bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pull Us Together or Push Us Apart?: Social and Cultural Implications of the Internet
Authors: Maries Monica A. 
Published: January 2012

This panel will explore whether global Internet access pulls people together or pushes them apart. Humans are social creatures, they like to see and be seen. A major factor in Internet adoption has been the opportunity to communicate with others. Email keeps people coming back to the Internet day after day. More recently, Chat has become the communications application of choice, especially for teens. Bulletin boards and Listservs are other communication venues for finding out about others, and telling them about yourself. Initially, pundits predicted the Internet would be used to communicate with people geographically distant from the user. Actual usage, however, indicated that you are just as likely to mail your partner or classmate as someone far away. In households with multiple computers, you might even chat or email with someone in the other room. Certainly, communities of interest formed around hobbies, games or ideas have spawned many a deep friendship. Romance also blossoms bringing people together whom otherwise would never have met. In all of this, however, is the Internet helping people truly widen their circle of understanding, or are we merely seeking out others like ourselves. Are we really expanding our horizons or merely justifying our personal convictions by finding others who think like us. As the Internet continues to grow, as access becomes more widespread, as connections become faster, a question remains: will all this connectivity drive us together, or pull us apart?
Mental Representations as Mirror of Function Allocation and Control Strategies in a Simulated Chemical Plant
Authors: Ryser Cornelia , Grote Gudela 
Published: January 2012

In order to fulfill supervisory control tasks in automated systems, a human operator needs to have an adequate mental representation of the process and the technical system. The development of such representations depends on both the technically provided control opportunities, as determined by the allocation of functions between the technical system and the human operator, and the use the human operator makes of such opportunities as expressed in the chosen control strategies in process monitoring, failure diagnosis and process intervention. At the same time, operators' mental representations of a system influence the choice of control strategies. A study will be presented that aims at describing this relationship between function allocation, control strategies and mental representations in a quasi-experimental setting. Apprentices of a Swiss chemical company operated a simulated plant with varying degrees of automation and with process disturbances of varying severity. Observations and interviews were used to obtain data on control strategies, while the apprentices' mental representations of the process and the technical system were inferred from written process protocols and structural diagrams drawn after the experiment.
Ergonomics Analysis in the University Hospital/UFSC/Brasil
Authors: de Melo Alessandra Fernandes , Gontijo Leila Amaral , Pavan Andre Luis , Lautenschlager Bianca 
Published: January 2012

As the time passes, the habits and the people's demands move. More and more, the people are complaining for better work conditions and life. (Dull and Weerdmeester, 1995). For that, its work conditions more and more need adaptations, seeking the health, the safety, the comfort, among other, that are the practical objectives of the ergonomics'. With the diffusion of the use of computers, the work positions with terminals of computers are turned frequent in industries and offices demanding like this a larger attention to the new works that it creates. (Iida, 1992). With this frequent use of the computer, it is demanded that the body adopts a static posture during the work day, with the fixed attention in the screen and the hands on the keyboard. Thus, the work in computer terminals can provoke consequences for the worker's health from the visual fatigue, muscular pains in the neck and shoulders, and pains in the tendons of the fingers, due to the ergonomic inadequacy and the demands of the task (Iida, 1992). Therefore, this article says respect to an ergonomic analysis in a work position, accomplished as requirement of the discipline of Ergonomic Engineering of the Work having been chosen the Section of General Registration (SRG) of the University Hospital (HU). It can intend the elaboration of a notebook of responsibilities of ergonomic recommendations that it will allow to establish the several specifications about the future situation, that says respect to the environmental factors and organization.
Assessment Tools for the Prevention of Musculo Skeletal Disorders (MSDs) on Assembly Lines Follow Up of Medical Data Since 1995
Authors: Moreau M. 
Published: January 2012

The work situation assessment at Peugeot Citröen has allowed a follow-up of specific ergonomic criteria, from designing to launching a vehicle. The part mounting is evaluated early at the design stage by a unique method, where work stations were assessed by the production center's local method until 1999. From this date, a unique method will replace these different evaluations. The medical indicators recorded from 1995 to 1999 showed a general decrease in MSDs on assembly lines, and variations linked to important reorganizations of the work conditions. These assessments allowed the company to put in place an inventory of ergonomic needs drawing on a definition of ergonomic aims. These aims are integrated into the specifications of the design and the industrialization of the vehicle. Consequently, results must be obtained. The follow up of Musculo Skeletal Disorders, combined with assessment results, were useful in auditing the achievement of the ergonomic targets on the shop floor. The «Vibration-Frequency» factors and the «Mental requirements» were not analyzed in the assessment tools.
Minimization of Pressure and Shear Load in Sitting and Lying, Based on Biomechanical Modeling
Authors: Snijders C.J. , Goossens R.H.M. , Van Dijke G.A. Hoek 
Published: January 2012

