Computer Professionals Research Articles

Effectiveness of Contrast Bath and Nerve Gliding Exercises in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Among Software Workers

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a complex symptom resulting from compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Locations of monitors, keyboard (or) mouse are associated with musculoskeletal problems. Among musculoskeletal problems, Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is commonly reported in computer professionals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of contrast bath and nerve gliding exercises for carpal tunnel syndrome in software workers. 30 subjects (20 males and 10 females) were participating in this study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were assigned into groups Group A and B with 15 subjects each. Group A (Experimental group) received Contrast bath and Nerve Gliding Exercises, while Group B (Control group) received conventional exercises for the wrist. The outcome measures used were NPRS and ROM. Statistical analysis was done using paired-t test. On comparing the pre-test and post-tests within Group A & Group B on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), wrist flexion and extension Range of Motion (ROM) show a significant difference in mean values at P ≤ 0.001. There was a significant difference in the mean values of NPRS (6.33 to 3.40), wrist flexion (54.00 to 72.66), and wrist extension (55.66 to 72.80) in subjects from Group A who underwent contrast bath and nerve gliding exercises, compared to the significant difference in the mean values of NPRS (6.26 to 4.46), wrist flexion (53.66 to 63.00), and wrist extension (56.00 to 61.66) in subjects from Group B, which served as the control group.

Development of an Integrated Physiotherapy Treatment Protocol for Desk Job Personals: A Pilot Research

Objectives: To develop an Integrated validated Physiotherapy Treatment Protocol for Desk Job personnel along with an assessment of its effectiveness. Methods: The research was conducted utilizing a mixed-method methodology. Interviews with thirty computer professionals (having more than five years of experience) and a thorough in-depth literature research were conducted to identify various symptoms which are commonly seen among computer professionals. Search engines such as Ovid MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, and EBSCO CINAHL were used with terms such as Neck Problems in Computer Professionals(cs), Treatment Techniques used in Cervical Spondylitis, and Motor or Sensory issues in Computer Professionals. The treatment protocol was created with the help of identified symptoms and validated using the Delphi technique. After the protocol was developed, a randomized control trial was conducted with thirty samples in each group. A developed and validated regimen was provided to the participants. Findings: Item level CVI ranges from 0.79 to 1. The Kappa results demonstrated the protocol's strong content validity, which ranged from 0.79 to 1. In comparison to day 1, there was a decline in both groups' scores of NDI and NPRS on day 30, and there was an even more noticeable decrease on day 60. The experimental group showed a much greater reduction in neck pain and disability when compared to the control group. Novelty: The study has focussed on a new category of occupational health issues, namely computer-related health issues, for which there is no established set of Physiotherapy Protocol that can either prevent or treat the issues. Keywords: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI), Integrated Physiotherapy Treatment Protocol (IPTP)

Gamified Mobile App (MobERAS) for Telemonitoring Patients in the Postoperative Period Based on the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Program: Development and Validation Study.

