bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of back belt on inter-joint coordination and postural index
Authors: Nimbarte Ashish D. , Aghazadeh Fereydoun , Harvey Craig M.
Published: May 2021

In this investigation posture restriction caused by back belt is studied. Two-dimensional kinematic data was collected from ten participants using nine marker positions. Angular displacement of nine body angles was compared. Effect of the back belt on the lifting posture was studied using postural index values and kinematic relationship hypothesis. Influence of back belt on the lifting technique throughout a lift was understood using the concept of interjoint coordination. Out of the nine body joint angles, five showed decreased flexion, three increased flexion and the remaining one showed no change in the flexion values. Kinematic relationship was found to exist between hip, knee, trunk and lumbar-thoracic joint. The behavior of postural index values supported the kinematic relationship hypothesis. The back belt affected the proximal to distal interjoint coordination between hip, knee, trunk and lumbar-thoracic joint, thus disturbing the natural style of lifting.
Modeling of human physiological stresses: A thermodynamics-based approach
Authors: Boregowda Satish C. , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: May 2021

This paper discusses thermodynamic basis for quantifying human physiological stresses. The deterministic nature of the second law of thermodynamics (entropy approach) and classical Maxwell relations were used to develop formulas to quantify human stress due to the artifact-human interactions. The illustrative examples establishing the validity of the proposed stress indices were presented.
Biomechanical assessment of massage therapists
Authors: Albert Wayne J. , Duncan Carolyn , Currie-Jackson Nadine , Gaudet Véronique , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: May 2021

This study was undertaken to investigate the biomechanical demands on the low back of Massage Therapists performing typical massage therapy techniques and the nature of the associated cumulative exposure. Ten Massage Therapists performed a standardized relaxation back massage that incorporated a series of basic massage therapy techniques used in standard treatments. The 44-minute massage treatment was videotaped and a posture-matching approach was used to determine 3D peak and cumulative loads on the low back. Although the resultant peak low back loads would be considered safe in relation to current published compression and shear guidelines, the cumulative loading values were well within the ranges considered disconcerting in other health care and industrial workers. The therapists were found to assume non-neutral trunk, neck and arm postures for a significant portion of the massage, which could place these professionals at risk of cumulative musculoskeletal disorders.
Theoretical and experimental evaluation of the multiplicative lifting equation and the general lifting index
Authors: Yeung Simon S. , Deddens James , Genaidy Ash M. , Karwowski Waldemar , Leung P.C.
Published: May 2021

The Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation [13] integrated the findings of different approaches reported in the scientific literature into a single mathematical formulation based on the empirical model proposed by Drury and Pfeil [5]. This simple model was tested on a limited basis and the model generalizations have not been examined. The primary objectives of this study were to investigate the performance of the NIOSH lifting equation with general formulations reported by Karwowski [7], and to examine the structure of the lifting index and the relative importance of physical factors (as defined by the lifting index) and non-physical factors (as defined by perceived risk of injury and work dissatisfaction) with respect to workers' perceived effort associated with the lifting conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 217 experienced manual handling workers in the Hong Kong area to validate the study objectives. In this investigation, information was collected on lifting task parameters, perceived effort, perceived risk of injury, and work dissatisfaction. The results suggest that a multiplicative model is better than an additive model in evaluating the effort associated with lifting task performance. In this regard, the exponents of the parameters in the lifting index should be different from 1.0. The best model for evaluating effort emerged from perceived risk of injury and the general lifting index (GLI). Given the limitations of our observational study, the main findings from this research suggest that the multiplicative structure of the NIOSH lifting equation is better than an additive model. In addition, the weighing of lifting task multipliers may need further investigation, and the study of manual lifting tasks should include both physical and non-physical factors when examining the etiologic factors leading to musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders and their after-effects among health professionals in Beijing
Authors: Smith Derek R. , Zhang Xing , Zheng Yuxin , Zhang Bing , Wang Rui-Sheng
Published: May 2021

Although musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent an important occupational issue worldwide, surprisingly few investigations have been conducted among white-collar workers in Mainland China. The current study examined MSD and their after-effects among 334 health professionals in Beijing, by means of an anonymous questionnaire (response rate: 99.4%). Of the respondents, 92.2% reported an MSD occurring in the previous 12 months, with the neck (72.2%), shoulder and lower back (59.9% each) being the most commonly affected body sites. Fifty-six percent of all MSD had persisted > 24 hours, 23.0% had interfered with their work ability and 15.9% required medical treatment. MSD of the hand/wrist and MSD of the shoulders were the most likely to last > 24 hours. MSD of the lower back, upper legs or hand/wrist were all associated with a reduction of work ability. Medical treatment was more likely to have been sought for MSD of the lower back or knees, when compared to other body sites. Females were five times more likely to report an MSD at any body site, while tobacco smokers were three times more likely to have sought medical treatment for an MSD. Overall, this study suggests that MSD are becoming an increasingly important cause of functional disability among white-collar workers in China. As some significant correlations were found during statistical analysis, further research should now investigate the complicity of various factors on MSD development within this emerging Chinese demographic.
Effects of infrared radiation on the diurnal rhythms of melatonin, rectal temperature and heart rate
Authors: Griefahn Barbara , Künemund Christa , Blaszkewicz Meinolf
Published: May 2021

