{"title":"An evaluation of ergonomic risks associated with tailoring tasks using the rapid entire body assessment method","authors":"A. Kanda, Yolanda Chirengendure","doi":"10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102297","url":null,"abstract":"Limited research has investigated work-related musculoskeletal disorders among informal tailors in low-income countries. This study conducted a risk assessment of the working posture of informal tailors. The postural risk for upper and lower-limb musculoskeletal disorders for 220 informal tailors was evaluated using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) method. The prevalence and severity of body part pain were assessed using the Corlett and Bishop body map questionnaire. No tailor had a negligible grand REBA score of 1 or low risk score of 2-3. Analyses showed that the hours worked per day, length of employment as a tailor and elevated grand REBA scores (8-10) were significantly associated with a higher risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Based on the REBA assessments, no tailor had an acceptable action level. The working posture of tailors needs to be immediately changed to reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102297","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42970987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Crew resource management's contribution to flight safety and operational effectiveness at the UK National Police Air Service, as understood by flight-crew","authors":"S. Bennett","doi":"10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102305","url":null,"abstract":"National Police Air Service (NPAS) pilots and tactical flight officers (TFOs) were asked a series of questions about the teamwork standard known as crew resource management (CRM). It was agreed that CRM supported safe flight and mission effectiveness. Interviewees claimed CRM was useful in helping crewmembers navigate traumatic, high-stress incidents such as murders and riots. Interviewees claimed the CRM skillset supported objective analysis of personnel issues, such as overbearing pilots or under-performing TFOs. Some suggested the constituency for CRM training should be expanded to include dispatchers, managers and others connected with the NPAS. As the interviews and flight-deck observations progressed, it emerged that the relationship between the bases and headquarters had become strained, possibly affecting morale. The NPAS must create a trusting, open and inclusive culture in which critique is welcomed and good ideas implemented. The tenets of CRM could inform transformation.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102305","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44286788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bengt Halling, Peter R. Magnusson, Martin Lyckström, K. Wijk
{"title":"Application of a sense of coherence-based leadership for productivity and health at Scania","authors":"Bengt Halling, Peter R. Magnusson, Martin Lyckström, K. Wijk","doi":"10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102306","url":null,"abstract":"The purpose was to explore if sense of coherence (SOC) theory can be used in human factors ergonomics (HFE) practice as a leadership approach to decrease the rate of sick leave and rehabilitation c ...","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102306","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43038981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Schnieders, Zhonglun Wang, R. Stone, Gary Backous, E. Klein
{"title":"The effect of human-robot interaction on trust, situational awareness, and performance in drone clearing operations","authors":"T. Schnieders, Zhonglun Wang, R. Stone, Gary Backous, E. Klein","doi":"10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102294","url":null,"abstract":"With advances in microcomputers, microprocessors, and battery form factor, small drones are seeing a growing trend of deployment. Building clearing operations, especially in active shooter scenarios, can be high risk when officers need to clear a building on their own. This study analysed the use of a small drone in a building clearing operation with a County Sheriff's Department to help mitigate the danger of single officer clearing operations. Aspects of trust (human-robotic trust survey), situational awareness (SART), mental demand (NASA-TLX), and performance (completion time and target miss rate) were measured. Fourteen officers, age 22-63 with an average of 5.4 years law enforcement experience and three years of building sweeping experience participated in the study. The results of the study indicate that the use of a single drone during clearing operation can slow down the operation, but accuracy and safety of clearing is enhanced. The use of the drone saw non-significant changes in mental workload other than temporal demand, increased situational awareness, a decrease in the number of targets missed, and a moderate level of trust.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102294","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46906567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Computational analyses of auditory discriminability using data from acceptable signal-to-noise ratio experiment","authors":"Bankole K. Fasanya","doi":"10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102301","url":null,"abstract":"The current research gap in the area of human auditory performances inspired the need to develop a mathematical model that establishes the relationship between auditory sound discriminability (d'), sound familiarity (k), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and acceptable signal-to-noise ratio (ASNR). This paper developed the mathematical models that showed the relationship between k, d', SNR and ASNR. ASNR archival data from 20 students at a public university located in the eastern region of the USA was used to validate the models. Participants' ages ranged from 23 to 35 years old. Findings from the model simulations revealed a threshold familiarity score (q*), the point at which k and SNR assumed the same value. ANOVA result showed (p < 0.0001), which indicated a statistically significant effect of ASNR and sound familiarity (k) on d' with R2 = 94%. The findings were applicable to auditory detection task only.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1504/ijhfe.2019.102301","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42803840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
I. Dianat, Nabiollah Bakhtiari, Moein Nedaei, D. Afshari
