| Can Visual Discomfort Influence on Muscle Pain and Muscle Load for Visual Display Unit (VDU) Workers? | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 3-9 | |
| Arne Aarås; Gunnar Horgen; Magne Helland | |||
| In three different prospective epidemiological studies, correlation between
visual discomfort and average pain intensity in the neck and shoulder, were
0.30<r<0.72 for VDU workers. In the first study, correlation between
visual discomfort and pain in the neck and shoulder was 0.30<r<0.40. In
the second study, visual discomfort was related to neck pain, (r=0.40,
p=0.003). In the third study, visual discomfort correlated to neck pain
(r=0.69, p=0.000) and shoulder pain (r=0.72, p=0.000). In order to study more
in detail the correlation between visual stress and muscle load, a laboratory
study was carried out. Visual stress was induced by the size of characters on
the screen (8 points and 12 points Times New Roman) and the luminance levels in
the surroundings of the screen (between 1500 and 2300 cd/m2) versus (between70
and 100 cd/m2). The results showed that the smallest characters 8 points and
the highest luminance levels had no significant influence on the muscle load in
neck and shoulder regions. However, the productivity was significant lower when
using the 8 points characters compared with 12 points. There was also a
tendency to an increase in the number of errors made. Keywords: VDU workplaces; Lighting conditions; Visual conditions; Visual discomfort;
Musculoskeletal illness; Eye blinking | |||
| Neuromuscular Principles in the Visual System and Their Potential Role in Visual Discomfort | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 10-18 | |
| J. Richard Bruenech; Inga-Britt Kjellevold Haugen | |||
| The aim of this study was to analyse the neuromuscular arrangement in the
human extraocular muscles in order to obtain a better understanding of the
mechanisms behind visual discomfort associated with reading and VDU (visual
display unit) work. Histological evaluation of muscle samples from 10 subjects
revealed fibrous extensions from the distal insertions of rectus muscles to the
orbital wall. The number of neural elements found embedded in these collagenous
extensions suggests that nociceptors are present in large numbers, capable of
creating pain during movements of the eye. It is reasonable to assume that
these structures and other parameters described in this study can contribute to
visual discomfort associated with demanding visual tasks. Keywords: VDU-work; extraocular muscles; muscle pulleys; muscle sleeves; visual
discomfort | |||
| Forget About Aesthetics in Chair Design: Ergonomics Should Provide the Basis for Comfort | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 19-25 | |
| Marvin J. Dainoff; Leonard S. Mark; Lin Ye; Milena Petrovic | |||
| Helander and deLooze have proposed a model of seated comfort in which
comfort and discomfort are conceptually separate. They argue that ergonomic
chairs tend to be over-designed with insufficient attention paid to aesthetics.
This argument is critiqued on both methodological and conceptual grounds. The
methodological critique is based on psychometric criteria. The conceptual
critique is based on the need for an integrated (ecological) approach in which
work context and user characteristics are explicitly considered. An alternative
model for an ecological ergonomics is presented. Keywords: seated comfort; ecological ergonomics | |||
| Effects of the Office Environment on Health and Productivity 1: Auditory and Visual Distraction | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 26-33 | |
| Elsbeth de Korte; Lottie Kuijt-Evers; Peter Vink | |||
| A pilot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of visual or
auditory distraction in an office environment on productivity, concentration
and emotion. Ten subjects performed a simple, standardized computer task in
five conditions (undisturbed, 3 variations of auditory distraction and visual
distraction). Results showed no effects of visual and auditory distraction on
productivity, concentration and emotion. This implies that typical problems of
open office environments, like noise and other types of distraction, are of no
influence on productivity while performing simple computer tasks. However, it
is possible that the used method and factors like habituation, type of
distraction and type of task were of influence on the results. Keywords: health; productivity; office; distraction | |||
| Effects of Using Dynamic Office Chairs on Posture and EMG in Standardized Office Tasks | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 34-42 | |
| Rolf P. Ellegast; Rene Hamburger; Kathrin Keller; Frank Krause; Liesbeth Groenesteijn; Peter Vink; Helmut Berger | |||
| In the paper a measuring system for the comparative posture and EMG analysis
of office chairs is presented. With the system four specific dynamic office
chairs that promote dynamic sitting and therefore aim to prevent
musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), were analyzed in comparison to a reference
chair in two different standardized tasks (intensive mouse use and sorting
files). Exemplary results of the ongoing study suggest that postures and the
electrical activities of the erector spinae and trapezius muscles depend more
on the tasks performed than on the use of a particular type of office chair.
