bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study of Work Places in Two Glass Industries: An Automated and a Manual One
Authors: Queiróz Maria de Fátima Ferreira , Maciel Regina Heloísa
Published: January 2012

The aim of the present study was to understand how the use of different technologies, organizational structures and task control determine the workers' health-disease process. A better understanding of this issue will lead to suggestions and measures that can contribute positively to the modification of morbidity and mortality of glass industry workers. The study was conducted in two glass industries in São Paulo, Brazil, and one was automated and the other, manual. The methodology was based on an ergonomic analysis of the activities performed in the two workstations - the glass blow operators in the automated machine and that of the manual glass blow operators, and included direct observation of the work situation, interview with workers and a questionnaire based on previous knowledge of these two types of industry. The sample included 41 workers, 27 in IS machine and 14 in manual blow. The analyzed variables were characteristics of workers and work process. The comparison between the two industries showed statistically significant differences in relation to workers' perception of high level noise, bad work tools and complaints of leg pain and low back pain. The use of ergonomic methodology was perfectly adequate for the recognition of critical aspects of the workplace.
Use of Verbal Protocol Analysis in the Investigation of a Manual Handling Task
Authors: Ryan Brendan , Haslegrave Christine M.
Published: January 2012

Concurrent verbal protocols were used to collect reports of subjects' thoughts during the completion of a manual handling task, and to investigate whether the content of these thoughts was influenced by changes in the weights and positions of the loads which were handled. A taxonomy was constructed to help in the analysis of the potential effects of weight of the load and of load position on the numbers of reports of a range of dependent variables such as posture, load, elements of the task and outcome. An association was found between load position and numbers of references to posture when handling loads of 8kg weight. This suggested that postural awareness might be heightened when more extreme postures were adopted during the handling of loads above a weight threshold. However, the references were often ambiguous, raising concerns about the subjects' depth of awareness of the postures they were adopting.
An Object-Oriented Programming Environment for Designing Human Computer Interfaces for Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Jacobs Steve
Published: January 2012

Designing Human Computer Interfaces (HCI) that accommodate persons with disabilities can be challenging. There are laws that mandate this type of accommodation. NeatTools1is an object-oriented programming environment that allows the rapid prototyping and implementation of HCIs that accommodate persons with disabilities.
Are Back and Leg Muscle Strengths Determinants of Lifting Motion Strategy? A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Simulated Leg Muscle Weakness
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Buhr Trina
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the first of a series of studies aimed at elucidating whether back and leg muscle strengths are the intrinsic determinants of lifting motion strategy. The study involved an experiment in which six female subjects performed lifting tasks under three conditions: one unconstrained condition in which subjects used a self-selected lifting strategy and two simulated muscle weakness conditions in which they used a real-time EMG-based biofeedback technique to control their gastro***enemius or rectus femoris contraction level at 45% of the maximum. The lifting trials were measured and then kinematically modeled to derive index values that quantified the motion strategies. Results showed that both simulated muscle weakness conditions had a marked effect on the lifting strategy. While subjects preferred a strategy that predominantly or significantly relied on the legs under unconstrained condition, a general trend of alteration towards a back-lift strategy was observed when simulated leg muscle weakness was administered.
Generating Optimal Motion Patterns for Para-Sagittal Lifting Tasks
Authors: Chang Chien-Chi , Hsiang Simon M.
Published: January 2012

When performing biomechanical analysis of lifting tasks, the information of body segmental coordination is crucial. To collect a set of joint angle displacement data, a laboratory experiment is usually necessary with the use of expensive and complex motion tracking systems and carefully calibrated workstation mockups. In most working environments, it may be difficult and unrealistic to duplicate the lab capacity to capture these kinematic data. Computer simulation methods, on the other hand, may provide a different solution in performing such analyses. Over the years, several biomechanical simulation methods for 2-D lifting tasks have been developed using optimization techniques. These studies have some advantages and disadvantages depending on methodologies they used. In this study, we propose a new methodology in predicting optimum motion patterns during lifting tasks. The advantages of using this method are also discussed.
A Pilot Project for the Study of Ergonomic Interventions in Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Neumann W.P. , Frazer M.B , Cole D.C. , Wells R.P. , Kerr M.S. , Kerton R , Brawley L. , Norman R.W.
Published: January 2012

A participatory ergonomics approach is being tested in two product-matched manufacturing lines framed as intervention and control groups. The project is intended to evaluate the process and the effectiveness of the participatory ergonomics change program. This paper reports on preliminary baseline data on jobs as well as the research process used. Long project time-lines, absence of researcher control, and ongoing change in the manufacturing site pose methodological challenges. Early implementation of visible changes may help foster worker participation. Preparation for post-change evaluation is now underway.
Engineering Subcultures and Working Environment in Danish Enterprises
Authors: Broberg Ole
Published: January 2012

