Qualitative Data Research Articles

Residents’ willingness to pay for sustainable solid waste management services: a case of Glenview suburb, Harare, Zimbabwe

AbstractSolid waste generation is an inevitable outcome of anthropogenic activities, which is an issue of concern in Zimbabwe. Among other challenges, inadequate finance is a key challenge to reach sustainable waste management. This study focuses on residents’ willingness to pay for improved solid waste management services. Analytical case study research design, employing quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and presentation was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, observations while analysis was done using SPSS and content analysis. Results indicated that most respondents were house owners (53.92%) and 46.08% were tenants. Solid waste generated consists of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Solid waste collected by the city council (57.84%), private collectors (36.27%) while remaining is collected by other individuals and scavengers. Interviews and questionnaires outcomes denote that solid waste was collected once a week (43.14%), twice a week (3.92%) and rarely collected (38.24%). Solid waste is disposed through open dumping, burning, pits and landfilling, although most of the disposal strategies pose environmental health problems. Solid waste mismanagement is attributed to lack of awareness, weak legal framework and shortage of resources, specifically finance. Questionnaire respondents (66.67%) argued that proper solid waste management is important and needs to be improved. Participants (65.69%) revealed that they were willing to pay for improved solid waste management, however, 34.31% were unwilling. Willingness to pay for improved solid waste management was determined by educational level and house ownership status. Improving residents’ willingness to pay for proper solid waste management requires an integrated approach and increasing residents' awareness.

Understanding family abuse: an intersectional approach to prevention and addressing family abuse perpetrators

This article provides an original contribution to understanding the motives for and perpetration patterns of family abuse that affects a range of minoritised communities, such as those minoritised on the basis of race, sexuality or transgender identity, and to contribute to debates around prevention. Negative and discriminatory societal attitudes, norms and behaviours towards these groups influence and justify family abuse. Based on empirical research, our study enhances the existing knowledge base to create practice and policy-focused recommendations for improving preventive and intervention efforts. We approached this from an ecological perspective, using a mixed-methods approach to interrogate quantitative and qualitative data to identify motivating factors underpinning perpetrators’ behaviours. Our analysis, drawing on a phenomenological approach, shows an ecological framework with three interacting levels at which motivating factors occur: the individual, the community and society. Along with understanding who perpetrators might be, the types of family abuse and its impacts for victim/survivors, these three motivating factors provide a template for developing interventions with perpetrators of family abuse. The research also suggests that before interventions for perpetrators of family abuse can be properly developed, the field of domestic abuse needs to reconsider how family abuse is positioned as part of domestic abuse.

Feasibility and acceptability of a web-intervention to prevent alcohol and cannabis-impaired driving among adolescents in driver education

Abstract Background Adolescents increasingly view cannabis as a substance with limited harm. Their propensity to engage in risky driving, combined with their relative driving inexperience, places adolescents at heightened risk for harm resulting from impaired driving. Driver education provides an opportunity to help prevent and reduce these risks, yet few interventions address cannabis-impaired driving, especially impairment from simultaneous use of both cannabis and alcohol. Methods We adapted a single-session primary care brief intervention (CHAT) for driver education programs. First, we conducted two focus groups with adolescents aged 15–17 years (n = 6; n = 5) enrolled in driver education programs in Michigan and Colorado. Their feedback was integrated into a prototype of an online intervention called webCHAT that focuses on preventing alcohol and cannabis-impaired driving. Next, we recruited a new sample of adolescents who user tested webCHAT (n = 8) and provided qualitative and survey feedback. We analyzed qualitative data using classic content analysis and grouped themes according to the feasibility and acceptability of webCHAT. Results Participants suggested that webCHAT should have adolescent narrators in short, informal, and interactive videos. In satisfaction surveys (n = 8), 88% of participants would recommend webCHAT to a friend and 88% reported that they learned helpful skills regarding impaired driving. General acceptability was also reflected in interviews (n = 6; 100% would recommend the intervention to a friend, 100% indicated overall positive impressions, and 67% stated it was easy to use). Participants reported that it was helpful to learn about the negative effects of both cannabis and alcohol on driving behavior, voicing that webCHAT would help adolescents make more informed decisions. Conclusions Soliciting adolescent perspectives is critical when developing interventions targeting cannabis use because of increasingly permissive attitudes and perceptions of minimal risk associated with use. The current study highlights how feedback can help increase both the feasibility and acceptability of interventions.

