Positive Health Behaviors and Their Determinants Among Men Active on the Labor Market in Poland.

This paper reports on results from research conducted on health behaviors undertaken of men. Health behavior is one of the determinants of our health. The way in which people care for their health affects not only their health, but also their well-being, quality of life, and work ability.

Properties of thin coatings deposited by physical vapour deposition on safety helmets.

This article presents research on a new solution for industrial helmets improving mechanical and physical properties (temperature resistance and reflection of infrared radiation). The application of known technology in a new personal protective equipment area has been described in order to increase their level of safety and comfort of use. In this work we have studied the effect of a selected magnetron sputtering coating method onto polymer substrates, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer, polycarbonate, polyethylene, high-density polyethylene, polyamide, glass and silicon.

CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in a chicken model: current approaches and applications.

Improvements in genome editing technology in birds using primordial germ cells (PGCs) have made the development of innovative era genome-edited avian models possible, including specific chicken bioreactors, production of knock-in/out chickens, low-allergenicity eggs, and disease-resistance models. New strategies, including CRISPR/Cas9, have made gene editing easy and highly efficient in comparison to the well-known process of homologous recombination. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) technique enables us to understand the function of genes and/or to modify the animal phenotype to fit a specific scientific or production target.

An Evaluation of Electromagnetic Exposure While Using Ultra-High Frequency Radiofrequency Identification (UHF RFID) Guns.

The aim is to evaluate specific absorption rate (SAR) values from exposure near handheld ultra-high frequency radiofrequency identification readers (UHF RFID guns-small electronic devices, or even portable computers with relevant accessories-emitting up to several watts of electromagnetic field (EMF) to search for RFID sensors (tags) attached to marked objects), in order to test the hypothesis that they have an insignificant environmental influence. Simulations of SAR in adult male and female models in seven exposure scenarios (gun near the head, arm, chest, hip/thigh of the operator searching for tags, or near to the chest and arm of the scanned person or a bystander). The results showed EMF exposure compliant with SAR limits for general public exposure (ICNIRP/European Recommendation 1999/519/EC) at emissions up to 1 W (reading range 3.

Microbial contamination level and microbial diversity of occupational environment in commercial and traditional dairy plants.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess microbial contamination of the air and surfaces at workplaces in commercial (CD) and traditional (TD) dairies.

Material And Methods: Bioaerosol (impactor) and surface (swab) samples were collected in CD and in TD. Bacterial and fungal concentrations in the air and on surfaces were calculated and all isolated microorganisms taxonomically identified, based on their morphological, biochemical and molecular features.

Effect of previous lowering of skin temperature on the time of safe exposure to a hot environment: a case study.

The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of initial conditions of a microclimate on volunteers' permissible exposure limits to a hot and humid environment. Eighteen experimental studies with the participation of three volunteers were performed under controlled microclimate conditions (two climate chambers). The skin temperature and body core temperature were measured after they had stabilized in the following microclimate conditions: temperature of 17, 21 and 23 °C, relative humidity of 50% and hot microclimate conditions, i.

The influence of air humidity on human heat stress in a hot environment.

This article aims to present the physical adaptation capabilities of a human, seen as a response to extreme hot and dry or hot and humid conditions. Adaptation capabilities are expressed as safe exposure time in two variants: at rest and during physical activity. The study shows the results of calculations of the variability over time of the core temperature and skin temperature as well as heat balance.

Determination of Triglycidyl Isocyanurate in Workplace Air.

Triglycidyl isocyanurate (TGIC) is a white solid in powder or granular form. TGIC does not occur naturally in the environment. It is intentionally manufactured and used as a crosslinking agent or hardener to produce polyester powder coatings.

Biological effects of molybdenum compounds in nanosized forms under and conditions.

Nanoparticles of transition metal dichalcogenides, particularly of molybdenum (Mo), have gained a lot of focus due to their exceptional physicochemical properties and the growing number of technological applications. These nanoparticles are also considered as potential therapeutic tools, biosensors or drug carriers. It is crucial to thoroughly examine their biocompatibility and ensure safe usage.

Explaining active and passive types of counterproductive work behavior: the moderation effect of bullying, the dark triad and job control.

Objectives: Drawing on the stressor-emotion model, the study aimed to identify some predictors of the active and passive types of counterproductive work behavior (CWB). Specifically, 1) the direct effect of bullying on CWB, 2) the 2-way interaction effects of the Dark Triad (DT) and job control (JC), as well as 3) the 3-way interaction effect (DT×JC) on the bullying-CWB link were investigated.

Material And Methods: Data were collected from 659 white- and blue-collar workers.

Analysis of selected mechanical parameters for foamed materials with non-Newtonian liquid characteristics in terms of their use in aspects of protective helmets.

This article presents the results of measurements of mechanical parameters for foamed materials with non-Newtonian liquid characteristics (energy suppressed in the sample, force transferred to the anvil during the dynamic tests). In dynamic studies, the following characteristics were determined: the pressure forces exerted on the anvil as a function of the sample deflection during the impact, the energy suppressed in the sample depending on the temperature and the energy suppressed in the sample depending on the sample density. Foamed materials with non-Newtonian characteristics are currently used as elements protecting against impacts.

Application of Biocides and Super-Absorbing Polymers to Enhance the Efficiency of Filtering Materials.

Studies on the functionalization of materials used for the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) relate to endowing fibers with biocidal properties. There is also a real need for reducing moisture content accumulating in such materials during FFR use, as it would lead to decreased microorganism survival. Thus, in our study, we propose the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), together with a biocidal agent (biohalloysite), as additives in the manufacturing of polypropylene/polyester (PP/PET) multifunctional filtering material (MFM).

