bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using MRI-Derived Spinal Geometry to Compute Back Compressive Stress (BCS): a New Measure of Low Back Pain Risk
Authors: Sesek Richard , Tang Ruoliang , Güngör Celal , Gallagher Sean
Published: February 2022

Back compressive force (BCF) is a commonly used surrogate for the risk of developing low back pain. Point force estimates of spinal loading have been shown to predict low back pain in epidemiological studies. However, they are an imperfect measure and can over- or under-estimate risk, particularly for very large or small individuals. A logical means to normalize risk over a varied population is to convert these forces to stresses (force/unit area). To achieve this, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans were used to provide area measurements for the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies of the lumbar region (L3/L4, L4/L5, & L5/S1 segments). Various regression models were explored based on individual subject gross anthropometry. These models allow for the estimation of intervertebral disc (IVD) size using easily measured anthropometric characteristics such as height and gender. Converting the BCF to a back compressive stress (BCS) normalizes and personalizes risk estimates for subjects of varying sizes. Back compressive force data from a previous study was converted to back compressive stress to determine if risk estimates could be improved. Using peak BCF with a cut point of 3400 N (~770 lbs) yielded an odds ratio of 2.76 (1.2-6.6) to predict jobs with injuries and discomfort. Using BCS with a cut point of 280 N/cm2, which corresponds to 3400 N load applied to a 50th percentile female L5/S1 IVD area, improved the odds ratio to 5.78 (1.8-18.4). Normalizing for the size of a subject’s IVD shows great promise for improving the predictive abilities of biomechanical assessment methods.
Special Computational Gas Flow Simulation Methods for Trunkline Network Failures
Authors: Pryalov Sergey , Seleznev Vadim
Published: February 2022

We consider two new methods for numerical solution of a complete system of partial differential equations describing the flow of a gas mixture in pipeline systems. The first method tracks Lagrangian particles as they move together with the flow of transported fluid. When implementing this method, the flow parameters are found by means of a difference scheme, and the distribution of mass fractions of components and enthalpy of matter along the pipeline, by analyzing the motion of the Lagrangian particles. If we ignore the processes of diffusion, these particles must preserve their composition. The energy equation without diffusion and heat conduction reduces to an ordinary differential equation. The method proposed is free of artificial viscosity, because, for example, when considering the equation of continuity of components, variations in their specific mass fractions at any point in space are related only to physically meaningful processes, namely, to the inflow of “new” particles (with “new" specific mass fractions of the components). The second method includes constructing spline functions along the space and time coordinates of the computational mesh subject to the fulfillment of differential equations at its nodes. The use of splines of high orders of approximation improves the accuracy of modeling.
Design of a Digital Human Modelling Module for Consideration of Anthropometric Diversity
Authors: Brolinab Erik , Högberga Dan , Hansonbc Lars
Published: February 2022

Digital human modelling (DHM) tools are useful when evaluating human-machine interaction as they enable consideration of anthropometric diversity by facilitating the creation of human models, so called manikins, of different sizes and proportions. This paper presents the design of a module, as part of a DHM tool, made to enable a more holistic approach when defining manikin characteristics. The module is created based on previous user interviews and literature studies on the use of DHM systems and advanced mathematical methods for anthropometric diversity consideration. The module is aimed to support and guide non-expert users while at the same time support effective use and provide appropriate functionality also for expert users. The module acts as a digital guide and supports standardised working procedures when creating manikins to be used in subsequent ergonomics simulations and analyses, and shows a strong visual connection between user interface choices and their response.
Thermal Human Modeling: A Design Tool for Functional Clothing
Authors: Chao Huang , Luximon Ameersing , Yeung Kwok-Wing
Published: February 2022

Functional and smart clothing has been an up-and-coming products for fashion industry. The human model or mannequin, which is a bridge between customer's physical information and design utilization, has vital importance as primary design tool. The physiological messages of human body may have growing needs for design. The traditional geometric human models (G-model), which convey surface anthropometric data, such as shape, volume and size, may be advanced to functional model. Thermal function is highlighted in this study, based upon an emphasized potential of developing new thermal functional clothing for health enhancement and rehabilitation purpose. After reviewing theoretical basis on thermoregulation and body temperature, as well as the future application in fashion industry, the methodology of developing thermal human model (T-model) is introduced, including experiments, data pre-processing and modeling process. The T-model originated from relatively accurate 3D body scanning data has visualized and quantified skin temperature data obtained from thermographs, which may be adopted to 3D fashion design system, e.g. designing, patternmaking, pattern revision, virtual fitting and grading for functional clothing.
A Facial Mask Study for Chinese Female
Authors: Luximon Yan , Cong Yan
Published: February 2022

