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Copyright of Revista Electrónica de Psicología Iztacala is the property of Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study evolved ergonomic principles needed by garment workers for garment finishing in Southeastern Nigeria. Specifically, it determined important ergonomic principles necessary for garment finishing, ergonomic principles already adopted by garment workers and ergonomic improvement needed by the garment workers. Survey research design was adopted. Population was made up of 267 garment workers drawn from 19 registered garment companies in the area of the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean, and improvement need index. Findings show 15 important ergonomic principles for garment finishing which include; improving visibility by contrasting the colour of the garment being inspected from the colour of the work surface (X̄= 3.83), titling the work surface towards the operator while pressing to help improve visibility (X̄= 3.75), providing adjustable chairs with proper back support and cushioning for hand sewers (X̄= 3.74), among others. None of the 15 identified important ergonomic principles were being practiced by the garment workers. Thus, there is need for ergonomic improvement in the 15 identified important ergonomics principles needed for garment finishing. It was thus recommended among others that the needed ergonomic principles should be packaged into a training manual for occupational health and safety education for the garment workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to present the basic principles of ergonomics during a child’s learning and play, taking into account the principles of physiotherapy regarding the positions adopted by the child. Biomechanical and kinesiological aspects of sitting posture and additional support points were described in detail. Correct and incorrect sitting positions were illustrated in the figures, with detailed descriptions provided in the text of the study, supported by legal regulations. The study can serve as a guide for children and parents on the discussed topic, but only for children and adolescents without existing postural abnormalities. In case of any postural defects or spinal deformities, it is advisable to consult a physiotherapist to approach each case individually.

Prolonged sitting with awkward posture during sewing results in musculoskeletal disorders among sewing operators. This study aimed to identify the compatibility of the sewing furniture with operators’ anthropometry. Therefore, 13 anthropometric measurements of 368 sewing operators were collected and compared with sewing furniture dimensions. The results showed that all anthropometric measurements other than hip breadth were larger for male participants. In addition, statistical analysis performed on the collected data showed significant variation compared to the existing dimensions of sewing machines. Results also indicated a high mismatch for different dimensions of the sewing table and chair, such as seat height, seat width, seat depth, table depth, etc. For this reason, sewing operators often experience musculoskeletal disorders. Finally, this study recommends some guidelines for designing the sewing workstation, which might act as a basis for manufacturers or importers to set provisions for sewing machines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on the capture velocity of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) using a specially designed workstation within a laboratory setting. The workstation featured a worktop with dimensions of 90 cm width and 45 cm depth, and the exhaust duct was positioned near the pollutant source, considering the intended operation of the LEV system. The worktop was divided into squares for precise documentation and remeasurement. A supply duct above the worktop provided controlled fresh airflow. Smoke was used to visualize airflow patterns. The measurements focused on air velocity and turbulence intensity, aiming to understand flow structures and vortices. Various capture rates were tested at specific measurement points. The study revealed that the central capture lines yielded the highest efficiency. To address air extraction from behind the exhaust duct, a back sheet panel was introduced. The results showed that installing a back sheet enhanced capture velocities. The findings contribute to understanding LEV efficiency and the importance of proper design and adjustments for effective containment of contaminants in the occupational environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveThe objective of the study is to compare and investigate the combined and individual effects of workstation ergonomics, physiotherapy and patient education in improving CgH headaches and work ability in office workers.Methods96 eligible CgH participants were divided into the ergonomics modifications group (EMG; n = 24), physiotherapy group (PTG; n = 24), and ergonomics modifications combined with physiotherapy group (EPG; n = 24) and education control group (CNG; n = 24), the participants received the respective treatment for 4 weeks. Primary (CgH frequency) and secondary (CgH pain intensity, CgH disability, flexion rotation test (right and left), neck disability index and work ability) scores were measured. The effects of treatment at various intervals were analyzed with a 4 × 4 linear mixed model analysis (LMM) between treatment groups and time intervals.ResultsFour weeks following training EPG group showed more significant changes in primary outcome CgH frequency; 4.6 CI 95% 3.63 to 5.56 when compare to control group. The same gradual improvement was noticed at 8 weeks 8.2 CI 95% 7.53 to 8.86 and at 6 months follow up 11.9 CI 95% 11.25 to 12.54 when compare to other groups (p = 0.001) which is statistically 52.97% improvement. Similar improvements can be seen in the secondary outcome measures such as CgH pain intensity, CgH disability, flexion rotation test (right and left), neck disability index and work ability in EPG group than the EMG, PTG, and CNG groups (p = 0.001) at 4 weeks, 8 weeks and at 6 months’ follow-up.ConclusionThis study observed that the workstation ergonomics and physiotherapy group experienced significantly more improvements in cervicogenic headache patients.Clinical trial registrationIdentifier NCT05827185

With the emergence of COVID-19 and the resultant reduction in direct personal contact, we were faced with a novel challenge of how to conduct studies that involved both semi-structured elicitation of detailed cognitive information and the evaluation of software interfaces and algorithms. We leveraged distributed communication technologies to support data collection across three separate human-computer interaction studies. We describe these studies in terms of specific computer-mediated communication methods and features and how we used them. We also present lessons learned, potential risks and detriments of using such approaches, (e.g., connectivity dependence, reduced ability to observe non-verbal cues, and diminished interpersonal interaction), along with how the research community can compensate for the shortcomings of distributed data collection in human-centered research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the agreement of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) and semiautomated central lumen line (CLL) analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), with 3 different software workstations (WS1, WS2, WS3) and 2 experienced practitioners as well as to analyze its eventual impact in graft selection. Materials and methods: Twenty computed tomography (CT) angiography data sets were randomly chosen from a series of 100 consecutive studies. Measurements were performed twice by each reader, in random order, and included 8 parameters (5 diameters and 3 lengths). Each observer performed a complete set of 60 studies. Intra-observer and interobserver variability for every WS was assessed. Measurements were evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis, correlation coefficients (r), and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC [95% confidence interval (CI)]). Results: A high overall agreement between repeated measurements for both observers was obtained (r=0.989; CCC=0.988 [0.982–0.992] and r=0.998; CCC=0.996 [0.994–0.997], for observers 1 and 2, respectively). However, reproducibility for individual parameters was excellent for observer 2 and only moderate for observer 1. A high overall agreement was obtained for interobserver concordance (r=0.987; CCC=0.986 [0.982–0.989]). When analyzing for individual parameters, greatest interobserver differences were found at CLL measurement of the diameter of aortic neck (WS2) and bifurcation (WS1 and WS2) as well as iliac diameter in all 3 WS for both CLL and MPR. Similar differences were observed in paired comparison between WS when involving these parameters. Careful inspection of Bland-Altman charts revealed some cases of disagreement between WS and observers that would affect decision making on graft selection, changing the neck diameter to a different size, in 2 cases when measuring with WS1, and iliac diameter in 4 cases (2 of them with WS1 and 2 with WS2). Greatest discordance was observed regarding ipsilateral iliac length affecting 7 measurements that would lead to change the length of the selected limb graft (2 with WS1, 3 with WS2, and 2 with WS3). Conclusions: Although a high agreement between different observers using different WS for AAA measurements is to be expected, small differences may lead to the selection of a different graft size. The use of a single software by experienced users, and double check by a different one, may be advisable. Clinical Impact: Influence of inter and intraobserver variability in CT measurements during planning of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has been extensively reviewed. However, its impact in graft selection (final choose of diameter and lengths) has been scarcely analyzed. The results of this study suggest that, although a high agreement between different observers using different workstations for AAA measurements is to be expected, small differences may lead to the selection of a different graft size. The use of a single software by experienced users, and double check by a different one, may be advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the perceptions of radiology staff regarding the role of virtual reality technology in diagnostic radiology after using a virtual reality (VR) headset Participants completed a pre-study questionnaire assessing their familiarity with VR technology and its potential role in radiology. Using a VR headset, participants entered a simulated reading room (SieVRt, Luxsonic Technologies) with three large virtual monitors. They were able to view plain radiographs, ultrasound, CT, and MRI images and pull up and compare multiple images simultaneously. They then completed a post-study questionnaire to re-assess their perception about the role of VR technology for diagnostic radiology. Fifteen participants were enrolled, with 33.3 % attendings, 40 % fellows, and 26.7 % residents. Pre-study, 60 % reported they were "not familiar" with VR technology and 66.7 % had never used it. On a 1 to 5 scale, the median perceived likelihood of VR having a role in radiology significantly increased from 3 (IQR 2–3) pre-study to 4 (IQR 4–4) post-study; p = 0.014. Image contrast and resolution were adequate according to most participants, with 53.3 % strongly agreeing and 33.3 % agreeing. The headset was comfortable for 73.3 % and did not induce nausea in any participant. Confidence in VR technology improved after using the headset for 80 %. According to 80 %, future VR technology could replace a PACS workstation. Radiologists' perception regarding the role of virtual reality in diagnostic interpretation improves after a hands-on trial of the technology, and VR has the potential to replace a traditional workstation in certain situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper begins with the medical digital ultrasonic imaging workstations' development history and stages of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems). We analyze the actual application scenarios and pain points in medical digital ultrasonic imaging and introduce the support of medical digital ultrasonic imaging workstations for the entire business process. At the same time, we explain the role of AI functions in promoting business improvements throughout the process, using Shenzhen Maternal and Child Health Hospital as an application case study. This paper also discusses the difficulties faced by the development of AI in medical digital ultrasonic imaging and provides some solutions and suggestions. We offer a perspective on the future development of artificial intelligence in medical digital ultrasonic imaging. We explore potential application scenarios in areas such as empowering the ultrasound process with intelligent management, ultrasound consultation, cloud-based electronic films, and the Internet of Things (IoT) services.

Wearables offer a promising solution for simultaneous posture monitoring and/or corrective feedback. The main objective was to identify, synthesise, and characterise the wearables used in the workplace to monitor and postural feedback to workers. The PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Studies were included between 1 January 2000 and 22 March 2023 in Spanish, French, English, and Portuguese without geographical restriction. The databases selected for the research were PubMed®, Web of Science®, Scopus®, and Google Scholar®. Qualitative studies, theses, reviews, and meta-analyses were excluded. Twelve studies were included, involving a total of 304 workers, mostly health professionals (n = 8). The remaining studies covered workers in the industry (n = 2), in the construction (n = 1), and welders (n = 1). For assessment purposes, most studies used one (n = 5) or two sensors (n = 5) characterised as accelerometers (n = 7), sixaxial (n = 2) or nonaxialinertial measurement units (n = 3). The most common source of feedback was the sensor itself (n = 6) or smartphones (n = 4). Haptic feedback was the most prevalent (n = 6), followed by auditory (n = 5) and visual (n = 3). Most studies employed prototype wearables emphasising kinematic variables of human movement. Healthcare professionals were the primary focus of the study along with haptic feedback that proved to be the most common and effective method for correcting posture during work activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Prolonged use of computer devices can have adverse health effects, but these can be mitigated by setting up computer workstations according to ergonomic principles. The Computer Workstation Ergonomics: Self-Assessment Checklist can guide workers in implementing these principles. However, the checklist is only available in English, which may reduce the accuracy of the instrument when used by non-English speakers, including Indonesians. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the Computer Workstation Ergonomics: Self-Assessment Checklist for use in Indonesia. Additionally, a reliability assessment was conducted on the adapted checklist. METHODS: This study followed a six-stage cross-cultural adaptation process, including translation, synthesis of translation, back translation, expert committee review, pretesting, and documentation submission. The final version of the adapted checklist underwent testing for intra-rater reliability, inter-rater reliability, and internal consistency. RESULTS: The cross-cultural adaptation process resulted in an Indonesian version of the Computer Workstation Ergonomics: Self-Assessment Checklist. Furthermore, the Krippendorff's alpha values for the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the adapted checklist ranged from 0.59 to 0.78 (mean = 0.70) and 0.20 to 0.82 (mean = 0.56), respectively. CONCLUSION: The study produced an Indonesian version of the Computer Workstation Ergonomics: Self-Assessment Checklist that had an adequate reliability. The adapted checklist can serve as a practical tool for evaluating and improving computer workstations in Indonesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Annales Academiae Medicae Silesiensis is the property of Medical University of Silesia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Open-plan offices have become widely adopted in various industries as a workplace environment. However, this office layout type suffers from speech privacy, which can be represented by the acoustic parameter known as the Speech Transmission Index (STI). ISO 3382-3:2012 provides guidelines for calculating the acoustic parameters of a room tailored explicitly for open-plan offices. However, the existing method in ISO 3382-3:2012 requires a parallel layout of workstations to determine the STI value, which is hardly found in modern office settings. This study presents a technique to predict the ideal values of rP and rD, based on the relationship between %Alcons and the Speech Transmission Index (STI) for a specific workstation, using linear regression and in-situ measurements. The analysis of acoustic conditions in an open-plan office reveals that modified techniques can predict the acoustic quality in a modern office layout. The D2, S values indicate good acoustic quality, but the Lp, A, S,4m values do not meet the required standard. Using %Alcons equations, the study shows how to predict distraction distances and categorize workstations as 'Distracted' or 'Not distracted'. The results indicate only a small percentage of workstations allow for private communication.

Copyright of Machine Tool & Hydraulics is the property of Guangzhou Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (GMERI) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the many months following the Coronavirus flare-up, a large number of Biotechnology Engineering students throughout the world are compelled to switch over from conventional lab based learning to computational technology based learning. This uncommon interchange enormously affected the method of learning project courses. Specifically, biological science projects which require the students and staff to work in the actual lab was affected. B. Tech. Biotechnology students and a staff from our institution utilized present day computational bioinformatics tool, data sets and programming to study an issue identified as beta-lactam resistance in a bacterium. The students utilized accessible present day computational tool, data sets and virtual products to complete the project work. This technique for doing the final year B. Tech. project has brought about the consummation of the course effectively. This procedure of utilization of freely available computational tool, information databases and programming software will benefit the students worldwide to complete project based engineering courses effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization of the distribution system is one of the most important operations for running an efficient power system. At the distribution stage, a wide variety of development frameworks are achieved, including optimum reconfiguration, optimal positioning of distributed generators and capacitors, and synthesis of all. The proposed approach for distribution system reconfiguration in the study eliminates the use of various types of radial distribution system (RDS) equipment to improve performance. In benchmark test systems, such as IEEE 33 bus RDS and 83 bus Taiwan power distribution company, a flower pollination algorithm is employed to reduce real power losses on the overall system. For the recommended technique, a prototype model of the distribution system for real-time implementation is also employed in the distribution network workstation. The proposed algorithm's performance reduces the search space, and the optimal solution is obtained with the least amount of running time. Abbreviations: RDS: radial distribution system; TPDC: Taiwan power distribution company; FPA: flower pollination algorithm; NFE: number of load flow executions; GA: genetic algorithm; RAG: refined genetic algorithm; ITS: improved TS algorithm; HSA: harmony search algorithm; COM: complementarity methods; SA: simulated annealing; PGSA: plant growth simulation algorithm; PTS1: proto type system 1; PTS2: proto type system 2; BM_TS1: benchmark test system 1; BM_TS2: benchmark test system 2 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on ergonomic principles for organizing garment-making work environment in South Eastern Nigeria. Specifically, it determined: important ergonomic principles for organizing garment-making