• Biomaterials and Biomechanics in Bioengineering
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.225-235
• /
• 2015

Treatments for asthma are largely pharmaceutical, with some therapies also utilising alternative breathing techniques. The objective of both medical and alternative methods is to relax contracted airway smooth muscle (ASM). In normal subjects, tidal breathing- and deep inspiration-oscillations are believed to have a bronchodilatory effect. Similarly, application of length oscillations to isolated, contracted ASM also elicits muscle relaxation. As a means of investigating more-effective alternative treatment methods for contracted airways, we analyse the combined effects of bronchodilators and length oscillations on isolated, contracted ASM. The contractile state of the muscle tissue prior to treatment is of primary interest. Thereafter, the effect of applying a combination of small superimposed length oscillations with tidal breathing-like oscillations to ASM is studied alone and in combination with a common bronchodilator, isoproterenol (ISO). This work suggests that relaxation of isolated, contracted ASM following application of combined oscillations and ISO is larger than treatments of either combined oscillations or ISO alone. Further, the observed oscillation-associated relaxation is found to be amplitude- rather than frequency-dependent. This study gives additional insight into the role of oscillations and bronchodilators on contracted airways.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.11 no.4
• /
• pp.509-516
• /
• 2020

Background: Meta-analyses have shown firefighters to be at an increased risk of several cancer types. Occupational carcinogen exposure may explain these increased risks. This study aims to describe Norwegian fire departments' work conditions from 1950 until today, focusing on factors relevant for potential occupational carcinogen exposure. Methods: With the help of a reference group, we developed a questionnaire on topics related to occupational exposure to carcinogens for the period 1950-2018. Selected Norwegian fire departments provided department-specific responses. Results: Sixteen departments, providing fire services for 48% of the Norwegian population as of 2019 and mainly consisting of professional firefighters, responded to our questionnaire. The introduction of synthetic firefighting foams, more regular live fire training, the introduction of chemical diving, and a higher number of diesel-driven fire service vehicles were identified as changes thought to increase exposure to occupational carcinogens. Changes thought to decrease exposure included the switch from negative to positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatuses, the use of self-contained breathing apparatuses during all phases of firefighting, the use of ventilating fans during firefighting, increased attention to flammable materials used during live fire training, increased attention to handling and cleaning of turnout gear and other equipment, and installment of exhaust removal systems in apparatus bays. Conclusion: Norwegian fire departments' work conditions have seen several changes since 1950, and this could influence firefighters' occupational carcinogen exposure. A peak of carcinogen exposure may have occurred in the 1970s and 1980s before recent changes have reduced exposure.

• Smart Structures and Systems
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.459-469
• /
• 2020

The presence of cracks in mechanical components is a very important problem that, if it is not detected on time, can lead to high economic costs and serious personal injuries. This work presents a methodology focused on identifying cracks in unbalanced rotors, which are some of the most frequent mechanical elements in industry. The proposed method is based on Artificial Neural Networks that give a solution to the presented inverse problem. They allow to estimate unknown crack parameters, specifically, the crack depth and the eccentricity angle, depending on the dynamic behavior of the rotor. The necessary data to train the developed Artificial Neural Network have been obtained from the frequency spectrum of the displacements of the well- known cracked Jeffcott rotor model, which takes into account the crack breathing mechanism during a shaft rotation. The proposed method is applicable to any rotating machine and it could contribute to establish adequate maintenance plans.

• PNF and Movement
• /
• v.10 no.3
• /
• pp.39-44
• /
• 2012

Purpose : This study aims to analyze the effect of abdominal respiration on back pain of an Elementary Schoolchild. Methods : The data was collected from April 9 to April 27. We analyzed the descriptive statistics and paired t-test by SPSS 12.0 for windows. Results : The results of the study were as follow : The comparison of change in visual analogue scale showed effective differences before and after diaphragmatic breathing exercise. Conclusion : Thus, this study indicates that have a positive effect on Back Pain of an Elementary Schoolchild. Further trials, which give attention to these parts, are needed before any firm conclusions may be made.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.355-364
• /
• 2011

