{"title":"Biodynamic responses of lightweight, mediumweight and heavyweight subjects in seating posture exposed to single-axis vertical vibration","authors":"Yi Qiu, Weitan Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Lack of the biodynamic data of lightweight and heavyweight human bodies in seating posture becomes an impediment to developing dynamic dummies and relevant standards for improving vehicle ride comfort and reducing health risks caused by vibration. To acquire missing data and gain an understanding of relevant biodynamic responses, the vertical apparent masses of seated subjects in lightweight and heavyweight groups as well as the mediumweight group (targeted mass 55 kg, 98–115 kg, and 75 kg) were experimentally measured and studied under 9 vibration magnitudes (0.25, 0.315, 0.4, 0.5, 0.63, 0.8, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.6 ms<sup>−2</sup> r.m.s. with a common ratio of ca. 1.25) without and with the support of an upright backrest. Each group had twelve subjects. With an increase in the vibration magnitude from 0.25 to 1.6 ms<sup>−2</sup> r.m.s., the resonance frequency of the vertical apparent mass showed a decreasing trend. This was observed with all three bodyweight groups and two backrest conditions. Results of pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank tests showed that, when the vibration magnitude increased by a factor of ca. 1.25, its effect on the resonance frequency was statistically insignificant in most cases. The results provided data on the vertical apparent mass for the heavyweight subjects that have not been reported and augmented the database of those for the lightweight subjects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103612"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169814124000684/pdfft?md5=bb76c9db5975aa4c1035d05a6e9913ab&pid=1-s2.0-S0169814124000684-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141622757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xiaomei Wang , Farzan Sasangohar , Stephanie Payne , Ranjana K. Mehta
{"title":"Safety culture and worker fatigue management in the offshore oil and gas industry: An interview study","authors":"Xiaomei Wang , Farzan Sasangohar , Stephanie Payne , Ranjana K. Mehta","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Multiple incidents in the offshore oil and gas industry have been associated with poor safety culture. Regular assessments of safety culture among operators and contractors is recommended as part of a safety management system. Poor safety culture has also shown to impact how operators manage offshore hazards, such as worker fatigue. Assessing workers' fatigue states is also critical to ensure safety in the offshore oil industry. This paper describes findings from an interview study that aimed to identify current safety culture assessment and worker fatigue management practices in the offshore oil and gas industry. One-hour virtual semi-structured interviews were conducted with eighteen offshore oil rig supervisors. Various state-of-the-art methods for assessing safety culture (e.g., experience sampling method) and worker fatigue (e.g., physiological sensors and psychomotor vigilance test) were introduced to the participants. Participants commented on the feasibility and potential barriers to implementation/administration of the various methods, as well as how the information might be useful in their supervisory decisions. User expectations for a safety dashboard displaying data from such tools and user requirements for such a dashboard were elicited. In addition, participants completed a modified technology readiness and acceptance model questionnaire to assess participants' readiness levels and perceived usefulness of a safety dashboard. The interview results revealed a mixed understanding of what safety culture is and opinions about safety culture measurements. Participants indicated that efforts to manage fatigue currently relied solely on supervisors' observation and workers' self-reports. Participants’ opinions about the new assessment methods varied. Some were supportive and commented that the new methods will be helpful to improve supervisory-level decisions, whereas others pointed out potential compliance issues.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103614"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141732242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Semantic distance of icons: Impact on user cognitive performance and a new model for semantic distance classification","authors":"Ying Zhang , Jiang Shao , Lang Qin , Yuhan Zhan , Xijie Zhao , Mengling Geng , Baojun Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103610","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>With the continuous development of human-computer interaction technologies and the widespread use of graphical interfaces, icons that represent various objects and functions have a particularly important role. This study investigates the effect of semantic distance of icons on cognitive performance through an eye-movement-based experiment which involves a visual search for icons. The findings show that the semantic distance of icons has a significant effect on cognitive performance. A higher cognitive performance is found with semantically close icons which can better capture user attention. In addition, we use eye-movement indicators that are highly correlated with semantic distance, including mean pupil diameter, mean gaze duration and initial gaze time of an AOI, and analyze the objective relationship between these three eye-movement indicators and the semantic distance of icons to establish a dataset. The dataset is used as input for a Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT), which is a machine learning-based method for classifying the semantic distance of the icons in this study. The output of the GBDT model is classifying the semantic distance as far and close, and the experimental results show that the accuracy of the model reaches 84.28% after a comparison with other types of classifiers, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. Therefore, the model can address the relevant application requirements and simplify the evaluation process of icons to a certain extent, which has great significance in the field of icon design.