Percorrer por autor "Rodrigues, Matilde A."
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- An integration of intelligent approaches and economic criteria for predictive analytics of occupational accidentsPublication . Gholamizadeh, Kamran; Zarei, Esmaeil; Yazdi, Mohammad; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Shirmohammadi-Khorram, Nasrin; Mohammadfam, IrajOccupational accidents are a significant concern, resulting in human suffering, economic crises, and social issues. Despite ongoing efforts to comprehend their causes and predict their occurrences, the use of machine learning models in this domain remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by investigating intelligent approaches that incorporate economic criteria to predict occupational accidents. Four machine learning algorithms, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline (MARS), and M5 Tree Model (M5), were employed to predict occupational accidents, considering three economic criteria: basic income (BI), inflation index (II), and price index (PI). The study focuses on identifying the most suitable model for predicting the frequency of occupational accidents (FOA) and determining the economic criteria with the greatest influence. The results reveal that the RF model accurately predicts accidents across all income levels. Additionally, among the economic criteria, II had the most significant impact on accidents. The findings suggest that a reduction in FOA is unlikely in the coming years due to the increasing growth of II and PI, coupled with a slight annual increase in BI. Implementing appropriate countermeasures to enhance workers’ economic welfare, particularly for low-income employees, is crucial for reducing occupational accidents. This research underscores the potential of machine learning models in predicting and preventing occupational accidents while highlighting the critical role of economic factors. It contributes valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to develop effective strategies and interventions to improve workplace safety and workers’ economic well-being
- Aprender sem fronteiras: Implementação de projetos COIL no ensino superiorPublication . Mendes, Tatiana R.; Silva, Manuela V.; Trachta, Dariusz; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Vieira da Silva, ManuelaNum contexto crescente de mobilidade internacional de estudantes (UIS, 2023), a metodologia COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) surge como uma abordagem pedagógica inovadora que promove a internacionalização do currículo através da interação virtual entre instituições e estudantes de diferentes países (Rubin & Guth, 2023). Nesta vertente, o projeto COLOSH (International Collaborative Learning in Occupational Safety and Health) pretende capacitar as instituições parceiras de competências tecnológicas e pedagógicas que lhes permitam planear e facilitar experiências de aprendizagem digital internacional (Sharma & Panackal, 2025). No âmbito do projeto COLOSH, e como resultado da formação da equipa docente, a Área Técnico Científica da Saúde Ambiental da E2S|P.ORTO encontra-se a elaborar, em conjunto com a VSB – Technical University of Ostrava, um projeto COIL. Neste trabalho, pretende-se descrever a estrutura e implementação deste projeto. A metodologia baseou-se na abordagem COIL, que promove a aprendizagem colaborativa internacional através de atividades virtuais síncronas e assíncronas. O projeto adotou o Problem Based Learning como metodologia de ensino-aprendizagem e foi estruturado em cinco semanas: Semana 1 – Sessão Teórica: Introdução ao COIL e apresentação dos objetivos do projeto. Semanas 2 a 4 – Sessões Teóricas e Tutoriais: Desenvolvimento dos temas centrais, com equipas mistas de estudantes portugueses e checos, orientadas por tutores. Semana 5 – Sessão Final: Apresentação dos resultados e reflexão conjunta. Durante o processo, os estudantes trabalharam em equipas internacionais, utilizando ferramentas digitais colaborativas, e comunicaram em inglês. No final, aplicar-se-á um questionário para a avaliação da experiência, recolhendo dados sobre competências interculturais, literacia digital e satisfação. Adicionalmente, realizar-se-á uma análise qualitativa dos outputs produzidos pelos grupos. O projeto COIL encontra-se em fase de implementação, e pretende assegurar a participação de estudantes das instituições envolvidas. Os resultados esperados incluem: (1) Aumento das competências interculturais; (2) Melhoria das competências digitais, colaborativas e linguísticas; (3) Consolidação de boas práticas de ensino digital internacional; (4) Reforço da cooperação académica entre a E2S e a VSB. Resultados quantitativos e qualitativos serão recolhidos após a conclusão das atividades, com base nos outputs e questionários aplicados aos estudantes e docentes.
