Use Of Laptop Computer Research Articles

Using Wearable Cameras to Categorize the Type and Context of Screen-Based Behaviors Among Adolescents: Observational Study.

BackgroundAutomated wearable cameras present a new opportunity to accurately assess human behavior. However, this technology is seldom used in the study of adolescent’s screen exposure, and the field is reliant on poor-quality self-report data.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine adolescents’ screen exposure by categorizing the type and context of behaviors using automated wearable cameras.MethodsAdolescents (mean age 15.4 years, SD 1.6 years; n=10) wore a camera for 3 school evenings and 1 weekend day. The camera captured an image every 10 seconds. Fieldwork was completed between February and March 2020, and data were analyzed in August 2020. Images were date and time stamped, and coded for screen type, content, and context.ResultsData representing 71,396 images were analyzed. Overall, 74.0% (52,842/71,396) of images contained screens and 16.8% (11,976/71,396) of images contained multiple screens. Most screen exposures involved television sets (25,950/71,396, 36.3%), smartphones (20,851/71,396, 29.2%), and laptop computers (15,309/71,396, 21.4%). The context of screen use differed by device type, although most screen exposures occurred at home (62,455/64,856, 96.3%) and with solitary engagement (54,430/64,856, 83.9%). The immediate after-school period saw high laptop computer use (4785/15,950, 30.0%), while smartphone use (2059/5320, 38.7%) peaked during prebedtime hours. Weekend screen exposure was high, with smartphone use (1070/1927, 55.5%) peaking in the early morning period and fluctuating throughout the day.ConclusionsThere was evidence for high screen use during the after-school and weekend period, mostly through solitary engagement, and within the home environment. The findings may inform the basis of larger studies aimed at examining screen exposure in free-living conditions.

Low back pain in adolescents and association with sociodemographic factors, electronic devices, physical activity and mental health

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of low back pain and to analyze the association with the individual, sociodemographic variables, electronic devices, habitual practice of physical activity, and mental health problems. MethodsCross‐sectional study with 1,628 students in public schools in the city of Bauru, SP, Brazil. The following data were collected: 1. demographic and socioeconomic aspects; 2. Use of electronic devices; 3. habitual physical activity level (Baecke); 3. mental health (SDQ). 4. low back pain (Nordic Questionnaire). Descriptive analyzes and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. ResultsThe overall prevalence of low back pain was 46.7% (95% CI: 44.27 to 49.11); men showed a prevalence of 42.0% (95% CI: 36.63 to 43.41) and women 58.0% (95% CI: 49.73 to 56.51), a statistically significant difference. The variables associated with pain in the low back region were: female gender (PR = 1.70), daily TV use for more than 3hours (PR = 1.17), use of laptop computer (PR = 1.40), use of the cell phone in the supine position (PR = 1.23), use of the cell phone in semi‐supine position (PR = 1.49), daily cell phone use for more than 3hours (PR = 1.36), use of tablet (PR = 1.67), daily tablet use for more than above 3hours (PR = 1.46), and clinically important mental health problems (PR = 2.62). ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of low back pain in high school students and striking association with female sex, electronic devices, and mental health problems.

Biomechanics, visual and carrying discomfort: The role of ergonomics among technology education professionals on the use of laptop in no-desk settings

The use of laptop computer in our daily activities due to rapid changes in technology and industries has a great role in the fourth industrial revolution and directly or indirectly affect the way we learn, live and work. The research study intends to investigate the role of ergonomics and the impact of the use of laptop computer on biomechanics, visual and carrying discomfort among technology education professionals in Nigeria. The study used questionnaires, in order to collect data and empirical data were used for the descriptive analysis. The objectives are to examine how the use of laptop computer affect the biomechanics, visualization and carrying discomfort of the technology educators. The research so far discovered how laptop computer users faced problems like back pains, muscular pains, visual and carrying discomfort and lack of ergonomic knowledge and awareness among technical and vocational education professionals.

