Search results

This study proposes targeted modernization of the Department of Defense (DoD's) Joint Forces Ammunition Logistics information system by implementing the optimized innovative information technology open architecture design and integrating Radio Frequency Identification Device data technologies and real-time optimization and control mechanisms as the critical technology components of the solution. The innovative information technology, which pursues the focused logistics, will be deployed in 36 months at the estimated cost of $568 million in constant dollars. We estimate that the Systems, Applications, Products (SAP)-based enterprise integration solution that the Army currently pursues will cost another $1.5 billion through the year 2014; however, it is unlikely to deliver the intended technical capabilities.

Presents a summary of the research literature on the title topics, performed in the countries of Asia and the pacific rim. Mentions for occupational medicine a series of Chinese clinical trials on the use of drug agents for the treatment of silicosis, and the possible use of herbal remedies for a variety of skin disease problems. Discusses the use of biological techniques for the monitoring of heavy metal, organic solvents and pesticide induces toxicology, Reviews under the heading of environmental health some of the lessons learnt from the Bhopal methyl isocyanate disaster, and notes the health risks associated with rubbish dump sites. Comments finally under the head of occupational hygiene on some research on the effects of indoor air quality. Calls for an increase in safety research within the region’s countries.

A pilot project was begun in the Fall of 1988 that teamed first‐year graduate students from the School of Information and Library Science with graduate students from the Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. Library science students served as search intermediaries for students enrolled in an introductory environmental science course and provided online search services on research topics related to the completion of an environmental science class assignment. Environmental science students received basic information management instruction. Planning, development of instructional objectives, materials and methods, costs and evaluation of the project are described. Changes made in the program for 1989 and 1990, as well as future plans, are outlined.

Gives several examples from many countries of the rapid development in research on welfare, epidemiology, ergonomics, psychosocial issues, occupational medicine, toxicology, occupational hygiene, environmental health, and biological monitoring in the Asia‐Pacific region. These examples are chosen primarily to illustrate the large range of subjects researched and the wide number of countries involved.

Exposure to isocyanates was the leading cause of occupational asthma in the UK. Motor vehicle repair (MVR) bodyshop paint sprayers were at greatest risk, despite widespread use of air-fed breathing apparatus and ventilated booths. Most paint sprayers work in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) project, described in this paper, is to improve exposure control measures in at least 20 per cent of MVR bodyshops, and reduce the risk of occupational asthma. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

A three-stranded plan consisted of: Safety and Health Awareness Days (SHADs); workplace inspections; and third-party stakeholder communications. The impact of various parts of the project were evaluated.

Approximately 18 per cent of bodyshops in the UK attended one of 32 SHADs, following which over 90 per cent of delegates expressed an “intention to act” to improve exposure control measures. A local assessment showed that at least 50 per cent of bodyshops improved exposure control measures. An evaluation of 109 inspections found that enforcement action was taken at 40 per cent of visits. Third-party engagement produced a joint HSE-industry designed poster, new agreed guidance on spray booths and dissemination of SHAD material. Knowledge of booth clearance time has become widespread, and 85 per cent of booths now have pressure gauges. Biological monitoring data show that, post-SHAD, exposures were lower.

A sustained national project using clear, relevant, tested messages delivered via different routes, had a sector-wide impact in bodyshops. It is probable that the project has improved isocyanate exposure control in at least 20 per cent of bodyshops. The generic lessons could be applied to other widespread SME businesses.

The health and safety of those involved to some degree in soft soldering can be subject to the effects of solder, flux, solderable enamels and solvents. The lead content of solder must be carefully monitored and precautionary measures taken. Flux can present a hazard related to the content of colophony, whose fumes are known to cause occupational asthma, skin, throat and eye irritation. Asthma is also attributable to the isocyanate content of solderable enamels, whilst isopropyl alcohol as found in solvents can lead to dry, cracked skin, headaches and dizziness, in addition to constituting a fire risk. Solutions offered to overcome these problems include local exhaust ventilation, total enclosure of the work and provision of personal protection. Further precautions and an awareness of the problems, accompanied by close medical observation of employees, should help minimise the potential dangers.

Tatyana J. Andrushchenko is dean of the School of Psychology and Social Work, head of the Department of Social Work and professor of psychology at Volgograd State Pedagogical University. Dr. Andrushenko earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from the Russian Federation Education Academy, Institute of Psychology. Her primary work is in child development, counselling methods, interpersonal communication, and the evaluation of social psychological services. She has participated in exchange programs in Denmark, the Netherlands, and the US. tandr@vspu.ru

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the human factors/ergonomics (HFE) studies for respirator.

This review paper describes and discusses the various factors and methodologies of HFE, for the purpose of better considering human factors, used in respirator studies and further human-centered product development.

Many attempts have been made to study human factors for respirators mainly including fit, human performance, comfort, and mood. Physical, psychological, and physiological indices of people are extremely valuable to HFE studies for respirator. Objective and subjective measures were methodologies widely used. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were adopted to illustrate the human performance and well-being influenced by respirators. A summary table presented with major methods used for indices of respirators in the field of HFE. According to the current researches, this review indicated three particular challenges facing HFE studies of respirators now.

With the ever increasing role of protection from air pollution in society, respirator has become an increasingly important part of our daily lives. HFE intervene in optimizing the relationships between respirators and the human using them. Plenty of efforts have been dedicated for the development of protection capability, but HFE studies for respirators are lacking. In recent years, there has been a tremendous interest in introducing HFE research methods that can evaluate respirators from the perspective of human and translate them into constraints for designing human-centered respirators.

This is a first paper in the field of HFE studies for respirator, which will remain helpful to the scientific community to start further human-centered research work and product development.

The world community has long striven for the liquidation of chemical weapons of mass destruction. The 1925 Geneva treaty “On the Prohibition of the Use in War of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacterial Methods of Warfare” was the first international accord on chemical weapons prohibition. Signed by 125 countries, the USSR ratified the treaty in December 1927. The later development of the “Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and their Destruction” (henceforth “the Convention”) followed this early step and was undertaken with Russia's active participation. The Convention was signed by the Russian Federation in January 1993 and ratified by the State Duma in November 1997 with the decision to end chemical weapons stockpiling by 2007. As a signatory, Russia accepted international responsibilities for solving many interrelated problems, paramount among them was the protection of people and the environment (The Convention…, 1994, item 4).