- Assessing resilience potentials in management of occupational safety and health in hospitals: Development and validation of a toolPublication . Fernandes, Joana Afonso; Barbosa, Judite Lopes; Arezes, Pedro; Ferreira, María del Carmen Pardo; Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Afonso Fernandes, JoanaA resilient Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) management system is crucial for effectively addressing potential future public emergencies, ensuring the continuous protection of workers’ safety and health. Therefore, it is essential for organizations, particularly hospitals, to assess their resilient performance and employ tools that are appropriate and tailored to their specific context. This study aims to enhance the understanding of resilience potentials in OSH management within hospital settings. To this end, an assessment tool was developed based on the Resilience Assessment Grid (RAG). A Delphi study involving subject matter experts was conducted to refine the tailored RAG tool. Following this, a pilot test was administered to 404 healthcare professionals across three public hospitals, with subsequent psychometric analysis. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) identified a four- dimensional structure. Goodness-of-fit indices demonstrated acceptable values, confirming the adequacy of the measurement model. Reliability testing indicated that the 29 item assessment tool is both valid and reliable. The tailored RAG tool was successfully validated, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in OSH management.
- Assessing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risks in bus drivers: Insights from a municipal company case study in PortugalPublication . Silva, Tânia T.; Mendes, Tatiana R.; Lapa, Inês; Carvalho, Paulo; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Rodrigues, Matilde; Carvalho, PauloThe public transport sector plays a crucial role in society, oering essential services and providing employment to a significant number of drivers. Despite the importance of this sector, it is essential to recognize that drivers are exposed to various occupational risks inherent to their daily work, which can have serious implications for their health. This study aims to characterize and analyse Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) and psychosocial risks in a public transport company. In the initial phase of the study, a questionnaire was administered to assess musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial risks. In the second phase, an inertial motion capture system was used to evaluate the risk of developing WMSD. The results revealed a significant and concerning prevalence of burnout, with over 60% of workers reporting high or severe levels across all dimensions (i.e., personal, work-related, and client-related burnout). Depression, anxiety, and stress were within typical ranges, though a relevant percentage of participants exhibited severe and extremely severe levels of depression (7.2%), anxiety (12.2%), and stress (8%). Musculoskeletal discomfort was highly prevalent, particularly in the lower back (68.3%) and neck regions (57.2%), regarding pain over the last 12 months. Additionally, the risk of developing WMSDs was high across the various microtasks, which were analyzed across dierent bus lines and routes, with Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) scores ranging from 4 (Medium Risk) to 7 (Very High Risk). Based on the results, varying bus types and routes is recommended. Programs should enhance wellbeing, and studies should assess interventions on health, stress, and occupational risks focused on enhancing worker wellbeing should be implemented, and future studies should assess the impact of interventions targeting health, stress, and occupational risks.
- Characterization of OSH hazards in the Portuguese furniture sectorPublication . Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Arezes, Pedro; Leão, Celina P.The furniture sector is one of the most important economic sectors in the north of Portugal, comprising 5 798 companies and employing more than 32 000 workers (Eurostat, 2012). However, this is a sector with several economical and organizational constraints. For example, in these companies most of the workforce is unqualified, the professionalization in terms of their management, marketing and trade policies is reduced and the occupational accidents remain high (EGP, n.d.; Eurostat, 2012). The high number of accidents in this sector is the result of several factors, namely the sector’s risk, stakeholders’ low safety concerns, lack of machine maintenance and the lower qualifications of workers in the sector. Furthermore, the current economical situation in Portugal can also contribute to the small the sector. Furthermore, the current economical situation in Portugal can also contribute to the small Occupational, Safety & Health (OSH) domain (Loureiro et al ., 2014). Considering this scenario, it is important to know and characterize the hazards in this sector in order to identify the key risks of the sector, helping the competent authorities and the companies in the definition of a strategy of intervention in this crisis period.
- Cost-benefit analysis of a job rotation program: Identification and applicability of key indicators.Publication . Sá, Ana; Martins, Bibiana; Rodrigues, Matilde A.Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to repetitive work are common in the automotive industry. In order to reduce the risk of MSDs, new strategies of work organization can be implemented, such as a job rotation program. However, in some cases, employers and workers are little receptive to this measure, being important to demonstrate its efficacy through a cost-benefit analysis. This work aims to identify and to test the applicability of the indicators that better explain the cost-benefit impacts of a job rotation program in an automotive components plant.
- From controlled to chaotic: Disparities in laboratory vs real-world stress detectionPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Fátima; Kallio, Johanna; Coelho, Filipe; Kyllonen, Vesa; Rocha, Nuno; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Vildjiounaite, Elena; Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, MatildeThis paper explores the discrepancies between laboratory and real-world stress detection, emphasizing the pronounced differences in data loss, data preprocessing, feature design, and classifier selection. Laboratory studies offer a controlled environment that optimizes data quality, whereas real-world settings introduce chaotic and unpredictable elements, coupled with a diverse range of human behaviours, resulting in substantial data loss and compromised data quality. We discuss the development of stress detectors for two distinct types of data: physiological and behavioural. We also address the specific challenges associated with designing effective stress detection systems for each data type and compare the features and classifiers used in both laboratory and real-world contexts. Additionally, this paper proposes future research directions aimed at crafting stress detectors that are robust and effective in real-life scenarios.
