Social identity,safety climate and self-reported accidents among construction workers

The construction industry has one of the highest frequencies of work-related accidents. We examined whether construction workers predominantly identify themselves in terms of their workgroup or in terms of the construction site. In addition, we examined the associations between social identity and safety climate, and how these constructs are associated with work-related accidents. The analyses were based on questionnaire responses from 478 construction workers from two large construction sites, and the methods involved structural equation modeling. Results showed that the workers identified themselves primarily with their workgroup, and to a lesser degree with the construction site. Social identity and safety climate were related both at the workgroup and construction site levels, meaning that social identity may be an antecedent for safety climate. The association between social identity and safety climate was stronger at the workgroup level than at the construction site level. Finally, safety climate at both levels was inversely associated with self-reported accidents, with the strongest association at the workgroup level. A focus on improving safety climate, particularly by integrating initiatives at both the workgroup and management level, may have the potential to improve safety performance and thus decrease the risk of accidents and injuries on construction sites.     

A New Adaptive Transmission Scheme for Wireless Communication Systems Utilizing Frequency Diversity

In this paper, we propose a new adaptive transmission scheme for wirelesscommunication systems utilizing frequency diversity combining technique. Thecapacity of Rayleigh fading chanels under the proposed adaptive transmissionscheme is analytically evaluated and compared with the capacity under theconventional adaptive transmission scheme. The results show that the channelcapacity under the new adaptive scheme exceeds that under the conventionalone, and this capacity increment becomes more apparent especially for loweraverage carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and larger number of diversity branches.Also, the capacity with the new scheme isshown to exceed even the capacity ofAWGN channels for some small values of CNR and large number of diversitybranches.     

Computer graphics for design processes in mechanical engineering

At first the paper describes graphical software which was created for supporting our research activities. This software uses GKS. Then the application of this tool is discussed especially for developing spatial mechanisms, for modelling spatial structures by means of FEM, and for designing assemblies in mechanical engineering.     

Immune-Modulating Mucin Hydrogel Microdroplets for the Encapsulation of Cell and Microtissue

Immune-modulating biomaterials used to encapsulate cells and microtissue transplants can be engineered to dampen the immune reaction and increase treatment efficacy. Mucin-derived materials have gained attention for their ability to modulate macrophage and dendritic cell activity, and to trigger mild foreign body response when implanted in vivo. In this study, the potential of mucin hydrogels (Muc-gels) as cell-encapsulating materials is investigated. When placed in contact with blood, Muc-gels trigger significantly lower complement activation, compared to clinical grade alginate hydrogels. Muc-gel is a size-selective barrier strongly hindering the diffusion of molecules with a hydrodynamic radius larger than 6 nm such as immunoglobulins. Muc-gels support the growth of MIN6m9 insulin-secreting cells into islet-like organoids and the survival of primary human pancreatic islets, which maintained glucose responsiveness. Muc-gels can be shaped into microdroplets in which MIN6m9 cells or cell aggregates can be encapsulated without loss of viability. Microdroplet encapsulation will allow transplants to be easily injected and improve their survival by favoring mass transport through the capsule. The combination of strong immune modulatory properties, appropriate selective barrier profile, biocompatibility for embedded cells Muc-gels of particular value for microencapsulating cells or microtissues for transplantation.     

Social identity in the construction industry: implications for safety perception and behaviour

The construction industry has one of the highest frequency levels and rates of work-related injuries, yet the evidence for successful attempts to reduce injuries is generally lacking. The motivational and (safety) behavioural implications of social identification and social categorization among construction labourer work crews were investigated to ascertain how their interactions are affected by the social structure and organization of work. Semi-structured group interviews and mini interviews during work were carried out with 13 concrete work crews (totalling 53 persons) at five large construction sites. The organization of work fosters social identification within a crew, resulting in distancing from and social categorization of site management. Social identification influences safety behaviour in the crews, where worksite safety rules may meet resistance. Future safety initiatives at large construction sites should take into account the dynamics of social identification and categorization in the implementation of safety measures, e.g. by creating an alternative organization of work, thus making it easier for a work crew to identify themselves with the site management. Site/crew managers should consider how safety can become a salient and valued group norm by altering the social structure at the sites and/or fostering dual social identity.