scholarly journals The Impact of Heat Exposure and Sleep Restriction on Firefighters’ Work Performance and Physiology during Simulated Wildfire Suppression

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 180 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grace Vincent ◽  
Brad Aisbett ◽  
Brianna Larsen ◽  
Nicola Ridgers ◽  
Rod Snow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Sleep Restriction ◽  
Wildfire Suppression ◽  
The Impact

scholarly journals Hot, Tired and Hungry: The Snacking Behaviour and Food Cravings of Firefighters during Multi-Day Simulated Wildfire Suppression

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1160
Author(s):  
Charlotte C. Gupta ◽  
Sally A. Ferguson ◽  
Brad Aisbett ◽  
Michelle Dominiak ◽  
Stephanie E. Chappel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Time Of Day ◽  
Sleep Restriction ◽  
Food Cravings ◽  
Rest Periods ◽  
Wildfire Suppression ◽  
Secondary Analyses ◽  
The Impact

Firefighters are exposed to numerous stressors during wildfire suppression, including working in hot temperatures and sleep restricted conditions. Research has shown that when sleep restricted, individuals choose foods higher in carbohydrates, fat, and sugar, and have increased cravings for calorie dense foods. However, there is currently no research on the combined effect of heat and sleep restriction on snacking behaviour. Conducting secondary analyses from a larger study, the current study aimed to investigate the impact of heat and sleep restriction on snacking behaviour and food cravings. Sixty-six firefighters completed three days of simulated physically demanding firefighting work and were randomly allocated to either the control (n = 18, CON; 19 °C, 8 h sleep opportunity), sleep restricted (n = 16, SR; 19 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity), hot (n = 18, HOT; 33 °C, 8 h sleep opportunity), or hot and sleep restricted (n = 14 HOT + SR; 33 °C, 4-h sleep opportunity) condition. During rest periods firefighters were able to self-select sweet, savoury, or healthy snacks from a ration pack and were asked to rate their hunger, fullness, and cravings every two hours (eating block). Mixed model analyses revealed no difference in total energy intake between conditions, however there was a significant interaction between eating block and condition, with those in the CON, HOT, and HOT + SR condition consuming significantly more energy between 1230 and 1430 compared to the SR condition (p = 0.002). Sleep restriction and heat did not impact feelings of hunger and fullness across the day, and did not lead to greater cravings for snacks, with no differences between conditions. These findings suggest that under various simulated firefighting conditions, it is not the amount of food that differs but the timing of food intake, with those that are required to work in hot conditions while sleep restricted more likely to consume food between 1230 and 1430. This has potential implications for the time of day in which a greater amount of food should be available for firefighters.

scholarly journals Age, human performance, and physical employment standards

2016 ◽  
Vol 41 (6 (Suppl. 2)) ◽  
pp. S92-S107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glen P. Kenny ◽  
Herbert Groeller ◽  
Ryan McGinn ◽  
Andreas D. Flouris
Keyword(s):  
Physical Function ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Labour Force ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Work Tasks ◽  
Employment Standards ◽  
The Impact

The proportion of older workers has increased substantially in recent years, with over 25% of the Canadian labour force aged ≥55 years. Along with chronological age comes age-related declines in functional capacity associated with impairments to the cardiorespiratory and muscular systems. As a result, older workers are reported to exhibit reductions in work output and in the ability to perform and/or sustain the required effort when performing work tasks. However, research has presented some conflicting views on the consequences of aging in the workforce, as physically demanding occupations can be associated with improved or maintained physical function. Furthermore, the current methods for evaluating physical function in older workers often lack specificity and relevance to the actual work tasks, leading to an underestimation of physical capacity in the older worker. Nevertheless, industry often lacks the appropriate information and/or tools to accommodate the aging workforce, particularly in the context of physical employment standards. Ultimately, if appropriate workplace strategies and work performance standards are adopted to optimize the strengths and protect against the vulnerability of the aging workers, they can perform as effectively as their younger counterparts. Our aim in this review is to evaluate the impact of different individual (including physiological decline, chronic disease, lifestyle, and physical activity) and occupational (including shift work, sleep deprivation, and cold/heat exposure) factors on the physical decline of older workers, and therefore the risk of work-related injuries or illness.