This still has to be proved by statistical analysis. Keywords: office chair; EMG; posture; measuring device; dynamic sitting | |||
| Video Display Terminals and Neck Pain: When Ophthalmology Explains the Failure of Biomechanical Intervention | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 43-47 | |
| Elvio Ferreira; Karina dos Santos Rocha Ferreira; Graziela dos Santos Rocha Ferreira | |||
| This case report presents a video display terminal (VDT) user complaining of
neck pain. It was suggested that her complains would be due to the low position
of her computer display. However, raising the monitor actually worsened the
discomfort. Being presbyopic and wearing varifocal lenses, she actually was
under-corrected -- wearing new lenses (with higher reading addition) improved
her symptoms. The role of refraction errors as a cause of neck pain and the
importance of eye examinations for VDT users are discussed. Keywords: neck pain; video display terminals; refractive errors; ergonomics | |||
| Performance Monitoring, Supervisory Support, and Job Characteristics and Their Impact on Employee Well-Being Amongst Four Samples of Call Centre Agents in South Africa | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 48-56 | |
| James Fisher; Karen Miller; Andrew Thatcher | |||
| This paper reports a descriptive comparison of selected aspects of work
experience reflected by four groups of employees drawn from four contrasting
call center environments based in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. The
call centers were selected as representing distinct business and management
practices in terms of the envisioned market and the service model enacted
within each call center. Participants were call center agents who completed a
questionnaire survey of aspects of their work life experiences and context free
life satisfaction. In addition, interviews were conducted with supervisors in
each call center to assess supervisory practice, and some follow up interviews
were conducted with call centre agents. Findings do not fit neatly into a
Tayloristic-Empowerment continuum, but rather point to a more complex balance
between the unfavorable work demands experienced and wider feelings of self
worth. Implications for job design and enhanced well being are summarized. Keywords: Call Centers; Job Design; Electronic Performance Monitoring; Well-Being | |||
| Mechanisms for Work Related Disorders Among Computer Workers | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 57-64 | |
| Mikael Forsman; Stefan Thorn | |||
| Work related musculoskeletal disorders are common among computer workers,
especially in the neck/shoulder region and the upper extremities. The relation
between physical and psychosocial work load and generation of pain is still
unclear. In this paper we describe five models. According to the often
addressed Cinderella hypothesis, the pain is due to an overuse of low threshold
muscle fibres. In a series of studies including intramuscular electromyography
from the trapezius muscle, we have found several motor units that were active
throughout coarse arm movements, during prolonged computer work tasks, and in
both voluntary and stress induced contractions. Furthermore we have seen that
motor unit statistics varies significantly between repeated measurements in one
individual, hence the method would be inappropriate for group comparisons.
Finally, we discuss a model based on a general model, literature studies, and
own research. Keywords: Mechanisms; chronic pain; Cinderella hypothesis; intramuscular
electromyography; motor units; trapezius muscle | |||
| Do Background Luminance Levels or Character Size Effect the Eye Blink Rate During Visual Display Unit (VDU) Work -- Comparing Young Adults with Presbyopes? | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 65-74 | |
| Magne Helland; Gunnar Horgen; Tor Martin Kvikstad; Arne Aarås | |||
| Eye blink rate for 19 healthy young adult volunteers (non-presbyopic) (15
females, 4 males; mean age 21.1, SD 5.9 years, range 19 to 29 years) were
measured while working at an optimised VDU work station with two different
character sizes (8 and 12 points Times New Roman). Two background luminance
levels (approx. 100 cd/m2 and 6000 cd/m2) were used as glare sources. A marked
reduction in eye blink rate from approx. 24 blinks per minute during easy
conversation in between VDU work sessions to approx. 5 blinks per minute during
active visually demanding VDU work was found. The results were compared with
the results from a previous similar study on 16 healthy presbyopic volunteers
(8 females, 8 males; mean age 57.1 SD 7.2 years, range 46 to 67 years) [1]. For
both groups a marked reduction in eye blink rate was found for VDU work
compared with a rest situation. This was true whether the character size on the
screen was "normal" (12 points) or fairly small (8 points), or whether the work
was done under good and recommended visual conditions, or under a glare
situation. Keywords: VDU-work; eye blink rate; luminance levels; character size | |||
| Do the Luminance Levels of the Surroundings of Visual Display Units (VDU) and the Size of the Characters on the Screen Effect the Accommodation, the Muscle Load and Productivity During VDU Work? | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 75-84 | |
| Gunnar Horgen; Magne Helland; Tor Martin Kvikstad; Arne Aarås | |||
| This study aims at quantifying how much a background glare situation of a
VDU, and different text sizes influence muscle load and production. Production
was evaluated both as quantity of work, and number of errors that were made.
The results showed no significant changes in the postural load in terms of
electromyographic (EMG) measurements of m. trapezius and m. infraspinatus.
However, a significant decrease in working speed and productivity was seen.
There were no significant changes in the number of errors that was done. The
transient myopic shifts (TMS) observed in an earlier study among presbyopic
users [1] were not as clear in this study. Keywords: VDU-work; Luminance; Muscle load; Myopia; Optometric corrections; Lighting | |||
| Complexity and Workload Factors in Virtual Work Environments of Mobile Work | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 85-94 | |
| Ursula Hyrkkänen; Ari Putkonen; Matti Vartiainen | |||
| This article concentrates on describing the complexity and work load factors
of mobile work done in virtual environments. A qualitative multi case study was
carried out. Six mobile employee groups were examined. The data was collected
by interviews and questionnaires. A model of complexity factors was used in
analyzing the data. The complexity factors interrelated with different types of
workload components, i.e. physical, mental and social and, furthermore, they
induced distinct workload factors. To reduce the manifestation of the workload
factors and to enhance well-being, fundamental requirements for the virtual
environment can be presented. At the levels of connection, device and
application the issue lies in the transfer capability of communication.
