Computer Terminal Research Articles

Ocular Problems among Video Display Terminal Users in a Software Company of Sector V, Kolkata

Background: Video Display Unit use and Information Technology creates a host of problems like Ocular Problems and Work Related Musculo Skeletal Problems. Many experience visual symptoms including eyestrain, headaches, ocular discomfort, dry eye, diplopia and blurred vision either at near or when looking into the distance after prolonged computer use. Very few and sporadic studies have been done in this part of the world especially in India, to address the issue in all its scope. Aim & Objective: To find out the proportion of different ocular problems among the study population and to find out the association of their ocular problems with the socio-demographic, work related and ergonomic factors. Materials and methods: It was an institution based, cross sectional, analytical epidemiological study and was conducted over one-year period. The study population comprised of persons working with Video Display Terminals. A predesigned, semi-structured instrument for elaborating the socio-economic, lifestyle related and a few job-related health behaviors were used. Combination of few instruments to elicit different morbidities like and many ergonomic checklists to evaluate office workspace were also used. Results: Of the total 79.1 % had any kind of ocular problems currently, with around 65% of them reporting to be having problem constantly in the last 12 months. Headache (63.6%) seemed to be the most important problem, followed by Eye fatigue (52.4%). Repetition of work and poor ergonomic practices turned out to be the statistically significant factors. Increased Years of working and female sex were also found to be important factors. Screen Character was found to be the most important risk factor of eye problems. Conclusion: A simple model was proposed where interaction of Individual factors and factors related to workstation was identified as the main culprit, which exaggerated by the repetition of work.

Study on Knowledge and Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome among Computer Operators in Nobel Medical College Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal

Background: The eye and vision related problems that results from continuous use of computers and other visual display terminals for extended period of time leads to computer vision syndrome. Due to rapid digitalization in human life, the risk of developing it has also increased in many folds. So, with an aim of determining the prevalence and level of awareness of computer vision syndrome among computer users along with their attitude and practices to prevent it, this study was conducted in the office employees who use computer for a considerable period of time.
 Materials and Methods: A hospital based observational descriptive study was conducted in the out-patient department of Ophthalmology in Nobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, where 105 employees working in different work stations of same institution were enrolled. A questionnaire and the clinical findings were used to collect data.
 Results: About 80% of the employees were using computer for about (8-11) hours per day. Prevalence of computer vision syndrome noted was (92.4%) with low level of knowledge (85.7%) about it. About 45% of them wore glasses for their refractive errors but attitude and practices in work place to prevent the bad effects of using visual display terminals were found to be lacking (53.3%). Burning sensation in the eye, headache, ocular irritation and itching and neck, shoulder or back pain were the common symptoms. Around (60-70)% of the eyes tested positive for dry eye.
 Conclusion: Lack of awareness of computer vision syndrome and lack of personal protective measures were associated with its high level of prevalence.

Application of Cognitive Performance Modeling for Usability Evaluation of Emergency Medical Services In-Vehicle Technology

Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of emergency medical service (EMS) fatalities. These crashes have been mainly attributed to driver distraction caused by in-vehicle technologies especially mobile computer terminals (MCTs). This study used cognitive performance modeling to assess MCT use by EMS drivers. A pilot study was conducted with six EMS experts performing a navigation task with the MCT. Pilot data results were used to create and validate the models using CogTool platform. In terms of task completion time (TCT), the model closely matched the data collected through observations, allowing for redesign improvements to be considered, while further validating CogTool as an analytical tool. The MCT was also redesigned based on the usability heuristics. The developed models and approach can be used in MCT design and development process to ensure efficient interaction in multi-tasking situations of driving and using the MCT.

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and its Associated Risk Factors among Undergraduate Medical Students in Midst of COVID-19