Infrared radiation presented in the early night was expected to delay the circadian rhythm via suppression of melatonin synthesis. Seven healthy men (16–22 yrs) had completed a constant routine (24-h bedrest, <30 lux, 18°C) and 2 experimental sessions where bright light (BL, 1 500 lux) or infrared radiation (IR, 65°C) was applied from 1700 to 0100 h. Salivary melatonin levels were determined hourly, rectal temperature and heart rate continuously. Melatonin synthesis was suppressed by BL; the onset and the maximum of the melatonin profile and the minima of rectal temperature and heart rate were then delayed thus indicating a circadian effect. IR did not affect melatonin concentration whereas the minima of rectal temperature and heart rate were delayed indicating a dissociation due to the heat-induced elevation of both the latter variables rather than a chronobiologic effect. This study does not indicate that infrared radiation affects the circadian rhythm in night shift workers.
A conceptual approach for ergonomic design of inspection tasks
Authors: Goebel Matthias , Zschernack Swantje , Yoo Jae-Woo
Published: May 2021

Inspection tasks become more and more important for modern production and complex high reliability systems. A major particularity of inspection tasks is to be seen in the fact that the central work process cannot be observed externally. Although inspections tasks include physical activity, the inspection task itself is basically a perceptional and cognitive procedure. Due to the lack of accessibility of a 'work process' or an execution strategy it cannot be broken into separate work steps and cause-effect-relationships. Thus, common ergonomics intervention and design strategies as used for production and service tasks may not be applied similarly for inspections tasks. Requiring to anticipate the attributes of a potential work design variant without having a complete analysis option at hand, explains why engineering and design of work systems remains mostly an expert task. A conceptual model is required to constitute the application of ergonomics knowledge for the design of inspection tasks by delivering insight into the mechanisms contributing or impairing inspection performance. Therefore a work system model is proposed which aims to integrate the most relevant ergonomics concepts in a consistent frame, based on the formal principles of system theory. The linear combination of different approaches shall allow to represent and to explain the complexity of system behavior. This model is extended by a compatible design approach explaining a general structure of design processes and its relationship to the work system model. On the base of the proposed conceptual approach, the particularities of inspections tasks are outlined. This shall support a systematic design of inspection tasks which lack an objective control both on the working level and on the design level.
Surface-specific lighting scenarios enhancing the perceptibility of 3-dimensional flaws
Authors: Brombach Johannes , Hütte Thorsten , Strasser Helmut
Published: May 2021

In order to rate the ergonomic quality of lighting scenarios with respect to the use of directional and diffuse lighting in laboratory studies, Landolt rings (test signs) were carved into typical industrially manufactured surfaces via laser, representing three-dimensional "reliefs." Besides illumination with a luminance level of 750 lx (lighting scenario 1), which is recommended for inspection tasks according to a European standard, diffuse light (lighting scenario 2), directional light (lighting scenario 3), and lighting which was specifically chosen for each of the five surface types (lighting scenarios 4–8 were utilized. The general result of the analysis of the objective data showed that three-dimensional reliefs on typical industrially manufactured surfaces are usually easier to recognize under directional light (lighting scenario 3) than under diffuse light (lighting scenario 2). At the same time, however, the test subjects indicated on the questionnaires that illumination with pure directional light was often perceived as uncomfortable. Illuminations which combined directional and diffuse light were usually a good compromise between the objective results and the subjective evaluations and can generally be recommended for mainly diffuse reflecting surfaces.
Working postures of tea pluckers and its interrelationship with their plucking efficiency
Authors: Chattopadhyay Subhra , Mukherjee Sandip , Syamal Alak K. , Sen Devashish , Mitra Chandan
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine posture-comfort-performance interrelationships in plucking-based task in a tea garden. Results of coefficient of correlation between the stature bush height ratio (SBHr) and total yield (TY) (permanent: r=0.80, temporary: r=0.81), and SBHr and body part discomfort frequency and severity (BPDFS) (permanent: r=−0.78, temporary: r=−0.77) clearly indicated that performance (TY) was correlated both with the SBHr and BPDFS. Similar correlation studies between duration (TT) and BPDFS revealed that BPDFS increased with progression of time. Analysis of joint angle changes (trunk angle 92%, shoulder angle 63% and neck angle 87%) further suggests that both BPDFS and overall postural shifts (in terms of changes in joint angles) increased with the progression of time (time on task – TT). Body part discomfort (BPD) rank order of different body parts of pluckers (upper body part discomfort scores – permanent: 2.00–6.00, temporary: 1.88–5.88; lower body part discomfort scores – permanent: 2.13–2.88, temporary: 1.88–2.75) further revealed that upper body parts were mostly involved in discomfort development. These results suggest that an overall postural shift may be a good indicator of perceived musculoskeletal discomfort in a tea leaf plucking task where a constrained posture is required. Results of independent test series suggest that there was a good agreement between the predicted and observed values of the different variables (89.6–96.3%). The predictive value of the regression equations may be utilized for estimating values of different interacting variables, and thus, the importance of these regression equations in the supervision of workers engaged in tea plucking is evident. It is therefore proposed that to improve performance, these observations can conveniently be utilized while plucking sectors are allotted to pluckers in a tea garden.
Predicting 3D cumulative L4/L5 spine loads using heart rate determined physical activity level
Authors: Azar Nadia R. , Andrews David M. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to predict 3D cumulative L4/L5 spine loads and moments incurred during non-occupational tasks, from heart rate determined physical activity level (HR-PAL). Twelve subjects were videotaped while performing activities in their own homes. HR was continuously recorded during video collection and was subsequently used to calculate the PAL over the course of the 2-hour collection session. Simple regression revealed that between 76% and 82% of the variance in 3 of the 13 cumulative load measures studied (cumulative compression force and cumulative flexion and right axial twist moments) was accounted for by HR-PAL. Four additional cumulative output variables approached statistical significance. Cumulative compression force was the best predicted of all measures studied. Predicted and actual loads were not different from each other for all significant load measures. This initial study suggests that the use of heart rate for predicting cumulative compression shows potential as a simple method to track extended periods of cumulative exposure. Future work is planned to test this method in a number of industrial settings.
Quantitative assessment of balance performance on a passively unstable surface
Authors: Quesada Peter M. , Durham Michael P. , Topp Robert V. , Swank Ann M. , Biton Danielle
Published: May 2021

