bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating an Advance Warning Sign for Level Crossings
Authors: Basacik (RSSB) Dan , Cynk (TRL) Stephanie , Flint Toni , McMorrow (RSSB) John
Published: February 2022

Over 90% of the risk at level crossings is a result of the way members of the public can behave when using them. As part of a broader piece of work reviewing signs and signals currently used at public road level crossings in Great Britain, road users’ comprehension of the two level crossing advance warning signs was evaluated by questionnaire survey. Although most road users surveyed understood that both of the signs were about level crossings, the difference in meaning between the two signs was not widely understood. Based on these results and the findings of the wider study, prototype designs were produced for a single sign to replace the two existing signs. These were evaluated by questionnaire survey. The confusion that exists between the two existing signs was eliminated by displaying a single sign. Furthermore, road users found two of the prototype designs to be easier to understand than the current signs. The fact that new designs previously unknown to road users were found to be more easily understood suggests that these new designs are more intuitively recognisable. Work is on-going to carry out further user testing of the new designs.
Being “Always On” in Vehicles – The use of Apps While Driving Bears Risks
Authors: Franz Benjamin , Zöller Ilka , Kauer Michaela , Schulz Leander , Abendroth Bettina , Bruder Ralph
Published: February 2022

The availability of Smartphones leads to an increased demand for being “always on”. This demand does not only include being always on during everyday life but also demanding Smartphone usage while driving. Many previous studies have shown that using a mobile phone while driving does have an impact on driving safety, but little is known about Smartphone and infotainment usage. This paper presents an online survey with 215 participants, which was conducted at the Institute of Ergonomics of the Technische Universität Darmstadt. The aim of the survey was to identify needs, requirements, wishes and usage patterns of drivers to the issue of using mobile devices and infotainment systems during driving. Results show that current drivers use Smartphones and infotainment systems while driving, even though they are aware of the associated risks and have often experienced hazardous situations that can be traced back to that usage. Additionally, drivers perceived the usage of internet and applications as more distracting than the use of mobile phones. Still, participants were not willing to omit usage but rather demanded for better display and control concepts. The implications of the results are discussed within this paper.
Evolution of a New Adjustable Motorcycle Test Rig for Measuring Motorcyclist Fatigue during Prolonged Riding
Authors: Rashid Helmi , Izzat Nor Ma’arof Muhammad , Rahman Omar Abdul , Che Abdullah Sukarnur , Jaafar Roseleena
Published: February 2022

Studies concerning motorcycle have been an overwhelming area of research interest since the past few years. This trend of studies focuses on many issues relating to motorcycle including design, safety, accident preventions, fatalities statistics, ergonomics and many more. In performing these studies, researchers have used many methodologies, tools and also equipment in acquiring their data. In this study, the evolution of a new adjustable motorcycle test rig is introduced. Combination of computer aided design (CAD) and finite element analysis (FEA) software made it possible to design and simulates the test rig’s conceptual design before being fabricated. The test rig was designed to provide full adjustability for researchers to replicate established motorcyclist riding postures based on the Riding Posture Classification (RIPOC) system. The test rig setup also provides elements of environmental effects to give a more real riding experience and better fidelity to motorcyclist respondents during experiments. By having such test rig that is coupled with electronic data logger and telemetry devices, studies concerning riding postures and fatigue can be done in a much proper method and controlled experimental setup with better safety for both the respondents and researchers. Adjustable attributes provided on the test rig makes it a unique design of its own and is being patented to protect the author’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) on the test rig design.
Comparison of Real and Simulated Driving for a Static Driving Simulator
Authors: Krause Michael , Yilmaz Levent , Bengler Klaus
Published: February 2022

A traffic light assistant on a smartphone is used in real and simulated driving in an experiment. The speeding behavior of the test subjects is assessed as metric of travelled distance with more than 5 km/h above the speed limit, subjective scores by NASA-RTLX, general fuel reduction and comparison of occurring accelerations. The speeding reduction showed numerically not the same values for real and simulated driving, but the reduction effect was present in both; in real with the smaller effect. According to subjective ratings the simulator driving is judged in tendency more demanding. A fuel reduction effect for the green wave coordination found in the simulator could also be found in real traffic, but also with lower effect. The experiments revealed no absolute validity for any metric, but relative validity for some metrics.
Hands and Feet Free Driving: Ready or Not?
Authors: A. Banks Victoria , A. Stanton Neville
Published: February 2022

