bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usability Test for a Bank Service Website
Authors: CossyLeon-Pereza Rossy , Gallardo-Vazqueza Brenda , Soaresb Marcelo
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze one of the biggest electronic banking products in México, from the usability point of view. Two kind of analysis were made: a heuristic analysis and a user test. The heuristic analysis was based on previously defined models by Eason (1984), Leventhal and Barnes (2007) and Bastien and Scapin (1993). The format of the site design has an adequate visual style and legibility, and provides some shortcuts. But the analysis showed some negative issues too, matching the user test results. 7 people, 23 to 37 years old, participated in the user test. It consisted on two on-line transactions on the web service, considered some of the most common transactions, complemented with two questionnaires. Although all of them finished the required tasks, 29% stated they had some problem to do it, and a high percentage (71%) said it was not easy to find the needed sections on the web service. The information they got from the service was understandable just for 43% of the users, and none of them expressed the design and organization of the web service made easier the tasks for them. Based on both analyses, some proposals were made for improving the service.
Usability Evaluation of Engineering Research Center for Compact Efficient Fluid Power Website
Authors: Davis Dorian , Leak Olivia , Jiang Steven
Published: May 2022

This study aims to investigate usability problems of the National Science Foundation engineering research center for compact and efficient fluid power (CCEFP) website and provides design recommendations to improve it. A discounted usability evaluation technique, heuristic evaluation was applied and followed by a usability testing. Usability metrics were then analyzed. Top usability problems were discussed in detail. Findings from this study can help CCEFP improve its effectiveness and efficiency of their website and better serve the fluid power community.
Data Gathering for Ergonomic and Design Evaluations: Issues and Pitfalls
Authors: Camposa Fabio , Lincolna Dino , Nevesb Maria , Correiaa Walter , Soaresa Marcelo
Published: May 2022

There are moments within the process of creating an artifact, for instance at the initial requirements gathering or in the assessment phase, that input data is collected from users. There may be an impact directly on the results of the analysis of this data if, for some reason, this data input is not accurate. Another important matter when designing a new artifact is to find out the appropriate number of product reviewers that would better reflect the views of the target population to which the product is intended. In order to contribute to the strategy of increasing the accuracy of the evaluations and minimizing the chance of errors of judgment, this article identifies some case studies where the input from the users is not accurate because of the presence of a phenomenon known as Conjunction Fallacy and also where the number of product reviewers is not calculated properly. This article also presents a possible strategy to minimize errors of judgment caused by the fallacy and also presents a case study where the number of evaluators is calculated correctly by using statistical methods.
Development of a Method Based on Ergonomics Activity Analysis in Order to Enhance Knowledge and Skills in Product Design Comfort
Authors: Mujica Felipe , Idal Sznelwar Laerte
Published: May 2022

This paper’s purpose is to present and propose a method to enhance knowledge in comfort and discomfort in aircraft interior design, under Ergonomics Activity Analysis (EAA) methodological approach. Literature shows that comfort is an important subject to consider in competitive airlines market that may improve and differentiate companies and brands. Making a literature analysis and review, it was possible to verify that development of comfort in aircraft interiors design project is no easy task for engineers and designers. Moreover, comfort and interior design in aircraft are guided by several standards and rules, and these restrictions might diminish the possibilities on creation process. Notwithstanding, this paper proposes a multidisciplinary method originally developed to study comfort and discomfort in aircraft interiors, which are finally shown to be affordable to enhance capability in design product project.
Prototype-Centered Design: For Better Interactive Design Process
Authors: Guedes Alcoforadoa Manoel , Carlos Plácido da Silvab José , Carlos Paschoarellib Luis
Published: May 2022

Several authors have talked about the complexity of the design activity, pointing several factors to its elevation, such as: globalization, reduction of the development cycle and product diversification, sustainability, rapid changes in user behavior, new materials and production technologies, ... it has expanded the research in methodology and stimulated the emergence of new technologies applied to the development of projects such as: 3D scanning, rapid prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies. In this context, after several research about methodology and design management, we find that the design process could become more interactive and efficient if the prototyping activity could assume the central role in the design process and if appropriate prototypes were used in each phase, stage and purpose of design. Those factors could improve the management, the communication inside the team and among other actors in the process and expand the insertion and evaluation of user requirements. Accordingly, this article will present the results of a doctoral research in design which proposes a new design methodology centered on the prototype and the results obtained after the completion of a projective challenge to experiment and validate that methodology.
Inclusive Service Design: In Search of Better Services
Authors: Aceves-González Carlos , Cook Sharon , May Andrew
Published: May 2022

