bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anthropometric Shape Analysis Strategy for Design of Personalwear
Authors: Yavatkar Amar 
Published: July 2017

The diversity of morphologies may be a source of annoyance to the designer of personal equipment. For those involved in design problems, the user population seems to have considerable variability in the size and shape of body parts. However, traditionally available anthropometric data provides only the independent value for each measurement with no information on the shapes of the contours and curvatures. This type of data appears to be insufficient for the design of personal equipment such as shoes, helmets, or a guard for a specific body part. Therefore, interfacing any human body part and equipment should begin with the objective knowledge of the full range of body sizes and shapes. The size variability can be tackled by developing fitting schemes by covering segments of a multivariate normal population. The main difficulty is apprehending the anatomical shapes and their variation relative to three dimensional space. Further, for offering the proper fit, it becomes imperative that variability in such anatomical shapes be incorporated in the design. This paper describes the shape analysis strategy which should be useful in approximating non-linear dimensions of human body part for design. The method is illustrated by selecting the curvatures along a foot outline. The curvatures are defined as a set of discrete points and then analyzed by statistical and numerical methods for arriving at an optimized shape. The shape differences and similarities within and between the two methods are examined graphically and discussed. Results show that the technique of integrating the fitting scheme and anatomical shape approximation describes the human body shapes in geometric terms with moderate accuracy.
Charts for Simplified Bivariate Anthropometric Design
Authors: Kreifeldt J. G. , Nah K. 
Published: July 2017

Generalized workspace and clothing design problems often arise in which two anthropometric constraints must be considered simultaneously in order to accommodate some specific target percentage of the population. In the theoretical (and unlikely) instance in which the two variables are perfectly positively correlated, the problem is readily solved using univariate percentile information. However, in the more realistic case in which the two variables are less than perfectly positively correlated, bivariate percentile charts are required. These bivariate charts are rarely available but may be computer-generated from the univariate data and the correlation between the variables after assuming some appropriate bivariate distribution (usually Gaussian). However, such computer access is not always available especially when a quick estimate is needed. This paper presents a simplified approach to bivariate design based on the workable assumption that the bivariate target percentage will be met by using the same (to be determined) univariate cutoff value for each variate. This cutoff value depends on the target percentage value and on the degree of correlation between the variables and the assumption that the data are adequately represented by a Gaussian bivariate distribution. The method takes advantage of simple charts prepared expressly for this purpose and several of which are presented herein. The method also has utility in a number of practical and common problems as well as being suitable for student use.
Software Interface Evaluation: Modeling of Human Error
Authors: Wright S. J. , Packebush S. J. , Mitta D. A. 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to use a human error model to evaluate a commercially available Macintosh-based graphics application based upon the frequencies and types of mistakes occurring during users' performance of designated tasks. The occurrence of high frequencies of knowledge-based and rule-based mistakes during the learning of an interface element would indicate that the element requires evaluation and possible redesign. This study involved five participants, all of whom were students at Texas A&M University. The participants were experienced Macintosh users with no experience using Macintosh graphics software. The graphics environment of interest was MacDraw II® 1.0 Version 2 (Schutten, Goldsmith, Kaptanoglu, and Spiegel, 1988). Ten drawings created with the program were used to examine participants' cognitive levels and types of errors made throughout the process of familiarizing themselves with this program. The first drawing was created to exemplify simple figures created with the graphics tools in the program to illustrate shading. The second through tenth drawings incorporated these figures in several arrangements. All drawings incorporated eight tools (or tasks), and each tool was used only once in each drawing. The results indicated significant differences in frequencies of error types, frequencies of errors between tasks and frequencies of errors between trials. There were also interactions between trial and error, and task and error.
Integration of Human Factors, Job Design, and Writing into One Course
Authors: Freivalds Andris , Goldberg Joseph H. 
Published: July 2017

There are pressing needs to enhance the quality of undergraduate engineering instruction, including human factors engineering. Specific curricular and philosophical issues include: 1) integration of work measurement and human factors topics, 2) applications driven laboratories, 3) open-ended design problems, and 4) reinforcement of technical writing skills. In summary, the end goals of this laboratory development are innovative job design and evaluation workstations, which can provide students with real-world, open-ended problems. Two different types of workstations have been implemented: a workstation appropriate for typical blue-collar assembly work and a workstation appropriate for white-collar computer driven work. The white-collar workstation simulates a modern, computer-driven office job, with such factors as speed, accuracy, noise, illumination, etc. influencing productivity. The blue-collar workstation is centered on a typical carburetor assembly found in the automotive industry. The large number of fairly intricate parts, the highly repetitive and rapid assembly process, and the need for power driven tools all are thought to be contributing factors to the high incidence of cumulative trauma disorders in U.S. industry.
Predicting Satisfaction with the Office Environment by Measuring Constraints to Worker Activities
Authors: Lantrip David B. 
Published: July 2017

