Ergonomic Aspects Research Articles

Technical, ergonomic and cognitive learning methodology in transumbilical single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy.

We introduced learning curves on a detailed step protocol and ergonomic aspect to determine key surgical points in transumbilical single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy (TSPLH) and to popularize both technical and cognitive methodology on laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). A retrospective analysis of 87 TSPLH procedures was conducted by a single surgeon in three learning stages. Technical, ergonomic, and cognitive steps were introduced, and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Key production points in TSPLH include developing a clear retroperitoneal space, maintaining appropriate strength and direction with a vaginal manipulator, coagulating the uterine artery, and applying an improved vaginal stump suturing method. Technical factors included instrument domination, hand-eye coordination, and alternating hand functions. Ergonomic techniques focused on shoulder, elbow, arm, wrist, and finger movements, range of motion, muscle power, continuous forces, and flexibility. Improved cognitive factors such as confidence, decision-making, and communication were also observed. The study aimed to form methodological education on TSPLH and LESS and benefit more surgeons. The detailed production and key ergonomic points will help guide self-learning and education.

Frugal Exoscope: A Minimal Cost Option for Microsurgery and Training Program in Male Infertility

Background: Conventional microscopes and exoscopes currently play pivotal roles in the microsurgery or training for male infertility. However, they are expensive and unaffordable in low-resource settings, which limits training or application of advanced methods. Objectives: To introduce a new, low-cost exoscope system and to determine whether it is an effective frugal innovation. Methods: Using animal models, we evaluated a new frugal exoscope system named DKTA in experimental microsurgery of vas deferens repair. Five experts in male infertility surgery undertook an anonymous survey to elucidate their experience with DKTA system use. Three crucial criteria (i.e., substantial cost reduction, concentration on core functionalities, and optimized performance level) were evaluated to determine whether the DKTA is effective as frugal innovation. The survey used a 5-point Likert scale of responses to eight statements investigating surgical, ergonomic, and educational aspects. Results: The DKTA system, including an optical microscope and ultra-high-definition (UHD) camera (4K), was an exoscope placed between 20 and 40 cm from the surgical field. It was held in position with a camera support arm on casters and connected to a 65-in. smart TV. DKTA system met the three crucial criteria of frugal innovation. Five male infertility microsurgeons reported positive evaluations based on modal scores of the DKTA system when performing experimental vasovasostomy. Conclusions: DKTA system, a frugal innovation, has a valuable contribution to the training program and performance of male infertility microsurgery in low-resource settings.

Comparison of the efficacy of different methods to apply acaricides for control of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

The present study compared the efficacy of different methods to apply an acaricide formulation to control Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. To compare the methods, an acaricide blend containing three active ingredients (a pyrethroid and two organophosphates) was used. In experiment 1 (farm 1: Goiânia, GO, Brazil), three methods were tested: a backpack sprayer (BS), power sprayer (PS) and spray race (SR). In experiment 2 (farm 2: São José do Rio Pardo, SP, Brazil), two methods were tested: BS and PS. In both experiments, 10 cattle with similar tick burdens were used. On day 0 in both experiments, the animals were treated with the acaricide. On day +1 (only in experiment 1), +3, +7, +14, +21, +28 and +35 (only in experiment 2), tick counts were performed to determine the control efficacy. The time application, pressure (KPa), volume applied (L) and ergonomic aspects of each spraying system were also evaluated. The adult immersion test (AIT) using three different acaricide blends (combinations of pyrethroid + organophosphate) was performed to compare the susceptibility of strains of each farm. In experiment 1, all treatments significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the number of ticks on the animals, and PS resulted in the greatest acaricide efficacy since day +1. In experiment 2, both treatments (PS and BS) reduced (p < 0.05) the tick burden, and as observed in experiment 1, PS resulted in the best reduction. The application times were 4.5, 150 and 330 s, while pressures were 306.8, 4,826.3 and 220.6 KPa for SR, PS and BS, respectively. In the AIT, the efficacy values were between 99.8 and 100% for the tick strain form farm 1 (Goiânia), while for tick strain from farm 2 (São José do Rio Pardo), the efficacy was between 67.2 and 80.9%. We conclude that the sprayer methods chosen influences the efficacy of the acaricide. All sprayer methods were efficient for acaricide application; the best efficacy was obtained using the PS, while the SR resulted in good efficacy and lower application time. The strain from farm 2 was less susceptible to all acaricides tested.