Purpose: To determine the frequency of computer vision syndrome and its associated risk factors among under graduate medical students.
 Study Design: Descriptive Cross–sectional study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Gujranwala Medical College and Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan from 5th August to 28th August, 2020.
 Methods: A validated self-designed questionnaire was used for this study. The survey instrument was tailored from a published questionnaire which comprised of questions on demographics, frequency of symptoms of computer vision syndrome, pattern of computer usage and ergonomic practices.
 Results: Final analysis was run on 326 under graduate medical students. Females were 228 (69%) and 98 (30%) were males. Age of the participants ranged between 17 to 25 years. Overall frequency of CVS was found to be 98.7%. Twenty nine percent students experienced extra ocular complaints and 71% had ocular symptoms. Symptoms of CVS were more commonly observed among those using desktop/laptop at less than forearm length (p = 0.001). Distance of < 12 inches from mobile phone was found to be associated with eye irritation and neck shoulder pain (p = 0.001). Frequency of break of more than 60 minutes was found to be significantly associated with eye irritation (p = 0.002) and excessive blinking and light sensitivity (p = 0.001). The students not using ergonomically comfortable chair were found to suffer more with symptoms of CVS as compared to those using ergonomically designed chair (p = 0.049).
 Conclusion: Health issues related to excessive use of digital devices has become alarmingly high during COVID-19 pandemic. Symptoms of CVS are significantly associated with distance from digital device and less frequent break intervals.
 Key Words: COVID-19, Computer Vision Syndrome, Digital eye syndrome, ergonomics, visual display terminals.

ASSESSMENT OF ADD-ON-EFFECT OF ANJANA BY HARIDRADI GHRIT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DRY EYE SYNDROME

In todays life, due to change in environment , food habits and life style it gives rise to different eye diseases. Now a days we see there is exess use of computers and over exposure to visual display terminals, which lead to birth hazard named Dry eye syndrome. In modern science there is not effective treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome. Recently there is increase in number of patients coming in OPD having complaints of foreign body sensation, feeling of dryness, burning sensation, itching, photophobia, tired eye, redness,discomfort etc commonly. In modern science the group of above mentioned symptoms is named as Dry eye syndrome.It is disorder of tear film due to tear deficiency or excessive tear evaporation which leads to damage to outer occlar surface. Incidence of dry eye is 14.3% in Clinical practice (pub med medical line index). In modern pharmacology the available regimen for the dry eye is using lubricating. But this gives only temporary relief. While in Ayurveda these symptoms are seen in vitilated vata pitta doshas in eye and will be taken into consideration of title Netrashushkta. In Ayurveda some preparations are there, which can be used as local external application in eye. Ghrit is one of the drug among them which is chakshusya, easily available and more economical to patients. Taking into consideration snehan property of ghrit and vata- pittaghna properties of Haridra and Daruharidra I thought use it in Dry eye syndrome. Hence, I take this topic for research work under the title - To Study The Effect Of ‘Haridradi Ghrit Anjana’ In The Management Of ‘Dry Eye Syndrome’.

The Relation between Symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome and Visual Display Terminal Utilization

Introduction: The increased use of computers in the era of technological advances had an impact on the eye health called Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), a compound eye problem caused by computer use. Almost every job could not be separated from the use of computers. Based on data from World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, the incidence of asthenopia (eye fatigue) ranged from 40% to 90%. This research aimed to determine the relationship between symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome and Visual Display Terminal utilization. Methods: This research was a quantitative with analytic survey method. Based on the data collection method, this research included as observational research type. This research was conducted with cross-sectional study design. Data collection was carried out with doctor's diagnosis guidelines, interviews, measurement using questionnaires, and observation. The population was 47 permanent workers and the sample taken was 42 respondents from the design division workers. The sampling technique used simple random sampling. The variables in this research were age, working period, distance to VDT, and general lighting intensity. Results: This research showed that the factors associated with symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome were working period and eye distance to VDT. Conclusion: The longer the working period and the more distance between the eye and the VDT, the more symptoms of VDT would be.Keywords: computer use, symptoms of computer vision syndrome, visual display terminal

Agility and Assessment in the Age of COVID‐19: How Fast Can a Community College Dance?

Agility and Assessment in the Age of COVID‐19: How Fast Can a Community College Dance?

Digital Screen Use and Dry Eye: A Review.

Prolonged and continuous daily use of digital screens, or visual display terminals (VDTs), has become the norm in occupational, educational, and recreational settings. An increased global dependence on VDTs has led to a rise in associated visual complaints, including eye strain, ocular dryness, burning, blurred vision, and irritation, to name a few. The principal causes for VDT-associated visual discomfort are abnormalities with oculomotor/vergence systems and dry eye (DE). This review focuses on the latter, as advances in research have identified symptomology and ocular surface parameters that are shared between prolonged VDT users and DE, particularly the evaporative subtype. Several mechanisms have been implicated in VDT-associated DE, including blink anomalies, damaging light emission from modern devices, and inflammatory changes. The presence of preexisting DE has also been explored as an inciting and exacerbating factor. We review the associations between digital screens and DE, mechanisms of damage, and therapeutic options, hoping to raise awareness of this entity with the goal of reducing the global morbidity and economic impact of screen-associated visual disability.