Strengths and weaknesses of PhD training to develop alternative careers. Insights from PhD holders working beyond academia

Purpose This study aims to critically assesses how Spanish PhD holders working outside academia perceive and value their past PhD training experiences within academic PhD programs, addressing the growing need for skills applicable in various sectors. Design/methodology/approach Using a retrospective interpretative design, the authors collected qualitative data from 35 PhD holders who have transitioned to non-academic careers. Through multimodal interviews, the authors gathered in-depth perceptions to understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing PhD training in relation to non-academic employability. Findings The findings highlight a significant disconnect between academic-oriented training and the practical demands of non-academic jobs, particularly in non-research roles. While PhD training was valued in research-related non-academic positions, especially in STEM fields, it was considered insufficient for those in managerial or other non-research roles unless the training included specific industry-related projects. Participants suggested a cultural shift in PhD programs towards a more balanced academic and non-academic focus, integrating societal concerns and broader competencies like effective communication and managerial skills. These changes are seen as crucial for better-preparing PhD candidates for diverse professional environments, emphasising the need for PhD programs to evolve continually in response to the changing dynamics of the labour market and societal needs. Originality/value This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about the need for PhD programs to evolve by offering a unique perspective from within the Spanish context. It underscores the necessity for educational reforms incorporating comprehensive skill training, aligning more closely with the career opportunities available to PhD graduates.

Enhancing students’ authentic mathematical problem-solving skills and confidence through error analysis of GPT-4 solutions

Authentic mathematical problems connect mathematics to real-life scenarios, making mathematics learning more meaningful. However, students often find it challenging to comprehend the complexity and extensive textual descriptions of authentic mathematical problems, resulting in a lack of mathematical confidence. This study aims to investigate whether error analysis learning activity of GPT-4 solutions can enhance the skill of fifth-grade students to solve authentic mathematical problems and foster their mathematical confidence. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 59 fifth-grade students from a primary school in northern Taiwan. The experimental group engaged in error analysis learning activity of GPT-4 solutions, while the control group received traditional instruction, with both groups using the same teaching materials. Quantitative assessments were conducted through tests on solving authentic mathematical problems and a mathematical confidence scale, complemented by qualitative data collected via semi-structured interviews. The results revealed that the experimental group showed significant improvement in solving authentic mathematical problems, both in pre- and post-test comparisons within the group and in post-test comparisons between groups. Furthermore, the low-achieving students in the experimental group showed a significant improvement in solving authentic mathematical problems compared to the control group. Additionally, the mathematical confidence of both high- and low-achieving students in the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. This study confirms the effectiveness of GPT-4 in mathematics education, offering new teaching strategies and research directions for educators and researchers.

Learning vocabulary through listening

Abstract This study explored the strategy use of 12 high-school learners of English within a vocabulary teaching intervention which exposed three groups of learners to one of three types of oral vocabulary explanations: L2 explanations; codeswitched explanations (CS); and contrastive focus-on-form explanations (CFoF) giving cross-linguistic information. Unlike previous studies of vocabulary interventions, which have tended to focus solely on quantitative outcome measures and therefore give arguably limited insights into why different interventions have the impact that they do, the study implemented stimulated recall interviews to explore strategy use in order to better understand the learning outcomes from the intervention. A qualitative analysis was undertaken to explore how learners used strategies and whether patterns of use emerged by intervention group and proficiency level. Compared with the CS and L2 groups, learners from the CFoF group attended more specifically to the target words and engaged in more metacognitive reflection and evaluation of the explanations, leading potentially to deeper processing and hence greater vocabulary gains. Such strategy use also seemed, however, to explain their smaller gains in listening comprehension. Finally, strategic behaviour was found to be related to levels of vocabulary knowledge and listening proficiency. The value of exploring qualitative data on strategy use for evaluating the effects of an intervention is discussed, alongside the theoretical and pedagogical implications of these findings.

