Effectiveness of occupational health and safety training. A systematic review with meta-analysis

Purpose This meta-analysis aims to verify the efficacy of occupational health and safety (OHS) training in terms of knowledge, attitude and beliefs, behavior and health. Design/methodology/approach The authors included studies published in English (2007–2014) selected from ten databases. Eligibility criteria were studies concerned with the effectiveness of OHS training for primary prevention of workplace injury; and studies focused on examined outcome related to OHS. Findings The selected studies (n = 28) highlighted a strong support for the effectiveness of training on worker OHS attitudes and beliefs and, to a lesser extent, on worker’s knowledge but only medium for behavior and small evidences for its effectiveness on health. Research limitations/implications Future research should more deeply investigate the efficacy on knowledge increase of trainings delivered by experts and researchers, applying different methods, in a small group; training delivered by peer and by researcher, applying different methods; and trained workers less than 29 years and more than 49 years old, considering that workers in these age groups are particularly vulnerable to fatalities. Practical implications Our study is a contribution for those they intend to grant effective training, in response to specific needs of OHS. The evidences presented could be considered a first step to identify the factors related to the efficacy of OHS training to plan adequate interventions. Social implications The OHS training is effective on the basis of the extent interventions are carried out for each specific learning outcome. Originality/value This meta-analysis suggested that classroom training, although the most used and studied, does not ever revealed itself very effective: it was not significant for outcomes in terms of knowledge and showed a decreasing efficacy for attitudes and beliefs, behaviors and health. It seemed that there was a distinction between interventions on knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, as opposed to behavioral interventions and health

Synthetic Saponite Clays as Additives for Reducing Aging Effects in PIM1 Membranes

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity represent one of the most promising polymeric materials for gas separation applications. Their very rigid and contorted backbone induces unusually high free volumes and high internal surface area, with high gas permeabilities and moderate ideal selectivity, especially for O2/ N2 and CO2/N2 pairs with values lying above Robeson's upper bound. However, the high FFV of PIM1 tends to be short-lived, soon collapsing to leave fewer transport pathways and reduce gas permeability. One way to tackle this problem is the addition of fillers within the polymeric matrix. Here we report the use of synthetic clays named saponites as fillers to slow down the physical aging of PIM1 membranes. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) based on two different saponite samples (one completely inorganic and one functionalized with a surfactant) have been obtained, and their permeation performances have been studied in the course of one year to explore physical aging effects over time. Without filler, PIM1 exhibits the classical aging behavior of polymers of intrinsic microporosity, namely, a progressive decline in gas permeation. On the contrary, with saponites, MMMs present a plateau after 1 week within the aging showing that the fillers slow down the aging of PIM1 membranes in the long term. After one year of aging, the total reduction for CO2 permeability for native PIM1 was 80%, whereas for the MMMs it was 53% and 59% for the inorganic and the functionalized saponite, respectively. Interactions between the fillers and the polymeric matrix in addition to aging effects have been also monitored through SS-NMR spectroscopy. The 13C spin 12lattice relaxation time (T1) measurements reveal that PIM1 chains intercalation between T 12O 12T lamellar sheets could be one of the mechanisms responsible for PIM1 slowing down aging. Chains confinement between lamellar sheets could play a significant role in reducing the densification of chains, while maintaining small free volumes

Hyper Cross-Linked Polymers as Additives for Preventing Aging of PIM-1 Membranes

Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are membranes that are composed of polymers embedded with inorganic particles. By combining the polymers with the inorganic fillers, improvements can be made to the permeability compared to the pure polymer membranes due to new pathways for gas transport. However, the fillers, such as hyper cross-linked polymers (HCP), can also help to reduce the physical aging of the MMMs composed of a glassy polymer matrix. Here we report the synthesis of two novel HCP fillers, based on the Friedel\u2013Crafts reaction between a tetraphenyl methane monomer and a bromomethyl benzene monomer. According to the temperature and the solvent used during the reaction (dichloromethane (DCM) or dichloroethane (DCE)), two different particle sizes have been obtained, 498 nm with DCM and 120 nm with DCE. The change in the reaction process also induces a change in the surface area and pore volumes. Several MMMs have been developed with PIM-1 as matrix and HCPs as fillers at 3% and 10wt % loading. Their permeation performances have been studied over the course of two years in order to explore physical aging effects over time. Without filler, PIM-1 exhibits the classical aging behavior of polymers of intrinsic microporosity, namely, a progressive decline in gas permeation, up to 90% for CO2 permeability. On the contrary, with HCPs, the physical aging at longer terms in PIM-1 is moderated with a decrease of 60% for CO2 permeability.13C spin-lattice relaxation times (T1) indicates that this slowdown is related to the interactions between HCPs and PIM-1