Facial mask, an essential product for skincare, has become a part of daily life for female population. Existing facial mask design has a lot of misfits including missing regions, corrugation and misplacement. There is a need to build a relationship between a 3D face shape and a 2D mask template. An accurate 3D face model and anthropometric measurements are initial steps to design of masks. 3D surface flattening is a method to generate 2D patterns and is widely used to trim materials in garment and footwear industry. In this study, a manual generation of 2D flat pattern from a set of 3D Chinese female face models was described. Facial mask templates with different sizes and cuts were produced and evaluated. The results revealed that sizing dimensions mainly differed in the width for different face models. In addition, the location and area for eye and mouth regions had a relatively large deviation and therefore it should be paid more attention in the mask design. This study provided more insights into the relationship between 2D flat pattern and 3D face shape. The results were expected as a reference for facial mask design and improve its quality to fit.
The Role of Ergonomics in Knowledge-Based Enterprises
Authors: Hankiewicz Krzysztof
Published: February 2022

The purpose of the paper is to call attention to the importance of human factors in the activities of knowledge-based enterprises. The role of ergonomics in enterprise success is also presented. This is based on the thesis which states companies that consider their human capital as their most important asset are successful companies.One may consider that in knowledge-based enterprises different ergonomic activities are important. Due to the form of industrial relations and organization, such elements are important: development and testing of integrated management systems according to ergonomic requirements, methods of personnel selection and consideration of stress in work conditions assessment criteria. Due to the form of cooperation in groups and human relations, such elements are important: problems of legal, economic and social responsibilities of team members and autonomy of the employees.
Evaluating ICT-Tools for Knowledge Sharing and Assembly Support
Authors: Fast-Berglund Åsa , Blom Erica
Published: February 2022

This paper will through three industrial cases show the possibility to use ICT-tools in terms of QR-codes and movies for knowledge sharing and assembly support. Over 90 percent of industrial instructions are paper based with text and images showing instructions. New technologies make it possible to extend the instruction to a more easy to understand instructions, especially when I comes to complex tasks that are hard to explain in words or pictures. This paper will show how QR-codes could be used in order to solve this problem. Results shows that all the test persons thought that the movie instructions were better than the text and picture based ones, even though there were a lot of problems with Wi-Fi connections at the companies.
Designing and Producing Services in Knowledge Enterprises
Authors: Kantola Jussi , Vanharanta Hannu , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: February 2022

This paper describes the challenges of designing and producing services in knowledge enterprises, and presents approaches and methods that can be used for these purposes. There are cognitive as well as conceptual challenges in designing and producing services due to increasing complexity and dynamics in the work and business environment. Services should be able to meet these challenges. Therefore it is not possible to operate only in technical domains using technological modules when designing and producing services. Knowledge enterprises are really based on knowledge in human minds and therefore cognitive and conceptual domains and modules must also be taken into account in service design and production. Principles of design and Axiomatic Design theory by Nam Suh in design and production of services enable us to create productive, profitable, adaptive and dynamic services. The challenge is also to develop and maintain human and other organizational resources that are capable of designing and producing services in knowledge enterprises. Sustainability of such services is also crucial. This paper proceeds from theory to practice. The paper starts with theoretical considerations of design and its implications and then shows methods and tools that can be used to develop and maintain organizational resources to provide services in knowledge enterprises in a sustainable manner. Finally, a case of service design resources development is presented.
Human Aspect and Risk in Quality Management Systems
Authors: Królas Paweł
Published: February 2022

The fundamental aspect of enterprise activates concentrate on creating the value to the owner of the business. The organization is able to fulfill the requirements of the stakeholders by creating management system. One of the most popular management systems occurring in the organizations all over the world based on ISO requirements. Such model consists from different elements which also include human resources. The paper presents managerial aspect of human activity and risk according to the most popular Quality Management Systems. The first part of the paper concentrate on transfer knowledge from the management part to the operation filed of the organization. The second part of the article constitutes connection between chosen ISO management standards and the meaning of the human aspect in manufacturing. The last part of the paper deal with new proposal of the system which could be introduced in the turbulent environment of the enterprise. Article describes theoretical and practical aspects of the ISO systems implementation in small, medium and large organizations according to the human aspect and risk. It also presents the basic idea to the new system which concentrates on opportunities which occurs in changing environment of the enterprise.
Size of an Enterprise and Organizational Innovations
Authors: Pawlowski Edmund
Published: February 2022