Low back pain in adolescents and association with sociodemographic factors, electronic devices, physical activity and mental health

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of low back pain and to analyze the association with the individual, sociodemographic variables, electronic devices, habitual practice of physical activity, and mental health problems. MethodsCross-sectional study with 1,628 students in public schools in the city of Bauru, SP, Brazil. The following data were collected: 1. demographic and socioeconomic aspects; 2. Use of electronic devices; 3. habitual physical activity level (Baecke); 3. mental health (SDQ). 4. low back pain (Nordic Questionnaire). Descriptive analyzes and bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used. ResultsThe overall prevalence of low back pain was 46.7% (95% CI: 44.27 to 49.11); men showed a prevalence of 42.0% (95% CI: 36.63 to 43.41) and women 58.0% (95% CI: 49.73 to 56.51), a statistically significant difference. The variables associated with pain in the low back region were: female gender (PR=1.70), daily TV use for more than 3hours (PR=1.17), use of laptop computer (PR=1.40), use of the cell phone in the supine position (PR=1.23), use of the cell phone in semi-supine position (PR=1.49), daily cell phone use for more than 3hours (PR=1.36), use of tablet (PR=1.67), daily tablet use for more than above 3hours (PR=1.46), and clinically important mental health problems (PR=2.62). ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of low back pain in high school students and striking association with female sex, electronic devices, and mental health problems.

Sex and Height Influence Neck Posture When Using Electronic Handheld Devices.

With increased tablet ownership in the United States comes increased levels of neck flexion compared to desktop or laptop computer use, and these neck postures have been linked to increases in neck pain. Importantly, tablet viewing postures can be achieved in multiple ways and could be determined by the morphology of the individual and/or other extraneous factors. In this study, we aim to preliminarily evaluate how neck postures vary during tablet use among individuals and link this variation to other factors such as sex, height, weight, presence/absence of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), and morphology of the head and neck. We analyzed two-dimensional landmarks placed on lateral-view radiographs of 22 participants (10 female and 12 male) seated in neutral, upright, fully flexed, semi-reclined, and reclined postures. We utilize geometric morphometric techniques, which are advantageous for evaluating shape variation and have not been extensively applied to biomechanical analyses. We found skeletal morphology to be significantly related to sex and height in all but the neutral posture (P < 0.05), and weight was marginally significantly related to shape in the semi-reclined posture (P = 0.047). Morphologically, male participants exhibited more flexion at the articulatio atlantooccipitalis than females, and females showed greater mandibular protrusion than males, although this result is likely related to height. No relationship was found between posture and TMD. This research establishes a framework for future work that uses geometric morphometric analyses to evaluate how neck postures vary in relation to TMD. Clin. Anat. 32:1061-1071, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Analysis of neck and shoulder postures, and muscle activities relative to perceived pain during laptop computer use at a low-height table, sofa and bed.

Laptop computers are used in various places and situations. The number of laptop users experiencing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) has increased drastically due to, in part, inappropriate workstations. To investigate the neck and shoulder postures, and muscle activity relative to perceived pain when using the laptop at a low-height table, sofa, and bed. Twenty male participants aged 18-25 years were randomly assigned to perform laptop computer operation at 3 workstations for 10 minutes during which neck and shoulder angles, muscle activity, and pain were recorded by using an Electrogoniometer, Electromyography (EMG), and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Neck flexions when working at the sofa (18.6°±12.2°) and bed (17.2°±10.5°) were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that at the low-height table (7.8°±6.5°). However, shoulder flexion when working at the low-height table (28.2°±13.0°) was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than that at the sofa (13.8°±8.6°) and bed (10.91°±7.8°). Working at the low-height table caused the shoulder flexor muscle activity to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher than working at the sofa and bed. Neck pain was reported during laptop computer use at the sofa and bed, and upper back pain when working at the low-height table. High neck flexion and pain were found while working at sofa and bed, whereas high muscle activity at shoulder and upper back pain were found while working at the low-height table.

Evaluating the test-retest reliability of the SLUMP questionnaire for measuring biomechanical issues during laptop use among university students

Laptop use may be associated with poor health among University students. However, no psychometrically-sound instrument is available to measure biomechanical issues during laptop computer use in this population. To evaluate the test-retest reliability of the Student Laptop Use and Musculoskeletal Posture (SLUMP) questionnaire among undergraduate University students. We invited 179 undergraduate students from two Health Sciences courses at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology to participate in the study in October 2015. We conducted a test-retest reliability study. The SLUMP questionnaire, which includes 51 questions, was administered twice at a seven-day interval. We used weighted Kappa statistics to calculate test-retest reliability. Ninety-one students completed the study. 72.5% of the 51 questions achieved a Kw≥0.60 with 29.4% of questions achieving a Kw≥0.80. The reliability was similar for males and females. The SLUMP offers a promising method to measure biomechanical issues during laptop use among University students.