work environment; ergonomic principles that are being practiced by garment workers, ergonomic principles that are needed by garment workers in their work environment, and work station design guidelines of the garment workers. Descriptive survey research design was used. The population was made up of 267 garment workers drawn from 19 registered garment companies in the area of the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, improvement need index and percentages. Findings include 19 important ergonomic principles for organizing garment work environment. These include; use of task lighting to distribute light evenly over the working surface to minimize shadow (X̅ = 3.61), maintaining adequate ventilation and good temperature in workplace to minimize fatigue (X̅ = 3.66), among others. Four (4) out of the 19 important ergonomic principles were being practiced include: alternating standing and sitting jobs to reduce fatigue (X̅ = 3.13), among others. Fifteen (15) ergonomic principles are needed by garment workers for organizing their work environment which include; use of task lighting on work surfaces to minimize shadow (X̅ = 3.06), maintaining adequate ventilation and good temperature to minimize fatigue (X̅ = 2.07), and others. Further findings are nine areas of work station design guidelines that are not practiced. These include: work surface height, designing of work to reduce static loading of muscles, among others. It was recommended among others that the ergonomic principles should be packaged in a training manual for training of garment workers by relevant bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School Furniture and Its Stakeholders In designing, developing and implementing an appropriate school furniture, obviously an important role exists for the discipline of ergonomics/human factors. Keywords: school ergonomics; workstation; anthropometry; match; sitting EN school ergonomics workstation anthropometry match sitting 7 12 6 06/27/23 20230701 NES 230701 Feature at a GlanceSchool is the place where permanent habits of sitting are formed and settled. It is important to mention that when the school furniture standards incorporate dynamic sitting it will be necessary to present a new procedure (equations) to generate good scalability/grading and ensure the match between school furniture and the anthropometric measurements of students at different levels ([5]). Introduction To design and develop an appropriate school furniture, it is necessary to address two fundamental variables: school furniture I Form factor i and school furniture I Dimensions factor i . [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Revista Producao Online is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Engenharia de Producao and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective To investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems reported by phlebotomists, and the association of these problems with workstation characteristics and personal factors. Methods Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to phlebotomists (n = 115; 65.2% response rate). In addition to the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, we asked respondents to provide sociodemographic data. An ergonomic score was used for the characterization of workstations. Results Symptoms in at least 1 body area within a year were reported by 80.7% of the participants. The lower back, neck, and shoulders were the most common areas in which symptoms occurred (72.7%, 60.9%, and 59%, respectively); these were also the areas with the highest incidence of symptoms disrupting work. A logistic regression model for predicting pain within a year found adequate leg space as a significant component of the ergonomic score (P  = .045, OR = 0.222), which was also a protective factor for neck pain disrupting work (P  = .047, OR = 0.385). Conclusions Musculoskeletal problems among phlebotomists were high. Therefore, the positive effects of simple ergonomic measures should be confirmed in further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of one's sex and pedaling intensity on upper body muscle activation patterns during typing while cycling. Background: Females are at a higher risk for computer work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and mobile workstations have been suggested to induce healthier muscular patterns compared with sitting. However, the neuromuscular characteristics of performing computer work in a cycling workstation have not been investigated. Method: Twenty-two participants (10 females) completed a 60-min computer typing task while pedaling on a cycle ergometer at two different intensities (25%, 4% heart rate reserve). Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from seven muscles of the upper body. Effects of time, sex, and intensity were assessed for muscle activation (RMS), activation variability (CV), and normalized mutual information (NMI) via generalized estimating equations. Results: With time, neck/shoulder CV increased in males during higher pedaling intensity, whereas in females it decreased during lower intensity. In females, RMS of neck/shoulder and NMI of neck/shoulder muscle pairs were lower, whereas forearm RMS was 34.2% higher with higher intensity cycling compared with lower intensity. Lower back RMS decreased 28.3% in the initial half of the task in females, but in males it increased 14.4% in the later half. Conclusion and application: Cycling workstation showed a sex- and intensity-specific EMG response. These differing responses should be considered when implementing the use of cycling workstation and may be important for preventing/managing sex-specific muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mechanized timber harvesting operations, it is possible to verify ergonomic inadequacies, such as poor visibility and inappropriate postures, which can cause risks to the safety and health of workers, with effects on the operational performance of the machines. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the positioning of the coupling crane in harvesters concerning the visibility and postures of forestry operators. For this, the study was carried out in clear-cutting operations in eucalyptus stands, evaluating a harvester with a frontal coupling crane and another with lateral coupling, as well as operators per machine. To determine effective times and typical postures, filming and freezing of images were performed. Then, the Skogforsk and Rapid Upper-Limb Assessment (RULA) methods were used to assess visibility and posture, respectively. Angulation and posture data were compared between machines by the Student's t test. Front and side visibility remained within acceptable limits, but the side crane harvester required operators to have an average head tilt angle of 15°, 50% higher than with the front crane. Consequently, in the postural evaluation, the one with the lateral crane presented score 3 and action level 2 86% of the time, suggesting further investigations, while the other presented score 2 and action level 1 81% of the time, being acceptable if not maintained or repeated for long periods. Therefore, the positioning of the crane coupling on the machine requires a reorganization of the workstation, mainly the machine's display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaborative robots are revolutionising the manufacturing industry and the way workers perform their tasks. When designing shared workspaces between robots and humans, human factors and ergonomics are often overlooked. This study assessed the relationship between cognitive workload, workstation design, user acceptance and trust in collaborative robots. We combined subjective and objective data to evaluate the cognitive workload during an assembly task in three different scenarios in which we manipulated various features of the workstation and interaction modalities. Our results showed that participants experienced a reduction in cognitive workload in each of the three trials, indicating an improvement in cognitive performance. Additionally, we found that user acceptance predicted perceived stress across the trials but did not significantly impact the cognitive workload. Trust was not found to moderate the relationship between cognitive workload and perceived stress. This study has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of collaborative assembly systems by providing valuable insights and helping to bridge the gap between researchers and practitioners. This study can potentially impact companies looking to improve safety, productivity and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Salud UIS is the property of Universidad Industrial de Santander and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objectives: The pelvic floor muscle (PFM) plays a major role in sexual and urinary functions. No objective method exists to measure the PFM in male. This study evaluated the reliability of male PFM volume using three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT)., Methods: PFMs of five patients aged 43-83 years were selectively extracted from thin-slice CT using a workstation to reconstruct stereoscopic images and measure PFM volume. Two raters measured the PFM volume three times in all patients to confirm the reliability of PFM volume measurement. Intra- and inter-rater correlation coefficients, i.e., intraclass correlation coefficient, were determined. The CT attenuation of PFMs was also evaluated., Results: Raters 1 and 2 reported an average PFM volume of 46.4 ± 11.5 cm 3 and 46.1 ± 12.5 cm 3 , respectively. The intra- and inter-rater correlation coefficients were 0.99 and 0.98, respectively. The average CT value of PFMs had a minimum of 13.7 Hounsfield Unit (HU) in the eldest male and a maximum of 38.9 HU in the youngest male., Conclusions: Male PFMs could be selectively extracted using a workstation to reconstruct a stereoscopic image. The PFM volume measurement is feasible and highly reproducible. To our knowledge, this is the first study that standardizes the method for measuring the male PFM volume using 3D-CT and examines its reliability., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interests to declare. Yoshifumi Tamura, one of the Editorial Board members of JMJ was not involved in the peer review or decision-making process for this paper., (© 2024 The Juntendo Medical Society.)

