The COVID-19 Pandemic Decreases Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study in Industry

Background: We aimed to determine if maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), resting heart rate (RHR), and self-reported leisure- time moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) changed over a 3-year follow-up (FU) among industrial workers. Methods: We assessed cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) August 2018 and August 2021. The last 17–18 months coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from 86 participants were collected; demographics by questionnaire and cardiovascular outcomes from medical examination: V˙ O2max, RHR, and fat mass (%). Workers reported on their leisure-time MVPA twice. To assess changes in health outcomes we applied a linear mixed model, adjusting for baseline (BL) age, sex, pack-years, shift work, and a 5-month plant shutdown. Further, we adjusted for actual age instead of BL age. Results: V˙ O2max decreased from 39.6 mL/kg/min at BL to 34.0 at FU, a reduction of 5.6 mL/kg/min (95%CI, −7.6, −3.7). Adjusted for actual age, the corresponding figure for V˙ O2max was 5.4 mL/kg/min, (95%CI, −7.4, −3.4), an annual loss of 4.6%. RHR increased from 61.3 to 64.4 beats per minute (95%CI, 0.8, 5.4). Self-reported MVPA decreased by 43.9 min/week, (95%CI, −73.5, −14.4). Conclusions: We observed a decrease in V˙ O2max, an increase in RHR and a decrease in self-reported MVPA, suggesting physical inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic.The COVID-19 Pandemic Decreases Cardiorespiratory Fitness: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study in IndustrypublishedVersio

Multivariate stochastic volatility models based on non-Gaussian Ornstein-Uhlenbeck processes : a quasi-likelihood approach

This paper extends the ordinary quasi-likelihood estimator for stochastic volatility models based on non-Gaussian Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) processes to vector processes. Despite the fact that multivariate modeling of asset returns is essential for portfolio optimization and risk management -- major areas of financial analysis -- the literature on multivariate modeling of asset prices in continuous time is sparse, both with regard to theoretical and applied results. This paper uses non-Gaussian OU-processes as building blocks for multivariate models for high frequency financial data. The OU framework allows exact discrete time transition equations that can be represented on a linear state space form. We show that a computationally feasible quasi-likelihood function can be constructed by means of the Kalman filter also in the case of high-dimensional vector processes. The framework is applied to Euro/NOK and US Dollar/NOK exchange rate data for the period 2.1.1989-4.2.2010.Financial support from the Norwegian Research Council ("Finansmarkedsfondet") is gratefully acknowledged

Job tasks as determinants of thoracic aerosol exposure in the cement production industry

Background: The aims of this study were to identify important determinants and investigate the variance components of thoracic aerosol exposure for the workers in the production departments of European cement plants. Methods: Personal thoracic aerosol measurements and questionnaire information (Notø et al., 2015) were the basis for this study. Determinants categorized in three levels were selected to describe the exposure relationships separately for the job types production, cleaning, maintenance, foreman, administration, laboratory, and other jobs by linear mixed models. The influence of plant and job determinants on variance components were explored separately and also combined in full models (plant&job) against models with no determinants (null). The best mixed models (best) describing the exposure for each job type were selected by the lowest Akaike information criterion (AIC; Akaike, 1974) after running all possible combination of the determinants. Results: Tasks that significantly increased the thoracic aerosol exposure above the mean level for production workers were: packing and shipping, raw meal, cement and filter cleaning, and de-clogging of the cyclones. For maintenance workers, time spent with welding and dismantling before repair work increased the exposure while time with electrical maintenance and oiling decreased the exposure. Administration work decreased the exposure among foremen. A subjective tidiness factor scored by the research team explained up to a 3-fold (cleaners) variation in thoracic aerosol levels. Within-worker (WW) variance contained a major part of the total variance (35–58%) for all job types. Job determinants had little influence on the WW variance (0–4% reduction), some influence on the between-plant (BP) variance (from 5% to 39% reduction for production, maintenance, and other jobs respectively but an 79% increase for foremen) and a substantial influence on the between-worker within-plant variance (30–96% for production, foremen, and other workers). Plant determinants had little influence on the WW variance (0–2% reduction), some influence on the between-worker variance (0–1% reduction and 8% increase), and considerable influence on the BP variance (36–58% reduction) compared to the null models. Conclusion: Some job tasks contribute to low levels of thoracic aerosol exposure and others to higher exposure among cement plant workers. Thus, job task may predict exposure in this industry. Dust control measures in the packing and shipping departments and in the areas of raw meal and cement handling could contribute substantially to reduce the exposure levels. Rotation between low and higher exposed tasks may contribute to equalize the exposure levels between high and low exposed workers as a temporary solution before more permanent dust reduction measures is implemented. A tidy plant may reduce the overall exposure for almost all workers no matter of job type.Job tasks as determinants of thoracic aerosol exposure in the cement production industrypublishedVersio