In a variety of occupational settings, poor balance or loss of balance on passively unstable surfaces can have substantial consequences with respect to safety or job performance. In the work described here, a quantitative approach for evaluating balance on a passively unstable wobble board has been developed and assessed. Quantitative measures were computed from kinematic data obtained during wobble board balance tasks that were performed on two wobble boards with inherently different difficulty levels. Results demonstrated that these measures were able to distinguish between the overall balance capacities associated with the different wobble boards, as well as to identify differences in balance strategies.
A methodology for assessing industrial workstations using optical motion capture integrated with digital human models
Authors: Du Jinyan (Christy) , Duffy Vincent G.
Published: May 2021

This study examined an existing industrial workstation at an automobile assembly plant using computer aided ergonomics and digital human models. The purpose of this evaluation was the development of a motion capture-based methodology for evaluating workstations to identify potential design issues that could result in musculoskeletal injury in a real work environment. An ergonomic risk assessment was conducted on a sample of operators performing a lifting task manually and using an assist device. An optical motion capture system was setup and calibrated in the industrial workplace to collect motion data. UGS™ JACK digital human modelling software was used for the computer-based ergonomic analysis to evaluate the potential injury risk of the current task, considering difference between using and not using the assist device. The work tasks were decomposed into subtasks before analysis. Muscle activity was also measured by wireless electromyography (EMG) in order to identify physiological indicators of stress and strain. The results suggest although using the assist device decreased injury risk potentially, use of the assist device had an adverse impact on the productivity of the assembly line. Based on the findings of this study, the methodology appears to be appropriate for assessing and predicting potential risks associated with the design of industrial workstations and work tasks. The results also highlight tradeoffs in using an assist device which can decrease injury risk in some cases, while having an adverse impact on the productivity of the assembly line.
Computer-aided subjective assessment of factors disturbing the occupational human performance1
Authors: Michalski Rafał , Grobelny Jerzy
Published: May 2021

In the paper Subjective Overall Workload Assessment (SOWA) method was proposed and described. A computer information system supporting the process of generating appropriate assessment questionnaires and speeding up the analysis of collected data was presented. Next, the SOWA was practically applied for assessing the subjective workload of persons employed in a Polish sport textile industry company. The obtained results from 18 employees were presented and analysed. Finally, possible advantages, disadvantages, limitations, future works, and a range of applications of the SOWA were discussed.
The effects of lifting instructions on the psychophysically selected lifting load limits: A need for reappraisal
Authors: Karwowski Waldemar , Sherehiy Bohdana , Gaddie Paul Ray , Khalaf Tamer , Quesada Peter M.
Published: May 2021