Engineers' role in the management of working environment has been studied in 20 Danish enterprises based on questionnaires to 680 engineers. In general, engineers are not aware that they may influence the working environment of other people through their decisions. It is suggested that engineering subcultures be examined in order to change engineers' attitudes toward the working environment of workers and users.
Heart Rate as an Index of Thermal Stress
Authors: Meyer J-P , Martinet C. , Payot L.
Published: January 2012

Heat stress is difficult to quantify in actual work situations. The purpose of this study is to show that Cardiac Thermal Extra Pulse (CTEP) which is the mean heart rate (HR) of the 3rd, 4th and 5th minute of recovery minus rest HR before the exposure is a simple index of thermal strain. CTEP were recorded on 98 workers during 132 actual work periods. The relationship between the oral temperature increase from the beginning to the end of the heat exposure (dtor) and the corresponding CTEP is dtor = 0.05 + 0.29 CTEP (p<0.001; see = 0.18 °C). From these results, it can be concluded that as long as the CTEP remains below 20 beats per minute the increase of oral temperature is lower than 1 °C and thus the thermal strain is physiologically acceptable if the exposure time is less than one hour. The easy use of new HR recorders could make CTEP a reference parameter for simple thermal strain quantification.
Effects on Physiological Functions of Female at Night Shift
Authors: Yoshida Yuki , Misawa Tetsuo , Kimotsuki Kuninori
Published: January 2012

this study has one objective for making clear the ill effect to the physiological functions of woman. Consequently, many woman workers engaged in the night duty industry feel fatigue, and have a lot of possibility of getting menstrual irregularity. And, the change in life rhythm influences a maternal problem such as the lack of sleep due to child care and the maternal problem.
Ergonomic Screening of Assembly Tasks in Automotive Industries
Authors: Schaub Karlheinz G. , Winter Gabriele , Landau Kurt , Großmann Kai , Laun Gerhard
Published: January 2012

The screening tool “Design Check” (DC) allows the detection of ergonomic deficits in workplace layouts. DC was recently developed in a joint research project of the Ergonomics Institute, Darmstadt University of Technology (IAD) and Porsche AG, Stuttgart, promoted by the German Federal Ministry of Technology (BMBF). DC focuses onto the evaluation of industrial work tasks with special respect to assembly tasks. The checklist was designed to identify risk situations generated by physical workplace demands. DC was developed and tested at the assembly lines of Porsche automotive industries, Stuttgart, Germany.
Change in Exposure to Risk for Back Pain Following an Ergonomics Intervention in an Acute Hospital
Authors: Trevelyan F , Buckle P
Published: January 2012

A large-scale ergonomics intervention that included policy, work organisation, focus groups, equipment and training was implemented in an acute hospital in the UK for an 18 month period. The intervention was evaluated in terms of exposure to back pain risk factors using the Portable Ergonomic Observation (PEO) method. Sixteen nurses were observed for a full-shift before and after the intervention to identify nursing tasks and the proportion that each comprised in a typical nursing shift. Tasks were then described in terms of posture and load using observation data collected from 48 nurses before and after the intervention. Results showed a similar proportion of a shift was spent performing nursing tasks before and after the intervention and that tasks were affected differentially by the intervention.
Lumbar Posture during Work among Nurses and Office Workers and the Relation to Back Problems: Statistical Analysis of Angle-vs-Time Data
Authors: Jansen Jeroen P , Burdorf Alex , van der Beek Allard J
Published: January 2012

Objectives. Electrogoniometers are used to collect continuous information on postural distributions among workers. Enormous quantities of data are generated that have to be reduced to meaningful parameters: angle, duration and frequency. This study 1) shows the patterns of lumbar movements among nurses and office workers; and 2) investigates whether the patterns are associated with back problems.

Methods. A direct registration of the lumbar posture in the sagittal plane was made during a working day with an inclinometer. An exposure variation analysis (Mathiassen and Winkel, 1991) was used to summarize information on angle, duration and percentage of working time in a data matrix. A statistical model which takes exposure level, duration, and frequency into account simultaneously was used to analyze these data matrixes and compare exposure patterns between nurses and office workers and between workers with back problems and those without.

Results. Nurses spent a higher percentage of their working time in lumbar postures with angles between 40–70 degrees (p<0.03) than office workers. The percentage of the working time spent in a given lumbar posture for periods of 5 seconds or more is less among nurses than among office workers (p<0.01). Among both nurses and office workers, subjects with back problems in the previous 12 months spent less working time in postures sustained for 10 seconds or more in comparison with those without back problems.

