Ergonomic Techniques Research Articles

SMART APARTMENT DESIGN FOR A LOW MOBILE RESIDENT

The article considers the problem of design of a smart apartment as a new level of historical development of small housing. Various aspects of housing cell formation are considered in the scientific works of Bachynska L.G., Gnesya I.P., Gnat G.O. etc.The history of furniture development with the signs of transformation was studied by scientists: Bosyi I.M., Mygal S.P., Z. Dyachun., Vergunova N.S. The purpose of the study is to identify methods of forming the interior of a small residential cell, taking into account the requirements of comfortable living for a small mobile resident. Factors that determine the comfort of the living cell environment and the means to create conditions to ensure a comfortable stay and life in a limited area have been identified. One of the aspects of shaping the interior design of a smart apartment is the use of furniture-transformers. The classification of furniture-transformers according to the level of transformation is carried out: furniture that changes its position without changing the function; furniture that combines several functions; spatial «housing cube».
 The main directions of architectural and planning organization of smart apartments are identified: hotel-type apartment, studio apartment, apartment with two rooms, and their possibilities for organization of main functional zones. The basic expedient architectural and planning schemes of smart apartments with examples of their zoning, placement of furniture and interior design are developed and given. It was found that to create a barrier-free living environment for a low-mobility resident, the most acceptable schemes are a two-room apartment or a studio apartment, due to the size and square shape of the plan, which allows you to organize movement and access to furniture in a wheelchair. Based on a comprehensive consideration of the requirements for environmental comfort, regulatory requirements for barrier-free space, features of the use of furniture-transformers, compositional techniques of space organization, ergonomics and energy efficiency, the use of new technologies and modern environmental finishing materials, have been developed and implemented in real design smart apartment concept for little mobile resident. The description of project development with the substantiation of the accepted decision is given. According to the results of the study, recommendations for the design of the interior of a smart apartment for a low-mobile resident were formulated, including: «free floor», access and ease of use of furniture, equipment and technical equipment; use of furniture-transformers.

Ergonomics for the Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgeon

Study Objective Educate gynecologic surgeons on ergonomic techniques to reduce musculoskeletal injuries attributed to minimally-invasive gynecologic surgery. Design Surgical video. Setting Operating room for laparoscopic surgery. Patients or Participants N/A. Interventions Surgical ergonomic guidelines exist but are often not highlighted to surgeons and training is rare. This video serves to educate surgeons on ergonomic techniques to reduce or avoid musculoskeletal strain or injury. Measurements and Main Results There are unique ergonomic risks with minimally invasive surgery. Ergonomics training can improve efficiency, work satisfaction, and fewer lost work-days and sick-leave. Surgical training in gynecology should include education on proper ergonomic techniques. Conclusion The lack of knowledge among surgeons regarding proper ergonomic technique suggests that surgeon safety receives little attention. It has been established that the impact of poor surgical ergonomics has a profound and long-lasting impact on surgical performance and longevity. Interventions in other professional work-spaces have improved efficiency, employee satisfaction, as well as fewer lost workdays and sick-leave. We can assume these improvements can be made in gynecologic surgery as well, and proper ergonomic techniques should therefore be universally incorporated into surgical training.

Research of ergonomic comprehensive evaluation for suit production operation based on hybrid method with IAHP and gray entropy

To solve the problem of ergonomic evaluation of suit production system, a hybrid method of IAHP and gray entropy theory is proposed. Firstly, literature reviews for ergonomics evaluation tools and techniques are introduced. Furthermore, ergonomic evaluation index system of suit operation is established according to production practice. Besides, a comprehensive evaluation models process of gray entropy and IAHP is introduced. Finally, a detailed evaluation process of suit sewing, ironing and clipping operation is introduced by an example, and the results show that the evaluation method of the paper is helpful to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the operation system improvement demonstration.