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103610"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141606197","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vanessa Molinero de Paula , Júlia Teles , Teresa Patrone Cotrim
{"title":"Determinants of neck symptoms among university professors during Covid 19 pandemics","authors":"Vanessa Molinero de Paula , Júlia Teles , Teresa Patrone Cotrim","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103609","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Neck pain is one of the most prevalent painful conditions among professors. Covid-19 has led to significant changes in work organization, with remote work becoming predominant even after the pandemic. Home office obliged to use information technologies for a longer duration, give classes at distance, and adjust workstations with consequences on neck musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS). The aim of this study was to characterize the determinants of neck MSS among university professors from Brazilian Universities, in two moments, during Covid 19 pandemics.</p><p>Two cross-sectional studies were based on an online survey applied to university professors in 2020–21 and 2021–22. The samples included 220 professors in the first moment and 180 in the second one. A logistic regression model considering Cervical Musculoskeletal Symptoms in the last 12 months as the dependent variable was adjusted for each data collection period.</p><p>According to the model for the period 2020–21, the log of the odds of a professor who has neck MSS in the last 12 months was positively related with having multisite musculoskeletal symptoms, duration of work in a seated posture superior to 6 h, teleworking or using a hybrid format, having two or more dependents, self-report diseases and stress perception. For the period 2021–2022, was positively related with having multisite musculoskeletal symptoms, and age over 50 years; negatively related with the mean duration of work per week.</p><p>The knowledge of protective and risk factors has an important role in the definition of preventive strategies and the design of home office by the universities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103609"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169814124000659/pdfft?md5=3bdf0a10d751010628e9a743cd48a0e3&pid=1-s2.0-S0169814124000659-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141482885","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Heuristic evaluation and end-user testing of a machine learning-based lower-limb exercise training system for management of knee pain in individuals aged 55 years or over","authors":"Tianrong Chen , Jiayin Chen , Calvin Kalun Or","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103607","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103607","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Using machine learning techniques, we have developed an interactive exercise training system to assist individuals aged 55 years or over with knee pain to perform lower-limb exercises to improve their knee health. The system has three features: video-based exercise demonstrations, real-time feedback on exercise movements, and tracking of exercise performance and progress. The current study aimed to evaluate the design of the computer prototype of the system, and determine its usability and end users’ intention to use it (i.e., acceptance of it).</p></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><p>Heuristic evaluation and end-user testing of the computer-based prototype system were conducted. Three human factors practitioners identified the design deficiencies, with reference to 64 design principles. In addition, 10 individuals with knee pain were recruited to use the prototype system to complete five tasks in the study laboratory. We recorded and examined the task success rate, number of requests for assistance, difficulties encountered during tasks, and perceptions of usability and acceptance.</p></div><div><h3>Results</h3><p>Four design deficiencies were identified, regarding recognition and recovery of errors, navigation, auditory perception, and help documentation. Most participants had difficulty in calibrating the camera and performing exercises. However, in general, the prototype system was perceived as usable and acceptable.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The use of heuristic evaluation and end-user testing revealed the capacity to systematically detect design deficiencies in interactive self-help systems, allowing for effective system adjustments. Moreover, our system shows potential for individuals managing knee pain, but conducting iterative usability testing is necessary to identify additional improvements. Furthermore, several design propositions have been submitted.