“Almost-driverless” cars are coming with an aim to improve the safety of our roads. Full automation of longitudinal and lateral control will enable the driver to become “hands and feet free” but without active control, one question remains. What is the driver actually doing? This paper looks at how multi-system automation that enables the driver to become “hands and feet free” may affect the driving system and the role of the driver within it. Using Operator Sequence Diagrams to explore Distributed Cognition in the driving system, the authors explore the interaction that may occur between the driver and vehicle subsystems in a “hands and feet free” driving system and how this may change the drivers position within the control-feedback driving loops. Acknowledging the role of the driver in this way highlights the need for ongoing Human Factors research into the implications of highly automated vehicles on driver behavior.
The 'Methods for Designing Future Autonomous Systems' (MODAS) Project: Developing the Cab for a Highly Autonomous Truck
Authors: Krupeniaa Stas , Selmarkera Anna , Fagerlönnb Johan
Published: February 2022

Modern technologies have the potential to create a paradigm shift in the vehicle-driver relationship with advanced automation changing the driver role from “driving” to “supervising”. To design new driver environments that caters for these emerging technologies, traditional approaches identify current human and technical constraints to system efficiency and create solutions accordingly. However, there are two reasons why such approaches are limited within the technologically-evolving automotive domain. First, despite significant progress in the development of socio-technical systems theory and methods, the application of these methods is largely constrained to the existence of a current system. Second, there are few structured approaches for using the analysis results to support design. In MODAS, an attempt is made to overcome these challenges by developing and implementing a method for analyzing and designing a non-existent sociotechnical system—a highly autonomous truck. The starting point for MODAS is the Goals, Method, Observability, Controllability (GMOC) model (Sandblad, Andersson, Kauppi & Wikström, 2007). In MODAS we also consider safety in human-automation system interaction and identify suitable assessment methods via a systematic analyze of estimated situations, goals, actions and behaviors that are of high importance from a safety perspective. A summary of the project is provided.
Simulation Study of Wheelchair Manoeuvrability
Authors: Dobrzyński Grzegorz , Choromański Włodzimierz , Fiok Krzysztof
Published: February 2022

The article presents simulation study results of maintaining a pre-set trajectory by wheelchairs. The objects of the study were the models of electric and manual wheelchairs. The aim of these simulations was to analyse the influence of various drive models on the capability of maintaining a pre-set trajectory.
Eco-Driving with Electric Cars: Effect of Continuous and On-Demand Feedback on Driving Behavior and Safety
Authors: Sabrinaabc Beloufa , Benjamina Vailleau , Jean-Michelb Boucheix , Andrasab Kemeny , Frédéricb Mérienne
Published: February 2022

Analysis of driver behavior has been the purpose of many studies for several years. A new aspect is the introduction of electric vehicles on the car market and the fact drivers are more concerned with their consumptions in EV (Electric Vehicle) due to the lack of the appropriate infrastructures. However, only a few studies focusing on ecological behavior and consumption have been carried out. The primary goal of the present study was to assess empirically the impact of feedback on EV driving behavior involving autonomy management performance. We hypothesized that we could help the driver to manage his autonomy more efficiently if we’d give him feedback on his driving behavior and battery consumption. Our second hypothesis is that participants would allocate more attention on feedback information when they reach a critical battery autonomy situation, so the subjects had to drive a course with 100% and 15% autonomy left. Preliminary results indicate better driver performances and enhanced safety with Econometer gauge feedback, probably due to the increased driver control and better applied driver attention.
Parking Behaviors for Inductive Charging
Authors: Birrell Stewart , Wilson Daniel , Dhadyalla Gunwant
Published: February 2022

It is well established that the efficiency of transfer of electrical energy through induction is highly reliant on accurate alignment of the coils involved – in this case, between a primary coil in the parking bay and a secondary coil mounted on the vehicle. Whist inductive charging technology is market ready, understanding the issue of misalignment is an important human factors question and the focus of this paper. A retrospective assessment of parking behavior was conducted by recording parking orientation and alignment of 100 vehicles, parked in perpendicular bays, in three different car parks at the University of Warwick. Results showed on average vehicles tended to park 3.1 cm to the left of the bay, with an angle of practically zero. Parking was typically towards the rear of the bay; however the presence of a physical barrier led to vehicles being parked more centrally. The orientation of the parked vehicle had little impact on accuracy. Tolerances for misalignment with inductive charging systems are small in comparison to the distribution of parking accuracy observed in this study, at 15-20 cm verses 120 cm respectively. Conclusions were that only 5% of vehicles were parked sufficiently accurately to allow inductive power transfer to commence.
A Driving Simulator Study on the Effect of Transversal Rumble Strips Located Nearby Dangerous Curves Under Repeated Exposure
Authors: Ariën Caroline , Brijs Kris , Ceulemans Wesley , Vanroelen Giovanni
Published: February 2022