In the literature two opposite theoretical concepts on the innovation of enterprises can be found. The assets concept, known as the “Schumpeterian hypothesis”, assumes that large enterprises have more assets and greater ability to introduce innovations, not only in the technological but also in the organizational sphere. The other concept is the “Inertia theory”, which shows that the growth of the firm’s size causes the increase of standardization and formalization of its procedures and relations inside the organization. Structures seem to be stable, non-flexible and they resist organizational changes. Empirical examinations based on EUROSTAT statistics, as well as other, independent research confirm the assets concept. Author’s own research on the innovation of Polish enterprises has been conducted in the context of the development of the knowledge-based economy. The survey was conducted in 2012 on the group of 150 companies. Results of this study have also confirmed the assets concept. Large enterprises are more active in the area of innovation than medium or small firms. Presented dependency has been confirmed both in organizational and structural innovations.
Quantitative Techniques Integration For Allocation of Workers
Authors: José Gómez Montoya Diego
Published: February 2022

In this work are combined several techniques of quantitative type, to determine the number of people to use and the moments of the day in that should begin their work, in services of attention to the client via phone (that is to say to program the schedule of agents in a company of contact center), in such a way that the indicators of monetary utility and occupation (use of the resource) are increased. In the first phase, are used technical of optimization like the mixed integer programming - using GAMS software -, starting from the results of the first phase a second phase is generated in which implicit functions of non-lineal type are introduced in the system, the quantities of agents are conceived that they begin in each interval of half hour and the recommendations are analyzed for the strategic area of the organization.
Analysis of Shift Work System Influence on Visual Inspection Effectiveness
Authors: Kujawińska Agnieszka , Vogt Katarzyna , Hamrol Adam
Published: February 2022

In paper influence of shift work preferences on quality control effectiveness is examined. Shift work indicated as one of key work organizational parameters that decrease visual control [Kujawińska, Vogt 2013]. Adjustment to work hours rotation in weekdays results in problems with regards to day and night activation cycle (day and night disturbances - sleep) as according to environmental interview also private, social disturbances and medical problems. In paper research results based on experiment performed in company manufacturing electronics for automotive industry. Shift work impact on visual inspections that placed sequentially in chosen technological process was examined. Single operator day and night cycle effectiveness was analyzed. Correlation strength between preferences indicated by operators to work on particular production shifts, and in particular days and real control effectiveness.
Capability, Profit or Waste? Organizational and Economic Dilemma Criteria for Measuring the Effectiveness of Enterprises
Authors: Rymaniak Janusz
Published: February 2022

The paper presents a literature review on enterprise efficiency. It is argued that the economic efficiency perspective needs to be broadened with organizational dimensions of evaluation. The paper presents an evolution of economic criteria from the market-based to the organizational and resources-related ones. The relations between organizational and economic criteria are discussed. In the final part of the paper, praxeological criteria for enterprise effectiveness are presented. The Author taps into the research output of Polish researchers such as: Adamiecki (organization and management), Lange (economics) and Kotarbiński (praxeology).
Usability Study of Auditory CAPTCHA
Authors: Lee Chia-Hung , Lee Ying-Lien
Published: February 2022

CAPTCHA is a security system to distinguish whether a user is a human being or an automated program by asking questions that are hard for artificial intelligence yet relatively easy for human to answer. Two most popular forms of CAPTCHAs are text and audio; this study attempts to explore the latter one, which is common in situation where visual interaction is not applicable, such as in voice-based interaction or for visually challenged users. Auditory CAPTCHAs can be breached by content analysis and guessing through Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), it is then necessary to blend certain level of interference to counterattack. However, by doing so, auditory CAPTCHAs have became too hard to human being to solve. Solving auditory CAPTCHAs is akin to Cocktail Party Effect, which refers to our ability to process main audio signals preferentially and ignore other irrelevant ones in noisy environments. This study explores the current designs of auditory CAPTCHAs to see how well our “cocktail party ability” performs when interacting with different CAPTCHA designs. An experiment with repeated measurement factorial design is conducted; thirty-six participants take part. The main signals, or the signals to be processed, are pronounced either by random male speaker (RMS), random female speaker (RFS), or mixed speaker (MS); while the interference signals, or the signals to be ignored, are pronounced either by random male (RMN), random female (RFN), or mixed noise (MN). Fifty percent of the interference contents sound similar to the main contents, while the other fifty percent are normal conversation noises. Error rates and subjective preferences are collected during the experiments. Results show that sound similarity is problematic; the error rates are significantly higher than its counterpart. The combination of RMS and RFN has significantly lower error rate due to greatest pitch difference; our participants also prefer this one for its relative easiness. On the other hand, for combination of RMS and RMN, the error rates are significantly higher and the preference scores lower. The results have important implications for auditory CAPTCHA design.
A Latent Human Error Model in Aviation Maintenance Tasks
Authors: Tu Jiong-Yu , Yong Jen-Loong , Hwang Sheue-Ling
Published: February 2022

