Work - Volume 68, issue 3

Authors: Marciniak, Rudi A. | Ebersole, Kyle T. | Cornell, David J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has suggested that balance ability contributes to musculoskeletal injury (MSKI) rates in firefighters. Though the Y-Balance Test (YBT) can predict injury, it is unclear what physical measures inform YBT performance in firefighters. Thus, there is a lack of knowledge regarding best practice for improving balance in firefighters. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the YBT and fitness measures, including body composition, aerobic capacity, functional total-body power, upper and lower-body strength, and movement efficiency, among firefighters. METHODS: Dynamic balance (YBT), body mass index (BMI), body-fat percentage (BF%), fat free mass (FFM), aerobic capacity (VO2max ), …stair climb (SC), upper (1RMbench ) and lower-body (1RMsquat ) strength, and Fusionetics™ Movement Efficiency Screen (ME) measures were collected among 35 firefighter recruits. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to examine relationships between YBT and the performance measures. RESULTS: Dynamic balance ability in firefighter recruits is significantly (p  < 0.05) related to BMI, lower-body strength, and movement quality, but not with aerobic capacity, stair climb performance, and upper body strength. CONCLUSIONS: Greater YBT performance in firefighter recruits is associated with lower BMI, greater functional movement, and greater lower-body strength. Future research is warranted to incorporate these elements into balance training programs for firefighter recruits. Show more

Keywords: Y-balance test, tactical athlete, strength, power, movement efficiency

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203401

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 667-677, 2021

Authors: Kim, Kwan Woo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although using forklifts in industrial sites contributes to productivity, many workers have been injured or killed owing to industrial accidents caused by forklifts. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed the characteristics of forklift accidents by employment type and work process, thereby identifying the factors contributing to industrial accidents and providing recommendations to prevent accidents. METHODS: Data on 1,061 industrial forklift accidents occurring in 2018 collected from the national injury insurance compensation database were analyzed. In addition to analyzing the accident characteristics, this study performed a risk assessment per forklift work process. RESULTS: Many accidents were …associated with older workers, those employed for < 6 months, and workplaces with ≤49 workers. The risk was the highest for accidents involving caught-in objects in the loading/unloading step and collision accidents in the forward- and backward-driving steps. CONCLUSIONS: Measures are needed to prevent industrial forklift accidents. First, forklift and worker movement routes must be strictly separated or controlled by a work supervisor. It is necessary to secure a time margin for workers to avoid collapsing cargo by using an appropriate tool/jig during loading/unloading. Second, guidance, inspection, and support are needed to promote employers’ safety and health awareness in workplaces with < 50 workers. Lastly, intensive education and training concerning health and safety is required for workers with less than six months of experience. Show more

Keywords: Risk assessment, industrial accident, employment type, work process

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203402

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 679-687, 2021

Authors: Clemente, Miguel | Reig-Botella, Adela | de Lange, Annet | Detaille, Sarah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Youth, unemployment and poverty confirm a set of situations that are often inseparable. An example of this is the case of young people from the Andean coca areas. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a psychological test that can be used as a predictor of adequate police performance for use in police force recruitment. METHODS: The study comprised a sample of 713 young people, who were selected to join a pre-police training program designed to allow them to subsequently join the Peruvian police force. A new 200-item instrument, called Nemesis, was created. Derogatis’ SCL-90 test was …administered to determine the validity of the new instrument. The suitability of the items for the future questionnaire was determined through factor analysis, which reduced the questionnaire to 14 items. Logistic regression was used to determine whether the items on the scale could predict possible admittance into the police training academy. RESULTS: A statistical regression analysis showed that the global percentage of correct predictions exceeded chance by almost 15%. Based on this analysis, the scale was determined to be valid. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed objective of verifying the psychometric properties of the Nemesis scale was fulfilled, as the scale has adequate reliability and validity. Show more

Keywords: Police recruitment selection, psychological testing, social exclusion, vocational selection, youth, unemployed