This study examined drivers’ behavior nearby dangerous curves when they are repeatedly exposed to the same transversal rumble strips which were located on the tangent before the curve. During a period of five successive days, sixteen participants completed a 17km test-drive in a driving simulator with four dangerous curves (two without and two with transversal rumble strips) in a within-subjects design. The selection of these curves was based on the official Belgian accident database and both curves were replicated in the driving simulator as detailed and realistic as possible. Results indicated that the transversal rumble strips induced a speed reduction of 2.3 to 5.9 kph on the tangent before the curve. This speed reduction effect sustained over the experimental period of five days. Taking the speed reduction effect into account, we can conclude that transversal rumble strips have a potential positive traffic safety effect because the reduced speed on the tangent provides more time to the drivers to make a good evaluation of the curve characteristics and environment and adapt their driving behavior in an appropriate way. Notwithstanding, we advise policy makers to make a good selection of potential dangerous curves to avoid excessive implementation of transversal rumble strips.
Impact of Music Tempo on Simulated Driving Performance
Authors: Navarro Jordan , Reynaud Emanuelle
Published: February 2022

It is known that drivers often listen to music when they are in their vehicle. Listening to music while driving can impact drivers’ behaviours in several ways, through emotion induction or arousal changes for instance. It has already been shown that various musical tracks with different tempos (i.e. the music pace) can impair drivers’ performances (Brodsky, 2002). The current study focused on the impact of music tempo on vehicular control by using the same music track played at different tempos. Four experimental conditions associated with four different versions of the same track, differing only by their tempos, have been used while participants had to follow a lead vehicle and then drive with no particular constraints. Participants had to drive in a simulated environment without music, with the music track of their choice, with the music of their choice but with a modified tempo (+10% of the regular tempo and -10% of the regular tempo). Results indicated that the music tempo slightly changed the level of arousal of participants as observed through heart rate and subjective questionnaires data. However these changes in the arousal level did not translate into driving behaviours modifications (i.e. inter-vehicle time while following a lead vehicle and speed in free driving context).
Air Traffic Controller Workload Impact by Integration of Datalink System in an Advanced Airport Controller Working Position
Authors: ELLEJMI Mohamed , Dubuisson Stephane , Bonnier Marc , Lane Roger
Published: February 2022

Integrating a new system in the air traffic control system is always a big challenge, in particular when the new system impacts the controller human machine interface (HMI). The Controller Pilot DataLink Communication system for airport controller is a new concept that aims to reduce the voice communication and increase safety at airport. To prove and evaluate the concept, an experiment took place at airbus in Toulouse last December 2013 with the participation of air traffic controller from Germany, Italy and France. In this paper we explain the concept, we detail the experiment, we discuss its impact on the controller mental workload, we determine the side effects and we provide some recommendation for future implementation.
Reducing Crew Size of Future Naval Ships Using a Method Suite for Analysis, Design, Simulation and Evaluation
Authors: Post Wilfried , van Diggelen Jurriaan , Rakhorst-Oudendijk Marleen , Grootjen Marc
Published: February 2022

In the coming decade, the Royal Netherlands Navy is planning to replace a number of maritime platform types. The starting points for these replacements have changed importantly, compared to those of the current and past generations. The focus is on manning reduction with three main reasons. First, the endangerment of defense personnel’s life should be minimized. Second, technical personnel are increasingly harder to find, especially for the maritime sector, which endangers the operational maintainability of future vessels. Third, the life cycle costs should decrease by lowering the personnel cost component. Accordingly, the Navy is defining future platforms and setting goals to reduce the crew size by a revolutionary 30 to 50%. This paper describes the application of an integrated methods suite that supports the development of cost-effective and efficient future platforms with significantly less technical personnel. One of the conclusion is that such integration of methods leads to better defined methodological concepts that are easier to share, which is essential for multidisciplinary research and multi-party innovation.
Differences in Workload of Both Skippers and Pilots Due to Changes in Environmental Bank Lights
Authors: Uitterhoeve Wendie , Zeilstra Melcher
Published: February 2022

In the case a sea harbour is located in an inland area, seagoing vessels have to sail a part of their journey in inland waterways. On these approach channels the inland water regulation prescribes specific bridge equipment. Inland vessels fulfil this regulation, the seagoing vessels not, but get dispensation with a pilot on board. The question arises how differences in working strategy (resulting from different ship characteristics and equipment) express in differences in workload. The effect of changes in environmental bank lights (puddle lights) on both inland skippers and pilots is studied in a manoeuvring simulator using physiological workload measurements. Event analysis is based on a combination of analytical indicators (distance between vessels) and cognitive processes like interpreting perceived visual information. Results demonstrated that the effect of changes in puddle light is different for skippers and pilots. Differences in vessel and bridge settings are indeed expressed in working strategy and result in differences in workload. Inland skippers give effort to continuous steering corrections and are, compared to the pilots, less used to anticipate on future actions. In the absence of puddle light, the skippers mental spare capacity decreases clearly. Although the subjective opinion of the pilots indicate an increase of demand, the objective measures do not show a considerable increase.
The Future of Social Transport: ‘a good idea, but…’
Authors: Osmond Jane , Woodcock Andree , Begley Jason , Frankova Katerina
Published: February 2022