Strain, Young's modulus, and structural transition of EuTiO3 thin films probed by micro-mechanical methods

EuTiO3 (ETO) is a well-known complex oxide mainly investigated for its magnetic properties and its incipient ferro-electricity. In this work, we demonstrate the realization of suspended micro-mechanical structures, such as cantilevers and micro-bridges, from 100 nm-thick single-crystal epitaxial ETO films deposited on top of SrTiO3(100) substrates. By combining profile analysis and resonance frequency measurements of these devices, we obtain the Young's modulus, strain, and strain gradients of the ETO thin films. Moreover, we investigate the ETO anti-ferro-distorsive transition by temperature-dependent characterizations, which show a non-monotonic and hysteretic mechanical response. Comparison between experimental and literature data allows us to weight the contribution from thermal expansion and softening to the tuning slope, while a full understanding of the origin of such a wide hysteresis is still missing. We also discuss the influence of oxygen vacancies on the reported mechanical properties by comparing stoichiometric and oxygen-deficient samples.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures; 7 Supplementary Material section

Long-lived nonthermal electron distribution in aluminum excited by femtosecond extreme ultraviolet radiation

We report a time-resolved study of the relaxation dynamics of Al films excited by ultrashort intense free-electron laser (FEL) extreme ultraviolet pulses. The system response was measured through a pump-probe detection scheme, in which an intense FEL pulse tuned around the Al L2,3 edge (72.5 eV) acted as the pump, while a time-delayed ultrafast pulse probed the near-infrared (NIR) reflectivity of the Al film. Remarkably, following the intense FEL excitation, the reflectivity of the film exhibited no detectable variation for hundreds of femtoseconds. Following this latency time, sizable reflectivity changes were observed. Exploiting recent theoretical calculations of the EUV-excited electron dynamics [N. Medvedev et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 107, 165003 (2011)], the delayed NIR-reflectivity evolution is interpreted invoking the formation of very-long-living nonthermal hot electron distributions in Al after exposure to EUV pulses. Our data represent the first evidence in the time domain of such an intriguing behavior

Early Detection of External Neurological Symptoms through a Wearable Smart-Glasses Prototype

The Internet of Things (IoT) framework is moving the research community to provide smart systems and solutions aimed at revolutionizing medical sciences and healthcare. Given the extreme diffusion of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), the demand for a solution to early detect neurological symptoms of such diseases strongly arose. According to the medical literature, such early detection can be obtained through the correlation between PD and AD and some external symptoms: the Essential Tremor (ET) and the number of Eye Blinks (EBs). In this paper, which can be considered as an extended version of [1], we present a prototype of wearable smart glasses able to detect the presence of ET of the head and to count the number of EBs at the same time, in a transparent way with respect to the final user. Numerical results demonstrate the reliability of the proposed approach: the proposed algorithms are able to i) correctly recognize the ET with an overall accuracy above 97% and ii) count the number of EBs with an overall error around 9%