Compared to this at the levels of cognitive and cultural factors of the virtual
space the question is in the ability of semantic transfer of the message. Keywords: Mobile work; virtual work environment; work load factor; well-being | |||
| A Study of Personal Space in Communicating Information | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 95-104 | |
| Shigeyoshi Iizuka; Yusuke Goto; Katsuhiko Ogawa | |||
| Technologies to ensure information transfer security are being developed,
but risks remain when people enter highly confidential information like
personal data into systems in public areas. To provide complete security, we
need both communication security and physical security. Accordingly, we
conducted a fundamental study of environments designed for secure handling of
personal information in public spaces. We studied people's personal space when
they are using a PC in a public work environment. First, we conducted an
experiment to evaluate the degree of reassurance a user feels while inputting
personal information into a PC in a public work environment. Using the results,
we grouped the degrees of reassurance into four levels of "personal space in
communicating information", each for a different type of information. That is,
different types of information had different safe sizes. This confirms results
from our previous research. Keywords: Personal Space; Reassurance; Public Space | |||
| Musculoskeletal and Performance Effects of Monocular Display Augmented, Articulated Arm Based Laser Digitizing | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 105-112 | |
| Neil Littell; Kari Babski-Reeves; Gary McFadyen; John McGinley | |||
| Processes of capturing solid geometry features as three-dimensional data for
analysis, simulation, or reverse engineering require the use of laser-based
reverse engineering hardware, commonly known as digitizers. The most common
digitizers used within manufacturing contexts are articulated arm-based
coordinate measuring machines, which have been augmented with a laser-head
probe. Typical usage times for the digitizing equipment can range into the
hours, thereby placing operators at risk for the development of musculoskeletal
disorders (MSDs), though exact load magnitudes of exposure to risk factors for
MSDs during object digitization are unknown. Further, other technologies (such
as monocular/heads-up displays) may be combined with laser digitizers that may
reduce load magnitudes. This paper explores the possibility of an occluded
monocular display augmentation, results and discussion are presented. Keywords: Monocular Display; Head Mounted Display; HMD; Augmented Reality Interface;
Laser Digitizing | |||
| Work Environment and Health Effects of Operators at Light-on-Test Process in TFT-LCD Plants | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 113-117 | |
| Chih-Wei Lu; Jiunn-Woei Sheen; Shin-Bin Su; Shu-Chun Kuo; Yu-Ting Yang; Chein-Wen Kuo | |||
| TFT-LCD (thin film transistor liquid crystal display) industries have been
grown-up in Taiwan. Many workers are at light-on test workstations in TFT-LCD
factories. At the light-on test station, the operator has been exposed to the
lower ambient illumination (105.10 lx) for a long time (12hour/1day). There are
few researches discussed about health effect of workers of TFT-LCD workers. The
aim of this research is to measure the illumination of the light-on test
station and to collect the work environmental data for exposure assessment. The
work environment information of test workstations has been measured such as
ambient illumination and illumination of the five types of test color of LCD
(red, green, blue, white, gray), visual angle, and visual distance between
worker and LCD test board. The results shows that: 1) the light-on test was a
long-term operation of lower ambient illumination (4.00 lx to 105.1 lx) and
shorter visual distance (28.04 cm to 34.43cm); 2) the means of illumination of
LCD board of different test color are 10.90 lx in red, 41.20 lx in green, 18.00
lx in blue, 67.30lx in white, and 13.80 in gray. Light-on test is a task of low
ambient illumination, short visual distance and long-term job in TFT-LCD
factories. Some workers complained about visual fatigues. Under this working
environment, the more working duration workers have the more visual discomfort
they complain. Some administration controls have been suggested such as more
time of rest, lubrication of eyes by appropriate solution and job rotation. Keywords: work environment; Light-on-test; TFT-LCD; health effects | |||
| Techno Stress: A Study Among Academic and Non Academic Staff | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 118-124 | |
| Raja Ibrahim Raja Zirwatul Aida; Abu Bakar Azlina; Md Nor Siti Balqis | |||
| In the 21st century, the technological momentum has increased far beyond our
expectations. Thus, there is a growing perception that rapid advancements in
technology are responsible for inducing stress into our lives. Reuters Business
Information Services conducted a study of 1300 managers throughout United
States, England, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore, and found out that 33%
reported ill-health as a result of information overload and 66% reported
increased tension with work colleagues and diminished job satisfaction caused
by information overload. The literature suggests that while new technologies
may offer many benefits, they may also contribute to increased job stress and
strain. Information overloads and multitasking, both associated with ICT (Paoli
[1]), may create stress by contributing to work overload. The adoption, rapid
diffusion and evolution of ICT have introduced a number of new demands into
workplace that leads to job stress. Technology stress (Techno Stress) can be
defined as a modern disease of adaptation caused by an inability to cope with
new computer technologies in a healthy manner. Clear symptoms of Techno Stress
include inability to concentrate on a single issue, increased irritability and
feeling of loss of control. The study was conducted among academic and non
academic staff in order to measure the level of their stress. Besides, it aims
to identify the difference of stress level between academic and non academic
staff, and the difference of gender in term of stress. Looking at the negative
impact of ICT, this study is very important that enables the researcher to
identify the stress related its usage. Furthermore, findings might be used to
guide psychologist, counselor and other professional to outline strategic
planning dealing with Techno Stress. 80 respondents from Pulau Pinang and
Terengganu completed questionnaires comprises demographic section (8 items) and
