Ergonomics Perspective Research Articles

COVID-19 Pandemic and Indian Labour and Migrant Workers: An Ergonomic Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic enjoined the Central and the State Governments to revamp economy and foster investment for manufacturing industries and factories These measures tend to boost the economy to come out of the morass of lockdown The concerns of the Indian labour force in their fight for the just and humane condition of living became a daunting challenge The Ministries of Labour and Home implored industrial houses for the equitable and compassionate treatment towards workers during COVID-19 pandemic Many states embarked on the exemption drive from the labour laws setting labour rights in jeopardy The labour lawmaking is a legislative subject under the concurrent list of the Constitution of India,1950 needs a judicious approach for the social security measures and protection of worker rights The federal states exemption ordinances and its enforcement, not only require the categoric intervention of central government but by the judicial organs of the State The foundational values of Labour laws are labour specific and not capitalist oriented in its application and enforcement

Paediatric surgery and COVID-19: urgent lessons to be learned.

BackgroundThe dissemination of scientific data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continually builds but, in April 2020, could not keep up with the spread of the disease. Through technology, surgeons in Italy and the UK, representing both peak and pre-peak infective time zones, were able to communicate so that the urgent lessons on the huge expected demands of care learned in Italy could be brought to the UK in advance. This paper specifically discusses the issues related to paediatric surgery, currently under-reported in the literature.MethodsThe aim of this paper is to conjoin experience from the field to provide a framework for a safe assessment and treatment of paediatric patients by adopting a systemic approach aimed at reducing the risk of contamination. We reviewed the processes and good practices that were undertaken in contexts of emergency such as in Italy and the UK and then adapted them within the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework to provide an assessment of how to reorganize the services in order to cope with an unexpected situation. The SEIPS model is the adopted theoretical framework, which allows to analyse the system in its main components with a human factors and ergonomics (HFE) perspective.ResultsThe results introduce some of the good practices and recommendations developed during the emergency in the surgical scenario with a focus on the paediatric patients. They represent the lessons learned from the combination of the little existing evidence of literature and the experience from surgical teams who responded in an impromptu and unrehearsed way.ConclusionsLessons learned from the frontline ‘on the fly’ during COVID-19 emergency should be consolidated and taken into the future. In order to prepare proactively for the next phases and get ahead of the curve of these hospital accesses, there is a need for a risk assessment of the new clinical pathways with a multidisciplinary approach centred on HFE with the adoption of the SEIPS model and an involvement of all the surgical teams.

Comparison of KD-SR-01 robotic partial nephrectomy and 3D-laparoscopic partial nephrectomy from an operative and ergonomic perspective: A prospective randomized controlled study in porcine models.

To investigate the feasibility, validity and security of a new robot platform called KD-SR-01 and compare relative merits of KD-SR-01 robotic partial nephrectomy (KD-RPN) and 3D-Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy (3D-LPN). Twelve porcine models were randomly and equally divided for KD-RPN and 3D-LPN. The perioperative outcomes, physical and mental workload of the surgeon were compared. Physical workload was evaluated with surface electromyography. Mental workload was evaluated with National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). All surgeries were performed successfully. The average docking time of KD-RPN was 6 min. The estimated blood loss was lower in KD-RPN (p < 0.05). There were no differences in all the other operative variables (p > 0.05). KD-RPN showed advantages in physical workload and was significantly superior in mental workload (p < 0.05). KD-RPN is technically feasible, valid and safe in porcine models. It's comparable from operative perspective while KD-RPN had advantages over 3D-LPN from ergonomic perspective.

Will the COVID-19 pandemic transform infection prevention and control in surgery? Seeking leverage points for organizational learning.

BackgroundIn response to the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, healthcare systems worldwide have stepped up their infection prevention and control efforts in order to reduce the spread of the infection. Behaviours, such as hand hygiene, screening and cohorting of patients, and the appropriate use of antibiotics have long been recommended in surgery, but their implementation has often been patchy.MethodsThe current crisis presents an opportunity to learn about how to improve infection prevention and control and surveillance (IPCS) behaviours. The improvements made were mainly informal, quick and stemming from the frontline rather than originating from formal organizational structures. The adaptations made and the expertise acquired have the potential for triggering deeper learning and to create enduring improvements in the routine identification and management of infections relating to surgery.ResultsThis paper aims to illustrate how adopting a human factors and ergonomics perspective can provide insights into how clinical work systems have been adapted and reconfigured in order to keep patients and staff safe.ConclusionFor achieving sustainable change in IPCS practices in surgery during COVID-19 and beyond we need to enhance organizational learning potentials.