043 Sleep Restriction Affects Memory in Healthy Adults: Preliminary Findings

SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A18-A19
Author(s):  
Molly Zimmerman ◽  
Christiane Hale ◽  
Adam Brickman ◽  
Lok-Kin Yeung ◽  
Justin Cochran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Healthy Adults ◽  
Task Demands ◽  
Sleep Restriction ◽  
Neuropsychological Function ◽  
Wake Time ◽  
Sleep Condition ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Introduction Sleep loss has a range of detrimental effects on cognitive ability. However, few studies have examined the impact of sleep restriction on neuropsychological function using an experimental design. The goal of this study was to examine the extent to which maintained insufficient sleep affects cognition in healthy adults compared to habitual adequate sleep. Methods This study used a randomized, crossover, outpatient sleep restriction design. Adults who regularly slept at least 7 h/night, verified by 2 weeks of screening with actigraphy, completed 2 phases of 6 weeks each: habitual sleep (>7 h of sleep/night) or sleep restriction (habitual sleep minus 1.5 h) separated by a 6-week washout period. During the sleep restriction phase, participants were asked to delay their bedtime by 1.5 hours/night while maintaining their habitual wake time. Neuropsychological function was evaluated with the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery at baseline (week 0) and endpoint (week 6) of each intervention phase. The NIH Toolbox evaluates a range of cognitive abilities, including attention, executive functioning, and working memory. General linear models with post hoc paired t-tests were used to assess demographically-adjusted test scores prior to and following each sleep condition. Results At the time of analyses, 16 participants were enrolled (age 34.5□14.5 years, 9 women), 10 of whom had completed study procedures. An interaction between sleep condition and testing session revealed that individuals performed worse on List Sorting, a working memory test, after sleep restriction but improved slightly after habitual sleep (p<0.001). While not statistically reliable, the pattern of test results was similar on the other tests of processing speed, executive function, and attention. Conclusion In these preliminary results from this randomized experimental study, we demonstrated that sleep restriction has a negative impact while stable habitual adequate sleep has a positive impact on working memory, or the ability to temporarily hold information in mind while executing task demands. This finding contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between different aspects of sleep quality (i.e., both sleep restriction as well as the maintenance of stable sleep patterns) on cognition and underscores the importance of routine sleep screening as part of medical evaluations. Support (if any):

scholarly journals A novel mouse model of heatstroke accounting for ambient temperature and relative humidity

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kazuyuki Miyamoto ◽  
Keisuke Suzuki ◽  
Hirokazu Ohtaki ◽  
Motoyasu Nakamura ◽  
Hiroki Yamaga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Body Temperature ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Core Body Temperature ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Organ Damage ◽  
Core Body ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Treatment Water

Abstract Background Heatstroke is associated with exposure to high ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH), and an increased risk of organ damage or death. Previously proposed animal models of heatstroke disregard the impact of RH. Therefore, we aimed to establish and validate an animal model of heatstroke considering RH. To validate our model, we also examined the effect of hydration and investigated gene expression of cotransporter proteins in the intestinal membranes after heat exposure. Methods Mildly dehydrated adult male C57/BL6J mice were subjected to three AT conditions (37 °C, 41 °C, or 43 °C) at RH > 99% and monitored with WetBulb globe temperature (WBGT) for 1 h. The survival rate, body weight, core body temperature, blood parameters, and histologically confirmed tissue damage were evaluated to establish a mouse heatstroke model. Then, the mice received no treatment, water, or oral rehydration solution (ORS) before and after heat exposure; subsequent organ damage was compared using our model. Thereafter, we investigated cotransporter protein gene expressions in the intestinal membranes of mice that received no treatment, water, or ORS. Results The survival rates of mice exposed to ATs of 37 °C, 41 °C, and 43 °C were 100%, 83.3%, and 0%, respectively. From this result, we excluded AT43. Mice in the AT 41 °C group appeared to be more dehydrated than those in the AT 37 °C group. WBGT in the AT 41 °C group was > 44 °C; core body temperature in this group reached 41.3 ± 0.08 °C during heat exposure and decreased to 34.0 ± 0.18 °C, returning to baseline after 8 h which showed a biphasic thermal dysregulation response. The AT 41 °C group presented with greater hepatic, renal, and musculoskeletal damage than did the other groups. The impact of ORS on recovery was greater than that of water or no treatment. The administration of ORS with heat exposure increased cotransporter gene expression in the intestines and reduced heatstroke-related damage. Conclusions We developed a novel mouse heatstroke model that considered AT and RH. We found that ORS administration improved inadequate circulation and reduced tissue injury by increasing cotransporter gene expression in the intestines.

