Types Of Workstations Research Articles

Airborne bacterial and fungal species in workstations of salmon processing plants

Significant quantities of salmon are processed daily in the industry's indoor facilities. Occupational exposure contributes to an individual's exposome. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about potential exposure to viable airborne species of bacteria and fungi as related to workstations in the salmon processing industry. The study was conducted in nine salmon plants along the Norwegian coast over one or two days with a one-year interval. The MAS100 was used for sampling and MALDI-TOF MS for species identification. The geometric mean concentrations of bacteria and fungi were 200 CFU/m3 and 50 CFU/m3, respectively, with the highest concentrations of bacteria found in slaughtering areas and fungi in trimming of fillets. In total 125 gram-negative and 90 gram-positive bacterial and 32 different fungal species were identified. Some genera were represented by several species e.g. Chryseobacterium (15 species), Flavobacterium (13 species), Microbacterium (12 species), Pseudomonas (37 species), and Psychrobacter (13 species). Risk class 2 (RC2, human pathogens) were found in all types of workstations and plants. Seventeen bacterial species belong to RC2, some were fish pathogens, food spoilage bacteria, or species causing foodborne disease. Among fungi, Aspergillus nidulans was frequently detected across different workstations and plants. In conclusion, bacterial and fungal concentrations were low. Fish and sea-related bacteria were found along the salmon processing line. Bacterial concentrations and species compositions differ between workstations. No particular bacterial or fungal species constituted a large fraction of all airborne species. Based on the presence of human pathogens, using protective gloves is important for the workers. The presence of human and fish pathogens and food spoilage bacteria reveals air as a transmission route for bacteria, potentially affecting workers, consumers, fish, and hygiene of processing equipment. To limit the spread of these bacteria an interdisciplinary cooperation with a One Health perspective may be relevant.

Cardiorespiratory Response to Workload Volume and Ergonomic Risk: Automotive Assembly Line Operators’ Adaptations

Repetitive tasks can lead to long-term cardiovascular problems due to continuous strain and inadequate recovery. The automobile operators on the assembly line are exposed to these risks when workload volume changes according to the workstation type. However, the current ergonomic assessments focus primarily on observational and, in some cases, biomechanical methods that are subjective and time-consuming, overlooking cardiorespiratory adaptations. This study aimed to analyze the cardiorespiratory response to distinct workload volumes and ergonomic risk (ER) scores for an automotive assembly line. Sixteen male operators (age = 38 ± 8 years; BMI = 25 ± 3 kg·m2) volunteered from three workstations (H1, H2, and H3) with specific work cycle duration (1, 3, and 5 min respectively). Electrocardiogram (ECG), respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP), and accelerometer (ACC) data were collected during their shift. The results showed significant differences from the first to the last 10 min, where H3 had its SDRRi reduced (p = 0.014), H1’s phase synchrony and H2’s coordination between thoracic and abdominal movements decreased (p < 0.001, p = 0.039). In terms of ergonomic risk, the moderate-high rank showed a reduction in SDRRi (p = 0.037) and moderate-risk activities had diminished phase synchrony (p = 0.018) and correlation (p = 0.004). Thus, the explored parameters could have the potential to develop personalized workplace adaptation and risk assessment systems.

Electricity consumption of anesthesia workstations and potential emission savings by avoiding standby.