Previous research has shown that people often feel crowded when the environment gets in their way. This suggests that suitable measures of environmental constraint may be predictive of perceived crowding and environmental satisfaction. This study tests the hypothesis that environments that constrain the activities of their inhabitants less will be perceived as having greater quality and their inhabitants will be more satisfied with them. An office environment is used as a test case. How the physical environment constrains worker movements is assessed with several new quantitative measures. These measures vary depending on the difference between the size and shape of space that workers require for their activities and the space that is available. The spatial requirements of office activities were estimated from videotaped records of the routine activities of workers. A computer program developed for this study computed values for the measures of constraint for each of 194 workstations. These estimates of environmental constraint were then used to explain some of the variance observed in worker attitudes about their environment. The findings support the study hypothesis. Furthermore, the measures and methods developed for this study suggest a new approach to reduce crowding in our built environments and improve inhabitant environmental satisfaction.
A User-Centered Approach to the Design of a Naval Tactical Workstation Interface
Authors: Heasly Christopher C. , Dutra Lisa A. , Kirkpatrick Mark , Seamster Thomas L. , Lyons Robert A. 
Published: July 2017

The 21st century Navy combatant ship will experience exponential increases in shipboard information to be processed, disseminated and integrated. High Definition System (HDS) technology will provide for the convergence of text, graphics, digital video, imagery, and complex computing to allow for a new range of advanced capabilities that exceed those of currently available workstations. These capabilities could result in unmanageable and overwhelming cognitive workloads for Navy tactical operators in CIC (Combat Information Center). For this reason, a prototype user interface was designed using future combat system requirements, proposed HDS capabilities, and human-computer interface design standards and principles. Usability testing of the protoype user interface was conducted as part of an effort to identify integrated information management technologies which reduce operator workload, increase human performance, and improve combat system effectiveness. This demonstration will focus on explanation and demonstration of future concepts envisioned for the AEGIS operational environment; organization and functionality of the menu structures and window contents; the usability testing methods utilized; results from usability testing; and plans for utilization of the prototype shell in other operational environments.
Contaminant Analysis Automation Demonstration Proposal
Authors: Dodson Mike G. , Schur Anne , Heubach Janet G. 
Published: July 2017

The nation-wide and global need for environmental restoration and waste remediation (ER & WR) presents significant challenges to the analytical chemistry laboratory. The expansion of ER & WR programs forces an increase in the volume of samples processed and the demand for analysis data. To handle this expanding volume, productivity must be increased. However, the need for significantly increased productivity faces a contaminant analysis process which is costly in time, labor, equipment, and safety protection. Laboratory automation offers a cost effective approach to meeting current and future contaminant analytical laboratory needs. The proposed demonstration will present a proof-of-concept automated laboratory conducting varied sample preparations. This automated process also highlights a graphical user interface that provides supervisory control and monitoring of the automated process. The demonstration provides affirming answers to the following questions about laboratory automation: • Can preparation of contaminants be successfully automated? • Can a full-scale working proof-of-concept automated laboratory be developed that is capable of preparing contaminant and hazardous chemical samples? • Can the automated processes be seamlessly integrated and controlled? • Can the automated laboratory be customized through really convertible design? • Can automated sample preparation concepts be extended to the other phases of the sample analysis process? To fully reap the benefits of automation, four human factors areas should be studied and the outputs used to increase the efficiency of laboratory automation. These areas include: 1) laboratory configuration, 2) procedures, 3) receptacles and fixtures, and 4) human-computer interface for the full automated system and complex laboratory information management systems.
Impact of Task Difficulty on the Acquisition of Aircrew Coordination Skills
Authors: Braun Curt C. , Bowers Clint A. , Holmes Barbara E. , Salas Eduardo 
Published: July 2017