PSIII-11 Evaluating the Performance of Grow-finish Pigs Supplemented with Butipearl® Z and Kemtrace® Chromium During Natural Heat Stress Exposure

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 174-174
Author(s):  
Mark Knauer ◽  
Venkatesh Mani ◽  
Tom Marsteller ◽  
Vanessa Iseri ◽  
Brian Kremer
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Heat Exposure ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Negative Control ◽  
Intestinal Damage ◽  
Intestinal Health ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Curvilinear Relationships ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Heat stress (HS) severely impacts swine leading to compromised barrier integrity, diminished intestinal health and decreased performance. ButiPEARL® Z (BPZ) is an encapsulated formulation of zinc and butyrate shown to alleviate the impact of HS by improving intestinal health. KemTRACE® Chromium (KTCr) is an organic trace mineral shown to decrease the impact of stress and improve glucose utilization, leading to muscle growth and improved performance. To test the efficacy of BPZ and KTCr on mitigating stress from natural heat exposure, a grow-finish trial was conducted from June-September. There were four treatments: negative control (NC), NC+.45kg BPZ, NC+.91kg BPZ and NC+1.82kg BPZ. Three BPZ treatments were also supplemented with 200ppb KTCr. Pigs (n=480) were randomly assigned to 96 pens at 22.5kg. Performance was measured at d0, 28, 56 and at marketing. From d56 to market, ADFI was greater (P< 0.05) for 0.45kg and 0.91kg BPZ when compared to NC and 1.82kg BPZ (3.40 and 3.35 vs. 3.26 and 3.27kg, respectively). Therefore, relationships between ADFI day 56 to market and ADFI day 0 to market with BPZ level were curvilinear (P< 0.05). Both market weight and overall ADG tended (P< 0.10) to have curvilinear relationships with BPZ level. While not different, 0.45kg and .91kg BPZ supplemented pigs were .97kg and 1.25kg heavier, respectively, on marketing day compared to control. No differences (P >0.10) were observed for Feed:Gain. Part of the negative effects of HS include decrease in feed intake which contributes to intestinal damage and decreased performance. Data from this study show that both treatment combinations were able to improve feed intake and decrease stress which might have led to the improved weight gain at the end. The data provides evidence that the combination of BPZ and KTCr may alleviate the negative effects of HS and help with the performance of grow-finish pigs during heat stress.

Effects of Aging on Musical Performance in Professional Orchestral Musicians

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dianna T Kenny ◽  
Tim Driscoll ◽  
Bronwen J Ackermann
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Orchestral Musicians ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND: The physical and psychological demands of playing a musical instrument are likely to be affected by age-related decline in function, including physical, cognitive, psychological, and organ-related changes. However, the complex neurophysiological demands of playing a musical instrument may delay many normal aging-related changes. AIM: This study compared professional classical musicians of different ages, using a range of physical and psychological measures, to discover how increasing age might affect work performance and to identify possible risk and protective factors for physical and psychological health as the musicians age. SUBJECTS: 377 professional orchestral musicians from eight Australian orchestras (70% response rate), ages 18 to 68 yrs (mean 42.1). Multiple standardized physical and psychological tools were used to evaluate the impact of age on a range of physical and mental health variables. RESULTS: Age was not statistically associated with frequency or severity of performance-related musculoskeletal disorders, ratings of perceived exertion, QuickDASH scores, use of beta-blockers, workplace satisfaction, and most psychological tests. Differences were observed on SPIN (social anxiety) scores, with lowest scores in the oldest age group (10.66 in 55+ yrs vs 17.83 in 18-30 yrs, p=0.016). Older musicians had higher BMIs and fewer practice sessions per day than younger musicians and also were more likely to consume alcohol on 5+ days/wk (44% vs 9%, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Advancing age does not appear to exert undue negative impacts on physical and psychological health or performance capacity of professional orchestral musicians. However, dwindling numbers in the older age groups may suggest a "survivor" effect, whereby those who develop significant age-related decrements may cease professional performance at earlier ages. Longitudinal studies on the professional trajectories of professional orchestral musicians are needed to explore this question further.