Paradoxes of the late modern emotional regime, as illustrated by the gaming industry

This article explores the increasing interest in the role of emotions in the late modern working world. We examine how emotional regimes are characterised and which unintended consequences accompany the set of normative emotions. We illustrate this with the example of the German gaming industry, which is seen as being at the vanguard of the late modern world of work. Our aim is to show that this is a multifaceted but (organisation-)specific emotional regime. We use selected qualitative data material from the DFG project ‘The regime of emotions as a strategy? An analysis of economic subfields – emotions, emotional capital and gender in the late modern working world’ (duration 2020–2024). With reference to Patulny and Olson (2019), we examine the emotions that define this specific emotional regime, which prove to be (1) complex and ambivalent, (2) individualised, (3) commodified and (4) digitally mediated. Another relevant element of the emotional regime is (5) reflexive emotional management. We illustrate that late modern emotional regimes create paradoxes such as the passion for game development and the unquestioned acceptance of overtime, which can lead to exhaustion. We also reveal prevailing gender inequalities, which are often not immediately obvious in the seemingly egalitarian gaming industry.

Understanding Adult’s Experiences and Perceptions of How to Maintain Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis

Abstract Background Many adults do not meet physical activity recommendations for optimal health, and this is often because people find it difficult to maintain physical activity in the long term. This study focuses on identifying and synthesising factors that may influence the maintenance of physical activity in adults with and without known health conditions. Method A systematic review and qualitative synthesis using thematic analysis was conducted. Four databases (MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, APA, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for studies published from inception to February 2023 that included qualitative data about people’s experiences of maintaining physical activity. Results A total of 9337 abstracts were screened and 68 studies from 14 countries were included. Six main themes were identified: (1) influence of others (e.g. four forms of social support, accountability); (2) contextual and environmental influences (e.g. cost and access of physical activity, weather); (3) health-related influences (e.g. reflexivity about how physical activity improves health conditions, weight control); (4) making it work (e.g. flexibility, prioritising exercise); (5) habits; and (6) psychological processes (e.g. enjoyment, identifying as a physically active person). Conclusion People who maintained their participation in physical activity found it enjoyable, prioritised it, and integrated it into their daily routine. Participants were motivated to continue being physically active when they realised the benefits for their health. Social support, in particular companion support, was a key component facilitating continued engagement. Findings specific to maintenance of physical activity included reflexivity of how physical activity benefited health, flexibility, and identifying as a physically active person.

The Promotion of Non-Communicable Disease Screening in Gurage Zone, Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study

Background: Despite the high non-communicable disease (NCD) mortality in Ethiopia, NCD screening in the country remains suboptimal. This study assessed the health communication process and materials designed to promote NCD screening among adult primary healthcare facility attendants in the Gurage Zone, Ethiopia. Methods: A parallel mixed-methods approach was employed. Seven health communication materials were evaluated using the Modified Clear Communication Index Score by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Seven key informants who were involved in the production were interviewed to explore the process. Users’ satisfaction with the materials was assessed through a cross-sectional survey (N = 412). We used multivariable logistic regression with SPSS version 27 software to determine the factors associated with users’ satisfaction. Thematic analysis was applied for the qualitative data analysis using Opencode 4.03 software. Results: Qualitative interviews indicated that the production process relied on evidence, involved stakeholders, and included pretesting. The CDC index score revealed that five of the seven materials were considered clear and user-friendly, whereas two required improvement. Overall users’ satisfaction with the material was high with a mean score of 22.10 (SD ± 2.34; min: 14, max: 25). Age and educational status had significant positive association with users’ satisfaction. Conclusions: Developing health communication materials on promoting NCD screening based on evidence, stakeholders’ input, and pretesting can lead to good quality material and user satisfaction. We recommend future research works to measure changes in NCD screening service uptake as a result of using the health communication materials considered in this study.