Objectives: Though sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used widely at workplaces, itseffects on humans are not known. Thresholds are reportedwithout reference to gender or age and occupational exposure limits are basedon effects on lung functioning, although localized effects in the upper airways can be expected. This study's aim is to determine thresholds with respect to age and gender and suggests a new approach to risk assessment using breathing reflexes presumably triggered by trigeminal receptors in the upper airways. Methods: Odor thresholds were determined by the ascending method of limits in groups stratified by age and gender. Subjects rated intensities of different olfactory and trigeminal perceptions at different concentrations of $SO_2$. During the presentation of the concentrations, breathing movements were measured by respiratory inductive plethysmography. Results: Neither age nor gender effects were observed for odor threshold. Only ratings of nasal irritation were influenced bygender. A benchmark dose analysis on relative respiratory depth revealed a 10%-deviation from baseline at about 25.27 mg/$m^3$. Conclusion: The proposed new approach to risk assessment appearsto be sustainable. We discuss whether a 10%-deviation of breathingdepth is relevant.

• Trans-
• /
• v.8
• /
• pp.95-127
• /
• 2020

This research is based on using Bartenieff Fundamentals to analyze the fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan's movements in order to develop the methods of relaxation from Tai Chi Chuan's principle movement movements It also shows that the two techniques have commonalities in many ways. First of all, taking a philosophical approach on the body movements of Tai Chi Chuan and Bartenieff, for both methods the ultimate goal is the integration of mind and body. In other words, there is a thread of connection between the East's body and mind monism and the west's Body Awareness. Secondly, looking at it from a Breath Support standpoint as used in the Bartenieff method, the two methods both use the breathing to naturally move the body and relax the body. In Tai Chi Chuan the Breath is the basis of life and the strength of the Body. So the breathing of Tai Chi chuan is what makes body and mind communicate, harmonize and integrate. In other words, Breathing in Tai Chi is realized through mental fusion and affects the movements. This is the same as the Breath Support of Bartenieff. It is said that in every aspect the Breath Support of Bartenieff influences the movement and changes both the inner and outer form of the body. Thirdly, looking at the Core Support used in the Bartenieff method, both methods emphasize core. At the same time of moving and being conscious of one's core, the usage of muscles can be deeper rather than superficial and this enables strong and flexible movement. In Tai Chi Chuan abdominal muscles used when one coughs are consciously engaged through abdominal breathing and so strength is collected in the core. When one exercises like that the core becomes more stable and breathing becomes more smooth. Fourthly, analyzing the Rotary Factor used in the Bartenieff Fundamentals, they both use rotary movement to reach the goal of physical relaxation. The rotation factor of Bartenieff allows movement to be easier and more free because of the characteristic of joint exercise where the center axis moved in three dimensions, this is the same in Tai Chi chuan. According to Tai Chi chuan's circle and Spiral Movements, it can achieve the relaxation through switching into a seamless flow and access space as much as possible. Finally, when looking at Developmental Patterning through Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen's Body-Mind Centering Work theory, presented from Bartenieff developmental model are similar with the developmental process of Tai Chi chuan Breath, Core-Distal Connectivity/Navel Radiation, Head-Tail Connectivity/Spinal Movement, Upper-Lower Connectivity/Homologous, Body-Half Connectivity/Homo-Lateral Connectivity, Cross-Lateral Connectivity/Contra-Lateral Connectivity. They are all similar. In other words, in Tai Chi Chuan energy is gathered in the core through breathing, upper and lower body are connected through the spine, not only homo-laterally but also cross-laterally. Through this study the expression of the dance movements can be more natural. Additionally based on the Body Awareness balance usage of the central axis, joints and body can develop the relax technique.

