No abstract

Exposure to high concentrations of airborne ultrafine particles in construction jobsites may play an important role in the adverse health effects among construction workers, therefore adequate respiratory protection is required. The performance of particulate respirators has never been evaluated in field conditions against ultrafine particles on construction jobsites. In this study, respiratory protection levels against ultrafine particles of different size ranges were assessed during three common construction related jobs using a manikin-based set-up at 85 L/min air flow rate. Two NanoScan SMPS nanoparticle counters were utilized for measuring ultrafine particles in two sampling lines of the test filtering facepiece respirator—one from inside the respirator and one from outside the respirator. Particle size distributions were characterized using the NanoScan data collected from outside of the respirator. Two models of N95 respirators were tested—foldable and pleated. Collected data indicate that penetration of all categories of ultrafine particles can exceed 5% and smaller ultrafine particles of <36.5 nm size generally penetrated least. Foldable N95 filtering facepiece respirators were found to be less efficient than pleated N95 respirators in filtering nanoparticles mostly at the soil moving site and the wooden building frameworks construction site. Upon charge neutralization by isopropanol treatment, the ultrafine particles of larger sizes penetrated more compared to particles of smaller sizes. Our findings, therefore, indicate that N95 filtering facepiece respirators may not provide desirable 95% protection for most categories of ultrafine particles and generally, 95% protection is achievable for smaller particles of 11.5 to 20.5 nm sizes. We also conclude that foldable N95 respirators are less efficient than pleated N95 respirators in filtering ultrafine particles, mostly in the soil moving site and the wooden building framework construction site.

Purpose In 2016, Georgia implemented a rural hospital tax credit program through a legislative mandate that allows individuals and corporations to donate to qualifying rural hospitals in exchange for state income tax credit. The study examines the importance, success, and challenges of the program, and opportunities for improvement, from the perspective of Georgia rural hospital executives. Methods The study was a qualitative study using data from key informant telephone interviews with 21 hospital executives and administrators of eligible rural hospitals. Findings Hospital executives described the program as a valuable lifeline for struggling rural hospitals and an instrument for community engagement. They provided recommendations for legislative and programmatic modifications to ensure stability, transparency, and accountability. Conclusion Results highlight the popularity of the program among rural hospital leaders, but they also identify potential areas for improvement. The findings of the study can inform policy‐making efforts targeted at improving the nation's rural health infrastructure.

Background: Advancement in medical technology, as well as the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, has in part influenced the demand for health information technology (HIT) workers. While other sectors have experienced a tremendous increase in the information technology workforce, the health sector lags in this regard. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of the HIT workforce in Georgia, relative to surrounding states and the United States. Methods:The supply of the HIT workforce in Georgia, surrounding states, and the United States was estimated using data from the 2014-2016 American Community Survey (ACS). The 2010 ACS Occupation Codes and 2012 ACS Industry Codes were used to identify the HIT workforce. Population data for 2015, obtained from the US Census Bureau was used for standardization of the total supply of the HIT workforce. Data were analyzed using Stata 14.0. Results:The number of HIT workforce supply for Georgia (206.4 per 100,000 population) trails national (275.4 per 100,000) and regional (233 per 100,000) estimates. In terms of demographic characteristics, Georgia has a more racially diverse HIT workforce, compared to the surrounding states and the nation but lacked Hispanic representation. Additionally, compared to the surrounding states and the US, Georgia has a higher proportion of females in this workforce (80.9%). Most HIT workers are employed in hospitals and work full-time. Conclusions:The supply of the HIT workforce in Georgia currently trails regional and national estimates. With the advancements in medical technology and the HITECH Act, there is an increasing demand for health information technology workers. As such, attention should be paid to recruitment and retention efforts. This report may serve as a reference for future evaluation and monitoring of trends in the HIT workforce in the state.