were studied. The treated patients were euthyroid. Bile acid concentration was estimated by reverse phase liquid chromatography. Total bile acid was not significantly different in all groups. A marked shift of bile acid DCA to CDCA was observed with increased thyroid activity. The serum bile acid profile of medically treated patients was similar to that of control group. The ratio of cholic acid and its secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid/chenodeoxycholic acid and its secondary bile acid lithocholic acid is a good indicator of the shift in bile acid synthesis as it accounts for changes in bowel conditions. Thyroid hormone seems to have a specific action on the enzyme responsible for bile synthesis rather than changing total bile acid production

Hyperglycemic ketoacidosis with diazinon poisoning.

The toxic manifestations of organophosphates including diazinon have been nicely described by many authors after their use as pesticides during the last three decades, but there is no report to show ketoacidosis with organophosphate compounds while literature is available mentioning the absence of ketois with these compounds. This report describes a case of hyperglycemic ketoacidosis after diazinon poisoning of a 13 year old girl student