Developing and evaluating the feasibility of administering the SLUMP questionnaire for evaluating ergonomic exposures to laptop use in university students.

Laptop computer use may lead to the development of health problems. However, few methods exist to measure laptop use in undergraduate students. To develop a web-based questionnaire to measure ergonomic exposures to laptop use and to test the feasibility of administration in university students. We pilot tested the administration of the Student Laptop Use and Musculoskeletal Posture (SLUMP) questionnaire to 44 second year undergraduate students. We measured the participation rate, completion of questions, and sought feedback for improving the questionnaire. The participation rate was 75% (33/44). Students needed 10-12 minutes to complete the questionnaire. Participants suggested adding half hour intervals for questions measuring breaks and improving the clarity by emphasizing the sections focusing on academic, recreational and employment laptop use. Our pilot study suggests that the SLUMP questionnaire is appropriate for "in-class" measurement of ergonomic exposures to laptop use in university students.

A Biomechanical Analysis of Cervical Spine Posture using Geometric Morphometrics

Tablet ownership in the United States has increased rapidly in the past decade. With this increase in tablet use comes increased levels of neck flexion compared to using a desktop or laptop computer use. These neck postures have been linked to increases in neck pain. Importantly, tablet viewing postures can be achieved in multiple ways and could be determined by either the morphology of the individual or other extraneous factors. In this study, we aim to preliminarily evaluate how neck postures vary among individuals with the goal of further examining how neck morphology and postures may be related to other factors such sex and height of the subject. We utilize geometric morphometric methods to evaluate the biomechanics of the cervical spine and skull in various neck postures; this technique is excellent for evaluating shape variation and has not been extensively applied in the biomechanical literature. Lateral‐view radiographs of 22 college‐aged subjects (10 female, 12 male) were taken seated in 5 neck postures: neutral, maximum neck flexion, upright seated tablet viewing, semi‐reclined tablet viewing, and reclined tablet viewing. In addition to the radiographs, a participant survey was completed to indicate the presence or absence of discomfort and/or abnormalities of the neck and mandible (e.g., pain, clicking/popping at the TMD, stiffness). Eighty‐seven two‐dimensional landmarks were placed on the cervical spine and skull on each radiograph signifying osteological features of the face, positions of the posterior‐most occlusal molars, the mandible, and the morphology of the cervical vertebrae. Variation among positions and subjects was visualized using principal components analysis and thin‐plate spline analysis. A series of ANOVAs and regression models were performed to examine relationships between morphology and other factors such as sex, weight, height, and the presence of symptoms related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Separate one‐way ANOVAs for each neck posture indicate that every posture but neutral is achieved differently by sex, with males tending to flex more at the atlanto‐occipital joint than females, and females showing greater protrusion in the neck than males. We further observed a significant relationship between neck flexion and height, suggesting that neck length may influence how subjects adopt specific postures. Though we did not observe a significant relationship between neck morphology or postures and the presence of TMD, these findings may provide some insight into why females experience higher rates of TMD, given that increased neck protrusion has been linked increased stresses on the temporomandibular joint and jaw. This study establishes a framework for future research that focuses on evaluating how neck postures vary in relation to TMD.Support or Funding Information Arkansas Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship University of Arkansas Provost's Collaborative Research Grant This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Differential patterns of laptop useandassociated musculoskeletal discomfortin male and female collegestudents.

Laptop computers have surpassed desktop computers in popularity, especially among college student users. The portability of these devices raises concerns regarding healthy usage patterns in different settings and there is aneed to investigate the postures with which these devices are being used and associated reports of musculoskeletal discomfort. This study investigated the configurations in which laptops are used and the prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort associated with laptop use in asurvey of college students. The purpose of this was to identify differences in discomfort and/or postural choice between males and females. Asample of 90 male and 96 female college students completed an online questionnaire consisting of demographic questions, musculoskeletal discomfort indicators and questions regarding configurations of laptop use. Over 53% of participants reported experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort while using alaptop computer, with females reporting ahigher prevalence of neck discomfort (p = 0.05) and shoulder discomfort (p = 0.006) than males. Participants reported using alaptop most commonly in positions at a desk and on abed. Females were more likely than males to use alaptop on abed with the computer positioned on their lap or with their legs crossed (p < 0.05). Males were more likely than females to work in positions necessitating alarge trunk deviation to operate the laptop (p < 0.05), such as "sitting on a sofa with your feet on the floor (knees at 90°), bending over to use laptop that is resting on a coffee table or ottoman in front of you". Asignificant proportion of college students report experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort associated with laptop computer use. Sex differences exist in both choice of configurations and musculoskeletal discomfort associated with laptop use. Due to the portability of laptop computers, they are used in avariety of configurations and environments. This study identifies anumber of different ways that laptop computers are used that have not been considered in previous research. These patterns of laptop use can be used to inform future work on the impact of technology use on discomfort.

