Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health

66-72

Authors: Zubair Ahmad Sheikh, Imtiaz Ahmed

Length weight relationship is important in describing several biological aspects of fish species found under cultured and natural condition. Length weight relationship provides information about whether somatic growth was isometric or allometric. While condition factor provide information about the well being fish. In the present study the individuals of Schizothorax plagiostomus were collected from river Jhelum from different locations for the determination of length weight relationship and condition factor during the period of 2014–2016. Length weight relationship was computed using the equation W = aL^b, which was further transformed into LogW = Loga + bLog L. Results showed that the value of b in length weight relationship of male S. plagiostomus ranged from 2.316–2.965, while in female fishes the value of b ranged from 2.01–3.66. The results clearly show allometric type of growth in male and isometric type of growth in females. The regression coefficient between males and female did not shows any significant difference, (p > 0.05) whereas significant difference (P < 0.01) could be noticed between males and between females (p < 0.01). However, condition factor (K) of S. plagiostomus fluctuates between 0.82–1.58 in male and between 0.870–1.31 in female, indicating the robustness of the fish inhabiting in river Jhelum.

80-85

Authors: S. M. Parvez Al Usmani

This paper deals with spatio-temporal distribution of macrobenthos and their relationship with physico-chemical environment and sediment properties in estuarine mangrove ecosystem of Chorao, Goa. The complex mangrove habitats provide nutrient and play vital role in the establishment of healthy mangrove fauna. The mangrove of Chorao is inhabited by 14 species of mangrove and associated flora in different substrata. The macrofaunal density in the four study stations varied significantly. Total numerical count was 7960 at C1, 3300 at C2, 6705 at C3 and 7075 at C4. The wet weight biomass was 27.18 at C1, 17. 62 at C2, 15.85 at C3 and 24.30 at C4. There was strong seasonality in the occurrence of fauna in the study area. The average macrofaunaltaxa was dominated by polychaeta (55%), crustacea (26%) and mollusca (14%). The other groups like nematode, echiurida and nemertenea was insignificant. The epibenthic feeding forms of polychaetes and scavengers/browsers of crustacean were more common in the sandy substratum, while deposit feeders were common in muddy substratum at Chorao mangrove. The result of the present study suggests that mangrove ecosystem with different substrata and physico-chemical parameters supports varied fauna and had different effect on the benthic community.

103-105

Authors: Lorena Maries, Marina Maries

Objectives: We report a case of intoxication with irritant vapors (ammonia). Methods: The patient was admitted to the Occupational Diseases Compartment of the Sibiu Clinical County Hospital, Romania, monthly - in January, February, March, April in 2015, for respiratory symptomatology, which was initially included in the manifestations of the intoxication with irritant vapors, later for the chronic post-intoxication residual respiratory effects. Results: The patient, though young (36 years old), is now retired on medical ground, because of the pulmonary complications which occurred despite the intensive treatment. Discussion: The intoxication occurred because of a work accident at a preserved meat product factory in the city. We emphasize the importance of preventing such situations.

117-121

Authors: Amit Kumar, Md Arshad, Ajai Singh, Habiba Khan, Suchit Swaroop

Osteo-Arthritis (OA) is a disease of joints affecting the normal functions of joint and causes physical disability. Many factors are responsible for development of osteoarthritis including over age, obesity, gender, drug abuse, over load on joints and genetic factors. OA causes health problems and impairs the quality of life with increased economic burden across the world. Apart from the pro-inflammatory role of cytokine Interleukin-1 (IL-1) in osteoarthritis, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is also involved in the progression of osteoarthritis. Members of TNF family are secreted from lymphocytes and natural killer cells but in OA patients it is also secreted from chondrocyte cells to influence the catabolic processes in Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) by inducing the activity of matrix metaloproteinases (MMPs). In promoter region, most of the Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of TNF-α located on -863, -857, -308, and -238. These SNPs are involved in various diseases including OA, rheumatoid Arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus etc. Significance association of SNP -G308A of the TNF-α gene in OA has been observed in various studies. Aim of this mini review is to conclude the fundamental roles of TNF-α cytokine in patients with OA.

6-11

Authors: Zoya Aidan, Ahmad Alibabaei, Hassan Shah Mohammad

The present study aims to introduce the employer brand as a new tool in managing human capital and explaining its impact on job satisfaction, organizational commitment and agility of the workforce. The present study is descriptive of survey type and quantitative method. The statistical population of the study was all employees of Iranian Huawei Technology Services Company. The sample was distributed through simple random sampling. Validity of the content of the factors counted with the opinion of the experts and then the validity of the test construct was confirmed using factor analysis methods. The reliability of the test was also calculated and validated for all variables with respect to Cronbach's alpha. In order to analyze the information gathered by the method of structural equation modeling SPSS and Smart PLS software were used. The results confirm the assertion of all the research hypotheses in the research model, indicating that employer brand attractiveness has a positive and direct role in increasing job satisfaction, organizational commitment and workforce agility in the employees of the Telecom industry. At the end, suggestions were also presented based on research findings.

18-23

Authors: Azam Pourghasemi, Mohammad Akhbari

The energy plays a significant role in human life and almost it is not possible to continue the life without it. This is why energy has got a key role in our national and international policies and has shaped up patterns of rivalry, cooperation, conflict, violation, interaction, convergence, and divergence in the international arena and relations between countries and authorities. So, interestingly the sources of energy provision, energy corridors, consumer markets, energy trade, energy technology, and things like them increase in value. This study investigated energy resources in Iran and Middle East in library research method. In addition to have a unique geopolitical position, Iran is located in ellipse of energy and there is more than 70 percent of world resources of oil and 60 percent of world resources of gas in Iran. Also, Iran has located in the energy corridor of north to south and east to west and all of the ways pass through this wide country. Hence, it can pump money into the country not only by selling energy, but also with transmitting of energy and accordingly, it can evolve the country economy with a correct planning and engagement with countries.

31-37

Authors: Modabber Arasteh, Seyedeh Asrin Seyedoshohadaei

44-51

Authors: Nilesh C. Gawde

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are leading cause of ill-health globally and workers are disproportionately affected due to repetitive tasks and postures. Little is known about these disorders among hotel employees in India. Objective: The study aims to find prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among workers in luxury hotels and identify their determinants. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed. The study sites included eight hotels across other four cities. A pre-designed, pilot tested semi-structured questionnaire was self-administered by study respondents. Main outcome variable was self-reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort. Data on predictor variables including socio-demographic, physical and psychosocial environment was collected. Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort was estimated. Chi-square test was used for bi-variate analysis. Binary multiple logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable 'Any chronic musculoskeletal pain' and site-specific subtypes. Results: Out of 1183 respondents, 526 (45%) reported having musculoskeletal pain/discomfort which chiefly included backache 320 (27%), pain in legs 206 (17%), joint pain 157 (13%) and neck pain 88 (7%). 'Chronic musculoskeletal pain' was associated withfour variables; namely, years of service (OR = 1.018; 1.002–1.034), heavy stress of lifting objects (OR = 1.908; 1.289–2.825), psychological wellbeing (GHQ–12 item) (OR = 1.214; 1.135–1.299) and type of work (desk workers had lower odds (OR = 0.355; 0.178–0.709) than housekeepers). Conclusion: Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort is high among hotel workers. Stress of lifting objects, psychosocial well-being, duration of service and type of work are key determinants.