Conclusion. The exposure patterns of lumbar posture of nurses and office workers discriminated best for working time in trunk flexion over 40 degrees. This implies that observations of flexion at 20 degrees were irrelevant. Furthermore, nurses show a more dynamic exposure pattern than office workers. The findings with respect to back problems indicate that back problems may interfere with posture during work.
Evaluation of Personal and work Parameters on Ability to Maintain Non-Neutral Trunk Postures
Authors: Sundaravalli P. Sudarsan , Keyserling W. Monroe , Andrew J. Haig , Bernard J. Martin
Published: January 2012

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders affect millions of workers and run up enormous costs by affecting both worker well-being and by production loss. Jobs that require static trunk flexion create biomechanical loads on the muscles and soft-tissue of the lower back, and may contribute to disability caused by low back pain. This paper presents the preliminary results from a laboratory study to identify personal and work factors that determine endurance limits for maintaining non-neutral trunk postures. Subjective and objective measures of performance were recorded using a visual analog scale for discomfort, time of distracting discomfort (TDD), total endurance time (TET) in each posture, and surface electromyography. Endurance time dropped significantly between 15 and 30° of flexion. Older subjects outperformed the younger subjects in TET. Perceived discomfort increased monotonically as a function of trunk flexion angle, with younger subjects perceiving greater discomfort than the older population.
Integrating Production Engineering and Ergonomics in Production System Design
Authors: Mathiassen Svend Erik , Franzon Helena , Kihlberg Steve , Medbo Per , Winkel Jørgen
Published: January 2012

Within the framework of the COPE program, a tool is described for integrated documentation and prediction of ergonomic and technical performance in production systems. The tool is based on data on exposures and durations of tasks occurring in production. A case study is reviewed to illustrate initial efforts to implement the tool, as well as further lines of its development.
Longitudinal Assessment of Industrial Workers
Authors: Franzblau Alfred , Werner Robert A. , Armstrong Thomas J. , Ulin Sheryl S.
Published: January 2012

Numerous investigators have performed cross-sectional studies of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) among industrial workers, and modeled the prevalence of these conditions in relation to potential ergonomic exposures and other covariates. However, prospective studies have been rare for a variety of reasons. Results of a cross-sectional study of UEMSDs based on data collected approximately 5 years ago were published in 1999 (Latko et al., 1999). A subset of the workers from this study were available for re-examination approximately 5 years after the first investigation. The survey tools and clinical examination protocols used in the follow-up examinations were largely identical to the baseline procedures, thus permitting direct comparison of results between rounds.

Workers from 2 of the 3 employers in the original study were available for the follow-up investigation. Just over 50% of available and eligible workers participated in the follow-up examinations (152 out of 267, or 57%). The mean age at follow-up was almost 48 years (standard deviation = 9.5 years). The mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.9 at follow-up, and just over half of the study participants were male (53%). Most subjects were still employed by the same employer, and most were still in the same jobs. The prevalence and severity of upper extremity symptoms declined significantly in most body regions between baseline and follow-up. In contrast, the prevalence of most upper extremity diagnoses (tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome based on symptoms, standardized physical examinations, and/or nerve conduction tests) increased slightly, though not significantly. Relative median-minus-ulnar peak latency differences increased slightly, and significantly, between rounds.

There are almost no studies for comparison of results. More prospective studies are needed to better understand the natural history of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among workers.
Evidence of Progressive Tissue Pathophysiology and Motor Behavior Degradation in a Rat Model of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disease
Authors: Barr Ann E. , Safadi Fayez F. , Garvin Robert P. , Popoff Steven N. , Barbe Mary F.
Published: January 2012

We developed an in vivo injury model of work related musculoskeletal disease of the upper extremity in the rat in order to determine the extent to which a highly repetitive task causes decrements in motor performance and stimulates inflammation locally and systemically in musculoskeletal tissues. Twenty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were trained to reach for food pellets at a target rate of 4 reaches/min for 2 hours/day, 3 days/week for periods up to 8 weeks. Reach repetition rate and reach success were determined. Observations of reach movement patterns were recorded. The trained and untrained forelimbs of trained rats were examined for macrophages using anti-ED***1 and compared to the forelimbs of control animals. The number of ED***1 immunoreactive macrophages in muscle, tendon and radiocarpal ligaments was quantified. We also examined for proteins indicative of inflammation and injury: IL-1β, COX2 and hsp72. Tissue inflammation was evident by week 3 and increased progressively to weeks 5 and 6. Degradation in reach movement patterns coincided with these tissue changes. Our findings suggest that a high repetition-negligible force task induces inflammatory work related musculoskeletal disease in as few as three weeks.
Repetitive Trauma Disorders (R.T.D.): Social Representations and Ergonomics
Authors: Researcher Bernardino M.
Published: January 2012