47 items on Personnel Techno Stress Inventory (PTSI) previously used by Weil
& Rosen [2] with reliability 0.71. Domains of Techno Stress can be
classified as learning, border, communication, time, family, workplace and
community. The instrument was revised, simplified and finalized according to
the result of pilot test. The result reliability using Cronbach's reliability
was 0.61. Result shows a moderate level of stress among the respondents. There
is no significant difference of stress in term of gender and occupation
(academic and non academic staff). Limitations of the study and suggestions for
further research are discussed. Keywords: Technology; Stress; Academic; Non Academic; Staff | |||
| Call Centres in the Domain of Telecommunications: Ergonomic Issues for Well-Being Improvement | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 125-134 | |
| Alessandra Re; Enrica Fubini | |||
| The present work examines the ergonomic issues of a larger interdisciplinary
research on well-being, conducted with a systemic approach in a call-centre
pertaining to the domain of telecommunications. The research aimed to define
the concept of well-being along three lines of investigation: psychological,
medical, and ergonomic and, on this basis, to provide an analysis for improving
operators' well-being and performance. The paper analyzes the ergonomic issues,
which have been investigated in relation to the aforementioned lines, and, in
the final phase of the research, included in a common tool of quantitative
survey submitted to 421 operators. Keywords: call centres; well-being; ergonomic work analysis | |||
| Health and Performance Consequences of Office Ergonomic Interventions Among Computer Workers | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 135-143 | |
| Michelle M. Robertson | |||
| An investigation of the effects of office ergonomics interventions on
musculoskeletal health and group performance among computer knowledge workers
was conducted. A flexible workspace and office ergonomics training program were
designed and created. It was hypothesized that the training and workplace
intervention would allow the worker to more effectively use their workspace
through increased office ergonomics knowledge and skills. Following the
intervention, there was a significant decrease in self-reported musculoskeletal
disorders for the experimental group who had a workplace change and received
ergonomic training relative to a workplace change-only group and a control
group. Business process efficiency analyses revealed that both the workspace
and training interventions significantly contributed to reductions in the time
required to complete the business processes that were tracked. Keywords: office ergonomics intervention; performance; musculoskeletal discomfort | |||
| Splint Effect on the Range of Wrist Motion and Typing Performance | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 144-150 | |
| Yuh-Chuan Shih; Bi-Fen Tsai | |||
| This study examined the splint effect on both maximal range of wrist motion
(MROWM) and typing performance (typing speed and error rate). Three types of
splints were evaluated, and bare-hand condition was included for comparison.
The ANOVA results indicated that wearing splints reduced the MROWM in radial
deviation, extension, and flexion, as well as the typing speed. Wearing splints
did not change the MROWM in ulnar deviation or typing error rate. Additionally,
participants reported subjectively that wearing splints increased the
difficulty to type. Keywords: Splint; Typing; Range of wrist motion | |||
| The Impact of VDU Tasks and Continuous Feedback on Arousal and Well-Being: Preliminary Findings | | BIBA | Full-Text | 151-156 | |
| Michel Varkevisser; David V. Keyson | |||
| In the present study the impact of VDU tasks differing in mental load and feedback were investigated in relation to physiological arousal and well-being. Healthy students (N= 37, age 18-30 years) were included in the study. The subjects were divided in two groups starting with either a standard/feedback version of the Dual task (high task load), or a standard/feedback version of the Stroop task (moderate task load). Presently, we report the preliminary outcomes of this study. Overall, well-being gradually decreased and arousal increased while performing the consecutive VDU tasks. Furthermore, in HRA, mental effort, and subjective arousal a differentiation could be made between the two groups. When subjects commenced with a task with a high mental load (dual task), it had a higher impact on arousal and well-being as a function of time. Feedback did not appear to play an important role on a subjective and physical level. | |||
| Effects of the Office Environment on Health and Productivity 1: Effects of Coffee Corner Position | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 157-162 | |
| Peter Vink; Elsbeth de Korte; Merle Blok; Liesbeth Groenesteijn | |||
| New technology will make it possible to have access to information
everywhere. As a result "face to face" communication with colleagues could
reduce and creativity and health could be influenced negatively. In this paper
a coffee corner is changed and the effect on communication is tested by
measuring the number of conversations at the coffee corner. A coffee corner
with screens, tables and a possibility to sit, resulted in more conversation
than a coffee corner that is open and had no seats. In both coffee corners more
than 4 out of 5, were conversations about work. These informal discussions
could contribute to productivity as many informal conversations increase
creativity. It could also contribute to a better health as social support could
reduce stress. Keywords: health; productivity; creativity; office interior; coffee corner | |||
| Guerilla Ergonomics: Perceiving the Affordances for Workplace Design | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 163-168 | |
| Lin Ye; Milena Petrovic; Marvin J. Dainoff; Leonard S. Mark | |||
| A successful ergonomic intervention involves creating affordances that
support safe, effective, productive and comfortable working conditions.
Guerilla ergonomics entails creating the requisite affordances using objects
that are readily available in the workplace. This often means using objects in
ways not intended in their original design. As such this has the advantage of
creating viable working conditions quickly and cheaply. Workers learn how to
adapt quickly to new problems or changes in the work environment. Our research
has shown that the perception of the affordance for an object's intended use
can interfere with a person's ability to see other uses for the object.