Work-Related Muscluskeletal Disorders and Work Ability Among Hospital Employees in Southeast of Iran

Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) evaluates how well workers cope with the physical and mental demands of their jobs. Objectives: This study aims to explore how demographic factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) influence work ability among employees at the largest specialized hospital in southeast Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the largest specialized hospital in Zahedan. A sample of 194 clinical staff and support personnel, including nurses, nursing assistants, patient transporters, and cleaning staff, were randomly selected through a stratified random sampling method. Work ability and musculoskeletal discomfort were assessed using the Persian versions of the WAI and Cornell Questionnaires. Quantitative data were presented as mean ± SD, while qualitative data were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, and one- and multi-factor General Linear Models were used for data analysis in SPSS version 19. Results: Work ability decreased with age (P < 0.001). Significant associations were found between work ability and age, job category, education, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (P < 0.05). After adjusting for age, job, education, and BMI, lower back pain (P = 0.002), thigh pain (P = 0.004), and knee pain (P = 0.026) were significantly linked to work ability. There was a notable negative correlation between work ability and discomfort score (r = -0.337, P < 0.001), with nursing assistants reporting higher discomfort scores compared to nurses, cleaning staff, and patient transporters (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential link between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and work ability. Therefore, it is recommended to implement a program focused on identifying and addressing the risk factors associated with MSDs.

Artificial Intelligence in Achieving Sustainable Development: Expectations of Undergraduate Students

AbstractWhile there has been ample discussion regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI)’s contributions and challenges on the development agenda at the policy level, little is known about how students translate the potential and barriers of AI in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Drawing upon various qualitative data, including class observation, focus group interviews, and learning activity outcomes generated by 240 students across 7 different majors, this case study explores the expected roles of AI as well as barriers to AI adoption for sustainable development perceived by undergraduate students. The study revealed that students anticipated AI to play diverse roles, including data analyst, a bridge to connect people and resources, and a barrier breaker. On the other hand, students addressed multiple barriers to AI adoption for sustainable development including access to high-quality data and lack of a goal-oriented AI model and skills in AI development and use. These findings suggest how AI can be conceptualized and positioned as a development intervention as well as offer implications on AI-driven interventions for SDGs.

Investigating Adoption Determinants, Obstacles, and Interventions for AI Implementation in Emirati Media Organizations

This research explores the integration and impact of artificial intelligence (AI) within Emirati media organizations, focusing on adoption determinants, obstacles, and interventions. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study incorporates qualitative data from 21 in-depth interviews with media professionals and a thematic analysis of 30 scholarly articles published between 2019 and 2024. The research aims to provide a nuanced understanding of AI's transformative effects on the UAE media landscape. Key findings reveal that AI is significantly enhancing content creation, distribution, and audience engagement processes within Emirati media organizations. AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and predictive analytics are being leveraged to improve operational efficiency, streamline workflows, and deliver personalized content to audiences. These advancements are driving competitive advantages and elevating the overall quality of media output. Despite these benefits, several challenges hinder widespread AI adoption. Technological barriers, including limited access to advanced AI tools and infrastructure, pose significant obstacles. Additionally, there is a pronounced shortage of skilled personnel capable of implementing and managing AI systems, which exacerbates concerns over job displacement and workforce anxiety. Ethical considerations, such as ensuring unbiased AI algorithms and protecting user privacy, are also critical issues that require attention. The study underscores the importance of continuous training and upskilling for media professionals to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. It highlights the role of robust ethical guidelines and governance frameworks in promoting responsible AI use. Government support, through targeted policies, funding initiatives, and incentives, is identified as a crucial factor in facilitating AI integration and addressing adoption barriers. The research concludes by providing strategic recommendations for media organizations and policymakers. It advocates for the development of comprehensive AI adoption roadmaps that include capacity-building initiatives, ethical oversight, and collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders. By addressing these areas, Emirati media organizations can harness the full potential of AI to drive innovation, improve audience engagement, and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly digitizing global media environment. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AI in media, offering valuable insights into the specific context of the UAE. It provides a foundation for future research on AI's role in media and serves as a guide for organizations seeking to navigate the complexities of AI adoption.