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203403

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 689-699, 2021

Authors: Laudanski, Annemarie F. | Acker, Stacey M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High knee flexion postures are often adopted in occupational settings and may lead to increased risk of knee osteoarthritis. Pattern recognition algorithms using wireless electromyographic (EMG) signals may be capable of detecting and quantifying occupational exposures throughout a working day. OBJECTIVE: To develop a k-Nearest Neighbor (kNN) algorithm for the classification of eight high knee flexion activities frequently observed in childcare. METHODS: EMG signals from eight lower limb muscles were recorded for 30 participants, signals were decomposed into time- and frequency-domain features, and used to develop a kNN classification algorithm. Features were reduced to …a combination of ten time-domain features from 8 muscles using neighborhood component analysis, in order to most effectively identify the postures of interest. RESULTS: The final classifier was capable of accurately identifying 80.1%of high knee flexion postures based on novel data from participants included in the training dataset, yet only achieved 18.4%accuracy when predicting postures based on novel subject data. CONCLUSIONS: EMG based classification of high flexion postures may be possible within occupational settings when the model is first trained on sample data from a given individual. The developed algorithm may provide quantitative measures leading to a greater understanding of occupation specific postural requirements. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, occupational ergonomics, pattern recognition, feature selection, lower limb

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203404

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 701-709, 2021

Authors: Nassiri, Parvin | Monazzam, Mohammad Reza | Dehghan, Somayeh Farhang | Teimori, Gholamheidar | Zakerian, Seyed Abolfazl | Azam, Kamal | Asghari, Mehdi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The study aimed to assess the interactive effects of industrial noise type, level and frequency characteristics on hand motor skills using the Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test and the Hand Tool Dexterity Test. METHODS: A total of ten nonsmoking male volunteers with normal hearing and vision were selected for this study. The study followed a full 3×3×2 factorial design. Independent variables were noise type (steady, intermittent and fluctuating), noise level (75, 85 and 95 dBA) and frequency characteristics (“roar” <2000 Hz and “hiss” >2000 Hz). RESULTS: For Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, the lowest speed is related to steady …hiss noise at 75 dBA and the highest speed is related to fluctuating roar noise at 95 dBA. The speed is being significantly affected by the frequency characteristic (P  = 0.041) and noise type (P  = 0.025). The effect of hiss noise on speed is greater than roar noise (P  = 0.038). There is a significant difference (P  = 0.035) between continuous noise and fluctuating noise. For the Hand Tool Dexterity Test, the lowest speed is related to fluctuating hiss noise at 95 dBA and the highest speed is related to steady roar noise at 95 dBA. The speed is being significantly affected by the frequency characteristic (P  = 0.002), noise type (P  = 0.0001) and noise level (P  = 0.005). The effect of hiss noise on response variable to be greater than roar noise (P  = 0.008). There is a significant difference (P  = 0.0001) between steady noise and the two other types of noise, and also there is a significant difference between 75 dBA and 85 dBA level (P  = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that on hand motor skills, speed response was influenced by three characteristics: the type of noise, frequency characteristics and noise level. Also, the effect of the hiss noise was more than the roar noise. Show more

Keywords: Industrial noise, occupational skills, Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test, Hand Tool Dexterity Test, speed response

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203405

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 711-719, 2021

Authors: Van Eerd, D. | Irvin, E. | Harbin, S. | Mahood, Q. | Tiong, M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result from occupational exposures and poses a considerable burden to workers, their families, workplaces and to society in general. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct a rapid review of the literature to answer the question: “Which occupations have exposures that may lead to a PTSD diagnosis?” METHODS: A rapid review was conducted in six steps: review question development, literature search, study selection (inclusion/exclusion), study characterization, data extraction, and data synthesis. RESULTS: The search identified 3428 unique references which were reviewed to find 16 relevant studies in 23 articles. …The articles revealed associations between PTSD and rescue workers (police, firefighters, etc.), health care professionals, transit drivers, and bank employees which seem well supported by the literature. Some studies also suggest potential associations with PTSD and construction and extraction, electricians, manufacturing, installation, maintenance and repair, transportation and material moving, and clerical workers. CONCLUSIONS: A rapid review of the peer-reviewed scientific literature of PTSD prevalence or treatment suggests many occupations have exposures that could be associated with PTSD. Occupational traumatic events were most often associated with PTSD diagnosis. More research is needed to better understand the association between occupation and PTSD. Show more

Keywords: Mental health, workers’ compensation, disability prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203406