In this study, an analysis model has been developed by taking Root Cause Analysis (RCA) method as the basic logic, Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) as the factor source to find out the most important latent human error factor in aviation maintenance tasks. The research team dismantled the maintenance process and classified the error factors to design questionnaire, surveyed experienced staffs to rate factors according to their working experience, and finally established the model. Here are some conclusions of this study: First, the combination of RCA and HFACS is an easy use mode to investigate the causal inference and build the factor connection of collected data. Second, the developed model can successfully find some relative important / unimportant factors and provide a direction to design improvement plans. Third, the weighted average scores from the analysis outcome can be regarded as a weight to use in continuous research. And finally, this model may be modified to fit other similar maintenance tasks such as vehicles or precision electronic equipment maintenance, and may be changed to explore other types of human operating works, such as monitoring tasks.
A Modified Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for In-Vehicle Speech Interaction Systems
Authors: Chen Hung-Chun , Hwang Sheue-Ling
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to identify the potential problems of an in-vehicle speech interaction system named Talking Car by using the techniques of risk assessment. In this study, there were 16 participants asked to complete the assigned tasks by controlling the Talking Car system while driving. By conducting the driving simulation experiment, the failure modes, the incorrect operations, the failure causes and the effects were observed and collected. Then, a modified Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method which took human operation into account was used to determine and analyze these failure modes and incorrect operations. After completing the analysis, the Risk Priority Number (RPN) is computed to detect which failure made a significant effect on driving safety. As a result, RPN and subjective questionnaire indicated that “System Sentences with Elicitation”, “Control Button on Steering Wheel” and “Partial System Interface” should be improved urgently to ensure driving safety.
The Learning Effect of Hand Dexterity between Old and Young People
Authors: Shih Yuh-Chuan , Cheng I-Lin
Published: February 2022

When Taiwan moved towards an aging society, there are very rich studies for the elderly in academic. The past, many studies focus on physical function decline, but less study focused on the age influence on hand function learning effect. The purpose of this study is use of a learning curve model to explore the difference between elder and youth in the handedness dexterity. Twenty youth and 20 elder were recruited. A Purdue pegboard was used to measure the dominant hand dexterity for 15 times, and a 20-second rest was given between successive trials. A learning curve in power function was modeled for each participant, and the associated theoretical time to complete the first trial () and learning rate () were calculated. The ANOVA result indicated that the learning rate between youth and elder was not significantly different, but elder had significantly longer . That is, for pure motor skill, degeneration in hand dexterity due to aging only slows the moving speed, but does not shift the learning rate. Therefore, to reach a present industrial standard elder need more practice, otherwise, we should reduce the standard to match the physical capabilities of elders.
Human Centered Assistance Applications for Production
Authors: Schmidtler Jonas , Hölzel Christin , Knott Verena , Bengler Klaus
Published: February 2022

The term human centered assistance applications for production is formed by three researchers within the connected human modelling group at the Institute of Ergonomics of Technische Univeristät München (TUM). The common research objective is to facilitate work while increasing the efficiency of the process in production environments and logistics. The three approaches Lifting Aid, Cobot and Assembly Glove treat the topic in different perspectives and crafts. While Lifting Aid addresses logistics, Cobot deals with material handling in automotive assembly and Assembly Glove sets its focus on the assembly process in the narrow sense. This paper will give an impression about the Institute of Ergonomics` fields of research in the production context and how ergonomic design of future production systems should be implemented.
Influence of Instructional Methods on Learning Sensorimotor Tasks
Authors: Meyer Francoise , Jeske Tim , Duckwitz Sönke , M. Schlick Christopher
Published: February 2022

Against the background of demographic change, stress-optimized deployment scheduling can help to achieve the ability of employees to work in assembly areas over an extended working lifetime. However, realizing an optimal assignment of personnel from an ergonomic point of view often requires qualifying employees to process new tasks. When employees are for the first time confronted with unfamiliar sensorimotor tasks they have to learn task-specific skills. This includes being provided with an introduction to the new task as well as subsequent practice until achieving a reference performance. For introduction purposes a variety of work instructions can be used; each of them is assumed to have a different effect on learning. To assess this influence quantitatively, a laboratory study was conducted. The study focused on the repeated assembly of a carburetor which was executed by participants which received either a previous interactive filmbased instruction as well as a graphical task description or received only the graphical task description. The results show the instruction’s influence on execution times as well as on assembly errors to be significant.
Flexible and Adaptive Planning forHuman-Robot Interaction inSelf-Optimizing Assembly Cells
Authors: Faber Marco , Petruck Henning , Kuz Sinem , Bützler Jennifer , Ph. Mayer Marcel
Published: February 2022