Background: Posture of the upper neck is considered by some to contribute to neck pain and headache. Infrared reflectors and cameras permit non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of head and neck range of motion but have not been used to examine the relative pose (position and orientation) of the head, upper and lower neck., Research Question: Can the relative 3D pose of the head, upper and lower neck regions of adult humans be non-invasively measured and perturbated while recording the characteristics of neck or head pain?, Methods: An optical motion capture system was used in a repeat measure descriptive analysis study. Continuous recordings of the 3D position of fiducial markers affixed to the head (Hf), skin over C2 spinous process (C2f) and vertebral prominence (VPf) of adult (2 males 1 female, 27-61-year-old) volunteers free of pain were made while seated at a desktop computer that allowed recording of the characteristics of ensuing pain. Control trials involved 20 minutes of video viewing. Test trials included occlusion of upper third of visual field during the trial's second phase. Trial allocation was random, repeat trials were > 5 days apart., Results: Median angles between Hf, C2f and VPf in control trials changed little (median 1 degree; range 0-8 degrees). Single case study effect size measure PEM-Ta, percentage of test phase observations above chance compared to the control phase trend, ranged from 13 % to 100 % (median 100 %). Test phase trial median angles between fiducial markers primarily involved Y axis (Pitch) rotations (range C2f to Hf 5-14; VPf to Hf 12-29 degrees; effect sizes 98-100 %, except one trial, 21 %) with little change about other axes., Significance: This study provides preliminary evidence that the relative 3D pose of the head, upper and lower neck of seated adults can be non-invasively measured and perturbated while simultaneously characterising ensuing pain., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None of the authors have a financial or personal interest with any individual or organisation that may influence this study., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Silk degumming and dyeing are considered high ergonomics risk procedures for workers because they have to stand working, bent and perk their faces, twist their bodies, and wrists during the processes. These affect the Surface Electromyography (sEMG) especially the lower back which is a significant problem affecting the production efficiency, and workers' health and safety. This study aims at improving the workstation to reduce muscle aches during silk degumming and dyeing in the silk weaving procession in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The data was collected using anthropometric measurements for standing work on 400 workers in silk degumming and dyeing. The data was used to improve the degumming and dyeing aid equipment. The study found that degumming and dyeing using the traditional degumming and dyeing equipment gave a higher sEMG rate and amplitude of upper trapezius muscles than the degumming and dyeing aid equipment. This meant higher tissue load and muscular fatigue. This could reduce the time for the silk degumming and dyeing at the rate of 30.09%.

Without any doubt, we are living in a very modern, sophisticated, and computerized world, in which a great part of the activities done in the past by workers, are now carried out by machines or intelligent devices, capable to communicate with the environment and to make decisions according to the information received from there. The ergonomics science adapted during the time, introducing in its area of study the effects of the human-computer interaction, the new forms of stress, and the new factors which are affecting the work at the workstations. However, there are still workplaces where physical work is prevalent and where it is necessary to analyze the work conditions to improve them and to avoid injuries during the work. This study is based on the research which has used ergonomic analysis, namely the LEST method for the optimization of the work of handler workers at a Romanian company with several working points in different regions of the country. The working points are equipped with different endowments depending on the period when they operate. The study reveals that the handlers are facing different problems at their workstations depending on the technical level of the equipment they use and the organization of the work. The same tasks lead to different perceptions and different levels of fatigue for the workers. The ergonomic analysis offers the possibility to identify the stress factors for each workstation and optimize them to provide optimum work conditions in which the worker can perform in the best way.