Effect of warming eyelids on tear film stability and quality of life in visual display terminal users: a randomized controlled trial

We aimed to evaluate the effect of warming eyelids on tear-film stability and quality of life (QoL) in video display terminal (VDT) users. A prospective study was conducted and 45 volunteers with ocular symptoms and tear-film instability associated with VDT use were randomly allocated into the study (n = 22) or control groups (n = 23). Subjects in the study group used eyelid warming steamer (EWS) for 2 weeks and tear fluorescein breakup time (TBUT) after single and 2-week EWS treatment, Schirmer I test, ocular surface staining scores, meibomian gland assessment, severity of dry eye disease (DED) and QoL scores after 2-week EWS treatment were analysed. The TBUT improved after both single and 2-week EWS treatment (P = 0.023 and 0.027, respectively) in the study group. The ocular surface staining scores were significantly decreased only in the study group (P = 0.038). About 60% DED patients in the study group shifted towards non-DED and the pattern of distribution was significantly different compared to baseline (P < 0.001). The QoL scores significantly improved in the study group (P = 0.002) with a negative correlation with TBUT. In conclusion, in VDT users with short TBUT, eyelid warming steamer is effective in improving tear-film stability and QoL.

Magnitude and Determinants of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) among IT Workers in Kathmandu, Nepal

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is developed among computer workers due to long time working with computers or viewing of the video display terminal (VDT). The objective of this study is to determine the magnitude and determinants of CVS symptoms among IT officers. A cross sectional study of IT office workers was conducted at Kathmandu from March to April 2019. Self-administrated questionnaire and observation of researcher was applied to collect information. CVS defect was considered if the participants were having minimum of one symptom during /following use of VDT. The proportion of CVS and its association with different independent factors was carried out. The prevalence of CVS reported by 263 participants was 82.5% (95% CI: 81.3% - 83.6%), of them 163(62.0%) were not aware about bad effects of computers to the visual apparatus. Goggles were used as protection against CVS by 140(53.2%) participants. CVS symptoms included headache 127(48.0%), tired eyes 123(47.0%) and eye strain 114(43.0%). Use of computer for more than 4.75 hours/day experienced CVS. The mean office work included 7.7 ± 2.02 hours computer work. The video display gadgets usage in home was 2.7 ± 2.35 hours/ day. Not taking breaks (OR:7.3; 95% CI:2.2 - 24.9), not massaging eyes (OR:7.5; 95% CI:1.2 - 47.7), unusual viewing distance (OR:9.0; 95% CI:2.0 - 44.5), improper posture (OR:3.6; 95% CI:1.3 - 10.3), computer usage for more than 10 hours/ day (OR:5.4; 95% CI:1.6 - 18.2) and not aware of CVS (OR:7.2; 95% CI:2.6 - 20.3) were significant predictors of CVS in IT workers. Most of the IT workers had CVS. Health education and care of IT workers based on predictors found need to be strengthened in the study area.

Computer vision syndrome prevalence according to individual and video display terminal exposure characteristics in Spanish university students.

To estimate the prevalence of computer vision syndrome (CVS) in university students and its relationship with sociodemographic and optical correction factors and exposure to video display terminal (VDT). This cross-sectional study included 244 Spanish university students who responded to an anamnesis, a VDT exposure questionnaire and the Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q© ). A descriptive analysis was performed and the prevalence of CVS was calculated. Logistic regression models were used to measure the association between CVS and the variables studied. The mean age was 20.7 years (SD = 2.1), 57% were women, 78.3% used VDTs ≥ 2 hours/day to study. The prevalence of CVS was 76.6%, and the most frequent symptoms were headache and itching. In the crude analysis, being a woman, using glasses daily and to study, and a longer VDT use to study and in total were associated with a higher prevalence of CVS; while in the older group, the prevalence was lower. In the multivariate model, VDT use to study was associated with a greater probability of CVS (aOR: 3.43; 95%CI: 1.03-11.42), and being between 22 and 29 years was associated with a lower probability of it (aOR: 0.36; 95%CI: 0.15-0.89). CVS has a high prevalence amongst Spanish university students. The most affected are the younger ones and those who use VDTs for longer hours to study. It is essential to continue investigating the influence of the type of tasks conducted with VDTs on CVS and thus to establish the preventive measures to reduce this syndrome.