Service Design focuses on designing services which are usable and desirable from the users’ perspective, and efficient and different from the organizations’ perspective. However, users are diverse and possess a variety of capabilities, needs, and desires, which presents specific challenges for Service Designers. Inclusive Design is an approach to designing products and services that addresses the needs of the widest possible audience, irrespective of age or ability. Draw upon these two approaches, this paper aims to present the concept of inclusive service design as an essential element in designing better services. The potential benefits of such an approach were explored through a series of qualitative studies of the bus service in Guadalajara, Mexico.Based upon the research, several advantages for service improvement were identified, drawn from the richness of data generated by younger and older customers, and the uniqueness of the information gained from them. Likewise, the value of the big picture data obtained from stakeholders. This information highlights areas where service designers can help reduce the gap between what service providers do and what a broad range of users expect or need.
Mass and Density of Materials: Quantity Surveying Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions
Authors: Smallwood John
Published: May 2022

The construction industry in South Africa and worldwide generates a disproportionate number of fatalities, injuries and is associated with disease, the direct and indirect cost of which contributes to the cumulative cost of construction. Many injuries are musculoskeletal related in the form of sprains and strains arising from the handling of materials, which process is managed by construction managers. The purpose of the paper is to present the results of a study conducted among quantity surveying students in a South African university, the objectives being to determine their knowledge and perceptions relative to the mass and density of materials and construction ergonomics. The study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire circulated at the inception of the presentation of a special health and safety (H&S) lecture series at third year level, which effectively constituted a captive convenience sample. Descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and a mean score, a measure of central tendency, were computed to enable an interpretation of the empirical findings. The following constitute the salient results: knowledge relative to the mass and density of materials is limited; students appreciate that the mass and density of materials impacts on construction ergonomics; students rate their knowledge of the mass and density of materials as limited as opposed to extensive, and students appreciate the potential of the consideration of the mass and density of materials to contribute to an improvement in construction ergonomics. Conclusions include that: students lack knowledge and awareness relative to the mass and density of materials; students are precluded from conducting optimum design hazard identification and risk assessments, and quantity surveying education must be reviewed in terms of addressing / referring to construction health and safety, and ergonomics in other subjects. Recommendations include that: tertiary quantity surveying education address / refer to construction health and safety and ergonomics; professional associations raise the level of awareness relative to construction ergonomics, and design practices should include a category mass and density of materials in their practice libraries.
Modeling a Tangible User Interface for Navigation in an Information Space
Authors: Chen Chun-Wen , C. Tseng Kevin , Chang Shaofu
Published: May 2022

The content elements and the connections between elements form an information space that is conceptually similar to a physical space. Navigation is a common problem in information space and in physical space. Using an appropriate metaphor is a key factor in transforming abstract information space into a tangible space that users can accept. This research proposes an interface design approach to navigate an information space, such as the contents of a website or a museum, with a tangible user interface (TUI). The goal of the TUI is to connect the digital and physical space with a visible and tangible form. Tangible objects are used as metaphors to manipulate the information space. Information finding tasks are given to the participants to test user performance and errors, and subjective satisfaction is evaluated with questionnaires. The effects of metaphors and the TUI/graphics user interface (GUI) are to be investigated. The results show that metaphors help users find information with better performance and lower error rates. Users also perceive more usability from interfaces with metaphors and think they can work better. The proposed TUI system can get similar errors and subjective usability as a GUI system, which users are more familiar with.
A Cross-Cultural Comparison of Safety Beliefs about Products and Warnings: Brazil vs. United States
Authors: Mont’Alvãoa Claudia , Kimb Soyun
Published: May 2022

Concerns about safety have generated considerable research on warnings in recent years. A number of factors that influence warning effectiveness have been investigated. One factor is perceived hazard, which is a belief about how dangerous a product, environment or activity may be. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a cross-cultural investigation between the beliefs and attitudes about the safety of consumer products, the roles of product manufacturers and government in product safety, and aspects regarding warnings by participants in Brazil and in the United States (U.S.). A total of 282 individuals (including college students and adult volunteers) were recruited from these two countries. Participants in both countries believed that government would act to protect them by recalling or banning unsafe products and that manufacturers are more concerned with profits than safety. U.S. participants believed that the products in the U.S. were safer at a level that was significantly higher than what Brazilians believed about their products. Interestingly Brazilians reported that they read warnings more than the U.S. participants reported but Brazilian participants believed their warning labels were of poorer quality than what the U.S. participants reported. Other results show additional differences between the two populations. The results are discussed in terms of acknowledging that cultural background can affect safety-related beliefs.
Inquiring and Evaluation Ergonomics for Design
Authors: Mercado Lucila , Rodea Alejandro
Published: May 2022