A thematic analysis of factors influencing small and medium enterprise adoption of social media marketing: a TOE framework perspective

Purpose This paper aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. By investigating the drivers and challenges/barriers affecting the adoption of social media marketing tools among SMEs, this study provides practical guidance to SMEs seeking to utilize social media platforms for marketing purposes in a developing context such as Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Utilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework as a theoretical framework, qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews with representatives of SMEs in Pakistan, followed by thematic analysis of the data. Findings The research identifies several key factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by Pakistani SMEs. These factors include doubts regarding the benefits of social media, alignment with regulatory requirements, challenges related to tracking social media performance, resistance from senior management (older employees), the positive influence of competitive pressure and the Covid-19 pandemic, political instability and increased government taxes on digital services. Stakeholders such as marketing professionals, academics, policymakers, government authorities and SME owners and managers can benefit from these findings. Originality/value This research contributes to the academic literature on the adoption of social media marketing by SMEs, especially within emerging economies. It enriches theoretical understanding of adoption processes and factors, filling gaps in existing knowledge and laying a foundation for future research in this domain. Using the TOE framework, the study reveals that when all factors are adequately considered, SMEs can transition from traditional marketing methods and embrace social media as a digital marketing strategy to enhance performance, profitability, and gain a competitive advantage over their rivals.

Implementation of Inquiry-Based Interactive Games to Improve Interest and Science Learning Outcomes in Human Reproductive System Material

This research was motivated by students' perception that Science lessons are difficult to understand and boring due to the one-way teaching method, which has led to a decline in student interest and learning outcomes. The purpose of this research was to increase the interest and learning outcomes of ninth-grade students in class 9.3 at SMP Negeri 2 Cisauk. The research method used was Classroom Action Research. Data collection techniques involved quantitative data from learning outcomes and qualitative data through analyzing interest questionnaire sheets. The results show an increase in students' learning interest and outcomes. The percentage of students' interest in learning before and after the intervention increased from 54,5% to 93,9%. The average learning outcomes of students increased from 62,5 to 79,3. This research shows that inquiry-based interactive games on the Human Reproductive System material led to an increase in students' interest and learning outcomes.

Students' Perceptions of Using ChatGPT for Academic Writing in English

This article explores the perceptions of university students on the use of ChatGPT for academic writing in English. Participants (n = 79) are all students on mandatory English-language courses at a university Language Centre in Finland. They are predominantly first-year bachelor’s degree students from various degree programmes in different faculties. Participants’ insights were collected via a survey that was administered to several intact groups during the autumn semester of 2023. The survey collected quantitative and qualitative data which were analysed and discussed in light of students’ developing academic writing skills in English. The study sheds light on students’ specific uses of the AI-driven tool as well as their perceptions of its impact on not only the writing process and product, but also on their own writing skills. The results indicated that students perceived ChatGPT to have above average usability, a finding which was supported and elucidated by students’ free responses concerning ways in which they have used this technology. Conversely, the reasons that some students had not used it included, amongst others, a lack of need, ethical concerns and doubts about its usefulness. Given the continued development and availability of large language models such as ChatGPT, this research has clear implications for all stakeholders in higher education. In particular, by illustrating how students utilise ChatGPT in their academic writing, the study provides university language teachers with the insights needed to ensure that their course outcomes, content and assessments remain reflective of students’ developing knowledge and study practices.

Real-world patient experience with medicinal cannabis use for symptom management in an Australian advanced cancer setting: a mixed method, cohort study using the theory of planned behaviour framework.

Patient hesitancy to use MC due to the fear of negative social implications leads to intentional non-adherence and compromises therapeutic outcomes. Hence, we aimed to determine the rate of patient adherence to MC and explore factors influencing patient MC use. Demographic and quantitative data related to MC usage were extracted from medical records for patients prescribed MC at a single cancer centre in metropolitan Sydney. Qualitative data was generated from semi-structured interviews. Interview guides were developed based on the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TBP) domains (i.e. Attitudes, Subjective Norms, Behavioural Intention and Perceived Behavioural Control) to elucidate themes influencing MC use. A mixed method approach involving triangulation of quantitative and qualitative methods was used for data analysis. Twenty patients were included in the study, and the majority of patients showed adherence (n = 14, 70%). The MC formulation used (p = .018), symptom relief (p = .001) and side effects experienced (p = .007) significantly influenced MC adherence. In addition to side effects experienced, findings for barriers to adherence were convergent or complementary for other medication-related factors, including the inconvenience of MC co-administration with food, cost and unpleasant taste. MC adherence is influenced by its effectiveness for symptom relief whereby appropriate MC formulation selection is crucial and should be determined by the indication (or symptom clusters). Social factors such as the views and experiences of close others had little bearing on MC adherence.