Digital technology and gamified apps can be useful in the health care context. Gamification uses technology to influence users' actions and motivations through experiences that resemble games. Patient adherence to the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is crucial for achieving early recovery after surgery and continuous monitoring is essential for obtaining good results. This study aimed to describe the development and validation of a mobile app for enhanced recovery after surgery (MobERAS), a gamified mobile health app for telemonitoring patients in the postoperative period based on the ERAS program, and to evaluate its functionality and usability and the experience of patients, health care professionals, and computer professionals with its use. We developed MobERAS for postoperative telemonitoring, with active participation of patients in the process, and offering availability of real-time information for the health team. The app development process included idealization, interdisciplinary team formation, potential needs assessment, and product deployment. Usability tests were conducted throughout the development process with improvements, technical adjustments, and updates. After finalization, comprehensive verification tests were performed. The parameters evaluated are those that can influence the length of hospital stay, such as nausea, vomiting, pain scales, return to normal gastrointestinal function, and thromboembolic events. MobERAS was designed to be downloaded by users on their phones, tablets, or other mobile devices and to provide postoperative data. The app has a GPS that monitors the patient's walking time and distance and is connected to a virtual database that stores the collected data. Women undergoing medium and major gynecologic oncologic surgeries were included. We included 65 patients with an average age of 53.2 (SD 7.4, range 18-85) years. The time of use ranged from 23.4 to 70 hours (mean 45.1, SD 19.2 hours). Regarding adherence to the use of MobERAS, the mean fill rate was 56.3% (SD 12.1%, range 41.7%-100%), and ambulation data were obtained for 60 (92.3%) of the 65 patients. The researcher had access to the data filled out by the patients in real time. There was good acceptance of the use of MobERAS by the patients, with good evaluation of the app's usability. MobERAS was easy to use and considered attractive because of its gamified design. The app was rated as good or very good in all items by health care professionals (n=20) and professionals specializing in technological innovation (n=10). MobERAS is easy to use, safe, well accepted by patients, and well evaluated by experts. It can be of great use in clinical surgical practice and an important tool for greater engagement of patients and health care professionals with the ERAS program.

Optimization Path for Employment-oriented Training of Computer Majors in Higher Vocational Education

This article proposes an optimization path for the employment-oriented demand in the training of computer professionals in vocational colleges. A series of improvement measures have been proposed by analyzing the current situation. Firstly, focus on optimizing the practical teaching process and increasing internship opportunities for cooperation with enterprises, to enhance students’ practical skills and work experience. Secondly, strengthen the cultivation of soft skills, including communication and teamwork abilities, and cultivate students’ ability to adapt to the real working environment. At the same time, establish a close integration model between industry and education, offer courses closely related to the needs of enterprises, and improve the employment competitiveness of graduates. Finally, teachers should encourage students to participate in project practice, cultivate the ability to solve practical problems, pay attention to industry development trends, and flexibly adjust teaching content. Through these measures, it is expected to better meet the demand for high-quality talents in the computer industry, and enhance the employment competitiveness and career adaptability of graduates.

Analysis of the effectiveness of the training system of future computer profile specialists for the application of digital technologies

The purpose of the article is to verify and justify the effectiveness of implementing an authorial system for preparing future computer professionals to apply digital technologies. The methodological basis of the publication is methods of scientific analysis, pedagogical positions on the issues of preparing future computer professionals, implementation of an authorial system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of digital technologies. The scientific novelty lies in highlighting the main results of the pedagogical experiment, which aimed to verify the effectiveness of the system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of digital technologies. The pedagogical experiment was conducted in accordance with the main stages (diagnostic, formative, control), during each of which a series of tasks and research were carried out. The research hypothesis assumes that the quality of preparation of future computer professionals for the application of ICT in professional activities will improve by implementing organizational and pedagogical conditions, principles, approaches, content, forms, and methods laid down in the authorial system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of ICT. To substantiate the conclusions regarding the effectiveness of the content and methodology of the pedagogical experiment, statistical processing of the obtained data will be conducted. It was found that EG students demonstrated significantly higher knowledge and skills in mastering and using modern ICT tools and instruments: 3D modeling technologies, including for graphic reconstruction; additive technologies; development of adaptive web resources; development and application of virtual and augmented reality applications; use of Smart technologies in education, and so on. Conclusions. Summarizing the research results, we believe that the authorial system for preparing future computer professionals for the application of ICT in professional activities is effective and positively influences the formation of their readiness for professional activities in general.

Research on the Application of Network Technology in Computer Aided Education

As a new technical means, computer network technology should be reasonably applied in modern teaching. Educators should constantly sum up their experience in teaching practice, explore various new forms of computer network-assisted education so that it can be perfectly combined with computer teaching and achieve a flexible and innovative education mode, so as to cultivate more computer professionals for society.

Predicting mechanical neck pain intensity in computer professionals using machine learning: identification and correlation of key features.