The Repetitive Trauma Disorders (RTD) study has been an important support for many areas interested in a healthy work environment. The RTD study importance is justified by either its increasingly occurrence rate and the high difficulty degree on controlling and solving the problem. The present research goal was to identify and describe the social actors representation about RTD, based on the analysis of ill people reports. In order to accomplish that purpose, a qualitative methodology was adopted because this approach proved to be very adequate to assess the more subjective perceptions. As result, it was built a real report on the whole history related to the RTD experienced by people in an advanced illness level. It is also subject of this work a discussion on how the knowledge about the social actor viewpoint can help a better approach on the illness care.
Evaluation of Training Induced Neuromuscular Fatigue of Orchestral Violin Players
Authors: Yeung Simon S. , Yeung Ella W. , Chan Rachel FM , Chow CY , Lee Glory PS , To LK , Tsang Xeni YS
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to investigate the muscle fatigue and self-perceived exertion level on violin players before and after a training session. Fourteen professional violin players volunteered in this study. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to record the fatigue level of the upper trapezius muscles before and after a training session. Medium Frequency (MF) of the EMG signals was used to document the fatigue rate of this muscle. Regression analysis and paired sample t-tests revealed no significant difference in the slopes of MF on both sides of trapezius muscle, before and after the training sessions. However, the Borg Scale ratings of perceived exertion revealed significant increase in fatigue level (p=0.003) after the training session. The disparity in the subjective perception with the objective findings indicated that the violists' self-perceived exertion arises from multiple sources. The high prevalence of playing-related musculoskeletal complaints (79%) in this group of players warrants further ergonomic investigation of possible work-related risk factors.
Musculoskeletal Disorders among Young Apprentices and Journey-Level Construction Workers in Hungary
Authors: Rosecrance John , Porszasz Janos , Cook Thomas , Anton Dan , Fekecs Eva , Karacsony Terike
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among young apprentices entering the construction trade. One hundred ninety-one young apprentices from plumbing and sheet metal trade schools in Hungary participated in the study. Additionally, pilot data from 65 journey-level workers in Hungary was obtained for comparison. Data collection consisted of an administered symptom survey. The participation rate was 98% among apprentices. The average age of the apprentices was 17 years (range 15 to 21). The 12-month period prevalence of self-reported work-related MSD symptoms for apprentices was highest in the low back, wrist/hands, and shoulders. Nearly 40% of the apprentices that indicated the presence of back pain missed work as a result of the symptoms at least one day in the previous 12 months. Although MSD symptoms are more prevalent among experienced construction workers, this study indicates that MSDs begin early in a construction worker's career. Additional studies involving larger populations of construction workers of all ages are needed to determine the magnitude of MSDs in Hungary and other Central European countries. A multinational comparison of the prevalence of work-related MSDs and the job factors contributing to MSDs would assist in the identification of best work practices and tools that help prevent MSDs for workers in the construction industry.
Concrete form Work, Injury and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Welch Laura S. , Hunting Katherine L. , Anderson Judith
Published: January 2012

We present hospital emergency room data on 154 injuries of carpenters and laborers working for one contractor on one large project over four years. This contractor was in charge of concrete form construction, a task that entails significant ergonomic risks. The carpenters working for this contractor had a higher percentage of injuries diagnosed as strains and sprains, while the laborers had more injuries from “struck-by/struck-against” than other crafts. We will discuss possible strategies to decrease ergonomic hazards and injuries in form construction
Best Practices Sampling: A Participatory Approach to Improve Construction Safety Performance
Authors: Hecker Steven , Gibbons Wilhette (Billy) , Barsotti Anthony
Published: January 2012

Best Practices Sampling (BPS) is a participatory, crew-driven safety performance management system developed for the construction industry. Construction work crews develop their own list of critical best practices and measure their own performance through a daily sampling process. Through data summaries and feedback the information is used for real-time hazard identification and continuous safety improvement. The BPS process was piloted with five subcontractors on an industrial construction site. The pilot showed the potential for BPS to promote communication and heighten safety awareness and performance if thoroughly implemented, but revealed obstacles to successful implementation. The lessons learned from the pilot have been used to design a more formal intervention and evaluation that is currently underway. This project will evaluate implementation and outcomes, including communication, worker self-efficacy and voice, and safety problem resolution. The influence of contractor characteristics and practices on BPS and worker participation will also be investigated.
Developing and testing of ergonomically tools for tile-setters work
Authors: Wakula J. , Adelmann M. , Linke-Kaiser G. , Landau K.
Published: January 2012