Recognition of Effective Co-Teaching Practices by Interdisciplinary Pre-Service Candidates

This study investigates the degree to which pre-service interdisciplinary groups of undergraduate education candidates recognize co-teaching skills and behaviors in practice. With the increasing emphasis on collaborative teaching models in contemporary educational settings, understanding how future educators perceive and identify effective co-teaching practices is crucial for enhancing educational preparation programs (EPPs). Using a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzed consensus ratings from an interdisciplinary assignment that asked candidates to work collaboratively while identifying best practices in co-teaching across example and non-example videos. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using student ratings and videos of group discussion for consensus scoring. Quantitative data were collected using consensus ratings for each indicator on the observation checklist. Qualitative data derived from video transcripts of the consensus rating sessions illuminated the process each group used and reasons each group provided for consensus ratings. The findings reveal varying degrees of recognition and understanding of co-teaching skills, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement in the candidates’ ability to identify and apply these practices. This study provides valuable insights into the preparedness of pre-service educators for collaborative teaching environments and offers recommendations for integrating co-teaching competencies more effectively into EPPs.

“Roses, Bruises, Wholeness” Development and Implementation of a Psychological Healing Program on Depression of Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence

The study aimed to develop and implement an intervention program for the psychological healing of depression of women victims of intimate partner violence. To lay the groundwork and come up with the data needed to develop an intervention program, the study used the Sequential Explanatory Design. This mixed method suggests gathering and evaluating the quantitative data and qualitative data in two consecutive phases. The data-gathering tools used in the study included the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to measure the depression level of the participants; a Semi-structured interview and a focus group discussion were conducted to provide the data needed for the qualitative phase. A pretest of the BDI-II was administered to the participants. Results showed that the participants were found to have depression during the time of the administration of the test. The BDI’s results provided the formation of the experimental and the control groups while the individual interview and focus group discussion provided the themes used in the development of the intervention program. These themes were categorized based on Physical Violence, Psychological Violence, Sexual Violence, and Neglect according to the Diagnostic Manual for Mental Disorders 5 (DSM5-TR). The experimental group participated in the eight-session intervention program and the control group did not participate in the sessions. Subsequently, a posttest was administered to the experimental and the control groups. Results showed that the six experimental group participants decreased their depression level significantly, except for one participant who got a four-point increase in her posttest score. There was no significant difference in the pretest and post-test scores of the control group.

Investigating the quality of a high-stakes EFL writing assessment procedure in the Turkish higher education context

Employing G-theory and rater interviews, the study investigated how a high-stakes writing assessment procedure (i.e., a single-task, single-rater, and holistic scoring procedure) impacted the variability and reliability of its scores within the Turkish higher education context. Thirty-two essays written on two different writing tasks (i.e., narrative and opinion) by 16 EFL students studying at a Turkish state university were scored by 10 instructor raters both holistically and analytically. After the raters completed the scoring procedure, semi-structured individual interviews were held with them to gain insight into their views regarding the quality of the current scoring procedure. The G-theory results showed that the reliability coefficients obtained from the current scoring procedure would not be sufficient to draw sound conclusions. The quantitative results were partly supported by the qualitative data. Important implications were discussed to improve the quality of the current high-stakes EFL writing assessment policy.

On-body sensing technologies and signal processing techniques in addressing safety of human machine collaboration

AbstractSafety is a challenge in human machine collaboration despite of the advantages in achieving efficiency, cost reduction and productivity in a collaborative scenario between human and machine/robot. During collaboration with machines, the user might not be able to follow the collaborative tasks as expected due to the cognitive burden causing potential safety concerns such as collision. Addressing this challenge, the aim of this paper is to explore the potential of on-body sensing systems in study of user experience and the psychological condition during the collaboration between machines and human. As the psychological condition is reflected in physiological signals, sensing technologies and signal processing techniques to extract features from physiological signals are explored with applicability in human machine collaboration scenarios. An experiment is designed utilising an industrial collaborative robot arm while quantitative and qualitative data is gathered for this purpose exploring the problem to study user experience and impact of mental strain and cognitive workload on user performance and experience during human machine collaboration. Results show that an adaptive machine to user experience measured by on-body sensing systems during the collaboration has the potential to address safety in human machine collaboration while improving performance and user experience.