Anesthesiology has arelevant carbon footprint, mainly due to volatile anesthetics (scope 1emissions). Additionally, energy used in the operating theater (scope 2emissions) contributes to anesthesia-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Optimizing the electricity use of medical devices might reduce both GHG emissions and costs might hold potential to reduce anaesthesia-related GHG-emissions and costs. We analyzed the electricity consumption of six different anesthesia workstations, calculated their GHG emissions and electricity costs and investigated the potential to reduce emissions and cost by using the devices in amore efficient way. Power consumption (active power in watt, W) was measured with the devices off, in standby mode, or fully on with the measuring instrument SecuLife ST. Devices studied were: Dräger Primus, Löwenstein Medical LeonPlus, Getinge FlowC, Getinge FlowE, GE Carestation 750 and GE Aisys. Calculations of GHG emissions were made with different emission factors, ranging from very low (0.09 kg CO2-equivalent/kWh) to very high (0.660 kg CO2-equivalent/kWh). Calculations of electricity cost were made assuming aprice of 0.25 € per kWh. Power consumption during operation varied from 58 W (GE CareStation 750) to 136 W (Dräger Primus). In standby, the devices consumed between 88% and 93% of the electricity needed during use. The annual electricity consumption to run 96devices in alarge clinical department ranges between 45and 105 Megawatt-hours (MWh) when the devices are left in standby during off hours. If 80% of the devices are switched off during off hours, between 20and 46 MWh can be saved per year in asingle institution. At the average emission factor of our hospital, this electricity saving corresponds to areduction of GHG emissions between 8.5and 19.8 tons CO2-equivalent. At the assumed prices, acost reduction between 5000 € and 11,600 € could be achieved by this intervention. The power consumption varies considerably between the different types of anesthesia workstations. All devices exhibit ahigh electricity consumption in standby mode. Avoiding standby mode during off hours can save energy and thus GHG emissions and cost. The reductions in GHG emissions and electricity cost that can be achieved with this intervention in alarge anesthesiology department are modest. Compared with GHG emissions generated by volatile anesthetics, particularly desflurane, optimization of electricity consumption of anesthesia workstations holds amuch smaller potential to reduce the carbon footprint of anesthesia; however, as switching off anesthesia workstations overnight is relatively effortless, this behavioral change should be encouraged from both an ecological and economical point of view.

Temperature fluctuations during embryo transfer can be mitigated by optimizing transfer protocol

Research QuestionWhat impact do variations in embryo transfer catheter loading and movement procedures have on temperature and pH fluctuations during embryo transfer? DesignMock embryo transfers were conducted to test the impact of airflow/movement, use of catheter coverings and the type of workstation used for catheter loading on catheter temperature. A thermocouple probe inserted into the tip of the outer catheter or taped to the exterior of the inner catheter recorded temperature within the catheter every 5 sec from time of mock embryo loading (TL) up to 60 sec (TL +60s). Fluctuations in culture medium pH in embryo transfer dishes were monitored. ResultsCatheter temperature was lower at TL+15s (26.8 ±0.61°C) than TL (30.5 ±0.81°C, P <0.05). The rate of cooling during transit was slower when catheters were covered to reduce the cooling effect of air movement (P<0.05). Temperature was better maintained when catheters were loaded in a crib compared to a heated stage, until initiation of transit, when the rate of temperature decrease was similar. Culture medium pH increased faster when embryo transfer dishes remained on a heated stage during the procedure compared to within an open crib. ConclusionsTemperature loss during the ET procedure can be mitigated by reducing transit time and using catheter coverings. Use of a crib for catheter loading only improved temperature stability while the catheter remained in the crib, not during transit, and it reduced pH fluctuations during the procedure.

In Vitro Model of Prepacked Carbon Dioxide Absorber Use: Development and Testing.

Carbon dioxide absorbers allow the use of fresh gas flow below minute ventilation (V˙E). Models are developed and tested in vitro to quantify their performance with variable carbon dioxide load (V˙CO2), fresh gas flow, V˙E, end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETco2) fraction, and the type of workstation used. First principles are used to derive a linear relationship between fresh gas flow and fractional canister usage or FCU0.5 (the reciprocal of the time for the inspiratory carbon dioxide fraction to reach 0.5%). This forms the basis for two basic models in which V˙E was measured by spirometry or calculated. These models were extended by multiplying V˙E with an empirical workstation factor. To validate the four models, two hypotheses were tested. To test whether the FCU0.5 intercept varied proportionally with V˙CO2 and was independent of V˙E, FCU was measured for 10 canisters tested with a fixed 0.3 l/min fresh gas flow and a range of V˙CO2 while V˙E was either constant or adjusted to maintain ETco2 fraction. A t test was used to compare the two groups. To confirm whether a change in V˙CO2 accompanied by a change in V˙E to maintain ETco2 fraction would shift the linear fresh gas flow-FCU0.5 relationship in a parallel manner, 19 canisters were tested with different combinations of V˙CO2 and fresh gas flow. These measured FCU values were compared to those predicted by the four models using Varvel's performance criteria. With 0.3 l/min fresh gas flow, FCU0.5 was proportional with V˙CO2 and independent of whether V˙E was adjusted to maintain ETco2 fraction or not (P = 0.962). The hypothesized parallel shift of the fresh gas flow-FCU0.5 relationship was confirmed. Both extended models are good candidate models. The models predict prepacked canister performance in vitro over the range of V˙E, fresh gas flow, and V˙CO2 likely to be encountered in routine clinical practice. In vivo validation is still needed.