Mechanical neck pain has become prevalent among computer professionals possibly because of prolonged computer use. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between neck pain intensity, anthropometric metrics, cervical range of motion, and related disabilities using advanced machine learning techniques. This study involved 75 computer professionals, comprising 27 men and 48 women, aged between 25 and 44 years, all of whom reported neck pain following extended computer sessions. The study utilized various tools, including the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain measurement, anthropometric tools for body metrics, a Universal Goniometer for cervical ROM, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI). For data analysis, the study employed SPSS (v16.0) for basic statistics and a suite of machine-learning algorithms to discern feature importance. The capability of the kNN algorithm is evaluated using its confusion matrix. The "NDI Score (%)" consistently emerged as the most significant feature across various algorithms, while metrics like age and computer usage hours varied in their rankings. Anthropometric results, such as BMI and body circumference, did not maintain consistent ranks across algorithms. The confusion matrix notably demonstrated its classification process for different VAS scores (mild, moderate, and severe). The findings indicated that 56% of the pain intensity, as measured by the VAS, could be accurately predicted by the dataset. Machine learning clarifies the system dynamics of neck pain among computer professionals and highlights the need for different algorithms to gain a comprehensive understanding. Such insights pave the way for creating tailored ergonomic solutions and health campaigns for this population.

Unknotting tech neck by breaking the cycle of pain and disability: Comparing the impact of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization on specific muscles and superficial back arm line

BackgroundComputer professionals often develop a forward head posture due to prolonged hours of computer use, leading to neck pain. Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), an advanced technique for treating myofascial trigger points, has become increasingly popular for addressing these musculoskeletal issues. ObjectivesThe study aimed to compare the effectiveness of IASTM mobilization on SBAL (superficial back arm line) and SM(specific muscles-upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and sternocleidomastoid) in managing chronic neck pain among computer professionals. Participants & methodsThe study involved 62 computer professionals, randomly divided into two groups. Group A received IASTM on SBAL and group B received IASTM on SM for neck pain each receiving three sessions weekly for four weeks. Outcome variables like Neck Disability Index (NDI), NPRS(Neck Pain Rating Scale), Craniovertebral angle (CVA), and range of motion (ROM) for flexion, and side flexion (right & left side) were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. ResultsSignificant improvement in NPRS were observed in both the SBAL and SM groups after 2 weeks of IASTM, wth the SBAL group demonstrating greater improvement. At 4 weeks, IASTM on SBAL showed significantly higher improvements in NPRS, CVA, NDI, and flexion compared to the SM group. The repeated measures ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of both time and group, along with a significant interaction between time and group for all outcome variables, except for CVA. ConclusionThe study indicates that IASTM on SBAL may offer a more effective treatment for chronic neck pain in computer professionals compared to targeting specific muscles.

Creative learning in final year students in computer engineering: A case study of the University of Matanzas

The training of creative computer professionals is considered a strategic process in different countries because it is essential for the computerization of society. This paper proposes an approach to the study of creative computer science learning for the digital transformation of modern society. The aim of the research was to evaluate the creative learning of computer science during the training of computer science professionals. An instrument derived from previous research and metrics was applied to evaluate creative learning in the two groups of terminal years of the computer engineering course at the University of Matanzas with a mixed paradigm. The quantitative analysis diagnosed that more than sixty-five percent of the students are evaluated as poor and fair in both years. The qualitative analysis revealed the inadequacies of the teaching staff in the use of computer science teaching approaches, and the four stages of formation of creative learning in computer science in the degree course: pre-university stage, basic stage, professional stage and research stage. They also revealed three key factors in the formation of creative learning in computer science: the integration of subjects, the solution of real projects, and the mainly emotional support provided by teachers and other professionals to students during their integration into the computerization of organizations.

