Ergonomic Reliability Assessment of VDT Systemfor Operation Design Based on Improved BPNN and HCR under Special Circumstances

Ergonomic reliability plays a significant role in the safe operation of devices.With the spread of infectious diseases around the world,in work environments with high loads and high infection rates,medical staff work in a state of high self-protection.The use of visual display terminal(VDT)for medical equipment has undergone fundamental changes,and the traditional medical equipment human-machine interface design needs to be improved.After the completion of design and development,a VDT design enters the experimental testing stage,which has significant limitations for simulating the work of medical staff in the high-load and high-infection environments.The testing cost is high,and subjects face harsh conditions;thus,an ergonomic reliability model that can predict the use of VDT in such special high-infection and high-load circumstances must be established.An ergonomic reliability model based on an improved backpropagation neural network(BPNN)and human cognition reliability(HCR)is proposed for predicting and evaluating operation flows according tomedical equipment VDTs.Firstly,a small data sample can be used to train BPNN to generate a network that can ensure suitable accuracy.To prevent the model from falling into local optimal solutions,the bat algorithm is introduced to improve the BPNN.Compared to a traditional BPNN,the superiority of the improved BPNN is clearly demonstrated.Secondly,the HCR method is used to analyze and highlight changes in the human factor reliability of VDTs for medical equipment in different time processes and operating processes according to BPNN prediction results,to provide a reference for selecting the optimalmethod.Finally,the validity and availability of the proposedmethod are verified through an eye tracker experiment and statistical analysis results.

STUDY ON ERGONOMICS AND ITS USE IN THE HARVESTING SYSTEM

This paper describes the researching aim and content of Ergonomics.Some prob-lems existing in modern harvesting system,such as machinery availability,cabin design,occupational accident,noise and vibration are discussed from the viewpoint of Ergonomics.Furthermore,some improving ways and suggestions are presented.

虚拟装配中DELMIA/Ergonomics的应用研究

介绍了虚拟装配以及DELMIA/Ergonomics模块功能。应用DELMIA/Ergonomics引入了人体模型;通过调整人体模型尺寸及其姿态并结合人机工程学对装配工具进行尺寸修改设计;结合虚拟装配技术,对装配模型进行虚拟装配,从而检验了装配模型的装配可达性,体现了人机工程学在虚拟装配中的作用。

The Analysis and Research on Design Features of the Modern Campus Sign System

With China's rapid development of the construction of modern campus,the school's increasing popularity and status as well as the growing number of foreign exchange.Current campus information,human development has gradually become a new issue on the development and construction of schools.The article through the analyzing on design features of the modern Campus Sign System to meet the needs of different groups,and the information can be effective used through the modern Campus Sign System between peoples and campus.So that in their daily life,work and other needs are fully met.

Clinical outcomes and ergonomics analysis of three laparoscopic techniques for Hirschsprung's disease

AIM: To report the clinical outcomes and ergonomics analysis of three laparoscopic approaches in the management of Hirschsprung's disease(HD).METHODS: There were 90 pediatric patients(63 boys, 27 girls; mean age: 3.6 ± 2.7 mo; range: 1.0-90.2 mo) who underwent laparoscopic endorectal pull-through Soave procedures for short- and long-segment HD in our hospital. Three laparoscopic approaches were used: conventional laparoscopic pull-through(CLP) in 30 patients between 2009 and 2013, single-incision laparoscopic pull-through(SILP) in 28 patients between 2010 and 2013, and hybrid single-incision laparoscopic pull-through(H-SILP) in 32 patients between 2011 and 2013. We applied the hybrid version of the single-incision approach in 2011 to preserve the cosmetic advantage of SILP and the ergonomic advantage of CLP. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, cosmetic results, and ergonomics of these three approaches to have a better understanding of the selection of one approach over another. RESULTS: The CLP, SILP, and H-SILP groups were similar in regard to age, sex, transition zone, blood loss, hospital stay, and intraoperative complications. Early and late postoperative results were not different, with equal daily defecation frequency and postoperative complications. No conversion to open technique was needed and none of the patients had recurrent constipation. With proper training, the ergonomics challenges were overcome and similar operative times were registered for the general operative time in the patients < 1 year of age and the short-segment HD patients. However, significantly shorter operative times were registered compared to SILP for patients > 1 year of age(CLP and H-SILP: 120 ± 15 min and 119 ± 12 min, respectively, vs 140 ± 7 min; P < 0.05) and for long-segment HD patients(152 ± 3.5 min and 154 ± 3.6 min, respectively, vs 176 ± 2.3 min; P < 0.05). The best cosmetic result was registered with the SILP(scarless), followed by the H-SILP(near scarless appearance) and the CLP(visible scars) procedures. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, we believed that the laparoscopic approach should be selected according to the age, transition zone, and desired cosmetic result.