Graduate-level career preparation for Chinese translation students: a perspective of educational ergonomics

ABSTRACT This study takes an ergonomic perspective to discuss the mismatch between academic training and employers’ expectations in the Chinese context. Drawing on information from 36 MA students who worked as translation interns before graduating from two leading Chinese universities, this article presents the latest developments in China’s translation industry and discusses the main weaknesses of MA programmes in translation and interpreting. The article also proposes recommendations at institutional and policy levels with regard to ergonomics that may help improve career preparation for MA students. We hope this article attracts the attention of international scholars interested in conducting comparative studies on translation industries and policies in translation education in different national and regional contexts.

Improving Eye-Computer Interaction Interface Design: Ergonomic Investigations of the Optimum Target Size and Gaze-triggering Dwell Time.

Interactive feedback of interface elements and low level of spatial accuracy are two main key points for the interaction research in the Eye-computer interaction system. This study tried to solve these two problems from the perspective of human–computer interactions and ergonomics. Two experiments were conducted to explore the optimum target size and gaze-triggering dwell time of the eye–computer interaction (ECI) system. Experimental Series 1 was used as the pre-experiment to identify the size that has a greater task completion rate. Experimental Series 2 was used as the main experiment to investigate the optimum gaze-triggering dwell time by using a comprehensive evaluation of the task completion rate, reaction time, and NASA-TLX (Task Load Index). In Experimental Series 1, the optimal element size was determined to be 256 × 256p x 2. The conclusion of Experimental Series 2 was that when the dwell time is set to 600 ms, the efficiency of the interface is the highest, and the task load of subjects is minimal as well. Finally, the results of Experiment Series 1 and 2 have positive effects on improving the usability of the interface. The optimal control size and the optimal dwell time obtained from the experiments have certain reference and application value for interface design and software development of the ECI system.

Impact of lean implementation from the ergonomics view: A research article

In the developed industries, it has been demonstrated that the efficient incorporation of Ergonomics in procedures and facilities reduces expenses associated with disability, additional or overtime hours, health care, premiums or incident fines. The Lean tools are complicated and beneficial but it can cause Ergonomics problems with promising modifications. Human wealth, the most significant component in an organisation, often feels the essence of the issues. The objective of this job was to evaluate current science understanding on the effect of implementing Lean manufacturing tools from the point of perspective of Ergonomics in manufacturing sectors. This study informs, based on the literature reviewed, how the incorporation of the ethics of both Lean tools and Ergonomics from the plan stage of the workplace can carry advantage to the safety of the employees and at the same time to increase the power of efficiency improvements. This article as well aims to precede trends and possibilities in this field for upcoming studies.

E-worker postural comfort in the third-workplace: An ergonomic design assessment.

Biomechanical simulation is an important tool in human-centred design, allowing for the assessment of comfort interactions between user, product and space, to optimize design features from an ergonomics perspective. The aim of this study was to develop a biomechanical model for the evaluation of postural comfort levels. The study used the scenario-based method to focus on the electronic-worker (e-worker) sedentary tablet tasks at public workplace (third-workplace) configurations. An empirical method determined work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) risk levels. The experimental method was based on a motion-capture marker-based laboratory protocol and biomechanical model. Body postures were analysed to determine the WMSDs risk to the joints, and were compared to subjective questionnaires. Posture was affected by the tablet target location and workplace setting. The findings confirmed our hypothesis, that neutral-position cost functions govern human motion. Almost half of the time, the e-workers' joints tended to remain in the neutral position range; of the three third-workplaces, high-risk variability was less significant between the 'restaurant' and 'lounge' settings, compared to the 'anywhere' configuration. This evaluation model can contribute to optimizing comfort level in design for third-workplace settings and other sedentary work activities; it can be used to develop guidelines for minimizing work-related strain and health hazards.

An Ergonomic Perspective of User Need on Physio-Treadmill (PhyMill) Criteria: Knowledge and Awareness of Cerebral Palsy among Future Parents

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood disability. This study focused to explore the future parents’ perspective on the Physio-Treadmill (PhyMill) for the kid with CP, particularly how ergonomics influences the product. The study was carried out by a quantitative survey and involves 55 participants. The participants have answered a self-administered which consists of general information, knowledge awareness on cerebral palsy, product criteria and opinions. The result shows about 55% of participants have a poor level of awareness and 69% of participants have zero knowledge of CP treatment. However, based on the product criteria, most of the participants agreed, the present PhyMill shows well in functionality. Hence, this study emphasized the lack of awareness and knowledge of the disease and treatment among future parents. Besides, the PhyMill need to improve from the potential user recommendation as ergonomics consideration on medical devices.

The ergonomics of mothering and child care activities (ErgoMOMics) in Indonesia: Individual and social factors influencing musculoskeletal symptoms.