Personality, workstation type, task focus, and happiness in the workplace

The current study adds to the emerging interest in workplace person-environmental associations by exploring the interaction between employee personality traits and office workstation type (open bench seating, cubicle, private office) in predicting on-task focus and happiness. To capture an ecologically valid assessment of such interactions, 231 federal office workers completed momentary and global, one-time surveys. While global focus ratings were highest for private offices workers, there were no differences between workstation types in momentary focus ratings. Open bench seating was more beneficial to momentary focus and happiness for employees high in extraversion, while detrimental to momentary focus for those high on neuroticism. These results illustrate the importance of considering personality when designing work spaces that improve employee focus and happiness.

A study on the correlation between seat selection and interaction preference in virtual-reality fusion simulation experiment.

In order to explore the correlation between students' seat choice and interaction preference in the open gamification scenario, an experiment has been carried out on the platform of provincial virtual simulation experiment teaching center of a university, and tested the relationship between absolute distance, seat type, workstation type, and students' interaction preference. The results show that in the virtual-reality fusion gamification scenario where students can move freely: (1) The inner circle students can stimulate the outer circle students' willingness to invest in learning. (2) The task attribute and the seat distribution of the group may lead to the difference of students' interaction preference. (3) Students are more likely to learn knowledge and skills by interacting with "people" rather than "object." (4) Gender and major influence students' experience of participating in gamified teaching. The results confirm that the interactive engagement effect of location does exist in immersive virtual-reality fusion gamification teaching scenario, and suggestions are put forward to adjust the effect of location through instructional design and teacher intervention.

USING THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS WITH FUZZY LOGIC ELEMENTS TO OPTIMIZE THE DATABASE STRUCTURE

Context. Informational systems are very common and use databases to store information that users need. Many different data models can be used but the relational model is still relevant. The last decade show tendency of using distributed databases while working with relational data model and this approach requires a specially designed module to synchronize data of all separate databases. Considering optimizing the database structure, researchers didn’t pay much attention to the potential of users’ SQL-queries history. The optimal structure of all the distributed nodes could reduce the necessity of synchronization while the data access speed and its actuality would remain stable. The object of the research is the process of optimizing the structure of the distributed database of corporate information systems, which are based on the relational database’s model. Objective. The research aims at improving the accuracy of the data representation marker’s value on the distributed corporate information system’s (DCIS) node, obtained using the analytic hierarchy process by applying the fuzzy logic elements while processing the alternatives’ global priority vector. Method. The research’s authors in the set of their previous works emphasize the potential of using the collected history of users’ SQL queries. Firstly presented technology of users’ queries parsing. Then, the idea of using the multidimensional database for analyzing users’ queries by slices of workstation type, application, user, and his/her position was considered. Finally, the authors gave the full-scaled mathematical model for formalizing database and query models, and criteria of database structure’s optimality.The current research continues the given sequence and tries to increase the efficiency of the decision support system, by introducing elements of fuzzy logic to the analytic hierarchy process algorithm. The approach’s main idea is in presenting the global priorities vector in the form of a series of fuzzy sets of one variable with subsequent transformation to the exact value. This approach made it possible to maintain the accuracy of the obtained result while decreasing the number of solution alternatives. For new tuples added to the database’s tables after all calculations had been performed, the problem was formalized. After obtaining the probability of a tuple belonging to the class “needed” and performing the normalization of the value, it is taken as the level of the representation marker. Accordingly, the data is loaded onto the node if this value is greater than the optimal level of the representation marker for the DCIS node. Results. After calculating and obtaining the alternatives global priorities’ vector in order to improve the accuracy of the obtained result, the apparatus of fuzzy sets was used. The obtained vector of global priorities was presented as a vector of fuzzy digits for the data representation marker with subsequent transformation to the exact value. This approach made it possible to maintain the accuracy of the obtained result while decreasing the number of solution alternatives. Conclusions. While working on the research, the concept of a data representation marker on the DCIS node for the elements of the SQL query model was introduced. An aggregation function has been developed that allows determining the level of need for attributes and tuples in the database’s relation for the DCIS node based on the statistics of SQL queries. A model of the dependence of the database structure’s optimality criteria on the value of the data representation marker is built. Received further development method of analytic hierarchy process. The initialization of the alternatives’ pairwise comparisons matrix can be performed automatically according to the obtained mathematical models. Representation of the obtained result in the form of the vector of fuzzy numbers with the reduction to the exact value allows increasing the accuracy of the obtained results.