This study investigated the effect of three different lifting instruction sets on the psychophysically selected loads. The instruction sets corresponded to three different load limit concepts: maximum acceptable weight of lift (MAWL), maximum comfortable weight of lift (MCWL), and maximum safe weight of lift (MSWL). Results demonstrated significant lifting instruction effects on the investigated dependent variables, including: selected load weight, selected load weight estimation, perceived physical effort, and perceived comfort and safety ratings associated with the selected load weights. Perceived acceptability of selected load weight was the only variable upon which lifting instructions did not have a significant effect. The results showed that the MAWL instruction led to selected loads that were significantly heavier than the loads selected under MSWL instructions. Also, the level of perceived physical effort under the MAWL condition was significantly higher than those obtained under the MSWL and MCWL conditions. Results from this study are consistent with previous research findings that psychophysical selection of lifting loads is very sensitive to the instructions provided to the subjects. It also is suggested that the application of the classical psychophysical approach to setting limits for manual materials handling tasks should be carefully reappraised.
Neuronal attention networks, task demands, and human error
Authors: Fafrowicz Magdalena , Marek Tadeusz
Published: May 2021

The paper considers a new perspective in research, analysing, selection, training, and designing which ergonomics is facing at present in relation to attentional processes. It is related to a spectacular progress in latest neuroscience research concerning the attention neural networks. New non-invasive techniques of attention neuronal networks examination in ergonomics offers unprecedented opportunities for the human error analysis. This paper posits that assuming neuroergonomic perspective in research and designing leads to a new quality in mentioned area. Knowledge concerning neural structures and neural mechanisms responsible for attention processes, pointed out several dimensions related to attention networks which have to be taken into account in case of analysing of human error at work. The paper deals with these problems in relations to orienting and executive attention networks.
Development of a facial skin temperature-based methodology for non-intrusive mental workload measurement
Authors: Or Calvin K.L. , Duffy Vincent G.
Published: May 2021

The research aimed at developing a non-intrusive physiological measure for mental workload using human facial skin temperature change. It demonstrated initial results in two driving experiments that showed the potential of using this physiological parameter to infer mental workload. Participants completed driving tests in a simulator in the first experiment. Results of simulator and real vehicle testing were used in a second experiment. Forehead and nose temperature were obtained via thermography. Nose temperature dropped significantly after the drives for all conditions in the simulator tests. A secondary task during driving led to higher subjective workload score and a greater nose temperature drop. Simulator drives led to a higher subjective workload score and a greater nose temperature drop than the real driving task. A significant correlation between the nose skin temperature change and the subjective workload score was yielded in both experiments. Potential applications of this research include real-time, non-intrusive, and automated mental workload assessment for advanced human-system interface development and performance prediction.
Integration of people with disabilities in the workplace: A methodology to evaluate the accessibility degree
Authors: Vilar Elisângela , Filgueiras Ernesto , Rebelo Francisco
Published: May 2021

This paper presents a methodology to evaluate the accessibility degree in companies, which was developed in a human centred perspective. For this purpose we considered physical, sensorial and cognitive deficiencies. A guide based on this methodology was created to turn the evaluation into an easy and helpful ergonomic tool. The guide was divided into accessibility "to the" workstation and accessibility "in the" workstation, both of them, considering the physical and informational accessibilities. They were divided into two accessibility levels, the minimal and the adequate levels, which meant the accessibility degree of the company. This methodology can also aid in ergonomic interventions for promoting an Inclusive Work Design and Safety for the workers, and for creating at the same time good working conditions, that will increase Human Performance. This tool was evaluated in a large company and implemented in Portugal through the INCLUDE program.
Effects of three keyboard designs on wrist and forearm postures and typing task performance
Authors: Khalaf Tamer , Karwowski Waldemar , Quesada Peter M. , Sherehiy Bohdana
Published: May 2021

The main objective of this study was to investigate postures of both wrists and the right forearm, associated with use of three different computer keyboards. The investigated keyboards were (1) a traditional keyboard, (2) the Microsoft® natural keyboard, and (3) an experimental keyboard. Typing with the experimental keyboard appears to improve left wrist and right forearm postures by reducing left wrist extension angles and right forearm pronation angles, However, non-sagittal plane left wrist posture, as well as sagittal and non-sagittal right wrist posture did not appear to be affected. It was also noted that left wrist postures were in low or moderate injury risk zones for substantially greater percentages of the trial durations with the experimental keyboard, than with either of the other keyboards. Typing speed and accuracy were reduced with the experimental keyboard; however, it was suspected that lack of familiarity with the experimental keyboard was associated with the poorer performance.
Effects of noise and music on human and task performance: A systematic review
Authors: Dalton Brian H. , Behm David G.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of the present paper was to review the literature to develop an understanding of the effects of noise and music on human performance. The second purpose was to study the effects of music on a commonly performed task that is frequently accompanied by background music: driving. Background noise not only affects public health, but it also negatively affects human performance in such tasks as comprehension, attention, and vigilance. However, some studies have indicated that noise exposure may not affect simple vigilance. Despite music's distinct difference from noise it too affects human performance negatively and positively. The results are inconclusive on the effects of music and task performance. More specifically, the effects of music on driving performance are quite similar to that of noise on task performance. Music seems to alleviate driver stress and mild aggression while at times facilitating performance. However, during other conditions of music, driving performance is impaired. Different aspects of sound (i.e. volume, type, tempo) impact human performance differently. It is still unknown which aspect (music or noise) affects task performance to a greater degree.
Effects of sound types and volumes on simulated driving, vigilance tasks and heart rate
Authors: Dalton Brian H. , Behm David G. , Kibele Armin
Published: May 2021

