ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used t... more ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used to study morningness orientation. The fuzzy analysis helps mapping outputs of the questionnaire irrespective of linguistic and cross-cultural aspects in an efficient manner. In the present study, the rMEQ was administered to a convenience sample of university students (N = 2660) in four different countries and responses have been quantified by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for the cross-cultural comparison and then the quantified values are used to construct the proposed model. The cross-country fuzzy morningness value showed that environmental temperature has definite influence on morningness orientation but other factors may also have a role. The developed model can be universally used to analyse the morning–evening orientation of people more precisely without cross-language and cross-cultural biases and it would become a potential tool for interpretation of morningness scores and counselling of individuals.
Introduction: The fishermen of India are exposed regularly to the fuel exhausts of the trollers. ... more Introduction: The fishermen of India are exposed regularly to the fuel exhausts of the trollers. No study has been reported on the respiratory health of the fishermen. Aim: The study aimed to see whether there is a relationship between troller fuel exhaust and respiratory impairments among the fishermen in India. Methods: In this cross sectional study, a total of 359 male fishermen participated in the study among which 213 were regularly exposed to troller fuel exhaust (mean age 58±9.8 years) and 146 were never exposed to troller fuel exhaust (mean age 53±10.3 years). Evaluation of the examined subjects included ECRHS questionnaire for the assessment of respiratory symptoms and lung function test. Data were analysed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and independent ‘t’ test adjusting for age, smoking status, parental asthma and second hand smoke exposure at home or work. Results: Fishermen exposed to troller fuel exhaust had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms for ...
ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used t... more ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used to study morningness orientation. The fuzzy analysis helps mapping outputs of the questionnaire irrespective of linguistic and cross-cultural aspects in an efficient manner. In the present study, the rMEQ was administered to a convenience sample of university students (N = 2660) in four different countries and responses have been quantified by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for the cross-cultural comparison and then the quantified values are used to construct the proposed model. The cross-country fuzzy morningness value showed that environmental temperature has definite influence on morningness orientation but other factors may also have a role. The developed model can be universally used to analyse the morning–evening orientation of people more precisely without cross-language and cross-cultural biases and it would become a potential tool for interpretation of morningness scores and counselling of individuals.
International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie, Jan 30, 2014
Morningness-eveningness or circadian typology can be viewed as an interesting aspect of individua... more Morningness-eveningness or circadian typology can be viewed as an interesting aspect of individual differences. Morningness-eveningness is a preference for a given time of day for physical or mental performance, but also reflects aspects of affect. Here, we used seven different measures to assess differences in morningness-eveningness between Germany, Slovakia and India. The hypothesis was that Indians should be earliest chronotypes, followed by Slovakia and then Germany, because of higher temperatures in India, and the fact that Slovakia is located farther east compared to Germany. We applied the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), the Circadian Energy Scale (CIRENS), the CAEN Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ), and habitual sleep-wake variables to calculate sleep duration, midpoint of sleep and social jetlag. Sample sizes were N = 300 (Germany), N = 482 (Slovakia) and N = 409 (India). Country had the strongest influence on morningness-eveningness. Germans were latest chronotypes and...
International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE, 2013
Van-rickshaw is a popular mode of transport of people and merchandise in developing countries. Th... more Van-rickshaw is a popular mode of transport of people and merchandise in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of age on cardiovascular load of van-rickshaw pullers in the summer season (March-June) in real situations. In 142 participants, divided into 2 age groups (25-40 and 41-55 years), cardiovascular load was assessed on the basis of working and partial recovery heart rate (HR), predicted maximal HR, working maximal HR, average working HR, percentage of reserved HR, sum of recovery heart beats, percentage of recovery, relative and net cardiac cost, etc. Except for percentage of recovery, all parameters differed significantly between the groups and were significantly correlated with age. As this activity is very stressful, it places a heavy demand on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, age is an important factor for sustainability of the work, especially in a hot environment. Some ergonomic interventions are necessary to reduce cardiovascular ...
