A METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR RESEARCH OF ERGONOMIC RISK FACTORS IN DENTISTRY

This paper proposes a methodological framework for the research of ergonomic risk factors in dentistry, since this is a profession with very specific and complex ergonomic challenges. When analyzing ergonomic risk factors in dental practice, three separate entities should be taken into account: the dentist, as the central figure in the office; the dental office equipment, which includes all the instruments and devices, dental chair and dentist stool; and the dental office, including the workplace layout and the working conditions. Bearing in mind that it is impossible to eliminate the risk, systematic analysis of ergonomic risk factors enabled us to propose solutions for its reduction. Risk reduction improves dentists’ work ability and working conditions in the dental office and contributes to a more humane, i.e., more functional design of dental equipment.

OXIDATIVE STRESS CAUSED BY UV RADIATION AND THE USE OF FTIR METHOD TO STUDY ITS EFFECT ON THE BIOLOGICAL TISSUES

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the capacity of antioxidant ROS scavenging systems and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. It is connected with cell damage, such as lipid peroxidation of membranes. One important source of oxidative stress is UV radiation, which can come from the natural environment or artificial sources like welding. While sources of artificial UV radiation emit specific wavelengths depending on the application, occupational exposure to natural UV radiation has a continuous spectrum from 290 nm to 400 nm. Oxidative stress can be measured by synchrotron radiation-based Fourier Transform Infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy. Oxidative effect of UV can be studied on human postoperative tissue. Here we show an in vitro study of the effect of UV C on the oxidative stress in human eye postoperative tissue.

IMPACT OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF MODERN RESIDENTIAL AREA ON THE ENVIRONMENT

Improving the energy efficiency of facilities should reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and independence from energy imports, increase jobs and energy security, as well as encourage researchers in further research to be creative, innovative and competitive. With about 40% of primary energy consumption accompanied by 36% of greenhouse gas emissions, the construction sector is one of the largest consumers in Europe. Energy consumption of the construction sector in Serbia has a significant share in total energy consumption of 48%, 65% of which refers to energy consumption in residential buildings. The legislation on Energy efficiency in Serbia implies a specific energy consumption of 65[kWh/m2] for one apartment buildings and 60[kh/m2] for multi-apartment buildings. In this paper, a settlement with 50 apartment buildings is analyzed, impact on building envelope construction and applied heating system type to carbon and primary energy footprint is estimated using the degree-day method. Although the mentioned specific energy consumption limit is determined by national legislation, this paper tackles the benefits and costs of reducing energy and carbon footprint by reducing carbon and primary energy footprint to a value lower than the mentioned limit.

NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF A SOLAR-DRIVEN ORGANIC RANKINE CYCLE COUPLED TO A GEOTHERMAL FIELD

The objective of this work is to investigate a solar-driven Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) for power production with a geothermal well as the heat sink for the ORC condenser. The examined unit combines the exploitation of two renewable energy sources. Solar irradiation is exploited by using solar dish concentrators with spiral absorbers, while the geothermal field includes vertical boreholes with U-tubes. The system is investigated parametrically with a developed model in Engineering Equation Solver, and the examined parameters are the solar beam irradiation level, the total thermal conductivity of the ORC condenser, the borehole length, the number of the boreholes and the mean ground temperature. For the default scenario, it is found that system electrical efficiency is 21.45%, the ORC’s thermodynamic efficiency is 35.99%, and the solar field efficiency is 61.30%. Moreover, it is found that the examined system is 5.7% more efficient than a conventional air-cooled condenser system.

TRENDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN OSUN STATE, SOUTH WEST NIGERIA

Road traffic accident (RTA) is a growing critical issue globally, resulting in high casualties and fatalities, especially in developing countries. This study examines the magnitude and trend of RTA and the effectiveness of road traffic safety measures in Osun State, South West Nigeria. Data on road traffic accidents from 1992 to 2016 was obtained from Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) coupled with primary data acquired from 2,209 sampled households in six hierarchically selected cities through a multi-stage stratified random procedure. The study reveals a very high positive correlation (r = 0.97; p = 0.001) between road traffic accidents and the size of the cities. Trend analysis shows a gradual decline in accident and mortality rates but increasing injury rates. The study observed a relatively higher male involvement than females in RTA at the ratio of 3:1 and a relatively higher occurrence among civil servants (38.2%) and traders (27.6%) than other occupational groups. The study concludes that the incidence of road traffic accidents varies spatially, temporally, across gender and occupational divide and that safety measures employed do not have a significant impact in preventing its occurrence in the study area. It is recommended that safety culture should be encouraged among road users apart from strengthening the institutional framework responsible for transport safety.