Human body-product interaction is, next to clothes, most intensive and prolonged in beds and seats. In ergonomics this is a classical antropometric issue which emphasizes on standards for sizes which accommodate different body measures. However, biomechanics of lying and seating got less attention. As an introduction to the papers in this symposium three basic biomechanical models will be described. The first model describes how pressure and shear on the ischial tuberosities is related to the position of seat and backrest. The choice of foam, fluid or gas for body support is another basic issue for minimization of pressure and shear. The next biomechanical topic is load on internal body structures in (quasi-)static postures. This issue is of great interest because of related neck, low back and other complaints. The model on transfer of lumbosacral load to iliac bones and legs explains that in sitting, even with the use of backrest and armrests, muscles in the abdominal wall must be continuous active to form a deep muscle corset for stability of joints in the lumbopelvic region. One conclusion is, that leg crossing is functional and should be implemented in ergonomics. With the help of biomechanics and related verification measurements a list of design criteria is formulated. Often body support contravenes with basic biomechanical design criteria. Examples are office chairs, cockpit chairs and wheel chairs but also (hospital) beds.
Reduction in Laceration Injuries in Meat Workers Through Introduction of Cut Resistant Cotton Gloves
Authors: Caple David C 
Published: January 2012

Laceration injuries to fingers, hands and arms represent 30% of all workers compensation injuries in the Australian Meat Industry (South Australian WorkCover 1999). These injuries result from razor sharp knives, used in the slaughtering, boning and packing of beef, sheep, poultry, pigs and kangaroos. Whilst meat workers have been provided with woven wire mesh gloves to wear on their non knife hand, it is evident that many workers choose not to wear this form of hand protection thus increasing their risk of laceration injuries. It is also evident that the knife hand is totally unprotected in the event that the hand slips off the handle across the razor sharp blade of the knife. This project involved a 6 month evaluation of wearing cut resistant cotton gloves in the slaughtering and boning processes of the read meat industry in South Australia. These field trials indicated a range of benefits from the wearing of these gloves as well as identifying a number of design issues to be addressed by the manufacturers before full adoption of these gloves could be possible by meat workers in this industry.
Computer Workplaces for Primary School Children - What about Ergonomics?
Authors: Berns T , Klusell L 
Published: January 2012

Computer related RSI before 20 years of age? This rather provocative question put focus on the increasing number of children and young people requiring treatment for muscular problems, particularly from the shoulder and arm region, problems that are related to the use of computer mouse and keyboard. The usage of computers has increased during the last years and particularly in the ages from 7 to 10. Young children are using computer in schools, in spare time activities outside schools and in the homes. The number of hours that children are using computers will most probably increase even further as many schools are prioritising investments in this area. The objectives with this study were to create a survey of computer work place design in the school environment and to evaluate this from an ergonomic and physical point of view, regarding the situation for both pupils and teachers. The study has pointed out that there is a limited ergonomic knowledge among teachers and other responsible people working in schools. This lack of awareness among the majority of teachers is affecting two different problems; firstly the physical strain children are exposed to when using computers due to bad workplace design and secondly it gives the children a lack of awareness of the importance of ergonomic aspects in workplace design. The saying “We do not train for school, we train for life” is very true, particularly in this case. To support teachers and other people in the schools, responsible for the use of and training with computers, a hand book, based on the outcome of the study, has been produced. The handbook contains headlines as Computer ergonomics in the school environment; To the teacher; To the student; Checklist and finally a short chapter: To you that only have the time to read two pages. The handbook should be distributed free of charge to all Swedish schools.
Ergonomics and economics, dilemma's and chances
Authors: Koningsveld Eur Ernst A.P. Erg , Thé Kiem A. 
Published: January 2012