Practice in perceiving new uses for objects as well as compiling a directory of
possible solutions may help overcome these limitations. Keywords: Affordance; workplace ergonomics; ergonomic intervention | |||
| Constraints on Demarcating Left and Right Areas in Designing of a Performance-Based Workstation | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 171-179 | |
| Hyeg Joo Choi; Leonard S. Mark; Marvin J. Dainoff; Lin Ye | |||
| The purpose of this study was to show the constraints that demarcate right
and left areas in designing a performance-based workstation. As a part of the
larger project, the current experiment was designed to determine the
directional location at which people change from using their right hand to
using their left hand when reaching for a pen to write their name. The results
from 21 right-handed participants showed that their left hand was not used
significantly in any azimuth lines. Although right-handed participants used
their left hand more often as the target location approached their
contralateral side of their body, the frequencies of left hand use were not
significantly dominant even beyond the left shoulder plane used in this
experiment. Along with findings from previous work, we conclude that for this
particular task the hand-use transition occurs beyond 20 degrees left of left
shoulder plane. The location of this boundary is markedly farther to the left
than identified in other research, thereby demonstrating the importance of task
constraint in describing work area. Keywords: Lab study; constraints; reach; handedness; performance-based approach;
workstation design | |||
| Design of an Adaptive Feedback Based Steering Wheel | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 180-188 | |
| Mauro Dell'Amico; Stefano Marzani; Luca Minin; Roberto Montanari; Francesco Tesauri; Michele Mariani; Cristina Iani; Fabio Tango | |||
| This paper aims at describing the architectural model of an adaptive
force-feedback for a By Wire steering wheel system. This solution uses a
steering wheel to replicate the reactive torque law which allows the driver to
complete a precise driving scenario or a task with the higher performances.
Then, the steering wheel adapts the reactive torque to the driving scenario.
Since the design of this system considers the driver performances, it is called
Ergonomic Steer-By-Wire. Now a prototype version of the ESBW is connected on a
professional driving simulator and several tests are going to be conducted in
order to tune the system components. Adapting the force feedback to the driving
scenario could be a solution for improving driver's safety and vehicle control. Keywords: HMI; steer-by-wire; driver performances | |||
| Virtual Reality in the Study of Warnings Effectiveness | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 189-198 | |
| M. Emília C. Duarte; Francisco Rebelo | |||
| Warnings are a very important method to control hazards and to promote
safety. Despite its importance, warnings have important gaps that limit their
validity and make its design so difficult. In this sense, warnings
effectiveness evaluation is crucial to guarantee effective people safety.
However, warnings traditional evaluation methodologies have several
limitations. To this extent, the main purpose of this work is to determine
Virtual Reality (VR) ecological validity as a warnings evaluation technique. We
describe a methodology that uses VR as a technique to evaluate safety signs.
The main advantages of VR use, associated with the interaction level, are
discussed. Keywords: Warnings; Behaviour; Effectiveness; Virtual Reality; Interaction | |||
| An Interactive System to Measure the Human Behaviour: An Analysis Model for the Human-Product-Environment Interaction | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 199-206 | |
| Ernesto Filgueiras; Francisco Rebelo | |||
| The analysis of Mans' interaction with the elements of a system has a
fundamental purpose in the ergonomic analysis of work situations, as well as,
in the design of new tasks and products. This analysis involves the collection
of Human activity's information, in specific conditions, in a usable format to
be used in the following stages, particularly in ergonomic intervention. In
this work a systematic method is presented for observation of the behavior of
workers' interaction in a real work situation. Keywords: Ergonomic analysis; Video analysis; Behavior | |||
| Computer, Television and PlayStation Use in Developmental Age: Friends or Enemies of Growth and Health? Study on a Northern Italy Sample 6-14 Year Old | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 207-215 | |
| Enrica Fubini; Margherita Micheletti Cremasco; Elisabetta Toscano | |||
| The indiscriminate use of new technologies can compromise a correct and
harmonic physical development of children because of inadequate workstations
and maintenance of wrong postures, and moreover because of the immoderate time
dedicated to sedentary activities instead of physical ones. The paper examines
the children's excessive use of computer, TV and PlayStation at home, and the
physical problems they feel after their use. Furthermore it analyses the
ergonomic suitability of students' workplaces and environment. It emphasizes
also the importance of knowledge dissemination of ergonomic principles among
teachers and families, in order to reduce children's risk of musculoskeletal
disorders and damages to their visual system. Keywords: computer; television; PlayStation; children's health | |||
| Ergonomic Requirements for Input Devices | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 216-224 | |
| Ulrike M. Hoehne-Hueckstaedt; Sandra Keller Chandra; Rolf P. Ellegast | |||
| The aim of this literature research was to gather information on ergonomic
requirements for input devices that are provided by investigations applying
biomechanical criteria. Firstly, international and national standards,
guidelines as well as checklist of this topic had been looked for and their
propositions were summarised. Secondly, a query on Internet search engines and
databases had been conducted. A ranking system for the selected articles had
been installed in order to comprehensibly rate the information obtained from
each study. For every regarded input device, i.e. keyboard, mouse, trackball,
graphic tablet/stylus and additionally forearm/wrist support, biomechanically
based assessment parameters were deducted and outlined. Finally, these findings
were discussed with respect to the recommendations of the standards and an
overall ergonomic design of office workplaces with VDTs. In conclusion, this
will lead to the development of a checklist for keyboards and mice that should
be evaluated by occupational health practitioner. Keywords: office ergonomics; input devices; musculoskeletal disorders; biomechanical
criteria | |||
| Factors Relating to Computer Use for People with Mental Illness | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 225-230 | |
| Yan-hua Huang; Ching-yi Wu; Tzyh-chyang Chang; Yen-ju Lai; Wen-shuan Lee | |||
| People with metal illness, especially schizophrenia, usually experience
obstacles in computer and internet access. The purpose of this study is to
investigate factors relating to computer use among Taiwanese adults with mental
illness. Individual and semi-structured interviews were used during data
collection. Grounded theory data analysis method was used in data analysis.
