Traffic Flow Analysis Based on Queuing Models

One of the most important issues in the plant layout design especially in mass production organizations with high inter-plant logistics is‘material flow and inter-plant traffic analysis and its effects on the production capabilities or pauses in production lines. In this paper the inter-plant traffic analysis issue on the basis of single channel queue model (M/M/1) is analyzed in a carmaker company (IKCO). Through the analysis, the production stop rate and relevant costs are estimated

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Regularly updated data on stroke and its pathological types, including data on their incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability, risk factors, and epidemiological trends, are important for evidence-based stroke care planning and resource allocation. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) aims to provide a standardised and comprehensive measurement of these metrics at global, regional, and national levels. Methods We applied GBD 2019 analytical tools to calculate stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of DALYs (with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals [UIs]) associated with 19 risk factors, for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These estimates were provided for ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and all strokes combined, and stratified by sex, age group, and World Bank country income level. Findings In 2019, there were 12·2 million (95% UI 11·0–13·6) incident cases of stroke, 101 million (93·2–111) prevalent cases of stroke, 143 million (133–153) DALYs due to stroke, and 6·55 million (6·00–7·02) deaths from stroke. Globally, stroke remained the second-leading cause of death (11·6% [10·8–12·2] of total deaths) and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined (5·7% [5·1–6·2] of total DALYs) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of incident strokes increased by 70·0% (67·0–73·0), prevalent strokes increased by 85·0% (83·0–88·0), deaths from stroke increased by 43·0% (31·0–55·0), and DALYs due to stroke increased by 32·0% (22·0–42·0). During the same period, age-standardised rates of stroke incidence decreased by 17·0% (15·0–18·0), mortality decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0), prevalence decreased by 6·0% (5·0–7·0), and DALYs decreased by 36·0% (31·0–42·0). However, among people younger than 70 years, prevalence rates increased by 22·0% (21·0–24·0) and incidence rates increased by 15·0% (12·0–18·0). In 2019, the age-standardised stroke-related mortality rate was 3·6 (3·5–3·8) times higher in the World Bank low-income group than in the World Bank high-income group, and the age-standardised stroke-related DALY rate was 3·7 (3·5–3·9) times higher in the low-income group than the high-income group. Ischaemic stroke constituted 62·4% of all incident strokes in 2019 (7·63 million [6·57–8·96]), while intracerebral haemorrhage constituted 27·9% (3·41 million [2·97–3·91]) and subarachnoid haemorrhage constituted 9·7% (1·18 million [1·01–1·39]). In 2019, the five leading risk factors for stroke were high systolic blood pressure (contributing to 79·6 million [67·7–90·8] DALYs or 55·5% [48·2–62·0] of total stroke DALYs), high body-mass index (34·9 million [22·3–48·6] DALYs or 24·3% [15·7–33·2]), high fasting plasma glucose (28·9 million [19·8–41·5] DALYs or 20·2% [13·8–29·1]), ambient particulate matter pollution (28·7 million [23·4–33·4] DALYs or 20·1% [16·6–23·0]), and smoking (25·3 million [22·6–28·2] DALYs or 17·6% [16·4–19·0]). Interpretation The annual number of strokes and deaths due to stroke increased substantially from 1990 to 2019, despite substantial reductions in age-standardised rates, particularly among people older than 70 years. The highest age-standardised stroke-related mortality and DALY rates were in the World Bank low-income group. The fastest-growing risk factor for stroke between 1990 and 2019 was high body-mass index. Without urgent implementation of effective primary prevention strategies, the stroke burden will probably continue to grow across the world, particularly in low-income countries.publishedVersio