Background: An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in Indi... more Background: An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in India. Exposure to adulterated fuel exhaust is common among deep-sea fishermen, yet little is known about the potential impacts on the exposure to health. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether fuel emission exposure was associated with increased respiratory impairments among fishermen who were occupationally exposed to fuel exhaust compared to fisherman occupationally unexposed to fuel exhaust. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function variables between 152 marine-water and 107 fresh water fishermen considering the use of fuel-driven trawlers. Data were obtained from questionnaires and computerized spirometer. Results: Fishermen exposed to trawler fuel exhaust reported more than double the number of respiratory symptoms compared to the unexposed fisherman (86·2 vs. 40·2%). They also had a significantly higher chance experiencing chronic cough (adjusted OR = 3·51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2·09-6·35), chronic phlegm (8·61, 4·76-15·97), and wheezing (4·29, 2·55-7·61) symptoms. Finally, there was a significant reduction of the ratio of mid portion of forced expiratory flow rate and forced vital capacity (FEF25-75/FVC) in the exposed fishermen compared to the unexposed (0·84 vs. 0·73 second-1, P = 0·015). Conclusion: Fuel exhaust may negatively impact on the respiratory health of Indian fishermen. More attention and surveillance of occupational health for fishermen in India is needed.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2014
Handloom is one of the oldest industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considera... more Handloom is one of the oldest industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considerable number of rural people are engaged in weaving. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among the handloom weavers in India. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire along with a body part discomfort scale were administered to handloom weavers (n = 175). Working posture of the participants was assessed using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). Sixty eight per cent of the participants reported suffering from low back pain, making it the most prevalent disorder in our sample. Analysis of the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire data revealed that among those with low back pain (n = 119), 2% had severe disabilities, 46% had moderate disabilities, and 52% had minimal disabilities. Statistical analyses revealed a positive significant association between the intensity of pain in the lower back and an increased number of years of work experience (P<0·05). The study underlines the need for further research regarding the postural strain of weavers and also suggests the implementation of ergonomic design into weaver workstations to minimize the adverse effect of their current working postures. Improving upon the weaver's work-posture could improve their quality of life.
ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used t... more ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used to study morningness orientation. The fuzzy analysis helps mapping outputs of the questionnaire irrespective of linguistic and cross-cultural aspects in an efficient manner. In the present study, the rMEQ was administered to a convenience sample of university students (N = 2660) in four different countries and responses have been quantified by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for the cross-cultural comparison and then the quantified values are used to construct the proposed model. The cross-country fuzzy morningness value showed that environmental temperature has definite influence on morningness orientation but other factors may also have a role. The developed model can be universally used to analyse the morning–evening orientation of people more precisely without cross-language and cross-cultural biases and it would become a potential tool for interpretation of morningness scores and counselling of individuals.
Introduction: The fishermen of India are exposed regularly to the fuel exhausts of the trollers. ... more Introduction: The fishermen of India are exposed regularly to the fuel exhausts of the trollers. No study has been reported on the respiratory health of the fishermen. Aim: The study aimed to see whether there is a relationship between troller fuel exhaust and respiratory impairments among the fishermen in India. Methods: In this cross sectional study, a total of 359 male fishermen participated in the study among which 213 were regularly exposed to troller fuel exhaust (mean age 58±9.8 years) and 146 were never exposed to troller fuel exhaust (mean age 53±10.3 years). Evaluation of the examined subjects included ECRHS questionnaire for the assessment of respiratory symptoms and lung function test. Data were analysed using odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and independent ‘t’ test adjusting for age, smoking status, parental asthma and second hand smoke exposure at home or work. Results: Fishermen exposed to troller fuel exhaust had higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms for ...
ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used t... more ABSTRACT The reduced version of the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ) is widely used to study morningness orientation. The fuzzy analysis helps mapping outputs of the questionnaire irrespective of linguistic and cross-cultural aspects in an efficient manner. In the present study, the rMEQ was administered to a convenience sample of university students (N = 2660) in four different countries and responses have been quantified by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system for the cross-cultural comparison and then the quantified values are used to construct the proposed model. The cross-country fuzzy morningness value showed that environmental temperature has definite influence on morningness orientation but other factors may also have a role. The developed model can be universally used to analyse the morning–evening orientation of people more precisely without cross-language and cross-cultural biases and it would become a potential tool for interpretation of morningness scores and counselling of individuals.
