Lower back pain and its association with whole-body vibration and manual materials handling among commercial drivers in Sabah

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) and its association with whole-body vibration (WBV) and manual materials handling (MMH). We studied 110 commercial vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire and the VI-400Pro human vibration monitor. Prevalence of LBP was 66.4%. The percentage of drivers who had frequent manual handling of heavy loads was 45.5% and those who handled heavy loads in awkward postures accounted for 86.4%. Daily vibration A(8) averaged on the z axis was 0.25 (0.06) m·s^?2 and at vector sum was 0.29 (0.07) m·s^?2. Daily vibration exposures on the z axis, frequent manual handling of heavy loads and awkward posture during MMH were significantly associated with LBP. Drivers who are exposed to WBV and frequently handle heavy loads manually and with awkward postures probably have more LBP than drivers who are exposed to only one of these risk factors.     

Impacts of COVID-19 on Sustainable Development Goals and effective approaches to maneuver them in the post-pandemic environment

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In the pursuit of constructing a sustainable world for all through the instrumental seventeen Sustainable Development Goals, the COVID-19 pandemic...     

The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in indoor air of dental clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In the indoor environment of dental clinics, dental personnel and patients are exposed to a risk of infection because of the transmission of...     

Solid phase extraction for evaluation of occupational exposure to Pb (II) using XAD-4 sorbent prior to atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Lead is an important constituent widely used in different industrial processes. For evaluation of workers' exposure to trace toxic metal of Pb (II), solid-phase extraction (SPE) was optimized. SPE using mini columns filled with XAD-4 resin was developed with regard to sample pH, ligand concentration, loading flow rate, elution solvent, sample volume, elution volume, the amount of resins, and sample matrix interferences. Lead ions were retained on a solid sorbent and then eluted, followed by a simple determination of analytes with flame atomic absorption spectrometery. The obtained recoveries of metal ions were greater than 92%. This method was validated with 3 different pools of spiked urine samples; it showed a good reproducibility over 6 consecutive days as well as 6 within-day experiments. This optimized method can be considered successful in simplifying sample preparation for a trace residue analysis of lead in different matrices when evaluating occupational and environmental exposures is required.     

Determination of an appropriate quadrat size and shape for detecting association between plant species

The outcome of association analysis between species can be influenced by the size and shape of sampling quadrats. To eliminate this problem, a new method is proposed for determining an appropriate size for sampling quadrat. This method is based on measurement of the density of the plant species concerned. The use of this method is illustrated for the detection of association between species in a hypothetical community.     

Enhanced photocatalytic activity of efficient magnetically recyclable core-shell nanocomposites on 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) degradation under UV-LED irradiation

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The congener polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are one of the of persistent organic pollutant compounds that increase lifestyle-related diseases, such...     

Land surface temperature estimating in urbanized landscapes using artificial neural networks

Scenario-based land surface temperature (LST) modeling is a powerful tool for adopting proper urban land use planning policies. In this study, using greater Isfahan as a case study, the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm was utilized to explore the non-linear relationships between urban LST and green cover spatial patterns derived from Landsat 8 OLI imagery. The model was calibrated using two sets of variables: Normalized Difference Built Index (NDBI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Furthermore, Compact Development Scenario (CDS) and Green Development Scenario (GDS) were defined. The results showed that GDS is more successful in mitigating urban LST (mean LST?=?40.93) compared to CDS (mean LST?=?44.88). In addition, urban LST retrieved from the CDS was more accurate in terms of ANOVA significance (sig?=?0.043) than the GDS (sig?=?0.010). The findings of this study suggest that developing green spaces is a key strategy to combat against the risk of LST concerns in urban areas.     

Optimization of energy systems using the concept of balance in the nature

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - In this paper, a concept of balance is used to improve the important parameters of the thermal systems. In fact, using this concept give the designer...     

Green synthesis,characterization, application and functionality of nitrogen-doped MgO/graphene nanocomposite

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - A facile, feasible, and green synthesis via an electrochemical exfoliation process was applied to synthesize nitrogen-doped MgO/graphene nanocomposite...     

Mechanistic aspects of poly(ethylene terephthalate) recycling–toward enabling high quality sustainability decisions in waste management

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Since plastic waste pollution is a severe environmental concern in modern life, the demand for recycling poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) has...