Global, regional, and national burden of stroke and its risk factors, 1990-2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Background Regularly updated data on stroke and its pathological types, including data on their incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability, risk factors, and epidemiological trends, are important for evidence-based stroke care planning and resource allocation. The Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) aims to provide a standardised and comprehensive measurement of these metrics at global, regional, and national levels. Methods We applied GBD 2019 analytical tools to calculate stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of DALYs (with corresponding 95% uncertainty intervals UIs]) associated with 19 risk factors, for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019. These estimates were provided for ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, subarachnoid haemorrhage, and all strokes combined, and stratified by sex, age group, and World Bank country income level. Findings In 2019, there were 12.2 million (95% UI 11.0-13.6) incident cases of stroke, 101 million (93.2-111) prevalent cases of stroke, 143 million (133-153) DALYs due to stroke, and 6.55 million (6.00-7.02) deaths from stroke. Globally, stroke remained the second-leading cause of death (11.6% 10.8-12.2] of total deaths) and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined (5.7% 5.1-6.2] of total DALYs) in 2019. From 1990 to 2019, the absolute number of incident strokes increased by 70.0% (67.0-73.0), prevalent strokes increased by 85.0% (83.0-88.0), deaths from stroke increased by 43.0% (31.0-55.0), and DALYs due to stroke increased by 32.0% (22.0-42.0). During the same period, age-standardised rates of stroke incidence decreased by 17.0% (15.0-18.0), mortality decreased by 36.0% (31.0-42.0), prevalence decreased by 6.0% (5.0-7.0), and DALYs decreased by 36.0% (31.0-42.0). However, among people younger than 70 years, prevalence rates increased by 22.0% (21.0-24.0) and incidence rates increased by 15.0% (12.0-18.0). In 2019, the age-standardised stroke-related mortality rate was 3.6 (3.5-3.8) times higher in the World Bank low-income group than in the World Bank high-income group, and the age-standardised stroke-related DALY rate was 3.7 (3.5-3.9) times higher in the low-income group than the high-income group. Ischaemic stroke constituted 62.4% of all incident strokes in 2019 (7.63 million 6.57-8.96]), while intracerebral haemorrhage constituted 27.9% (3.41 million 2.97-3.91]) and subarachnoid haemorrhage constituted 9.7% (1.18 million 1.01-1.39]). In 2019, the five leading risk factors for stroke were high systolic blood pressure (contributing to 79.6 million 67.7-90.8] DALYs or 55.5% 48.2-62.0] of total stroke DALYs), high body-mass index (34.9 million 22.3-48.6] DALYs or 24.3% 15.7-33.2]), high fasting plasma glucose (28.9 million 19.8-41.5] DALYs or 20.2% 13.8-29.1]), ambient particulate matter pollution (28.7 million 23.4-33.4] DALYs or 20.1% 16.6-23.0]), and smoking (25.3 million 22.6-28.2] DALYs or 17.6% 16.4-19.0]). Interpretation The annual number of strokes and deaths due to stroke increased substantially from 1990 to 2019, despite substantial reductions in age-standardised rates, particularly among people older than 70 years. The highest age-standardised stroke-related mortality and DALY rates were in the World Bank low-income group. The fastest-growing risk factor for stroke between 1990 and 2019 was high body-mass index. Without urgent implementation of effective primary prevention strategies, the stroke burden will probably continue to grow across the world, particularly in low-income countries

Evaluating the Potential Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Postural Loading of Task Postures in Bakery

Background: Bakery workers due to the nature of their job are at risk of musculoskeletal disorders caused by ergonomic factors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in bakery workers. Methods: In this study, all tasks of baking Sangak, Taftoon and Lavash in the bakeries in Gonabad were selected based on census method, and, Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) method was used for task analysis and job was degraded to tasks, actions and movements., LUBA and OCRA method was implemented to identify common risk factors in repetitive tasks that can contribute to develop musculoskeletal disorders of upper limbs. Finally, the results were analyzed using SPSS 17. Results: According to the results of this study, the score of OCRA index for employees as Chanegir (a person who makes dough balls) and baker investigated in 3 types of bakery was more than 4(red area). In general, LUBA score was obtained more than 10 for the 83.33% of workers in Tafton bakeries, 100% of Sangak bakery employees and 91.66 % of workers in Lavash bakery. LUBA score for any samples was not below 5 (action level one). Highest relative discomfort score for Nangeer (a person who takes bread out of oven) and baker of Tafton bakery was in back area and in Chanegir was neck and shoulder area.  Highest relative discomfort score in Shater, Chanegir and Nangeer of lavash bakery is was lumbar area and neck and in Shater and Nangire of Sangak bakery was in elbow and wrist area. The correlation results of OCRA index and LUBA in Lavash, Sangak and Taftoon bakery were 0.26, 0.03 and 0.24 respectively. Conclusion: The results showed that the risk of musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive tasks was relatively high in the bakeries and ergonomic interventions were required in order to redesign the job

Association between risk-taking behaviors and safety culture in construction workers

Background: Risk-taking behaviors and improper attitude toward occupational health and safety are the core of many occupational accidents and disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between level of risk taking and level of safety culture in construction workers. Methods: This cross-sectional study conducted on 38 construction workers.  Demographic characteristics, risk-taking level (risky decision-making), and level of safety culture measured using specific questionnaires. Results: The mean score of safety culture was 245 across the research population. Overall, 13 participants had a safety culture score lower than 225 (coded as a negative safety culture), and 25 subjects had a safety culture score of over 225 (with a positive safety culture). Safety culture was significantly different among married and single subjects. However, there was no significant association between age, background, and level of education with the safety culture. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the level of education, age, and working background have no effect on safety culture. Effective measures should be taken to enhance safety culture in industrial environments

Application of machine learning to predict of energy use efficiency and damage assessment of almond and walnut production