The objective was to determine whether specific types and volumes of sounds affect driving-related tasks. Participants completed six trials while exposed to different sound types (hard rock, classical music and industrial noise) and volumes (53 versus 95 db (A)). Participants executed a randomized order of tasks, involving: movement (MT), reaction time (RT), simulated driving (SimD), and non-conscious perception of masking stimuli. The results suggest high volumes impaired SimD, RT and MT. During hard rock music, accommodation HR was significantly higher whereas male RT was slower than female RT. However, RT was enhanced when subjects were exposed to hard rock music during a non-conscious task of longer duration. SimD crashes increased during quiet hard rock music in comparison to quiet industrial noise. Experimental HR was lower during quiet sound volumes for both genders. In summary, loud volumes affect simple vigilance whereas hard rock music may affect tasks involving concentration and attention especially with males.
Effects of upper arm articulations on shoulder-arm discomfort profile in a pronation task
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Prabir , O'Sullivan Leonard W. , Gallwey T.J.
Published: May 2021

Twenty right-handed male university students performed a full factorial experiment, consisting of three forearm rotation angles (60% prone and supine, and neutral), two elbow angles (45° and 90°), three humeral rotation angles (45°, 90° and 135°), and two upper arm angles (45° flexion and neutral). The task was a one-second pronation torque of 20% Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) relative to MVC at the standard position of the arm, 15 times per minute for 5 minutes, at each postural combination. Discomfort rating after the end of each five minute exertion was recorded on a visual analogue scale. A repeated measures ANCOVA on discomfort score indicated that endurance time was a significant covariate. Other significant factors were upper arm flexion angle, forearm rotation angle, and the interactions of upper arm*elbow and humeral rotation*forearm*endurance time. A supplementary experiment showed that in some of the deviated posture combinations the subjects required additional muscle force to achieve the 20% MVC from the original testing posture. Such data can be helpful for designing workplaces and developing biomechanical models, especially for assessment of designs in virtual environments.
Motion-induced interruptions aboard ship: Model development and application to ship design
Authors: Crossland Paul , Evans Mark J. , Grist David , Lowten Mark , Jones Helen , Bridger Robert S.
Published: May 2021

The most severe direct motion induced effect on the ability of an individual to work in a moving environment probably occurs in gross body tasks requiring balance and co-ordination, be it the crew trying to undertake their task effectively or the passenger trying to walk around the vessel. During rough weather working in the ship becomes more difficult and even the most experienced sailor will experience events where they must stop their activity, be it a specific task or merely standing, and hold on to some suitable point to minimise the risk of injury; these events are called Motion-induced interruptions (MIIs). MIIs were recorded during the performance of a series of tasks on board a ship at sea in rough weather. The tasks were: standing facing aft, walking athwartships, a simulated weapon loading task, standing facing athwartships and a simulated fire-fighting task. Complex mathematical models of postural stability exist but currently lack the fidelity to accurately predict MIIs. This paper presents data from an empirical study in which MIIs experienced by subjects on a ship at sea were logged by an observer. Measurements of lateral and vertical acceleration of the deck immediately prior to the MII were made and thresholds of acceleration for undertaking task were determined. These so called tipping coefficients are presented for use with predictive tools in ship design.
Defining space models of arm reach envelopes for static forced postures
Authors: Gedliczka Adam , Konarska Maria , Hamiga Krzysztof , Machynia Zbigniew , Starzyńska Krystyna , Mircea Jowita , Noworol Czesław
Published: May 2021

Forced postures are regarded as related to the location of a technical structure's touch points. The aim of this research study was to interpret the basic biomechanical criteria of the EN 1005-4 standard (also ISO/DIS 11226), defining standing posture categories as parameters of the corresponding arm reach envelopes. This form of data presentation makes direct application of these criteria possible in the design and evaluation of a technical structure. Forced static postures were simulated according to angle ranges of the standard for trunk bending and upper arm elevation. Arm reach of representatives of the Polish population was measured with a model consisting of modular elements movable perpendicularly to the frontal plane. The results formulated in the Cartesian system of co-ordinates were developed with Mechanical Desktop software and presented as spatial arm reach envelope models, and graphically, too. In practice it was possible to compare the location of touch points with reach envelopes to assess just the technical structure according to the assumed working posture categories as acceptable, conditionally acceptable or unacceptable.
Effect of noise, heat stress and exposure duration on operators in a die casting operation
Authors: Muzammil Mohammad , Khan Abid Ali , Hasan Faisal
Published: May 2021