Selected tools for tile-setters (a transportable work station including a work table and platform with adjustable height, a device for transportation and tipping out mortar, and a tool box) were developed and designed in order to reduce the tile-setters' strain. Two prototypes of transportable work station were tested in 8 tile-setting companies and a learning centre. A questionnaire was worked out for the testing. Considering the test results and in co-operation with industrial manufacturers, the development will be finished so that the work station can go into production.
Return to Work of Subjects Affected by Upper Limb WMSD's in an Office Environment: Comparison of Experiments and Results
Authors: Colombi Alberto M.
Published: January 2012

Upper limb musculo-skeletal disorders are not rare in office environments where automation has spread the use of video display terminals to almost every office task.

At a corporate headquarters where 1200 employees work, efforts were conducted to identify, prevent and accommodate upper limb disorders by means of: a) An early report of discomfort questionnaire, b) training volunteers as observers, c) a workstation assessment tool based on observable behaviors that are the result of incongruent organization, anthropometry requirements, awkward posture and repetitive movements, d) a corrective action procedure based on quality/continuous improvement in order to address major risk factors and accommodate workers' re-integration into productive employment. During 1997–1998, 77 symptomatic employees had their interaction with their work tasks and workstations evaluated according to a defined procedure, and were returned to their workstations after modification of that interaction pursuant to a defined improvement process. Persistence of subjective symptoms, satisfaction with changes and evaluation of the process were assessed after six months with a follow up survey. The three most frequent beneficial changes were attributed to the availability and proper use of an adjustable chair (53.3%), adjustable keyboard/mouse tray (31.7%) and adjustable desk configuration (17.7%); 68.8% stated that they were feeling better after the workstation modifications, 9.1% stated they were feeling much better after work adjustments, and 22.1% had noticed none or questionable improvements in their symptoms. None had lost additional work time after the work adjustments up to the follow-up survey. The overall cost of the changes was $35,470.61, or $460.65 per employee average.
Ergonomic Parameters for the Optimal use of Refrigerator Doors
Authors: de Almeida Álvaro G. , de Queiroz Ben-Hur D. , Senna Bernardo , Guimarães Carla P. , Naveiro Domingos M. , Pastura Flávia H. , Nunes Vivaldo
Published: January 2012

The Industrial Design Division of the National Institute of Technology developed an ergonomic analysis of refrigerator doors in order to create parameters for its lay-outs. This study was required by a brazilian home appliance industry.
Preferred Pressure Distribution and Shift Ratings of Comfort on Auto Bed
Authors: Park Se-Jin , Kim Jin-Sun , Min Byung-Chan , Kwon Kyu-Sik , Jeong Byung-Yong
Published: January 2012

The main aim of the study is to investigate the preferred pressure distribution and shift of comfort ratings on auto bed, which user can adjust height in 8 parts of mattress by controller. The body pressure distributions were measured under two states (at the posture of lying on his/her back, side and face). One was measured in the lying state on the common flat mattress. The other was done after subjects adjusted height of 8 parts to keep comfortable feeling. The results of the study were following. All of three postures had the highest value to the body pressure ratio of the hip. Particularly, when he/she was lying on his/her back, more than 40% of the total body pressure ratio was concentrated on the hip. Also, in each posture, most subjects feel comfortable when the heights of head and legs are higher than those of the other part. In the posture of lying on his/her back, subjects feel comfortable when the heights of head, lumber and thighs region have been raised to form the body with W shape. In the posture of lying on his/her face down, subjects feel comfortable when the heights of head and legs region have been raised to form the body with U shape. The significant relation between change in rating of comfort and change in body pressure ratio was found within each posture, that is, the body pressure distribution may have affect on comfort rating. Also, significant difference was observed between the initial state and the final state in the subjective evaluation.
Infrared Thermography to Qualify and Quantify Interaction between Hand and Computer Mouse and its Relationship to Comfort
Authors: McLoone Hugh , Jacobson Melissa , Adams Edie , Johnson Peter
Published: January 2012

Hand tools such a computer mice are designed by an iterative process of matching needs and characteristics of people to mechanical (hardware) and system (software) requirements. Comfort is one such human need. The location and amount of hand support or contact between users' hands and computer mice, in addition to other factors, may influence users' perceived comfort. Real-time infrared thermography was used to qualify and quantify heat signatures after brief periods of contact. Three uniquely different Microsoft computer mice were investigated. Participants were instructed to hold mice as they expected during use or as they remembered using during a target acquisition task. An infrared image was recorded of the palmar surface of the participant's hand and the top of computer mouse. Subjective perceptions of comfort were collected using Likert scales related to comfort, fit, control, maneuverability, and performance. Participants' preference rankings were also collected. The technique was sensitive enough to measure unique differences in contact area between participants' hands and the different computer mice. The amount of contact under the metacarpophalangeal ridge (i.e., pads of palm under knuckles) was related to the level of perceived comfort and preferences. This study demonstrated the utility of infrared thermography with subjective comfort impressions for qualitatively and quantitatively evaluating computer mouse designs.
The Influence of Container Shape and Color Cues on Consumer Product Risk Perception and Precautionary Intent
Authors: Serig Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2012