Due to an increasing diversity of products in product space production systems have to react more flexible and dynamic. Thereby, the human operator must be seen as an integral part of the production process because on the one hand he/she has to supervise the machines and robots and on the other hand he/she has to take over individual operations that cannot be automated. For establishing a flexible planning process of assembly operations that satisfies also the ergonomic requirements of human-robot interaction a comprehensive Cognitive Simulation Model is presented consisting of a formerly developed Cognitive Control Unit (CCU) and a newly developed graph-based planner. The CCU is based on the popular architecture of human cognition Soar. The additional planner enables the CCU to consider more complex planning criteria regarding the whole assembly sequence. Therefore, the final product is decomposed to obtain all valid assembly sequences and transferred into a state graph. The edges are rated at runtime according to the activated procedural knowledge. A modified version of the search algorithm A*Prune is finally applied to find the best continuations for the current assembly sequence. The presented approach is validated by means of a simulation study. The results show that the human-robot cooperation can be improved significantly, for example, by reducing the number of strenuous manual interventions of the human operator.
Human-oriented Design of a Cognitive Control Unit for Self-Optimizing Robotic Assembly Cells
Authors: Susanto Novie , Mayer Marcel , Djaloeis Raymond , Bützler Jennifer , Schlick Christopher
Published: February 2022

This paper presents the human-oriented design of cognitive control unit (CCU) for a self-optimizing robotic assembly cell. The CCU is designed to simulate human cognition, and on the base of prior knowledge, to adapt to the changing conditions in the product structure and material supply. To improve the conformity of the human operator expectations with the technical systems, two experiments focusing on different models of robot behaviour based on the different number of human-oriented production rules in the knowledge base are carried out. The results show that the most-human oriented model leads to the highest performance of the human operator in terms of prediction time, task load and predictive accuracy.
Standards and Cross-Organization of Work: Two Useful Tools for A Prevention of Manual Handling of Patients in the Healthcare Sector
Authors: -Pierre Zana Jean
Published: February 2022

Preventive responses most often made to caregivers are too often "gestures and postures training" type to reduce these occupational hazards. Taking the party to focus on manual handling of patients (MMP), it seemed appropriate to revisit prevention measures being implemented by combining the results of international standardization and reflections on the organization of work. The approach described above has found its place in the training actions in applied ergonomics and prevention of risks related to physical activity for caregivers and their management. The objective is to convey to employees, tools for evaluation of work situations, adapted to their activity for taking into account the ergonomics for reducing the risk occurrence of MSDs. Such an approach fit into the development of working group and the cross disciplinary organizations.
Assessment of Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Hospital Nurses
Authors: Sopajareeya Chuliporn
Published: February 2022

Nursing is an occupation with high prevalence of low back pain (LBP). This pain is multifactorial and assessing its risk factors is essential. The study aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among 225 hospital nurses in Thailand in a cross-sectional study. A self-reported questionnaire divided into six parts including personal factors, working factors, job stress modified from the Nursing Stress Scale, low back pain modified from the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, health behaviors, and work environment was used for collecting the data. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Study results revealed that the prevalence of LBP in the past seven days was 34.2%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that lifting overweight patients without assistance (OR=1.8; 95%CI=0.95-3.77) and having previous diseases related to LBP (OR=6.3; 95%CI=1.65-24.32) were important risk factors of LBP. Study findings are useful for developing LBP preventive strategies including training on lifting and transferring overweight patients by using a lift team method and lifting devices, developing a manual or guidelines for safe patient handling, and treatment of LBP.
Prevention of Pressure Ulcers: Exploring the Influence of Nurses, Equipment and Working Techniques
Authors: JJ Knibbea Hanneke , E. Knibbea Nico , Klaassenb A.
Published: February 2022