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of noise and heat stress on operators of various age groups performing die casting operation at varying exposure durations. The independent variables selected were age of operator (20–25, 25–30 and 30–35 years), equivalent levels of noise (90, 95 and 100 dB(A)), heat stress (35, 40 and 45°C wet bulb globe temperature) and exposure duration (5, 10 and 15 minutes) while the dependent variable was heart rate measured with the help of pulse-oximeter. The results of the study showed that the main effects of heat stress, equivalent noise level, age group and the interaction between levels of equivalent noise and exposure duration were all had a statistically significant effect on operators performing the task. The three way interaction of age group, subject and equivalent noise level was also observed to be statistically significant.
Relationship between energy intake and expenditure during harvesting tasks
Authors: Christie Candice Jo-Anne
Published: May 2021

The objective of this study was to compare the energy demands of manual harvesting tasks with the associated energy intake of the workers'. Fifty eight workers (29 Chainsaw Operators and 29 Stackers) were assessed in South Africa prior to, and during a 'normal' working shift. Habitual dietary analyses showed that the workers were eating less than 56% of the recommended daily allowance and were thus arriving at work with reduced energy stores. Heart rate responses were measured continuously during work and energy expenditure was predicted from the heart rate/oxygen uptake relationship obtained at a post-work progressive step up test completed by each worker. The data indicated that the tasks placed 'moderate-to-heavy' demands on the workers resulting in a significant imbalance between the energy demands of the tasks and the associated energy intake of the workers. Energy deficits were in excess of 8 000 kJ and workers lost, on average, 2.8% body mass during work while felling and cross-cutting, and 3.6% during stacking.
Errors associated with bin boundaries in observation-based posture assessment methods
Authors: Andrews David M. , Arnold Tara A. , Weir Patricia L. , van Wyk Paula M. , Callaghan Jack P.
Published: May 2021

The trunk posture misclassification errors made by novice and experienced operators were quantified as a function of the angular distance from posture bin boundaries, similar to those used in observation-based posture assessment tools such as 3DMatch. The effect that these misclassification errors had on cumulative and peak low back loads was also determined in three simulated lifting scenarios. Ninety subjects in 3 experience groups were randomly presented with images of known trunk angle via a monitor. Subjects were instructed to make quick and accurate bin selections using standardized pictures included below the images on the monitor. Mean % bin misclassification errors were approximately 32% and 22% for the flexion/extension and lateral bend views, respectively. More bin classification errors were made the closer a viewed image was to a posture bin boundary, regardless of expertise level, and the number of errors made decreased as operator experience increased. Approximately 99% of bin selections were made either in the correct bin or in the bins immediately adjacent to the correct bin in both views. Misclassification errors made in the 3 simulated lifting scenarios induced errors in peak and cumulative loads in 66% of the cases assessed, with an average absolute difference of 13.5% across all load variables. Future work is aimed at determining the effect of training and bin size on the error misclassification rate for all body segments and views.
A comparative study of load sharing among back and leg muscles during squat and half-kneeling lifts
Authors: Kothiyal Kamal , Li Frank , Yiu Ida
Published: May 2021

This paper presents the results of a comparative study of load sharing among back and leg muscles during squat and half-kneeling lifts. 19 young and healthy subjects with no history of low back pain or other musculoskeletal disorders participated in the study. Muscle activity was measured using electromyography (EMG) technique. Surface EMG electrodes were placed bilaterally at the erector spinae, quadriceps and hamstring muscles. Muscle activities were determined at different force levels representing 40, 60 and 80 percent of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The results showed increase in normalised mean RMS (root mean squared) values of EMG of for all the muscles with increasing force levels in both squat and half kneeling lifts. Contralateral and ipsilateral ratio parameters were used to determine the degree of load sharing among the muscles in both lifting postures. Statistical analysis of the mean RMS values and the contralateral and ipsilateral ratio parameters revealed no significant differences between squat and half kneeling lifts. The paper discusses the implications of the results for preventing injuries during manual handling and provides suggestions for future research.
Heart rate and work pulses of two age groups associated with working in the cold at +3°C and −24°C
Authors: Penzkofer Mario , Kluth Karsten , Strasser Helmut
Published: May 2021

Due to increasing sales numbers, the production and distribution of frozen food, as well as working in the deep cold, are becoming more and more important. Nevertheless, there are only a few investigations into the effects of working in the cold on humans. Order-picking in a cold environment at approximately −24°C represents a high workload and even when wearing suitable cold protective clothing leads to exceptionally high strain. At least hypothetically, also varying physical strain of younger and older employees could be expected. Therefore, evaluation methods were developed and applied for the quantification of the physiological responses of two age-groups to working in the cold. The results of heart rate measurements while working at +3°C and −24°C are presented.
Effects of illumination and inclination of test objects on the detectability of surface flaws
Authors: Schneider Joerg , Ermert Andreas , Strasser Helmut
Published: May 2021

