bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Case with Negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Suspicious Chest Computed Tomography (CT) Images SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Not
Authors:   University Clinic of Cardiology, CNHU-HKM, University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Cotonou, Benin, Philippe Mahouna Adjagba , Sonia Adjadohoun , Murielle Hounkponou , Arnaud Sonou , Léopold Codjo , Edson Soho , Mickaella Dahito , Géraud Avocèvou , Ingrid Djoh , Yolande Sissinto , Patricia Yèkpè , Olivier Biaou , Dèdonougbo Martin Houenassi
Published: May 2022

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 infection has polymorphic clinical presentations. The real time PCR is the reference diagnostic test; however, it can only detect presence of virus for a specific window of time. Case: We report a clinical case in a patient aged 66 years. His clinical history included known hypertension for 10 years and ischemic stroke. He had no known contact with infected persons. He initially presented with a productive cough, fever, shortness of breath on exertion, intense asthenia and palpitations. The real time PCR with upper airway samples was conducted on days 18 and 20 of the onset of symptoms and was negative. Despite chest CT abnormalities, the patient was not considered to be infected SARS-CoV-2 according to national recommendations for diagnosis and treatment in Benin. He was discharged from the treatment centre. Readmitted 7 days later to the emergency room for respiratory distress, the patient died. Conclusion. Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be difficult. In the context of typical clinical presentation, chest CT features of viral pneumonia may be strongly suspicious for SARS-CoV-2 despite negative real time PCR results. In order to improve the diagnostic and therapeutic strategy for SARS-CoV-2 infection in Benin, chest CT and other diagnostic tests/ criteria should be adopted.
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia Following Consumption of Sauropus androgynus
Authors:   Department of Nuclear Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Yang Rong-Hsin , Yao Shan-Fan , Chu Yum-Kung
Published: May 2022

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a rare disorder affecting the small airways, alveoli and the walls of small bronchi. This form of lung injury involves inflammation and stiffening of lung areas with organized tissue. There are several known causes of BOOP, and several systemic disorders have BOOP as an associated primary pulmonary lesion. An outbreak of BOOP among young women has been publicly reported in Taiwan from late 1994 and onward. The source of the illness was traced to the consumption of Sauropus androgynus. Herein, we describe a case of a 28-year-old woman who developed a rapid pulmonary toxicity after drinking fresh S. androgynus purée daily for a period of two months, as an alleged regimen for weight reduction. Ga-67 citrate imaging portrayed the inflammatory status in her eyes, parotids and lungs. Pathological pattern of open-lung biopsy specimens was characteristic of BOOP. The toxicity is believed related to alkaloid papaverine contained in the plant. Bioactive principles of S. androgynus and pathogenetic mechanism underlying BOOP remain unidentified.
The Relationship Between Resting Heart Rate and Age in Adult Nigerians
Authors:   Department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Richard I. Oko-Jaja , Chowdhry Pracha Shamsuddin , A. Mohiuddin Omair
Published: May 2022

Background: Resting heart rate is related to cardiovascular mortality as well as to all-cause mortality. It is therefore important to know whether resting heart rate changes with age in adults. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between heart rate and age in adult Nigerians. Methods: It was a retrospective study on adult Nigerians attending a University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. All the needed data were retrieved from the medical records. Heart rate was calculated from the electrocardiogram and correlated with age. Results: There were 99 cases aged between 20 and 54 years and comprised of 60 males and 39 females. The mean heart rate was 73.40±13.16 beats/minute. Across the various decades, the mean heart rate in beats per minute was 73.46±10.70 in the third decade, 75.52±12.16 in the fourth decade, 72.38±13.91 in the fifth decade, and 71.60±18.77 in the sixth decade of life (p=0.770). Heart rate correlated negatively and weakly with age (r=- 0.034, p=0.736). There were more cases of sinus bradycardia than sinus tachycardia, but the proportion of cases with heart rate outside 60 beats per minute to 100 beats per minute was small. Conclusion: This study showed that resting heart rate did not change with age in young adult and middle-aged Nigerians who had no clinical evidence of heart disease. A greater proportion of them were in normal sinus rhythm.
Time Structure Analysis in Task with Manual Components of Work
Authors: Bedny G. , Karwowski W. , Bedny I.
Published: May 2022