The skills approach to aircrew coordination focuses on the training of specific coordination behavior. While this approach has shown promise, careful consideration must be given to the manner in which these skills are trained. A growing body of literature suggests that training workload impacts the acquisition of skills. The present study examined the effectiveness of two training paradigms on the development of aircrew coordination. One regimen of training was characterized by consistent levels of task difficulty over a series of training sessions. The other regimen involved incrementally increasing task difficulty over training sessions. Twenty IFR rated pilots comprised 10 two-person crews. One-half of the crews (control group) completed nine training flights that were of consistent task difficulty. The remaining half completed nine training flights that increased incrementally in task difficulty: three low, three moderate, and three high task difficulty flights. Following the nine training flights, all crew completed five novel aerial reconnaissance flights during which they were instructed to map buildings within a specified area. Measures of subjective workload, flight performance, and secondary task performance were taken for all flights. An additional measure of building identification was also taken for the five reconnaissance-type flights. Measures of subjective workload validated the increasing workload associated with the experimental training regimen. Analysis of the workload data taken during novel task flights failed to reveal differences between training groups. Moreover, there were no significant differences in flight performance between groups. Measures of building identification, a task heavily dependent on crew coordination, revealed significant differences between groups. Experimental crews identified significantly more buildings than their control counterparts for two of the five flights. Implications for aircrew coordination training are discussed.
The Effect of Massage to Scars on Active Range of Motion and Skin Mobility
Authors: Donnelly Carolyn J. , Wilton Judith 
Published: July 2017

Massage to scars is recommended in the hand therapy literature for a range of conditions. However, existing studies reveal a lack of scientific evidence to support the efficacy of scar massage. This study investigated the effect of scar massage, in conjunction with a customised hand therapy programme, on active range of motion and skin mobility, in conditions involving a linear scar at the wrist. Twenty-two subjects underwent a treatment programme inclusive or not inclusive of scar massage. Wrist motion and skin mobility were evaluated over a four week observation period. Results indicated that the inclusion of scar massage accelerated recovery of wrist motion over a four week period however, it did not accelerate recovery of skin mobility. These preliminary results support the use of massage within a therapeutic programme to address deficits in range associated with scarring in the vicinity of hand joints.
The Impact of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I on an Individual's Occupational Performance
Authors: Brincat Roberta 
Published: July 2017

This research study examined the effect of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Type I, on a person's occupational performance. Ten subjects with a diagnosis of CRPS Type I were investigated by using a semi-structured interview followed by two standardised assessments: the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The COPM measured occupational performance, and the VAS measured pain intensity. Descriptive data on participants’ views and their perspectives on responsibilities regarding work, leisure and self-care were collected. The effects of CRPS ranged from loss of movement, impairment in sensation, physical symptoms such as drowsiness and general malaise, hand function problems and a variety of emotional and psychological problems. Statistical analysis, which evaluated performance and satisfaction scores attained from the COPM showed a significant positive correlation between satisfaction and performance scores (r=0.982, p<0.05). A significant correlation was also found between performance and pain intensity and satisfaction and pain intensity. Results suggest that both the professional team together with CRPS I sufferers are insufficiently informed about this disease and its development. Within the local context, it was evident that there is lack of knowledge in relation to the condition. Therefore a medical oriented model of treatment is being followed, without consideration of patients’ perceptions and needs. It is suggested that the management of CRPS I patients needs to be focused upon the individual. A further cross-sectional study would assist in the analysis of the physical and psychological effects of CRPS I on the individual.
Intra- and inter-instrument reliability of Grip-Strength Measurements: GripTrack™ and Jamar® hand dynamometers
Authors: Svens Birgit , Lee Hoe 
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this research was to compare the computer-connected GripTrack dynamometer and the manual Jamar dynamometer to determine the intra- and inter-instrument reliability. Using a repeated-measures design the instruments were calibrated three times. Forty-six uninjured female health workers (mean age 29.7 years) performed three consecutive grip strength trials per hand and per instrument with the handle bar in the second position, alternating which dynamometer was used first. Intra-instrument reliability and concurrent validity were tested using certified standard weights. Both the Jamar dynamometer and GripTrack dynamometer demonstrated concurrent validity with certified standard weights (Jamar r = 1.0, GripTrack dynamometer r ≥ 0.9994). While inter-instrument reliability was good, starting with the Jamar dynamometer as the first instrument (ICC 0.80 to 0.83), and excellent, starting with the GripTrack dynamometer (ICC 0.94 to 0.95), the Bland and Altman method of analysing the differences between the two instruments’ grip strength readings revealed instrument bias. The large spread of limits of agreement from –2.37 kg to 7.87 kg (± 2 SD from the mean 2.75 kg) suggests variation in readings of up to 10.24 kg. While both dynamometers retain adequate calibration, the human interfaces are sufficiently different to cause large differences in readings between the dynamometers, making them non-interchangeable.
Influence of Wrist Joint Position and Metacarpophalangeal Joint Range of Motion on Extensor Digitorum Communis (edc) Activity: An Electromyographic Study
Authors: Sakellariou Dikaios , Sawada Yuji , Tsubota Sadako 
Published: July 2017