Evaluation of Infrared Radiation and Occupational Cataracts in Bakeries in Qom Province, Iran

Background &amp; Aims of the Study: Nowadays, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation seems to have a vital role in all aspects of human life. However, radiations such as infrared radiation (IR) adversely affect the human visual system. This study aimed to evaluate IR exposure and occupational cataracts in the selected traditional and automatic bakeries in Qom Province, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in traditional and modern bakeries with 306 workers. Demographic data were collected using a demographic questionnaire. IR measurement was done using the Hagner EC1-IR digital radiometer at the eye height and in the first and last hours of the workday. The obtained data were analyzed with statistical tests of the Chi-square, Fisher exact, 1-way ANOVA, and independent t test in SPSS software v. 20. Results: According to the obtained results, 16.1% of the workstations had a high level of exposure to IR, and 20.3% of workers were suffering from cataracts. The results showed a significant correlation between the exposure level and jobs as well as tasks and working hours (P&lt;0.05). Also, a significant correlation was observed between the risk of cataracts and the exposure level, workstation type, age, and experience (P&lt;0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the type of bakeries and the risk of cataracts (P=0.59). Conclusion: Based on our findings, nearly one-sixth of the surveyed stations were higher than the standard limit in terms of IR measurement, and nearly one-fifth of workers were suffering from cataracts. The results indicated that due to the long-term exposure of bakery workers to IR, it is necessary to plan and implement effective control measures in bakeries.

Ex vivo comparison of electrocautery-enhanced delivery of lumen-apposing metal stents matching electrosurgical workstations during EUS-guided gallbladder drainage.

EUS-guided gallbladder drainage (EUS-GBD) has become one of the recommended treatments for patients with high-risk acute cholecystitis. However, the gallbladder reportedly collapsed due to bile leakage, which was a disadvantage that affects the surgical success rate. Different electrocautery-enhanced delivery of the lumen-apposing metal stents (ECE-LAMSs) using suitable power levels in electrosurgical workstations can increase the surgical success rate and reduce trauma. Therefore, we proposed the use of the ECE-LAMSs and electrosurgical workstations for the first time through ex vivo experiments to adjust the different power levels and select the most suitable electrosurgical power for each ECE-LAMS type. We compared three types of ECE-LAMS (9Fr, 10.5Fr, and 10.8Fr) with three types of electrosurgical workstations during EUS-GBD. GBD was simulated ex vivo under the guidance of an ultrasound endoscope. We performed various power tests to elucidate the ideal electric power for different ECE-LAMS combined with the different types of electrosurgical workstations. For the 10.8Fr ECE-LAMS matched with the Martin, Erbe, and Olympus electrosurgical workstations, the ideal power levels were 200 W, 200 W, and 250W. For the 10.5Fr and 9Fr ECE-LAMS matched with the Martin, Erbe, and Olympus electrosurgical workstations, the ideal power levels were 150 W, 200 W, and 200 W. During the operations, due to low-power levels in the electrosurgical workstations increased the number of cuts, the EUS images were obviously unclear, which affected the success rates of the operations. We suggested different power levels for the different types of LAMS and their matching electrosurgical workstations, which can increase the surgical success rates and reduce surgical injuries.

P–754 A novel warmed device protecting the embryo transfer catheter is effective in preventing the cooling of embryos during the embryo transfer procedure