• Environmental Sciences Bulletin of The Korean Environmental Sciences Society
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.49-56
• /
• 1998

This study identified the fumes produced from the cooking of the seasoned meats containing various condiments such as garlic, onion, pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Concentrations, at the breathing zone of the cook, of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes included in the cooking fumes of seasoned meats were identified. Many chloro and fluoro-aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and aldehydes, which could be carcinogen suspecting chemicals, were producing from the cooking fumes of the seasoned meats. This study also identified the ventilation efficiencies of the cooking fumes of the six exhaust ventilation systems, which were widely being used in the general apartments, houses, and small-food factories. For a comparison of the ventilation efficiencies of the systems, acetaldehyde was chosen as a marker pollutant and its concentrations at the breathing zone of the cook were identified. The laboratory fume hood showed the best ventilation efficiency of the six ventilation systems studied, and then the lateral hood ventilation and the down draft ventilation followed the laboratory fume hood. Finally, this study identified that both a wall factor nearby pollutant sources and a distance factor between the hood face and pollutant sources should be also considered for an effective local exhaust ventilation system design.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
• /
• v.2 no.1
• /
• pp.49-56
• /
• 1993

This study identified the fumes produced from the cooking of the seasoned meats containing various condiments such as garlic, onion, pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Concentrations, at the breathing zone of the cook, of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and aldehydes included in the cooking fumes of seasoned meats were identified. Many chloro- and fluoro-aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, and aldehydes, which could be carcinogen suspecting chemicals, were producing from the cooking fumes of the seasoned meats. This study also identified the ventilation efficiencies of the cooking fumes of the six exhaust ventilation systems, which were widely being used in the general apartments, houses, and small-food factories. For a comparison of the ventilation efficiencies of the systems, acetaldehyde was chosen as a marker pollutant and its concentrations at the breathing zone of the cook were identified. The laboratory fume hood showed the best ventilation efficiency of the six ventilation systems studied, and then the lateral hood ventilation and the down draft ventilation followed the laboratory fume hood. Finally, this study identified that both a wall factor nearby pollutant sources and a distance factor between the hood face and pollutant sources should be also considered for an effective local exhaust ventilation system design.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.315-325
• /
• 2022

Background: Firefighters are required to carry self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. This study assessed the newly recruited firefighters' internal forces and potential musculoskeletal disorders when carrying SCBA. The effects of SCBA strap lengths were also evaluated. Methods: Kinematic parameters of twelve male subjects running in a control condition with no SCBA equipped and three varying-strapped SCBAs were measured using 3D inertial motion capture. Subsequently, motion data and predicted ground reaction force were inputted for subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling to estimate joint and muscle forces. Results: The knee was exposed to the highest internal force when carrying SCBA, followed by the rectus femoris and hip, while the shoulder had the lowest force compared to the no-SCBA condition. Our model also revealed that adjusting SCBA straps length was an efficient strategy to influence the force that occurred at the lumbar spine, hip, and knee regions. Grey relation analysis indicated that the deviation of the center of mass, step length, and knee flexion-extension angle could be used as the predictor of musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: The finding suggested that the training of the newly recruits focuses on the coordinated movement of muscle and joints in the lower limb. The strap lengths around 98-105 cm were also recommended. The findings are expected to provide injury interventions to enhance the occupational health and safety of the newly recruited firefighters.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.133-145
• /
• 1998

The purposes of this study were to assess current status of respirator usage among workers in the small-scale industries and to identify those factors causing respirator wearers not to continuously wear respirators during work. Total 168 workers participated voluntarily in the survey. In order to cover all possible reasons, though not exclusive, 33 diverse questions were developed based upon the results in the published literatures and from researchers' own experience. The most common type of respirator worn was the disposable single-use respirator(42%). However, masks made of gauze, which should not be considered as a respirator, were widely used (38%). Only 28% of respondents indicated they wear respirators continuously during work. The major reasons for removing respirators include, in descending order of frequency, difficulty in breathing (46%), sweating (39%), bothered by frequent removal (21%), inadequate mask size (19%) and hot air temperature inside the respirator (19%), etc. In addition, minor reasons including mask design, administrative, and personal reasons were also identified. These reasons should be considered in a well designed respirator program in order to improve workers' acceptance and usage of respirators.