The current emphasis on congestion, pollution, quality of the transport experience and the spiralling costs of energy has led to a growth of interest in social transport, such as those offered by car and lift share schemes. Together with greener fuel and the use of technology, it is possible to widen the transport choices available to consumers. However, there has been a reported reluctance on the part of users in the UK to join up to local and national car and lift share schemes, even those that would seem to offer benefits in terms of lower costs, congestion and carbon reduction. This paper reports on qualitative research carried out by Coventry University into perceptions of social transport.
Increasing the Vocational Action Competences of Rail Traffic Controllers by Creating a Virtual Learning Environment for Trainees
Authors: Dietsch Sandra , Naumann Anja
Published: February 2022

In Germany railway operations underlie a vast number of complex rules and regulations. Therefore rail traffic controllers, who are responsible for save and hitch-free railway operations, need a profound knowledge and action competencies to consider the regulations in everyday work. Before being able to work as rail traffic controllers, they have passed an apprenticeship of three years. In addition, because of local characteristics of tracks and infrastructure, a rail traffic controller needs an instruction phase for a couple of months, just to be able to work at one single signal box. To cope with the high demands of the job, a virtual learning environment for trainees was created to increase their vocational action competences, to enhance their knowledge and to ease the passage to job. A prototype of the software was created using a usability engineering approach. A strong collaboration with rail traffic controllers and potential users ensured the usability of the system. The final concept and prototype of the learning environment will be presented in this paper. It consists of three different learning sections and one test section, where trainees can check their knowledge.
The Critical Factors in Human Error that Lead to Express Bus Accidents in Malaysia
Authors: Liew Sharifah , Francis Phoebe , Teck Foong Chen
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this paper is to determine the critical factor in human error that contributes towards express bus accidents. Three main attributes in human error are discussed, which are physical, mental and experience. Thus, this research aims in finding the highest contributor in human error and the main concern in road safety regarding express bus. This research was conducted in which a user opinion and experience on factor causes express bus accidents is accounted with a total of 287 respondents which consist of bus driver, bus passengers or victims, firemen, police officer, express bus management companies and officers of road safety agency participated. The factor analysis method was utilised and the factors attributing to human error was extracted and interpreted. This research indicates that physical, mental and experience attributes of the express bus driver do contribute in human errors towards accidents. It was found that mental attributes of the bus driver has high effect on contributing to human error towards express bus accidents and driver’s sleepiness was the biggest concern in the express bus accident causes. Other attributes were discussed more in this paper and somehow provide an interesting insight of plausible cause of express bus accident.
Development of an Inference System for Drivers’ Driving Style and Workload Sensitivity from their Demographic Characteristics
Authors: Sato Toshihisa , Akamatsu Motoyuki
Published: February 2022

This paper describes an investigation of the relationships among drivers’ demographic characteristics, their driving style, and their workload sensitivity using questionnaire surveys. The driver’s demographic characteristics included age, gender, driving experience, annual mileage, driving frequency, and region. The driving style was assessed using the driving style questionnaire (DSQ) that presents the driver’s personal features about driving attitudes We evaluated the drivers’ workload sensitivity using the workload sensitivity questionnaire (WSQ) that suggests what kinds of elements in driving contexts force the driver to increase the mental workload. 1616 drivers around Japan participated in the questionnaire surveys. Bayesian network modeling was applied to the responses obtained from the questionnaire surveys. The estimated Bayesian network models present that “gender” influences more factors of the DSQ and WSQ compared to the other demographic characteristics. The models indicate that no influences of the “driving frequency” were found in the DSQ and WSQ and no influences of the “driving experience” were found in the WSQ. We use the estimated Bayesian models to infer the distributions of the DSQ and WSQ factors from the driver’s demographic characteristics, and evaluate one driver’s score of the DSQ and WSQ compared to the other drivers with the same demographic characteristics. In addition, this inference system could be used to select the target drivers who have the focusing driving style or workload sensitivity.
One Day in the Life of a Persona – A Framework to Define Mobility Agendas
Authors: Mayas Cindy , Hörold Stephan , Wienken Tobias , Krömker Heidi
Published: February 2022