Abstract Study question Can cooling of embryos during the embryo transfer be alleviated with the use of a 37 °C temperature protective device covering the ET catheter? Summary answer Cooling of embryos during embryo transfer can be effectively alleviated by using a 37 °C pre-warmed temperature protective device covering the ET catheter. What is known already An optimized physicochemical environment is crucial for maintenance of normal homeostasis, metabolism, and spindle stability to minimize stress on gametes and embryos. During preimplantation embryo development, epigenetic reprogramming occurs and environmental stress factors including temperature can disrupt this critical process and potentially damage embryos. IVF laboratories use heated stages, warming blocks and incubators to control and maintain temperature within set control limits. However, it has recently been shown that during the ET procedure, the temperature of fluid in the catheter tip drops significantly. To date no means of preventing this has been reported, or to our knowledge, implemented. Study design, size, duration In this prospective controlled study, 100 simulated embryo transfer procedures were carried out at 5 European clinics. The catheters were loaded with medium according to clinic protocol. In 50, the transfer catheter was then transported to the clinician and handled according to standard practice, and in the other 50 the catheter was covered with the temperature protecting device after loading but otherwise handled identically. 10 control and 10 intervention procedures were performed at each clinic. Participants/materials, setting, methods The temperature inside the ET catheter tip (Wallace Sure View) was measured with a calibrated thermocouple probe (diameter of 0.25 mm) placed at the location of an embryo and monitored during standard operating ET procedures (control group), and with the ET catheter-syringe set inserted into a temperature protective device (37 °C pre-warmed aluminium core, 15x90 mm) allowing retraction of the ET catheter tip immediately after embryo loading (study group). No embryos were employed in this study. Main results and the role of chance During standard operating ET procedures (control group), a considerable variation was observed in the embryo loading temperature between clinics, ranging from 34 °C to 37 °C. A profound temperature drop down to 20.8 °C–25.6 °C was recorded within 20 seconds of loading the ET catheter and in all 5 clinics a very rapid decline in catheter tip temperature down to ambient temperature was observed regardless of environment, type of workstation, or standard operating ET procedures in use. In contrast, when the ET catheter-syringe set was placed into a 37 °C pre-warmed temperature protective device from the time of embryo loading until the end of the simulated ET procedure, the drop of temperature was minimal, effectively maintaining the temperature at the loading temperature of between 34 °C and 37 °C °C throughout the simulated ET procedure. The mean loss of temperature of 14.8 °C in the control group was reduced to just to 0.4 °C in the study group. The consistent and profound differences in catheter tip temperature between the control and device groups across repeated measurements at different sites indicate the findings to be robust. Limitations, reasons for caution Numerous permutations of laboratory culture systems exist and the equipment, consumables and procedure for ET, including time, are highly variable and operator dependent. Therefore, the results and conclusions of this study may not be universally applicable. Furthermore, the impact of embryo cooling during ET on live birth rate remains uncertain. Wider implications of the findings: The ET procedure represents a ‘weak link’ in temperature control from the IVF laboratory to the patient until the embryo is safely deposited into its physiological environment, the uterine cavity. We demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel device for maintaining the temperature during ET, which could potentially improve embryo viability. Trial registration number Not applicable

Workplace design-related stress effects on prefrontal cortex connectivity and neurovascular coupling

This study aims to evaluate the effect of workstation type on the neural and vascular networks of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) underlying the cognitive activity involved during mental stress. Workstation design has been reported to affect the physical and mental health of employees. However, while the functional effects of ergonomic workstations have been documented, there is little research on the influence of workstation design on the executive function of the brain. In this study, 23 healthy volunteers in ergonomic and non-ergonomic workstations completed the Montreal imaging stress task, while their brain activity was recorded using the synchronized measurement of electroencephalography and functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The results revealed desynchronization in alpha rhythms and oxygenated hemoglobin, as well as decreased functional connectivity in the PFC networks at the non-ergonomic workstations. Additionally, a significant increase in salivary alpha-amylase activity was observed in all participants at the non-ergonomic workstations, confirming the presence of induced stress. These findings suggest that workstation design can significantly impact cognitive functioning and human capabilities at work. Therefore, the use of functional neuroimaging in workplace design can provide critical information on the causes of workplace-related stress.

Feasibility and acceptability of \u201cactive\u201d classroom workstations among French university students and lecturers: a pilot study

BackgroundSedentary lifestyles plague today’s society in terms of physical, psychosocial and cognitive health. Students are particularly at risk because they spend most of their daily time sitting and inactive. The current pedagogical model must be rethought in order to promote students’ health, well-being and therefore their success. The objective of this project was to equip one classroom of the sport science department at a university with various active workstations (standing desks, Swiss balls, cycling desks, pedal- or stepper-board) and to evaluate the feasibility and influence of these types of active workstations on the cognitive and psychological factors of the students, and to collect the feedback of lecturers during this experience.MethodsParticipation in the study was voluntary and students had the opportunity to choose or not to use an active workstation during lectures. A total of 663 students and 14 lecturers completed a survey to evaluate subjective feelings about physical, psycho-cognitive and academic aspects after their first experience with active workstations in the classroom.ResultsThe majority of students and lecturers reported positive effects of active workstations in reducing fatigue, distraction, and boredom. The preferred active workstations were the cycling desks and the Swiss balls. Finally, 89.4% of students favoured using active workstations in future lectures if they had the option, as well as 71% of lecturers, demonstrating the acceptance of such active workstations.ConclusionThe present study brings promising results toward a more general implementation of active workstations in universities. Once a familiarisation period is observed, having such workstations in the classroom could help prevent the deleterious effect of sedentary behaviour and promote a more active daily life for the future.