The Application of Surface Electromyography in the Assessment of Ergonomic Risk Factors Associated with Manual Lifting Tasks

Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors associated with manual lifting tasks using surface electromyography (EMG). 13 volunteers lifted loads of 6 and 13 kg at two speeds and at two horizontal distances in 3 different postures and three boxes of different sizes, from floor to knuckle height, performing 72 lifting tasks. For each lift, the surface electromyography signals from the erector spinae muscles, bilaterally at T_~10 and L_3, was recorded. The ergonomic risk factors associated with manual lifting tasks were evaluated by comparing the average amplitude of EMG signals from the erector spinae muscles. The EMG average amplitude for lifting the load of 13 kg was 14.3 % greater than that for lifting the load of 6 kg (t=-10.93, P<0.01). The EMG average amplitude at the site of L_3 was 10.3 % greater than that at the site of T_~10 (t=-7.98, P<0.01). The EMG average amplitude when performing “fast” lift was 5.9 %greater than the “slow” lift (t=-4.63, P<0.01). The posture of lifting affected the EMG average amplitude. It was lowest with semi-squat posture and greatest with squat posture (F=27.76, P<0.01). The result of multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the loads of lifting, the size of box, horizontal distance, posture of lifting, the site of the spine subjected to force, lifting speed were the factors affecting the EMG average amplitude. The most significant factor was the loads of lifting, followed by the site of the spine subjected to force and the lifting speed in terms of risk. The ergonomic risk factors associated with manual lifting tasks includes the loads, posture, lifting speed, horizontal distance, the site of the spine subjected to force etc. The results of signal amplitude of EMG from the erector spinae muscles showed that semi-squat posture is the best posture for lifting tasks.

Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) in Leadership and Management: Organizational Interventions to Reduce Stress in Healthcare Delivery

Clinician Burnout is a personal and public health issue. Most occupational stressors contributing to clinician burnout are systemic. The combination of organizational interventions along with individual interventions is necessary to make significant lasting difference in reducing burnout, improving clinician and patient satisfaction and reducing latent error in healthcare delivery. Application of Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) science in healthcare leadership and management is a gap in current training for leaders. HFE uses concepts from organizational, educational and cognitive science, systems science and industrial engineering. HFE application is especially necessary in a fast changing highly stressful healthcare environment which impacts the wellbeing of clinicians and the safety of patients under care. Practical suggestions for working with various healthcare leadership styles and organizational dynamics, while aligning wellness efforts with institutional mission are discussed. Concrete examples of decreasing extraneous mental load on clinicians to preserve their brainpower to achieve quality patient care are illustrated. Organizational interventions in combination with individual interventions to reduce and manage burnout have enormous potential to improve clinician wellbeing and satisfaction in taking care of patients, reduce costs, risk of error and create the safe working environment needed to sustainably give high quality care to patients.

A New Design of Student Apartment Bed Based on Kansei Engineering and Ergonomics

Aiming at the defects of the products available on the market at present and basing on the Kansei Engineering and Ergonomics, a new kind of student apartment bed which can prove its humanity more clearly is designed, and its design direction is gotten through the questionnaire and the design starts from the real actual needs of students. After the original design was finished, the later investigation on the students was engaged with and made the engineering analysis. The conclusion is that the sum of ＂perfect＂ and ＂good＂ membership rates is up to 64%, hence the comprehensive assessment of the design is perfect. That is to say, this design is able to realize and meet the needs of users, and there is no doubt that it will have a good business prospects.