Ergonomists aim to prevent occupational injuries and to improve workers' well being and their performance. Many ergonomists feel the need to prove the benefits of their work. Next to evaluation with questionnaires, economical benefits of their work should be most welcome to demonstrate their positive contribution. However, mathematical models are scarce, and calculations are not as simple as they should like. In the Netherlands two studies were carried out to estimate the macro costs of (poor) working conditions. Macro costs are considered to be the total of all costs for employers, employees and costs to society. The latter ones are the costs for social insurances and the government. The first study focused at all workers nationwide, the second one at the building and construction industry only. These studies taught us a lot about the feasibilities and impossibilities to make calculations.
The Ocra Index for Risk Assessment of Wmsds Risk with Repetitive Movements of the Upper Limbs: Further Validation Data
Authors: Occhipinti E. , Colombini D. 
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes a method for calculating a concise index of exposure to repetitive movements of the upper limbs. The proposal, which is now validated by more studies and applications, is conceptually based on the procedure recommended by the NIOSH for calculating the lifting Index. The OCRA Index in this case is based on the relationship between the daily number of actions performed by the upper limbs in repetitive tasks and the corresponding number of recommended actions, calculated as a function of the presence of risk factors. The new epidemiological studies carried out, quantifying the prevalence of WMSDs and exposure index OCRA in different tasks, confirm a significant association between OCRA and the prevalence of upper limb disorders.
A New Check List Model, Set with the Ocra Index, to Evaluate Exposure to Repetitive Movements of the Upper Limbs
Authors: Colombini D. , Occhipinti E. , Baracco A. 
Published: January 2012

When it is necessary to start the first evaluation of the presence of upper limb risk factors in a company, it is useful to adopt a simple method to value quickly their levels. For this purpose, our research team proposes a new model of check list (set with OCRA Index) to evaluate the exposure to repetitive movements of the upper limbs. This check list includes the evaluation of all the risk factors (frequency, force, posture, recovery periods and other additional risk factors): for each risk level, a fixed score is predeterminated. At the end of the task observation, it is possible to obtain a risk index, summing the partial scores of each risk.
Upper Limb Risk Assessment According to ISO/CEN Standards
Authors: Delleman Nico J. 
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the current status, general content, and application of the standards EN 1005, ISO 11226, and ISO 11228–3 concerning upper limb risk assessment. Various CEN/ISO standards provide essential elements for a risk assessment procedure concerning upper limb repetitive movements. Application in the field led to a promising result for health and safety professionals, ergonomists, etc.
Is British Police Uniform Adequate for the Task?
Authors: Hooper Robin H 
Published: January 2012

Each of 43 Police Forces in Britain test and supply their own uniform ensembles. Whilst sharing similarities, the ensembles differ. A national Uniform Project Group was established to evaluate current uniform so as to develop future provision of a uniform ‘menu’. An ergonomics contribution is presented. A range of data sources were tapped, the main one being uniformed patrol officers (UPOs) discussion groups. Seven Forces and 55 UPOs contributed. UPOs undertake a wide range of tasks in many different circumstances. Uniform must provide protection, resist injury, accommodate body armour, offer unfettered access to safety equipment (communications, self-defence) and adapt to the elements. It must provide carriage facilities for up to 21 items. Review of these is needed. Other issues included: recognisability, smartness, public perceptions and ease of care (issues raised by 51, 34, 44 & 27 participants respectively). Design specifications resulted: a layered system giving freedom of movement, minimised ‘grab’ points, allowance for body armour and utility belt providing unfettered equipment access and further carriage facilities. Quality/cost issues were addressed. Novel uniform ensembles were designed and are being evaluated. In addition to presenting summarised data and identifying tasks, responsibilities and activities of UPOs, the paper identifies consequent system and job design issues.
Work and Teamwork Transparency an Ergonomic Assessment in Operating Room Facilities
Authors: Held Jürgen , Krueger Helmut 
Published: January 2012

The objective is to analyse anaesthesia workplaces in a multidisciplinary operating room facility, to understand the causes for problematic work procedures and to decide for improvements. The analysis include: observations, computerised recording of tasks and movements with the FIT-System, video and photo documentation. Documents are designed to confront the users with their own work situation and to support the explication of their knowledge in a semi-structured interview. The results are important lacks in: the misplaced devices outside of the human's zones of reach and view, the difficult procedures to attach the lines between the patient and the devices and inconsistent workplace layouts. The causes therefore are design decision faults during the installation of the facility. The decisions for improvements are: the development of a new concept for a flexible equipment positioning and the design of a tool for cable handling. The discussion is, that from the project's beginning the users mentioned the handling of the cables and lines as the mainly cause for work difficulties. But the outstanding ergonomist had a broader view of problems. The used method invokes a mutual (ergonomist and users) learn process and results in a common understanding of the problem's background.
Retail Workstation Design with the Introduction of Prop Seats
Authors: Baxter Kim , Harrison Deanna 
Published: January 2012

