Ulnar Neuropathy Among Active Workers Based Upon Hand Diagram Ratings

BackgroundLimited studies have estimated the prevalence of ulnar neuropathy (UN) in the workplace. Hand diagrams have been demonstrated to have a good sensitivity and specificity when attempting to identify patients with UN.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for UN among active workers based on results of a hand diagram, and to determine the reliability of hand diagram scoring.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingSeven different industrial and clerical work sites.MethodsA total of 501 active workers were screened. Subjects completed a hand diagram and the Job Content Questionnaire, and had ergonomic assessment of their job. Each hand diagram was scored independently by 2 raters.Main Outcome MeasuresRating of the hand diagram for UN.ResultsInterrater reliability of scoring the hand diagram for UN was very high. The estimated prevalence of UN was 3.6%. Suspected UN was associated with positioning of the elbow but not by contact stress at the elbow or force at the hand. Smokers had a lower prevalence, but smokers with suspected UN had higher‐pack year histories. Workers with suspected UN had a greater sense of job insecurity and lower job satisfaction rating.ConclusionsHand diagram rating has a high interrater reliability. Suspected UN has a relatively high prevalence among active workers in comparison to prior estimates of the prevalence of UN among the general population and is not strongly associated with ergonomic factors.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/146927/1/pmr2571.pd

Production of carrageenan by different strains of Kappaphycus alvarezii cultivated in Serang, Indonesia

Kappaphycus alvarezii is one of the main seaweeds cultivated in Indonesia. Its use as a raw material for the kappa-carrageenan industry has increased its cultivation activities. However, standard cultivation protocol for Kappaphycus alvarezii has yet to be well-documented, particularly on strain selection for kappa-carrageenan production. There are various strains of Kappaphycus alvarezii grown in Indonesia, specifically in Serang, Banten such as green, red, and yellowish green strains. In this study, growth rate, carrageenan yield, and gel strength from different strains of Kappaphycus alvarezii were investigated. It was observed that the specific growth rate of green type (4.14% /day) differed significantly from the other two types (red; 3.41% /day and yellowish green; 3.47% /day). The red type had the highest yield of carrageenan (45.16%) followed by yellowish green (36.66%) and green strain (33.67%). Gel strength was not significantly affected by the strain variations where the observed values for yellowish green, green, and red strain were 344.46, 316.91 and 313.10 g/cm2 , respectively. Green Kappaphycus alvarezii had the highest biomass (0.27 g/cm/d) and carrageenan productivity (0.012 g/cm/d). It can be concluded that the green strain of Kappaphycus alvarezii is the most suitable for cultivation in Serang, particularly for the kappa-carrageenan industry. ***************************************************************************** : Kappaphycus alvarezii adalah sebahagian daripada rumpai air yang dituai di Indonesia. Penggunaannya sebagai bahan dasar kepada industri kappa-carrageenan telah menambah kepada aktiviti penuaian. Walau bagaimanapun, protokol penuaian biasa bagi Kappaphycus alvarezii adalah tertakluk pada dokumentasi penuh terutama dalam pemilihan strain pada penghasilan kappa-carrageenan. Terdapat pelbagai jenis strain Kappaphycus alvarezii yang tumbuh di Indonesia, terutama di Serang, Banten seperti hijau, merah, dan strain hijau kekuningan. Kajian ini, kadar pertumbuhan, hasil karaginan dan kekuatan gel daripada pelbagai strain Kappaphycus alvarezii telah dikaji. Didapati bahawa kadar pertumbuhan tertentu pada jenis hijau (4.14% /hari) berbeza ketara berbanding dari dua jenis lain (merah; 3.41% /hari dan hijau kekuningan; 3.47% /hari). Jenis merah mempunyai hasil karaginan tertinggi (45.16%) diikuti oleh hijau kekuningan (36.66%) dan strain hijau (33.67%). Kekuatan gel adalah tidak ketara mempengaruhi kepelbagaian variasi di mana nilai yang dipantau pada strain hijau kekuningan, hijau dan merah adalah 344.46, 316.91 dan 313.10 g/cm2 , masing-masing. Kappaphycus alvarezii hijau mempunyai biojisim tertinggi (0.27 g/cm/d) dan penghasilan karaginan (0.012 g/cm/d). Kesimpulannya strain hijau Kappaphycus alvarezii adalah lebih sesuai untuk disemai di Serang terutamanya pada industri kappakaragina

Use of computer aided drafting for analysis and control of posture in manual work

Computer aided design (CAD) in conjunction with digitised anthropometric manikins can be used for analysis and control of stressful work postures, one of the most frequently cited occupational risk factors of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders. This paper describes the use of macros for manipulating manikins and workstation components and for designing the workplace. AutoCAD, a popular computer aided design software package, was used to demonstrate the feasibility of these concepts. Specifically, macros are used for drawing work equipment using parametric designs, manipulating manikins and analysing jobs. In comparing the macros to the use of primitive CAD commands, the macros not only decrease the amount of time needed to create workstation components, but they also make the task easier for the user and decrease the risk of errors. Despite the limitation of anthropometric data and manikins, CAD is an effective method for identifying postural stresses and redesigning the workstation to control the identified stresses.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/28529/1/0000326.pd