Talo-calcaneal distraction Ilizarov frame: an ergonomic method to manage intra-articular fractures of calcaneum

Background: Principle of distraction and an indirect reduction was used to promote healing of fractures and adequate regeneration of cartilage at the subtalar joint.
 Aims and Objectives: The study was aimed to elaborate and develop role of Ilizarov as an alternative biologicalmethod to manage intraarticular fracture calcaneum with minimal chances of infection.
 Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients were studied and the mean age of patients was 40.7 years (span: 20 to 65 years). Sanders CT classification was used to divide into type II, 11 (52.38%); type III, 7 (33.33%) and type IV, 3 (14.28%). The average followup was 17.2 months (range: 6 to 24 months). AOFAS scale for ankle and hindfoot was used for assessment of patients- 7 (33.33%) excellent, 7 (33.33%) good, 3 (14.28%) fair, and 4 (19.04%) poor results. The average score was 81.5 ±12.1. The mean period of treatment was 12 weeks (10 to 14 weeks).
 Results: On radiological assessment, Bohler’s angle change was 19.7±4.4 degrees to 33.51± 5.7 degrees; angle of Gissane changed from 126.4 ± 6.7 degrees preoperatively to 124.9 ± 6.9 degrees postoperatively; calcanealheight changed 40.14 ± 1.98 mm preoperatively to 43.33 ± 1.87 mm and width changed 45.09 ±3.65 mm preoperatively to 43.09 ±3.16 mm postoperatively and reduction malalignment >10 degrees in 5 patients. Superficial skin infection at wire insertion sites was the most common complication encountered in our cases.
 Conclusion: Our results with this ergonomic technique in a small number of 21 non-randomised cases with a mean followup of 17.2 years attribute towards an alternate surgical substitute to conventional open reduction techniques in the treatment of intra-articular fractures of calcaneum having lesser rate of complications.

Intravesical repair of vesicovaginal fistula guided by cystoscopy.

Vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) are an unusual problem that may significantly affect a patient's quality of life. The main causes for this condition are labour complications (mostly in developing countries) and pelvic surgeries (in industrialised countries). Treatment may be conservative or surgical. Regarding surgical treatment, there is still debate about the best approach and surgical technique. To demonstrate a correction of a VVF guided by cystoscopy using intravesical laparoscopic instruments. Case report and surgical video of a recurrent VVF treated with a hybrid technique involving direct transvesical insertion of 3 mm laparoscopic trocars and instruments guided by cystoscopy. As far as we know, although there are some reported techniques that use a combination of transvesical laparoscopic instruments and cystoscopy, this is the least invasive and most ergonomic technique described. Two years after surgery, the patient remains asymptomatic and with no fistula recurrence. The transvesical approach guided by cystoscopy seems to be an effective, safe and ergonomic minimally invasive procedure for VVF repair.

Difference between Metaphysics and Physical Applications; Comparison of Classical and New Patient Positioning

Background: The linkage between metaphysics and applied physics is the key to creation. Realization of theories and concepts applied to nursing practice into technology is a theme in any age. This study compares the classical and new Patient Positioning in Nursing skills, which is clarified in the study comparing nursing textbooks worldwide in main countries and clarifies the difference of the academic concept metaphysically. Methods: Design analysis charts were used by the researcher and analyzed until theoretical saturation based on textbooks, papers, and expert opinions. Differences are drawn using figures of abstraction and realization. Results: The classical technique was an ergonomic technique considering the convenience of the nurse with the purpose concept of prevention for pressure ulcers and physical transfer. The new technology focuses that patients move by themselves, and the nursing side was only the assistant role. The technology with the purpose concept realized the support of physical, mental, and social aspects. Conclusion: Traditional Patient Positioning’s are skills with two concepts and patterns, and new ones are individual and comprehensive creations with different concepts. The working energy (J) in changing positions has been traditionally provided by nurses or Transfer Devices, not patients, but the new practice is performed by patients themselves, and nurses are the supporters of the process. KEYWORDS: Innovation,Design, Abstraction, Concreteness, Metaphysics

The significance of introducing ergonomic working techniques in the carpal tunnel syndrome prevention in dentists when performing local anesthesia

The significance of introducing ergonomic working techniques in the carpal tunnel syndrome prevention in dentists when performing local anesthesia