Patient immobility remains to be one of the primary causes of pressure ulcers. In spite of the evidence supporting this, it still is a daily challenge to increase or at least stabilize patient mobility. In the process of activating and mobilizing patients the type of equipment and the working technique of nurses is crucial for success. At the same time these aspects are also crucial for the protection of nurses’ backs. Repositioning in bed is rated as one of the most physically demanding transfers for nurses. From an occupational health perspective these techniques have been designed in order to protect nurses backs, shoulders and arms. The bed itself, the type of mattress, but also transfer aids like lifters and sliding sheets influence the risk profile for both the patient (pressure ulcers and others) and the nurses (occupational health problems). Force- and pressure-measurements indicate that, in order to get the maximum primary or secondary preventive effect out of the equipment, the working technique of nurses plays an important part. An analysis was made of the three most common repositioning techniques. Measurements (MecMesin and X-Sensor) and calculations (3D SSPP 6.0) demonstrate that small differences in technique result in large differences in pressure distribution, contact-area, the risk of shear forces under the patient’s skin and the biomechanical load for the nurses. The conclusions drawn from these findings are partly contradictory when it comes to practical recommendations for the nurses. Even during the process of frequent repositioning, a procedure intended to reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers, some of techniques currently taught in regular nursing training may be safe for the nurses to perform from an occupational health perspective, but in fact also result in an increase in risk for the patient instead of the intended decrease. In this study a cross-over is made between the field of biomechanics and ergonomics and the clinical research on the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers. Such a cross-over, so far, although still in a developmental stage, seems to be relevant for daily practice and has led to a currently on-going process of re-design of transfer techniques.
Integrated Patient Risk Assessment: Moving & Handling, Falls, Pressure Ulcers, Continence, Dementia
Authors: Hignett Sue , Goodwin Elaine , Wolf Laurie
Published: February 2022

This paper reports the development stages of an integrated patient risk assessment summary. The aim was to simplify the recording of assessment data and support communication of bedside information within the multi-disciplinary team. It is part of a larger study using human factors/ergonomics to manage the risk and associated injuries of in-patient falls. The previous documentation required staff to complete the appropriate sections of a 20 page adult admission risk assessment which was both complex and included duplication; thematic analysis identified that mobility and range of movement were recorded 17 times. Two workshops were held with subject matter experts (mobility, tissue viability, medication, falls) and medical ward staff. An iterative review process was used to identify, augment, reject and categorize themes and finally prioritize 7 topics for medical condition, confusion, mobility, fall history, skin condition, assistance needed to swallow/eat/drink and continence. There was also an alert box with information on allergies, infection control and communication (hearing and vision).
Cen / ISO Technical Report (TR) 12296 - 2013 Ergonomics, Manual Handling of People in the Healthcare Sector International Consensus
Authors: M. Waaijer Elly
Published: February 2022

In 2012 a new ISO Technical Report (TR) 12296) was published, this TR was endorsed by CEN in July 2013. A working group of specialists have been working on this document for a period of more then 3 years. The working group was formed under the responsibility of Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC3, Anthropometry and Biomechanics, representing 23 participating and 12 observing countries. Previous ISO standards and TR’s have had too little attention for the specific problems of patient handling in health care. ISO 11228 parts 1-2-3 address ergonomics and manual handling in general. ISO 11228 part 1 considers in an Annex in short the aspects of manual handling of living persons. The new TR is therefore intended to be a tool for assisting with the application of this series in the context of the healthcare sector. Its main goals are to improve caregivers' working conditions by decreasing biomechanical overload risk, thus limiting work-related illness and injury, as well as the consequent costs and absenteeism, and to account for patients' care quality, safety, dignity and privacy as regards their needs, including specific personal care and hygiene. The work was mainly done in a close cooperation with a scientific group called EPPHE (European Panel on Patient Handling Ergonomics). Members of this group have been working on the TR and have also been available to support ideas, provide materials and additional resources to assist in the development of the TR. EPPHE was formed in 2004 from a collaboration of Experts from the IEA Technical Committees on Healthcare Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders. (Hignett 2014). The final consensus document includes 6 Annexes with additional information and tools regarding:Risk Assessment and Risk EvaluationOrganizational aspects of patient handling interventionsAids and EquipmentBuildings and EnvironmentStaff education and trainingThe evaluation of intervention effectiveness
Human Factors View of the Assistant at Laparoscopic Procedures – A Pilot Study
Authors: Karlovic Kristian , Pfeffer Stefan , Maier Thomas , Sievert Karl-Dietrich
Published: February 2022

This study is part of a research project with the aim of reducing physical demand and workload of surgery staff. In a first step, human factors of assistant additional to the surgeon should be analyzed. Therefore subjective and objective measurement approach was utilized. In general the subjective results show slight perceived demand. Furthermore, the assistant in urology perceived less demand than in gynecology. The objective results show slight demand for the assistant in gynecology. Life-record-data revealed similar static body, head and arm postures for the assistant and the surgeon in gynecology. Furthermore, this study shows the observation that human factors are influenced by the common working space and the significance of the common task as a team. The workflow-chart shows many parallels in the movements of the upper arm of the surgeon and the assistant during the preparation phase. In conclusion, one similar technical supporting system might be developed for the surgeon and the assistant because of many parallels in ergonomics with the aim of reducing physical demand and workload.
Analysis of User-Induced Risks in the Neurosurgical OR
Authors: Dell’Annaa Jasmin , Janssa Armin , Blaarb Melanie
Published: February 2022