تصنيع جهاز لتقليم األفرع الثمرية

Fruit branch pruning is still done manually, resulting in high labor costs, ergonomic hazards, and low efficiency and productivity. Furthermore, there are some limitations with imported agricultural machines because of their high prices and inappropriate local conditions. Hence, the present study aims to manufacture a local device for fruit branch pruning based on validating the correct stem-cutting position using a branch guide. The manufactured device comprises a 60 W electric motor, a formed base, a teethed pruning disc, a telescopic tube made up of the picker-cutting mechanism of the device, and a 12–Volt rechargeable dry battery. The device was made from local and light materials to allow a telescopic tube to reach the high position of the citrus fruit branches and consider ergonomic aspects. Field trials were executed on sour oranges trees to assess the pruning device’s performance as a function of change in cutting disc speeds (9.81, 13.74, 17.66, and 21.59 m/s), cutting disc teeth numbers (60, 80, and 100 teeth), different groups of branches diameters {A (from 5 mm to less than 10 mm), B (10 mm to less than 20 mm), C (from 20 mm to less than 30 mm) and D (from 30 mm to less than 40 mm)}. The manufactured device was assessed in terms of device productivity, pruning efficiency, pruning damage, power requirements, specific energy, and operating cost. The results indicated that the highest device productivity and pruning efficiency were 780, 218, 100 and 65 branch/h; and 96.0, 94.0, 92.0 and 90.5%, while the lowest pruning branch damage were 4.0, 6.0, 8.0 and 9.5%, specific energy were 0.0447, 0.1645, 0.4050 and 0.700 Wh per branch, for the groups of branches diameters A, B, C, and D respectively. The current investigation recommended that the optimal operational conditions were using the manufactured device for pruning citrus trees at 17.66 m/s pruning disc speed with a pruning disc teeth number of 60 teeth.

Desain Mesin Pengurai Sabut Kelapa Dengan Metode Quality Function Deployment

The aim of this research is to design a coco coir decomposition machine using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach. The initial step of this research is to identify consumer needs which aims to know and answer consumer needs. The results of identifying consumer needs are used to build a House of Quality (HOQ). Based on the House of Quality (HOQ), the highest weight presentation is on the ergonomics aspect with a value of 94.5%, the size dimensions are in accordance with the average Indonesian body posture, as well as shape designs that are as needed such as non-stretching fibers. The design of the tool is designed in the form of a horizontal tube equipped with a covervalve knives, according to consumer needs, namely saving energy, tools that are easy to operate, safe, comfortable to use. This researchproduce The plan of the device measures with a device height of 130 cm, length of 195 cm and width of 70 cm

A Debate on Main Aspects of Safety Management and Ergonomics in Georgia

Safety management and ergonomic working conditions are two of the decisive factors in the organizational health of employees. In recent decades, industrialized countries have experienced significant changes in the functioning of labor markets and safety management systems. Increased commodity market competition, highly turbulent aggregate demand, and rapid technological advances have contributed to increased pressure on labor efficiency. Safety management and ergonomic measures are considered as one of the main important aspects of organizational behavior, which is important to regulate both at a governmental and organizational level. It is necessary to mention that ergonomics considers the physical strength and size of people. It reduces the strain on the workplace and thereby improves a person's ability to work better. Georgia is one of the Post-Soviet Union countries, located in the middle of Europe and Asia, in the South Caucasus region, where capitalism and the market economy were implemented during the last two decades. The main aspects of safety management and ergonomics are interesting in the country, which are proved by laws and accepted by national governmental agencies. Each organizational unit must consider these aspects in order to improve and establish better conditions for the working process.