In the field of integral design (systemic design considers people, the activities, objects mediators of these activities and the environment of use of the objects) has been increasing interest to integrate the users during the development process, primarily for the investigation and evaluation stages. In certain university in the Mexican context efforts are made to train Designers with expertise in ergonomics, human factors and methodology associated with the processes of design development. Part of the effort is the constant incorporation of knowledge about the process of design, features and methodologies as well as the inclusion of aspects that allow users consider (ergonomics and human factors) at different stages of the design process. The objective of this proposal is to contextualize the importance of creating a toolkit which classified different methods and techniques and instruments from various disciplines useful for the stages of inquiry and evaluation of the integrated design process, identifying the type of data that sheds (qualitative or quantitative) and its application process and the utility reports to process. In order to improve the design process of inquiry has resorted to using diverse techniques that have allowed an approach to the qualitative and quantitative necessary to include the social, emotional and cognitive users during the development of the design process. Moreover, the assessment is a process of obtaining information and its use through the application of methods and techniques allows us to identify the level of development of a project with respect to the objectives, with the intention of making judgments useful for decisions, i.e. allows assessment feedback in the design process. There are considered two types of evaluation: formative and summative. Formative assessment is an assessment that is done during design to ensure that the product meets the needs of users while evaluation (also called summative or comprehensive) is an assessment that is done when the design is finalized, possessing each type evaluation. An evaluation design should observe all aspects that impact the user interaction with objects and the environment of use of the same, i.e. systemic approach is needed to respond to the questions: Why evaluate? , What evaluate? , Where assess? , When to evaluate?, all with the aim of evaluating the User experience (which involves affective, cognitive , physical and social) so that the methods, techniques and tools for inquiry or evaluation must be properly selected and applied during the design process.
Statistical Analysis of the Height of Human Head in the Use of Ballistic Helmets
Authors: F. Catapan Márcio , Lucia Okimoto Maria , Villas Boas Mateus , Waldhauer Roberto
Published: May 2022

The adequacy and improvements of the artifacts have been the concern of ergonomics, where the focus is the preservation of the physical, mental and social human being. This is the view of the anthropometry which is the measurement science and art of human knowledge of geometry, so it can be defined as the part of anthropology that studies the proportions and measurements of the human body. To defining a new measure anthropometric a statistical study is required with the correct number of samples for the experiment, definitions of the standard deviation and its variance, identification and comparison of means between groups, as the size for example, among other studies as design of the experiment. Knowing that the ballistic helmets used by national armed forces show up discomfort for many users, you must define new measures in the human head for a better dimensioning of the correct helmet proposing a new artifact for that function. Thus in this study a human head anthropometric survey of some potential users ballistic helmets, following a defined statistically, through its basic measures such as circumference, width and height of the head, as well as a new measure that is the height of human head for use of ballistic helmets. This new measure is statistically analyzed for its proof. It is in this scope that fits the purpose of this work that statistically analyzes the height measurement of the human head, based on the sizes of helmets S, M and L and verifies what is the required height for better seating of the product in question. So be correlated which of the measures of the head that is related to this point, in order to check whether it is necessary to analyze this measure for all users or you can check out other measures that are directly related.
The Ergonomic Evaluations of Three Front Baby Carriers
Authors: Yin Wuab Chao , Rong Huanga Hsiao , Jiun Wanga Mao
Published: May 2022

This paper evaluates the physiological responses of three front baby carriers with different designs. Eight women (aged 23-31 y/o) were recruited to participate this study. Each subject was asked to carry two different weighted baby dummies (7kg and 10kg) using 3 different baby carriers and walk for 10 minutes. The average electromyography (EMG) of right upper trapezius, lumbar erectus spinae and rectus abdominis during walking were recorded. Skin temperature of right shoulder area and abdominal area as well as heart rate were recorded during walking. Immediately after walking, the Borg’s CR-10 scale was used to collect discomfort rating at various body parts. The results showed no differences in all three EMG recordings under 3 different baby carriers. Significant difference in 2 different weighted dummies condition was found in erectus spinae muscle. No difference was found in average heart rate under all conditions. For Borg’s CR-10 scale, significant differences were found in neck, right shoulder and left shoulder under different baby carriers and significant in right shoulder area under 2 weighted dummies condition. Based on the finding of this study, recommendations about the improved design of baby carrier are proposed.
User-Centred Design for QR Store: a Case Study
Authors: Marino Sonia , Duca Gabriella
Published: May 2022