Sleep disorders among South Indian computer professionals and the beneficial effect of blue light filters

Background: Prolonged exposure to light emitted from screen-based devices has been known to cause sleep disturbances. Although computer professionals have high screen exposure and screen exposure is known to cause sleep disturbances, there is no published literature on sleep disorders among computer professionals. Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence of sleep disorders among computer professionals in South India and their association with risk factors like screen time and duration of work. Material and Methods: Data were collected online from computer professionals working in South India using a structured questionnaire in Google Forms. The form contained questions on demographics, medical history, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 17. The chi-square test, odds ratio, Kruskal–Wallis test, and regression analyses were used. Results: The prevalence of sleep disorders among computer professionals in South India was found to be 63.3%. Sleep latency was found to be the most significant contributor to the total PSQI score. Significantly associated risk factors were daily and weekly work duration and daily screen time. Working for more than 8 h a day was found to be the single independent risk factor for 7.9% of those with sleep disorders. Using a blue-light filter was found to be protective. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders among computer professionals. Interventions like monitoring the daily duration of screen exposure and total daily work hours and periodic evaluation of the sleep health of computer professionals are crucial to reducing morbidity and early mortality.

Human-Data Interaction Syllabus for Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

The phenomenon of the data deluge is a reality and the volume of data produced by people and companies is much greater than what can be handled and analyzed. Data play a crucial role in guiding the efficient utilization of technological resources for companies, aiding them in product and service management. Moreover, individuals who have become adept data producers and consumers are increasingly orienting their lives toward data. To address this evolving trend, there is a growing imperative to educate Computing professionals. These professionals are required to design technology solutions that facilitate the synergy between individuals and data, a phenomenon known as Human-Data Interaction (HDI). This paper introduces a suggested minimum syllabus for HDI courses, with the aim of addressing the key themes associated with the interaction between individuals and data. The complexity and depth of HDI topics justify a dedicated course, preventing the risk of essential content being fragmented or inadequately covered if dispersed across different courses.

A Cross Sectional Study on the Association of Co-Morbidities and Addictions with Sleep Disorders in Computer Professionals

A Cross Sectional Study on the Association of Co-Morbidities and Addictions with Sleep Disorders in Computer Professionals

An Immediate Effect of Neurodynamic Mobilization of Femoral Nerve Vs Post Isometric Relaxation on Flexibility for Desk Worker With iliopsoas Muscle Tightness-A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to numerous issues, such as muscle tightness, reduced joint range of motion, and diminished flexibility, adversely impacting an individual's daily activities. Those engaged in occupations involving prolonged sitting, such as computer professionals or desk workers, are particularly susceptible to adaptive changes that may result in the shortening of hip muscles. The iliopsoas muscle, in particular, is not frequently stretched during routine daily activities, making it prone to developing tightness.METHODOLOGY: 20 patients were included in the study, divided into two groups: Group A and Group B. 10 patients in each Group. Group A was given the isometric relaxation technique and Group B was given neurodynamic mobilization of the femoral nerve. iliopsoas tightness is assessed using the modified Thomas test. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.RESULTS: Within-group analysis suggested that post isometric relaxation group's pre-mean value was 17.8 and Post-mean was 12.4, In group B, the Pre-mean value was 19.2 and Post-mean was 13 (p<0.05). Furthermore, in Between-group analysis group A post mean was 12.4, In group B, the post mean was 13. Thus, the result suggested that Group B is more effective than group A.CONCLUSION: The Present study concluded that both techniques improve the flexibility of the iliopsoas muscle, But the neurodynamic mobilization of the femoral nerve has a more significant effect than to post-isometric relaxation. KEYWORDS: Zmodyfikowany test Thomasa, Neurodynamiczny, Nerw udowy, Relaksacja poizometryczna

I Still Think We Had it ( Almost ) Right: Community Networking, the Forgotten Gene of a New Better Internet

Motivated by the Free-Nets, Santa Monica PEN, Berkeley Community Memory, and the Big Sky Telegraph system in Montana, the Seattle chapter of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) --- of which I was an active member --- launched the Seattle Community Network (SCN) in 1994 [11]. SCN provided training, computer donations, free web pages and free email ---a full decade before Gmail arrived on the scene. But we did not sell ads or surveil our users. And our volunteer pool of over 100 volunteers couldn't have imagined that they would be competing in the future against gigantic corporations with untold billions at their disposal.

