Browsing by Author "Martinsone, Zanna"

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    The effect of different workplace nanoparticles on the immune systems of employees
    (2017-09-01) Kurjane, Natalja; Zvagule, Tija; Reste, Jeļena; Martinsone, Zanna; Pavlovska, Ilona; Martinsone, Inese; Vanadzins, Ivars; Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health
    Currently, nanoparticles are widely present in the environment and are being used in various industrial technologies. Nanoparticles affect immune functions, causing different immune responses. The aim of the current study was to evaluate several cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-6, IL-8, tumour necrosis factor-a (TNF-α), interferon-γ, adhesive molecule sICAM-1, macrophage inhibitory protein 1a (MIP1a) and secretory immunoglobulin A, in nasal lavage fluid and in the peripheral blood of healthy subjects exposed to workplace nanoparticles. Thirty-six employees from three different environments were examined: 12 from a metalworking company, 12 from a woodworking company and 12 office workers. The nanoparticles in the different workplaces were detected in the air in the immediate vicinity of the employees. The particle number concentration and surface area values were significantly higher in the workplaces of the metal- and woodworking industries, but concentrations of mass were lower (the measurements were performed by an electrical low-pressure impactor ELPI+). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS, an attachment to a high-resolution SEM) was used to provide elemental analysis or chemical characterization of the dust particles in a low-vacuum field-free mode operating at a potential of 15 kV spot 3.0. The technique used provided quantitative and spatial analyses of the distribution of elements through mapping (two to three parallel measurements) and point analysis (four to five parallel measurements). Samples from the metal industry contained more ultramicroscopic and nanometric particles, e.g. toxic metals such as Zn, Mn and Cr, and fewer microscopic dust particles. The nasal lavage and peripheral blood were taken at the beginning and the end of the working week, when immune indices were measured. Our data showed a statistically significant increased level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in serum in both exposed groups compared with office workers as well as a higher level of TNF-α in workers from the woodworking company compared with the metalworking employees. We found an elevated level of IL-6 in the exposed groups as well as an elevated level of IL-8 in the nasal lavage in woodworking employees after work.
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    Indoor Air Quality Guidelines Connection to IAQ Certification and Labelling Process
    (2023-01-01) Sprudza, Klinta Luize; Klavina, Aneka; Berzina, Buka; Kauce, Ruta; Martinsone, Zanna; Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health
    – The world's leading indoor air quality guidelines provide for the identification of certain parameters with a specific limit value based on the latest empirical measurements, however, most of them do not have legal coverage and are voluntary. This leads to unequal assessment of indoor air quality, because there is an identifiable difference between the limit values set out in the various guidelines. And these values would be related to the results obtained during the experimental activities of the application of the specific parameters and the interpretation of their effects on human health. The aim of this IAQ guideline and IAQ certification review was to develop IAQ label for Nordic countries and to find gaps the legislation established by the Latvian government. The development of indoor air quality labels provides an opportunity to maintain and promote the optimal functionality of human physiological processes and the sustainability of the building.
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    The opinion of rural school children about the development of rural areas and sustainable management opportunities in Latvia
    (Aleksandras Stulginskis University, 2017) Martinsone, Zanna; Vanadzins, Ivars; Raupelienė, Asta; Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health
    The previous survey among adult inhabitants of rural areas indicated that they do not see the possibility for development of business facilities in some rural regions of Latvia - so called specially protected nature territories (SPNT). However, the opinion of the younger generation (pupils of local schools of SPNT) about sustainable management and preservation of the nature has not been analyzed so far. The aim of study was to study the level of social awareness of children living in rural areas on sustainable environment issues. Several discussion-lectures on sustainable environment issues were organized during March-April 2017 in one of SPNT (Raznas National Park; 87 children from 6 to 12 classes were participating). The pupils' opinion on environmental and social awareness indicated that children are more motivated to take active role in protection of environment. Moreover, most of them were aware of the importance of ecosystem services in their lives as well as their impact on nature. It was also found that the interest of children in agriculture derives from their family's core activities in this area indicating that there might be successful future scenarios in this area concentrating on development of ecological and economically sustainable innovative farming. Social innovation labs are very good example on potential scenario that could be repeated also in Latvian rural areas to areas of social actions in order find a better solutions and cope with problems and after all help to successfully generate ideas and implement innovations.
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    Wrist hypothermia related to continuous work with a computer mouse : A digital infrared imaging pilot study
    (2015-08-07) Reste, Jelena; Zvagule, Tija; Kurjane, Natalja; Martinsone, Zanna; Martinsone, Inese; Seile, Anita; Vanadzins, Ivars; Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health
    Computer work is characterized by sedentary static workload with low-intensity energy metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the dynamics of skin surface temperature in the hand during prolonged computer mouse work under different ergonomic setups. Digital infrared imaging of the right forearm and wrist was performed during three hours of continuous computer work (measured at the start and every 15 minutes thereafter) in a laboratory with controlled ambient conditions. Four people participated in the study. Three different ergonomic computer mouse setups were tested on three different days (horizontal computer mouse without mouse pad; horizontal computer mouse with mouse pad and padded wrist support; vertical computer mouse without mouse pad). The study revealed a significantly strong negative correlation between the temperature of the dorsal surface of the wrist and time spent working with a computer mouse. Hand skin temperature decreased markedly after one hour of continuous computer mouse work. Vertical computer mouse work preserved more stable and higher temperatures of the wrist (>30 °C), while continuous use of a horizontal mouse for more than two hours caused an extremely low temperature (<28 °C) in distal parts of the hand. The preliminary observational findings indicate the significant effect of the duration and ergonomics of computer mouse work on the development of hand hypothermia.