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 721-731, 2021

Authors: Knani, Mouna | Fournier, Pierre-Sébastien | Biron, Caroline

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Small and medium sized enterprises are yet uncharted territory in terms of presenteeism. In addition, the Demand-Control-Support (DCS) and Siegrist’s Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) models are proposed to predict stress-related health problems, but not for sickness behaviors such as presenteeism. Objective: This study aims to examine the relationships between psychosocial risk factors, presenteeism, mental and physical health in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study also examines the moderating effect of company size on these associations. Methods: To test the association between psychosocial risks, presenteeism, and health, only people working in small and …medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of between 2 and 199 employees were included in the sample, giving a total of 2,525 SME employees surveyed. To test the differences in exposure to psychosocial risk and presenteeism, and the moderating impact of size on the relationship between psychosocial risks, presenteeism, and health, we took the original sample (4608) of the EQCOTESST. Results: The results confirm the associations between job demands, social support and effort-reward imbalance, and presenteeism. Also, the associations between presenteeism and health problems in SMEs’ context. Multi-group analyses show that the business’s size does not moderate the strength of the relationships between psychosocial risks, presenteeism and health. Conclusion: The current study highlights that SMEs are somehow protected from certain psychosocial constraints such as high job demands, and low social support, but are more exposed to others such as effort-reward imbalance. Show more

Keywords: Demand-control-support (DCS), effort-reward imbalance (ERI), EQCOTESST, mental and physical health, psychosocial risks, psychological distress, musculoskeletal disorders, perception of overall health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203407

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 733-747, 2021

Authors: Lai, Lawrence W.C. | Chau, K.W. | Davies, Stephen N.G. | Kwan, Locinda M.L.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Open plan or open space office has become increasingly popular but those who promote the concept seldom refer to health studies or workers’ perceptions of a change in office layout towards an open space arrangement. OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on open plan or open space office layouts in terms of facilities management (FM) with users’ perceptions in mind and to obtain opinions of users of open space offices for a better appreciation of the FM issues. METHODS: A literature search of research papers from 2007 in journals using the keywords “open plan office” and …“open space office” plus “health”, first in the titles then in the text, was carried out. Thirty-two of those papers, accessible by the authors’ institutions, were consulted together with 5 other works in the Harvard Business Review. The review consulted but excluded papers and reports published or sponsored by commercial firms that were in favour of open space layouts. Case studies were conducted by face to face meetings in confidence with workers in the middle managements of twelve Hong Kong organisations known as friends to two of the authors. Problems as seen by staff are reported and discussed. RESULTS: The literature review reveals that apart from writing that promotes the use of an open plan office layout, a host of scientific works point to the problems of perceived dissatisfaction with such a layout, the nature of the dissatisfaction tending to depend on the actual design. Most workers interviewed disliked the new style open plan layouts, which points to the necessity of consulting workers when such changes are contemplated, as well as monitoring the results of the change once it is in place whether against workers’ wishes or with their support. There is a need for a number of facility arrangements in making a change to open plan that ensures that worker needs for proper lighting, privacy, and indoor health will be met. CONCLUSIONS: If the aim of a change to an open plan arrangement is to promote collegial communications in office, the study sheds light on the extent to which such arrangements may not in practice be suitable for achieving the aim. It follows that further, more specifically sociological studies of workers’ job satisfaction and emotional health in open plan office settings would be worth doing. Show more

Keywords: Office layout, facilities, lighting, privacy, indoor health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203408

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 749-758, 2021

Authors: Zare, Mohsen | Norval, Maxime | Bodin, Julie | Roquelaure, Yves

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: This study investigates work-related musculoskeletal disorders risk estimation by frequently as used as ergonomic methods in the field. Objective: To identify the difference in risk estimation by an in-house observational method and a self-reported questionnaire, and to evaluate the complementary aspects of these methods. Methods: A sample of 15 operators who worked on the assembly workstations was selected from a truck manufacturing plant. The risk assessment of these workstations (28 scenarios) was performed by the observational method and the self-reported questionnaire. The agreement between both methods to identify risk situations was measured with the weighted …Kappa coefficient. Results: The observational method and the self-reported questionnaire deployed on the same activity estimated different risk situations. Conclusion: This analysis does not reveal that one tool is more powerful than the other one, but shows the probability of different risk estimation. The complementary effect of each method might be considered for further investigation concerning musculoskeletal risk factors. Show more