- Gender differences in cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses during noise exposure and different workloadsPublication . Abbasi, Ali Mohammad; Darvishi, Ebrahim; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Sayehmiri, KouroshGender can affect the relationship between noise exposure and both cognitive function and comfort; however, evidence is still limited. This study aimed to examine the gender differences in cognitive performance and psychophysiological responses during exposure to noise under tasks with different workloads. Thirty-two participants (16 females and 16 males) with normal hearing and good general health were recruited. They were asked to perform the N-Back test at three levels of workload during exposure to four low-frequency noise conditions: 55, 65, 70, and 75 dB(A). The participants were also asked to judge noise-induced annoyance and subjective fatigue using visual analog scales at the end of each noise condition. The heart rate variability was also recorded using Nexus-4 device before and during each trial and the ratio of low to high frequency (LF/HF) power was analyzed. The results revealed that the females rated significantly higher levels of annoyance and fatigue than the males. The mean accuracy of the women in the level of 55 dB(A) with a medium workload was higher than that of the men, while in higher noise levels the men showed better performance. The response time to the stimulus was also lower in females at different noise levels and workloads. Furthermore, the findings showed that, with increasing noise level and workload, the LF/HF of the women was higher than that of the men Females and males indicated significant and different responses in exposure to different noise levels and workloads. Therefore, this study suggests that gender criteria should be taken into account particularly in the job selection, work content, and design of workplaces.
- International environmental health skills, knowledge, and qualifications: Enhancing professional practice through agreements between countriesPublication . Ross, Kirstin E.; Dyjack, David T.; Choonara, Adam; Davis, Gayle; Dawson, Henry; Hannelly, Toni; Lynch, Zena; Mitchell, Graeme; Ploompuu, Inga; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Shaw, LindsayEnvironmental health is practiced primarily at the local level; however, many of the skills held by environmental health practitioners (EHPs) are transferable globally. There is currently a shortage of EHPs in many parts of the world and formally recognizing the transferability of skills and knowledge within the profession might encourage people to consider environmental health as a profession, helping to address the shortage. To facilitate this transferability, our global community of practice has mapped the environmental health practice requirements of the U.S., UK, and Australia to enable comparison of each one to the others and demonstrate the level of similarity in practice requirements. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate memoranda of understanding (MOUs) between the various professional bodies that oversee environmental health practice, which would allow qualif ied EHPs to practice in any of these countries. This flexibility would benefit the profession, professional practice, and individuals. MOUs are a way to recognize the similarities and di†erences between practices in these countries and provide pathways to address di†erences when they exist, such as via short courses and work experience. We present data to illustrate our argument that there is much overlap in the practice of EHPs. We see our research as a first step to engage with professional bodies in other countries and to facilitate MOUs between many countries, both to raise the profile of environmental health globally and to provide an attractive pathway for people to consider environmental health as a profession.
- Interventions based on biofeedback systems to improve workers’ psychological well-being, mental health and safety: a systematic literature reviewPublication . Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Matilde A.; Mateus, Catarina; Rodrigues, Pedro Pereira; Rocha, Nuno Barbosa; Ferreira, Simão; Rodrigues, Matilde; Mateus, Catarina; Rocha, NunoIn modern, high-speed work settings, the significance of mental health disorders is increasingly acknowledged as a pressing health issue, with potential adverse consequences for organizations, including reduced productivity and increased absenteeism. Over the past few years, various mental health management solutions, such as biofeedback applications, have surfaced as promising avenues to improve employees' mental well-being. To gain deeper insights into the suitability and effectiveness of employing biofeedback-based mental health interventions in real-world workplace settings, given that most research has predominantly been conducted within controlled laboratory conditions. A systematic review was conducted to identify studies that used biofeedback interventions in workplace settings. The review focused on traditional biofeedback, mindfulness, app-directed interventions, immersive scenarios, and in-depth physiological data presentation. The review identified nine studies employing biofeedback interventions in the workplace. Breathing techniques showed great promise in decreasing stress and physiological parameters, especially when coupled with visual and/or auditory cues. Future research should focus on developing and implementing interventions to improve well-being and mental health in the workplace, with the goal of creating safer and healthier work environments and contributing to the sustainability of organizations.