There were one male and six females who live in the community that participated
in this research. Results showed that information access, information literacy,
information application, family information agency, and personal clinical
characteristics were related to computer use. The results of this study may
assist computer, education and health professionals in their work with people
with mental illness to reduce the digital divide and to experience a better
life by expanding their choice of activities through computer and internet
access. Keywords: Computer Access; Digital Divide; Occupational Therapy; Rehabilitation;
Schizophrenia; Special Education | |||
| A Biomechanical Analysis System to Evaluate Physical Usability of Kimchi Refrigerator | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 231-236 | |
| Inseok Lee; Jae Hee Park; Tae-Joo Park; Jae Hyun Choi | |||
| A biomechanical analysis system, consisting of measurement and analysis
subsystems, were developed and applied in evaluating the physical usability of
a kimchi refrigerator. In the system, 3D motion measurement system and force
platform system were used in measuring joint positions, ground reaction forces
and moments. The systems also includes 3 analysis modules: kinematic, kinetic,
and 3DSSPP analyses. Kimchi refrigerator, which is very popular as a specific
refrigerator for kimchi, a Korean traditional dish, was evaluated using the
system. The refrigerator is designed as a top-cover that makes the users feel
uncomfortable in using it, though most people think it is a very useful
product. The result showed it is possible to evaluate the physical usability of
the refrigerator using the system effectively and reliably. Keywords: biomechanical analysis; 3D motion analysis; physical usability; kimchi
refrigerator | |||
| An Experimental Study on Physiological Parameters Toward Driver Emotion Recognition | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 237-246 | |
| H. Leng; Y. Lin; L. A. Zanzi | |||
| Although many emotion recognition methods have been developed, monitoring a
driver's emotions during driving is still a challenge because some special
requirements must be met. This study begins with the classification of emotion,
and then proceeds to emotion recognition. In particular, this study presents
the applications of blood volume pressure, skin conductance, skin temperature,
gripping force, respiration rate, and facial expression in emotion recognition.
Experiments are designed and carried out to find the mapping relation among
heart rate, skin conductance, and skin temperature to two kinds of emotions:
fear and amusement. The experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of
using the selected physiological parameters to monitor drivers' emotions. Keywords: physiological signal; emotion recognition; multimodality; driving | |||
| A Kinematic Analysis of Directional Effects on Trackball Mouse Control in Novel Normal Users: An Alternating Treatments Single Subject Design | | BIBA | Full-Text | 247-256 | |
| Ling Fu Meng; Ming-Chung Chen; Chi Nung Chu; Chiu-Ping Lu; Ting-Fang Wu; Ching-Ying Yang; Jing-Yeah Lo | |||
| To know the directional efficiency of cursor moving is important for the purpose of guiding the rearrangement of icons and toolbars in the window environment. This rearrangement resolution can achieve better computer access especially in the clients with quadriplegia. However, the information about the directional efficiency of cursor movement is not clear even in the typical persons. Therefore, before surveying the quadriplegics, typical persons were researched in this study. Four typical persons simulated quadriplegics to operate trackball with their right dorsal hand and the kinematic parameters of cursor moving were measured. The single subject experimental research (SSER) with alternating treatments design was used to compare the effects of four cursor moving direction (right to left, down to up, left to right, and up to down) on the kinematic variables. The prior auto-correlation coefficients and Bartlett's ratio values were computed to make sure there was no any series dependence between measuring points before conducting parametric one-way repeated measures ANOVAs. From analyzing the parameter of deviation from the straight line, velocity, movement unit and execution time, the efficiency to move on the horizontal direction (left to right or right to left) was better than move on the vertical direction (up to down or down to up). To further know the cursor kinematic performances in patients with quadriplegics will be important. | |||
| An Evaluation Study for a 3D Input Device Based on Ergonomic Design Criteria | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 257-266 | |
| Tobias Nowack; Stefan Lutherdt; Torsten Gramsch; Peter Kurtz | |||
| To compare traditionally established 3D-input-devices with a new
ergonomically motivated equipment, an evaluation software is needed. With this
software the control of different 3D-input-devices has to be applicable. The
main attention of the evaluation is to determine the advantages of the new
developed HAPTOR-device. The HAPTOR is an user-centred table based
3D-input-device. Intuitively used paths of the hand should be the basics of
that device. To evaluate the users comfort additionally to the log parameters
of the software, questionnaires and observation are necessary. Keywords: User-centred design; 3D-input; evaluation software; reachable space of
motion; ergonomically motivated equipment | |||
| Investigation and Implementation of the Advanced Wireless Medical Registration Solution in China | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 267-273 | |
| Yue Ouyang; Shanghong Li; Xiupeng Chen; Guixia Kang | |||
| Compared with the huge number of Chinese population, the medical treatment
resource is very scarce. A universal and serious phenomenon emerges, that is,
the registration becomes more and more difficult especially in some famous
hospitals. There is always a long queue for registration and time is wasted. Is
there not a technique to make the registration process more efficient? In this
paper, we provide a new application, a WAP-based wireless registration
solution, which aims to solve the medical registration problem in China. It
will bring advantages in both healthcare service domain and WAP industry link. Keywords: wireless medical registration; WAP; WML; PUSH | |||