International journal of psychology : Journal international de psychologie, Jan 30, 2014
Morningness-eveningness or circadian typology can be viewed as an interesting aspect of individua... more Morningness-eveningness or circadian typology can be viewed as an interesting aspect of individual differences. Morningness-eveningness is a preference for a given time of day for physical or mental performance, but also reflects aspects of affect. Here, we used seven different measures to assess differences in morningness-eveningness between Germany, Slovakia and India. The hypothesis was that Indians should be earliest chronotypes, followed by Slovakia and then Germany, because of higher temperatures in India, and the fact that Slovakia is located farther east compared to Germany. We applied the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM), the Circadian Energy Scale (CIRENS), the CAEN Chronotype Questionnaire (CCQ), and habitual sleep-wake variables to calculate sleep duration, midpoint of sleep and social jetlag. Sample sizes were N = 300 (Germany), N = 482 (Slovakia) and N = 409 (India). Country had the strongest influence on morningness-eveningness. Germans were latest chronotypes and...
International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics : JOSE, 2013
Van-rickshaw is a popular mode of transport of people and merchandise in developing countries. Th... more Van-rickshaw is a popular mode of transport of people and merchandise in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of age on cardiovascular load of van-rickshaw pullers in the summer season (March-June) in real situations. In 142 participants, divided into 2 age groups (25-40 and 41-55 years), cardiovascular load was assessed on the basis of working and partial recovery heart rate (HR), predicted maximal HR, working maximal HR, average working HR, percentage of reserved HR, sum of recovery heart beats, percentage of recovery, relative and net cardiac cost, etc. Except for percentage of recovery, all parameters differed significantly between the groups and were significantly correlated with age. As this activity is very stressful, it places a heavy demand on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, age is an important factor for sustainability of the work, especially in a hot environment. Some ergonomic interventions are necessary to reduce cardiovascular ...
Background: An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in Indi... more Background: An estimated half a billion people are engaged in fishing related occupations in India. Exposure to adulterated fuel exhaust is common among deep-sea fishermen, yet little is known about the potential impacts on the exposure to health. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether fuel emission exposure was associated with increased respiratory impairments among fishermen who were occupationally exposed to fuel exhaust compared to fisherman occupationally unexposed to fuel exhaust. Methods: This cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function variables between 152 marine-water and 107 fresh water fishermen considering the use of fuel-driven trawlers. Data were obtained from questionnaires and computerized spirometer. Results: Fishermen exposed to trawler fuel exhaust reported more than double the number of respiratory symptoms compared to the unexposed fisherman (86·2 vs. 40·2%). They also had a significantly higher chance experiencing chronic cough (adjusted OR = 3·51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2·09-6·35), chronic phlegm (8·61, 4·76-15·97), and wheezing (4·29, 2·55-7·61) symptoms. Finally, there was a significant reduction of the ratio of mid portion of forced expiratory flow rate and forced vital capacity (FEF25-75/FVC) in the exposed fishermen compared to the unexposed (0·84 vs. 0·73 second-1, P = 0·015). Conclusion: Fuel exhaust may negatively impact on the respiratory health of Indian fishermen. More attention and surveillance of occupational health for fishermen in India is needed.
International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 2014
Handloom is one of the oldest industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considera... more Handloom is one of the oldest industries in India, particularly in West Bengal, where a considerable number of rural people are engaged in weaving. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among the handloom weavers in India. A modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire along with a body part discomfort scale were administered to handloom weavers (n = 175). Working posture of the participants was assessed using the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS). Sixty eight per cent of the participants reported suffering from low back pain, making it the most prevalent disorder in our sample. Analysis of the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire data revealed that among those with low back pain (n = 119), 2% had severe disabilities, 46% had moderate disabilities, and 52% had minimal disabilities. Statistical analyses revealed a positive significant association between the intensity of pain in the lower back and an increased number of years of work experience (P<0·05). The study underlines the need for further research regarding the postural strain of weavers and also suggests the implementation of ergonomic design into weaver workstations to minimize the adverse effect of their current working postures. Improving upon the weaver's work-posture could improve their quality of life.
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