Ergonomic Evaluation on Taxi Drivers' Compartment

Driving involves long hours of physical work within c onfined compartment. Taxi drivers usually work with prolonged working hours, add itional stress may likely be induced on particular body limbs. Occupational heal th may occur and working efficiency may potentially be affected resulting fr om fatigues, pains or diseases. These problems, however, could be remedied if mo re attention is paid on seating design, the workplace and driving postures adopt ed. Ergonomics design can provide better understanding of those concerned areas. A study was conducted to analyse occupational and health problems related to ta xi drivers. Through ergonomic evaluation of driver’s compartment, the authors m ake recommendations to improve health and safety aspects. Besides, the experienc e of gained from this study using ergonomic design can be extended to other occu pation or products.

Learning-Memory Function and Swimming Capability of Rat and Ergonomic Evaluation Under Hypoxic Condition

Effects of hypoxia on learning-memory function and swimming capability of rat were studied and the ergonomics under hypoxic condition was also evaluated from the biological point of view.Three modes of hypoxia were designed and plots of oxygen concentration versus time for each group in hypoxic environment were produced.Results showed that the effects of hypoxia on learning-memory function and swimming capability were related with the time and strength of hypoxia.It had nothing to do with the individual difference of rat models.10% O2 long-term intermittent anamorphosis hypoxia could improve the swimming capability of rat model significantly.Stimulating with proper level of hypoxia,carbon dioxide could improve ergonomics in airtight hypoxia environment.Under hypoxia condition,from the ergonomic point of view,6% O2 is the important threshold and might belong in critical region.

Study on Multi-effect Time Parameters of Ergonomic Validity Index in Low-carbon Residential Kitchen

In the study on functional low-carbon ergonomic validity in buildings,ergonomic validity is different from resource validity which is easy for quantitative analysis. To eliminate the complexity and uncertainty impacts of human factors on quantitative study,it proposes a method of building a parameter of ergonomic validity—multi-effect time by using cardiotachometer to record heart rate change,being used to evaluate the functional low-carbon ergonomic validity targeting at the ontological characteristics of kitchen. This method is used to determine the physical consumption intensity( multi-effect) through heart rate incremental relation based on the principles of physiology and ergonomics,and to confirm the ergonomic validity of environmental factors by the time to complete standard work as well as multi-effect quantitative analysis. The test results show that,under the kitchen operating conditions,the multi-effect( ME) can properly reflect the real-time status of the operator and is easily operated; the parameters obtained are not significantly related to the physiological status of the operator,and multi-effect time( MT) is sensitive to the physical consumption brought about to the operator due to kitchen environmental factors; thus,it can be taken as an objective index,which is simple and easy to operate in residential kitchen functional low-carbon evaluation.

Haptic Perception and Motor Behaviors in Infants Users of Ergonomic Pacifiers

Babies react to changes in the characteristics of objects,presenting haptic recognition after a period of familiarization.We aimed to verify if infants responded to the different spatial orientations of an ergonomic pacifier in the mouth.With informed consent,10 babies(271.6±60.8 days),users of ergonomic pacifiers,revealed motor behaviors that were divisible into three categories,sometimes through successive actions(i.e.,perception-action cycles were present):(i)repositioned correctly the pacifier,through different modes;(ii)repositioned it,but incorrectly,through different modes;and(iii)rejected the pacifier.So,these babies detected the incorrect position of the pacifier,and acted according to the principle of motor equivalence,since they implemented variations of a solution for the same need.

Ergonomics of gastrointestinal endoscopies:Musculoskeletal injury among endoscopy physicians,nurses,and technicians

BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal injuries(MSI)have plagued endoscopists and ancillary staff for decades without any innovative and strong ergonomic guidelines.It has placed a physical and mental strain on our endoscopists and ancillary staff.We have very have limited data supporting this claim in our region and most data is supported by western literature.AIM To document the prevalence of MSI,and awareness and practices of ergonomics by endoscopists and ancillary staff.METHODS This is an observational cross-sectional study,conducted in Karachi,a city that boasts the maximum number of daily endoscopies in the country.An eleven-point self-administered questionnaire was distributed and used to evaluate MSI and ergonomic adjustments amongst three tertiary care setups in Karachi.An onsite survey via a 13-point checklist for endoscopy suite facilities was used to assess the ergonomically friendly conveniences at five tertiary care setups in Karachi.A total of 56 participants replied with a filled survey.RESULTS There were 56 participants in total with 39(69.6%)males.Pain and numbness were documented by 75%of the patients,with pain in the neck(41.1%),lower back(32.1%),shoulder(21.4%),thumb(12.5%),hand(23.2%),elbow(8.9%),and carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS)(7.1%).Of those,33.3%attributed their symptoms to endoscopy, 14.2% said that symptoms were not caused by endoscopy, and 52.4% were notcertain whether endoscopy had caused their symptoms. Twenty-one point four percent of patientshad to take time off their work, while 33.9% took medications for pain. Ergonomic modifications toprevent musculoskeletal injury, including placement of endoscopic monitor at eye level and thecardiac monitor in front, stopping the procedure to move patients, sitting while performingcolonoscopy, and navigating height-adjustable bed were used by 21.4%. Nine out of 13 ergonomicfacilities were not present in all five tertiary care hospitals. Conveniences, such as anti-fatiguemats, height-adjustable computer stations, and time out between patients were not present.CONCLUSIONThree-fourth of our endoscopists reported MSI, of which more than half were not sure orattributed this problem to endoscopy. The prevalence of MSI warrants urgent attention.

Household Drill Innovative Design under the Guidance of Ergonomics

The household drill is named 90 Degree, designed by Industrial Design Pilot Program Center(Hereinafter referred to as IDPPC) of Luxun Academy of Fine Arts(Hereinafter referred to as LAFA), which is the only national pilot program center in Chinese industrial design field. 90 Degree is designed for home environment, it helps inexperience users, such as women and the elderly, complete the operation easily, and it makes sure that safe operation and assistance users solve the precise punching, location, storage trash and other operations. According to research among users who can understand or manipulate a drill, the designers find problems of users from the user central perspective, and then they integrate product innovative design methods to propose solutions. When the designers intend to design 90 Degree, they attempt using the user behavior record and analysis system, and start ergonomics study in subjects by double hands operation analysis, using gesture analysis, details of work analysis, time and motion study, etc; meanwhile taking advantages of user experience analysis, behavior intention analysis to do user subjective perceptual evaluation. The functions, structure, shape, color, material, details of 90 Degree should be consistent with the standard of usability evaluation. There are two characteristics in 90 Degree, the first one is a transparent cover installed in front of the drill, which can collect the dust, rubbish when drilling and keep the work environment clean. So it is applicable for households. When the transparent cover of the drill is removed, it also can be used as a normal hand drill; the second one is the shape of 90 Degree makes it and the operating surface fitting together, thus enhancing the stability in operation, so it is best for inexperienced users. When 90 Degree contacts with the operating surface, it can emit the laser ray which helps the user to punch accurately, and make array punch more easily. After obtaining the data, charts, creating Shadow observation by the designers, they make a comprehensive evaluation on research results; verification advantages of 90 Degree meet the requirement of usability, reducing operating failure rate; and increasing safety factors. 90 Degree, in 2011, wined German Red Dot Design Award, which had become a representative excellent design example to resolve several drilling difficulties. The designers introduce ergonomics theory into design practice, and use scientific program and methods to evaluate the products which is useful to the development and promotion of products.

Ergonomic Evaluation of the Perceived Mental Workload among Tunisian University Hospital Caregivers

Objectives: To evaluate the perceived mental workload and to identify its individual and professional determinants among Tunisian caregivers in university hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in two university hospitals of the center of Tunisia, which employ 1179 paramedics providing care activities. The survey was conducted within a representative sample, of 301 caregivers assigned to 28 medical and surgical services, randomly drawn, after being paired according to age, gender and work schedule. It included structured inquiry (socio-professional characteristics, occupational perceived workload) and validated questionnaires (Job Content Questionnaire of Karasek, SF12, WAI). Results: Mental workload was perceived as “moderate” by 145 caregivers (48.49%) and as “heavy” by 119 caregivers (40.61% of them). Among the sample, 209 paramedics endured at least once the fixed night work schedules along their respective careers, with an average of 5.63 ± 7.54 years. According to the WAI index, 39.59% of subjects considered their capacity of work as low. Moreover, job strain was noted in 19.79%. Indeed, work latitude was unsatisfactory among 41% of caregiver, 60.1% of them mentioned the absence of colleagues’ support. A feeling of job insecurity was reported by 73.72% of subjects. Multi-varied analytic study concluded that heavier perceived mental work load was correlated to individual determinants particularly age >45 years (p -3), overweight or obesity (p = 0.02), more than three depending children (p -3), lower degree obtained (p -3), working grade as nurse assistant (P = 0.001), lower quality of physical life (0.010) and expressed willingness to retire early (p = 0.003). Conclusion: The heavy perception of mental workload associated to care activities, is one of the reasons of premature departure among nurses from professional activity. Preventive actions on professional determinants of perceived workload can reduce this phenomenon.