Keywords: Risk estimation, musculoskeletal disorders, assessment tool, automotive assembly tasks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203409

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 759-769, 2021

Authors: Adib-Hajbaghery, Mohsen | Lotfi, Mohammad-Sajjad | Hosseini, Fatemeh Sadat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: Work and family life are the two basic components of the individuals’ life and each one affects the other. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between occupational stress, mental health and marital satisfaction among Iranian nurses. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 randomly selected nurses. The 35 items hospital stress scale, Enrich Marital Satisfaction questionnaire and Scl-25 mental health questionnaire were used. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent sample t -test and analysis of variance and regression analysis were used. Results: Inverse correlations were observed between the scores of …job stress and mental health (r = –0.468, p  = 0.001) and marital satisfaction (r = –0.517, p  = 0.001). More than 0.74% of variation in marital satisfaction is explained by the components of occupational stress. Conclusion: The results revealed that occupational stress plays a decisive role in nurses’ marital satisfaction and mental health. Due to the destructive effects of occupational stress on the people’s mental health, interpersonal relationships and on their efficacy in their job, establishment of some counseling services for nurses to be used by them periodically or by need, can help them to manage their stress level and better management of their family life problems. Moreover, in-service courses or workshops on stress management may help nurses to possess appropriate knowledge and skills on stress management. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, mental health, marital satisfaction, nursing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203410

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 771-778, 2021

Authors: Serrano-Fernández, María-José | Boada-Grau, Joan | Boada-Cuerva, Maria | Vigil-Colet, Andreu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: A worker’s work habits can affect their health, both physically and psychologically. Negative results have been associated with work demands (stress, anxiety and depression). Objective: In the present research we carried out a predictive study of work addiction by applying three questionnaires on depression and anxiety. Methods: In this study, the participants were 332 workers, obtained through non-probabilistic sampling. The FACTOR (version 7.2) and SPSS 23.0 programs were used. Results: The results of the correlation analysis show both positive and negative associations with the variables studied. We conclude that work addiction variables can …predict anxiety and depression because we found that two variables predict 18.3% of depression and 20.3% of anxiety, which are feelings generated by work and excessive work. Conclusion: It can be concluded that feelings generated by work and excessive work predict anxiety and depression, thus the present research helps to broaden knowledge on work addiction, promoting a healthy lifestyle and prevent absenteeism. Show more

Keywords: Workaholism, health, stress, depression, anxiety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203411

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 779-788, 2021

Authors: Le Floch, T. | Nadeau, S. | Morency, F. | Landau, K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Airplane de-icing technicians work from either an open-basket or closed-basket. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to identify the tasks that have an influence on the physical fatigue of open-basket aircraft de-icing technicians. METHODS: In a Canadian airport during the winter of 2016–2017, a field study was conducted in which the heart rate of 12 volunteer participants was collected. The data was analyzed along with the 22 tasks that make up the activity of open-basket aircraft de-icing. For each participant, the mean absolute cardiac cost per task was compared. The evolution of the cardiac …signal based on the resting heart rate and steady state limit was also characterized. RESULTS: According to the cumulative results fatigue occurs for periodic tasks as well as double tasks. More precisely, the most physically fatiguing tasks are spraying de-icing and anti-icing fluids, moving the basket and truck, as well as tactile control and de-icing quality control at ground level. CONCLUSIONS: Similar studies would need to be conducted in other aircraft de-icing facilities to improve the generalization of the results. Show more

Keywords: Anti-icing, aviation safety, ergonomics, heart rate, physical fatigue, open-basket de-icing tasks

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203412

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 789-796, 2021

Authors: Liu, Yao-Zhong | Wang, Yu-Jie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-control is an important factor in predicting employees’ organizational citizenship behavior, but previous studies have not examined the internal mechanism by which self-control affects organizational citizenship behavior. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to explore the relationship between self-control and employees’ organizational citizenship behavior and to test the mediating effects of vocational delay of gratification and job satisfaction. METHODS: Participants were 474 full-time employees (187 male, 287 female) from different companies in South China. They answered online self-report questionnaires that assessed self-control, vocational delay of gratification, job satisfaction, and organizational citizenship behavior. Path analyses were conducted …and a bootstrap technique was used to judge the significance of the mediation. RESULTS: The results showed that high self-control employees were more willing to engage in citizenship behavior that benefitted their organizations and colleagues, and the chain mediating effect of vocational delay of gratification and job satisfaction between self-control and organizational citizenship behavior was significant. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insights to management regarding the mechanism to promote and maintain employees’ pro-organizational behavior. Show more