This work describes the user centred design process of one of the first QR stores in Italy. Users related concerns in QR use and m-shopping experience have been surveyed, eliciting users’ expectations and needs for the effective and satisfactory use of the QR store to be designed. This has been achieved combining human factors reference data with studies on consumers behaviour buying in shopping malls and in m-commerce stores. Being the QR shopping a consumer experience happening in a multidimensional environment, multiple aspects of physical shops and environment, as well as of QR store app have been addressed during the design stage of the project, aiming at delivering: a) mobile interface of e-commerce service able to support effective and satisfactory buying tasks in public/crowded spaces, b) exhibition paths that match requirements of safety, security and trust in the m-commerce service and that, at the same time, represent an attraction element in environment, c) billboards for goods displaying, supporting ease of vision and information usability by both generic pedestrian flows and motivated customers. The paper also discusses the usability test in real environment to be conducted once the installation will be completed.
Emotional Design: How Pleasurable Environments Can Generate Value When Creating Smart Products
Authors: Balestra Rodrigo , Arruda Amilton , Arruda Andre
Published: May 2022

This article sets out to examine the relationship between men, the built environment and everyday objects so as to better understand what pleasurable products are and how designers can act to establish a symbiotic relationship between them and men, by making them more user-friendly, attractive, reliable and efficient. It is known that the “attraction” by a product is a form of positive emotional relationship. Therefore, assessing the various currents that place emotion as a necessary component in human life is fundamental if we are to understand and determine how people feel, think and behave in relation to others and to products and environments. A review of information contained in some studies that deal with the subject will be necessary to reach a better understanding of the subject and especially for a future methodological proposition about how to act in a methodological way when creating more pleasurable products and environments. Concepts like Affordance, Emotional Design, Interaction Man-machine-environment, Intelligent Environments and so forth, will be addressed throughout the paper in order to identify and discuss the physical, emotional and technological aspects that complicate life and, very often, minimize levels of satisfaction of our relationship with products and environments.
Usability Evaluation of Products - A Survey on Methods and Techniques Used In Analysis of Consumer Packaging
Authors: Aciolya Angélica , Soaresb Marcelo , Burgosc Phillipe
Published: May 2022

Usability studies are concerned with identifying the level of interaction between the product or system and its user,in order to achieve their efficiency, effectiveness and satisfaction in a specified context of use, as defined by ISO9241-11 (1998). When referring to packaging we find that are common occurrences of various problems regarding use. The packaging is a product of regular or daily use, which, in most cases, a single model can be targeted to various kinds of procedures: age, sex, level of experience and different needs. As regards the analysis of the usability of packaging, there are a number of issues that require constant research, namely: “What methods are used and how the tests are conducted?”, “Which are the effectiveness/efficiency of existing methods, their limitations and difficulties of application?”, “Which technology trends for this type of analysis?”, among others. Therefore, the aim of this article is to present a survey on methods, techniques and tools (whether physical or virtual) used in academic research to evaluate the usability of packaging. Therefore, the survey was conducted in journals and scientific events related to ergonomics, design and usability. For the survey, were primarily selected articles published between 2009 and 2013.
Redesign of Alarm Clock through Usability Evaluations
Authors: Anaya Natalia , A. Rey Galindo John , Soares Marcelo
Published: May 2022

This research seeks to contribute in the construction of evidence concerning the importance of usability for design and processes to ensure that products, once they are in the context of use, have a performance consistent with the conditions and characteristics of the user. Above, it is intended to make clear that today's technology gives us basic tools that can be used to simulate an environment of use and test design proposals which, in the end, will be a more reliable and effective product. To achieve the above, assessed existing and from the problems of interaction detected electronic product, two proposals were generated of redesign, in order to recognize if there were improvements over the original artifact. These proposals were evaluated from the simulation of its operation and use to an Adobe Flash program and with a touchscreen platform. The results reflected significant improvements with the redesign in multiple aspects, in particular with the #1 proposal and it became apparent that even though in some ways the simulation does not replace the functional prototypes, it is a very useful tool for the design.
An Approach to Evaluation of Aesthetic Function on Usability: An Exploratory Study About Descriptors of Aesthetic in Pruning Shears
Authors: Flávia de A. Campos Lívia , M. de Mattos Liara , D. P. dos Santos Aline , C. Paschoarelli Luis
Published: May 2022

The aim of this study was to discuss the aesthetic evaluation in usability studies. Through an exploratory study with pruning shears, we seek to identify possible descriptors that make up the concept of beauty in these instruments for further evaluation of the perception of these factors with the variables of usability. The study was conducted with 90 subjects divided into three groups and both genders: Design teachers, students design and lay people in the matter. The interviews were individual. Each participant evaluated the appearance of nine pruning shears (with a focus on shape), with an issue which should answer what pruning shears considered more "beautiful", and a protocol for semantic differential with 18 pairs of descriptors of the beautiful, which were developed from definitions of beauty in dictionaries, theories of psychology and philosophy. We identified the most representative descriptors for the pruning shears elected most beautiful. The importance of these results is the possibility of carry out further tests about the influence of these descriptors in the perception of the usability of products, including the influence of the aesthetic function in the perception of usability.
Ergonomic Fashion Design: Sustainable Dyes
Authors: Santos Gabriela , Carvalho Cristina
Published: May 2022