Tamm Plasmon Resonance as Optical Fingerprint of Silver/Bacteria Interaction

Incorporation of responsive elements into photonic crystals is an effective strategy for building up active optical components to be used as sensors, actuators and modulators. In these regards, Tamm Plasmon (TP) modes have arisen recently as powerful optical tools for the manipulation of light-matter interaction and for building sensors/actuators. These emerge at the interface between a dielectric mirror and a plasmonic layer and, interestingly, can be excited at normal incidence angle with relatively high quality factors. Although its field is located at the interface between the dielectric mirror and the metal, recent studies have demonstrated that corrugation at the nanoscale permits to access the TP mode from the outside, opening new exciting perspectives for many real-life applications. Here, we show that the TP resonance obtained by capping a distributed Bragg reflector with a nanostructured layer of silver is sensitive to the presence of bacteria. We observed that nanoscale corrugation is essential for accessing the TP field, while the well-known bio-responsivity of silver nanostructures renders such a localised mode sensible to the presence of Escherichia Coli. Electrodoping experiments confirm the pivotal role of nanostructuration, as well as strengthening our hypothesis that the modifications of the TP mode upon exposure to bacteria are related to the accumulation of negative charge due to the bacterial-driven removal of Ag+ ions from its lattice. Finally, we devised a case study in which we disentangled optically the presence of proliferative and non-proliferative bacteria using the TP resonance as a read-out, thus making these devices as promising simple all-optical probes for bacterial metabolic activity, including their response against drugs and antibiotics

Desarrollo de un sistema participativo para la gestión del riesgo ante amenazas climáticas y exposición a plaguicidas para productores/as hortícolas de la región alimentaria de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina

La región alimentaria de la ciudad de Córdoba es la mayor región productora de hortalizas de la provincia y una de las principales del país. El sector se encuentra amenazado por eventos meteorológicos extremos (EMEs) (granizo, tormentas severas, heladas y sequías), que se prevé incrementen su impacto ante escenarios de cambio climático. Una de las estrategias de adaptación al cambio climático es la gestión de la información agroclimática, mediante la implementación de Sistemas de Alerta Temprana (SAT). A partir de datos socio-productivos relevados participativamente se avanzará, de manera interdisciplinaria e interinstitucional con productores y productoras hortícolas en la generación de un sistema que permita el reconocimiento de las diferentes vulnerabilidades de las quintas ante los riesgos por EMEs y por exposición a agroquímicos de personas y cultivos. Entendiendo al riesgo como socialmente construido, las acciones de prevención y atención resultan fundamentales para un abordaje que aporte a la resiliencia desde la gestión integral. Se construirán a tal fin índices de vulnerabilidad ante EMEs y de exposición a plaguicidas y se facilitará el acceso a tecnologías satelitales (alerta temprana, monitoreo y cuantificación de daños). Se generarán mesas técnicas agroclimáticas para la validación de los instrumentos generados y el desarrollo participativo de un sistema de gestión agroclimático que apoye la toma de decisiones, y la cuantificación de daños por EMEs en las quintas. En el marco de la pandemia por COVID-19, se reformularon estrategias de comunicación y operativas en el trabajo con productores/as y del equipo interdisciplinario e interinstitucional de técnicos (materiales audiovisuales interactivos, uso de redes y plataformas virtuales agroclimáticas). Se espera el logro de conocimientos transdisciplinarios que permitan transformar la realidad a partir de diversos aspectos abordados, ser insumo para la planeación y ordenamiento territorial y para la promoción de políticas públicas a favor del sector.EEA ManfrediFil: Pons, Diego Hernan. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi; ArgentinaFil: Pons, Diego Hernan. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Altos Estudios Espaciales “Mario Gulich”; ArgentinaFil: Giobellina, Beatriz Liliana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi. Observatorio de Agricultura Urbana y Periurbana y Agroecología (O-AUPA); ArgentinaFil: Bisio, Cali. Gobierno de Córdoba. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería; ArgentinaFil: Narmona, Luis Rogelio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Centro de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (CIAP); ArgentinaFil: Lighezzolo, Andres. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Unidad de desarrollos y Soluciones Ambientales - Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales. Observatorio Hidrometeorológico de la Provincia de Córdoba. Laboratorio de Hidraúlica; ArgentinaFil: Marani, Claudia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Observatorio de Agricultura Urbana y Periurbana y Agroecología (O-AUPA); ArgentinaFil: Eandi, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Romero Asis, Melisa. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Machado, Federico. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Altos Estudios Espaciales “Mario Gulich”; ArgentinaFil: Marinelli, María Victoria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi. Agencia de Extensión Rural Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Marinelli, María Victoria. Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales (CONAE). Instituto de altos estudios espaciales "Mario Gulich"; ArgentinaFil: Marinelli, María Victoria. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de altos estudios espaciales "Mario Gulich"; ArgentinaFil: Viale, Virginia. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales; ArgentinaFil: Montero, Agustín. Observatorio Hidrometeorológico de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Lado, M. Observatorio Hidrometeorológico de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Butinof, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Aparicio, Lourdes. Investigador independiente; Argentin