Development of an automated mobile robotic sprayer to prevent workers' exposure of agro‐chemicals inside polyhouse

AbstractAutomated spraying practices are inevitable for modern polyhouse management to attain a broader objective of minimizing human exposure to agrochemicals. In the present study, an automated mobile robotic sprayer (AMRS) was developed to combat the increased human intervention and safeguard agricultural workers from potential health hazards. The system mainly comprises embedded sensors (ultrasonic, proximity, XBee) and controllers (Arduino, PLC). The controller drives the system on a piping track between the rows as well as on the head space achieving end‐to‐end automation for spraying operations. The system performance was evaluated on the tomato crop with respect to the physiological traits, yield and economics. Additionally, the study leveraged response surface methodology to optimize forward speed, spray distance, and working pressure of AMRS on the responses, droplet density, coverage, volume mean diameter (VMD) and application rate. Optimization of forward speed (0.79 km/h), spray distance (250 mm) and working pressure (0.40 MPa) resulted in 90.7 droplets/cm2 droplet density, 47.1% coverage, 170.2 μm VMD and 86.0 mL/m2 of application rate. Ergonomic aspects of AMRS were assessed by the parameters, human exposure, discomfort and postural assessment with respect to knapsack sprayer. The working heart rate of 103 beats/min, work pulse of 12 beats/min, oxygen consumption rate of 916 mL/min and energy expenditure rate of 18.7 kJ/min recorded during the ergonomic evaluation of the AMRS were 25%, 75%, 42%, and 41% lower compared to manual spraying, respectively. Moreover, three–six times higher work pulse, cardiac cost, body part discomfort score and overall discomfort rating were observed which indicated more drudgery involved in manual spraying. State‐of‐the‐art system developed for polyhouses would minimize the drudgery and health hazards, significantly. The system's resilience and effectiveness pave the way for its wider deployment where the use of agrochemicals are prevalent, particularly in small‐size polyhouses.

Modernisasi Tungku Pembakaran di UMKM Djawadi Pande Besi Desa Gilangharjo

The Djawadi blacksmiths are one of the groups of blacksmith craftsmen who are still productive and surviving amidst the youth's declining interest in continuing the business, which is the local wisdom of Gilangharjo Village. The priority problem currently being experienced by Djawadi blacksmiths is in the field of production. The forging work process at Djawadi blacksmith still uses simple equipment and has yet to apply science and technology or appropriate technology. The furnace is now made from concrete with an open design, making the combustion process less effective and causing air pollution. The aim of this activity is the modernization of environmentally friendly stoves. The method is carried out by designing a furnace with a closed system and considering ergonomic aspects. The results of the activity are the dissemination of environmentally friendly furnaces with a dust filtration system equipped with centrifugal fans and blowers.

Grapho-motor imitation training in children with handwriting difficulties: A single-center pilot study

Imitation is a crucial process for learning and brain development. It is based on the mirror neuron mechanism and underlies our understanding of actions and the gestures of others. Some researchers hypothesized a possible correlation between a low functioning mirror neuron system (MNS) and developmental coordination disorder, including dysgraphic deficit. However, no studies have verified whether imitation of graphic gestures by exploiting the properties of the MNS could improve handwriting. This study evaluates the effects of imitation training of handwriting in five children with handwriting difficulties aged 8 to 10 years. The training lasted for five months, and was undertaken three times a week, for a total number of 60 sessions for each child. Before and after the training, we evaluated the degree of handwriting impairment using the Concise Evaluation Scale for Children’s Handwriting (BHK). Our results suggest that handwriting imitation training produced a significant qualitative change in the children’s writing, likely due to exercises that stimulated fine motor imitation. Furthermore, the imitation also involved ergonomic and biomechanical aspects relevant to improving imitative writing after observing the model. Each child has therefore reached an adequate level of writing, suggesting the effectiveness of the proposed intervention.