This paper extends the approach of personas in public transport with a framework to define different mobility agendas. These mobility agendas aim to support the development of mobility information systems and mobile applications, in general, by strengthening the understanding of different mobility behaviors in combination with the advantages of personas. The presented results are based on a representative broad dataset and the analysis of agenda items in daily life. The described approach consists of three steps, which provide the necessary variables and values, as well as patterns to describe mobility agendas.
Driving Ability Index (DAI) for Assessing Elderly People’s Performance
Authors: Meloni Michele , Pinna Luigi Lecca Gianfranco  Fancello Claudia
Published: February 2022

Aging results in a physiological decline in physical, cognitive and sensory abilities, which are required for executing complex tasks such as driving (Metzner et al, 1993). Accident rates are higher for older drivers and increase exponentially for over 75 year olds (Guerrier, et al. 1999). Moreover accidents in which elderly persons are involved are characterized by more severe injuries, due to the decline in their physical condition, owing to comorbidities and skeletal fragility. It is important to stress that not all older drivers are dangerous (Langford, et al., 2006): on the contrary they drive cautiously and their experience can outweigh the physical disadvantages. In addition, they are aware of their limitations at the wheel and thus behave prudently and rarely commit traffic offences. One major problem of general interest is associated with the fact that elderly persons are the fastest growing segment within the population and the ability to drive is one way of maintaining their autonomy and independence as well as social participation (Fonda et al., 2001). For this reason, there is an increasing need to evaluate objectively the physical and mental fitness of older drivers. The aim of this study is to identify an index for measuring and monitoring the driving ability of elderly persons. The tool proposed was developed by adapting the Work Ability Index (Ilmarinen J., 1999), widely used in occupational medicine to evaluate the ability to work, to evaluate the ability todrive. Like the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Driving Ability Index (DAI) is calculated on the basis of appropriately processed responses to a series of questions contained in a questionnaire. Based on the responses, the index value is calculated, which can vary from 7 to 49. In this way it is possible to identify the level of ability of elderly persons at the wheel. The survey involved 54 older drivers over the age of 65. The objective of the study was to develop an easy-to-manage tool for measuring and monitoring the driving ability of elderly persons, that can also be used for driving licence renewal. The utility of such a tool for a population of vulnerable road users lies in its ability to detect early signs of a decline in driving skills and devise actions to strengthen their positive abilities and reduce risks while driving.
The Development of Standard Protocols to Improve the Quality of Driving Simulator Research
Authors: Harvey Catherine , Burnett Gary
Published: February 2022

Simulators are widely used for investigating driving behavior under a variety of conditions. Simulators can provide a high level of relative validity, but levels of absolute validity are questionable. One drawback of simulator studies is the knowledge of participants that they are in an artificial scenario rather than driving on a real road with real consequences for performance and safety. This influences participants’ feelings of presence. There are many factors that influence presence, or the perceived ‘reality’ of a test environment, and in this paper two are discussed in detail: incentives and instructions. The use of incentives to encourage participation in research studies is inconsistent and there are many associated ethical and practical issues. Research papers rarely include descriptions of the instructions given to participants at the start of a study; however, the content and presentation of instructions can have an effect on participants’ behaviours. A methodology for a proposed study to investigate the influence of these factors in a driving simulator environment is also provided. Finally, some hypotheses for the study, based on the theory in this area, are presented for future testing.
Wayfinding Design: An Ergonomic Approach to Signage Systems
Authors: Neves a Fernando Moreira da Silva João
Published: February 2022

Signage systems are closely linked to the security of persons and goods, as well as pressing issues such as ergonomics, accessibility, orientation, and mobility, among others. Signaling traffic, tourism, emergency signaling, railway signaling, air, maritime, etc., well reflect the role of signage/signalization in contributing to the safety and mobility of societies and the social role of design as a methodology or discipline that conceives orientation signs in space – The Signage systems. The potential benefits of information design (more properly signage systems) for social development are also looking for new approaches and methodologies, for research in and by design in an attempt to maximize new solutions that improve the lives of societies. The found solutions at the level of signage systems do not always consider the real needs of multiple users, i.e., at the level of design of these systems lack truly design projects centred on the users and that incorporate real solutions at technical, aesthetic, ergonomic and also inclusive levels. The development of signalling systems, which are considered as spatial information systems, involves the vital function of transmitting information in order to guide and direct certain individuals or groups / classes of individuals. It is a communication process that uses artifacts designed for the transmission of information and guidance clear and unambiguous for Citizens: The wayfinding. Considering wayfinding as the organization and communication of our dynamic relationship with space and environment, we are in the field of an important area for the design, to architecture and ergonomics, which is not only limited to the design of systems, but all that pertains to human interaction with spaces (Arthur; Passini, 1992). Thus, wayfinding design seeks to develop activity in the design of signage systems and of spatial information, which aim to guide and assist the task of accessibility to a particular space or territory. It is understood to be fundamentally a user-centred approach, which favors the ergonomic issues, anthropometric and inclusiveness, making signage systems truly universal or rather, accessible to a majority.
Analysis of Baggage Handling in Airplane Cargo Hold of Commercial Airplane: A Case Study in Ergonomics
Authors: Crespo Coelho da Silva Pinto Alexandre , Felipe da Silva Júnior Francisco , Cunha dos Reis Diogo
Published: February 2022