Mothering and caring for children have been associated with a decrease in mothers' wellbeing. Limited research has been conducted from the ergonomics perspective of mothering and caring for children due to the belief that being a mother is not considered an occupation. To observe the ergonomics of mothering and caring for children (ergoMOMics) among Indonesian mothers and the prevalence of related musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). Five hundred and twenty-five Indonesian mothers. The prevalence of MSS was assessed using Nordic Body Map questionnaire. An adapted questionnaire on mothering and child care activities and their consequences were also used. Most Indonesian mothers reported some negative consequences of mothering and child care activities, including MSS in the back (50%), neck (26%), and upper shoulder (43%). Demographic data that significantly influences MSS includes the domicile category and help from others. Mothers in large cities reported higher MSS than those residing in small- to medium-sized cities (t (523) = 7.43, ρ< 0.01). The help of family members (commonly children's grandparents) significantly increased reported MSS (F(2, 524) = 3.57, ρ= 0.02). A specific child care activity that influences MSS is the lifting for children. Mothering and child care are very demanding activities that can result in MSS. Therefore, steps must be taken to prevent and overcome these symptoms.

Environmental information for people with visual impairment in Mexico - or what they need and how they use it

From an ergonomics perspective, the environmental characteristics should facilitate user activities. Matching user capabilities to demands of the environment is essential. However, about some users such as those with visual impairments, there is little information available for use in designing products and spaces. There is also a gap in information regarding the commutes and needs of the visually impaired, making it even more difficult to establish how environments should be designed to include this population.This study aimed to identify the information needs of people with visual impairment in terms of: 1) Daily life activities, 2) Wayfinding in the complex built environments, 3) Use of the signals provided by the environment 4) Characteristics of the environment which reduce the usability of a space and may put the user in danger, and 5) Safety perception. Data were obtained through a semi-structured interview to which eighteen adults responded. All had either complete blindness or severe visual impairment. For orientation, the most common references were texture or changes in ground level/surface, along with such ambient elements as noise or smells. Information presented in Braille was reported as little used, due to difficulty in finding such information. Regarding safety, participants reported feeling unsafe; most mentioned crossing the street as a major risk. Using auditory, tactile or even olfactory signals may provide important information while commuting: thus, designing signals which consider and highlight these senses is paramount. Assessing features and location of existing tactile signals is also required, to identify opportunities for improving the safety and independence of people with visual impairment.

Using Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication to Improve Traffic Safety in Sand-dust Environment.

Sand-dust environment affects drivers’ perceptions of surrounding traffic conditions, resulting in unsafe operations. From an ergonomics perspective, such adverse effects could be alleviated by environment control as well as the assistance of machines. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication appears to be an important component of machines in future traffic systems, which could support the driving task. In order to explore what influences V2V communication would generate on traffic systems, this paper proposes a car-following model accounting for V2V communication in a sand-dust environment. The results indicate that V2V communication helps to reduce the fluctuations of acceleration, headway, and velocity, when a small perturbation is added to the traffic flow in sand-dust environment. If a vehicle in the traffic flow stops suddenly, the number of crumped vehicles decreases with V2V communication taken into account. Furthermore, the residual velocities of the crumped vehicles decrease, which means the severity of collision is suppressed. It is concluded that V2V communication can play an active role in the improvement of traffic safety in a sand-dust environment.

Role of Ergonomics in Inducing Dynamicity by Transforming Sedentary Computer Workstation

This paper sheds light upon the effects of the long term sitting, while using a computer at office. It is going to analyze the prolonged sedentary position from both biological and ergonomic perspective. Possible methods and assessments tools have been presented along with suggestions and solutions for setting up the ideal computer workstation and sitting postures with recommendations for setting up a Sit-to-Stand Workstation to incorporate all the neutral body postures and minimizing the effects of prolonged static strains.

Study on Ergonomic Analysis of Excavator Cab

Excavators are the leading construction machinery used to mine ore and soil. It has an irreplaceable role in the completion of construction machinery tasks. Given to enable the absolute safety, it is of great necessity to analysis how to make drivers have better driving and operating experience. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the cab of the excavator from the perspective of ergonomics. The cab design that meets the comfort requirements can be beneficial for improving the safety performance and ensuring the high efficiency of the excavator operation.

Design of kneeling-sitting dual-use office chair based on ergonomics

With the popularity of paperless office methods, the proportion of people who use sitting posture as the main office posture is increasing[1], but at the same time, some disadvantages of sitting office are also highlighted. From the perspective of ergonomics, this article designs and analyses the structure and specific dimensions of the kneeling-sitting dual-use office chair. Based on the analysis of human spine curvature and lumbar electromyography, the effects of kneeling and sitting postures on human spine were compared. Then perfect the kneeling-sitting dual-use office chair that is more suitable for people’s office style.