Functional design method for improving safety and ergonomics of mechanical products

In order to help companies to improve their competetiveness, it is important to develop new design methodologies. In this framework, a Functional And Robust Design (FARD) methodology dedicated to routine design of “highly productive” modular product ranges is proposed including principles of functional analysis, Design For Assembly (DFA), and techniques of modelling and simulation for ergonomics consideration. This paper focuses on the application of this original method applied to mechanical vibration and ergonomics problems of a scraper. Including biomechanical aspect in the design methodology, it is possible to identify the impact of a vibration tool on its users using numerical models of the tool coupled to a finite element model of the human hand. This method can proactively warn very early, in the design process, the risks of causing musculoskeletal disorders and facilitate an optimization of the mechanical tool. This study is a first step in a context of human-centered design.

Benefits of laptop computer ergonomics education to graduate students

Laptop computers are used more often than desktop computers, especially among graduate students. Many common laptop habits can have severe physiological effects on the user ranging from eye strain, poor posture, upper extremity pain, and overuse injuries. Thus, it is important to educate students on the best ergonomic position to use laptops. This study investigates the efficacy of a laptop ergonomic education session and its effects on graduate students’ knowledge and behaviors regarding proper laptop use. A convenience sample of control and experimental groups was used and consisted of 83 occupational therapy (OT), 63 physical therapy (PT), and 26 nurse anesthesia (NA) graduate students. The sample size was 172, with 94 graduate students in the control group and 78 graduate students in the experimental. All study participants completed an initial ergonomics questionnaire. The experimental group was given an ergonomics education session following the questionnaire. Approximately 4 weeks after both groups completed the initial questionnaire;a follow up questionnaire was administered. Results showed that subjects demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in ergonomics knowledge after they completed the ergonomic educational session. Some participants reported making adaptations to laptop positioning and equipment use following the educational session. Thus, participating in ergonomic education can positively influence awareness of body mechanics relative to laptop workstation design.

Analysis of Design Approach for Navy Weapon System Operation Environment

This study is a preparation phase for visualization of utilized information using ergonomic user interface and standardization of elements for anti-air weapon system. Therefore, we investigated the instances of Navy Weapon System operation environment for defense advanced country. Based on the collected data, we compared and analyzed the weapon system operation environment design. Ultimately, it is essential to share a variety of battle field conditions such as enemy threat, enemy/friendly information, terrain information that can be effectively recognized. In this paper, we conduct case study for ergonomically development of Operation Environment. It is expected that this research improves the situational awareness and reduces the operator’s task load.

The ergonomic,environment friendly,greener,and scalable SlidyBike is especially for you

The Sliding Bike is a patented new product that perfectly combines bike functionality and mechanical principles.Our models before 2014 used only horizontal sliding mechanism,and they were awarded invention golden medals in Seoul,Geneva,Pittsburgh,and Taipei,and the Japan GD

The Concept of the Ergonomic Spectrum

Forestry conditions differ among regions and nations. Moreover, labor costs, forestry mechanization, and environmental impacts are also different. These factors directly or indirectly influence the ergonomic state of nations. The ergonomic state of a nation can be described in terms of ergonomic factors such as labor productivity, work accidents, physiological burden, and stress. Labor productivity and work accidents can be defined as income or condition factors, and physiological burden and stress as outcome or result factors. Thus, the value of outcome factors must be examined in relationship to income factors. On the ergonomic spectrum, each factor can be conceived as a continuum from a negative to a positive ergonomic status. All factors can be set in a line, and the present state of each nation is indicated by a profile formed by the assembled factors. The locations of nations along the two-dimensional coordinates of the world standard can be realized by an ergonomic spectrum. Moreover, future directions for improvement can be obtained by reference to the three-dimensional coordinates, which include the axis of time.