CONCEPT OF SHUSHKAKSHIPAKA (DRY EYE SYNDROME) IN AYURVEDA WITH MODERN COUNTERPART: A REVIEW

Eyes are the windows to the soul. Ayurvedic classical texts have mentioned about eye and its diseases since Vedic and Samhita kala, thus showing the importance of eye and ways to protect it. That is why eye care has been one of the priorities since the ages. In Ayurveda clinical features related to Dry eye are generally seen in Suskaksipaka. Over use of Video Display Terminals (V.D.T) like Computer, Mobiles, and Television &amp; faulty lifestyle are some of the causes. Among these disorders, many are related to Indriya (Sensory Organ) especially Caksurindriya (Eye). In metro city, more than 50% cases from ophthalmic OPD are of Dry Eye Syndrome. Dry Eye Syndrome is a common ophthalmic condition, in its real sense is a problem for eye care practitioners due to its variegated etiologies, multi factorial physiopathology, lack of gold standard for diagnostic procedure. No curative treatment modalities are available and the palliative measures are inadequate too. It presents a great challenge to physicians. That’s why its prevalence is very high. It is 5% to 35% worldwide, while in India it is 29.25%. Dry Eye Syndrome also known as Kerato-Conjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) is considered a disease of the modern era. Dry eye syndrome, one of the most frequently encountered ocular morbidities, a growing public health problem and one of the most common conditions seen by the eye care practitioners. Tear secretion provides continuous moisture and lubrication on the ocular surface and provides oxygen to the corneal- epithelium. When the normal tear production is compromised, it leads to dry eyes.

How Optimal is The Visual Display Terminal (VDT) Work Station at The Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga

Introduction: The academic and student affairs department in the administration room of the Faculty of Public Health of Universitas Airlangga works using a Visual Display Terminal (VDT) with a sitting work position that has the potential to cause eye strain and several muscular disorders. This study aimed to describe the work station of VDT users in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga. Method: This research was an observational research using cross-sectional descriptive design. The population was the users of the VDT in the administration room of the Public Health Faculty, Universitas Airlangga, as many as 11 people. The sample used was total population. Data were collected using an observation sheet and then was analyzed descriptively. Result: The head position of all workers were optimal (100.0%); the majority of workers' visibility was optimal (54.5%); all table heights were optimal (100.0%); most of the elbow angel and keyboard position was not optimal (63.6%); the majority of mouse positions were optimal (54.5%); chair heights were not optimal (100.0%); most of the backrest and waist angle was optimal (72.7%); most of the workers' knee angles were not optimal (81.8%); most of the legroom were optimal (81.8%); all workstations did not have footing and document holders (100.0%), so they were considered not optimal. Conclusion: Most of the elements is considered as optimal, but some elements are not optimal, including elbow angle, the keyboard position, chair height, knee angle, footing, and document holder.Keywords: work station, sitting work position, visual display terminal

The evaluation of user experience of a human walking and a driving simulation in the virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) has been implemented in various applications such as gaming, e-learning, rehabilitation, etc. Although many studies have been conducted to evaluate the user experiences (UX) of various applications in VR, there are few studies evaluating the UX of VR in a holistic view. Since user experience means holistic feelings caused by attributes like efficiency, effectiveness, pleasure, and attractiveness, it is necessary to evaluate user experience in many respects, including presence, usability, and workload. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the UX of VR in four various metrics: presence, workload, usability, and flow. In this study, the user experience factor was confirmed through the previous studies comparing visual display terminals (VDT) and head-mounted displays (HMD). In addition, the UX difference between VDT and HMD in two different situations, walking and driving, is analyzed. The data of 26 participants were analyzed and found that there were significant differences in the four studied metrics related to UX. In the driving situation, the usability value was higher in VDT, whereas they were higher in HMD for walking. Comparing the two contexts in HMD, walking was significantly higher in three metrics: presence, usability, and flow. The results show that HMD is better in terms of user experience than VDT, and HMD is more suitable for walking situations than for driving situations. Through this study, in terms of user experience, it is suitable to replace walking tasks with VR when the experiment in a real-world environment is impossible.