Promoting Innovation and Practice of Introduction to Artificial Intelligence Course with Curriculum Civics as a Handle

This paper discusses the construction of Civics in the Introduction to Artificial Intelligence course for computer science majors at the Zhejiang Institute of Science and Technology, taking into consideration the rapid development of AI technology and society's increasing demand for skilled computer professionals. The following suggestions are proposed: Firstly, the curriculum should be designed to strengthen the educational content of humanities and social sciences, in order to provide a well-rounded education that complements the technical skills taught in the course. Secondly, during the teaching process of the Introduction to AI course, classroom interaction should be promoted and students should be encouraged to express their personal views. Additionally, assessment of students' comprehensive ability should be emphasized since the application and development of AI technology requires individuals with high-quality comprehensive skills. Thirdly, in the assessment method, there should be a focus on students' innovation and teamwork abilities. Encouraging students to collaborate and innovate in solving practical problems is a crucial part of developing their skills in AI technology. Through the implementation of the above suggestions, students' awareness and understanding of AI technology can be improved, while also enhancing their ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively.

Association of Work-related posture and stress with Scapular dyskinesis among Computer professionals

Abnormal stress due to poor posture and work environment are contributing factors in musculoskeletal adaptations resulting in problems like neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, etc. The scapula plays several roles in facilitating optimal shoulder function and it is very important for the function of the upper extremity. Thereby impact of work-related posture & stress on computer professionals with scapular dyskinesis should be established. 350 male computer professionals (Mean Age = 34.89±8.51 years) following written informed consent were recruited from IT companies and volunteered for this study. Computer professionals involved in fieldwork, with BMI ≥ 25 Kg/m2 , having congenital postural deformities, undergone neck/shoulder surgeries were excluded from the study. Each professional was examined for scapular dyskinesis using Kibler’s rating system (Yes/No method). Professionals were then examined for Work related posture using - Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) & Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) and perception of stress during work [Perceived stress scale (PSS)]. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the association was analyzed using chi-square and bivariate logistic regression. (Level of significance p<0.05). In the present study, 78% (n = 273) of computer professionals were found to have scapular dyskinesis. Assessment using ROSA indicated 56.3% (n= 197, χ² (1, n=350) =11.0, p=0.004] [(OR = 0.54; p=0.01)] computer professionals have moderate risk, 15.1% (n=53) have mild and 6.6% (n=23) have a moderate risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. Similarly, the RULA scale assessment highlighted 66% [(n=231, χ² (1, n=350) =11.3, p=0.045] [OR =0.87; p=0.28)] computer professionals having poor posture, 7.2% (n=25) with worst posture and only 4.8% (n=17) having mild deviation. Perception of stress during work was low in 4.3% (n=15), moderate in 67.1% [(n=235, χ² (1, n=350) =2.5, p=0.27][(Exp(B)=0.95; p=0.04)]) and high in 23% (n=23) computer professionals. The present study concluded that computer professionals with scapular dyskinesis represent poor posture and have a moderate risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders along with moderate stress while working on computers.

Guest Editorial Development of Graduate Skills in Engineers in the Areas of Computing for Society 5.0

This Special Issue has focused on the subject of the development of graduation skills in computer professionals applied in the 5.0 society in the Ibero-American region, mainly considering the work in Projects of multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary training in the teaching processes of engineers and application of new technologies in Society 5.0. The Special Issue includes eight articles that cover a wide range of topics of this area, including graduate skills in Society 5.0, evaluation of the graduate skills of engineers, curricular innovations in the training of engineers for Society 5.0, new paradigms in the teaching of engineering toward Society 5.0, and application of new technologies in Society 5.0.