Effect of Workstation Type on the Relationship Between Fatigue, Physical Activity, Stress, and Sleep.

This study examined office workstation types' impact on the relationship between fatigue and three health metrics: physical activity, stress, and sleep quality. Data from 225 office workers were collected for perceived fatigue, perceived sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), physiological stress response (standard deviation of heart rate variability [HRV]), and physical activity (total activity in minutes) during three consecutive workdays. Stress and physical activity were measured using chest-worn sensors. Workers were then categorized as tired or not-tired based on the median of the fatigue rating. Among tired workers, open-bench seating workers had increased physical activity, improved sleep quality, and reduced stress compared with workers in private offices and cubicles. Office workstation types influence physical activity and levels of stress during work hours, which in turn affect sleep quality.

Technical and methodological support for postmortem radiation examinations in the pathological departments and the forensic bureau

The purpose of the work is to analyze the technical and methodological features of postmortem radiation studies based on literature data and the results of our own experience. To designate such studies, the term thanatoradiology has been proposed. The basis for the effective conduct of a thanatodiological examination is adequate technical support, which equally consists of the capabilities of the equipment for obtaining radiographs, CT and MR tomograms (type and generation of the device, technical features of a particular model), as well as the capabilities of the radiologist's workstation with the help of which the computer processing of the obtained images is carried out, three-dimensional reconstructions are performed, the calculation of planar and volumetric parameters and additional information is obtained. The use of an X-ray unit allows one to assess only pronounced pathology and the presence of foreign objects. The effectiveness of a computed tomography device depends on the choice of the slice thickness and the step of the examination table. Research on a magnetic resonance imager is effective at certain magnetic induction strength, the form of a magnetic coil and the used mode of recording a pulse sequence. The objectivity and efficiency of digital processing of tomograms consists of the type of a radiologist's workstation and installed programs for post-processing tomograms, including for modeling three-dimensional images and color mapping. The choice of a specific method of postmortem radiation research should be determined mainly by the research objectives. Research should be carried out taking into account age, body weight, individual characteristics and the state of body tissues. Today, it is advisable to use radiation methods as part of a comprehensive pathological and anatomical or forensic medical research to improve the quality and shorten the autopsy duration. The development of a unified protocol for postmortem CT and MRI studies that meets the pathological, anatomical and forensic requirements remains an urgent task.

Effects of two types of dynamic office workstations (DOWs) used at two intensities on cognitive performance and office work in tasks with various complexity

This study examines the possible effects on objective work performance while using two types of dynamic office workstations (DOWs). 20 participants each used one type with three intensities (seated, light, moderate) and completed a task battery assessing cognitive performance and office work with two levels of complexity. Repeated measures MANOVA showed a significant interaction effect for work performance between the type of workstation and intensity for the simple level and a significant main effect for intensity for the complex level. Comparing the types of DOWs to each other, accuracy of text processing differed when working sedentary. Using both devices with light and moderate intensity had a significant detrimental effect on mouse tasks compared to working sedentary, but none comparing the intensities. No further results indicated neither a detrimental nor an enhancing effect of using DOWs on cognitive performance and office-work related tasks, regardless of the intensity of use or the task complexity. Practitioner Summary: By using DOWs, light physical activity can be integrated while working at a desk. Results showed that using different types of DOWs with different intensities does have a detrimental effect on tasks requiring a high motor control, but not on cognitive or further office work-related tasks of various complexity. Abbreviations: DOW: dynamic office workstation; aLT: activeLife Trainer; DB: deskbike; RPE: rated perceived exertion; MANOVA: multivariate analysis of variance; ANOVA: analysis of variance