Objectives: In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. This study aimed to identify different trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) amongst employees WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the influence of work and non-work factors. Methods: Data from 488 participants (113 males, 372 females and 3 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, April and November 2021 were analysed. Age was categorised as 18–35 years (n = 121), 36–55 years (n = 289) and 56 years and over (n = 78). Growth Mixture Modelling (GMM) was used to identify latent classes with different growth trajectories of MSP. Age, gender, working hours, domestic living arrangements, workstation comfort and location, and psychosocial working conditions were considered predictors of MSP. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to identify work and non-work variables associated with group membership. Results: Four trajectories of MSP emerged: high stable (36.5%), mid-decrease (29.7%), low stable (22.3%) and rapid increase (11.5%). Decreased workstation comfort (OR 1.98, CI 1.02, 3.85), quantitative demands (OR 1.68, CI 1.09, 2.58), and influence over work (OR 0.78, CI 0.54, 0.98) was associated with being in the high stable trajectory group compared to low stable. Workstation location (OR 3.86, CI 1.19, 12.52) and quantitative work demands (OR 1.44, CI 1.01, 2.47) was associated with the rapid increase group. Conclusions: Findings from this study offer insights into considerations for reducing MSP in employees WFH. Key considerations include the need for a dedicated workstation, attention to workstation comfort, quantitative work demands, and ensuring employees have influence over their work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background As the health risks of sedentary working environments become more clear, greater emphasis on the implementation of walking interventions to reduce sitting time is needed. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigate the role of treadmill-desk interventions on energy expenditure, sitting time, and cardiometabolic health in adults with sedentary occupations. Methods Relevant studies published in English were identified using CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases up to December 2020. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to pool study results. Results Thirteen relevant studies (six workplaces and seven laboratories) were found with a total of 351 participants. Pooled analysis of laboratory studies showed a significant increase in energy expenditure (105.23 kcal per hour, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.41 to 120.4), as well as metabolic rate (5.0 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 3.35 to 6.64), among treadmill desk users compared to sitting conditions. No evidence of significant differences in blood pressure were found. In workplace studies, we observed a significant reduction in sitting time over a 24-h period (− 1.73 min per hour, 95% CI: − 3.3 to − 0.17) among users of treadmill desks, compared to a conventional desk. However, there were no evidence of statistically significant changes in other metabolic outcomes. Conclusions Treadmill desks offer a feasible and effective intervention to increase energy expenditure and metabolic rate and reduce sitting time while performing work-related tasks. Future studies are needed to increase generalizability to different workplace settings and further evaluate their impact on cardiometabolic health.

This study evaluated the ergonomic performance of drivers’ workstations in southwest Nigeria. Fifty urban buses selected from ten brands were investigated by direct measurement. The buses were mini-A and midi-B. Vertical and horizontal distances of the seat reference point to the pedal and steering wheel, with the seat dimensions were considered. The anthropometric dimensions of 150 male bus drivers were taken from South-west Nigeria. The results revealed that the values for driver’s seat height from the cabin floor, seat backrest height, seat shoulder level width and low back width were 44.00- 50.00cm, 53.00-58.15cm, 40.00-50.00cm and - 40.15cm respectively as against 39.15- 43.00cm, 38.75-49.49cm, 34.60-43.59cm and 45.73-53.25cm respectively in the urban bus workstations. It is concluded that the drivers’ workstations in the urban buses were not ergonomically fit for the bus drivers since the anthropometric dimension of the Nigerian male bus drivers were not considered in the designing of the buses.

Introduction: Carpet-weaving is one of the hard and harmful jobs, which affect the health of the workforce. Based on the previously conducted research, musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulder, and lower back regions are common among carpet weavers. This study conducted to investigate the muscle activity of the shoulder and lower back regions in carpet weavers during work on traditional and ergonomic workstations by surface electromyography. Material and Methods: 18 experienced male weavers with a mean age of 38 and mean weaving experience of 11.1 years participated in this study. Each weaver took part in two trails of 120 min. Surface EMG signal recordings were done during weaving for four muscles (bilaterally in trapezius and erector spine). The RMS and MPF values were extracted from the raw EMG signal to estimate muscle activity and fatigue. Results: The results obtained from the 5-time intervals indicated the lowered MPF in the ergonomic workstation compared to the traditional one. The result of the mean RMS in most of the recorded times was lower in the ergonomic workstation than that in the traditional one. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the modified workstation was well-suited for trapezius muscles, and the traditional one had an advantage for the erector spine muscles.