Lung Function Impairment among Gasoline Attendants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Occupational health is an important consideration, especially for people that work in an environment with pollutants. Gasoline attendants are individuals that work in filling stations. They are constantly exposed to gasoline fumes and automobile engine products from vehicle exhaust. This increases the risk of acute and chronic respiratory diseases and carcinogenesis among them. The risk of health complications tends to increase with the duration of exposure. The study aimed to determine the proportion of gasoline attendants with lung function impairment. Methods and Materials: Two hundred and eight eligible participants were recruited for this study. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Esan West local government area of Edo state, Nigeria. The study was carried out for a period of six months from December 2015 to May 2016. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, work history, mode of exposure and duration of exposure to petrol fumes. Lung function was assessed using a DTspiro spirometer (Model POP 10. Serial no 110843-005);also the anthropometric parameters of the respondent were measured. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Frequency and percentages were used to present categorical data. The mean and standard deviation of continuous variables were calculated and compared using the student’s t-test. The criteria of significant association were assumed for a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of one hundred and forty petrol pump attendants and one hundred and forty controls participated in this study. The mean age for petrol pump attendants was 24 ± 3.1 years and 23 ± 2.8 years for the control group. There were no significant differences in the gender distribution and anthropometric parameters as observed in this study. The lung impairment pattern observed in this study was obstructive in twelve (8.6%) gasoline pump attendants and restrictive pattern in thirty-nine (27.9%) gasoline pump attendants, while only four (2.9%) had an obstructive pattern and twelve (8.6%) had a restrictive pattern of lung impairment among the control group. This implies that a restrictive pattern was predominant. This study also observed that there was an increase in the number of gasoline pump attendants with declined lung function compared to the control group. Conclusion: Restrictive pattern of lung impairment was more predominant than the obstructive pattern among gasoline pump attendants. As a result, public health interventions should be instituted among these individuals, especially in developing countries.

Lung Function Impairment among Gasoline Attendants: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Occupational health is an important consideration, especially for people that work in an environment with pollutants. Gasoline attendants are individuals that work in filling stations. They are constantly exposed to gasoline fumes and automobile engine products from vehicle exhaust. This increases the risk of acute and chronic respiratory diseases and carcinogenesis among them. The risk of health complications tends to increase with the duration of exposure. The study aimed to determine the proportion of gasoline attendants with lung function impairment. Methods and Materials: Two hundred and eight eligible participants were recruited for this study. A cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in Esan West local government area of Edo state, Nigeria. The study was carried out for a period of six months from December 2015 to May 2016. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, work history, mode of exposure and duration of exposure to petrol fumes. Lung function was assessed using a DTspiro spirometer (Model POP 10. Serial no 110843-005);also the anthropometric parameters of the respondent were measured. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 20.0. Frequency and percentages were used to present categorical data. The mean and standard deviation of continuous variables were calculated and compared using the student’s t-test. The criteria of significant association were assumed for a p-value less than 0.05. Results: A total of one hundred and forty petrol pump attendants and one hundred and forty controls participated in this study. The mean age for petrol pump attendants was 24 ± 3.1 years and 23 ± 2.8 years for the control group. There were no significant differences in the gender distribution and anthropometric parameters as observed in this study. The lung impairment pattern observed in this study was obstructive in twelve (8.6%) gasoline pump attendants and restrictive pattern in thirty-nine (27.9%) gasoline pump attendants, while only four (2.9%) had an obstructive pattern and twelve (8.6%) had a restrictive pattern of lung impairment among the control group. This implies that a restrictive pattern was predominant. This study also observed that there was an increase in the number of gasoline pump attendants with declined lung function compared to the control group. Conclusion: Restrictive pattern of lung impairment was more predominant than the obstructive pattern among gasoline pump attendants. As a result, public health interventions should be instituted among these individuals, especially in developing countries.

The Relationship Between Positive Psychological Capital and Job Burnout: A Study of Thai Airways International Flight Attendants

This study investigates the relationship between levels of positive psychological capital (PsyCap) and burnout among Thai flight attendants who are currently working for Thai Airways International. The sample included 305 flight attendants. The results indicate that the perceptions of their burnout level is low (mean = 2.10), and degree of their PsyCap is moderate (mean = 3.73);the aggregate of PsyCapand the burnout levels are found to be significantly negative (r =-0.42). All four components of PsyCap are negatively related to the level of burnout. The paper discusses the future research agenda. The implications of these findings and benefits of developing PsyCap for organisations are also discussed in the light of these findings.