Emergency Response Preparation in a New Outpatient Proton Center

Patient acuity is increasing in the ambulatory setting. New treatments and techniques assist patients in living longer, in turn allowing additional comorbidities to develop. Many of these comorbidities may require urgent treatment. Emergency response preparation can have a positive impact on readiness and timed responses to prevent and respond to emergencies. A new 80,000 square-foot ambulatory proton center was built within an academically-aligned community hospital. As part of its opening, protocols for emergency response preparation were developed and enacted. The aim of this Quality Improvement project was to develop a plan for emergency response as it pertains to declining patients and medical codes in a newly-opened ambulatory radiation oncology setting. Emergency response plans were developed in collaboration with the Armstrong Institute using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model (SEIPS) model to guide practice. The SEIPS model provides guidance when analyzing factors that affect patient safety. The focus of the plan was to identify potential risks and mitigate them in order to minimize adverse safety events for patients. Additionally, the plan was designed to allow for process improvement to improve quality and patient outcomes. The response plan was tested with three simulated scenarios: rapid response to a patient fall, pediatric cardiac arrest, and a medical emergency during an MRI procedure. Due to the scope of the exercise, only the pediatric cardiac arrest was trialed more than once. For the patient fall scenario, a hospital wide alert was dispatched in 25 seconds for the response team. The first rapid responder arrived within 85 seconds and the stretcher was brought to the scene in an additional 90 seconds. During the MRI scenario, staff were able to reduce the time to move the patient from 64 to 42 seconds. In the pediatric cardiac arrest scenario, there were decreases in time for staff arrival, arrival of an emergency cart, defibrillation, stretcher arrival, and transport to an appropriate level of care. Overall practice gaps identified include issues with the automated communications, and the need for ergonomic techniques for moving heavy equipment, an MRI stretcher, lighting in stairwells, and badge access. This quality improvement project utilized scenarios to facilitate identification of gaps in practice. Common themes amongst the scenarios were identified, and team members from various disciplines were able to work together to identify solutions to close the gaps. When opening a new outpatient clinical site, it is important to identify and test emergency response plans in order to promote patient safety.

Lysis of Anterior Abdominal Wall Adhesions during Pelvic Laparoscopic Surgery: An Ergonomic Seated Approach

Study Objective To describe a seated position during laparoscopic adhesiolysis of the anterior abdominal wall in pelvic gynecologic surgery that improves the surgeon's ergonomic positioning and lessens discomfort. Design Photos of the surgeon during traditional standing approach and seated approach were taken intraoperatively and posture was compared against standard ergonomic guidelines. Posture was evaluated by measuring angles between anatomic areas such as the angle of flexion at the elbow. Setting Operating room during laparoscopic anterior abdominal wall adhesiolysis. Patients or Participants Primary gynecologic surgeon. Interventions Surgeon assumes a seated position during anterior abdominal wall adhesiolysis. Measurements and Main Results When the table is positioned at the correct height during laparoscopic surgery, accessing the anterior abdominal wall while standing causes extremes in body positioning. This maneuver results in asymmetry of the pelvic girdle, lateral spine bending, misalignment of the neck and back, and excessive wrist radial deviation. This positioning causes the surgeon to potentially have hip, back, neck, and wrist discomfort. In contrast, the seated position gives the surgeon more optimal ergonomic positioning, with return to pelvic symmetry, neutral cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine position, and neutral wrist position. Conclusion Sitting for anterior abdominal wall adhesiolysis during pelvic surgery improves ergonomics and comfort. Increased awareness of and training in proper ergonomic techniques may decrease musculoskeletal injuries in laparoscopic surgeons.

