Human error and violation of rules in industrial safety: A systematic literature review.

BACKGROUND: Human error and violation of rules are perceived as deviations from some desired behavior, appearing variably in literature as either similar or opposing concepts. Behavioral deviations may be linked to accidents or considered a protective factor against them. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to explore definitions, characteristics, classifications, and management approaches for behavioral deviations, specifically human error and violation of rules. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted. RESULTS: The authors differ in defining and classifying error and violation, associating them with generation of accidents or their prevention. The management proposals for deviations highlighted by the authors were emphasized. CONCLUSION: The findings of this article reinforce the prominence of authors Jens Rasmussen and James Reason in the field. They assert that deviations are a natural aspect of the work process and even serve as a preventive factor against accidents, although their frequent association with accidents remains common in organizations. This study contributes to theoretical understanding by systematizing prevalent perspectives on deviation, human error, and violation of rules. It proposes a taxonomy and emphasizing the need for managing deviations, rather than combating them, especially in an organizational context.

One-Pot Microfluidics to Engineer Chitosan Nanoparticles Conjugated with Antimicrobial Peptides Using "Photoclick" Chemistry: Validation Using the Gastric Bacterium Helicobacter pylori.

Surface bioconjugation of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) onto nanoparticles (AMP-NP) is a complex, multistep, and time-consuming task. Herein, a microfluidic system for the one-pot production of AMP-NP was developed. Norbornene-modified chitosan was used for NP production (NorChit-NP), and thiolated-AMP was grafted on their surface via thiol-norbornene "photoclick" chemistry over exposure of two parallel UV LEDs. The MSI-78A was the AMP selected due to its high activity against a high priority (level 2) antibiotic-resistant gastric pathogen: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). AMP-NP (113 ± 43 nm; zeta potential 14.3 ± 7 mV) were stable in gastric settings without a cross-linker (up to 5 days in pH 1.2) and bactericidal against two highly pathogenic H. pylori strains (1011 NP/mL with 96 µg/mL MSI-78A). Eradication was faster for H. pylori 26695 (30 min) than for H. pylori J99 (24 h), which was explained by the lower minimum bactericidal concentration of soluble MSI-78A for H. pylori 26695 (32 µg/mL) than for H. pylori J99 (128 µg/mL). AMP-NP was bactericidal by inducing H. pylori cell membrane alterations, intracellular reorganization, generation of extracellular vesicles, and leakage of cytoplasmic contents (transmission electron microscopy). Moreover, NP were not cytotoxic against two gastric cell lines (AGS and MKN74, ATCC) at bactericidal concentrations. Overall, the designed microfluidic setup is a greener, simpler, and faster approach than the conventional methods to obtain AMP-NP. This technology can be further explored for the bioconjugation of other thiolated-compounds.

Long-term in vivo degradation and biocompatibility of degradable pHEMA hydrogels containing graphene oxide.

Developing biocompatible, non-fouling and biodegradable hydrogels for blood-contacting devices remains a demanding challenge. Such materials should promote natural healing, prevent clotting, and undergo controlled degradation. This study evaluates the biocompatibility and biodegradation of degradable poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (d-pHEMA) hydrogels with or without reinforcement with oxidized few-layer graphene (d-pHEMA/M5ox) in a long term implantation in rats, assessing non-desired side-effects (irritation, chronic toxicity, immune response). Subcutaneous implantation over 6 months revealed degradation of both hydrogels, despite slower for d-pHEMA/M5ox, with degradation products found in intracellular vesicles. No inflammation nor infection at implantation areas were observed, and no histopathological findings were detected in parenchymal organs. Immunohistochemistry confirmed d-pHEMA and d-pHEMA/M5ox highly anti-adhesiveness. Gene expression of macrophages markers revealed presence of both M1 and M2 macrophages at all timepoints. M1/M2 profile after 6 months reveals an anti-inflammatory environment, suggesting no chronic inflammation, as also demonstrated by cytokines (IL-α, TNF-α and IL-10) analysis. Overall, modification of pHEMA towards a degradable material was successfully achieved without evoking a loss of its inherent properties, specially its anti-adhesiveness and biocompatibility. Therefore, these hydrogels hold potential as blank-slate for further modifications that promote cellular adhesion/proliferation for tissue engineering applications, namely for designing blood contacting devices with different load bearing requirements. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Biocompatibility, tunable biodegradation kinetics, and suitable immune response with lack of chronic toxicity and irritation, are key features in degradable blood contact devices that demand long-term exposure. We herein evaluate the 6-month in vivo performance of a degradable and hemocompatible anti-adhesive hydrogel based in pHEMA, and its mechanically reinforced formulation with few-layer graphene oxide. This subcutaneous implantation in a rat model, shows gradual degradation with progressive changes in material morphology, and no evidence of local inflammation in surrounding tissue, neither signs of inflammation or adverse reactions in systemic organs, suggesting biocompatibility of degradation products. Such hydrogels exhibit great potential as a blank slate for tissue engineering applications, including for blood contact, where cues for specific cells can be incorporated.

