Employee stress and health complaints in jobs with and without electronic performance monitoring

Current applications of electronic performance monitoring based on job design theories that consider worker performance rather than stress issues are likely to generate unsatisfying and stressful jobs (Smith et al, 1986). This study examines critical job design elements that could influence worker stress responses in an electronic monitoring context. A questionnaire survey of employees in telecommunications companies representative of each region in the United States examined job stress in directory assistance, service representative and clerical jobs with specific emphasis on the influence of electronic monitoring of job performance, satisfaction and employee health. Useable surveys were received from 745 employees representing seven operating companies and AT & T; a response rate of about 25%. The results of this survey indicated that employees who had their performance electronically monitored perceived their working conditions as more stressful, and reported higher levels of job boredom, psychological tension, anxiety, depression, anger, health complaints and fatigue. It is postulated that these effects may be related to changes in job design due to electronic performance monitoring.     

The coming revolution in information systems

A revolution is coming--is absolutely essential--in healthcare. The chief information officer must be among the generals who plan battle strategies and lead the campaigns to fight inflating costs and overwhelming demands. Without their leadership and expertise, armies of healthcare providers are destined to fail, and legions of citizens will fall victim to a system inadequate to meet their needs.     

Investigation of the levels of N(τ)-Methylhistidine in a range of beef cuts and offals

Protein-bound N(τ)-methylhistidine (N-MeHis) has been suggested as an index for the estimation of muscle (meat) protein in meat and meat products. This paper examines the levels of N-MeHis in a range of six prime beef cuts together with beef flank, cheek, mechanically recovered meat (MRM) and offals. The study was undertaken by two separate laboratories using a previously reported HPLC procedure involving the conversion of N-MeHis to a fluorescent derivative. It is shown that, whilst similar N-MeHis levels are present in the prime cuts, there is considerable variation in those found in the other cuts and offals. The average N-MeHis level in six prime cuts observed at both laboratories is 122 μg/g fat-free connective tissue-free (FFCF) meat; however, flank exhibits apparently high N-MeHis levels, whilst cheek and MRM contain only approximately 70% of the level found in the prime cuts. The offals contain between 0 and 65% of the N-MeHis level found in prime cuts. The greater variability and the often lower value of the N-MeHis content of these legitimate meat materials preclude the establishment of a single realistic index for FFCF beef, and present fundamental problems for the assessment of the lean meat content of manufactured beef products by N-MeHis determination.     

Effect of block weight on work demands and physical workload during masonry work

The effect of block weight on work demands and physical workload was determined for masons who laid sandstone building blocks over the course of a full work day. Three groups of five sandstone block masons participated. Each group worked with a different block weight: 11 kg, 14 kg or 16 kg. Productivity and durations of tasks and activities were assessed through real time observations at the work site. Energetic workload was also assessed through monitoring the heart rate and oxygen consumption at the work site. Spinal load of the low back was estimated by calculating the cumulated elastic energy stored in the lumbar spine using durations of activities and previous data on corresponding compression forces. Block weight had no effect on productivity, duration or frequency of tasks and activities, energetic workload or cumulative spinal load. Working with any of the block weights exceeded exposure guidelines for work demands and physical workload. This implies that, regardless of block weight in the range of 11 to 16 kg, mechanical lifting equipment or devices to adjust work height should be implemented to substantially lower the risk of low back injuries.