Four experiments were carried out to examine the extent that the container shape and color of a consumer product package influence hazard perceptions of that product. The experiments further examined the extent that consumer product hazard perception influenced consumer precautionary intent. The first experiment demonstrated that participants could design product packages signaling the identity and potential hazard level of the contents. Experiments 2 and 3 validated the results of Experiment 1. Experiment 3 further introduced the concept of precautionary intent for those products perceived as being more hazardous. Experiment 4 examined whether these stated intentions would be acted upon when participants were asked to interact with a product; it was found that participants were more likely to engage in precautionary behaviors than had been indicated in Experiment 3.
Biomechanical Approach Applied to Evaluattion of Consumer Products
Authors: Pereira Guimarães C. P.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the study is to present a biomechanical and anthropometric approach to evalueted two consumer products: crib and refrigerator and help generated new project parameters as a part of a main study of usability. The metodology based on videotaping users manipulation of products in actual and experimental situation. At same time we rated the disconfort of the the consumersin The biomechanical analysis haappened at Ergonomic Laboratory at National Institute of Tecnology, where we have the condition to simulated the actual situation, and the new one and compare results, using representative users, that are invited to take part of the experiment. The tapes were analysed in a videocinematography system BIOMEC. This system have different biomechanical models that help to estimate the load at human body. The result of this approach have been applied in many studies of products and in two cases the new parameters have been incorporeted in the products: the study of crib and the inside door of refrigerator.
Design of Global User-Interfaces: Living with the Challenge
Authors: Zühlke Detlef , Röse Kerstin
Published: January 2012

To make communication between individuals possible one has to follow certain rules. The interpersonal communication is based on cultural and social influences, and has developed over millennia into many regional communication forms. In the same way as in interpersonal communications, the human machine communication needs defined rules, so that the information displayed by the machine expresses the current process state. In order to clarify cultural differences in human machine communication the project Intops (funded by the German minister for Research and Technology) was carried out by the Centre for Human Machine Interaction (pak) from the University of Kaiserslautern for mechanical engineering applications in selected Asian countries. The results of the study show that cultural influences need to be considered above all in the area of information coding. Examples are the use of colours and pictorial symbols.
On the Way to World-Wide Ergonomics a Methodical Approach to Introduce Ergonomics to Idc's a Typical Example from Sri Lanka
Authors: Liyanage Jayantha P. , Abeysekera John
Published: January 2012

With the comprehension of its wide implications, ergonomics has become an effective discipline and a productive field of practice and study since last two decades with an ever-growing demand. Yet there seems to be a challenge to all concerned at the dawn of the new millennium, to spread ergonomics world-wide and to fill the unfilled gap in knowledge and in practice in different parts of the world. Among the diversified need populations, third world countries have been identified as potential targets. They require critical attention, supportive sources and necessary help guidance to spread the knowledge and equally to up-lift working conditions. This paper brings the issues pertinent to the methodical approach to introduce ergonomics to Sri Lanka, where ergonomics was hardly known even by the early 90's. This attempt in fact, became a continuous process since 1988, and until to date many intervention programmes had been planned and carried out, where several institutions involved and played effective and supportive roles to make programmes successful. The paper discusses the intervention programmes in brief, which were initiated on the expert-base aiming to introduce ergonomics to the educational system and the industrial sector in Sri Lanka. The anticipated sources of constraints and the efforts to integrate into local transactional processes are surfaced. The future plans and intentions are briefly discussed in the later part of the paper.
A Ban on Anti-Personnel Landmines: Areas for Research in the Development of Alternatives
Authors: Kolasinski Eugenia M.
Published: January 2012

On September 17, 1997, President Clinton announced that, by the year 2003, the U.S. will no longer use anti-personnel landmines (APLs) outside of Korea and, within Korea, the goal is to have APL alternatives ready by 2006. To meet this goal, efforts are currently ongoing in the development and evaluation of APL alternatives. Some of this research is directed at near-term replacements for APLs whereas other research is directed at investigating innovative far-term alternatives to them. The proposed worldwide ban on APLs is an important international issue and the task of developing replacements for and alternatives to APLs is a daunting one. Unfortunately, little directly relevant findings appear to exist in the current knowledge base. This paper discusses human factors issues involved in the development of APL alternatives - especially long-term alternatives - and examines issues for which future research is needed in order for successful development of alternatives to proceed.
Metrics for Assessing Return on Investment from Information Technology
Authors: Mattoon Joseph Sterling
Published: January 2012