In order to optimize the illumination of industrial visual testing and inspection workplaces, the limits of the detectability of 3-dimensional details have to be determined for different surfaces and lighting scenarios. For this reason, the influence of the inclination of samples on luminance and contrast was examined, and additionally laboratory tests were carried out to measure visual acuity when detecting flaws on the surfaces of different materials at various illuminations. The results were compared to the subjective assessment of test subjects (Ss) who participated in the laboratory tests. It turned out that all results are strongly dependent on the inclination of the samples rather than on the lighting scenarios applied.
The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA): Validity of online worker self-assessments and the relationship to worker discomfort
Authors: Sonne Michael , Andrews David M.
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine if office workers were capable of using an online version of the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) tool to accurately assess musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in their own offices, and see if online training can reduce worker-reported discomfort. Fifty-five participants completed a four week program where they assessed their own office simultaneously with a trained observer, and either received or did not receive feedback on their performance. Significant differences were found between worker- and observer-reported ROSA final scores, and for the mouse and keyboard section, with workers underestimating these risk factors on average, compared to the trained observer. Worker and observer assessments of the chair, monitor and telephone were not significantly different but were significantly correlated (R values of 0.60 and 0.48). There were a greater number of significant correlations between worker-reported ROSA final scores and total body discomfort (3 instances) compared to observer-reported relationships (1 instance). Feedback appeared to have a detrimental effect on worker-assessment accuracy, and the relationship between discomfort and ROSA scores. Mean discomfort decreased across the four weeks of the study (up to a 51.6% decrease), as did ROSA final scores (3.9 to 3.5). Additional work is required to improve the validity of worker-reported scores in all sections of ROSA, but self-assessments of office workstations using the current ROSA online application do show promise in terms of assisting workers to decrease risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders, and decrease discomfort levels.
Effect of horizontal pushing and pulling exertions on neck muscle activity
Authors: Sun Yun , Nimbarte Ashish D.
Published: May 2021

In this study the effect of horizontal pushing and pulling exertions on the activity of major neck muscles, sternocleidomastoid and cervical trapezius, was studied biomechanically by using electromyography (EMG). Twenty-two (11 males and 11 females) healthy individuals participated in this study. Each participant performed constrained horizontal pushing and pulling exertions, in a seated posture, exerting 25%, 50%, and 75% of their respective maximum strengths. The activity of the neck muscles increased with the increase in the pushing and pulling force. The direction of force application had a minimal effect on the activation of neck muscles. The effect of gender on the activity of the neck muscles was significant. Female participants used sternocleidomastoid muscle to a significantly greater extent than male participants. A significantly higher activation of cervical trapezius muscle was observed for male participants than female participants.
Effect of overhead lifting on neck and shoulder muscle activity and upper extremity joint angles
Authors: Aghazadeh Fereydoun , Mokrani Mohamed , Al-Qaisi Saif , Ikuma Laura , Hassan Marwa
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of varying amount of lifted weight on upper extremity joint angles and muscle activity of the neck and shoulder. Two-dimensional elbow and shoulder kinematics of overhead lifting were determined, and simultaneously surface electromyographic (EMG) data from the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles were collected. Results show that as lifted weight increased, the EMG activity of both muscles increased accordingly. Increasing the weight also resulted in increased maximum elbow joint angle and decreased maximum shoulder joint angle, but the effects were not significant. Shoulder angle and muscle activity were highly correlated. The correlation coefficients ranged from 0.39 to 0.75 for the trapezius muscle and from 0.38 to 0.42 for the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The elbow joint angle had low to no influence on shoulder and neck muscle activity.
Pembuatan Media Belajar Bahasa Inggris Dari Bahan Bekas Bagi Guru Yayasan Dharmawanita Tanjungsari, Panekan, Magetan
Authors: Permatasari Ita , Rahayu Titik , Maaliah Eda , Mudofir Imam , Maftuh Moh Farid
Published: May 2021

Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk menumbuhkan kesadaran kepada guru-guru Yayasan Dharmawanita Desa Tanjungsari, Kecamatan Panekan, Kabupaten Magetan tentang pemanfaatan barang bekas sebagai media pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris. Barang bekas adalah benda-benda yang pernah dipakai (sisa), yang kegunaannnya tidak sama seperti benda yang baru. Sedangkan media adalah semua bentuk perantara, termasuk manusia , materi , atau kejadian, yang di gunakan oleh manusia untuk menyampaikan atau menyampaikan ide atau pendapat sehingga siswa mampu memperoleh pengetahuan , keterampilan , atau sikap. Metode pelaksaan yang digunakan dalam kegiatan ini terdiri dari tiga bagian, yaitu: metode ceramah, metode diskusi dan metode praktek. Selai  itu, kerangka evaluasi disusun dalam dua bagian. Yang pertama, evaluasi dilakuakn selama proses kegiatan. Sedangkan bagian evaluasi kedua dilakukan pasca pelatihan. Indikator yang digunakan untuk mengukur keberhasilan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah mulai munculnya kesadaran dari para guru akan potensi bahan bekas sebagai media pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris. Hal ini akan diikuti dengan inovasi-inovasi dan kreatifitas mandiri yang dilakukan oleh para guru untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris yang sesuai dengan kebutuhan mereka di masa depan.Kata kunci— Barang bekas, media, media pembelajaran
Kampanye Pencegahan Covid-19 Dan Pemberdayaan Ekonomi Keluarga Di Tengah Pandemi Corona (Bagi Masyarakat Kelurahan Nambangan Kidul Kota Madiun)
Authors: Setiawan Agustinus Doedyk , Priyanto Priyanto , Syafitri Eva Mirza , Thousani Hifzhan Frima , Arfiyani Bhetaria Agustin
Published: May 2021