In the last decades, the number of user interfaces in the OR has considerably increased. Additionally, time pressure forces the surgeons to perform tasks in parallel. The major objective of our work, in the framework of the OR.NET project, was therefore to analyze the present situation in the neurosurgical OR in order to identify potential use-oriented risks and additionally provide proposals for appropriate countermeasures. We analyzed the workflow of 25 neurosurgical procedures with the workflow analysis tool mAIXflow and developed questionnaires for surgeons and nurses. We found that the usage of the navigation system, the CUSA ultrasonic aspirator, and the PACS-PC induced potential risks. Furthermore, various disruptive factors have been identified, such as phone calls during the intervention, longer absence of the unsterile nurse or shifted foot switches. The aforementioned problems may lead to risks, such as erroneous treatment of the patient, a prolongation of anesthesia, or use errors, due to an inappropriate cognitive workload of the surgeon. For risk reduction in case of use deficiencies, we propose the use of a sterile integrated user interface in a networked OR. To enhance communication, team-trainings could be helpful, and the setup of a mailbox could reduce the number of intraoperative phone calls.
Using Game-Play Metrics to Analyze User Experience of Playing Health-Promoted Somatosensory Video Game
Authors: Sun Tien-Lung , Hung Ta-Min , Huang Chien-Hua , Lai Chung-Liang , Pei Chun
Published: February 2022

Player experience evaluation is important for understanding game design and deployment problems. Unlike subjective approach which is built upon data expressed by the player, gameplay metrics based approach is based on objective and detailed data collected during gameplay. For Kinect-based somatosensory video games (SVG), gameplay metrics contains the objective gameplay experiences as well as the gameplay performance. Method: This paper analyzes the gameplay metrics collected from two Kinect-based SVG to study their gameplay experiences. The first game is designed for sit-to-stand training. Fifteen chronic rehabilitation patients played the game for two months. Their objective experience is measured using the head movement data collected from the Kinect sensor. Their game performance is the time to complete the game. The second game is designed for upper-limb exercise. Eight elderly played the game 2 times per week for 6 weeks. Their objective experience is measured using the hand movement speed derived from Kinect sensor. The gameplay performance is the gaming scores. Result & Discussion: The objective experiences have moderately strong correlation with the player’s motor ability; whereas the game performance is not related to motor ability. One of the reasons is that the SVG performance is affected not only by the player’s motor ability but also by their psychological status. Conclusion: The objective gameplay experiences of a properly designed Kinect SVG can be used for motor ability evaluation; whereas the gameplay performance can be used for more comprehensive assessment that considers both the motor ability and the psychological motivations.
Organizational Aspects Influencing Adherence to Worksite Exercises at Hospitals
Authors: Almeida Foltran Fabiana , de Fátima Carreira Moreira Roberta , Jane Cote Gil Coury Helenice
Published: February 2022

Nursing workers are exposed to several risk factors which contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). Workplace exercise is among the measures for controlling WRMD. However, work organization aspects can affect the adherence to exercise programs. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify organizational aspects related to workers´ exercise adherence in different hospital sectors. Methods: 135 nursing aides from 3 hospital sectors were invited to take part in the study. Personal, occupational aspects and sick leave information were analyzed together with responses to the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). An exercise program was offered over 3 months. Data were analyzed by chi-square tests. Results: Only 1/3 of the workers took part in the exercise program. Most of them (64%/N=24) were from Intensive Care Units. There was no association between exercise adherence and organizational aspects evaluated by the JCQ. There was a difference between exercise adherence and the work sector (p≤0.0001). Conclusions: Other aspects of work organization not evaluated by the JCQ can influence exercise adherence and should be investigated in future studies. In addition, intervention aiming to improve work conditions needs be conducted in a broader context, in which Ergonomics plays a major role.
Ergonomic Analysis Regarding the Space Arrangement in the Working Environment of the Dentist
Authors: Soares Orenha Eliel , Galvão Naressi Wilson , Carvalho Mutti Naressi Suely , Cristina Teixeira Symone , Rosetti Enzo , da Silva Porfírio Junior Benevides , Cristiane Bulio Soares Marcelo de Castro Meneghim Angélica
Published: February 2022