Augmented reality for training formation flights: An analysis of human factors

Pilot training has been, for decades, aided by flight simulators with different characteristics and degrees of fidelity. However, many studies indicate that, despite the recognized contribution of simulator training, actual flying practice is still necessary, depending on the trained task. This work introduces the proposal of using augmented reality for in-flight training, where elements in the environment outside the aircraft are displayed through an augmented reality headset to create a simulation scenario. The training of basic formation flight is used as an example, as it requires flying with at least two aircraft, resulting in high operational costs and risk of collision between aircraft. In this case, the augmented reality system replaces the real leader aircraft with a projection. In order to evaluate the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of this proposal, this work presents a prototype of an augmented reality system integrated into a flight simulator to conduct an evaluation campaign. We investigate how the introduction of the augmented reality system impacts on human factors, such as stress and workload, as well as performance. Although the results obtained in a simulated environment are not equivalent to those from an in-flight campaign, the experimental campaign performed in the flight simulator provides a way of evaluating the impact on the pilot of some aspects of the proposed solution, such as the performance of occlusion routines and some ergonomic aspects of the augmented reality headset.

Correction and optimization of ergonomic work patterns of dentists

Annotation. Work ergonomics is a fundamental factor in the high-quality and successful daily work of dentists. Non-observance of the basic aspects of ergonomics leads to the deterioration of treatment results, an increase in the number of complications, an increase in energy and time spent on the treatment, and the occurrence of violations in the physical and psycho-emotional health of the doctor. The purpose of the work is to optimize the ergonomic work patterns of dentists by developing an algorithm for individualized correction of the ergonomic component of work using the possibilities of modelling the spatial relationships of the components in the projection of the working field and considering the topographic affiliation of different groups of teeth. 20 dentists and 12 interns participated in the study, from which two groups were formed – the research group and the control group. The ergonomic components of the work of dentists were evaluated according to the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) criteria. Mathematical analysis and verification of the reliability of the results, as well as the calculation of possible errors, were carried out on the basis of the software “Statistica 6.0” (STATISTICA) and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 (Microsoft Office). Based on the results of the study, a discrete-event simulation of the work cycle of endodontic treatment was carried out, after which an individualized protocol for optimizing the ergonomic components of each doctor's work was formed. As a result of the study, an evaluation of the effectiveness of using the developed ergonomics correction algorithm in the practice of doctors during root canal treatment and an analysis of changes in the structure of the distribution of errors and complications under the conditions of optimization of ergonomic components in accordance with adapted recommendations was carried out. Statistical interdependencies between ergonomic factors and treatment complications were revealed. The implementation of individualized protocols for the correction of ergonomic components in the process of endodontic treatment helps to reduce the frequency of errors and complications.

Examining human factors and ergonomics aspects in a manufacturing organisation’s metrics system: measuring up to stakeholder needs

This research examines the status of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) metrics in the case context of product realisation in an electronics manufacturing company. Interactions with 100+ stakeholders over a five year period were thematically analysed for metrics-related views and content. A disconnect between engineering metrics and HF/E metrics was evident. Engineers and HF/E specialists expressed different understandings of the gap between the disciplines and how to generate HF/E metrics that would fit the organisation. Other emerging themes provided insight for metrics development including improving indicator relatability, considerations for communication of information, and barriers to implementation of metrics. The results led to seven recommendations to help guide practitioners in developing and refining HF/E metrics as part of an organisation’s metrics system. This macroergonomic case study provides key points for consideration when developing HF/E focussed metrics to support organisations being more proactive with HF/E in work system design. Practitioner summary: Metrics’ presence, stakeholder views on metrics, and metrics-related content in a case organisation were thematically analysed with a macroergonomics focus. Human factors and ergonomics metrics (HF/E) were disconnected from engineering metrics thus limiting the design team’s ability to handle human factors in design. Factors influencing HF/E metrics creation and integration were identified, resulting in seven recommendations for developing HF/E metrics.