{"title":"Ergonomic design and evaluation of masons' trowels for construction work","authors":"I. Dianat, Nabiollah Bakhtiari, Moein Nedaei, D. Afshari","doi":"10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10020997","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10020997","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated the effects of five redesigned masons' trowels (with handles with variable cross-section that provided different patterns of grip) and hand anthropometry on muscle activity, usability and affordance in a working context, and the results were compared with that of the traditional design with longitudinal round cross-sectional handle. The results showed some improvements in terms of usability and affordance with the second prototype design. Usability was also improved with the first prototype trowel design, although it required higher electromyographic activity levels compared to some other designs. Hand anthropometric measures had no effect on the studied measures. The results suggest that although improving performance and usability may not necessarily be compatible objectives, the idea of cylindrical tool handles with variable cross-section can be employed advantageously to improve the tool's usability. The findings may also rule out the possibility that users' hand anthropometry is always necessary for the design of tool handle. Rather, hand tool designers and manufacturers should pay special attention to the working context and quality of hand-handle interaction to improve the design and usability of hand tools.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43295990","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors influencing employees' intention to apply ergonomics at workplaces: a cultural perspective","authors":"Noora Al-Qahtani, K. Al-Yafi, Khaled A. Alshare","doi":"10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10021008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10021008","url":null,"abstract":"We examine the determinants of employees' intention to apply ergonomics at workplace and the moderating effects of Hofstede's cultural dimensions on the proposed research model. A research model, based on the decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB), the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model (UTAUT), and Hofstede's cultural dimensions, is developed. A sample of 150 employees from the state of Qatar was used to test the proposed research model. The antecedent variables considered are attitude, social influence, perceived behavioural control, self-efficacy, facilitation conditions, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, compatibility and management support. The results show that attitude, perceived behavioural control, and social influence have significant positive effects on employees' behavioural intention to apply ergonomics at the workplace. Compatibility and performance expectancy have significant positive indirect effects on behavioural intention through attitude. Additionally, facilitation conditions and self-efficacy have significant positive indirect effects on behavioural intention through perceived behavioural control. Hofstede's cultural dimensions significantly moderate the hypothesised relationships.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45939921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
S. Davies, Jeanine L. Marnewick, S. West, M. S. Taliep, F. Rautenbach, R. Gamieldien
{"title":"The efficacy of rooibos Aspalathus linearis as an ergogenic aid during exercise","authors":"S. Davies, Jeanine L. Marnewick, S. West, M. S. Taliep, F. Rautenbach, R. Gamieldien","doi":"10.1504/IJHFE.2019.099585","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHFE.2019.099585","url":null,"abstract":"This study investigated whether rooibos herbal tea Aspalathus linearis has an ergogenic effect during a fatiguing arm strength test to exhaustion. Thirty-two male participants were randomised in a single blinded, cross-over placebo controlled study in which they ingested standardised rooibos or placebo capsules for four weeks prior to a fatiguing elbow flexion/extension exercise test entailing five sets/bouts of 15 repetitions of maximum voluntary contractions separated by 10-second rest intervals on a Biodex System 3 at a speed of 60° per second. Peak torque flexion (Nm) was consistently higher in the rooibos experimental (Re) compared to the placebo control (Pc) across the five exercise bouts, and this performance trend during flexion was also seen in the total work (joules) completed, although not significant (P > 0.05). It appears that the antioxidant properties of rooibos, may have contributed to an improvement in physical performance during a maximal isokinetic arm exercise protocol to induce fatigue.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1504/IJHFE.2019.099585","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47029844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Qureshi, K. Manivannan, V. Khanzode, S. Kulkarni
{"title":"Musculoskeletal disorders and ergonomic risk factors in foundry workers","authors":"A. Qureshi, K. Manivannan, V. Khanzode, S. Kulkarni","doi":"10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10020996","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10020996","url":null,"abstract":"The present study aims to identify activity-specific risk factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among workers from small-scale foundries in western India. The modified Nordic questionnaire is adopted to explore the prevalence of MSDs and associated critical ergonomic risk factors among 181 male foundry workers. Further, logistic regression is applied to explore critical factors causing MSDs in a foundry context. This study investigates manual materials handling (MMH) effect on MSDs prevalence and highlights 'load-handled' as the most critical risk factor. In the process, the study emphasises lower back, neck and knee as the vulnerable body parts. Additionally, it was investigated that workers from melting sections of the foundries are prone to MSDs risks that require immediate intervention. A work system model was used to frame the study and interpreted the results in the context of human-machine interaction occurring at the workspace. The results can be further coupled with engineering interventions for improved productivity in the foundry.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48438453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sanghamitra Poddar, S. C. Panja, S. N. Patra, M. Gangopadhyaya
{"title":"Human factor analysis for railway coach and bogie maintenance using principal component analysis and factor analysis","authors":"Sanghamitra Poddar, S. C. Panja, S. N. Patra, M. Gangopadhyaya","doi":"10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10020998","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1504/IJHFE.2019.10020998","url":null,"abstract":"One of the major challenges of railway transportation is to maintain the coach and bogie system for ensuring safety of passengers and goods, and maintain punctuality. In this context, there is a need to study the maintenance activities as well as humans involved in it. The present work aims to identify and analyse human factors responsible for coach and bogie maintenance of railway system. Thirty six human factors were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and factor analysis (FA) are used here. Three principal components were identified which represents 99% of the variance in the whole dataset. Factor analysis is performed on these three principal components to find most important factors based on individual factor loadings. Human machine interface, working environment, shift patterns, safety cultures, leadership, time pressure, situational awareness, perception, interpretation and training procedure were found to be few very important human factors.","PeriodicalId":37855,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48134798","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}