The rapid advancement of information technology (IT) is making it difficult for organizations to maintain end user knowledge and skills, and poor user performance negatively impacts the return on investment (ROI) for IT. Conventional training fails to meet the rapidly emerging learning needs of users, costs too much to provide the “just-in-time” learning that is needed, and fails to establish necessary contextual ties between learning and work processes. A solution to this challenge is proposed in the form of embedded learning events that are integrated with IT software tools and made available to users during the conduct of required job tasks. This approach reduces the cost of learning by precluding formal training and increasing the contextual relevance of learning activities. Certain IT capabilities and the learning strategies they afford are identified, mapped to “ROI Factors” and used to estimate the impact of different types of embedded IT learning on the return on investment for information technology.
Theorical Aspects of Ergonomics: Art, Science or Technology - Substantive or Opertative
Authors: de Moraes Anamaria
Published: January 2012

This paper addresses the question of ergonomics/ human factors definition. If more than one author is consulted will find differences. Some says ergonomics is a science, others declare it is a technology or even a scientific knowledge about the man. There are ergonomists that emphasise the design as a separating line - ergonomics versus psychology, physiology, and anthropology. The concept of technology is discussed to have arguments to define ergonomics as a technology substantive and operative.
Scarring a Generation of School Children Through Poor Introduction of Information Technology in Schools
Authors: Straker Leon , Harris Courtenay , Zandvliet David
Published: January 2012

Educational authorities worldwide are rapidly increasing the exposure of school children to computers. However what limited evidence is available suggests information technology is not being introduced appropriately for children and undesirable sequelae are anticipated. This paper reports on two studies on computers and children. One study investigated 24 schools in Canada and Australia and included assessments of physical environments and psychosocial environments in IT rich classrooms. A questionnaire was also completed by 1404 students. The findings included that physical aspects of computer workstations were rated poorest. The other study investigated 3 schools in Australia with mandatory laptop programs. A main finding was that 60% of the 314 students questioned reported discomfort using their computer. The potential implications of poor management of IT use by school children are discussed and suggestions made for ergonomics research. Without accurate and valid guildelines - and effective implementation of these guidelines - scarring or a whole generation of school children is predicted.
A New Framework for the Design of Ecological Domestic Appliances: Design-Centred Product Development
Authors: Sauer Jürgen , Rüttinger Bruno , Rüttinger Bruno
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a new framework for the design of ecological products. It argues for a stronger integration of person-centred and product-centred approaches in environmental psychology. The user-product system is considered a central concept to achieve improvements of ecological performance. We present examples of how mismatch analyses were carried out on several household appliances to identify ecological deficiencies within the user-product system. Design suggestions are derived from these analyses, followed by an empirical evaluation of the suggestions. Finally, the paper raises the issue of trading off ecological considerations against commercial requirements.
Subjective Assessment of the Ergonomic Quality of a Keyboard for Vdu-Workplaces
Authors: Keller E. , Fleischer R. , Strasser H.
Published: January 2012

At an ergonomically optimized VDU-workstation, a group of 10 test subjects (Ss) carried out a test task, i.e., typing both at the test keyboard and a reference keyboard. The participants' personal subjective assessments concerning the working conditions with the two keyboards and the layout of the ergonomic model were recorded via specially designed questionnaires. They were given prior to and after the working tests and, therefore, reflected ratings without and with working experience. The posture of the hand, the lower and the upper arm, and the shoulder during text input were evaluated quite differently as a consequence of using the two keyboards. The working posture associated with the conventional keyboard was never assessed positively. The ratings always reached positive values when operating the ergonomic model. The handling of the keyboard and the overall impression were also in favor of the test model with increasing and decreasing values, respectively, for the two keyboards as a result of the working tests. Comfort and effort while typing at the keyboards also differed very clearly and were in favor of the test keyboard. Similar was true for altogether 10 items of the questionnaire aimed at evaluating details of the ergonomic keyboard and its overall appearance.
Influence of Pacing on Mental Load and Computer-Mouse Handling
Authors: van de Ven Josine , de Haan Ab
Published: January 2012