Workstation design and re-design can have many objectives. Sometimes it is to identify and resolve ergonomics risk factors, sometimes it occurs due to changes in the corporate mandate or job objectives and sometimes it is initiated because of the opening of new facilities. This is an example of the design and re-design of workstations in a telecommunications retail environment based on a) risk factors identified during ergonomics assessments of existing stores, b) general ergonomics guidelines, and c) the changing business mandate and objectives of the stores. The purpose of this paper is to describe the involvement of the Human Factors department in the design process, and to discuss some of the outcomes (pros and cons) regarding the workstations and in particular, the use of prop seats.
A Standard Approach to Control Room Design
Authors: Wood John 
Published: January 2012

In the developed and developing countries most of our lives are dominated by electronic systems, whether these are for transportation, food distribution, supply of electricity or air transport. Each of these systems will require to be controlled and in most cases this will be exercised from a centralised node — a control room. Current, electronically based control rooms were preceded by mechanical ones — such as manual signal boxes on the railways — where direct linkages limited the distances between control point and operator. The advent of electronic links, replacing hydraulic and mechanical ones, revolutionised the entire topology of controlling systems. The subsequent twin effects of increasing geographic cover, and economies of scale, has raised the stakes for getting control rooms right the first time. The additional use of computers, to support the decision making undertaken by control room operators, adds yet another dimension to the complexities involved in the planning, design and implementation of control rooms. It is now clear that for most control rooms, and certainly the larger ones, a systematic approach needs to be adopted if the risks of failure are to be avoided. This paper discusses some of the key issues in control room planning and design including an approach based around the International Standard 11064 — The Ergonomic Design of Control Rooms (Ref. 1)
Health and Safety Monitor: A Web Based Tool for Automatic VDU Risk Assessment by VDU Workers
Authors: Schreibers Kirsten B.J. 
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the use of a web based tool for guided VDU risk assessment by VDU workers: the Health and Safety Monitor. This tool consists of checklists which enable VDU workers themselves to draw up an inventory of the work situation. In addition they have to select measures for identified risks and effectuate them to minimise the chance of health related complaints and to improve efficiency. As all types of workstations should have access to the tool, it is web based. The OSH department is indicated to manage and supervise use of the tool. The results of VDU assessments are gathered and kept confidential for analysis by the OSH department. As risk assessment is part of the EU Directive for VDU work any change in office lay out should be evaluated formally. Automatic assessment of VDU related risks reduces costs compared to time consuming consultation of individual employees with questions/complaints at their workplace. Also VDU workers will get involved in being responsible for correct VDU work. The risk assessment modules of the Health and Safety Monitor will in future be extended with stretching exercises, pause programs, etc.
Morphological Evolution of French Military Personnels
Authors: Mollard Régis , Hennion Pierre Yves , Coblentz Alex 
Published: January 2012

The survey realized in 1992 on a military population allowed to collect anthropometric data on 688 males and 328 females. Among 73 measurements and 3 index, 26 of them have been retained for the comparison with previous surveys. Generally used for dimensioning human body models these data represent somatic measurements of reference, as weight and stature and segmentary measurements of trunk and limbs. A comparison with previous data, collected on a equivalent military population in 1973, confirms the modifications along the time are so significant that they can be considered as a phenomenon of morphological evolution. Likewise, the modification of the academic levels, average age and socio-cultural structures in the populations are combined to increase the anthropometric variability. It appears the military population presents a morphological modification with an overall increase in weight, stature and correlated dimensions. Otherwise, a light decrease of the cormic index indicates that the morphological transformation influences on the body proportions, with an increase more notable for the lower limbs compared to the trunk. The collected anthropometric information allow to update the Individual Database of ERGODATA from which ergonomie recommendations and statistical and morphological models of the human body can be proposed.
Information Management to Support Distributed Decision-Making in the National Airspace System
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Billings Charles , Chapman Roger J. , Obradovich Jodi Heintz , McCoy C. Elaine 
Published: January 2012

For Summer 2000, the Federal Aviation Administration introduced a new collaborative procedure for reducing departure delays during weather events. This initiative involved the used of predefined Coded Departure Routes (CDRs). Goals of this procedure included: Providing airline operations centers and FAA air traffic facilities with a process for working collaboratively to develop earlier plans for dealing with predicted constraints. Giving airport control towers greater flexibility to respond to the often rapidly changing picture regarding available airspace during weather events. Keeping airline dispatchers in the loop through the early identification of alternative departure routes to expedite departures from an airport. An analysis of the use of CDRs was completed, based on interviews with staff at six airlines and four enroute air traffic control Centers, on analyses of System Command Center advisories and on analyses comparing filed with flown routes. Based on this analysis, recommendations are made for the design of improved tools for information dissemination and decision support.