Pronation Technique in ARDS Patients

In severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), characterized by the ratio of arterial partial pressure of oxygen over fraction of inspired oxygen (P/F) less than 150 mm Hg, pronation cycles are the only intervention that showed improved survival, in combination with protective ventilation. The physiological advantages of performing pronation cycles, such as the improvement of oxygenation, better tidal volume distribution with increased involvement of dorsal regions, and easier drainage of secretions, overcome the possible complications, that is, endotracheal tube occlusion or misplacement, pressure ulcers, and brachial plexus injury. However, the incidence of complications is dramatically lower in intensive care units with expertise, adopting prone positioning in daily practice.
 In this video we are proposing step by step an easy and ergonomic technique to perform pronation maneuvers in patients with severe ARDS. Recent literature suggests that a high percentage of these patients are treated without undergoing pronation cycles.
 The main purpose of this video is to help increase the number of intensive care units worldwide commonly performing pronation cycles in patients that have indications to be pronated, in order to decrease healthcare burden and costs directly caused by ARDS.
 Proper intensive care unit staff training is fundamental in minimizing the risks associated with the maneuver for both patients and operators; and diffusion of a safe technique encouraging the operators is the second main purpose of this video.
 
 (This video was recorded before the COVID-19 outbreak)

Continuous Dynamic Mapping to Identify the Corticospinal Tract in Motor Eloquent Brain Tumors: An Update.

We recently developed a new subcortical mapping technique based on the concept of stimulating the tissue at the site of and synchronously with resection. Our hypothesis was that instead of performing resection and mapping sequentially, a synchronized resection and mapping could potentially improve deficit rates. We report our 5-year series of patients who prospectively underwent tumor surgery adjacent to the corticospinal tract (CST) (defined as < 1 cm using diffusion tension imaging and fiber tracking) with simultaneous subcortical short train cathodal monopolar mapping, equipped with a new acoustic motor evoked potential (MEP) alarm. Continuous (temporal coverage) and dynamic (spatial coverage) mapping was realized technically by integrating the mapping probe at the tip of a new suction device. Motor function was assessed using the Medical Research Council scale (from M1 to M5) 1 day after surgery, at discharge, and at 3 months. Technically, the method was successful in all 182 cases. The lowest individual motor thresholds reached during resection were > 10 mA, n = 56; 6-10 mA, n = 31; 4-5 mA, n = 37; and 1-3 mA, n = 58. At 3 months, six patients (3%) had a persisting postoperative motor deficit that was caused by direct mechanical injury in three of these patients (1.7%). Continuous dynamic mapping was found to be a feasible and ergonomic technique for localizing the exact site of the CST and distance to the motor fibers. This new technique may improve the safety of motor eloquent tumor surgery.

A comparison in precision and accuracy of the conventional syringe to the Suh precision syringe.

PurposeTo compare the accuracy and precision of a conventional intraocular syringe to the Suh precision syringe (SPS), a new injection device designed to decrease operator error and to reduce adverse outcomes by providing a more ergonomic technique for periocular and intraocular injections.MethodsParticipants were instructed to inject a specified quantity of water into a 0.2 mL polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tube and a sheep eye, first with the conventional syringe, and then with the SPS. The degree of needle movement during injection was video recorded and analyzed for forward-retraction movement and variability in movement. The volume of water injected into the PCR tube was also documented. Data was analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.ResultsAs compared to the conventional syringe, the SPS had significantly less forward-retraction movement when injecting into the sheep eye (P=0.04). Similarly, the forward-retraction movement of the needle when injecting into the PCR tube was less while using the SPS compared with the conventional syringe; however, this was not statistically significant (P=0.09). There was no significant difference in the volume of water expelled from both syringes (P=0.28).ConclusionThe SPS demonstrates significant potential to decrease the overall risk involved with injections through reduction of forward-retraction movement during device operation. This new syringe design also provides better control with injection depth and drug injection volume. With its more ergonomic design, the SPS has the potential to decrease risks associated with intraocular injections by improving the accuracy and precision of the injection.