Computing as Oppression: Authoritarian Technology Poses a Worldwide Threat

The advent and ubiquity of interconnected digital computer systems provides a cornucopia of opportunities for enabling oppression. While commercial (legitimate and criminal) enterprises use these for questionable purposes, big governmental systems, generally with industry cooperation, pose substantial threats to freedom and democracy and to collective problem-solving abilities (civic intelligence) worldwide. The government of China has established a startlingly pervasive network of surveillance, censorship, and incarceration for social control and is now expanding that system domestically while making the tools within that system available worldwide. While there are other perpetrators, including the United States, China's approach is further advanced and has fewer constraints than those found in more democratic states. The new evolving control/surveillance infrastructure based substantially on technological advances presents ethical and practical dilemmas for computer professionals and their associations. The preamble of the ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct states that in order to act responsibly, computing professionals “should reflect upon the wider impacts of their work, consistently supporting the public good.” This commentary intends to point out the urgency of these issues, contribute to the wider discussion, and encourage social responsibility within the profession.

Effect of Different Dosage Form of Saindhavadiyoga in the Management of Computer Vision Syndrome: A Pilot Study

Eyes have a unique position among all the sense organs. Primary importance has been given for the protection of eyes by ancient Indian scholar because without eyes whole world is full of darkness. With the advancement of science development of many electronic gadgets like computer mobile etc, which has been produce new diseases. Among those diseases computer vision Syndrome is one of them. In modern system there is no permanent cure of CVS. In Ayurvedic text there is no description of Computer Vision Syndrome but it can be a Anukta vyadhi as describe by a Charak. Some of ocular symptoms of computer vision syndrome can be correlated with Sushkaksipaka as describe by Acharya sushrut and A.Hridya. Modern medicine do not have a definite treatment for this problem except lubricating eye drops whereas Ayurvedic kriyakalpas that is Ayurvedic local ocular therapies could suggest definite treatment to cure the computer vision syndrome along with the change in working style and correction of refractive error. Drugs which are describe in the treatment of Suskhakshipaka have potent property to reduce the clinical features of CVS. So in this clinical trial, I have used different dosage form of Saindhavadiyoga in the management of CVS. Study was conducted among the BHU computer professionals and all the patient were divide in the three group. In the group A eye drop and Anjana of Saindhavadi yoga was given, in the Group B only Carboxy Methyl Cellulose eye drop was given while in the group C only Tarpan therapy was given with Saindhavadighrita All the group have positive result results in reduction of signs and symptoms of CVS without any side effect which are produce by the preservative of Artificial tear drops. But in the group C have better results in comparison to other two group, it was occur due to oleation, nutritive antioxidant property of Ghrita and Yogvahi property of Ghrita which increase the bioavailbilty of drug along with other content of the drug.

Steering or Sleepwalking? The Strange Disappearance of Social Responsibility

Many of you have read Moshe Vardi's recent column in the July 2022 Communications of the ACM entitled An Association of the Members, by the Members, for the Members. In the column Vardi discussed the need for a more transparent and accountable ACM and he used the example of the strange disappearance of social responsibility. In January 2018, Vardi's column "Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility,' argued that "ACM must be more active in addressing social responsibility issues raised by computing technology." In response to that column, he was asked "to convene a task force and formulate recommendations on how ACM can become a leading voice on social responsibility of computing professionals." I along with several others was invited to discuss this initiative with ACM leadership in February 2019 at ACM's headquarters and the short article I prepared for that meeting is included below Vardi presented the task force recommendations to the ACM Executive Committee in April 2019 and, in his words, the response from ACM leadership was a "thundering silence." I had been very optimistic about participating in the meeting on this critical topic and disappointed when it was shelved. In July 2019 all of the participants in the April meeting received the note that basically said not to worry: other groups were doing similar things in relation to out-of-control tech (rendering any work ACM would undertake as redundant) and that ACM itself was already involved in several activities that could be seen to fall under the heading of "social responsibility."