This article is part of the more extended research program ‘cost and benefits of graphical user interfaces (GUI)’. In the present paper we report on an experiment that was designed to study the effects of pacing (internal versus external pacing of a computer task) and mental load (single versus dual task conditions) on task performance measures and on the grip forces applied by the subject in handling the computer mouse. The factors chosen are of importance in GUI design, especially since research points out that they play a role in RSI. Pacing means that the user is not completely free in fitting his strategies to the task demands (Wiethoff, 1997) and can therefore be taken as an additional source of stress. According to a recent theory on stress and performance (Van Gemmert & Van Galen, 1997) we expect that enhanced levels of stress deteriorate task quality and change the handling of the mouse during work at the computer. The results confirm these predictions.
Subjective Similarity of Trademarks Evaluated by Human Kansei
Authors: Kanda Taki , Nagashima Hideyo
Published: January 2012

In this paper we are concerned with human subjective similarity between trademarks. We have been studying retrieval of similar trademarks in which human visual mentality is reflected. In our studies data on human subjective evaluation of similarity based upon kansei are obtained by questionnaire and the obtained human evaluation data are used for retrieval of similar trademarks. For questionnaires on similarity between figures paper is usually used but here computerized questionnaires are proposed and comparisons are made between the results obtained by computer-administrated questionnaires and those administrated in written form. We also defined “certainty of subjective similarity” using entropy, which represents the certainty of kansei information on similarity of figures and a comparison between questionnaires by different media is made by using it.
Characterization of the Complex Load of Miners utilizing the Delta Increment in Heart Rate, Body Temperature and other Physiological Variables during Work
Authors: Varga József , Pórszász János
Published: January 2012

It is generally accepted that the work of miners is a complex task. The physical work must be performed in artificial environment with multiple physical, ergonomical and psychosocial influences. This study aims at analyzing and defining the complex load and strain of physical workers in underground bauxite mines.

The results suggest that the absolute values of heart rate and body temperature, due to the large individual variations and other (environmental) factors, are not suitable for characterizing the physical workload or the physiological strain during physical work. We suggest the use of the increments above the lowest values occurring during the working shift.
Control of an Uninhabited Air Vehicle: A Synthetic Task Environment for Teams
Authors: Cooke Nancy J. , Shope Steven M. , Rivera Krisela
Published: January 2012

A synthetic team task is presented in which a three-person team controls a UAV (Uninhabited Air Vehicle) in the context of a reconnaissance mission. This synthetic task has been designed to provide a flexible research platform, yet realistic task environment, for team performance research and the measurement of team cognition.
Software Usability Standards for the Next Millennium: Key Issues and Future Challenges
Authors: Reed Paul S. , Henry Shawn Lawton , Williams James , Carter James , Blanchard Harry , Lewis Steve , Lund Arnold
Published: January 2012

A number of issues and challenges must be addressed if effective usability and accessibility standards are to be developed in the next decade. The issues addressed in this panel include: technical, regulatory, and cultural issues for accessibility standards, harmonization of national and international standards, user interface technology life-cycles and the timing of standards efforts, and the challenge of developing useful standards in an environment of rapidly evolving technology.
Evaluation of Manual Handling Legislation
Authors: Caple David C , Kenningham Lance
Published: January 2012

The state of Victoria, Australia proclaimed its first Regulations and Code of Practice to address musculo-skeletal disorders (MSD) in 1988. After 10 years of implementation across industry, it has been replaced by new, revised Regulations and Code of Practice on 1st July 1999. This paper will review evaluation studies conducted as part of the evaluation of the original Australian Regulations on Manual Handling as well as the evaluation of the Draft 1999 Regulations.

These studies indicated that industry was able to embrace the performance based approach to legislation relating to manual handling injuries. However, there was a distinct difference in the approach between small and large employers.

The second study identified that the useability of the new Regulations and Code of Practice was influenced by the length, complexity of technical language and practical information relating to compliance provided in the Regulation and Code of Practice.
ISO/FDIS 11226: Evaluation of Static Working Postures
Authors: Delleman Nico , Boocock Mark , Kapitaniak Bronislaw , Schaefer Peter , Schaub Karlheinz
Published: January 2012

The authors constitute the writing group of ISO/TC159/SC3/WG2 for ISO 11226.

This paper describes ISO/FDIS 11226, the international standard on evaluation of static working postures. The scope, the evaluation procedure, and the current status are described.
prEN 1005-4: Evaluation of Working Postures in Relation to Machinery
Authors: Delleman Nico , Boocock Mark , Kapitaniak Bronislaw , Schaefer Peter , Schaub Karlheinz
Published: January 2012

The authors constitute the writing group of CEN/TC122/WG4 for EN 1005-4.

This paper describes prEN 1005, the European standard on evaluation of working postures in relation to machinery. The scope, the status, and the risk assessment approach are described.