Difference in Pupillary Diameter as an Important Factor for Evaluating Amplitude of Accommodation: A Prospective Observational Study.

Presbyopia is increasing globally due to aging and the widespread use of visual display terminals. Presbyopia is a decrease in the eye’s amplitude of accommodation (AA) due to loss of crystalline lens elasticity. AA differs widely among individuals. We aimed to determine the factors that cause presbyopia, other than advanced age, for early medical intervention. We examined 95 eyes of 95 healthy volunteers (33 men, 62 women) aged 22–62 years (mean: 37.22 ± 9.77 years) with a corrected visual acuity of ≥1.0 and without other eye afflictions except ametropia. Subjective refraction, AA, maximum and minimum pupillary diameters during accommodation, axial length of the eye, and crystalline lens thickness were measured. AA was measured using an auto refractometer/keratometer/tonometer/pachymeter. The difference between maximum and minimum pupillary diameters was calculated. On multiple regression analysis, age and difference in pupillary diameter were both significantly and independently associated with AA in participants aged <44 years, but not in those aged ≥45 years. Our results suggest that the difference in pupillary diameter could be an important age-independent factor for evaluating AA in healthy individuals without cataract. Thus, improving the difference in pupillary diameter values could be an early treatment target for presbyopia.

DRY-EYE DISEASE AMONG MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN WESTERN UP DURING THE LOCKDOWN PERIOD 2020 – A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY.

Objective : To estimate the prevalence of dry-eye disease (DED) among medical professionals in a tertiary care hospital in Western UP during the lockdown period 2020. Materials &amp; Methods : This was a cross-sectional hospital-based, observational study from 7th May 2020 till 14th May 2020, that included 50 medical professionals as subjects. The study compares the increase in the number of hours spent on Visual Display Terminals (VDTs) before and during the lockdown period 2020. This in-turn led to numerous ill-effects on human beings, out of which ocular manifestations like dry-eye disease has been on the rise. The study has been carried out in the form of questionnaire survey data – Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) asking about the symptoms and various other parameters, related to dry eye. Results : The mean number of hours spent on VDTs before lockdown was 2.82±1.32 hours and during lockdown was 6.26±4.76 hours. In accordance with the OSDI scoring, 23/50 subjects developed DED. Out of these, 28% (14/50) had mild DED, 16% (8/50) had moderate DED, and only 2% (1/50) had severe DED. Prevalence of dry eye was directly proportionate to exposure time to VDT during the lockdown. Conclusion : The prevalence of dry-eye disease (DED) among medical professionals during the lockdown period 2020 was 46%. This was attributed to the increased dependence on VDTs for various purposes.

Ocular symptoms survey among undergraduate students in this COVID-19 era

AIM: To find out ocular symptoms in Visual Display Terminals (VDTs) users, among undergraduate students who adopted new education system in this COVID-19 era. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational survey carried out in the month of September 2020, which included undergraduate students from Ahmedabad, who were using Visual Display Terminals (VDTs) for educational activities for more than 6 to 8 months. A total of fourteen validated questionnaires were selected, webpage survey form was created and the link was sent via various social media platform. Responses were assessed in the scale of 0 to 4 (0= never, 1=infrequently, 2=sometimes, 3= often, 4=always). The percentage of symptoms was calculated in terms of subjects, also in the scale of 0 to 4.Results: A total of 103 undergraduate students responded with mean age of 19±1.5 years. Highest number (40: 4-6 hours, 36: 7-9 hours) of students had a screen time of 4 to 9 hours per day. The burning sensation (69.8%), redness (51.4%), itching (47.6%) were the most common symptoms, followed by irritation (34.6%), and scratchiness (25.5%) related to dry eyes. However, majority of the patients had those symptoms on infrequent duration. A loss of the concentration (73.8%), tired eyes (69.6%), discomfort (61.2%), headache (60.7%), reduced reading speed (56.3%), fluctuation in vision (44.7%), blurring (43.7%), were the most common symptoms related to the near work. Majority of participants felt these complain for the duration of infrequent to often basis. The double vision (25.2%) and floating of objects (11.7%) were the least common symptoms related to near work. Conclusion: The VDTs related symptoms are increasing in the students in this COVID-19 era. Increasing awareness, proper counselling regarding algorithm of VDTs, taking regular breaks, avoiding unnecessary web searching and social media can help to relieve or minizine symptoms related to VDTs work in this COVID-19 era.