PENERAPAN MANAJEMEN RISIKO DI UNIT KERJA RMIK

Background: TPPRJ as a leading unit that provides services to patients needs to minimize the risks and hazard that can be experienced by officers and patients. From a preliminary study at one of the local government hospitals in the Central Java region, it was found that at the outpatient registration point there was no Standar Procedur Operational (SPO) regarding risk management, so there was no standard set for risk control for officers and patients.Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify the application of risk management in the outpatient registration site (TPPRJ) of the hospital.Method: The type of research used in this study is qualitative descriptive with a case study design. The subjects of the study were 4 informants determined by purposive sampling techniques. Data collection through interviews and observationsResults: There are several risk factors in TPPRJ, namely from physical aspects (air temperature, lighting, radiation), biological aspects and ergonomic aspects. From the results of interviews and observations, it is known that the implementation of risk management in hospitals has been running, but it is still not optimal because it has not yet reached a comprehensive evaluation from the hospital's quality management.Conclusion: Risk management has been running but has not been maximized, because there is no SPO that specifically regulates risk management at TPPRJ. The risk management process that has been running is to identify risks, risk analysis and risk control.Keywords: Risk Management, RMIK Work Unit, TPPRJ

Development and performance evaluation of picking mechanism for knapsack cotton picker

One of the most significant fibre cash crops in both India and the rest of the world is cotton (Gossypium herbaceum). India is the world’s second-largest cotton producer. Cotton is hand-picked by human labours in India, which is a laborious and time-consuming task. In existing knapsack cotton picker, the cotton quality was compromised due to the impact of the impeller vanes during conveying of picked cotton to collector. Keeping all these aspects in mind, a picking mechanism for knapsack power driven cotton picker was developed with considering the agronomical parameters, functional requirements, engineering requirements and ergonomic aspects. As a power source, a 0.9 kW, 5500 rpm petrol engine was used. The remaining components of the knapsack cotton picker, such as the aspirator, impeller, sucking assembly, collecting sack, mounting frame and so on, were developed according to design specifications. It was evaluated how effectively the knapsack cotton picker performed in terms of picking capacity, picking efficiency, harvesting losses, trash content, the quality of machine-picked cotton, and operation costs. Based on trial results using cotton varieties as GPG-3, a knapsack cotton picker’s picking capacity was determined to be 7.62 kg/ h. The average picking efficiency for cotton picking using a knapsack cotton picker was 95.79%. The harvesting losses and trash content were determined as 4.21% and 8.13%, respectively in case of knapsack cotton picker. The fiber quality in terms of span length, uniformity ratio and strength was not affected by knapsack cotton picker. There was reduction in time requirement and the picking cost by 51.44 and 14.86%, respectively over manual picking method. Cotton picking with a knapsack cotton picker showed a 3.27% increase in overall net realization over manual picking.

Operator workplace design compatibility: A study on mini tractor

Small tractor for agriculture is India’s most trending tractor segment for farmers. Looking to the mini tractor industry in India, there is a need to study the ergonomic aspects of mini tractor for operator’s better safety, comfort and higher efficiency. Study was conducted in which the tractor workplace configurations of 8 different mini tractor models were measured using different measuring scales. The location of different mini tractor seat and control locations were calculated considering the biomechanical and anthropometric measurements. These values were given as design values for mini tractor operator’s workplace design. The ergonomic evaluation of workplaces of 8 different mini tractor models was carried out in laboratory as well as in the field. Studies on evaluation of the optimum location of controls resulted in steering column angle of 70º with horizontal, foot pedals (clutch and brake) distance of 70.5 cm from SRP and the draft control lever distance of 28.6 cm from seat reference point (SRP). Heart rate was significantly influenced by different mini tractor models. It was found that the value obtained from the different mini tractor workplace configurations should be near to design values so that the operator can operate it with efficiently and comfortably.