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103607"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141424192","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Personality traits affecting construction Worker's near-miss recognition performance: Analysis based on eye tracking","authors":"Shashank Muley , Chao Wang , Fereydoun Aghazadeh","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103606","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103606","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The construction industry is widely acknowledged as hazardous in nature, requiring proactive measures to mitigate accidents and minimize fatalities. While hazard recognition is recognized as a key preventive measure, research gaps persist regarding the impact of workers' personalities on near-miss identification. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the big five personality traits on construction workers' recognition of the Fatal-four near-miss incidents. Using an eye-tracking experiment conducted in a controlled environment, 35 participants were exposed to 16 well-balanced near-miss scenarios derived from actual construction sites. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires to assess their personality traits, and their near-miss recognition performance was recorded and analyzed using a wearable eye tracker. The findings revealed a significant correlation between openness/intellect and workers' attentiveness indicators. Notably, individuals with higher scores in openness/intellect displayed enhanced attentiveness during the task. Moreover, the influence analysis demonstrated that workers with low conscientiousness and low openness/intellect exhibited a higher frequency and earlier attention to Fatal-four near-miss opportunities within the presented images. This study provides empirical evidence on the relationship between personality traits, attentiveness, prioritization, and near-miss incidents in the construction industry. The results open avenues for developing personalized safety training programs tailored to individuals with lower near-miss identification abilities, thereby fostering robust safety culture within the construction sector.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103606"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141313509","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marius Latscha , Adrian Schwaninger , Jürgen Sauer , Yanik Sterchi
{"title":"Performance of X-ray baggage screeners in different work environments: Comparing remote and local cabin baggage screening","authors":"Marius Latscha , Adrian Schwaninger , Jürgen Sauer , Yanik Sterchi","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103598","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103598","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>X-ray screening of passenger baggage at airports is performed in different work settings. In local cabin baggage screening (LCBS), airport security officers (screeners) analyse X-ray images of passenger bags at the checkpoints where they are exposed to noise and social stress from passengers. In remote cabin baggage screening (RCBS), screeners work in remote, quiet, and office-like environments. The primary aim of this study was to compare the screening performance in LCBS and RCBS. In addition, we examined the effects of time on task and task load in both work settings. Using linear mixed models, we analysed threat image projection (TIP) data from 1706 screeners collected over two years (669,168 TIP events). The results showed better detection of prohibited articles (higher hit rate) and longer processing times in RCBS than in LCBS. In both settings, we found a decrease in the hit rate with increasing time on task, and this decrease was stronger when the task load was high. Interestingly, the effects of work setting, time on task, and task load were relatively small compared with the inter-individual differences in performance across screeners.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"102 ","pages":"Article 103598"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169814124000544/pdfft?md5=42bb2d9b4f7f5ddbd273dd831d862d41&pid=1-s2.0-S0169814124000544-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141302941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Revealing the synergy between formal aesthetics and product semantics: Exploring the impact of visual form on product perception","authors":"Frédérique N. Sunstrum , Oya Demirbilek , Nicole Gardner , Catherine Viengkham , Branka Spehar","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103593","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103593","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the relationships between visual form attributes (height, shape, and curvature) and product perception, particularly exploring the dynamic interplay between formal aesthetics and product semantics. The challenge of effectively incorporating formal aesthetic characteristics into the design process is addressed by adopting Gestalt theory as a guiding framework. Drawing on the Gestalt principle of Prägnanz, this research investigates the role of primary visual attributes of form on perceived Complexity, Symmetry, Harmony, and Regularity of kettle images. A central aspect of this investigation is the recognition of a product's form, which possesses the potential to influence the symbolism associated with the product's personality traits attributed by users. To this end, the study aims to acquire deeper insights into the perception of familiarity, prototypicality, beauty, and attractiveness to comprehensively analyze the overall product perception while unravelling the underlying significance of emotional responses through the product's personality. The goal of this study is to deconstruct the form attributes exhibited by eight kettles of various designs. By doing so, we seek to understand how these form attributes synergistically contribute to creating a unified perceptual whole to convey a specific character or identity. The findings offer insights into the influence of form on a product's aesthetic perception and perceived personality and how form contributes to a product's symbolic meaning. By grasping the intricacies of product perception, designers can create products that cater to the diverse needs of different user groups, ultimately leading to increased market acceptance and commercial success.