Ergonomic Features Research Articles

Human-Computer Interaction: Lights, Shadows, and Spotlights

In the last decades, Information and Computer Technology (ICT) has become part and parcel of our lives, bringing undeniable advantages, especially in the workplace, both to individuals and organizations. Nonetheless, the increasingly massive use of ICT also contributed to a higher risk for maladaptive effects on quality of life, thus jeopardizing workers’ well-being. From the perspective of the organizational safety approach, the study of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is crucial. Despite this, so far, much attention has been paid to ergonomics and to technostress, but mostly from a sectorial perspective and disregarding several additional phenomena. In this conceptual paper, a multidimensional model able to go beyond the ergonomic features necessary to set a functional physical environment and facilitate the isomorphism mind-ICT is advocated. We point out a modern approach aimed at exploring additional dimensions underpinning HCI in the workplace, with a dual purpose: to highlight possible risk factors for maladjustment and to pave the way for intervention strategies to facilitate a healthy HCI.

Ergonomic Characteristics of Expert Masons

Ergonomic Characteristics of Expert Masons

A picturesque interior space

The dwelling interior is an essential component of everyday happiness. One of the most ancient and effective means to achieve psychological comfort in the house is easel interior painting. The process of creating interior paintings for two very different customers is considered through specific examples. It is shown that the final result should take into account both the personal characteristics of the person for whom the picture is intended and the ergonomic characteristics of the living space, its size, lighting, and so on.

CHART OF STATUS OF THE UNMANNED AVIATION COMPLEX

A scheme of interrelationships of external and internal macro- and microenvironmental factors and their influence on the states of the unmanned aerial vehicle system has been developed. It is proposed to use an approach with elements of graph theory and set theory to analyze the states of an unmanned aircraft complex. The given graph of the functioning of the man-machine system of a sample of the unmanned aircraft complex of the “micro UAS unmanned aircraft system” class sets the transitions that determine the closed cycle of the execution of a combat mission.
 An example of building a structure of functional indicators of unmanned aerial vehicles with life cycle elements using graph theory for the analysis of “bottlenecks” in ensuring reliability is given. The analysis of “bottlenecks” in the control systems of unmanned aerial vehicles in the area of the ground control station – unmanned aerial vehicle is aimed at determining directions for increasing reliability, flight safety, increasing functionality, flight range and improving ergonomic characteristics.
 A comprehensive analysis of the functioning and dynamics of changes in reliability indicators with relevant data for previous periods of operation will allow us to draw specific conclusions about the actual level of reliability of the UAS un manned aircraft system fleet and identify bottlenecks for further improvement and the possibility of transitioning to the use of third-generation BpAK (autonomous devices) with self-learning systems with artificial intelligence.
 The theoretical rationale and the given practical recommendations should be taken into account when developing new prospective models of unmanned aerial vehicles for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in accordance with their official purpose.

Investigation of Factors Influencing Ergonomic Characteristics of Water Bottle Handles

Investigation of Factors Influencing Ergonomic Characteristics of Water Bottle Handles

Tactile and mechanical investigation of screen printed specimens with puff effect

The subject of this paper was the investigation of the tactile and mechanical characteristics of printed specimens achieved using the manual technique of screen printing. The specimens are printed using ink enriched with a puff base. The puff base gives the print a three-dimensional shape and surface characteristics. This paper aims to investigate whether such prints can be used to improve the ergonomic characteristics of a product that undergoes in-hand manipulation. To determine the possibility of using a screen printing technique with a puff effect for ergonomic purposes, two experiments were performed. The first experiment involved subjective investigation of the tactile properties of the prints which are important since the end-users are people. The second experiment involved laboratory testing of the resistance of prints to mechanical rubbing (colour rendering) which is important since the prints should be able to endure a lot of in-hand manipulation. The specimens were printed using the manual screen printing technique on four different textile substrates. Apart from the substrate, the amount of added puff substance in ink and the screen printing mesh count varied. After testing the mechanical resistance to rubbing, colour differences were calculated. Based on the results obtained, resistance to mechanical effect was confirmed, and it was determined which prints have the best resistance and tactile features. Further investigations will be focused on investigating the same type of printing on different materials, and discovering how can prints with puff effect contribute to in-hand object manipulation.