Evaluation Of Ergonomic Complaints And Stress Level Of Educational Workers At The Faculty Of Engineering, Unisba

Educational personnel has urgent role in supporting educational administration process. The number of tasks that must be completed by educational workers naturally drains the energy and mind. Change in the work system during Pandemic of Covid-19 increases work-related sitting time and screen time which also applies to the educational personnel at the Faculty of Engineering UNISBA. The main purpose of the study is to discover ergonomics factors (complaints of the body part) and work stress levels as well as the possible contribution that can be given to parties related. The method used in this study is analysis related to ergonomics aspects using Nordic Body Map and work stress levels using Visual Analogue Scale. Measurement is conducted on 27 educational workers at the Faculty of Engineering UNISBA. Research results show that a number of complaints on body parts include back pain, waist pain, wrist pain, and neck pain as well as the average level of stress experienced that is included in the medium category. Those results show that related parties need to notice problems related to ergonomics complaints and work stress so as not to cause disease (physically or mentally) in the future.

Occupational health and safety management systems: opportunities and challenges

This study aimed to support researchers’ reflective analysis and to identify unexplored topics as possibilities for future research with practical importance about occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMSs). The paper investigates OHSMSs literature by assessing the development of the field and identifying evolution patterns and gaps. With a qualitative approach, this systematic review was developed with the adoption of bibliographic procedures and action research. The intervention instrument ProKnow-C, a structured process guided by the constructivist perspective, was used. 3,130 studies were analyzed. Based on the results, the paper identified prolific authors and the most studied economic sectors. The evolution of safety management systems goals is explained and the evolutionary movement of the systems is compared to Bititci´s. A literature map was illustrated to show the frequency that the aspects related to OHSMSs are being explored. It indicates that integrated systems and ergonomic aspects are the most discussed topics. Furthermore, there is a shortage of longitudinal studies. It is noteworthy to mention that ergonomic indicators are being introduced into OHSMSs and their correlation is a promising topic to be explored. The use of data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning has grown significantly and quickly and has contributed to the evolution of the area. We conclude that developing OHSMS by respecting the decision maker's knowledge throughout the process, incorporating ergonomic aspects and using AI methods is a challenge that will contribute to the advancement of OHSMSs.

The Physical Ergonomics Body Posture In wearing bags; A Review Article

This study aims to highlight the key physical ergonomic requirements when designing bags as well as the anatomical nature of the body postures where bags are worn. It also seeks to provide feedback for institutions interested in ergonomic design. The study utilized the descriptive analytical approach due to its relevance to achieving the objectives of the study and verifying its hypotheses. The study offers a description of the natural anatomical nature of the body postures where bags are worn. Both researchers have utilized the inductive method through reviewing past Arab and foreign literature as well as the literature available on the international information network. The study concluded that physical ergonomic criteria must be considered when designing bags. The study also offers an overview of latest trends in the ergonomic domain to enhance human performance and product development. As such, it can be seen as a useful guide for comprehending the ergonomic principles of smart design. The two researchers recommended that it be mandatory to adopt the ergonomic aspects in fashion design and its accessories. It is also suggested to conduct extra research on the impacts of ergonomic considerations on fashion design and its accessories.

The Challenges of Applying Ergonomics to Small Medium Enterprises

One of the important roles of small medium enterprise (SMEs) is to contribute to solving challenges in the field of employment through the provision of employment. The uptake of labor in SMEs is not far inferior to large-scale industries. With the ease of access to information today, some business actors have begun to be aware of the role of ergonomics in the production aspect. This is inversely proportional to the condition of workers in the scope of SMEs. Workers in the SMEs sector have a sense of reluctance in doing ergonomics-based work principles. This research aims to review the work patterns carried out by workers at the SMEs level and investigate how workers understand ergonomic aspects and review the challenges of applying ergonomics in the future. This research was conducted using qualitative methods of phenomenology using deep interview techniques to several workers at the SMEs level. In this study also used triangulation against data obtained. The results showed that workers have a mini understanding of ergonomics-based work principles. The challenges of applying ergonomics in addition to being faced by the quality of human resources, including human factor aspects and sustainable risk management.

Ergonomic aspects related to saddle dental stools: An integrative literature review.

Ergonomic aspects related to saddle dental stools: An integrative literature review.