Teething in infants—Knowledge and attitude of traditional birth attendants in Ibadan, Nigeria

Introduction: Misconceptions are associated with the teething process in Nigeria and is often blamed for symptoms in infants. A horrendous incident occurred in Nigeria in 2008 which recorded 84 infant deaths due to consumption of adulterated teething syrup to prevent teething problems. In the quest to engage the populace, particularly mothers, in health education to change this erroneous mindset about teething, it will be necessary and more cost effective to involve Traditional Birth Attendants (TBA’s) who can be invaluable in assisting to dispel myths associated teething as they live and work among the local populace and many times give counsel to mothers. Aim: To assess the attitude and beliefs of TBA’s in Ibadan, to teething in infants. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among TBA’s in Ibadan, Nigeria. A thirteen item interviewer administered questionnaire was distributed to all 163 TBA’s in the five urban local government areas who agreed to be part of the study. Results: Over half of the respondents (59.5%) and (55.8%) associated the teething process with fever and diarrhea respectively. Other beliefs included boils (49.1%), loss of appetite (48.5%), weight loss (44.2%), and sleeplessness (42.3%). A greater proportion of the older and less educated TBA’s associated teething with fever, diarrhea, boils, loss of appetite and weight loss. The respondents would advise analgesics (55.8%), teething powder (67.5%), antibiotics (12.3%), concoctions (4.3%) and sedatives (4.3%) as teething remedies. There was a greater tendency for less educated TBA’s to advise the use of concoctions?and antibiotics. Conclusion: The study reveals grave misconceptions among TBA’s who in developing countries like Nigeria give counsel to mothers in the various communities. There is an urgent need for health education to the TBA’s particularly the older and less educated ones.

How to Improve the Performance of Flight Attendants——Examples of China Airlines

Economic development and scientific and technological progress have accelerated the internationalization of the world.Liberalization and diversification have resulted in countless opportunities.Nations,corporations,and individuals,have attempted to enhance their respective competitive advantages,such as by seeking to reduce costs and focus on differentiation.This includes personality traits,socialization,and person-team fit,which were the focus of this study.This study investigated national image and the service industry by analyzing flight attendants.Only relevant personality traits associated with socialization and person-team fit were considered.The findings of this study will help people to choose occupations according to their personalities regarding teamwork,and socialization,and offer suggestions for organizations and nations that implement human resources management.

智能汽车变道盲区影像对驾驶员认知负荷与安全性的影响

智能汽车变道盲区影像在为驾驶员提供更多环境信息的同时也可能增加驾驶员的认知负荷。针对这一问题,提出改进AttenD算法,建立认知负荷与驾驶员注视点分布的关系模型,对3种智能汽车品牌车辆开展实车路测实验,分析多种外部条件下驾驶员与不同变道盲区影像交互过程中注视特征、驾驶行为特征以及认知负荷的差异。结果表明,增大盲区影像面积、提高盲区影像面积占中控屏面积的比例、减少扫视路径冗余能降低变道过程中的认知负荷。

Assessment of Breast Cancer Prevention Practices among Women Attending Primary Health Care in Abha City, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer being the most common (2.26 million new cases and 685,000 deaths). In Saudi Arabia, breast cancer ranked the first among females in 2014, accounting for 15.9% of all cancers reported among Saudi nationals and 28.7% of all cancers reported among females of all ages. Early detection of breast cancer could decrease the risks, have a better prognosis, and have better outcomes/more successful treatments. Prevalence of breast cancer reached more than 25% of all diagnosed cancer in the kingdom among women. Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge and performance of women attending primary care centers about breast self-examination and mammogram screening for prevention and early detection of breast cancer in Abha city primary healthcare centers, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Research Method: cross sectional design was conducted by using questionnaire, which was distributed to primary care center nurses. The collected data was statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 25. Results: The study found that participants had poor awareness and knowledge about breast self-examination, risk factors for breast cancer, and trends and practices in early diagnosis of breast cancer. Conclusion and Recommendations: It recommends increasing awareness campaigns and providing educational programs to improve knowledge and practices.

Evaluation of Attending Medical Teams and Their Impact on the DRG Components of Cholecystectomy

Objective:This study assessed the role of the attending medical team in the cost control of the cholecystectomy DRG components.Methods:The association between team structure,workflow,and treatment outcomes was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data and qualitative interviews from 628 patients.Results:Inter-professional teamwork significantly affected length of stay,treatment costs,and recurrence rates,with experienced teams performing better in terms of emergency response and collaborative efficiency.Patient satisfaction was generally high,indicating that good teamwork enhances treatment outcomes.Significance:The study highlights the importance of optimizing team configuration to improve the quality,efficiency,and cost control of healthcare.