Early controlled stress on the healing tendon has proved to have many positive effects such as reduction of oedema and improved excursion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the position of the wrist and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints on the EDC muscle activity during MCP movement and thus: i) provide an electromyographic basis for dynamic extensor splinting, and ii) examine the safest position for early active motion in extensor tendon injuries. Electromyography was used to monitor EDC activity during MCP extension from various wrist positions. The least muscle activity was observed when the wrist was in flexion and the greatest when the wrist was at 45° extension. A statistically significant difference (p 0.05) was established among the various MCP ranges of motion, with the greatest activity per time unit occurring when the MCP joints moved up to 20° hyperextension. The results suggest that slight MCP flexion may effectively reduce EDC activity. Further research is needed to provide evidence on the influence of slight MCP flexion on the quality of repair and functional outcomes after extensor tendon repair.
An analysis of the Inner and Outer Grip Strength of Rock Climbers and Matched Healthy Non-Climbers
Authors: Godtschailk Mal , Adams Jo 
Published: July 2017

Normative volar power handgrip data have already been published, but there remain little data available for power handgrip strength for specific populations. This study examined the inner and outer power handgrip strength of male and female rock climbers, provided normative data on the range of rock climbers’ inner and outer power grip strength and compared this with matched healthy non-climbers. Inner power grip strength was measured on setting two of the Jamar dynamometer and outer power grip on setting four. A total of 32 participants were recruited and both inner and outer power grip were measured. Rock climbers’ inner power grip strength was on average 14% stronger than non-climbers and inner grip strength for both hands was significantly higher for rock climbers (p=0.02). Outer grip strength that replicates the position of crimping routinely used in rock climbing, was not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p=0.39). The assessment of population-specific grip strength is useful for clinicians when assessing and treating individuals who are likely to have different ranges of grip strength due to hobbies or lifestyle occupations.
Assessment of Activities in Patients with Hand Injury: A Review of Instruments in Use
Authors: Van De Ven-Stevens Lucelle , Munneke Marten , Spauwen Paul Hm , Van Der Linde Harmen 
Published: July 2017

Physical impairments are not necessarily coupled with functional limitations. For this reason, it is important to assess not only body functions and structures, but also activities and/or participation to decide which intervention is indicated and to evaluate the effect of the intervention in a valid way. The purpose of this review was to examine available instruments for assessing the limitations in activity and their application within the clinical reasoning process in patients with hand injuries. A literature search identified instruments that met four selection criteria: quality of information, target population, percentage items related to hand function, and a focus on activities. The selected instruments were categorised according to three items: the specific components, the aspects of activity that could be assessed with it and how activity was assessed (questionnaire or otherwise). Seventy two instruments were identified, of which 23 met the selection criteria. These selected instruments showed important differences in the constructs they assessed and in the manner of assessment. Instruments to assess limitations of activity as a result of hand injury should be evaluated further in terms of reliability and validity, before their use within the clinical reasoning process can be standardised.
A Phenomenological Investigation Of The Experience Of Patients During A Rehabilitation Programme Following A Flexor Tendon Injury To Their Hand
Authors: Fitzpatrick Niall 
Published: July 2017

Following a traumatic hand injury, people experience a significant disruption to their lives. This qualitative study attempts to describe the lived experience of five people coping with the consequences of an extrinsic flexor tendon injury to their hands. Individual open-ended interviews were undertaken and a phenomenological analysis was used. The findings highlighted several themes, four of which were common to each participant: i) minimising the impact of the injury; ii) struggling and coping; iii) trying to elicit help from others, and iv) feelings of dependency. Implications for the provision of hand therapy services to this client group, suggested by this research, are the need to identify people on whom patients will be dependent and to include them in treatment planning; the need to monitor patients’ mood states; the need for hand therapists to be more wide ranging when identifying and negotiating strategies for managing their rehabilitation time and to take a broader view of the rehabilitation process and not to focus exclusively upon exercise and splinting guidelines.