Free school fruit – sustained effect three years later

BACKGROUND: Norwegian children consume less fruit and vegetables (FV) than recommended. In order to increase the intake, a School Fruit subscription programme is now offered to all Norwegian elementary and junior high schools. This programme has limited effect due to low participation by schools and pupils. However, recent evaluations of the programme offered for free have reported good effects in increasing FV intake. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the long term effects of the Norwegian School Fruit programme, provided at no-cost to the pupils, three years after it was provided for free. METHODS: A total of 1950 (85%) 6th and 7th grade pupils from 38 Norwegian elementary schools participated in the project. Nine schools were selected as intervention schools and participated for free in the Norwegian School Fruit programme for a school year (October 2001 until June 2002). A baseline questionnaire survey was conducted in September 2001, and follow-up surveys were conducted in May 2002 and May 2005. FV intake was assessed by a written 24-h recall (reporting FV intake at school and FV intake all day), and by four food frequency questions (reporting usual FV intake). Data were analysed by a linear mixed model for repeated measures. RESULTS: The pupils in the free fruit group increased their FV intake compared to pupils in the control group as a result of the intervention. Some of the effect was sustained three years later. The estimated long-term effects for FV all day were 0.38 and 0.44 portion/day for boys and girls, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results show long-term effects of a free school fruit programme

Longitudinal decline in pulmonary diffusing capacity among nitrate fertilizer workers

Background: This study is part of a 3-year follow-up of lung function among nitrate fertilizer production workers. Aims: To study the possible adverse effects of occupational exposure to aerosols and gases on pulmonary diffusing capacity. Methods: A longitudinal study of a cohort of fertilizer workers who performed single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) tests and spirometry in 2007 and 2010. The workers completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and smoking habits. Exposure to mineral dust, acid aerosols and inorganic gases was measured. The overall median inhalable and thoracic aerosol mass concentrations were 1.1mg/m3 (min–max: <0.93–45) and 0.21mg/m3 (min–max: <0.085–11), respectively. Results: There were 308 participants in 2007 with 168 returning subjects in 2010. Overall, we found a statistically significant decline in the DLco of 0.068 mmol/min/kPa/year, adjusted for gender, age, height, weight, smoking status and doctor-diagnosed asthma during the 3-year follow-up (P < 0.01). The change in DLco did not vary significantly between the various job groups. Subjects with respiratory symptoms did not show a larger decline in DLco than those without symptoms. Conclusions: This study indicates a larger than expected decline in the DLco of fertilizer workers during a 3-year follow-up. However, the decline was not related to specific exposures at work, or to possible covariates of exposure.Longitudinal decline in pulmonary diffusing capacity among nitrate fertilizer workerspublishedVersio

Sleep Duration, number of awakenings and arterial stiffness in industrial shift workers. A five-week follow-up study

Shift work may increase the risk for hypertension and arterial stiffness, potentially a consequence of disturbed sleep. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between sleep length and spontaneous awakenings with selected cardiovascular risk factors in shift workers at an industrial plant. We examined 19 shift workers by means of blood pressure and arterial stiffness, measured as pulse wave velocity (PWV), prior to and after a 5-week shift period. Sleep patterns were monitored on a daily basis with the assistance of a smartphone-based sleep diary (the entire test period) and by actigraphy (limited to 2 weeks). The number of awakenings and total sleep time were calculated. Shorter sleep duration was associated with higher blood pressure and partly with higher PWV, indicating an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with reduced sleep duration. Unexpectedly, a lower number of awakenings was associated with an increase in blood pressure, indicating a reduced risk of CVD. No other significant associations were determined. The results from the present study among shift workers in Norway could support the hypothesis that short sleep duration is associated with elevated blood pressure and arterial stiffnessSleep Duration, number of awakenings and arterial stiffness in industrial shift workers. A five-week follow-up studypublishedVersio