| Effectiveness of Multimedia Systems in Children's Education | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 274-283 | |
| Francisco Rebelo; Ernesto Filgueiras | |||
| Presently multimedia has become part of youngsters' daily life, although the
quality is not always satisfactory. Sadly, many multimedia resources are not
used as tools for socializing, transmitting knowledge and know-how for
improving society. This paper presents methodological features for the
development of a multimedia tool that combines Participative Design and User
Centred Design methodologies, to improve knowledge in the Ergonomics and
Occupational Safety and Health for children domain. Keywords: Multimedia Systems; User Centred Design; Participative Design; Usability | |||
| An Expert System to Support Clothing Design Process | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 284-289 | |
| Michele Santos; Francisco Rebelo | |||
| In the context of expert systems technologies and human computer
interaction, the goal of this project is to construct an interactive design
support to fashion designers when designing work-wear or corporate-wear
clothes. This system will be fed by a semantic database that describes the
relations between function and clothes specific context of use under the user's
perspective. This application will contain relevant information for clothes
designers and producers, alerting them to the user's clothes preferences
adequate to a certain task, and hopeful, an added value to be included in the
beginning of the design process. To gather all this information it will be
studied the user's real work situation and preferences under Kansei Engineering
and Rough Set methodology. The outcomes of this study could help clothing
designers to suggest effective user centred design clothes. Keywords: Expert system; Clothing design; Design process; Kansei; Rough Sets; Uniform
/ Work-wear clothes | |||
| Interaction and Ergonomics Issues in the Development of a Mixed Reality Construction Machinery Simulator for Safety Training | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 290-299 | |
| Alvaro Segura; Aitor Moreno; Gino Brunetti; Thomas Henn | |||
| We present the work on a simulator of construction machinery developed to
train workers in their safe use. The simulation setup consists of a real
versatile cabin placed on a motion platform in order to provide a realistic
interaction with the system and a stereoscopic augmented reality system for
visualization. We present some insights into the mixed reality setup we used
for complex construction machines and discuss the interaction and usability
problems that have arisen during its development and testing. Visualization has
been implemented as a chroma-key-based mixed reality system, which combines the
3D virtual environment, the real cabin interior, and some superimposed messages
to the user. As a result of our experience, we describe the main problems
encountered from a usability and ergonomics point of view. Keywords: Interaction; Ergonomics; Mixed Reality; Construction Machinery; Simulator;
Safety; Training | |||
| Performance Improvement of Pulse Oximetry-Based Respiration Detection by Selective Mode Bandpass Filtering | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 300-308 | |
| Hojune Seo; Sangbae Jeong; Jinha Kim; Seunghun Park; Minsoo Hahn | |||
| In this paper, an improved method to detect respirations by pulse oximetry
during exercise is proposed. As a method for robust respiration detection,
fixed bandpass filtering to block the heart beat signals is commonly utilized.
But the fixed bandpass filtering cannot guarantee reasonable performances when
the HR (Heart Rate) is varied highly. Therefore, the respiration detection
performance is degraded. In the proposed algorithm, the HR information is used
to estimate the RR (Respiration Rate). Using the RR, the corresponding bandpass
filter (BPF) is selected to detect respiration points. The selection of the
passband makes the proposed algorithm possible to guarantee the performance
during exercise. Our test results show that the overall estimation error of the
proposed algorithm was 20.32% during exercise. Keywords: pulse oximetry; SpO2; health care system; biometric signal processing
algorithm; respiration detection | |||
| Development of Electric Wheelchair with Operational Force Detecting Interface for Persons with Becker's Muscular Dystrophy | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 309-318 | |
| Motoki Shino; Takenobu Inoue; Minoru Kamata | |||
| Even if some adjustment is provided, it is still harder for disabled people
to use the joystick to operate the wheelchair although they can move their
bodies. There is considerable difference in disabled characteristics among
individuals. To deal with this difficulty, clarifying each person's
characteristics and understanding one's individual characteristics are
important issues for the proposal of their operation systems. This paper aims
to propose the new operation interface, which generates no stress in operation,
considering the physical characteristics among those who feel difficulty in
operating with joystick. The subject for system validation is set to be a man
who has Becker's muscular dystrophy as patient. Keywords: Human Interface; Electric Wheelchair; Operation; Severely Disabled; Becker's
Muscular Dystrophy | |||
| How Users with RSI Review the Usability of Notebook Input Devices | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 319-328 | |
| Christine Sutter | |||
| Musculoskeletal problems are increasingly occurring and are predominately
attributed to a frequent and highly repetitive use of input devices. Earlier
studies [e.g. 1, 2, 3] showed that the exposure to input devices cause health
risks. Even young and healthy users reported severe discomfort in finger and
hand after executing cursor control tasks over 2-4 hours. For motion-impaired
users also a distinct increase of discomfort was observed, but combined with
longer work and rest periods compared to healthy users [4]. The present survey
aims at RSI-impaired users. Three RSI-case studies were reported. Compared to
healthy users RSI-impaired users were distinctly more sensitive towards
exposure [cp. 3]. In can be concluded that RSI-impaired computer users limit
the usefulness of notebook input devices as found for keyboard and mouse [4].