Investigating the impacts of working at home among office workers with neck pain on health status, depression and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective. This study aimed to assess the effect of workplace and ergonomic features on neck pain intensity, sleep problems, depression and health status in office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. One-hundred and thirty-nine office workers with neck pain aged 18–55 years were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic features including ergonomic features of the workplace were evaluated. The Beck depression inventory (BDI), Nottingham health profile (NHP), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) were administered to all participants. Results. All participants were grouped based on workplace into Group 1 (working in office, n = 84) and Group 2 (working at home, n = 55). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups according to the rate of absence of back support and flexible back (respectively p = 0.020 and p = 0.029). The neck pain and disability index (NPDI) scores of the participants who work with a computer for >3 h without a break was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1, and the differences between groups were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusions. The health-related quality of life was worse and neck pain intensity was severe in the working at home group than in the working in office group. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05074407.

Ergonomic Characteristics and Mean Anthropometry Data of Gari-Frying Population in South-Western Nigeria

Disregarding ergonomics in designing a workstation has been identified as a major cause of inefficiency, low productivity and injury to personnel, especially among indigenous food processing operators. Operations such as gari-frying require an ergonomic workstation but due to unavailability or insufficient data, this has not been possible. This study focused on the collection of anthropometric data of the gari-frying population in the six southwestern states of Nigeria to provide data needed for designing gari-frying facilities that fit the target population. Twenty-five body dimensions were measured among 120 gari -frying processors from six states. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS package. Results show that there is a statistically significant difference in variability of data across and within the states in all the body dimensions measured at P≤0.05, therefore. This work, thus recommended that the workstation should be designed with percentile values to cover a larger number of the target population. Keywords: Ergonomic, Workstation, Gari -frying, Design to fit, Anthropometry. DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/12-5-02 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

Low back pain and associated risk factors among medical students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Different studies showed the high prevalence of LBP among medical students. However, no study has been conducted on Bangladeshi medical students to estimate the prevalence of LBP. This study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among randomly selected 270 medical students and medical interns in Faridpur Medical College, Bangladesh, using an online questionnaire. In data analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 207 participants responded fully to the survey, and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 22.4 ± 1.9 years. The point, 6-month, and 12-month prevalence of LBP was 25.6%, 46.9%, and 63.3%, respectively. In most participants, LBP was localized (53.2%), recurrent (64.9%), non-specific (70.8%), affected for a short period (55%), and relieved without receiving any treatment (60.4%). Participants who had a significantly higher 12-month prevalence of LBP included females (72.2% vs 52.2%), with BMI >25 kg/m 2 (73.2% vs 56.7%), those who performed physical activity at low to moderate frequency (72.4% vs 29.5%), those who spent > 6 hours/day by sitting (71.3% vs 45.3%), and those who did not have enough rest time (92.7% vs 56%). Ergonomic features of chairs, such as having back support, adjustable back support, and adjustable sitting surface, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the outcomes. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh was high, and most of the risk factors associated with the high prevalence of LBP were modifiable. Hence, LBP can be prevented by implementing preventive strategies and providing ergonomic training and physical activity facilities.

L’outillage en quartz spécialisé utilisé en percussion lancée en contexte discoïde à Pointe pseudo-Levallois : l’exemple de Champs de Bossuet

The quartz component of the Champs de Bossuet (CdB) industry has been the subject of technological and techno-functional analyses focused on the ergonomic characterization of percussive tools related to their morphologies, their dimensions and masses but especially on their Active Percussion Zone (APZ) (morphology, extent, location). After assessing the position held by the percussive tools in the quartz component, they will be described on the basis of a subdivision into two large families correlated to their function and mode of operation: sharp percussion tools and blunt percussion tools (Viallet et al. 2022). Among this last group, constituting the panoply of percutors (of sensu lato size), ergonomic specificities could be highlighted in a correlation with a specialization of the lithic flint production mode for which they were used: discoid debitage with pseudo-Levallois point and its ramifications (Bourguignon et al. 2000; Lenoble et al. 2000 ; Bourguignon &amp; Turq 2003). Each of the characteristics (weights, size and morphology) and their grouping by categories will be described and quantified and their function evaluated. Finally, we will propose, for classes of hammerstones with very specific size and ergonomic characteristics, a terminology derived from the current technical vocabulary describing the «striking tools» and in particular hammers for purposes of differentiation in the rich panoply of percussive tools and comparisons in other archaeological records.