A comparison of traditional work time study and the study of temporal parameters of operator’s performance demonstrate that they have both common and distinctive features. However, in both cases concept of time structure of performer’s activity should be considered. The term time structure is a new and important concept in the area of time study and work design. Very often we cannot design equipment or efficient methods of task performance if we do not know time stricture of activity during task performance. A fairly complex time structure of activity is encountered during a manual control of human-machine systems, where cognitive and behavioral actions have complex organization. Therefore, in this paper we consider time structure analysis in tasks with manual components of work.
Effectiveness of Auditory and Vibrotactile Cuing for Driver’s Enhanced Attention under Noisy Environment
Authors: MURATA Atsuo , KURODA Takashi , KANBAYASHI Michihiro
Published: May 2022

If the warning signal is presented via visual or auditory stimulus, the auditory or visual interference with other information might arise. On the other hand, if vibrotactile cue is used, such interference would be surely reduced. Therefore, it is expected that a vibrotactile signal would be very promising as a warning signal especially under noisy environment. In order to clarify the most suitable modality of cue (warning) to a visual hazard under noisy environment, the following two cues were used in the experiment: (1) auditory cue and (2) vibrotactile cue. The condition of SOA (Stimulus Onset Asynchrony) was set to 0s, 0.5s, and 1s. The noose level inside the experimental chamber was 60dB(A), 70dB(A), 80dB(A), and 90dB(A). It was hypothesized that vibrotactile cue under noisy environment is more effective for quickening the reaction to a hazard than auditory cue. As a result, it was verified that the vibrotactile warning got more and more effective with the increase of noise level. The reaction time to the auditory warning was remarkably affected by the noise level, while the reaction time to the vibrotactile warning was not affected by the noise level at all. Moreover, the SOA condition did not remarkably affect the reaction time to the auditory or the vibrotactile warnings.
ERGO WORK - Creating the Best Places to Work
Authors: O'Sullivan Grażyna , Moody Louise , Saunders Andreja Čurin Janet , Leber Marjan
Published: May 2022

Social Cohesion" is one of the seven main objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy, and including disabled people in the labour market is a key element. There are challenges associated with providing fit for purpose workplaces and job design for full inclusion of people with disabilities. Ergonomics as a discipline has a key role to play. This paper describes the premise behind, and initial research undertaken within the 10 partner, European funded project "ERGO WORK - joining academia and business for new opportunities in creating ERGOnomic WORKplaces". The picture across Europe is variable in terms of workplace inclusion, and in the application of ergonomics and universal design. The project aims to encourage cooperation between universities, businesses and other organizations to improve learning, teaching and knowledge transfer in respect to ergonomic workplace design for disability. In the long term, the impact of the project is intended to be improved equal employment opportunities, enhanced understanding of universal design and principles for providing quality working environments in Europe. This paper describes the project rationale and some preliminary data from a scoping study to understand the provision for disability made in workplaces across Poland, Slovenia and the UK. Future work is outlined.
Designing for Future Professional Activity – Examples from Ship Bridge Concept Design
Authors: Wahlströma Mikael , Karvonena Hannu , Kaasinena Eija , Mannonenb Petri
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a design approach for generating radical design concepts for professional activity. The approach includes analysis of domain-specific work activity, user-experience goals setting as well as work domain and technology trend foresight. The intention of the approach is that the concept solutions reflect the existing means and professional recourses applied in work activity, the potential benefits of future technology, and the existing and future challenges particular to a certain work domain. This approach is exemplified with a ship command bridge design case in which future bridge concepts were generated for three ship types: tugboats, platform supply vessels, and cargo ships. Several subject-matter expert interviews and observations were conducted for gathering understanding required to generate the concept ideas. From the existing user-centred design approaches, our approach combines elements of experience design, co-design, and contextual design, but includes certain features for the purpose of creating radical instead of incremental design solutions, the latter typically being the result of user-centred design. These features include, futurology, generation of broad systems usability design goals with Core-Task Analysis method, reformulation of user-experience goals into themes, stories, or personas, and co-design in the end of the concept design process.
Comfort Optimization Method for Work Equipment Based on a Digital Hand Model
Authors: Gust Peter , Ünlü Aydin
Published: May 2022

Comfort optimization for work equipment handles frequently fails in practice because of high temporal complexity and high development costs, coupled with the pressure of shorter development times. Handle design also has a strong subjective element rooted in the communication of comfort as sensation. Finally, handle design lacks an objective method to make comfort measurable. This paper presents a new method for achieving comfort optimization of work equipment based on a digital hand model, using the example of an iron bender. After determining significant factors of the work equipment, a so-called work equipment dependent pressure discomfort model (PDT model) is derived. The paper then focuses on practical creation of a finite element method (FEM) hand model. Finally, handle design parameters such as shape, size, material and surface can be derived from the FEM hand model in relation to the PDT model.
Intangible Cultural Heritage and Digital Communications
Authors: Caramelo Gomesª Cristina , Luísa Costa Maria
Published: May 2022