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"101 ","pages":"Article 103593"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169814124000490/pdfft?md5=6c8f2ee7cdba074b8986db9b3e9aacc7&pid=1-s2.0-S0169814124000490-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141032053","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Richard Leung, Margaret M. Cook, Mike F. Capra, Kelly R. Johnstone
{"title":"Do non-healthcare workers report physical, physiological, psychological or communication impacts associated with wearing hearing and respiratory protection?","authors":"Richard Leung, Margaret M. Cook, Mike F. Capra, Kelly R. Johnstone","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103595","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103595","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Personal protective equipment (PPE) is used by workers in a wide range of industries to minimise the risk of exposure to occupational hazards. While various effects associated with their use have been investigated, there is a lack of insight on how PPE can act as a stressor, especially for non-healthcare workers. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of non-healthcare workers on the various impacts caused by common PPE types (i.e., hearing and respiratory protective devices) that may affect an individual's well-being. The study employed a cross-sectional research method via online survey, which was distributed globally targeting workers in PPE-dependent industries (with the exception of health care), and designed to explore workers' PPE usage patterns, their perceptions of how PPE impacted them, and to report any specific symptoms they experienced associated with the usage of PPE (n = 234). Communication impairments were identified as the main issue reported for both types of PPE. Frequent users of respirators perceived the use of these forms of PPE to not be helpful or effective in protecting them at work. Infrequent users of hearing protection were found to be significantly impacted by a reduction in their ability to communicate, form social and working relationships, and felt their awareness levels in the workplace were affected. Discomfort and headaches were frequently reported symptoms associated with both types of PPE, with breathing difficulties being another commonly reported symptom for those who use respirators.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"101 ","pages":"Article 103595"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169814124000519/pdfft?md5=03603990dc0b074be738f039df4ccb56&pid=1-s2.0-S0169814124000519-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141243476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Deenar Amir Virani , Anna Szatan , Soyun Oh , Amartha Gore , Latha Hebbar , Chris Goodier , Dulaney Wilson , Myrtede C. Alfred
{"title":"Identifying systems factors contributing to adverse events in maternal care using incident reports","authors":"Deenar Amir Virani , Anna Szatan , Soyun Oh , Amartha Gore , Latha Hebbar , Chris Goodier , Dulaney Wilson , Myrtede C. Alfred","doi":"10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103590","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2024.103590","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The maternal mortality rate in the US increased significantly from 20.1 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019 to 32.9 in 2021. Black women have a higher rate of mortality and also experience higher rates of severe maternal morbidity, which are life-threating maternal health complications. However, maternal mortality and SMM are preventable with timely and responsive care, suggesting opportunities to intervene at the point of care. To examine processes contributing to adverse maternal outcomes and racial/ethnic disparities in these outcomes, we analyzed 550 incident report (IRs) collected in the maternity units of a large academic hospital in 2019 and 2020. IRs were disaggregated by race/ethnicity and the IR narratives were coded using the systems factors from the SEIPS 2.0 model. <em>Tasks</em> (40%) and <em>organization</em> (30%) were most frequently reported SEIPS 2.0 categories. The majority of these incidents were the result of omissions (15%), staffing (9%), teamwork and coordination (7%), specimen labeling errors (7%), and hospital protocols (6%). These findings from this analysis can improve system safety and support the development of targeted efforts to improve health equity for women and birthing of people of color.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50317,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics","volume":"101 ","pages":"Article 103590"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2024-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140815563","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}