This study evaluated the ergonomic conformity regarding the spatial arrangement of dental workspace installed in the Basic Units of the Unified Health System (SUS), in Brazil. We created a checklist with ergonomic requirements provided by ISO / IDF 4073:2009 and further information from the literature and suggested by researchers in the field. We analyzed 40 dental workspaces verifying the compliance level to the requirements of 17 checklists. It was found that there is predominant frequency in the Regular category (23 dental workplaces - 57.5%) and Poor category (15 dental workplaces - 37.5%) and in only 2 dental workplaces (5%) the compliance level was categorized as Good. None of the dental workplaces presented a compliance level categorized as Excellent or as Very bad. The level of compliance of the space arrangement presented is considered low. Corrective measures and suitability are relatively complex because large structural changes are required.
Superficial Electromyography and Motion Analysis Technologies applied to Ultrasound System User Interface and Probe Ergonomics Evaluation
Authors: Vannettia F. , Atzoria T. , Pasquinia G. , Forzonib L. , Modib L. , Molino-Lovaa R.
Published: February 2022

The present work describes the ergonomics and usability preliminary tests regarding the human upper limb kinematics and strength evaluation of two diagnostic portable ultrasound scanners. The tests were performed by one expert sonographer in vivo on one subject in abdominal and vascular clinical applications and in vitro using a dynamometer. The two portable systems had different user interfaces and probe design: one system had traditionally-designed probes, a classic Soft keys interactive Menu, placed in the lower part of the screen, with toggles and buttons for the activation and adjustment of the functions, then a physical qwerty keyboard and a control panel. The other system had appleprobe-designed transducers, a touch screen integrated in the control panel with an interactive user interface and reduced number of physical buttons. Comparisons between the two systems considering the sonographer’s use are provided. Motion Analysis and Superficial Electromyography results will be presented and discussed on both systems regarding tests in vivo and in vitro only concerning Superficial Electromyography.
Aerodynamics and Biomechanical Optimization of the Jump Phase in Skiing, Through a Simulation-Based Predictive Model
Authors: Mazzola Marco , Aceti Giuseppe Gibertinib Alessandro , Andreonia Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an aerodynamic and biomechanical evaluation of the jump phase in downhill race is presented. The aerodynamic analysis has been conducted in order to develop a predictive model of the lift and drag forces during the different jump phase. The jump time is very short and performed with high speed. The Biomechanical Analysis has been conducted using Santos Digital Human Model to simulate 5 selected postures measured with a motion capture system, in order to verify the reliability of the simulation software. These simulated postures generated data about frontal surfaces that have been used in order to validate the predictive models. The evaluation of the distribution of the joints torques produced on the athletes in the different posture, in response to the dynamical model of the jump in skiing, has been computed. Results demonstrate that the simulation model is effective and the simulated posture are coherent with the real motion measurement. There is a good agreement in Torques results for both the Skiers, in the different postures, with some exceptions. This is probably due to the fact that, even if the analyzed postures are the same for both the athletes, there is a natural variability in the executions, like the motion capture analysis demonstrates.
Using Simulation to Provide Insights into the Concept Development of Patient-Centered Care Services
Authors: Cadwalladera Jason , Mellemab Steve , J. Lightnera Nancy
Published: February 2022

The United States’ Institute of Medicine established patient-centered care as an aim for the 21st-century health care system. Patient-centered care focuses on the patient, their family members and staff experience, while ensuring patient safety and high clinical quality. A medical center in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system approached the Veterans Affairs Center for Applied Systems Engineering to assist in the redesign of the facility that provides medical cancer care. Their goals were to design a patient-centered, state-of-the-art center. Discrete event simulation provided rough order of magnitude estimates for facility and resource planning. Primary metrics of concern were patient length of stay, patient wait time, and room and staff utilization. The simulation included an animated visualization of ‘a day in the life’ of a patient. It also collected metrics on patient experience and center efficiency. Watching the patient flow animation provided two primary insights to the stakeholders. First, it was evident that the patient care process was patient-centered in that it limited patient movement. Second, observations of traffic flow indicated that the design can accommodate the desired patient demand. The visualization showed that increasing the number of providers resulted in reductions in patient wait times and that reducing the number of exam rooms did not significantly affect patient wait time. This exercise demonstrated the value of simulation in the planning and analysis of facility configurations when considering patient-centered design.
Visual and Spatial Rehabilitation for Elderly in a Sensorial Path
Authors: Andreonic G. , Costaa F. , Muschiatoa S. , Spreaficob L. , Tinèa D.
Published: February 2022

The elderly population affected by Alzheimer’s disease presents many dysfunctions related to the course of the degenerative disease. Some of these disorders are treated with physical and cognitive rehabilitative the-rapies. In order to help and develop the therapies, the article explains the project of a new modular rehabilitative platform and the test made on it using Alzheimer’s patients. The test conclusions show that the patients interact with the sensorial, visual and tactile stirrings provided by the platform; the repetition of these stirrings through exercises can lead to a longer maintenance of the perceptual functions. The article describes the first step to a neurological rehabilitation for Alzheimer’s and a walk rehabilitation for elderly people with balance problems.