Keywords: Self-regulatory, pro-organizational behaviors, future orientation, career satisfaction, chain mediating effect

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203413

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 797-806, 2021

Authors: Pinel-Jacquemin, Stéphanie | Althaus, Virginie | Boissel, Anne

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: To address the quality of life of patients in Permanent Vegetative or Minimally Conscious States, the occupational health of those around them must also be taken into account. OBJECTIVE: By analyzing how the available scientific literature has addressed this issue, this study seeks to better understand how caring for these patients affects healthcare professionals’ psychological and health status. METHODS: We identified and selected 15 publications from both Anglophone and Francophone databases, i.e., Cairn , Francis , HAL , PsycINFO , PubMed , ResearchGate and ScienceDirect . RESULTS: The reviewed publications and studies …highlight the difficulties healthcare professionals face with regard to the relationship with patients and their families. Two studies in particular suggest that the difficulties these professionals experience daily can lead to burnout. Other potential burnout factors include the healthcare profession category, the work environment, lack of training and the time spent working with this specific group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our literature review highlights the institutional and personal resources that may prevent these occupational risks. It also provides avenues for future research. Show more

Keywords: Care givers, nurses, occupational health, Permanent Vegetative State, Minimally Conscious State

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203414

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 807-820, 2021

Authors: Kumar, Priyan Malarvizhi | Pandey, Hari Mohan | Srivastava, Gautam

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203415

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 821-823, 2021

Authors: Zheyuan, Cui | Rahman, Md Arafatur | Tao, Hai | Liu, Yao | Pengxuan, Du | Yaseen, Zaher Mundher

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The increasing use of robotics in the work of co-workers poses some new problems in terms of occupational safety and health. In the workplace, industrial robots are being used increasingly. During operations such as repairs, unmanageable, adjustment, and set-up, robots can cause serious and fatal injuries to workers. Collaborative robotics recently plays a rising role in the manufacturing filed, warehouses, mining agriculture, and much more in modern industrial environments. This development advances with many benefits, like higher efficiency, increased productivity, and new challenges like new hazards and risks from the elimination of human and robotic barriers. OBJECTIVES: …In this paper, the Advanced Human-Robot Collaboration Model (AHRCM) approach is to enhance the risk assessment and to make the workplace involving security robots. The robots use perception cameras and generate scene diagrams for semantic depictions of their environment. Furthermore, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) have utilized to develop a highly protected security robot based risk management system in the workplace. RESULTS: The experimental results show that the proposed AHRCM method achieves high performance in human-robot mutual adaption and reduce the risk. CONCLUSION: Through an experiment in the field of human subjects, demonstrated that policies based on the proposed model improved the efficiency of the human-robot team significantly compared with policies assuming complete human-robot adaptation. Show more

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, semantic model, industrial robot, ICT

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203416

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 825-834, 2021

Authors: Fu, Hui | Zhang, Yahong | Subbareddy, Rama | Vadivel, Thanjai

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employers must provide their workers with a safe working environment. Violence at the workplace is considered to pose risks for mental health. However, it is rarely investigated whether or not violence at the workplace in a setting can further increase the risk of mental disorders among employees. Risk assessment of workplace violence is still a major challenge for law enforcement, mental health, and other professionals. These critical and specific evaluations need an innovative approach. OBJECTIVES: In this paper, the Optimized Grey Dynamic System Theory (OGDST) is used to analyze work-related incidents and hazard assessment. The forecasting model …is built using annual data sets of work-related incidents. RESULTS: Research shows that aggressive psychological behavior often precedes the physical abuse of the workplace, whereas employers often ignore signs of warning even when identified by employees. Effectiveness tests demonstrate the efficiency of these suggested models. CONCLUSION: The results convey information supporting the conceptualization and assessment of models of workplace violence as a phenomenon arising from negative physical and psychological experiences of individuals at the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Dynamic system, psychological behavior, risk assessment, law enforcement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203417