Water waste, contamination, and fossil fuel generated energy are acknowledged issues within the textile industry. Current dyeing processes pose serious threat to the environment and human health, often associated with toxic and carcinogenic substances that are released into the environment, through effluents not conveniently treated before being discharged into natural waters. Besides print and pattern, consumers demand for basic characteristics in textiles – these must resist to agents that cause colours to fade. On the other hand, industry must provide a great range of colours and access to huge quantities of coloured substance to dye. Simultaneously, it must be cost-effective. Natural dyes are perceived as less harmful for the environment due to its biodegradable nature. Studies reveal certain natural dyes possess UVR protection properties, as well as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory assets. Nevertheless, depending on the nature of the dye, there are many advantages and disadvantages to consider.Through an extensive study on various fields such as Biotechnology, History, Ethnography, Biology, Archaeology, amongst many others we gathered information regarding natural coloured compounds, colour sources (plants, animals and microorganisms), ancient and modern techniques of extraction and application. This study shows the evolution of dyes throughout the centuries. It also reveals that the revival of natural dyes in addiction to new cutting edge technologies such as biotechnology might allow for an industrial feasibility.
Ergonomics’ Valorization through the Systemic Design – Innovation for an Active Society
Authors: Míriam Lemos Oliveira Mendonçaab Rosângela
Published: May 2022

Ergonomics is a discipline concerned with human well being and in making resources adequate to human activities. Nevertheless we witness that the pressure of the market, regarding economy of time and resources make activities that involve optimization, such as ergonomic planning, design and evaluation, be penalized by the cuts performed by the industry. On the other hand, customers do not make a firm demand for ergonomic qualities which are not easily recognizable and can be complex to be designed and evaluated. Therefore the resource to protect human well-being regarding the resources available for them to develop their activities exists but is not well known or even recognized.This work proposes the valorization of Ergonomic activities by means of joining forces with the Systemic Design methodology in the development of strategies for increasing the awareness of customers. It also presents an instrument, the model of Systemic Network of Integral Endeavors, to be used to create strong network of businesses that are fully sustainable and that understand the importance of the respect for the customer.
Ergonomics Analysis of a Control Room Operators’ Workstation in an Electric Power Supply Company: An analysis of the Built Environment
Authors: Q. Barros Rafaela , Cavalcante Isaura , M. T. Silva Alexandre
Published: May 2022

This article sets out an ergonomic analysis of the built environment of the control room of the Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) of a company that supplies electricity in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The Methodology of the Ergonomic Analysis for the Built Environment proposed by Villarouco (2009) was used as a research tool. As part of the study, the following forms of analysis were used: analysis of the physical aspects of the work environment, including taking measurements of noise, lighting and temperature; analysis of the problems identified and analysis of the user’s perception. Suggestions for improvements to the workstation were proposed.
Ergonomic Intervention and Sustainable Innovation
Authors: Cordeiro Mota Sheila
Published: May 2022

Among the reasons interfering with the product development are the human being necessities concerning with activities that one has to do to make possible the action in his/her environment. In order to satisfy such necessities, the practice of Design allow us to find project solutions that yield the balance among several factors inherent to the process of product development, with exchange between the designers, who aims a positive reception for their products, and the end user, in conformity with their necessities. However, the process should take into account the preoccupations with the sustainable development that, according to the Brundtlando report, should be the simultaneous search for economic efficiency, social justice, and environmental harmony. The report also states that the industry should produce more with fewer resources, as well as adopt clean technologies, and proliferate the knowledge by means of financial support of the local and international organizations. This work describes the adaptation of two systems, the traditional roasting furnace of manioc flour and the combustion system by clean burning (downdraft). By making use of a clean technology for production, the resulting system pursues economical feasibility that can lead to social fairness, promoting environmental harmony.
The Inter-Relationship Between Socio-Technical Systems and the Principles of Environmental Sustainability in the Pursuit of Quality of Work Life, Productivity and Pollution Prevention
Authors: Balbinottia Giles , Coutinhob Grazielle , Vieirac Leandro , Wiemesd Leandro
Published: May 2022