Predicting Healthcare Workers’ Work Performance Based on Safety- Ergonomic Features of Medical Gloves at Fars Province Hospitals, Iran, 2021

Predicting Healthcare Workers’ Work Performance Based on Safety- Ergonomic Features of Medical Gloves at Fars Province Hospitals, Iran, 2021

An Ergonomics Study and Rapid Upper Limb Assessments (RULA) for a Car Interior to Support Limb Disabled Drivers

The demanding market shows that the need for the disabled vehicles have been increasing over the recent years. However, these factory setting cars are pricey, and its buy-sell process is time-consuming. These cars also are not meant as a universal design or inclusion design type of car, so that when it is designed for the disabled, it can be beneficial for all. With the motivation to include limbs disabled drivers in designing a universally designed car, this study aims to determine the preferred ergonomics interior of the car which can improve features needed to meet the mobility of impaired individuals in most scenarios. 5 simulations were carried out to simulate these conditions using the RULA analysis, in order to simulate the ergonomics impact on the manikin. In the final analysis, the simulations showed a virtuous score, which was between 1 and 2 for the newly redesigned interior, compared to the score of 3 to 6 for current cars. Another verification made, post questionnaire delineates positive responses upon the redesigned parts scoring 70%~90% level of ergonomics rated. Therefore, this research has set forth the necessity of redesigning a car interior and improved its ergonomic features extensively, specifically for lower limb and combined limb disabled drivers.

Iconic Mathematics: Math Designed to Suit the Mind.

Mathematics is a struggle for many. To make it more accessible, behavioral and educational scientists are redesigning how it is taught. To a similar end, a few rogue mathematicians and computer scientists are doing something more radical: they are redesigning mathematics itself, improving its ergonomic features. Charles Peirce, an important contributor to ordinary symbolic logic, also introduced a rigorous but non-symbolic, graphical alternative to it that is easier to picture. In the spirit of this iconic logic, George Spencer-Brown founded iconic mathematics. Performing iconic arithmetic, algebra, and even trigonometry, resembles doing calculations on an abacus, which is still popular in education today, has aided humanity for millennia, helps even when it is merely imagined, and ameliorates severe disability in basic computation. Interestingly, whereas some intellectually disabled individuals excel in very complex numerical tasks, others of normal intelligence fail even in very simple ones. A comparison of their wider psychological profiles suggests that iconic mathematics ought to suit the very people traditional mathematics leaves behind.

Change of drivers’ functional condition during dangerous goods transportation

The study of the human factors in traffic safety is a relatively young scientific field that began to develop several decades before the mass car advent. The origins of transport psychology and psychophysiology were mostly aimed at creating more comfortable and safe driving conditions due to the design of highways. Over time, there was a need to take into account drivers working conditions, namely the ergonomics of vehicles. The latest works have already taken into account previous experience and considered the issues of freight and passenger transportation technological processes, including the human factor. Among the objects and subjects of research in previous works were considered the processes of driving vehicles with different ergonomic characteristics and buses of different capacities, which created a kind of case matrix for planning experiments. When it comes to trucks, the matrix of cases became much larger, as the set of ergonomic and dynamic features of vehicles adds a much wider set of specialization of cargo and truck types. In this case, the most important issue is to determine the road conditions impact the driver's functional condition, engaged in the transport of dangerous goods, which is the purpose of this article. The research used: methods of field survey to establish the values of traffic flow on highways; methods of in-house research to determine the value of road capacity; electrophysiological methods to determine changes in the driver's functional condition. The article describes the typing of road conditions according to their complexity, as well as the differentiation of drivers according to their psychological and professional qualities. Experimental studies of changes in driver's functional state of different age and socionic groups with different road conditions complexity, during dangerous goods transportation (second class of risk). The main results indicate that the analysis of traffic conditions' impact on the driver's functional state shows different dynamics of psycho-emotional stress change for people characterized by certain types of the nervous system and the ratio of their age to work experience.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgical submucosal dissection (TEM-ESD) for rectal adenomas: a retrospective cohort study of 145 consecutive cases.

Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are currently the two most popular methods for resecting large rectal adenomas en bloc. However, damage to the mesorectum in the case of TEM, plus the technical challenges and long procedure times of flexible ESD, are major disadvantages of these procedures. Transanal endoscopic microsurgical submucosal dissection (TEM-ESD) is a new technique, combining the ergonomic features of TEM with the minimally invasive approach of ESD. The aim of our study was to assess the feasibility and safety of TEM-ESD for resection of large rectal adenomas. We retrospectively analyzed all TEM-ESD procedures performed in Karlsruhe Municipal Hospital between 2012 and 2019, isolated all cases of adenomas, and analyzed the perioperative and follow-up data of the patients. We identified 145 cases matching our criteria. The median size of the lesions was 4.2cm, and the median operating time was 45min. The en bloc resection rate was 100%, and the complete en bloc resection rate was 78.6%. The overall morbidity rate was 6.9%. In a median follow-up period of 24months, there was a local recurrence in 4.8% of the cases. TEM-ESD is a safe and feasible therapeutic option for resecting large rectal adenomas, offering high en bloc resection and low recurrence rates combined with short operating time and low morbidity. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER (CLINICALTRIALS.GOV): NCT04870931.

New Digital Environment Supports Endodontic Complications Reduction: Clinically Driven Ergo-Digital Study

To formulate a digital environment for clinically driven ergonomic patterns assessment among endodontists and evaluate the effectiveness of its practical implementation. The study cohort was formed out of 30 clinicians, who agreed on videorecording of their clinical working patterns during endodontic treatment using a 3-orthogonally related capturing algorithm. The human simulation tool was used for CAD-modeling of clinically driven endodontic environment, within which ergonomic parameters of each doctor were registered based on RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) and REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) criteria. Associations between registered non-ergonomic patterns and the prevalence of complications noticed during endodontic treatment were evaluated under regression analysis with further data cleaning and structured prediction. Optimization of working patterns included CAD-engineering of modified cinematic chain and barycenter's coordinates interactions for each endodontist recruited in the study. Provided regression analysis approved statistically augmented associations between trends of endodontic complications prevalence registered among upper molars and premolars with non-ergonomic working patterns of recruited clinical dentists, represented by r=0,69 (р < 0,05) та r=0,57 (р < 0,05) (under the condition of standardized leveling any other factor influence within the individually formulated digital clinically-driven environment). Optimization of ergonomic features identified within doctor-customized CAD-engineered cinematic chain supported the reduction of endodontic complications prevalence by 31.6% and 18.5% among upper molars and premolars, respectively. Digitalization of clinically driven working patterns registered among endodontists supports further identification of critical issues within ergonomic sequences and provides possibilities for their optimization. Such an approach could be successfully implemented in clinical practice while helping to minimize endodontic complications prevalence.

THE RESEARCH ON THE PRODUCTION OF SPECIAL CLOTHES FOR CAR REPAIRMEN, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ERGONOMIC FEATURES OF A PERSON

The main purpose of work clothes is to reliably protect the human body from various production factors while maintaining a normal functional condition and ability to work. Work clothes should not restrict the movement of the worker during the work process and should meet the needs that arise when used in accordance with the purpose, as well as be comfortable. Convenience affects not only the well-being of the employee but also his or her ability to work efficiently. These articles are devoted to the solution of designing special clothing for car repair workers, taking into account the ergonomic characteristics of men, and analysing the results of research for the design of special clothing.