A study was conducted in Shahrekord city, Iran, focusing on improving the production of almond and walnut crops on rural agricultural lands. The gardeners selected for the study shared similar characteristics and production histories. One of the major challenges in producing these crops was the manual harvesting process, which required a significant amount of human labor in the region. To collect data, questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were conducted. The study used machine learning models, specifically artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models, to predict energy use efficiency and environmental impacts in almond and walnut production. Among the models used, the ANFIS model with a three-level topology was found to be the most accurate in predicting output energy generation and environmental impacts in both almond and walnut production. The R2 values for the testing stage ranged from 0.969 to 0.996 for output energy generation and 0.994 to 0.997 for environmental impacts. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of using machine learning models like ANN and ANFIS in predicting energy use efficiency and environmental impacts in almond and walnut production, which can aid in planning and managing these crops more sustainably and efficiently in the future

Factors Affecting the Use of Respiratory Protection Devices Based on the Health Belief Model in Welders

Background: Welding industry is one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Because of the nature of their jobs, welders are exposed to serious injuries. The present study aimed to investigate the effective factors on the use of respiratory protection devices in welding workshops. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 180 welders were studied in Gonabad city. A respiratory protection inventory was used to investigate the effective factors on the use of respiratory protection devices based on the health belief model in welders. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The working hours were 1.39 (8.25, the respiratory protection score was 10.12 (91.25). In this study, which was carried out on 180 people, there was a significant correlation between the score of respiratory protection and marital status and working shift. However, there was no significant relationship between respiratory protection score and the level of education and type of employment. Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the respiratory protection score in the studied welders is moderate and should be considered by managers and the relevant authoritie

Exposure assessment of arc welders to extremely low frequency magnetic field: its relationship with the secretion of paratormone hormone and mood states

Introduction: Nowadays, exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field has been interested in many studies due to possible effects on human physical-mental health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess arc welders&rsquo; exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic field and to determine its relationship with the secretion of paratormone (PTH) hormone and mood states. Material and Method: The present study has been conducted among 35 healthy production workers (as exposed group) and 35 healthy administrative personnel (as unexposed group). After checking the work activities of participants according to the guide recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), ELF magnetic fields were measured using an ELF measurement device in the regions including trunk, head, and neck. The plasma levels of PTH hormone of both groups were evaluated by the Electrochemiluminescence method. Stress-Arousal Checklist (SACL) was used to assess the mode states of subjects in both groups. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS software version 16. Result: There was a significant difference between the exposed and unexposed groups with respect to the exposure level to ELF magnetic fields (P-value<0.0001). Mean PTH hormone level in exposed group (34.54 pg/ml) was lower than unexposed ones (37 pg/ml), however these mean values weren&rsquo;t significantly different (P-value=0.67). Score of &ldquo;stress&rdquo; subscale related to the &ldquo;pleasure&rdquo; and score of &ldquo;arousal&rdquo; subscale&nbsp; related to the &ldquo;activities and alertness&rdquo; in the unexposed group were significantly higher than those in exposed group (p<0.0001). Regarding the relationship between exposure level to ELF electromagnetic field and scores of&nbsp; stress, arousal, and PTH hormone level in the two groups, it should be stated that only a significant and positive association was found between the average exposure to ELF magnetic fields and PTH levels in the exposed group (P-value<0.009, r=0.44). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that continuous welding can be considered as an exposure source to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields. More accurate and comprehensive laboratory and field studies are needed to prove the hypothesis of the potential impact of extremely low frequency magnetic fields on people&rsquo;s psychological states and mood through changes of parathyroid hormone level

Evaluation of Ergonomic Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders among Kitchen Workers

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders in kitchen workers are prevalent due to the nature of work and repetitive work. But few studies have been done on this profession. The RULA procedure is one of the best posture assessment methods for assessing upper limbs. The aim of this study was to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders using RULA method among Gonabad kitchen workers. Methods: In this descriptive analytical study, Work postures of 78 workers in all Gonabad kitchens and restaurants were recorded using the camera while working. And the most repetitive and awkward posture were chosen and analyzed using the RULA method. Data analysis was done using SPSS software and double-duplex scores were compared with R software (programming software). Results: The results showed that the highest postural score and level of actions at the workstations were earned at points 7 and 4 respectively which was related to the task of cleaning the kitchen. The duties of carrying the pot and pouring the material in the next ranks were high RULA privileges. The highest mean scores for each of the organs examined were neck, wrists, and trunks respectively. Also, 51.20% of all workers carried an average load of more than 11 kilograms. The highest loaded weight on duty carries the pot with an average of 30 kilograms. According to the study, 100% of Gonabad's kitchen postures should be improved. Conclusions: In order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, the correction of postures and the reduction of carried load are necessary. Since ergonomic studies on kitchen workers are very limited, it is suggested that further studies on ergonomic interventions, such as the design of workstations should be performed to correct postures of the neck, trunk, and wrists of workers