Nasal lavage as analytical tool in assessment of exposure to particulate and microbial aerosols in wood pellet production facilities.

Occupational exposure to wood dust and bioaerosols may lead to numerous respiratory tract diseases. We aimed to assess a degree of workplace contamination with dust, bacteria, fungi, endotoxins, and (1 → 3)-β-D-glucans released into the air during wood processing in pellet production facilities and to check against this background the usefulness of nasal lavage (NAL) as analytical tool for assessment of combined workers' exposure to airborne dust and microbiological contaminants. In 10 pellet plants, the particulate (wood dust) aerosol concentrations were determined by using Grimm aerosol spectrometer and CIS filter sampler.

Electromagnetic Energy Absorption in a Head Approaching a Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) Reader Operating at 13.56 MHz in Users of Hearing Implants Versus Non-Users.

The aim of this study was to model the absorption in the head of an electromagnetic field (EMF) emitted by a radiofrequency identification reader operating at a frequency of 13.56 MHz (recognized as an RFID HF reader), with respect to the direct biophysical effects evaluated by the specific absorption rate (SAR), averaged over the entire head or locally, over any 10 g of tissues. The exposure effects were compared between the head of a user of a hearing implant with an acoustic sensor and a person without such an implant, used as a referenced case.

Survival of Microorganisms on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices Used at Agricultural Facilities.

Bioaerosol is a threat at workplaces, therefore the selection and safe use of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is important in preventive activities. The aim of the study was to assess the survival of microorganisms on materials used for FFRs construction. The parameters for microorganism growth under model conditions were described using the Gompertz equation, model verification was also carried out using FFRs at the farmers' workplaces.

Thermal Stability, Fire and Smoke Behaviour of Epoxy Composites Modified with Plant Waste Fillers.

The influence of plant fillers on the flammability and smoke emission of natural composites was investigated. Epoxy composites with 15, 25, and 35 wt % of walnut and hazelnut shell, as well as sunflower husk, were prepared and examined. The ground organic components were characterized by grain size distribution, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microstructure observations (SEM).

[Musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators].

Work performed in a sitting position, despite the fact that it does not require a lot of physical effort, can be the cause of many musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), especially when performed for a long time and in the wrong position. Musculoskeletal disorders are currently a common problem in the working population. The article presents an analysis of selected literature on the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer operators.

Selection of Level-Dependent Hearing Protectors for Use in An Indoor Shooting Range.

The high sound pressure level generated by impulse noise produced in an indoor shooting range makes it necessary to protect the hearing of the people it affects. Due to the need for verbal communication during training at a shooting range, level-dependent hearing protectors are useful. The objective of this study was to answer the question of whether it is possible to properly protect the hearing of a shooting instructor using level-dependent hearing protectors.

[Priority: safe working conditions].

The drawing up of a new regulation of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy regarding the maximum admissible concentrations and intensities of agents harmful to health in the working environment resulted from the obligatory implementation into national law the provisions of Commission Directive (EU) 2017/164 of 31 January 2017 establishing a fourth list of indicative occupational exposure limit values pursuant to Council Directive 98/24/EC, and amending Commission Directives 91/322/EEC, 2000/39/EC and 2009/161/EU, the provisions of which Member States had to introduce by 21 August 2018, and partly Directive 2017/2398/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 amending Directive 2004/37/EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work. The Regulation takes into account 13 applications submitted in the years 2014-2017 by the Interdepartmental Commission for Maximum Admissible Concentrations and Intensities for Agents Harmful to Health in the Working Environment to the minister competent for labour issues. The Commission was appointed by way of the regulation of the Prime Minister of 15 December 2008 (Journal of Laws 2015, item 1772, as amended), and its tasks include submitting to the minister competent for labour issues applications regarding the value of the maximum admissible concentrations and intensities for agents harmful to health in the working environment.

Across-shift changes in upper airways after exposure to bacterial cell wall components.

Introduction: To assess the across-shift changes of cytokine concentrations in nasal lavage (NAL) samples were collected from workers exposed to bacterial cell wall components present in organic dust in three different occupational environments.

Material And Methods: The study was conducted in 38 employees including 10 workers from a municipal waste sorting plant (WSP), 20 from a sewage treatment plant (STP) and 8 from an office building (OB), who were established as a reference group, not exposed to organic dust. Interleukins 1β (IL-1β), 6 (IL-6), 8 (IL-8) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) were examined in NAL before and after work shift on Wednesdays.

Determination of pararosaniline hydrochloride in workplace air.

Pararosaniline hydrochloride (CPR) is a dye used for colouring paper, leather and natural and artificial fibres. It is also used in analytical and microbiological laboratories. It is a carcinogenic substance of category 1B.

[Computational studies of speech intelligibility in open-plan offices].

Background: Noise in open-plan offices, connected with an unintentional hearing of conversations and related distraction of attention, causes annoyance of employees. The article presents the calculated range of speech intelligibility in a selected open-plan office room.

Material And Methods: The speech transmission index (STI) was examined in a real room of 300 m.

Application of 3D scanning and 3D printing for designing and fabricating customized half-mask facepieces: A pilot study.

Background: The main function of respiratory protective devices is to provide an intact physical barrier between the environment and the user. To ensure that, a leak-tight fit of the facepiece to the user's face is essential, regardless of the user's individual facial features.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess the possibilities of developing customized respirators well-fitting to the anthropometric dimensions of the user's face using 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques and to evaluate this custom-made device in terms of protective, usage and strength parameters.

Selection of Earmuffs and Other Personal Protective Equipment Used in Combination.

In a work environment, in addition to noise, people may be exposed to other harmful factors. Therefore, they wear both hearing protectors and other personal protective equipment (OPPE). Incorrect use of such a combination may increase the risk of hearing loss.