Trends and Prospects of Founding Start-Up-Unicorns

The article studies the most evident examples of fast growing business from start-ups to companies – unicorns, analyzes causes of their quick success and shows key trends of future start-ups. The authors identify trends of realizing business start-ups of future companies – unicorns, among which technological start-ups, fintech start-ups, start-ups in the field of transport, EdTech, medical start-ups, e-commerce. The authors review the most successful companies-unicorns of the new decade of the 21st century. They analyze different lines in business development from electronic on-line platforms for designing on-line games, education services, estimating the efficiency of ad campaigns and marketing analysis to production of grapheme nano-tubes with higher electro-conductivity and strength. The article identifies vectors of companies – unicorn evolution in view of demand for digital products (services, applications) on the part of internet- space market and information technologies, as well as needs of new technology and innovation market, where the major trend is development of unique materials (production). The role of entrepreneurship of new formation (for B2C market) is demonstrated in order to raise comfort, accessibility and ergonomic characteristics of products/services and at the same time to increase their basic functionality for convenience and relative simplicity for users. The article gives examples of home companies – unicorns that grew up from start-ups, whose capitalization exceeds $1bn. The authors study the most popular markets, where a considerable number of companies – unicorns are located and show statistics of successful start-ups of 2020–2021. Start-up trends and requirements to them aimed at attaining the status of successful company with high capitalization were characterized.

Low back pain and associated risk factors among medical students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Different studies showed the high prevalence of LBP among medical students. However, no study has been conducted on Bangladeshi medical students to estimate the prevalence of LBP. This study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among randomly selected 270 medical students and medical interns in Faridpur Medical College, Bangladesh, using an online questionnaire. In data analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 207 participants responded fully to the survey, and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 22.4 ± 1.9 years. The point, 6-month, and 12-month prevalence of LBP was 25.6%, 46.9%, and 63.3%, respectively. In most participants, LBP was localized (53.2%), recurrent (64.9%), non-specific (70.8%), affected for a short period (55%), and relieved without receiving any treatment (60.4%). Participants who had a significantly higher 12-month prevalence of LBP included females (72.2% vs 52.2%), with BMI >25 kg/m 2 (73.2% vs 56.7%), those who performed physical activity at low to moderate frequency (72.4% vs 29.5%), those who spent > 6 hours/day by sitting (71.3% vs 45.3%), and those who did not have enough rest time (92.7% vs 56%). Ergonomic features of chairs, such as having back support, adjustable back support, and adjustable sitting surface, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the outcomes. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh was high, and most of the risk factors associated with the high prevalence of LBP were modifiable. Hence, LBP can be prevented by implementing preventive strategies and providing ergonomic training and physical activity facilities.

Low back pain and associated risk factors among medical students in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Different studies showed the high prevalence of LBP among medical students. However, no study has been conducted on Bangladeshi medical students to estimate the prevalence of LBP. This study determined the prevalence, characteristics, and associated risk factors of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among randomly selected 270 medical students and medical interns in Faridpur Medical College, Bangladesh, using an online questionnaire. In data analysis, chi-square test and binary logistic regression were performed, and a p-value of < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. Results: A total of 207 participants responded fully to the survey, and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the participants was 22.4 ± 1.9 years. The point, 6-month, and 12-month prevalence of LBP was 25.6%, 46.9%, and 63.3%, respectively. In most participants, LBP was localized (53.2%), recurrent (64.9%), non-specific (70.8%), affected for a short period (55%), and relieved without receiving any treatment (60.4%). Participants who had a significantly higher 12-month prevalence of LBP included females (72.2% vs 52.2%), with BMI >25 kg/m 2 (73.2% vs 56.7%), those who performed physical activity at low to moderate frequency (72.4% vs 29.5%), those who spent > 6 hours/day by sitting (71.3% vs 45.3%), and those who did not have enough rest time (92.7% vs 56%). Ergonomic features of chairs, such as having back support, adjustable back support, and adjustable sitting surface, significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the outcomes. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP among medical students in Bangladesh was high, and most of the risk factors associated with the high prevalence of LBP were modifiable. Hence, LBP can be prevented by implementing preventive strategies and providing ergonomic training and physical activity facilities.