Effectiveness of participatory ergonomic interventions on health outcomes: a systematic review

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of participatory ergonomic (PE) interventions for improving workers' health. The search strategy targeted six electronic databases and identified 442 potential articles. Each article was examined by pairs of reviewers for relevance (assessed a participative ergonomic workplace intervention, with at least one health outcome, published in English in peer reviewed literature). Twenty-three articles met relevance criteria and were then appraised for methodological strength. Using a best evidence synthesis approach, 12 studies that were rated as 'medium' or higher provided partial to moderate evidence that PE interventions have a positive impact on: musculoskeletal symptoms, reducing injuries and workers' compensation claims, and a reduction in lost days from work or sickness absence. However, the magnitude of the effect requires more precise definition.     

A linear algorithm for conformal 3D-to-flatness coordinates conversion

Data conversion from a 3D raster to spiral coordinates is the key function in the scanning process for Roll Powder Sintering (RPS) additive manufacturing technology. Conversion process is especially important, as it produces the basis for a processed object. There are many equations for such conformal transformation, but there is still room to improve the computation efficiency. This paper presents an efficient conversion algorithm, which processes 3D objects and linear transforming it into rolling ribbon. The new algorithm has several significant advantages over the old ones due to applying only one main linear equation. The program based on the linear algorithm is simpler, more compact and faster in comparison to other programs which use trigonometric, transcendental or other equations. The proposed algorithm has been developed and extensively tested on several parts of computer-aided design models for RPS processing.     

A visual digital library approach for time-oriented scientific primary data

Digital Library support for textual and certain types of non-textual documents has significantly advanced over the last years. While Digital Library support implies many aspects along the whole library workflow model, interactive and visual retrieval allowing effective query formulation and result presentation are important functions. Recently, new kinds of non-textual documents which merit Digital Library support, but yet cannot be fully accommodated by existing Digital Library technology, have come into focus. Scientific data, as produced for example, by scientific experimentation, simulation or observation, is such a document type. In this article we report on a concept and first implementation of Digital Library functionality for supporting visual retrieval and exploration in a specific important class of scientific primary data, namely, time-oriented research data. The approach is developed in an interdisciplinary effort by experts from the library, natural sciences, and visual analytics communities. In addition to presenting the concept and to discussing relevant challenges, we present results from a first implementation of our approach as applied on a real-world scientific primary data set. We also report from initial user feedback obtained during discussions with domain experts from the earth observation sciences, indicating the usefulness of our approach.     

Improvement of copper–molybdenum ore beneficiation using a combined flotation and biohydrometallurgy method

The authors present the results of analysis of material composition and experimental investigations of acid and biohydrometallurgical leaching of middlings on grain size, pH level, leaching process duration, temperature and slurry density. The rational parameters of flotation and acid-bacterial leaching of middlings providing an efficient release of valuable components from mineral complexes and recovery to flotation concentrate and leaching solution have been determined. A combined flowsheet and a beneficiation process for bulk flotation middlings of copper–molybdenum ore have been suggested, which include middlings grinding, sulfide minerals flotation, bacterial leaching of sulfide flotation tailings, liquid-phase extraction of dissolved copper and electrolysis of re-extraction eluates. The suggested combined method of cleaning of middlings of copper–molybdenum ores beneficiation provides the total copper recovery increase by 0.8% with a reduction of the cost price of saleable material by 0.5%.     

Social Networks and Cultural Mediators: The Multiplexity of Personal Ties in Publishing

This study explores the relational and affective aspects of personal ties of cultural mediators by means of in-depth interviews with Dutch book publishers. Through examining the affective side of publishers' personal networks, we contribute to understanding the role of cultural mediators—those in-between artists and consumers—and how they deal with the tensions between and the integration of culture and commerce in increasingly concentrated markets. Informal networking is not primarily based on sociality ties and mutual exchange, as is often assumed; instead, publishers use informal contacts to keep an eye on each other, they share communalities with authors in more private settings and they exchange specific content in more formal ways. Personal ties involve different loyalties and motives which elevate or increase tensions between career and conglomerate and between culture and commerce. We critically employ Grabher's typology to get more understanding of how cultural mediators deal with these tensions and the integration of culture and commerce and the creation of value. By moving beyond dichotomies of emotion–business and culture–commerce, we aim to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the role of both networks and place in cultural industries.     