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 835-843, 2021

Authors: Wei, Hongbo | Rahman, Md Arafatur | Hu, Xu | Zhang, Lin | Guo, Lieyan | Tao, Hai | Salih, Sinan Q

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The selection of orders is the method of gathering the parts needed to assemble the final products from storage sites. Kitting is the name of a ready-to-use package or a parts kit, flexible robotic systems will significantly help the industry to improve the performance of this activity. In reality, despite some other limitations on the complexity of components and component characteristics, the technological advances in recent years in robotics and artificial intelligence allows the treatment of a wide range of items. OBJECTIVE: In this article, we study the robotic kitting system with a Robotic Mounted Rail Arm …System (RMRAS), which travels narrowly to choose the elements. RESULTS: The objective is to evaluate the efficiency of a robotic kitting system in cycle times through modeling of the elementary kitting operations that the robot performs (pick and room, move, change tools, etc.). The experimental results show that the proposed method enhances the performance and efficiency ratio when compared to other existing methods. CONCLUSION: This study with the manufacturer can help him assess the robotic area performance in a given design (layout and picking a policy, etc.) as part of an ongoing project on automation of kitting operations. Show more

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, routing technology, robotic kitting, flexible robot

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203418

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 845-852, 2021

Authors: Tao, Hai | Rahman, Md Arafatur | AL-Saffar, Ahmed | Zhang, Renrui | Salih, Sinan Q. | Zain, Jasni Mohamad | Al-Hajri, Al-Anood M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, workplace violence is found to be a mental health hazard and considered a crucial topic. The collaboration between robots and humans is increasing with the growth of Industry 4.0. Therefore, the first problem that must be solved is human-machine security. Ensuring the safety of human beings is one of the main aspects of human-robotic interaction. This is not just about preventing collisions within a shared space among human beings and robots; it includes all possible means of harm for an individual, from physical contact to unpleasant or dangerous psychological effects. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, Non-linear Adaptive …Heuristic Mathematical Model (NAHMM) has been proposed for the prevention of workplace violence using security Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC). Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) is an area of research with a wide range of up-demands, future scenarios, and potential economic influence. HRC is an interdisciplinary field of research that encompasses cognitive sciences, classical robotics, and psychology. RESULTS: The robot can thus make the optimal decision between actions that expose its capabilities to the human being and take the best steps given the knowledge that is currently available to the human being. Further, the ideal policy can be measured carefully under certain observability assumptions. CONCLUSION: The system is shown on a collaborative robot and is compared to a state of the art security system. The device is experimentally demonstrated. The new system is being evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Show more

Keywords: Human-robot collaboration, psychology, cognitive science, collaborative robot

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203419

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 853-861, 2021

Authors: Yu, Ke | Zhang, Liyun | Zhang, Yanling | Yu, Qian | Li, Xiaohong | Krishnamoorthy, Sujatha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Robots communicate with the physical world program with the mechanic’s simulations. They recommend that people-to-people robotics will prepare for cognitive models. Presently, there is a considerable concern for greater flexibility and efficiency in the scope of human-robot interfacing collaboration across hospitals. Nevertheless, interfacing is still in its infancy in manufacturing; industrial practitioners have many questions and doubts about the efficiency of the device and the health of human operators. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, research on processes and methods of design is required to ensure that the intended human-computer interaction-based workstations effectively meet system performance, human safety, and ergonomics standards …for realistic applications. This study provides a design process for a workstation appropriate for occupational health and safety. This article outlines the perspectives learned from incorporation into the preparation and operation of robotics of digital cognitive models. RESULTS: This ends with an overarching game-theoretical model of contact and analyses how different approaches contribute to effective communicating activities for the robot in its interaction with people. CONCLUSION: The new feature of this design process is the approach for testing alternative workstation designs, taking into account efficiency and safety features with computer simulations. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive model, digital technology, computer interface, ergonomics standards

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203420

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 863-870, 2021

Authors: Guangnan, Zhang | Tao, Hai | Rahman, Md Arafatur | Yao, Liu | AL-Saffar, Ahmed | Meng, Qiao | Liu, Wei | Yaseen, Zaher Mundher