For Du Roy (1992), joint development or socio-technical design is a term coined in the United States to designate the joint development of social and technical systems. So it was intended to implement the joint design as an alternative to a challenge to the dominance or sovereignty of the technical design that refuses or neglects to take into account the question of "how the technology will be used." According to Capra's vision, sustainable not only refers to the type of human interaction with the world that preserves or conserves the environment to avoid compromising the natural resources of future generations, but a complex function, which combines a special way the state variables related to the aforementioned characteristics. Therefore, this paper aims: to present a theoretical discussion about the correlation between socio-technical principles and principles of environmental sustainability. The research will be done by means of qualitative analysis and exploratory study based on direct and indirect documentation. This is expected to show no correlation between the existing standards, and if it is possible to provide benefits, break paradigms and encourage developments in the topics under study, in order to verify the technical feasibility to correlate Quality of Working Life and Environmental Sustainability.
Scaling of Tactile Models for the Memorial of Justice of Pernambuco, Recife/Brasil
Authors: de Jesus Pereira da Silva Terezinha
Published: May 2022

The article aims to review the design of tactile models for Memorial TJPE regarding ergonomics. The object of study comprises Brum Station located in the city of Recife. The station was built between 1879/1881 and now operates as a museum since 2001. The proposal to develop the work came from the intention of performing an exercise with students of architecture that could be useful to the Memorial and the visually impaired . The relevance of the action occurs by the absence of such material, as well as being indicated by laws, as a compensatory element when accessibility to public buildings do not exist. The method of development of the studies was based on the study of the dimensions of the building; the damage and the accessibility conditions . Six models were made on the scale 1/100. The main results of the discussions were: a) the size of the models in 1/100 scale were considered satisfactory; b) the employed materials had the desired effects and; c) The APEC evaluators will make transcripts to Braille of the names of the spatial organization and other architectural elements in order to enable social inclusion to the historic building .
Gender and Ergonomics: The Recognition of Women’s Occupational Diseases
Authors: Salerno Silvana
Published: May 2022

Scientific international papers have been selected to show the underrepresentation of women’s occupational diseases in many countries. Women musculoskeletal disorders are included although represent the first claims of working women not only in Europe. Lack of ergonomics in gender work concept is the cause of women occupational illnesses but more ergonomics should also play a role in ameliorating the gender gap recognition. Job title and summary description of work activities are not fair in representing women’s exposure. Dual task (or double actions) and multitasking are examples of poorly studied women’s work activities. Only some specific studies in the health care sector show multitasking work demand towards higher performance among nurses. The increase in fatigue towards occupational diseases, due also to this exposure, represent another ergonomics challenge. Ergonomic observation of women work can help to identify inequities in each step of the process to overcome gender bias, occupational health diseases included.
The Minimum Area Required for Children Aged Between 3 and 5 Years Old in a Kindergarten
Authors: Waldron Julie , Garcia Ader , Bedoya Carolina
Published: May 2022

This paper contains the first stage of a research developed by Buen Comienzo Programme, Medellin Mayor’s Office and a group of Architects, to identify the minimum area required for a child aged between 3 and 5 years old, while occupying a kindergarten. According to the Colombian Technical Regulation (NTC4595) for architectural design in Colombia, the minimum area for Educational Buildings is 2 m2 per child. This measure includes: the work area (0,5 m x 0,7 m =0,35 m2) per student, the storage area (10% of the work area, 0,035 m2), and the area for general furniture. Pursuant to this standard, it can be deducted that occupancy of buildings is determined by the regular furniture dimensions. However, the movements of children are determined not only by furniture but also by their relationship with other children. Therefore, data of children’s dimensions in movement can improve the decision making process for the architectural design, pedagogy and the review of regulations. This research was developed considering that a child spends 70% of their time in a kindergarten, in constant interaction with other children, objects and furniture. The content will refer to the review of world and local regulation about children occupancy in educational buildings.
Evaluation of the Occupied Area of Children Aged between 3 and 5 Years Old in Different Kindergarten Spaces
Authors: Garcia Ader , Waldron Julie , Bedoya Carolina , Cuervo Lady , Marin Laura , Morales Catalina , Sanchez Carlos , Felipe Sierra Andrés
Published: May 2022