Analysis of the third national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES III) using expert ratings of job categories

Background Few epidemiologic studies have addressed the exposure–response relationships between work activities and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). This analysis used data from a national survey and ergonomists' ratings to address this issue. Methods Interview and knee X-ray data were obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Occupational ratings were obtained using ergonomists. A weighted logistic regression was used. Results Among men, a significant exposure–response relationship was found between symptomatic knee OA and kneeling. In both genders, there was a significant trend in heavy lifting and severe symptomatic knee OA. Approximately 20.7% of knee OA can be attributed to kneeling >14% of the workday among men. Conclusions The significant exposure–response relationships suggest that modest reductions in certain occupational activities can reduce the burden of knee OA. The study was limited by unvalidated expert ratings. Research is needed to identify hazardous characteristics of work activities and to clarify exposure–response relationships. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:37–46, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/57516/1/20512_ftp.pd

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of the ACGIH TLV for Hand Activity Level

The ACGIH Worldwide Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for hand activity “considers average hand activity level or “HAL” and peak hand force.” We report cross-sectional data that assess the validity of the TLV with respect to symptoms and selected upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among workers. The prevalence of symptoms and specific disorders were examined among 908 workers from 7 different job sites in relation to the TLV. Worker exposures were categorized as above the TLV, above the TLV Action Limit but below the TLV, or below the TLV Action Limit. Symptoms in the distal upper extremities did not vary by TLV category. Tendonitis in the wrist/hands/fingers did not vary by TLV category, but elbow/forearm tendonitis was significantly associated with TLV category. All measures of carpal tunnel syndrome were associated with TLV category. In all instances, prevalence of symptoms and specific disorders were substantial in jobs that were below the TLV action limit, suggesting that even at “acceptable” levels of hand activity, many workers will still experience symptoms and/or upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, which may be important in the rehabilitation and return to work of injured workers. Future analyses need to examine the incidence of symptoms and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders prospectively among workers in relation to the TLV for hand activity.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45015/1/10926_2005_Article_874.pd

Medical Management and Rehabilitation in the Workplace: Emerging Issues

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45004/1/10926_2004_Article_223619.pd

Predictors of Upper Extremity Discomfort: A Longitudinal Study of Industrial and Clerical Workers

Upper extremity discomfort associated with work activity is common with a prevalence of over 50% in many settings. This study followed a cohort of 501 active workers for an average of 5.4 years. Cases were defined as workers who were asymptomatic or had a low discomfort score of 1 or 2 at baseline testing and went on to report a discomfort score of 4 or above on a 10-point visual analog scale. This change is considered clinically significant. Controls had a low baseline discomfort score and continued to have a low discomfort rating throughout the study. The risk factors found to have the highest predictive value for identifying a person who is likely to develop a significant upper extremity discomfort rating included age over 40, a BMI over 28, a complaint of baseline discomfort, the severity of the baseline discomfort rating and a job that had a high hand activity level (based upon hand repetition and force). The risk profile identified both ergonomic and personal health factors as risks and both factors may be amenable to prevention strategies.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45012/1/10926_2005_Article_871.pd

Up All Night: The Shifting Roles of Home Media Formats as Transmedia Storytelling

In this age of convergence, where media platforms and industries are becoming increasingly connected and intertwined, ‘transmedia’ has become a buzzword that scholars and industry alike have come to perceive as the media production strategy of the future. When scholars theorise transmedia storytelling, they typically prioritise film, TV, videogames and websites. DVDs and Blu-Rays—physical formats that occupy a vital role in extending and repurposing media content across new terrains—are often overlooked. This chapter will question what specific roles they play in extending stories across media platforms. This chapter explores the specific case studies of Doctor Who and the Marvel Cinematic Universe

A Longitudinal Study of Industrial and Clerical Workers: Predictors of Upper Extremity Tendonitis

Upper extremity tendonitis (UET) associated with work activity is common but the true incidence and risk factors can best be determined by a prospective cohort study. This study followed a cohort of 501 active workers for an average of 5.4 years. Incident cases were defined as workers who were asymptomatic at baseline testing and had no prior history of UET and went on to be diagnosed with an UET during the follow-up period or at the follow-up evaluation. The incident cases were compared to the subset of the cohort who also had no history of an UET and did not develop tendonitis during the study. The cumulative incidence in this cohort was 24.3% or 4.5% annually. The factors found to have the highest predictive value for identifying a person who is likely to develop an UET in the near future included age over 40, a BMI over 30, a complaint at baseline of a shoulder or neck discomfort, a history of CTS and a job with a higher shoulder posture rating. The risk profile identifies both ergonomic and personal health factors as risks and both categories of factors may be amenable to prevention strategies.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45013/1/10926_2005_Article_872.pd