Attendance or Tradition:Who Is Interested in Church Music Today

Religious practices in general,but primarily Christian ones,are undergoing major changes in the modern world,which is rapidly changing day by day.One of the most revealing manifestations of these changes is liturgical music,which has always been considered“traditional”,whereas the boundaries of the tradition have been subject to sharp disputes between those responsible for the church ritual and its accessories.The palette of the musical environment of modern church in terms of attendance and congregational acceptability in its sustainable development is addressed in the article based on recent research,in particular,several related studies by A.Rosenblatt,who over the past two decades has explored different aspects of church music heard in the field and presented in various hymnal books.Summary of this review allows us to consider a tangle of reasons to the preference for this or that musical style,which often completely excludes purely musical tastes and preferences.

图片新闻

On the morning of May 19,2023,President Xi Jinping presided over the first China-Central Asia Summit in Xi’an,Shaanxi Province,and delivered a keynote address titled“Working Together for a China-Central Asia Community with a Shared Future--Featuring Mutual Assistance,Common Development,Universal Security,and Everlasting Friendship”.Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov,Tajik President Emomali Rahmon,Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the summit.

PHOTOS

10 Years On,BRI Pioneers High-Quality Cooperation for Global Prosperity Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for a group photo with various foreign heads of states,governments,and international organizations attending the opening ceremony of theird Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing,on October 18,2023.

Ushering in a New Era of All-Round and In-Depth Development of China-Arab States Relations

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a trip to Saudi Arabia from December 7 to 10, during which Xi attended the first China-Arab States Summit and the China-Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) Summit, held bilateral meetings with nearly 20 Arab leaders, and paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia.

Tian Shihong attends the 120th ISO Council Meeting

The 120th Meeting of ISO Council was held on February 21-23 in Geneva,Switzerland.Tian Shihong,Vice Minister of State Administration for Market Regulation(SAMR)and Administrator of Standardization Administration of China(SAC),led the Chinese delegation to attend the meeting.

The Power of the Market

The large attendance at the sixth China International Import Expo reflects an increasing global interest in the Chinese market.

简讯

Third BRF ushers in brighter prospects of development The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation(BRF)was held successfully on October 17 and 18 in Beijing.It was attended by over 10,000 registered representatives from 151 countries and 41 international organizations,which showcased the tremendous appeal and global influence of Belt and Road cooperation.

CIIS Co-Holds Dialogue between Iranian President and Chinese Scholars

On February 15,during Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi's state visit to China,China Institute of International Studies(CIIS)and the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in China co-held a dialogue between President Raisi and Chinese scholars.Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian,the Iranian Ambassador to China Mohammad Keshavarz-Zadeh,and the Chinese Ambassador to Iran Chang Hua attended the event.

从Attending制到病人选择医生制的改革实践

我院建院以来,学习和借鉴美国医院管理的体制和模式,取得了良好的效果和效益.建院后一开始我院在医疗工作中就实施"Attending"负责制,2000年9月份起开始推出病人选择医生制,其宗旨是一切以病人为中心,更好地满足病人的需求.

高速公路雾天车路协同系统视觉分心影响

基于人机界面(human machine interface,HMI)的联网车辆技术对提高雾天高速公路整体安全水平具有重要作用,但其对驾驶人注意力的影响不容忽视.分析驾驶人视觉特性,评估车路协同人机交互系统的分心影响程度,基于驾驶模拟技术搭建高速公路车路协同系统实验测试平台,针对大雾、强浓雾2种能见度水平,以及有、无HMI提示2种技术等级设计4种实验场景,AttenD面积、单位时间AttenD面积和分心状态占比量化评估自行设计的HMI在不同条件下对驾驶人造成的视觉分心影响程度.结果表明,有HMI提示会导致驾驶人AttenD数据波动频次增加且幅度更加剧烈;技术等级主要影响AttenD面积和单位时间AttenD面积,即在有HMI情况下能见度水平对驾驶人视觉分心影响程度有显著影响;有HMI提示会使驾驶人视觉分心的占比明显上升,对道路交通安全产生一定的负面影响.为提高人机界面的使用安全性,可针对不同的天气条件对所有人机界面实施评估及优化.同时,研究结果为评价车路协同系统人机交互界面的效能提供了一般性的评价方法.

Physical assessment ability of nurses and midwives on maternal care in Mongolia

This study examined the physical assessment ability of Mongolian nurses and midwives engaged in maternal care and the factors that could influence this ability. We found that nurses and midwives from prefectural hospitals had higher scores than those from national and district (soum) hospitals. The latter group could not perform more than half of the 28 tested procedures on their own, even though most had over 10 years’ experience. Therefore, to decrease the Mongolian maternal mortality ratio, we argue that in-service training for nurses and midwives in both the capital city and peripheral areas is needed.