ICT aims to democratize the access to information for individuals despite their professional, social and/or personal objectives. Digital artifacts became an interactive way to promote the contact between individuals and entities while pursuing information about a particular issue. Intangible Cultural Heritage is an area of knowledge which by means of digital artifacts can expand its field of action. The impact of digital artifacts on ICH on creation, management and delivery of information was recognized by ICOMOS and European Union; however the knowledgeable entities do not invest on the conception of this kind of documents. The results are inefficient websites which communicate information as if they were traditional static documents. Recurrently, considerations of communication and interaction design are excluded from digital artifacts’ conceptual process. The authors elected three Portuguese cases which illustrate the scarcity of information, an interface difficult to interact with, the failure of inclusive design principles, a questionable aesthetical and functional layout and navigation and particularly the nearly inexistence of interaction chances for the user. This paper proposes an analysis of the impact of digital artifacts on ICH, as well as the design concepts along the conceptual process of these digital artifacts, namely websites. The main objective is to propose a set of guide lines to help creative professionals conceive websites oriented to ICH in order to attract and support different kinds of users.
Space Usability Study from the Point of View of the Teacher in Public Schools from 1st to 5th Grade in the City of Bauru, SP, Brazil
Authors: Lima Caversan Adriana , Carlos Plácido da Silva José
Published: May 2022

Spaces and furniture are considered pedagogical material having fundamental importance in the result of the performance of student's and teacher's work. For this study there was special attention regarding the application of teaching methodologies that rely on these physical elements. It shows how the teacher uses it in the evaluated places. Due this terms, a study was conducted in 34 classrooms among eight elementary schools with children between 6 and 10 years old in the city of Bauru in the state Sao Paulo, Brazil . In this study we compared the area differences found in the classrooms of these schools and impossibilities of applying distinct types of lay outs or assortments as well as the movement difficulties of the teacher in the classroom . This point was crucial because it is the basis of the usability of spaces and furniture in education from the point of view of the teacher. The amount and quality of space may cause some loss in teaching performance, because space may become a limit to the teacher's work.
Research of Website Interaction Design Based on UX
Authors: Guo Fu , Qu Qing-Xing , Zhang Xia-Ying , Ye Wen-Ting , Wang Huan , Wang Xue-Shuang
Published: May 2022

This paper makes a research of the relationship between interaction design elements and Kansei image words along with user preference based on user experience, Kansei Engineering and Interaction Design. First, four representative group buying websites were selected by the multidimensional scaling analysis and clustering analysis, and the interaction design elements were extracted by the discussion of experts and the method of morphological analysis, then the emotional assessment scale was established. Second, the article aims to build a correlation model between the interaction design elements and Kansei image words along with user preference via encoding the interaction design elements though quantification theory I, using the neural network algorithm, and then optimizes the design parameters with genetic algorithm.
Terminology Matters: About Labeling Used in the User Interfaces of Home Networking Devices
Authors: Moallem Abbas
Published: May 2022

This paper presents the results of a terminology survey on home networking. The results of this study show that all of the major brands of home networking appliances use complex terminology in their user interfaces and that a very small percentage of people know the meaning of these terms.
Usability Evaluation of MOSES (Monitoring and Operating System for Emergency Services Tablet)
Authors: Jane Carillo Sarah , Adam L. Marinas Neil , Relator Richelle , C. Grepo Lorelie
Published: May 2022

MOSES Tablet is a device specifically made for Filipinos to help prepare them for climactic disasters through its software applications. Currently in prototype stage, the tablet is not yet tested for usability. This study focused on the usability evaluation of the tablet before its deployment to different barangays all over the Philippines. Five officials from different barangays were asked to undergo the usability test. MOSES applications received high ratings on effectiveness and overall look and impression, but varied ratings on learnability and ease of use. NOAH and Arko are the top 2 desired applications by most test subjects, but they received the lowest ratings on ease of use. For NOAH, 3 of 5 test subjects had difficulty choosing the right option when checking a specific type of weather information. Most users agreed that performing tasks with Arko was difficult and more complicated than NOAH. Distinguishing between the functions of the two applications is quite difficult for one test subject. For other applications, issues about unrecognizable icons, illegible font size and hard to perceive message alerts were observed, among others.Given the findings from the study, it can be concluded that usability evaluation is indeed necessary in the development of MOSES tablet. Issues and problems that users encountered were revealed and thus could help in improving its design for the users.
Usability-Based Mobile Phone Selection for Communications in Emergency Situations
Authors: L. Nunes Isabel , Patriarca Duarte , Sofia Matos Ana
Published: May 2022