They face great barriers in terms of effort and highly rely on low demanding,
low repetitive input tasks, and on adequate rest periods. Keywords: RSI; Musculoskeletal Discomfort; Exposure; Notebook Input Device | |||
| Dynamic Mouse Speed Scheme Design Based on Trajectory Analysis | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 329-338 | |
| Kuo-Hao Tang; Yueh-Hua Lee | |||
| Windows GUI allows user to define pointer speed and precision, however, the
settings are fixed and not adaptive to different pointing tasks in real time.
This study proposes a dynamic mouse speed (DMP) scheme that dynamically changes
the pointer speed by calling SPI_SETMOUSESPEED. Results show that DMP setting,
on average, outperformed some commonly used Windows built-in settings. However,
the advantage of DMP setting occurred more significantly for longer moving
distance. For short moving distance, the advantage was not clear. In addition,
the advantage of DMP was not on all directions. For some directions, especially
when moving distance was short, Windows built-in settings outperformed DMP
setting. Keywords: Mouse; Cursor trajectory; Overshooting; Dynamic mouse speed;
Control-response ratio | |||
| Problematic Internet Use in South African Information Technology Workers | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 339-348 | |
| Andrew Thatcher; Gisela Wretschko; James Fisher | |||
| The majority of studies that have looked at Internet addiction and
problematic Internet use have focused either on university students or high
school pupils as groups at high risk of experiencing problems as a result of
their Internet use. This study adopts the approach that within the context of
limited access to the Internet, those with access are obviously more at risk
than those without access. With this in mind, this paper looks at the
prevalence and correlates of problematic Internet use in a sample of 1399
information technology workers. The results indicate that the prevalence of
problematic Internet use in this sample was 3.22%, significantly lower than in
other studies. Information technology workers were more likely to display
symptoms of problematic Internet use if they were younger and male, if they
spent a large amount of time online, but not if they had only recently started
using the Internet. The best predictors of problematic Internet use were
procrastination, using online chat, spending a long period of time online in a
single session, and going online more frequently per week. These results are
discussed in relation to previous studies of problematic Internet use from
around the world. Keywords: Problematic Internet use; information technology workers; online
procrastination; Internet addiction | |||
| A Novel Design for an Ultra-Large Screen Display for Industrial Process Control | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 349-358 | |
| Øystein Veland; Malvin Eikås | |||
| While large screen display technology has been used in process control rooms
for many years, it still remains an immature area where there are few examples
of successful utilization of its potential benefits in providing essential
support to control room crews. We present a solution claimed to represent a
major breakthrough in the transfer of modern Human System Interface concepts
for process control from the research community to large-scale industrial
application. The design principles and approaches that have emerged from this
interaction between research and real-life problems are presented, including
the novel design challenges imposed by the use of a new type of ultra-large
screen technology. Keywords: Human-computer interface display design; large screen; industrial
applications; human-centered design; visual constraints; information design;
ecological interface design | |||
| Methodology to Apply a Usability Testing by Non Specialized People: Evaluation of the European Platform "e-Exhibitions" | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 359-367 | |
| Elisângela Vilar; Ernesto Filgueiras; Francisco Rebelo | |||
| This paper presents a methodology developed to the Usability analysis of a
platform to create and publish virtual exhibitions (e-Exhibitions Platform).
This methodology was developed considering its application by anybody without
large experience in usability testing. The methodology was applied with success
in Portugal, Italy and Germany with a sample of 18 subjects. This methodology
intends to fill the gap related to the long-distance usability testing applied
by people without experience in this kind of test. Keywords: Usability Testing; Methodology; Usability tools; Protocol | |||
| Evaluation of Guiard's Theory of Bimanual Control for Navigation and Selection | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 368-377 | |
| Xu Xia; Pourang Irani; Jing Wang | |||
| Two-handed interaction is a very common paradigm that is gaining popularity
in the fields of medical tele-operation, gaming, and large-scale design. In
this paper, we validate Guiard's theory of bimanual control for the tasks of
navigation and selection. We present the related literature and the theoretical
models that motivate the research, in particular Guiard's theory of bimanual
control. Two experiments are designed to verify and establish the relationship
between navigation and selection in bimanual interaction based on Guiard's
theory. The contributions assist interaction designers in developing adequate
tools for bimanual operation. Keywords: Unimanual; Bimanual; Navigation; Selection; Dominant Hand; Non-dominant
Hand; Guiard's model | |||
| Evaluation Approach for Post-stroke Rehabilitation Via Virtual Reality Aided Motor Training | | BIBAK | Full-Text | 378-387 | |
| Shih-Ching Yeh; Jill Stewart; Margaret McLaughlin; Thomas D. Parsons; Carolee J. Winstein; Albert A. Rizzo | |||
| This paper introduces an evaluation approach that was applied to clinical
data collected from a virtual reality aided motor training program for
post-stroke rehabilitation. The goal of the proposed evaluation approach is to
diagnose the patient's current status (performance) and detect change in status
over time (progression). Three measures, performance time, movement efficiency,
and movement speed, were defined to represent kinematic features of reaching.
3-D performance maps and progression maps were generated based on each
kinematic measure to visualize a single patient's behavior. The case study
revealed the patient's current status as to direction and range of upper
extremity reach ability, composed of pitch, yaw and arm length. Further,
progression was found and visualized quantitatively over a series of practice
sessions. Keywords: Virtual reality; rehabilitation; evaluation approach; human computer
interaction | |||