Ergonomic studies related to commercial aviation have focused on improvements related to drivers’ commands and cockpit. However, a small number of studies are devoted to the ground manual transport related to the airplane cargo hold. This study aimed to analyze the biomechanical overload in manual load lifting tasks among ramp operators of commercial airplanes through the application of NIOSH and RULA methods. Two cases involving luggage loading and unloading activities were observed. Data collection was performed with a ramp operator, which photos and filming of activities and workplace during passenger boarding and disembarking of passengers. The biomechanical factors observed and analyzed in this study, with the application of NIOSH and RULA methods, allowed generating values that indicated that luggage loading and unloading activities bring high biomechanical risk for both the manual load lifting activity and for the postures used during luggage handling, which may cause health problems to ramp operators.
Activities of Certified Professional Ergonomist in Japan
Authors: Fukuzumi Shin’ichi , Yoshitake Ryoji
Published: February 2022

In Japan, 10 years pass after certified professional ergonomist starts. About 200 specialists, an associate specialist and an assistant are certified. However, as these activities and their effects are not known widely, these important outcomes are not handed down to many specialists and their specialty is not recognized enough. Thus, it is important for specialists to know many activities and effects by professional in other accredited organizations.
Analysis of the Mismatch Between School Furniture and Children
Authors: Antónia Gonçalvesa Maria , Arezesb Pedro
Published: February 2022

The characteristics of school furniture are strongly associated with back and neck pain, referred by school-aged children. In Portugal, about 60% of the adolescents involved in a recent study reported having felt back pain at least once in the last three months. The aim of this study was to compare furniture sizes of the 2 types indicated for primary schools, within 9 schools, with the anthropometric characteristics of Portuguese students, in order to evaluate the mismatch between them. The sample consisted of 432 volunteer students. Regarding the methodology, 5 anthropometric measures were gathered, as well as 5 dimensions from the school furniture. For the evaluation of classroom furniture, a (mis)match criterion equation was defined. Results indicated that there is a significant mismatch between furniture dimensions and the anthropometric characteristics of the students.
Ergonomic Evaluation as a Holistic Evaluation in Company Assembly Hydrometers
Authors: Ricardo Leite da Silva Charles , Sousa Ribeiro Gabriela
Published: February 2022

The manual assembly equipment has been cited as one exposed to several ergonomic constraints, such fractionation is associated with the task of occupation, facilitating the monotony and high number of repetitive movements that may cause occupational diseases of physical and psychological harm. Seeking to adapt the work to the characteristics and skills of professionals in the assembly of the sector totals, ergonomic intervention System Human-Machine Task was performed in an industry located in Recife-PE assembly of water meters, comprising the steps of Ergonomic Assessment, Ergonomic Diagnose and Ergonomic Projects. To meet the objectives of the first stage, unsystematic observations, documentary analysis of records and PPRA PCMSO Company, open interviews and structured questionnaires with workers in the sector were applied. In the second stage, the deepening of the problems found in the first study were from task analysis, systematic observations for analysis of postures assumed, according Worksheet RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) analysis of the physical costs from the implementation of the diagram discomfort/pain, and anthropometric studies by two-dimensional anthropometric dummies. In the third step, were proposed suggestions for improvements to the problems encountered and prioritized. The results indicated order problems and physical environmental, organizational, job, biomechanical and psychosocial. The high levels of discomfort/pain are justified by inadequate occupational postures combined with repeatability of movements in accomplishing the task. Therefore, are necessary changes and adjustments in working conditions of workers in the sector under study, to provide them better quality of life.
Analyzing the Difference Between Experts and Non-experts in Ikebana
Authors: Ikenobo Yuki , Kidab Noriyuki , Kuwaharaa Noriaki
Published: February 2022