The work presented here describes the selection process of mobile phones with better usability for use in emergency situations in Portugal. In emergency management, communications are a fundamental asset for limiting the consequences of risky situations. Since mobile phones have revolutionized the way people communicate they can constitute an opportunity to be used in information exchange during emergency situations. In this study the mathematical methodology developed by (Jeelani, 2011) - which holistically represents human factors’ issues associated with the use of mobile phone in emergency - was adapted to the Portuguese context. This methodology allows the rating of mobile phones in terms of suitability for use in emergency situations, having the satisfaction of user needs as a main priority. The methodology used in this study comprehends three phases: identification of the more important features of mobile phones for use in emergency situations; determination of the selection factors relative importance, using Analytic Hierarchy Process; and usability testing of five mobile phones using Cognitive Walkthrough protocol, with 20 individuals.
Ergonomic Design for Young Users of Mobile Phones
Authors: Claudiaa Giliberti , Talamanca Ireneb Figà , Silvanac Salerno
Published: May 2022

Children and adolescents increasingly use mobile phones worldwide. The Report Information and Communications for Development 2012 shows that between 2000 and 2012 the world-wide use of mobile phones has grown from 1 to about 6 billion, resulting in a mobile revolution that is changing our lifestyles. After less than forty years, mobile phones, initially complex, heavy and expensive have become light, handy, economic, visually attractive and multifunctional. These technological and aesthetic improvements allowed high usability for all, especially for children. The physical, cognitive and social ergonomic characteristics of mobile phones for younger users need to be considered in order to ensure their wellbeing: physical ergonomics implies for example the prevention of awkward postures, musculoskeletal disorders, eye sight and hearing overload, electromagnetic fields exposure; cognitive ergonomics includes the prevention of dual tasks (such as texting while driving/walking), over connection, addiction and abuse; social ergonomics might prevent cyberbullism, sex messaging, self and other aggressive and violent behavior. As an example of precaution, this paper discusses how different countries have started education campaigns for the safe use of mobile phones among children, by minimizing radiofrequency exposures, according to international recommendations and the precautionary principles.
Surprise as a Design Strategy in Goal-oriented Mobile Applications
Authors: Gross Alice , Silvennoinen Johanna
Published: May 2022

Emotions are important in product experiences. Besides utilitarian aspects in interacting with technological products, recent research has focused on hedonic and affective aspects of product interaction. Designing unexpected product features evoking surprise has proven to be advantageous for product user interaction and user experience. Especially, in classical product design surprising the user is an efficient design strategy to create pleasurable products. However, current research has not extensively focused on the effects of surprise in technological interactive products. It is important to understand users´ experiences in relation to unexpected events in digital products in order to design pleasurable and engaging technological products. Therefore, the focus of this study is to resolve how surprise affects user experience in goal-oriented mobile applications. The product features evoking surprise is conveyed via visual user interface design by manipulating visual characteristics of the user interface elements. The results of this study indicate that introducing surprise in goal-oriented contexts does not have a positive effect on users. It seems that an unexpected interruption of task flow lets satisfaction levels drop. Results of this study provide novel insights how surprise affects user experience in technological products and can be utilized in designing mobile applications.
An Application of Ballistic Movement Method for Evaluating the Effects of Movement Direction Using a Standard Mouse
Authors: F. Lin Ray , Tsai Yi-Chien , Huang Chi-Yu , Lin Min-Hsin
Published: May 2022

Most studies on the effect of movement direction utilized Fitts’ law; however, the use of Fitts’ law has a limitation of discriminating the extent to which properties of speed and accuracy contribute to the aiming movement time. Hence, this study aimed at utilizing the two ballistic movement models to separately assess speed and accuracy. Four participants performed ballistic movements with a standard computer mouse in eight radial directions. The measured movement time and two axes of end-point variability were analyzed using the two ballistic movement models. The results showed that two ballistic movement models accounted well for the measured data in various movement directions, and movement direction had certain effects on movement time, aiming-constant error, and aiming-variable error. Movements took the shortest times in the directions of 0° and 180°. Participants aimed targets with a counterclockwise angle when moving toward 90°, 135°, 180°, and 225°, and with a clockwise angle when moving toward 270°, 315°, 0°, and 45°. Aiming-variable errors were relatively smaller along cross axes, compared to those along diagonal axes. Ballistic movement models, compared to Fitts’ law, provided individual performance information of “speed” and “accuracy”, helping provide detail information for HCI designs.
An Expert System Approach for Ergonomic Evaluation of Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Authors: Maldonado-Macías Aide , Realyvásquez Vargas Arturo
Published: May 2022