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An isolated robot must take account of uncertainty in its world model and adapt its activities to take into account such as uncertainty. In the same way, a robot interaction with security and privacy issues (RISAPI) with people has to account for its confusion about the human internal state, as well as how this state will shift as humans respond to the robot. OBJECTIVES: This paper discusses RISAPI of our original work in the field, which shows how probabilistic planning and system theory algorithms in workplace robotic systems that work with people can allow for that reasoning …using a security robot system. The problem is a general way as an incomplete knowledge 2-player game. RESULTS: In this general framework, the various hypotheses and these contribute to thrilling and complex robot behavior through real-time interaction, which transforms actual human subjects into a spectrum of production systems, robots, and care facilities. CONCLUSION: The models of the internal human situation, in which robots can be designed efficiently, are limited, and achieve optimal computational intractability in large, high-dimensional spaces. To achieve this, versatile, lightweight portrayals of the human inner state and modern algorithms offer great hope for reasoning. Show more

Keywords: Inner state, complex robot, modern algorithms, spectrum

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203421

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 871-879, 2021

Authors: Han, Meifeng | Zhang, Fuli | Ning, Ning | Zhou, Junwei | Shanthini, A. | Vivekananda, G.N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, several tracker systems have been developed to monitor a 3-dimensional skull position for facial action whereas, various tracker systems simultaneously analyze the single sequence of video, which can be provided with low-quality cameras and less security. Initially, implementing a 2-D face detector and an unrepentance system has been suggested; furthermore, it has been improved using an integrated 3-D face initialized scheme for the real-time tracker in the present face recognition systems. OBJECTIVES: To overcome the present setbacks of the conventional systems, Face Pose Detection assisted controlled FACE++ tool position of Three-Dimensional Robot (FPLF3D) has …been proposed in this article. Furthermore, the suggested proposed configuration has a high-end monitoring approach, which is used to improve the reliability of the robot’s human-machine contact in the workplace environment for security assistance. Additionally, the robot’s direction can be controlled by the operator’s head position assessment of the camera (or any active viewing system) using a three-dimensional robot. RESULTS: Besides, the applications that are imitated by headers like telepresence, computer-generated reality, and video competitions will directly take advantage of the strategies introduced in this paper. CONCLUSION: Finally, real video tests at the lab-scale level show the accuracy and usefulness of the approaches proposed in this research outperform the existing methods used for tracking. Show more

Keywords: 3D recognition robot, security enhancement, human-machine contact, security

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203422

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 881-890, 2021

Authors: Zhang, Mengqi | Wang, Xi | Sathishkumar, V.E. | Sivakumar, V.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, the growth of smart cities is enhanced gradually, which collects a lot of information and communication technologies that are used to maximize the quality of services. Even though the intelligent city concept provides a lot of valuable services, security management is still one of the major issues due to shared threats and activities. For overcoming the above problems, smart cities’ security factors should be analyzed continuously to eliminate the unwanted activities that used to enhance the quality of the services. OBJECTIVES: To address the discussed problem, active machine learning techniques are used to predict the quality …of services in the smart city manages security-related issues. In this work, a deep reinforcement learning concept is used to learn the features of smart cities; the learning concept understands the entire activities of the smart city. During this energetic city, information is gathered with the help of security robots called cobalt robots. The smart cities related to new incoming features are examined through the use of a modular neural network. RESULTS: The system successfully predicts the unwanted activity in intelligent cities by dividing the collected data into a smaller subset, which reduces the complexity and improves the overall security management process. The efficiency of the system is evaluated using experimental analysis. CONCLUSION: This exploratory study is conducted on the 200 obstacles are placed in the smart city, and the introduced DRL with MDNN approach attains maximum results on security maintains. Show more

Keywords: Cobalt robots, deep reinforcement learning, modular neural network, safe environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203423