Effects of Workstation Type on Mental Stress: FNIRS Study.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the workstation type on the severity of mental stress by means of measuring prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Workstation type is known to influence worker's health and performance. Despite the practical implications of ergonomic workstations, limited information is available regarding their impact on brain activity and executive functions. Ten healthy participants performed a Montreal imaging stress task (MIST) in ergonomic and nonergonomic workstations to investigate their effects on the severity of the induced mental stress. Cortical hemodynamic changes in the PFC were observed during the MIST in both the ergonomic and nonergonomic workstations. However, the ergonomic workstation exhibited improved MIST performance, which was positively correlated with the cortical activation on the right ventrolateral and the left dorsolateral PFC, as well as a marked decrease in salivary alpha-amylase activity compared with that of the nonergonomic workstation. Further analysis using the NASA Task Load Index revealed a higher weighted workload score in the nonergonomic workstation than that in the ergonomic workstation. The findings suggest that ergonomic workstations could significantly improve cognitive functioning and human capabilities at work compared to a nonergonomic workstation. Such a study could provide critical information on workstation design and development of mental stress that can be overlooked during traditional workstation design and mental stress assessments.

Investigating Frontal Neurovascular Coupling in Response to Workplace Design-Related Stress

This research seeks to examine the impact of workstation types on the coupling of neural and vascular activities of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The design of the workstations was found to impair the performance, physical and mental health of employees. However, the mechanism underlying cognitive activity involved during workstation design-related stress effects in the PFC has not been fully understood. We used electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to simultaneously measure electrical activity and hemoglobin concentration changes in the PFC. The multimodal signal was collected from 23 healthy adult volunteers who completed the Montreal imaging stress task in ergonomic and non-ergonomic workstations. A supervised machine learning method based on temporally embedded canonical correlation analysis (tCCA) was utilized to obtain the association between neural activity and local changes in hemoglobin concentrations to enhance localization and accuracy. The results showed deactivation in alpha power rhythms and oxygenated hemoglobin, as well as declined activation pattern of the fused data in the right PFC at the non-ergonomic workstation. Additionally, all participants at the non-ergonomic workstation experienced a substantial rise in salivary alpha-amylase activity in comparison with the ergonomic workstation, indicating the existence of high-stress levels. The proposed tCCA approach obtains excellent results in discriminating workstation types achieving accuracies of 98.8% and a significant improvement of 8.0% ( $p ) and 9.4% ( $p ) over EEG-only and fNIRS-only, respectively. Our study suggests the use of functional neuroimaging in designing the workplace as it provides critical information on the causes of workplace-related stress.

Enhancement of human-centered workplace design and optimization with Exoskeleton technology

Abstract The employment of intelligent tools in production, such as the new area of wearable robotics, the Exoskeletons, represents valuable and promising technology to reduce the physical stress and increase innovation, productivity and workplace safety. The challenge of realizing these advanced manufacturing environments with integrated Exoskeletons is represented by missing design and planning methods required to equip future workplaces with this enabling technology. The integration of Exoskeletons in logistics and production activities creates a new hybrid type of workstation that has to be designed according to a scientific approach. The article presents the first steps in developing an innovative approach to planning and optimizing intelligent working environments with integrated adaptive Exoskeletons. The topic harmonizes three main areas of research: a) production technologies and holistic planning of production processes; b) ergonomics, safety and security of workers in production environments and c) configuration based on the components of the new type of wearable robotics, the Exoskeletons. The validation of this approach is provided through the creation of digital human/Exoskeleton models combining digital Exoskeleton with various digital human models. The Digital Twin of the human/Exoskeleton system is the heart of a holistic design and optimization process that aims to assess the appropriateness of the selected Exoskeleton by simulating the tasks performed and adapting the simulation parameters. An exemplary validation case in one of the most innovative and dynamic sector, the construction sector, demonstrates the applicability of the model. A guideline for migrate the model in other industry sectors is provided, as well.

PREDICCIÓN DEL NÚMERO DE PAROS DE PRODUCCIÓN EN LÍNEAS DE ENSAMBLE

Es presentada una metodología para evaluar la condición actual y predecir la causa de inactividad de líneas de ensamble realizando un análisis del número de paros de producción. Es investigado el comportamiento de los paros por causa y por tipo de estación de trabajo, para así orientar a una mejor toma de decisiones. Los datos recolectados fueron la estación que provoca el paro de línea, su causa y el número de paros. Los cálculos obtenidos fueron las probabilidades de las causas de paro, aplicando la prueba de bondad de ajuste chi-cuadrada. En base a la distribución multinomial, fueron presentados modelos para predecir las causas de los próximos “m” paros de la línea. Además, uno de los principales hallazgos fue que los paros debidos a los operadores son el 61.37% de todos los paros, por lo que es recomendado maximizar las habilidades y conocimientos de los operadores.