The effect of the Labour Inspection Authority's regulatory tools on compliance with regulations in the Norwegian home care services. A post-test-only control group study

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) laws and regulations serves as fundamental pillars for OSH practices, playing a crucial role in safeguarding employee safety and wellbeing. However, little is known about the efficiency of regulatory tools intending to ensure compliance with OSH laws and regulations, especially within the health and social care sector. The current experimental study aimed to determine the effect of two specific regulatory tools on compliance. Municipal home-care services were allocated to one of three groups: (I) “Inspection”, (II) “Guidance-through-workshops”, and (III) “Control”. At 24–30 months after the interventions all groups underwent formal inspections which recorded the numbers of contraventions with regulations to determine the difference in regulatory compliance between the groups. Analyses comparing the two intervention groups with the control group showed overall increased compliance in the inspection group (I), while no significant effects were found for the guidance group (II). The inspection group underwent inspections twice, and analyses of changes from the first to the second inspection also revealed improved compliance, but only statistically significantly for requirements pertaining to the addressed psychosocial factors. Future research should investigate how labour inspections can more effectively increase compliance and how to develop guidance as a tool for improving complianceThe effect of the Labour Inspection Authority's regulatory tools on compliance with regulations in the Norwegian home care services. A post-test-only control group studypublishedVersio

Impact of psychosocial work factors on risk of medically certified sick leave due to common mental disorders: a nationwide prospective cohort study of Norwegian home care workers

Background The Norwegian home care services experience a high level of sick leave, a large proportion of which is due to common mental disorders. A substantial number of such cases can be attributed to psychosocial factors at work, but more knowledge about occupation-specific risk factors is needed to develop targeted preventive measures to reduce sick leave levels. The aim of this study is to identify the most prominent psychosocial work factors influencing the risk of sick leave spells due to common mental disorders. Methods Employees from a random sample of 130 Norwegian home care services (N = 1.819) completed a baseline survey on 15 psychosocial work factors. Participants were subsequently followed up for 26 months using registry data on sick leave. The outcome measure was the number of medically certified sick leave spells due to common mental disorders during follow-up in the Norwegian social insurance database. Incidence risk ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using negative binomial regression with robust standard errors. Results Emotional dissonance (IRR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.60) and emotional demands (IRR 1.35, 95% CI 1.14–1.58) were associated with an excess risk of sick leave, while control over work pacing (IRR 0.78, 95% CI 0.62–0.98) was associated with a reduced risk. An estimated 30% (95% CI 8.73–48.82) of sick leave cases were attributable to emotional dissonance and 27% (95% CI 4.80-46.33) were attributable to emotional demands. Control over work pacing was estimated to have prevented 20% (95% CI 1.32–37.78) of the sick leave cases. Conclusions This study found that emotional dissonance and emotional demands were robust risk factors for sick leave due to common mental disorders, and that control of work pacing constituted a robust protective factor against sick leave.publishedVersio

Do regulatory tools instigate measures to prevent work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors? A process evaluation of a Labour inspection authority trial in the Norwegian home-care services

Objective There is a research gap regarding the way managers and employee representatives respond to Labour Authority interventions targeting work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors. The present study aimed to determine if (I) labour inspections and (II) guidance-through-workshops led by inspectors were perceived by the target audience as equally useful and educational; and to determine if utility and enhanced knowledge were associated with the implementation of measures to prevent work-related risk factors. Finally, it aimed to determine if the managers in the intervention groups to a greater extent than the controls reported implementing such measures. Results Managers and employee representatives in both intervention groups reported a high level of perceived utility as well as a high level of enhanced knowledge. Both utility (p < 0.05) and enhanced knowledge (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with the implementation of, or plans to soon implement, measures to improve working conditions. When compared to controls, implemented measures, or plans to implement measures, were reported significantly more frequently by managers in the inspection group (p < 0.05).Do regulatory tools instigate measures to prevent work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors? A process evaluation of a Labour inspection authority trial in the Norwegian home-care servicespublishedVersio