POSSIBILITY OF ORGANIC WASTE INCLUSION AND IMPLEMENTATION IN A CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM

Organic waste represents a challenging type of waste for implementation in the flows of a circular economy. The main idea of the paper is the assessment of the inclusion possibility of different types of organic waste generated in one area into the flows of the circular economy. For this purpose, a mathematical model was developed and applied. Based on the mathematical model, the optimum mixing ratio of the several organic waste fractions, which will be subjected to the anaerobic digestion treatment and composting, is determined. Developed scenarios are based on the organic waste types and quantities available in the considered area. In each of the scenarios, process products, in the form of biogas and compost, are introduced into the flows of the circular economy. Based on the inputs and outputs in developed scenarios, the efficiency of the circular economy for each scenario is determined.

POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACT OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES: CASE STUDY FROM SERBIA

Drinking water quality has a direct impact on the health of the population and is the main indicator of environmental sanitation and hygienic living conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of drinking water from three water supply systems in Serbia.The retrospective descriptive study was done covering the period between 2011 and 2015. We collected data from control water supply systems in three towns and tested the samples as required by the Regulation on the Hygienic Acceptability of Potable Water. The following indicators of water security were analyzed: ammonia, nitrates, nitrites, consumption of potassium permanganate, organic matter content, pH and electroconductivity. The microbiological quality was determined by analyzing the indicators of fecal contamination, Escherichia coli, Enterococci and Salmonellae, using the membrane filtration method.The most frequent parameters of physical-chemical insecurity of water were a high concentration of ammonia, lower pH levels, and increased consumption of potassium permanganate. The most common detected microbes were aerobic mesophilic bacteria which are not significant from the aspect of human health.These results showed that drinking water could pose a potential risk to local consumers.

ANALYSIS OF RISK AND NO-RISK INTERVENTIONS BY MEMBERS OF FIRE AND RESCUE UNITS UNDER MULTI-RISK CONDITIONS

The issue of occupational safety and health of the members of fire and rescue units has been continuously studied by numerous authors. Their interest stems from the constant need to improve the methods and procedures of occupational safety and health assessments for fire and rescue unit members, all for the purpose of preventing injuries, primarily the fatal ones. The fact that a certain number of high-risk situations in which firefighters avoid an injury or death remain unreported poses a serious threat to the firefighters’ safety. This threat has been unjustifiably neglected and it is what motivated the research discussed in this paper, which reveals the results of three discriminant analyses.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY RESOURCE POTENTIAL IN NIGERIA FROM AEROMAGNETIC REVIEWS: ANOTHER PANACEA FOR ENERGY CRISES AND ENVIRONMENTAL GLOBAL WARMING

An effort has been made in this paper to advocate a panacea to the prevailing energy crisis in Nigeria by reviewing the country’s geothermal energy resource potential from regional aeromagnetic calculations. There is widespread occurrence of warm/hot springs in Nigeria, which gives credence to the availability and abundance of geothermal reserves. Results of aeromagnetic investigations also confirm that areas with anomalous high heat flow exist in Nigeria, showing high prospects of employing geothermal energy for direct and indirect energy applications. It is, therefore, imperative for Nigeria to take a quantum leap in holistic renewable energy research and development through appropriate government science advice, policy and environmental management.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION IN AN EMERGENCY

Communication, regardless of type, is an important part of the life and work of each individual. In addition, it is important for further growth and development for both the individual and the entire organization.During communication, there are often errors in the transfer of information, so it is necessary to work continuously to improve the quality of information. Also, important differences in communication can be noted when there is a change from regular to emergency situations. Responsible and empowered persons must ensure that communication is at a satisfactory level in order to eliminate the consequences, reduce material damage, human casualties and prevent further development of disasters.