Current models to evaluate and select Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) present deficiencies since human factors and ergonomics (HFE) aspects have been neglected and obviated. Therefore models have emerged that propose the effective integration of these aspects. This chapter presents a literature review emphasizing in authors and methodologies that have addressed this topic. Also, the development of a fuzzy expert system (FES) based on Fuzzy if-then rules with a novel axiomatic design approach for ergonomic compatibility evaluation on the selection of AMT is presented. A numerical example for the selection of CNC plastic molding machines is also included. Literature review was made by using key words on scientific databases such as Science Direct and Ebscohost including papers from the last five years.As results we present a list of authors, methodologies and models that have contributed to ergonomic evaluation of AMT. A fuzzy expert system (FES) was developed and programmed in Matlab ®. It was validated using previous case studies’ results and sensibility analysis. The FES provides a practical way for single or group evaluation for ergonomic compatibility of AMT and may contribute to more complete decision making processes including HFE aspects.
The Car Segment Reconceptualization in Portugal: New Users, New Functions
Authors: Dinis Paulo , Moreira da Silva Fernando , Almendra Rita
Published: May 2022

This article concerns to a current research that aims to develop and implement processes of analysis focusing on design, in particular with regard to the identification, study and the redefinition of new concepts for the automotive segmentation. The project also intends to identify the types most widely sold in Portugal from 1990 to 2013 and produce knowledge in the area of automotive design according to the characteristics and preferences of Portuguese drivers, mainly focusing on the user with the license under the age of 30. The user segmentation versus the automobile segmentation must be approached by common indicators, unlimited by technical terms non consistent with the Portuguese market, to its function and its user. Portugal offers good conditions suiting as a "living laboratory" to experience new mobility concepts. The small size of the territory is combined with the Portuguese willingness for innovation, gathering the ingredients to make of Portugal as a trial area and experimentation (Pinto, 2011). The analysis model centered on design aims to blur the technical barriers of the segmentation imposed by the several entities in the automotive sector and to produce a matrix more flexible and accessible to the user's knowledge, understanding and to its needs at the time of purchase.
Cognitive Ergonomics in the Communication Design Process: Results from a Study Carried Out with a Sample of Students
Authors: Cadarso Maria
Published: May 2022

The paper here presented is part of a PhD research that focused in the communication design process. The creative process and the design process even though having many simultaneously moments are very different. While the former has a shorter duration and is rather chaotic, the second is longer and tends to be more organized. To understand the design process is essential to identify the decisive factors in the two different processes, therefore we have conducted a study with a group of thirty-three students from the Faculty of Architecture from the University of Lisbon, which aimed to identify the cognitive ergonomics factors that contributed to both processes.Our qualitative analytical line was carried out through the data collected with two research methods. The first method was applied in two questionnaires, marking temporally, the beginning and end of data collection. The first questionnaire aimed to establish a starting point, gathering information about the individual design process from students, prior to the course, whereas the second questionnaire sought to understand what had changed after working with the proposed methodology. The second research method was the dairy, which for this study was in the form of a graphic dairy; a tool much used for graphic and communication designers. With this we guarantee that the method was easy to grasp by the sample, and particularly suitable for students to make their recordings. On the other hand for the research, the graphic dairy, allowed us to have access to an individual internal and continuous process, which otherwise would have been difficult to witness. This study provided us with two types of results the confirmations and recommendations, which were summarily divided in 4 areas: the methodology, the process of design, research methods and the graphic dairy as a tool.
Graphic Design as a User-Centered Interface
Authors: Raposo Martins a/b Daniel , Moreira da Silva Fernando
Published: May 2022

In a globalized world, deeply marked by information and communication technology it would be expected that the computer and other technological artefacts could help to shorten the human tasks. However, it seems that man inventions progress faster than humans can evolve. Like happens in other areas, graphic design can have a contribution to user everyday. The graphic designer should shape messages that belong to others to communicate them to specific audiences. Based in the literature review focused on the design of the corporate visual identity signs, were identified the main arguments of drawing which contribute to the effectiveness of visual identity communication. The Brand marks drawing get special relevance as a way of making complex information more accessible, understandable and easy to memorize. Graphic signs drawing process is discussed in view of their need to ensure the identification, differentiation and articulation between the denotative and connotative meaning, according to human perception and understanding. It analyses several ways of creating semantic emphasis to enhance the sense of the message, influencing the brand perceptions. These associations also influence the memorization, facilitate the recognition and contribute to a significant visual experience.
Pressure Distribution on Hand's Palm as Evaluation Technique of Product Design
Authors: Corrêa Silva Danilo , Carlos Paschoarelli Luis
Published: May 2022