Measuring Back Injury Risk in Mexican Workers of an Automotive Company

Introduction: The Mexican manufacturing sector in the automotive industry employs an average of 8 million 850 thousand workers per year spread across the 32 states, of which Puebla contributes with 465 106, developing, in a high percentage, the verification of new parts as part of the manufacture process. This activity is supported by the use of devices known as fixtures, whose equipment and tool forces operators to lift loads between 10 and 50 kilograms by performing manual operations to hold parts, presenting pain at the lumbar level, therefore, it is essential to measure the risks of back injuries in the study population. The objective was to identify and measure the risks of back injuries in the study population. Materials and methods: The inspection process is analyzed by identifying the potential risk factors. Ergonomic methodologies and instruments are used, such as Quick Exposure Check (QEC), the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Niosh) equation, the reba (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) method, Ovako’s Work Posture Analysis System (OWAS), among others. Results: The qec method shows that trunk/back and wrist/hand are the most sensitive parts to risk exposure, indicating that 18 % of the postures are rated 4 in the level of risk, with the back rotated and bent in over 32 % of time. The weight of the operation exceeds 20 kilograms in 71.4 %. Conclusion: Four ergonomic techniques are used to assess the risk of injury, the inspection process of manufactured parts is analyzed.

Review of Method Study Approach to Productivity Gain: A Multi-case Study of Portable Water Producing Factory

This study evaluated level of work-study approach (wsa) to productivity advancement in Southwest-Nigeria Portable Water Producing Factories (PWPF). Objectives were to, measure productivity trend (PT) and, evaluate managers’ recognition and contribution(s) of wsa to productivity growth. PT was measured from 4 years records provided by 50 employers in 50 PWPF. Questionnaires were used on the employers and 120 employees to measure adopted wsa and impacts with responses reported on the scale of 1 to 5. Data was analyzed using t-test statistical analysis. The best performed PWPF was rated 43.75%. Disloyalty, low remuneration, lack of trainings and unsafe workplace were the major factors reported to have influenced the PT. Machinery Utilization (MeU) maximization was the commonly adopted approach. The employers’ ratings of MeU statistically significantly lower (mean=3.6364, SEM= 0.06913) to that of employees (mean=3.7333 SEM=0.6645) t(169) =0.641, p=0.522. Human resources management (p=0.235) and workers’ performance evaluation (p=0.906) were also significant and rated above average. However, work-method, safe work-practices and work-demands reviews, which were key attributes of ergonomic techniques and workers-related factors (wrf), were not significant, rated below average. The author concluded that neglects of wrf in wsa, must have greatly contributed to the weak PT of the industry and should be properly addressed to enhance productivity growth. Keywords— ergonomic, industry, productivity, water, work-study

Ergonomics: making the OR a comfortable place.

The objective of this video is to highlight strategies to improve operating room (OR) ergonomics, which will result in increased surgeon comfort during minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and decreased risk of musculoskeletal injury. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are prevalent among surgeons, including those who perform minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. WMSDs are repetitive strain injuries that can damage a surgeon's muscles, nerves, and/or joints and commonly affect the neck, back, wrist, and hands. In addition to chronic pain, these injuries can lead to decreased job satisfaction and productivity. This video will discuss general ergonomic principles and demonstrate ergonomic techniques in conventional laparoscopic, vaginal, and robotic surgery. Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery can be physically taxing on the surgeon. Understanding principles and utilizing techniques of OR ergonomics can minimize these physical demands and result in a long, healthy, and pain-free surgical career.

Ergonomic evaluation of physiological stress of building construction workers associated with manual material handling tasks

Purpose: In India, the cost of manpower is very low; hence Manual Material Handling (MMH) is the cheapest solution. This study aimed to quantify the cardiac strain and postural stress of male building construction workers associated with MMH tasks. Materials and methods: Mean (SD) age (years) and job experience (years) of the workers were 31.0(4.65) and 8.8 (3.23), respectively (n=35). Working peak heart rate was recorded by polar heart rate monitor, posture analysis was done by the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System (OWAS) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method, body part discomfort was assessed by the Nordic questionnaire, and perceived exertion was evaluated by the Borg scale. Two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test was performed between peak heart rate of workers associated with MMH tasks and upper extremity intensive tasks (n=31). Results: Results revealed that mean peak heart rate of the workers was significantly different (higher) compared with that of the upper extremity intensive workers (p&lt;0.05). This study showed that most of the working postures were hazardous. The magnitude of risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) was much higher as per REBA compared with OWAS. Most of the workers suffered from pain in the head, neck, shoulder, lower back, and arm region. As per the Borg scale, the rate of perceived exertion was ‘hard and heavy’ among most of the workers (68.57%). Conclusions: Postural stress and cardiac strain beyond the safe limit indicates the heavy nature of the job. Load limit optimization, ergonomic lifting technique, and rescheduled work-rest cycle are essential to reducing physiological and perceived work load.