Ikebana flower arrangement is a traditional cultural activity in Japan. It originates from the Buddhist tradition of flowers for the deceased and possesses a 1,500-year history. Ikebana skill has been handed down in the oral tradition from the master to the disciple, not in a systematic educational system. Also, the process of arranging flowers has not been evaluated quantitatively. Therefore, the object of the present study was to evaluate the process in Ikebana flower arrangement by extracting and examining the various operations, or steps. First, we divided four participants according to the number of years they have been practicing Ikebana, dividing them into expert and non-expert camps. The seated participants arranged three flowers and four materials using free-style Ikebana methods. The process was recorded by two video cameras (60fps). Using the obtained video images, we measured the frequency and time by classifying the operations involved in arranging flowers. We found that the process of flower arranging could be broken down into six operations; ‘Observing’, ‘Cutting’, ‘Bending’, ‘Coordinating’, ‘Inserting’, and ‘Modifying’. There were differences in the number of ‘Coordinating’ and ‘Modifying’ steps between experts and non-experts. The number of ‘Modifying’ steps for experts (15 times) was significantly less than that for non-experts (33 times). Also, there were differences in the time spent ‘Bending’, ‘Coordinating’, and ‘Modifying’ between experts and non-experts. The time spent ‘Bending’ for experts (93 seconds) was significantly shorter than that for non-experts (106 seconds). Second, we analyzed a Japanese high school contest for Ikebana flower arrangement. Seven teams of three students set to participate, and the process of Ikebana was recorded by two video cameras (60fps). As a result, it was possible to quantify the characteristics of the winning team. These results suggest the importance of the skill of ‘Bending’ and ‘Coordinating’ in the process of Ikebana flower arrangement.
Numerical Analysis on The way of Tea Between Expert and Non-Expert
Authors: Zelonga Wang , Aibab Eriko , Kanazawac Soutatsu , Otad Tomoko
Published: February 2022

In this paper, the processes of Japanese ‘the way of tea’ making by expert and non-expert were investigated. The bubble form and distribution states after 100% and 50% of tea making finishing time were recorded and analyzed through numerical processing. In order to verify the relationship between the bubble distribution and the tea making motion, the whole tea making processes by expert and non-expert were record and compared by high-speed camera. Consequently, it can be concluded that expert can efficient way to make a perfect Japanese tea.
Use of Adaptive Controlling Torques with the Aim to Transfer Information by the Haptic Perception Channel
Authors: Winterholler Johann , Chmara Krzysztof , Schulz Christian , Maier Thomas
Published: February 2022

The investigations show that the haptic perception channel can systematically be applied for information transfer. As the results show special haptic feedbacks like amplitude changes, rotary changes or blocks at the end of the torque function are recognized very well. The results also show that haptic feedbacks can be used in combination with visual displays to transmit information. The transmission of information through the haptic and visual perception channel is even better than the purely visual transmission. But this statement must be backed up by further studies in order to show that the haptic transmission of information to the user via a central control element leads to a reduction of operating time, visual distraction and cognitive stress in difficult tasks.All in all, this approach allows innovative interfaces so that the usability of products can be improved and the operational safety can be increased.
Applications of Haptic Devices & Virtual Reality in Consumer Products Usability Evaluation
Authors: Falcão Christianne , M. Soares Marcelo
Published: February 2022

Usability has come to play an important role in interface design. Product usability focus on product ease of use first and foremost with consideration to users demographics, experience level and user requirements to serve the population efficiently. Virtual reality technologies provide novel and enhanced modes of human computer interaction that can be used as a potential tool to support product usability testing in far more efficient way starting from early project stage. The interaction component of this high-end user interface involves multiple sensory channels, such as the visual, auditory, haptic, olfactory, and taste inputs. Significant research has been done in this area but researchers have not yet provided an assessment on the relative impacts on VR systems development. Haptic devices allow users to touch, feel and manipulate three-dimensional objects in virtual environments and this technology started to get worldwide recognition and use in manipulation-intensive applications. Although the applications of haptic devices have several advantages over other methods for the development of consumer products, the VR systems also have some limitations; this is partly due to the complexity of interaction devices and haptic feedback processing. This paper presents a conceptual approach to haptic feedback for product design and consumer products usability evaluation.
Colour in Recycled Crystal
Authors: Miguel Marquesa Fernando , Oliveirab Pedro
Published: February 2022