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels containing graphene-based materials for blood-contacting applications: From soft inert to strong degradable material.

Degradable biomaterials for blood-contacting devices (BCDs) are associated with weak mechanical properties, high molecular weight of the degradation products and poor hemocompatibility. Herein, the inert and biocompatible FDA approved poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogel was turned into a degradable material by incorporation of different amounts of a hydrolytically labile crosslinking agent, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate). In situ addition of 1wt.% of oxidized graphene-based materials (GBMs) with different lateral sizes/thicknesses (single-layer graphene oxide and oxidized forms of few-layer graphene materials) was performed to enhance the mechanical properties of hydrogels. An ultimate tensile strength increasing up to 0.2 MPa (293% higher than degradable pHEMA) was obtained using oxidized few-layer graphene with 5 µm lateral size. Moreover, the incorporation of GBMs has demonstrated to simultaneously tune the degradation time, which ranged from 2 to 4 months. Notably, these features were achieved keeping not only the intrinsic properties of inert pHEMA regarding water uptake, wettability and cytocompatibility (short and long term), but also the non-fouling behavior towards human cells, platelets and bacteria. This new pHEMA hydrogel with degradation and biomechanical performance tuned by GBMs, can therefore be envisioned for different applications in tissue engineering, particularly for BCDs where non-fouling character is essential. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Suitable mechanical properties, low molecular weight of the degradation products and hemocompatibility are key features in degradable blood contacting devices (BCDs), and pave the way for significant improvement in the field. In here, a hydrogel with outstanding anti-adhesiveness (pHEMA) provides hemocompatibility, the presence of a degradable crosslinker provides degradability, and incorporation of graphene oxide reestablishes its strength, allowing tuning of both degradation and mechanical properties. Notably, these hydrogels simultaneously provide suitable water uptake, wettability, cytocompatibility (short and long term), no acute inflammatory response, and non-fouling behavior towards endothelial cells, platelets and bacteria. Such results highlight the potential of these hydrogels to be envisioned for applications in tissue engineered BCDs, namely as small diameter vascular grafts.

Using Graphene-Based Materials for Stiff and Strong Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels.

Blood-contacting devices are increasingly important for the management of cardiovascular diseases. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels represent one of the most explored hydrogels to date. However, they are mechanically weak, which prevents their use in load-bearing biomedical applications (e.g., vascular grafts, cardiac valves). Graphene and its derivatives, which have outstanding mechanical properties, a very high specific surface area, and good compatibility with many polymer matrices, are promising candidates to solve this challenge. In this work, we propose the use of graphene-based materials as nanofillers for mechanical reinforcement of PEG hydrogels, and we obtain composites that are stiffer and stronger than, and as anti-adhesive as, neat PEG hydrogels. Results show that single-layer and few-layer graphene oxide can strengthen PEG hydrogels, increasing their stiffness up to 6-fold and their strength 14-fold upon incorporation of 4% w/v (40 mg/mL) graphene oxide. The composites are cytocompatible and remain anti-adhesive towards endothelial cells, human platelets and Staphylococcus aureus, similar to neat hydrogels. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to report such an increase of the tensile properties of PEG hydrogels using graphene-based materials as fillers. This work paves the way for the exploitation of PEG hydrogels as a backbone material for load-bearing applications.

Chitosan nanocomposites based on distinct inorganic fillers for biomedical applications.

Chitosan (CHI), a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide with the ability to provide a non-protein matrix for tissue growth, is considered to be an ideal material in the biomedical field. However, the lack of good mechanical properties limits its applications. In order to overcome this drawback, CHI has been combined with different polymers and fillers, leading to a variety of chitosan-based nanocomposites. The extensive research on CHI nanocomposites as well as their main biomedical applications are reviewed in this paper. An overview of the different fillers and assembly techniques available to produce CHI nanocomposites is presented. Finally, the properties of such nanocomposites are discussed with particular focus on bone regeneration, drug delivery, wound healing and biosensing applications.

Thermal comfort and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered the last preferred solution to an Occupational Safety Health (OSH) system. Brazilian OSH legislation assumes and requires PPE usage to neutralize the possibility of pesticide contamination. This study examines the inadequacy of the PPE used in a tomato crop, particularly from the standpoint of thermal comfort. This study made observations regarding heart rate and body temperature in a controlled environment using a treadmill (with and without PPE) of 12 volunteers; and during the process of rural labor (at rest and in normal work routine) of 2 actual rural workers. Comparing the results of the treadmill test (with and without PPE) which tried to reproduce the same level of effort and environmental conditions of the actual rural work, this study demonstrated that PPE makes thermoregulation harder and tympanic temperature reaches higher values with the same level of effort. Moreover, body temperature increases quickly: with PPE it took 15 minutes to raise 1°C in body temperature, compared to 40 minutes without PPE. The results of this study indicated that the use inadequate PPE might pose thermoregulation risk to rural workers.