Laptop-induced Erythema ab Igne – a case report

Introduction Erythema ab igne is now more commonly related to heating pads, water bottles, infrared lamps and laptop computer use with skin contact. Heat damages superficial skin vessels leading to vasodilatation and leakage of blood and deposition of hemosiderin that presents in a net form. Any surface of the body is susceptible but mostly lower limbs, lower back and abdomen areas are affected. Case Report A 8-year-old boy presented with a four month history of dark brown pigmentation only to the anterior aspects of right and left thighs, symetrically (Fig 1). The distribution was reticular, the lesions were not blanchable and there were no symptoms. There was no need of biopsy since clinical diagnosis of erythema ab igne was obvious. His mother mentioned the fact of him using laptop positioned atop thighs (Fig. 2). Using his anterior thighs to prop up his laptop and she added the fact that he used to work on his computer in that position several hours and every day. LAPTOP-INDUCED ERYTHEMA AB IGNE A CASE REPORT

Model of the Research on the Expression of Laptop Computer Use Factors in University Studies

The article seeks to answer a number of questions. What factors influence the use of laptop computers in university studies? What features reveal a successful integration of laptop computers into studies, or, on the contrary, what evidence shows that this technology might be hard to implement into the study process? The article consists of four parts. The first part discusses preconditions for the use of laptop computers in studies. The second part discloses the factors of the laptop computer use in studies; the third part reveals the criteria for the expression of the factors. The fourth part integrates a complex system of factors into a methodologically grounded model of the research on the expression of laptop computer use factors in studies at the university. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ss.79.1.4075

Interference in Reading E-Paper under Whole- Body Vibration Exposure with Subject Posture

There is increasing use of laptop computer in rail vehicles for performing various sedentary activities such as reading and typing. The vibration is a major factor influencing the reading performance during the journey. Therefore, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the extent of interference perceived in reading an e-paper in two seated postures (backrest support and leaning over the table) under random vibration. The study involved 30 healthy male subjects who were excited with vibration acceleration in mono-, dual, and multi-axes in 1–20 Hz at 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 m/s amplitudes. The task consisted of reading the given paragraph of an e-paper under various vibration stimuli, and it was evaluated by time taken to complete the task and subjective evaluation of reading difficulty. The subjective evaluation showed that the reading difficulty increased with vibration stimuli for both the subject postures. The subjects perceived higher difficulty and degradation in reading performance for vibration in dual and multi-axes, which was comparable to that for lateral and vertical directions also. The perceived difficulty and impairment in reading performance was greater while reading with the laptop on their lap for vibration in the x-axis, while the effect was just the reverse for other axes.

Human Factors Applications in Academic Settings

Members of this panel will discuss their work in applying Human Factors/Ergonomics in a unique field of application: Academia. Each panel member will give a short presentation describing how they have applied Human Factors/Ergonomics within academia to include: ensuring an adequate auditory environment, safety and injury prevention, office ergonomics, reducing attrition, examining backpack weight and laptop computer use of students, and “brain training” to reduce the effects of stress and improve academic performance. Each panelist will also talk about the role they envision for Human Factors/Ergonomics professionals within academic settings, from kindergarten through university level programs.