A Layout Generation Algorithm for Unequal-Area Display and Control Console Considering Ergonomics

This study addresses the problem of designing a display and control console layout under ergonomic principles via a mathematical approach. An integer programming model is established with objective functions comprising four ergonomic principles for designing the display and control console. Unlike the traditional design methods that consider equal-area devices, the new method addresses the general ergonomic console layout problem with unequal-area components. The presented approach evaluates the console in its entirety. Due to the NP-hardness of the problem, a modified multiobjective particle swarm algorithm is proposed. Compared with the manually layout console of the electric locomotive HXD3D, our proposed model achieves better results. The layout of most of the devices can embody ergonomic principles. It is convenient for designers that the proposed method can effectively produce many good layout schemes and evaluate the layout from an ergonomic perspective.

Effect of Intensity of Light and Size of the Touch Screen on Data Entry Through Mobile Phones by Different Age Group People: An Ergonomic Perspective

The performances of the operators are affected by industrial lighting over the wide range of working stations to accomplish the task. This research investigated the performance of the subjects on different smartphones under the influence of varying light intensities. Fourteen participants (7 older adults and 7 younger adults) were chosen to enter the data on smartphones of display sizes 5.8 inches and 6.2 inches. The German script was taken to type on the mobile at light intensities of 200lx, 400lx, and 600 lx. The data entry lasted for ten minutes and the number of words types was statistically analyzed. Younger adults and an older one, both the users entered more words on the iPhone X (size of 5.8”) than on Samsung Galaxy S9+(size of 6.2”). The average number of words entered increases from 78 to 88.71 as the light intensity increases from 200 lx to 600 lx on iPhone X by younger adults while on Samsung Galaxy S9+ the average number increases from 78.14 to 81. Similarly, the average number of words entered by the older adult increases from 70.14 to 75.14 on smaller mobiles and 68 to 70.71 on larger mobiles. The outcomes from the SPSS illustrated the effects of ages, mobile sizes, and light intensity found to be statistically significant. Simultaneously the interaction of age with light intensity and size of mobiles with light intensity as well as the interactions amongst all the three parameters are found to be significant.

Design of Office Seats for Meeting Room Environment and Visitors Area Based on Ergonomics

The design functions of office seats in the market are relatively weak. According to the requirements of different sitting positions in the office environment and the physiological and morphological characteristics of sitting positions, this paper analyzes the seats from the perspective of ergonomics to design conference room seats that are more suitable for forward leaning sitting positions. The research method adopts the investigation method, literature research method and other investigation methods to find the existing problems of office seats at present, and analyzes and improves the design in combination with relevant literature. The office seats in small conference rooms and visitor areas are redesigned to obtain office seats that are easy to move and conform to the human-computer interaction of the sitting posture of leaning forward in meetings.

DIRETRIZES PARA MANUAIS E VÍDEO TUTORIAIS DIDÁTICOS DE JOGOS ANALÓGICOS

O presente artigo visa analisar as características necessárias de manuais de jogos analógicos, de acordo com as determinações do Código de Defesa do Consumidor, além de comparar, sob a ótica da ergonomia informacional, as características dos manuais impressos – presentes em todos os jogos analógicos – e dos vídeo tutoriais relativos aos mesmos jogos.

Loading tow trains ergonomically for just-in-time part supply

Faced with an aging workforce, many manufacturing companies consider alleviating the ergonomic strain of material handling on their workers increasingly important. This is one of the reasons why frequent small-lot deliveries of parts to the assembly stations on the shop floor via small electric delivery vehicles – so-called tow trains – have become widespread in many industries. Deploying tow trains, however, does not automatically ease the ergonomic burden on logistics workers, but requires careful stowage planning in addition. In this paper, we consider the following problem. Given a set of bins of differing weight to be carried by tow train to a given set of stations on the shop floor, where should each bin be stowed on the tow train such that it can be unloaded efficiently from an economic perspective while also minimizing the ergonomic strain during loading and unloading? We investigate the physiological stress of handling bins on different levels of a tow train wagon by applying an established ergonomic evaluation method from the human factors engineering literature. We model the ensuing optimization problem as a special type of assignment problem and propose suitable exact and heuristic solution methods. In a computational study, our approaches are shown to perform well, delivering optimal solutions for instances of realistic size within fractions of a second in many cases. We show that optimal stowage plans can significantly ease the physiological burden on the workforce without compromising economic efficiency. We also derive some insights into the ideal layout of the tow train from an ergonomics perspective.