This paper contains the second stage of the research "The minimum area required for children aged between 3 and 5 years old in a kindergarten", which was developed between Buen Comienzo Programme, Medellin’s Municipality and Architects Julie Waldron and Ader Garcia. Often, kindergarten are planned in a conventional way of construction; they are designed following standard building measurements (NTC4595), given by the quantity of square meters per child, rather than the spatial necessities. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the occupation area of a child in three different spaces: the classroom, cafeteria and bathrooms, as well as their correspondent activities: drawing, sleeping, eating and cleaning up. The study was developed photographing a 5 years old model, which was performing the selected activities. The photo analysis showed that the area needed in a space should not be limited by the equivalent area physically covered by the children solely performing the activities. Thus, each activity was compared in different children grouping configurations and these were analysed in different room shapes. The results were evaluated aiming to find the average occupation area. Finally, this research integrates: activity and shape of indoor spaces and dynamic required rates.
Open Innovation and Prospective Ergonomics for Smart Clothes
Authors: Tijus Charles , Barcenilla Javier , Rougeaux Marie , Jouen François
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce our theoretical approach of Prospective Cognitive Ergonomics, our methodology and the results obtained through Homo Textilus, a project for designing what might be Smart Clothes, the future of interactions between people and their digital clothes. For collecting data, we used different kinds of inquiries (questionnaires, short interviews, brainstorming) resulting in more than 300 proposals about digital clothes involving many kinds of functions (ranging from textile properties to garments made of electronic parts such as sensors and actuators). We emphasize more precisely how counterfactual based reasoning may be a powerful tool to elicit responses about future objects by making people envisage alternative worlds by using, for instance, the “WHAT IF NOT” (WIN) method of creativity for innovation. Indeed, counterfactual reasoning plays an important role in predicting, planning and decision making and this kind of reasoning can be seen, at the same time, as a simulation mechanism (what could / would happen if…) and a computing mechanism (what I have to do to make it possible…). Finally, we demonstrate how the “WHAT IF NOT” method of creativity can be applied to objects, functions, procedures, and objects states to elicit new ideas about future things.
Civil Defense Volunteers Calling for Helping in Disasters Situation
Authors: Buarque de Macedo Guimarãesa Lia
Published: May 2022

This article presents a study on the volunteers calling system for helping the Civil Defense group from the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Traditional calling is done using computer and telephone, what takes a time officials cannot spare. Therefore, volunteers are seldom called. A new calling system based on smartphone and geolocation technology was prototyped and compared with the traditional system. Simulation of the two systems showed that, in the traditional system, it takes 1h45min for two officials to call 96 volunteers. Only one official using the new technology can perform the same task in 7min36s. The results show that the introduction of new and affordable technology can improve the work performed by Civil Defense.
Chapter 27: Conservation measures to counter the main threats to Amazonian biodiversity
Authors: Barlow Jos , Lees Alexander C , Sist Plinio , Almeida Rafael , Arantes Caroline , Armenteras Dolors , Berenguer Erika , Caron Patrick , Cuesta Francisco , Rodrigues da Costa Doria Carolina , Ferreira Joice , Flecker Alexander , Heilpern Sebastian , Kalamandeen Michelle , Nascimento Nathalia , Peña-Claros Marielos , Piponiot Laroche Camille , Santos Pompeu Paulo , Souza Carlos , Valentim Judson F
Published: May 2022

Human activities destroy biodiversity and disrupt the functioning of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems at different levels. This chapter provides sustainable approaches to address some of the biggest threats to the Amazon’s biodiversity and ecosystems, i.e., deforestation, damming of rivers, mining, hunting, illegal trade, drug, production and trafficking, illegal logging, overfishing, and infrastructure expansion. The role of restoration is addressed in chapters 28 and 29.
Chapter 5: The Physical hydroclimate system of the Amazon
Authors: Costa Marcos H , Borma Laura S , Espinoza Jhan-Carlo , Macedo Marcia , Marengo José A. , Marra Daniel M , Ometto Jean P , Gatti Luciana V
Published: May 2022

This chapter reviews the main features and large- to mesoscale mechanisms that contribute to the Amazon’s climate, its inter-annual and inter-decadal variability, and extreme drought and flood events. It examines the effects of extreme events on vegetation and the partitioning of precipitation into evapotranspiration (ET), runoff, flow seasonality, and floodplain dynamics; and describes the floodplain´s role in the biogeochemical cycle.
Chapter 8: Peoples of the Amazon before European Colonization
Authors: Neves Eduardo G , Furquim Laura P , Levis Carolina , Rocha Bruna C , Waitling Jennifer G , Ozorio de Almeida Fernando , Jaimes Betancourt Carla , Junqueira André B , Moraes Claide P , Morcote-Rios Gaspar , Shock Myrtle P , Tamanaha Eduardo K
Published: May 2022

Archaeology tells us how Indigenous peoples transformed nature in the Amazon over the millennia to the point that it is difficult to separate natural from cultural patrimony there today. It also shows that any kind of sustainable future for the region has to consider the rich Indigenous heritage manifested in archaeological sites and contemporary landscapes, and the contemporary knowledge of traditional societies.
Chapter 14: Amazon in Motion: Changing politics, development strategies, peoples, landscapes, and livelihoods
Authors: Hecht Susanna , Schmink Marianne , Abers Rebecca , Assad Eduardo D , Humphreys Bebbington Denise , Brondizio Eduardo S , Costa Francisco de Assis , Durán Calisto Ana María , Fearnside Philip , Garrett Rachael , Heilpern Sebastian , McGrath David , Oliveira Gustavo , Pereira Henrique , Pinedo-Vazquez Miguel
Published: May 2022