HYGIENIC EVALUATION OF ILLUMINATION INDICES AND NON-IONIZING RADIATION AT EDUCATIONAL SITES OF HIGH SCHOOLS

One of the significant factors affecting the condition of the students’ visual apparatus is an illumination level in the premises of educational organizations. Electromagnetic radiation arising from computers also has an essential influence on a state of health. Taking into account the urgency of this problem, an analysis of illumination indices and EM radiation was made in audiences of higher educational institutions of various profiles (Ufa, the Republic of Bashkortostan). The total number of illumination measurements was 3528. The measurement methods met the requirements of the interstate standard. According to the results of the illumination indices estimation in the studied universities, a significant deviation from the regulated norms was revealed: in 71.5% of the measurements the index was below the norm. It should be noted that indices differed significantly depending on the type of educational organization. The best situation is in the “Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation,” where only 13.3% of the measurements are inconsistent with the normative indices. Pulsation coefficient also was determined. It turned out that 88.8% of the measurements do not correspond to the norm. The analysis of illumination measurements in computer classes was carried out. Only one-fifth of them in the computer table working area in the of the document placement corresponded to SanPin. An anonymous questionnaire was also organized for students from four leading universities in Ufa, the Republic of Bashkortostan. According to respondents’ answers, out of seven students, one was revealed to be suffering from myopia. On the basis of “Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Republic of Bashkortostan”, a study of non-ionizing radiation from video terminals located in computer classes was made. 1145 measurements were made in 20 buildings of four universities studied. It was found out that the intensity of the electrostatic field did not meet the requirements of SanPiN in 5.7% of the measurements. Hygienic assessment of the environment of educational organizations of various profiles revealed a number of significant deviations from the regulated norms. The obtained results testify to the need to monitor the illumination and EMR indices both from the administration of higher education institutions and from teachers. Based on the results of the study, recommendations were prepared for the management of higher educational institutions in Ufa.

Prevalence of Computer Vision Syndrome and Its Relationship with Ergonomic and Individual Factors in Presbyopic VDT Workers Using Progressive Addition Lenses.

This cross-sectional study estimated computer vision syndrome (CVS) prevalence and analysed its relationship with video display terminal (VDT) exposure, as well as sociodemographic, refractive, environmental, and ergonomic characteristics in 109 presbyopic VDT workers wearing progressive addition lenses (PALs). Usual spectacles were measured with a lens analyser, and subjective refraction was performed by an optometrist. CVS was measured with the CVS-Q©. VDT exposure was collected. Ergonomic evaluations were conducted in a normal working posture looking at the screen. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured (thermohygrometer), and illumination was measured (luxmeter). Descriptive analysis and differences in CVS prevalence, as a function of the explanatory variables, were performed (chi-square test). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with CVS (OR and 95% CI). The mean age was 54.0 ± 4.8 years, and 43.1% were women. The mean hours of VDT use at work was 6.5 ± 1.3 hours/day. The prevalence of CVS was 74.3%. CVS was significantly associated with women (OR 3.40; 95% CI, 1.12–10.33), non-neutral neck posture (OR 3.27; 95% CI, 1.03–10.41) and altered workplace lighting (OR 3.64; 95% CI, 1.22–10.81). Providing training and information to workers regarding the importance of adequate lighting and ergonomic postures during VDT use is advised to decrease CVS and increase workplace quality of life.

Digital Technology, Internet Research and Benefits of a Virtual Library

AbstractThe search of legal precedence orstare decisishas always distinguished the lawyer who is in professional practice. The development of the internet has led to a greater dimension in this research and to an empirical approach to understanding the application of law. The academic lawyer has always needed access to the newest legislation and case law and the online search engines are of increasing relevance to accessing the virtual library. This is necessary to assimilate because of the impact of law and technology which is not just of relevance to find texts but also the process of artificial intelligence that is of utility in forms of inquiry. It includes portals that can be sourced online, Lexis and Westlaw which have available software packages that are available for lawyers. The issue is if the technology is moving at excessive speed or is the momentum of digital technology sustainable within the profession. This article argues that legal software provides the means for artificial intelligence in an increasingly specialist field and it is necessary for professionals to stay equipped with knowledge updates on computer terminals in order to enhance their research or lose out in the information supply chain.