Vision-based grasp learning of an anthropomorphic hand-arm system in a synergy-based control framework.

In this work, the problem of grasping novel objects with an anthropomorphic hand-arm robotic system is considered. In particular, an algorithm for learning stable grasps of unknown objects has been developed based on an object shape classification and on the extraction of some associated geometric features. Different concepts, coming from fields such as machine learning, computer vision, and robot control, have been integrated together in a modular framework to achieve a flexible solution suitable for different applications. The results presented in this work confirm that the combination of learning from demonstration and reinforcement learning can be an interesting solution for complex tasks, such as grasping with anthropomorphic hands. The imitation learning provides the robot with a good base to start the learning process that improves its abilities through trial and error. The learning process occurs in a reduced dimension subspace learned upstream from human observation during typical grasping tasks. Furthermore, the integration of a synergy-based control module allows reducing the number of trials owing to the synergistic approach.

Work-related skin disease in the plastics industry.

In a survey of a representative sample of workers taken at each of four different plastics manufacturers, 122 completed self-administered questionnaires were obtained. Twenty-six respondents (21.3%) met the case definition for having a work-related skin disorder during the preceding year. Sixteen (61.5%) cases indicated that their skin problems were present for 11 or more days, and 50% reported that their normal daily activities were at least somewhat affected. Risk of disease was elevated for workers who reported skin contact with formaldehyde (OR = 3.30; 95% CI = 1.02-10.69) or with polyvinyl-chlorides (PVCs) or their precursors (OR = 4.08; CI = 1.19-14.06), used barrier creams (OR = 4.51; CI = 1.22-16.68), were female (OR = 5.42; CI = 0.97-30.22), were 35 or younger (OR = 4.65; CI = 1.53-14.19), and for each use of hand cleaner at work (OR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.41). These findings should be considered when designing programs to reduce the incidence of skin disease among workers in the plastics industry.

Surveillance for silicosis, 1993--Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Silicosis is an occupational respiratory disease caused by the inhalation of respirable dust containing crystalline silica. Public health surveillance programs to identify workers at risk for silicosis and target workplace-specific and other prevention efforts are currently being field-tested in seven U.S. states. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: Confirmed cases ascertained by state health departments during the period January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1993; the cases and associated workplaces were followed through December 1994. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS: As part of the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) program initiated by CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), development of state-based surveillance and intervention programs for silicosis was initiated in 1987 in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin and in 1992 in Illinois, North Carolina, and Texas. RESULTS: From January 1, 1993, through December 2, 1994, the SENSOR silicosis programs in Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin confirmed 256 cases of silicosis that were initially ascertained in 1993. Overall, 185 (72%) were initially identified through review of hospital discharge data or through hospital reports of silicosis diagnoses; 188 (73%) were associated with silica exposure in manufacturing industries (e.g., foundries; stone, clay, glass, and concrete manufacturers; and industrial and commercial machinery manufacture). Overall, 42 (16%) cases were associated with silica exposure from sandblasting operations. Among the 193 confirmed cases for which information was available about duration of employment in jobs with potential exposure to silica, 37 (19%) were employed < or = 10 years in such jobs and 156 (81%) were employed > or = 11 years. A total of 192 primary workplaces associated with potentially hazardous silica exposures were identified for the 256 confirmed silicosis cases. Of these, nine (5%) workplaces were inspected by state health department (SHD) industrial hygienists, 19 (10%) were referred to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for follow-up, and seven (4%) were routinely monitored by the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Of the 157 (82%) remaining workplaces, follow-up activities determined that 82 were no longer in operation, eight were no longer using silica, 18 were assigned a lower priority for follow-up, six were associated with building trades and could not be inspected because of the transient nature of work in the construction industry, and 43 workplaces were not inspected for other reasons. Fourteen (7%) of the 192 workplaces were inspected. At 10 of the 14 workplaces, airborne levels of crystalline silica were measured; in nine, silica levels exceeded the NIOSH-recommended exposure level of 0.05 mg/m, and in six, airborne silica levels also exceeded federal permissible exposure limits. ACTIONS TAKEN: Employee-specific and other preventive interventions have been initiated in response to reported cases. In addition, special silicosis prevention projects have been initiated in Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin. To facilitate the implementation of silicosis surveillance by other states, efforts are ongoing to identify and standardize core data needed by surveillance programs to describe cases and the workplaces where exposure occurred. These core variables will be incorporated into a user-friendly software system that states can use for data collection and reporting.

Silicosis surveillance--Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin, 1987-1990.

PROBLEM/CONDITION: Improved surveillance for silicosis is needed to target interventions to prevent this occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. REPORTING PERIOD COVERED: 1987-1990. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEMS: State-based silicosis surveillance and intervention programs have been developed in Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Wisconsin as part of the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR) Program, initiated in 1987 by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). RESULTS: From 1987 through 1990, the SENSOR program confirmed a total of 430 cases of silicosis reported from these four states. Overall, approximately 60% of these cases were in workers employed in primary metal industries, although the types of industries in which cases occurred varied by state. Some cases were attributable to relatively recent exposure, including new cases in seven persons first exposed since 1980 in New Jersey. Silicosis case reports have prompted measurement of respirable silica concentrations at 25 Michigan work sites, and 14 (56%) of these sites were found to have levels that exceeded the legally permissible exposure level. INTERPRETATION: The silicosis surveillance and intervention strategies piloted by state health departments in the NIOSH-funded SENSOR Program have demonstrated the feasibility and effectiveness of identifying specific silica-using work sites that need preventive intervention. ACTIONS TAKEN: On the basis of initial experience in these four states, NIOSH developed guidelines for state-based silicosis surveillance and awarded SENSOR cooperative agreements to three additional states where the applicability of these surveillance methods will be further evaluated.

The role of the agricultural health nurse: bringing together community and occupational health.

1. Agricultural work is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States. However, an occupational safety and health agenda for agriculture is lacking. 2. The agricultural health nurse draws on knowledge of community health and occupational health nursing to meet the needs of the farm work force. 3. The agricultural health nurse uses creative approaches to gather data about the farm work force and the work environment. 4. Community based strategies, such as coalition building, are important to develop programs that address agricultural safety and health problems.

Corporate perspective of the role of the occupational health nurse.

One hundred and twenty-three Ohio employers were surveyed about expectations for occupational health nurse performance of 20 current and desired future activities. Employers identified activities that (a) the nurse was currently performing, or (b) would be desired in the future, or (c) were not appropriate for the nurse. Findings showed occupational health nurses are counseling employees, treating illness and injury, evaluating safe return to work, and tracking workers' compensation cases. Activities most desired in the future are analyses of trends in health programs and study of cost-effective health program alternatives. Activities most frequently selected require skills of evaluation, budgeting, and cost-benefit analysis. Most occupational health nurses have not had the opportunity to learn skills of fiscal management; therefore meeting employer expectations will require new education.

Developing quality assurance programs in the occupational health setting.

It is important in the delivery of quality nursing care to have a system in place to evaluate the care administered. It is the responsibility of the profession to develop such a system, which is done in nursing through quality assurance programs. Quality assurance programs are based on standards of practice and peer review systems. Occupational health nurses are somewhat unique in their work situations and often need to develop creative strategies for quality assurance programs. The criteria used to evaluate nursing care may be developed to look at the structure, process, or outcome of nursing care. The model for implementation of quality assurance programs involves seven steps.