Quality of life in allergic rhinitis

2011 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tunis Ozdoganoglu ◽  
Murat Songu ◽  
Hasan Mete Inancli
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
School Performance ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Upper Respiratory Tract ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that causes major illness and disability worldwide. Although nasal and nonnasal symptoms are directly attributable to inflammation in the upper respiratory tract, individuals also experience generalized symptoms that include fatigue, mood changes, depression, anxiety and impairments of work and school performance, and cognitive function. Health-related quality of life focuses on patients’ perceptions of their disease and measures impairments that have a significant impact on the patient. The burden of disease, as the patient perceives it, forms the basic motivation to seek medical aid or to undergo therapy. Adherence to therapy requires changes in health, perceived by patients as relevant and outweighing eventual disadvantages of intervention. Because so many factors are involved in health-related quality of life, there are multiple ways in which it can be measured. A variety of validated and standardized questionnaires have been developed including assessments of school performance, work performance, productivity, and other parameters that quantify the impact of allergic rhinitis and its treatment on quality of life. The aim of this review is to highlight the impact of allergic rhinitis on the quality of life and to analyze the most commonly used health-related quality of life instruments.

scholarly journals The Influence Of Work’s Motivation And Compensation Effects Towards Employee’s Satisfaction, And The Impact On The Work Performance At State Employees Civil Sub Company, Kebun Jeruk, West Jakarta

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Novita Rotua Situmorang ◽  
Haryadi Sarjono
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Civil Servants ◽  
State Employees ◽  
The Impact

Success in realizing the objectives company relies heavily on existing human resources in organizations in such company. To realize the objectives of the company, the company must consider factors that affect the performance of Civil Servants Work Motivation among others factors, Compensation, and Job Satisfaction. With the achievement of expected performance of Civil Servants Kebon Jeruk District Company can achieve its objectives. Kind research used is descriptive method, Pearson Correlation and Path Analysis is useful to know the response of employees on Work Motivation, Compensation for Job Satisfaction and Their Impacts on Civil Service Performance Kebon Jeruk District Company District Company where the employee population of 60 respondents. Provided the results of a calculation of the structural equation, Y = 0.579 X1 + 0.325 X2 + 0.644 ε1, where R2 = 0.585, sub-structure structural equation 2 ie, Z = 0.191 X1 + 0.239 X2 + 0.618 Y + 0.402 ε2 where R2 = 0.838 Conclusions and Recommendations of this research work motivation (X1) and Compensation (X2) jointly have a significant influence on job satisfaction (Y) equal to 58.8%. Work motivation (X1), Compensation (X2), and Job Satisfaction (Y) jointly have a significant influence on the performance of Civil Servants (Z) equal to 83.8%.

scholarly journals Performance Evaluation of an Information Technology Intervention Regarding Charging for Inpatient Medical Materials at a Regional Teaching Hospital in Taiwan: Empirical Study

10.2196/16381 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e16381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Chi Liao ◽  
I-Chun Lin
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
User Satisfaction ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Target System ◽  
System Quality ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Medical Materials ◽  
The Impact

Background The process of manually recording the consumption of medical materials can be time consuming and prone to omission owing to its detailed and complicated nature. Implementing an information system will better improve work performance. Objective The Information System Success Model was adopted as the theoretical foundation. The opinions of nursing staff were collected to verify the impact of the system intervention on their work performance. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at a regional teaching hospital. Nursing staff were invited to participate in the field survey. A total of 296 questionnaires were collected, and of these, 284 (95.9%) were valid and returned. Results The key findings showed that two critical factors (“subjective norm” and “system quality”) had significant positive effects (both P<.001) on user satisfaction (R2=0.709). The path of “service quality” to “user satisfaction” showed marginal significance (P=.08) under the 92% CI. Finally, the explanatory power of the model reached 68.9%. Conclusions Support from the top management, appointment of a nurse supervisor as the change agent, recruitment of seed members to establish a pioneer team, and promotion of the system through the influence of opinion leaders in small groups were critical success factors needed for implementing the system in the case hospital. The target system was proven to be able to improve work performance, and the time saved could be further used for patient care, thereby increasing the value of nursing work. The positive experiences gained from this study could lay the foundation for the further promotion of the new system, and this is for future studies to replicate. The example of the successful experience of the case hospital could also serve as a reference for other hospitals in developing countries like Taiwan with regard to the promotion of nursing informatization.

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