This chapter presents the major ideas, actors, and practices that have shaped the Amazon’s current development and deforestation dynamics. Outlining general periods of macro policy, it traces the evolution of today’s complex interactions among diverse livelihoods, conservation, and production systems, both legal and clandestine. It highlights how Amazonians have continuously adapted to changing circumstances while fighting to advance their own proposals for conservation and equity in development.
Chapter 31: Strengthening land and natural resource governance and management: Protected areas, Indigenous lands, and local communities’ territories
Authors: Barretto Filho Henyo Trindade , Ramos Adriana , Sobral Barra Camila , Barroso Marivelton , Caron Patrick , Benzi Grupioni Luis Donisete , von Hildebrand Martin , Jarrett Christopher , Pereira Junior Davi , Painter Lilian , Pereira Henrique , Rodríguez Carlos
Published: May 2022

Protected areas, Indigenous lands, and local communities’ territories play a critical role in holding back deforestation, maintaining regional and global climate stability, and – above all – protecting land rights. Nevertheless, these lands are currently threatened by political and economic interests that drive land speculation, agribusiness expansion, and illegal logging and mining, resulting in increasing deforestation rates. Governments are also reassessing and walking back territorial rights legislation.
Chapter 28: Restoration options for the Amazon
Authors: Barlow Jos , Sist Plinio , Almeida Rafael , Arantes Caroline , Berenguer Erika , Caron Patrick , Cuesta Francisco , Rodrigues da Costa Doria Carolina , Ferreira Joice , Flecker Alexander , Heilpern Sebastian , Kalamandeen Michelle , Lees Alexander C , Nascimento Nathalia , Peña-Claros Marielos , Piponiot Laroche Camille , Santos Pompeu Paulo , Souza Carlos , Valentim Judson F
Published: May 2022

This chapter examines site-specific opportunities and approaches to restore terrestrial and aquatic systems, focusing on the local actions and benefits. Landscape and biome-wide considerations are addressed in Chapter 29.
Chapter 9: Peoples of the Amazon and European colonization (16th-18th centuries)
Authors: Cuvi Nicolás , Guiteras Mombiola Anna , Lehm Ardaya Zulema
Published: May 2022

This chapter covers the history of the Amazon between the 16th and 18th centuries, including myths that originated at that time and persist into the present, influencing political and social relations. It also highlights the main actors involved in this process and their narratives. Finally, it shows how the extraction of natural resources has been accompanied by the subjugation and exploitation of the workforce and the development of multiple forms of domination and extermination, especially of Indigenous peoples, since the era of European conquest.
Chapter 18: Globalization, extractivism, and social exclusion: Country-specific manifestations
Authors: Larrea Carlos , Murmis María R , Peters Stefan , Escobar Andrés , Larrea-Alcazar Daniel M , Mantilla Luz Marina , Pichilingue Eduardo , Terán-Mantovani Emiliano , van den Bergh Michiel
Published: May 2022

This chapter presents country-specific descriptions of human intervention in the Amazon, including the expansion of agricultural and extractive activities. The analysis contains two comprehensive national cases (Colombia and Ecuador) and three short studies focused on public policies (Peru, Bolivia and Venezuela). The Brazilian experience reducing deforestation is presented in Chapter 17.
Navigating Chinese–Russian Nuclear and Space Convergence and Divergence
Authors: Saalman Lora
Published: May 2022

Following the release of a China–Russia joint statement in February 2022, analysts have argued that the two countries have become strategically aligned. While both share security concerns and even use similar terminology on ‘active defence’, the manner in which they address these concerns and operationalize these concepts is not the same—at least not yet. When applied to nuclear deterrence, the Chinese version of active defence suggests retaliatory action against a nuclear attack while the Russian version indicates pre-emption in the face of either non-nuclear or nuclear aggression. In terms of space, while both are jointly pursuing a treaty on non-weaponization, China’s defence white papers tend towards a brief and vague mention of challenges, as opposed to Russia’s pervasive concerns over an attack in its military doctrines. Thus, while there is similarity between the two countries, there remain notable differences. This paper explores China’s and Russia’s most recent official documents and statements on their respective nuclear and space postures, combined with some corresponding technological advances. It then makes recommendations to European Union member states on topics that could be addressed in future strategic stability talks that include either one or both countries.