Design and validation of a low cost surface plasmon resonance bioanalyzer using microprocessors and a touch-screen monitor

An economical and high-performance bioanalyzer, with no use of laptop computer, based on the use of TSPR1k23 biosensors was systematically designed, and validated experimentally for its high performance. The analyzer is composed of a micro-flow cell, a thermoelectric cooler (TEC), a clamp, a touch-screen monitor, and an electronic control unit (ECU) incorporated with photoelectric conversion device. The micro-flow cell is made of stainless steel with high thermal conductivity, and the micro-flow system is based on PID temperature-controlled algorithm to keep the constant temperature (25°C) of the liquid sample via thermal exchange with the clamp. With a peristaltic pump implemented by an injection loop flow system, the bioanalyzer allows the core sensor to be completely exposed to samples. The touch-screen monitor displays the normalized response signal values updated every 0.25s, with a typical noise level less than 5RU (response unit) within 2h. The bioanalyzer was validated using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as an example. Anti-HBsAg monoclonal antibody is adhered to the surface of the sensor chip by a bifunctional cross-linker with the technology of self-assembly. The duration of the HBsAg measurement only lasts 5min with a dilution factor ranging from 200 to 1200, optimized with a R-squared value 0.998. The results suggested that the bioanalyzer has higher selectivity, lower cost, expanded detection limit, and shorter measuring time as compared with the HBsAg ELISA kit, especially for low concentrations of analyte.

Thigh Burn Associated With Laptop Computer Use

Laptop computers are an uncommon source of burns to the thighs and perineum. Burns can result from the prolonged contact of hot surfaces at the base of the computer with the user's lap. The authors report a case of second-degree burns to the thigh of an otherwise healthy patient that resulted from prolonged use of the laptop. We measured the temperatures of the patient's computer and the temperatures of other popular laptop computers. Laptops can develop temperatures that can pose a risk for burns if the skin is exposed for prolonged periods of time. Patients with impaired lower extremity sensation, altered consciousness, or decreased mobility are at higher risk for laptop burns. To their knowledge, this is the first case report of such a burn injury in the American literature.

Teaching, technology, and the modern classroom

One of Zayed University’s publicly articulated missions is to lead higher education in the United Arab Emirates through teaching, learning, research, and outreach and to achieve this leadership in a technologically advanced environment. In fulfilling this goal, the university actively promotes laptop computer use among faculty, staff, and students; delivery (and completion) of lessons though advanced technology; use of sophisticated software; and information gathering via the Internet. (See Moore, Moore, Bodwen, Coasdale, 2003.) Though the hope is that information technology can add a powerful punch to the modern educational environment, many educators in the United Arab Emirates have found that it is the proper use of available modern technology rather than the presence of that technology that advances learning. Even longtime favorites pencil and paper and the overhead projector still have a place in the well-rounded modern classroom. Whether old or new, each technology has unique qualities (or “affordances”) of which advantage can be taken.

Laptop computers and children with disabilities: Factors influencing success

The purpose of this study was to determine factors perceived to influence the successful use of laptop computers by clients of the Crippled Children’s Association of South Australia. The study was conducted in two phases: (i) a consultation phase involving key stakeholders; and (ii) a survey phase in which a questionnaire was distributed. Five key themes were identified by the consultation phase which grouped together similar factors perceived to influence the successful use of laptop computers. These themes were factors related to: (i) the laptop user; (ii) the laptop user’s parents/family; (iii) attributes of the laptop; (iv) the laptop user’s school; and (v) support and assistance which the laptop user may receive. A questionnaire was developed around these themes. Participants rated the importance of factors within these themes in relation to successful laptop computer use by children with disabilities. Results identified the most important factors across the whole sample were portability and teachers ability to adapt learning tasks to suit laptop use. However, each stakeholder group rated different factors as most important. Recommendations for a collaborative approach to laptop computer prescription, ongoing follow up and quality assurance, and the provision of training and development opportunities are suggested.

Are doctor of pharmacy students prepared for high technology learning?

This study evaluated 104 Doctor of Pharmacy students self-reported preparedness for use and natural adaptation to computers in education throughout a course for which students received minimal technology preparation. The setting was a high technology classroom designed for student laptop computer use withIntranet/Internet access for each student. A single group, pre- and post-test survey design was employed to access essential computer terminology, applications, hardware knowledge, and file management skills necessary for successful participation in the course. Students’ computer knowledge and skills improved for the identified essential technology items upon course completion, however, this was not adequate to achieve optimal success. Many problems were encountered as a direct result of inadequate requisite skill attainment prior to starting the course. Pharmacy educators must expect and receive technology support for themselves, their students, and the classroom environment to attain the value-added potential of high technology learning.