The design of a product can be evaluated in various ways by selecting or isolating several variables. However, for studies involving ergonomics and usability of hand tools, it is common to study physical aspects of that interaction, such as anthropometric aspects, biomechanical forces to perform a task or normal usage. This study aims to discuss the analysis instruments available, their characteristics and applicability for comparative evaluations of different designs of hand tools. With the advancement of technology, new analysis instruments also allowed the assessment of pressure distribution over the hand palm while using a hand tool. The pressure distribution is related both to the force applied by the individual, and the characteristics of the interface. Thus, even interactions with relatively low forces can substantially impair the use of a product, if that force is concentrated in a small area. The knowledge of pressure distribution on hand's palm is decisive to the hand tools design.
Time Study and Design
Authors: Bedny Gregory , Karwowski Waldemar , Bedny Inna
Published: May 2022

This paper describes new basic principles that underline the successful application of time study in ergonomics. The main purpose of time study is estimation of time required to perform a task. Often, time for task performance is based upon actual performance studies in which measurement are taken. Time not only reflects the duration of human performance and the distinguishing features of external behavior but also specifies internal cognitive processes. The time study becomes particularly important in those professions that have time restrictions. The presented material can be used not only for studying human productivity and effectiveness of human performance but also in ergonomic design.
Workload Responses to Sensory-Motor Tasks Under Time Pressure in Life Sciences Labs: Effects of Task Complexity
Authors: Riegera Annika , Stollb Regina , Thurowa Kerstin , Weippertab Matthias
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to assess workload response during a simulated pipetting task of different complexity under time pressure conditions. Thirty healthy volunteers (12 female / 18 male) gave their written informed consent to take part. After training they underwent a standardized test protocol including a baseline measurement (REST), a control pipetting condition under time pressure (CON), a complex pipetting task under time pressure (COMP), and recovery (RECOV). To avoid order effects pipetting tasks have been carried out in a counterbalanced order. Measurements included heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), breathing rate (BR), as well as diastolic and systolic blood pressure (DBP, SBP). NASA TLX was applied in order to assess perceived workload. There were minor, but significant elevations of HR, BR, SBP during CON and COMP when compared to REST and RECOV. However, with the exception of HRV measures, physiological data were not sensitive to variations in cognitive demands between the two pipetting conditions. Further, perceived mental effort differed significantly between CON and COMP and thus mirrored the different complexity of tasks. It can be concluded that the addition of cognitive demands under sensory-motor demands can be reflected by some HRV indices and subjective workload ratings but not by HR, BR and BP.
“Prepare For Work” Intervention Model in a Group of Operators MSD High Prevalence of Shoulder and Cervical Spine
Authors: Cadavid Emilio , M. Sáenz Luz
Published: May 2022

This paper presents an intervention proposal for a group of workers, known as power line workers, who are responsible for mounting, operating and maintaining energy power lines for a company that provides public utility services in Medellin, Colombia. Power line workers have been characterized by high levels of disability and the adverse effects of MSDs, in particular tendonitis that affects the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder; a condition that has, in the past, led to high levels of work relocation. Following an analysis of the workplace and the implementation of an instrument for the assessment and perception of musculoskeletal discomfort and the affected joint areas, a proposal known as "PREPARE FOR WORK" was developed. This proposal included: awareness in looking after those body parts to be targeted, a physical exercise program, and a monitoring program that would provide ongoing feedback from the group of workers based on their perceptions of the exercises carried out prior to work. This will lead to the second application of the questionnaire known as Profile of Muscle-Joint MSD Prevention Program, a strategy to measure impact and improve intervention if necessary.
Human Factors of ISO 9241-110 in the Intercultural Context
Authors: Heimgärtner Rüdiger
Published: May 2022

ISO 9241-110 describes seven dialog principles that should be applied in human computer interaction design. In this paper, some ideas are presented regarding the question whether these dialog principles are valid in general with the same strength or when used in different cultures around the world if there are differences in their applicability and subsequently how this question can be tackled. First, the influence of culture on the user’s interaction with the system and on usability and usability engineering is elucidated. Second, cultural differences and methods to describe cultural differences such as cultural models are presented. Third, the analysis of the influence of culture on dialog principles is exemplified by the dialogue principle "suitability of the task". Finally, the results are discussed and challenges are identified. The ideas in this paper pave the way for deeper research in this area.
A Campus-based Information Sharing and Communicating System for Collaborative Design and Decision Making
Authors: Imai*  Yoshio Moritoh* Masatoshi , Imai** Yoshiro
Published: May 2022