Synthesis of trimethylolpropane esters of tall oil fatty acids and properties of polyurethane coatings on their basis

Tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) were esterified with trimethylolpropane (TMP) without a catalyst at different molar ratios of TMP to TOFA. A molar ratio was defined, at which a polyol stable in long-term storage, with the maximum content of TMP monoesters, was synthesized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography were used for the identification of the polyols’ chemical structure and composition. Based on the synthesized polyols, polyurethane coatings were prepared. The effect of the isocyanate index and concentration of traditional Sn-based and less toxic Bi-based catalysts on the gel time of the polyurethane composition, and the mechanical and thermal properties of the coatings was studied. It was found that the new coatings had high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, comparable with the strength and modulus of the polyurethane based on diethanolamides of TOFA. The initial temperature of decomposition of these coatings was higher than that of the polyurethanes based on esters of TOFA and a number of uralkyds. The coatings based on TMP esters of TOFA were obtained without the use of solvents, and potentially, these esters can be used in spray-applied VOC-free polyurethane coatings’ formulation.     

Dot Size Thermal Objects Detection in Atmosphere of Infrared Range

The article deals with the experimental studies of atmosphere indistinct radiation structure. The information extraction background of dot size thermal object presence in atmosphere is reasonable. Indistinct generalization of experimental study regularities technique of space-time irregularity radiation structure in infrared wave range is offered. The approach to dot size thermal object detection in atmosphere is proved with a help of threshold method in the thermodynamic and turbulent process conditions, based on the indistinct statement return task solution.     

Changes in soil carbon stock after cropland conversion to grassland in Russian temperate zone: measurements versus model simulation

The collapse of Soviet Union in early 1990s led to abandonment of large area of arable land which is assumed to act as a carbon (C) sink. We studied the ability of two dynamic soil C models (Yasso07 and RothC) to predict changes in soil C content after cropland abandonment. The performance of the models was compared using the results of a long-term experiment in Pushchino, Moscow region (54°50′N, 37°35′E) in Russia. The experiment was divided in four combinations of fertilizer or mowing treatments on former cropland soil. The soil C content was determined in the year of establishment (1980) and thereafter in 1999 and 2004. The soil C stocks increased by about 1.5- to 1.8-fold during the study period. Both models predicted the overall change in soil C relatively well (modelling efficiency of Yasso07 and RothC were 0.60 and 0.73, respectively). According to the models, the soil gained on average 140–150 g C m^?2 year^?1 during the first 5 years after conversion of cropland to grassland. The C sequestration rate decreased to 40–50 g C m^?2 year^?1 after 20 years of land use change. The sequestration rates estimated in this study are comparable to the rates observed in other studies.     

Network level bridges maintenance planning using Multi-Attribute Utility Theory

Bridge infrastructure managers are facing multiple challenges to improve the availability and serviceability of ageing infrastructure, while the maintenance planning is constrained by budget restrictions. Many research efforts are ongoing, for the last few decades, ranging from development of bridge management system, decision support tools, optimisation models, life cycle cost analysis, etc. Since transport infrastructures are deeply embedded in society, they are not only subject to technical requirements, but are required to meet the requirements of societal and economic developments. Therefore, bridge maintenance planning should accommodate multiple performance goals which need to be quantified by various performance indicators. In this paper, an application of Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT) for bridge maintenance planning is illustrated with a case study of bridges from the Netherlands road network. MAUT seeks to optimise multiple objectives by suggesting a trade-off among them and finally assigns a ranking to the considered bridges. Moreover, utility functions of MAUT appropriately account for the involved uncertainty and risk attitude of infrastructure managers. The main contribution of this study is in presenting a proof-of-concept on how MAUT provides a systematic approach to improve the decision-making of maintenance planning by making use of available data, accommodating multiple performance goals, their uncertainty, and preferences of infrastructure managers.     

基于新标准的俄罗斯釆金业职业风险评估

当前俄罗斯正在进行立法改革以实现治理体系现代化，其中改革的重点是国家管理体系中的劳动保护、工业安全和突发事件的应急处理。过去的立法体系侧重于对受伤员工提供健康补偿和医疗救护，而新的立法体系则以预防为主，以期通过建立完善的风险管理机制和运行规则，提高安全生产水平、普及安全文化教育，保障员工的生命安全。新标准强调企业必须进行职业风险评估，并将职业风险评估纳入企业工作管理体系。论文以采金业为例，选取伊尔库茨克州波戴波区金矿露天采场为研究案例，探讨了现代化职业风险评估的方法，明确了职业风险评估首先要进行危害鉴别，编制了风险源管理档案清单。采用实测员工风险因素的“记分法”和数学模拟“矩阵法”完成了伊尔库茨克州波戴波区金矿露天采场主要职业的风险评估。研究表明: 在钻井爆破作业场所，由碎石的喷射、粉尘的排放和噪声效应引起的危险为不可接受风险，通过实施安全生产制度（即遵守安全标准和技术要求、为工人提供防护装备）,可将高风险和不可接受风险化解为可接受风险；阐述了高风险职业，编制了风险手册，提出了改善工作条件的首要措施是消除影响爆破手和钻机操作员的有害因素，并为员工提供能更有效预防噪音和振动的个人防护用品。