Integrating the Ergonomics Techniques with Multi Criteria Decision Making as a New Approach for Risk Management: An Assessment of Repetitive Tasks -Entropy Case Study.

Nowadays, the health work decision makers need to analyze a huge amount of data and consider many conflicting evaluation criteria and sub-criteria. Therefore, an ergonomic evaluation in the work environment in order to the control occupational disorders is considered as the Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem. In this study, the ergonomic risks factors, which may influence health, were evaluated in a manufacturing company in 2014. Then entropy method was applied to prioritize the different risk factors. This study was done with a descriptive-analytical approach and 13 tasks were included from total number of employees who were working in the seven halls of an ark opal manufacturing (240). Required information was gathered by the demographic questionnaire and Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) method for repetitive task assessment. In addition, entropy was used to prioritize the risk factors based on the ergonomic control needs. The total exposure score based on the ART method calculated was equal to 30.07 ±12.43. Data analysis illustrated that 179 cases (74.6% of tasks) were in the high level of risk area and 13.8% were in the medium level of risk. ART- entropy results revealed that based on the weighted factors, higher value belongs to grip factor and the lowest value was related to neck and hand posture and duration. Based on the limited financial resources, it seems that MCDM in many challenging situations such as control procedures and priority approaches could be used successfully. Other MCDM methods for evaluating and prioritizing the ergonomic problems are recommended.

Retraction of ‘Ergonomic Techniques for a Mobile E‐Invoice System: Operational Requirements of an Information Management System. Human Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing &amp; Service Industries, 23, 582–589. doi: 10.1002/hfm.20340

The article listed above, published online on Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editors‐in‐Chief, Gavriel Salvendy and Waldemar Karwowski, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to evidence indicating that the peer review of this paper was compromised. It is believed that the paper was accepted based on recommendations from reviewers with conflicts of interest. In addition, ISI provided the publisher with evidence of inappropriate manipulation of citations.

Rahvusliku ehituse eriala kiviehituspraktika Läänemaal / Stone building fieldwork of the Estonian native construction curriculum in Läänemaa

A student of the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy, Laur Oberschneider, organised granite-boulder building fieldwork for his younger course-mates. The fieldwork took place from 22nd to 29th August 2014 in Laiakivi farm in Metsküla village, Lihula parish, in Läänemaa (western Estonia). Alo Peebo, who holds an MA in Inherited Crafts from UT VCA, shared his knowledge and skills for reconstructing the façade of the granite stone cellar and for repairing the back corners of the cellar's dry walls. During the fieldwork, the students learned how to split the rocks using both a stone splitting hammer and by wedging. A lot of attention was paid to the safety, and the students were taught to use ergonomic techniques to prevent any unnecessary injuries and or traumas arising from working with heavy boulders and slates.&#x0D; Since the wall had been previously repaired using a fast cement-based mortar the stones of the facade were difficult to clean and most of them had to be replaced by new ones during the fieldwork. A 10% lime-cement mortar, was used to build the façade. Due to the rainy autumn the mortar could not dry properly and some fractures that need repairing developed in the joints. To prevent this from happening, work on a wall should take place at the beginning or middle of the summer, so that the wall will have plenty of time to dry.&#x0D; A local newspaper Lääne Elu also wrote an article about the fieldwork. In the article, Krista Kallavus, the owner of Laiakivi Farm and the specialist on cultural heritage in the Hiiu-Lääne-Saare region with the Environmental Board, invited national parks to cooperate more with the VCA.&#x0D; Keywords: granite stone cellar, boulder construction, splitting, wedging, mortar

Tendencje rozwoju metod i technik ergonomicznego kształtowania stanowisk pracy

Tendencje rozwoju metod i technik ergonomicznego kształtowania stanowisk pracy