Wabah  virus COVID-19 yang terjadi di Indonesia saat ini, mengakibatkan seluruh masyarakat Indonesia harus menerapkan physical distancing dalam semua kegiatan. Namun kesadaran masyarakat tentang pencegahan Pandemi Corona ini belum secara merata di ketahui / masih abai. Sehingga selalu ada peningkatan jumlah orang terinfeksi virus ini. Di tengah Pandemi Covid-19 seperti sekarang, tetap di rumah adalah opsi terbaik untuk memutus mata rantai penyebaran Covid-19. Untuk itu perlu kampanye yang masif guna “Mencegah Covid-19” dengan 12 (dua belas) spanduk yang komunikatif di tengah-tengah masyarakat” sejak 1 September 2020. Demikian pula akibat atau dampak wabah virus ini, terhadap Angka pengangguran diperkirakan melonjak. Kemungkinan akan ada 25 juta pengangguran akibat kegiatan usaha terhenti dan tidak ada pekerjaan untuk buruh bebas. Kelurahan Nambangan Kidul, Kecamatan Manguharjo, Kota Madiun, boleh dibilang sudah menjadi kota dengan permasalahan yang cukup kompleks. Kelurahan ini secara fisik cukup padat, baik bangunan maupun jumlah penduduknya. Kelurahan Nambangan Kidul menempati lahan seluas 102,864 hektar yang dihuni oleh 9.728 jiwa atau 2.728 KK. Mereka tersebar di 46 RT dan 15 RW. Diperkirakan dampak  pandemi ini ada kenaikan, sampai berkisar 32% KK warga masuk kategori warga miskin atau 873 KK. Pemberdayaan akibat terdampak Covid-19 adalah upaya untuk membangun daya dengan mendorong, memotivasi dan membangkitkan kesadaran akan potensi yang dimilikinya serta berupaya untuk mengembangkan diri dan keluarga di tengah Pandemi Corona ini. Menggali, memanfaatkan dan mengembangkan usaha produktif terutama bagi masyarakat terdampak Covid-19 umumnya khususnya para wanita, dengan cara membuat suatu ekonomi produktif melalui “Pelatihan Mengolah Ikan Lele Kekinian“ pada 10 September 2020.  Mendampingi peserta dengan cara demontrasi memasak/mengolah ikan dan memberikan pelatihan tutorial dalam FlascDisch yang berupa vidio/film. 20 orang peserta dari unsur RW/UMKM/PKK diberikan instruksi mengenai tahapan pengolahan dan penanganan pasca pengolahan dan penjualan.
Digitalisasi Perangkat Ukur Tinggi dan Berat Badan Balita pada Posyandu Padasuka Kecamatan Cimahi Tengah, Jawa Bara
Authors: Nugroho Hertog , Satria Ferry , Megiyanto Griffani , Hanifatunnisa Rifa , Rahayu Maya , Hanafi Usman , Gani Mina Naidah
Published: May 2021

Posyandu activities, which include measuring height and weight, have become a routine for monitoring the growth and development of toddlers. Height and weight are important parameters in toddler development related to the prevention of malnutrition that can lead to stunting and other possible disorders.In general, Posyandu activities, in Indonesia, especially posyandu RW 14 Padasuka, Cimahi Tengah sub-district, are still carried out conventionally using cards to record data. There are many problems with data loss among parents due to inadequate documentation and a lot of data storage at the Posyandu which makes recorded data difficult to find when the data is needed. Measurement of height and weight that still uses conventional scales operated by Posyandu officers also makes the measurement results for each child can be different.Through Community Service program, we proposed to develop and implement a weight and height measurement device based on Arduino and a website. Data from these two parameters can be displayed on a web page that can be accessed by parents of Posyandu participants. The development of the tool has been successfully realized and the test shows an error of 0.19% and 0.88% compared to the measurement of manual tools (rulers and scales).Training with Posyandu Padasuka community partners, Cimahi Tengah has been carried out on September 19, 2020 and was attended by several Posyandu volunteers and local residents. The training went well and the equipment was handed over so that it could be used properly.