A campus-based information sharing and communicating system has been newly designed and implemented to realize network-based smart community like domain-oriented SNS for collaborative design and decision making in a relatively short period. For the sake of building large-scale poster for college promotion and the publicity of entrance examination, we must build up such a poster by means of the above information sharing and communicating system. We have taken some photos for candidates of poster, put them on exhibition with our system, and shared them with the determining committee's members on the system. This paper reports our system configuration and its application to real task of poster design. The system can play a role of such a design bed and communicating environment of collaborative design and decision making. With our system, we can perform the real collaborative design for poster creation in a short period. Its performance let the collaborative design and decision making more fruitful.
The Challenge of Accessibility in Historic Towns: The Case of Tiradentes Square in Ouro Preto - Brazil
Authors: Carla do Nascimento Dias Miriam , Pereira Quinelato Patrícia , Alberto Barroso Castañon José , Teresa Gomes Barbosa Maria
Published: May 2022

Ouro Preto was the first Brazilian city to be considered as a World Heritage Site (1980) and is one of the most relevant with regard to the Portuguese colonial architecture in Brazil. The objective of this article is to analyze the situation of accessibility design heightening in the Tiradentes Square, considered the tour "heart" of Ouro Preto. The methodology was discussed literature review to contextualize the history of people with disabilities since the time of colonization until the mid- eighteenth century and the history of the city of Ouro Preto and Tiradentes Square. Subsequently was made a case study of change in the level of excerpts from Tiradentes Square, held in 2008, based on the Architectural Design and Memorial Description provided by the Municipality of Ouro Preto. Inserting accessibility elements was recommended, since it has been found that this action cannot be considered sufficient to make Tiradentes Square accessible.
The Quality of Building Design Between Aesthetics and Usability: a Case Study on Underground Stations
Authors: Duca Gabriella
Published: May 2022

This paper presents a research on railway station usability, where Usability Performances Areas (UPA) and Usability Performances Indicators (UPI) have been defined in order to understand the gap between intended design quality and actual quality as perceived by end-users of the building. According with the ISO 9241/11 standard, the definition of usability metrics has been based on the observation of users and tasks in the railway station, resulting in 13 clusters of users, with characterizing behaviours and needs, involved in 15 elementary tasks. UPAs express the general usability requirements common to all tasks, which have been successively elicited in a set of corresponding usability indicators, specifically addressing each task. The full list of UPIs has been applied for the assessment of an underground station of Naples (Italy), belonging to an underground stations network created with the joint work of world-class architects and artists. Usability critical points related to architectural plan, architectural detailing and outfitting which result from poor consideration of end-users in building design process are discussed, together with implications for the effective integration of ergonomic skills in the design process.
Comparison Between Two Child-Resistant Packages (CRPs) Through a Usability Test With Elderly People
Authors: Henrique Cruz Bonfim Gabriel , Carlos Paschoarelli Luiz
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to conduct a usability test with elderly users, using two Child Resistant Packages (CRPs): one of them is the "Squeeze-and-turn" type and the other is the "Push-down-and-turn" type, in order to identify differences between genders and propose improvements in the design of the caps. The proposed task was to open and close the two packages. The results show that subjects had difficulties with both packages, however the push-down-and-turn package seems to be easier to open, but the satisfaction of use was higher for the squeeze-and-turn package.
Statistics of Accidents in the Portuguese Elderly Population: A Short Review
Authors: Augusto Ribeiro António , Corticeiro Neves Miguel
Published: May 2022

This short review of accident statistics emerged from the need to characterize the loss ratio of the Portuguese population aged 65 or older (one-fifth of the resident population), as part of a larger ongoing study on national policies of risk management. Step three of five consisted of researching information on accident statistics within public organizations, within academic studies university programs and in full-papers. The statistical information obtained mainly reflects work accidents and does not include many of the other occupational activities of the elderly. The available information does not present data that support the characterization of the injured person, such as age. The elderly present individual conditions that characterize them as a vulnerable group when exposed to risk, with reflections in the accident rates. Considering the importance of human factors and the age of the injured person in the cause of the accidents, it seems appropriate and essential to specify the age of groups (65 or more years) in the accidents data, to respond to the information needs, to facilitate detection of changes in the level of occupational risk and products, as well as support the need for legislation and standardization of risk management issues in the activities of the Portuguese elderly population.
The Employment of Senior Citizens in Singapore
Authors: Peacock Brian , Yoon Ping Chui , Low Samuel , Chun Kai Phang , Sok Khim Loh
Published: May 2022