Efficiency of personal protective equipment used in agriculture.

Despite the practical importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), both in production and in consumption, it is observed a main problem regarding the quality of many PPE�s used in Brazil. This study found a gap between the state of the art and the state of prevailing practices in the design of PPE�s, which main consequences affect the health of workers who use PPE in agriculture activities. The results of this study identified legal constraints of this occurrence, involving the validation of PPE designed for isolate agents, without the analysis of relevant activities and without prototypes experiments in more frequent use situation.

Detection of viable myocardium by dobutamine and dipyridamole stress echocardiography.

The basic aspect of cell behaviour that is the clue for viability recognition by stress echo is regional function. By definition, the function is depressed both in viable and in necrotic segments. However, only viable segments retain a contractile reserve; which can be evoked by an inotropic challenge, either cathecolaminic or flow-mediated, as consistently shown by several experimental studies. This is the basis of viability recognition by pharmacological stress echocardiography. Both dobutamine and dipyridamole exploit the same pathophysiological principle: viable tissue has a residual contractile reserve, which can be elicited by an appropriate inotropic stimulus. With dobutamine, the stimulus is a beta-receptor mediated effect on myocardial cell, which is later matched by an increase in flow. With dipyridamole, the primary stimulus is an adenosine A2-receptor mediated effect on the coronary arteriole smooth muscle cell, leading to an increase in flow. At that point, the increase in function is to be expected on the basis of the known relationship between myocardial contractility and coronary perfusion. From the technical point of view, the "viability window" is dose-related with dobutamine, and time-related with dipyridamole--where the same dose is associated to an early inotropic phase followed by a later ischemic response. In spite of the different pathophysiological background and technical modalities, dobutamine and and dipyridamole have shown a similar sensitivity and specificity for prediction of viability, with an overall accuracy only marginally lower than resting thallium. The practical, clinical impact of these observations is still blunted by relatively small numbers of observations in highly selected populations including a limited number of patients and studies in very few centers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Social aggregations in cattle. II. Contributions of familiarity and genetic similarity.

Social aggregations of three cattle breeds and crosses between them were studied under controlled conditions at a Brazilian research station. Cows raised with animals of their own breed in isolation from other breeds maintained segregated social groups. Cattle of the same breed raised apart formed aggregations based more on familiarity than on genetic communality. There were breed differences in both of those tendencies. Hybrids were no more likely to associate with cattle with which they had one breed in common than with animals of completely different breeds, although having two breeds in common increased the likelihood that hybrids would be found together. Recently weaned calves did not assort themselves by shared kinship, but they formed phenotypic groupings correlated with color. In the absence of familiar individuals, cattle may use familiar phenotypes in establishing social preferences and cohesive herds.

Studies of the growth and cell dynamics of the intestinal epithelium in corn and sorghum-fed rats.

A study was undertaken to compare the effects of corn and sorghum-based diets on the growth curve of young adult rats and on cell renewal in the intestinal epithelium of the jejunum and colon of the animals. Three groups of 10 rats each were studied: the first was submitted to a corn diet (Corn Group); the second to a sorghum diet (Sorghum Group), and the third to a casein diet (Control Group). The diets supplied about 7 g% protein. The experimental period lasted 13 weeks. Effects were measured in terms of weight curves, mitotic and calyciform cell indexes in the jejunum and colon. A special statistical analysis was applied allowing comparisons between the groups, and considering the sample size and the individual variations in the growth curves. The animals in the sorghum group revealed a lower growth rate, and those in the corn group showed more marked cell dynamics changes in the jejunal epithelium. Findings in the corn and sorghum-fed animals were different and cannot be explained solely in terms of niacin deficiency.

Relationship between the nutritional efficacy of a rice and bean diet and energy intake in preschool children.

Nitrogen balance and urea excretion were measured in a group of 4- to 6-year-old children receiving a rice and bean diet providing 1 g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day and three levels of calories. With diets providing 2300 and 3000 kcal/day, nitrogen retention was 41.16 +/- 29.04 and 53.30 +/- 18.46 mg/kg of body weight per day, respectively. With 1400 kcal/day, diet nitrogen retention decreased to 25.38 +/- 13.88 mg/kg body weight and urea nitrogen excretion increased. The importance of adequate caloric intake for optimum utilization of dietary protein from a rice and bean diet for growing children is demonstrated.

Genetic component in learning ability in bees.

Twenty-five bees, five from each of five hives, were trained to collect food at a table. When the bee reached the table, time was recorded for 12 visits. Then a blue and yellow pan was substituted for the original metal pan, and time and correct responses were recorded for 30 trips (discrimination phase). Finally, food was taken from the pan and extinction was recorded as incorrect responses for 20 visits. Variance analysis was carried out, and genetic variance was undetected for discrimination, but was detected for extinction. It is concluded that learning is very important for bees, so that any impairment in such ability affects colony survival.