Interrogando nuestras prácticas: reflexiones sobre experiencias de investigación y participación extensionista en salud en la Región Alimentaria de Córdoba

La Región Alimentaria Córdoba (RAC) constituye un área de especial relevancia para el sistema alimentario local en tanto provee de alimentos frescos (frutas y hortalizas), variados y de cercanía a la ciudad de Córdoba y localidades próximas. En este ensayo nos proponemos compartir reflexiones en torno a nuestra práctica de investigación y participación extensionista en salud, llevadas a cabo entre 2013 y 2021, ancladas en la experiencia colectiva que junto a distintos actores y sectores (coautores de este escrito) llevamos adelante de manera articulada en la RAC -desde el Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer y otras Enfermedades Crónicas, junto al Observatorio de Agricultura Urbana, Periurbana y Agroecología-INTA y la Asociación de Productores Hortícolas de la Provincia de Córdoba, trabajadoras-es hortícolas, sus familias, otras instituciones y actores locales. Para ello, elegimos interrogar críticamente nuestras prácticas, realizamos una relectura de los trabajos producidos en el período, re-visitamos registros fotográficos, notas de campo individuales y grupales y sostuvimos encuentros formales e informales para intercambiar pensares y sentires en torno a lo anterior. Organizamos el ensayo en dos momentos: a) primero exponemos una caracterización de la RAC, centrada en los procesos productivos hortícolas en vínculo con los de salud- enfermedad- cuidados, pretendiendo superar los aspectos descriptivos para trasladar a las-os lectores al territorio, situarnos allí y dar cuenta de algunos marcos teóricos con los cuales caminamos; a) en el segundo momento profundizamos en torno a dos ejes que emergieron del proceso reflexivo: nuestros desplazamientos disciplinares y las experiencias en el territorio. Lo transitado dió lugar a la Mesa Agroclimática y Ambiental, que incorpora a las-os horticultores y sus familias en un hacer-ser colectivo, democrático y horizontal, espacio que condensa varios de los aprendizajes que se fueron dando a lo largo de todo el recorrido que buscamos plasmar en el escrito.EEA ManfrediFil: Eandi, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Dezzotti, Luciana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Butinof, Mariana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Bustos, Daniela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Romero Asis, Melisa. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Aparicio, Lourdes. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas. Grupo de Epidemiología Ambiental del Cáncer en Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Pons, Diego Hernan. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi; ArgentinaFil: Pons, Diego Hernan. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Altos Estudios Espaciales “Mario Gulich”; ArgentinaFil: Pons, Diego Hernan. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET). Instituto de Altos Estudios Espaciales “Mario Gulich”; ArgentinaFil: Arrascaeta, Ana Mercedes. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi; ArgentinaFil: Narmona, Luis Rogelio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Observatorio de Agricultura Urbana y Periurbana y Agroecología (O-AUPA); ArgentinaFil: Narmona, Luis Rogelio. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi. Observatorio de Agricultura Urbana y Periurbana y Agroecología (O-AUPA); ArgentinaFil: Bisio, Cali. Gobierno de Córdoba. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería; ArgentinaFil: Arena, Lucía. Observatorio Hidrometeorológico de Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Garello, Adriana Del Lourdes. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi. Agencia de Extensión Rural Oncativo; ArgentinaFil: Ochionero, Federico. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Matemática, Astronomía, Física y Computación; ArgentinaFil: Lighezzolo, Andres. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Unidad de desarrollos y Soluciones Ambientales - Comisión Nacional de Actividades Espaciales. Observatorio Hidrometeorológico de la Provincia de Córdoba. Laboratorio de Hidraúlica; ArgentinaFil: Cortés, Luciano. Gobierno de Córdoba. Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería; ArgentinaFil: Giobellina, Beatriz Liliana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Manfredi. Observatorio de Agricultura Urbana y Periurbana y Agroecología (O-AUPA); Argentin