The employment of senior citizens is a global challenge of major proportions, and increasing apace. From the systems ergonomics perspective these challenges can be categorized and measured from physical, cognitive, social, affective, environmental or economic viewpoints. A series of studies is underway at SIM University, Singapore to evaluate the characteristics, capabilities, limitations and aspirations of senior citizens aged 55 – 75 with regard to their employment, and compare these with a cohort of younger counterparts. The first phase of this project measured physical capabilities including, size and shape, strength, speed, stamina, and motor skills. The results of these studies indicated that, whereas these variables showed some expected associations with age, they also showed very large individual differences, presumably related to disease, disuse, disinterest, inheritance and life history. The second phase of the study investigated the perceptions, using a Kano approach (must have, more the better and excitement categories), of older people with regard to their jobs on dimensions such as physical demands, technology demands, economics, relationships (with management, co workers and customers) and job environment. As predicted economic and relationship issues dominated the results, followed by physical and technology demands. The third phase was an objective approach to the physical and operational job demands using a “Job Physical Activity Sampling” approach. This analysis indicated widely varying sedentary and dynamic job demands. Finally guidelines are presented with regard to employment of elderly people to assure health, safety and satisfaction. These guidelines are categorized using a consensus based demand – strain model that addresses spatial, manipulation, environmental, manual materials handling and operational factors. Participants were also surveyed regarding their perceived fitness for work. The conclusion of the study was that age per se is not the main challenge; rather it is the correlates of age, such as disease, that stand in the way of gainful employment.
Working Conditions in the Sector of Urban Passenger Transport the Metropolitan Region of Recife
Authors: Barkokébas Juniora B. , B. B. H. Pintob A. , B. Martinsb L.
Published: May 2022

The article aims to analyze the conditions of employment of the driver and the bus conductor, the urban passenger transport in the Metropolitan Region of Recife sector, aiming at the performance and quality of life of workers. The survey of the working conditions of these two professionals was conducted in 19 transport companies Recife by staff researcher at the Laboratory of Ergonomics and Universal Design ( LABERGODesign ) of the Federal University of Pernambuco and the Center for Health and Safety at Work ( NSHT ) University Pernambuco with support from Regional Labor Attorney of the 6th Region of the Ministry of Labour ( MPT ). For this survey was carried out in 19 bus companies, methodological procedures for measurement of risk - noise, vibration, heat, total dust O2 and CO; Applied checklists for workplace of the driver and the bus conductor; applied questionnaires to both driver and collector, also made ​​an assessment of postural discomfort using the tool Corlett diagram, in addition to photographing and filming in a real work situation of the driver and conductor. The results obtained from the research we identified the actual working conditions - physical, cognitive and organizational - of those two professionals and analyzed the jobs of the driver and conductor. The results show the consequences that the driver and conductor suffer to spend too much time sitting and with little break time, what are the areas of the body most affected by pain and discomfort in those two professions, including organizational issues they face, well as the physical and environmental risks that are exposed during a working day of 8 hours, 10 and 16 hours. The analysis of the research has relevance to the areas of occupational safety and ergonomics since the results may contribute to intervene in the security and quality of life of such professionals.
Designing a Tool to Support Patient Safety: Using Research to Inform a Proactive Approach to Healthcare Facility Design
Authors: Taylor Ellen , Joseph Anjali , Quan Xiaobo , Nanda Upali
Published: May 2022

Healthcare architecture has become an increasingly specialized field, marked by a complex interaction between people, operations and the physical environment and an ever changing landscape of regulation and reimbursement. Patient safety is often considered in a behavioral context – what can someone do differently to improve outcomes? However, as a complex system of interactions, patient safety is better advanced through a systems-thinking lens of Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE). Attaianese and Duca commented on the use of HFE principles in design, stating that, “when the system is the built environment, the systemic approach requires that designers move from an attention exclusively reserved for building functions towards the set of actions that users actually perform and that building has to support.” This paper reports the development of a proactive Safety Risk Assessment (SRA) tool which will contribute to the 2014 Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Hospitals and Outpatient Facilities. Six hazard areas have been considered as underlying conditions to injury or harm in the design of healthcare environments: 1) Hospital Associated Infections, 2) Falls/Immobility, 3) Medication Safety, 4) Patient Handling, 5) Security, and 6) Behavioral Health/Psychiatric Injury. These categories have been developed using iterative cycles of Delphi and nominal group methods to achieve consensus of categories and question sets for inclusion in the SRA.