Colour is what allows us to distinguish the world around us, through vision and light our eyes capture the colour of the objects. According to Daniel Beresniak, "colour is the effect produced by a reaction of these three variable elements: the object, the lighting and the eyes. Colour is the light reflected by a body. It depends on the incoming light (intensity and colour of the light) and the body own characteristics" (2000, p.15). The colour only exists if there is light. This paper aims to show the colour in crystal. Crystal is glass with the presence of lead that makes this glass the purest one produced by the technosphere. The common glass denominated by Sodic -lime glasses are glasses used in plan glass manufacture, container glass (bottles and jars), articles for civil construction ( bricks, blocks, tiles and shingles), articles for housing and public lighting (globes , lamps, etc. .). These don’t contain lead oxide or other more expensive materials: they are glasses that typically have green coloration (transversely more visible) due to the presence of iron oxide. Glass is by definition every mineral substance that at ordinary temperature is a nonsolid and a nonliquid. According to Navarro " even at room temperature they have the appearance of a solid body that provides mechanical rigidity , however it cannot be considered as such since it lacks of a crystal structure that characterizes it and defines the solid state . If by its stability the glass could be compared to solid, from the point of view of its structural disorder, its similarities are much more evident with liquids". Glass is more or less transparent and sometimes translucent, it has a special brightness , insoluble in almost all known substances at a normal temperature; it is amorphous (as opposed to crystalline ), it is solid-coloured or colourless, odourless; it can be smooth or it can have a texture and become one of the brightest surfaces obtained by technosphere processes. It results from the mixture of different silicates obtained by fusion in which alkali metal silicate and calcium are predominant. Crystal by its commercial demands is a glass that has a large volume of waste during its production: about 30% to 40 % of its daily production is transformed in cullet and at least 50% of this is wasteful. On average, in the only Portuguese factory that produces crystal there is a daily production of 700Kg of crystal cullet waste. As this waste contains lead, they can’t be recycled along with the ordinary glass. This is the starting point of this research project: the reuse of the crystal cullet waste, analyzing its behaviour accordingly to the colour.
Evaluation of an Experimental Virtual Environment Prototype for Older Population Warning Studies
Authors: Reisab Lara , Duartec Emília , Rebeloab Francisco
Published: February 2022

Over the years, different types of Virtual Environment (VE) systems have become commercially available, thereby giving rise to several types of human performance studies. However, in the field of safety communications, VE usability knowledge regarding older populations is scarce. In this context, this paper discusses the main findings gathered regarding a pilot study which aimed to assess usability issues associated to an experimental VE prototype. Such a VE was designed for conducting ergonomic studies with older populations (50-70 years old) and safety warnings. The nature of both this study, and its sample, is justified by the fact that, as one grows older, the ability to interact and comply with warnings, as well as technology, is adversely affected by several perceptual and/or cognitive deficits. Based on such facts, the present study sought to understand if the VE prototype’s system set-up could be successfully used by older populations. In order to undergo such an evaluation, such a study composed of two key moments: to examine if older users could perform certain interactions inside the VE; and to analyze whether they could perceive the VE´s graphical information. The study’s results provide important insights that may enhance VE interaction and warnings design research.
Universal Design Concepts Applied to a Semi-automated Loft for the Third Age with Accessibility
Authors: Arruda Amilton , Sant’Anna Moura Edna , Hoppe Rosmarina
Published: February 2022

With the growth of the elderly population in Brazil, there is increasing concern about appropriate dwellings for the elderly and to make these environments fit for this age group. For this important task of design, greater use must be made of information and computing tools so as to draw up more innovative designs. Adapting environments from the point of view of the dimensions, of computerization, of the physical space and of furniture in order make homes comfortable, safe and suitable for the elderly, as become of great importance today, because recent studies reveal that every year in our cities, the number of elderly people has been increasing. The object of this paper is to present a proposal for a dwelling with multiple functions, all of them concentrated on computer systems that meet the needs and assist this age group in coping with their limitations. Under the rules of Living with Gerontology arising from old age, adapting a new space for an accessible Loft is, according to the latest trends, a new concept of housing that aims to offer the elderly, an ever-growing and more active segment of society, a setting that is more appropriate and a safer life which has quality and dignity.
Cultivating an Attitude of Professionalism Based on Prophetic Value
Authors: Rosilawati Yeni , Amanullah Faisal Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Professionalism is a matter of attitude towards the values ​​that apply in the world of work. Professionalism is a condition or attitude manifested by individuals in carrying out their duties. In its implementation, it requires individual expertise as a result of learning from specific education or training. However, in today's reality, the Indonesian people have not put forward the values ​​of professionalism in every work activity. So what happens is that various cases such as corruption and fraud occur. This study aims to analyze the attitude of professionalism and its relationship with prophetic values. This study uses qualitative research methods with data collection techniques through literature study. Qualitative research is a way of analysis to understand the meaning behind individuals or groups in personal or social problems. The research data were taken from various books, journals, and news articles to provide data on professional attitudes and prophetic values. The researcher analyses and interprets the collected data as a reference and answer to the existing problems. The results show that in Islam, professionalism has been regulated by referring to prophetic values. Prophetic values ​​are values ​​that exist in the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Prophetic values ​​are the values ​​of professionalism that are directly actualized by the Prophet Muhammad. With these values, he gained a lot of public trust at that time. These values ​​that Indonesian people should implement today in every daily activity and the world of work.