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 891-902, 2021

Authors: Tao, Hai | Rahman, Md Arafatur | Jing, Wang | Li, Yafeng | Li, Jing | Al-Saffar, Ahmed | Zhang, Renrui | Salih, Sinan Q.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human-robot interaction (HRI) is becoming a current research field for providing granular real-time applications and services through physical observation. Robotic systems are designed to handle the roles of humans and assist them through intrinsic sensing and commutative interactions. These systems handle inputs from multiple sources, process them, and deliver reliable responses to the users without delay. Input analysis and processing is the prime concern for the robotic systems to understand and resolve the queries of the users. OBJECTIVES: In this manuscript, the Interaction Modeling and Classification Scheme (IMCS) is introduced to improve the accuracy of HRI. This …scheme consists of two phases, namely error classification and input mapping. In the error classification process, the input is analyzed for its events and conditional discrepancies to assign appropriate responses in the input mapping phase. The joint process is aided by a linear learning model to analyze the different conditions in the event and input detection. RESULTS: The performance of the proposed scheme shows that it is capable of improving the interaction accuracy by reducing the ratio of errors and interaction response by leveraging the information extraction from the discrete and successive human inputs. CONCLUSION: The fetched data are analyzed by classifying the errors at the initial stage to achieve reliable responses. Show more

Keywords: Linear processing, robotic systems, input mapping, interaction response, recognition

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203424

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 903-912, 2021

Authors: Gong, Suning | Dinesh Jackson Samuel, R. | Pandian, Sanjeevi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: For campus workplace secure text mining, robotic assistance with feature optimization is essential. The space model of the vector is usually used to represent texts. Besides, there are still two drawbacks to this basic approach: the curse and lack of semantic knowledge. OBJECTIVES: This paper proposes a new Meta-Heuristic Feature Optimization (MHFO) method for data security in the campus workplace with robotic assistance. Firstly, the terms of the space vector model have been mapped to the concepts of data protection ontology, which statistically calculate conceptual frequency weights by term various weights. Furthermore, according to the designs of …data protection ontology, the weight of theoretical identification is allocated. The dimensionality of functional areas is reduced significantly by combining standard frequency weights and weights based on data protection ontology. In addition, semantic knowledge is integrated into this process. RESULTS: The results show that the development of the characteristics of this process significantly improves campus workplace secure text mining. CONCLUSION: The experimental results show that the development of the features of the concept hierarchy structure process significantly enhances data security of campus workplace text mining with robotic assistance. Show more

Keywords: Text mining, security, ontology, semantic knowledge

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203425

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 913-922, 2021

Authors: Jing, Wang | Tao, Hai | Rahman, Md Arafatur | Kabir, Muhammad Nomani | Yafeng, Li | Zhang, Renrui | Salih, Sinan Q. | Zain, Jasni Mohamad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is incorporated with a variety of applications for input processing and response actions. Facial recognition systems in workplaces and security systems help to improve the detection and classification of humans based on the vision experienced by the input system. OBJECTIVES: In this manuscript, the Robotic Facial Recognition System using the Compound Classifier (RERS-CC) is introduced to improve the recognition rate of human faces. The process is differentiated into classification, detection, and recognition phases that employ principal component analysis based learning. In this learning process, the errors in image processing based on the extracted different …features are used for error classification and accuracy improvements. RESULTS: The performance of the proposed RERS-CC is validated experimentally using the input image dataset in MATLAB tool. The performance results show that the proposed method improves detection and recognition accuracy with fewer errors and processing time. CONCLUSION: The input image is processed with the knowledge of the features and errors that are observed with different orientations and time instances. With the help of matching dataset and the similarity index verification, the proposed method identifies precise human face with augmented true positives and recognition rate. Show more

Keywords: Feature extraction, machine learning, HCI, classifier, processing time

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203426

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 923-934, 2021

Authors: Zhang, Guangnan | Jing, Wang | Tao, Hai | Rahman, Md Arafatur | Salih, Sinan Q. | AL-Saffar, Ahmed | Zhang, Renrui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) has become a prominent solution to improve the robustness of real-time service provisioning through assisted functions for day-to-day activities. The application of the robotic system in security services helps to improve the precision of event detection and environmental monitoring with ease. OBJECTIVES: This paper discusses activity detection and analysis (ADA) using security robots in workplaces. The application scenario of this method relies on processing image and sensor data for event and activity detection. The events that are detected are classified for its abnormality based on the analysis performed using the sensor and image data …operated using a convolution neural network. This method aims to improve the accuracy of detection by mitigating the deviations that are classified in different levels of the convolution process. RESULTS: The differences are identified based on independent data correlation and information processing. The performance of the proposed method is verified for the three human activities, such as standing, walking, and running, as detected using the images and sensor dataset. CONCLUSION: The results are compared with the existing method for metrics accuracy, classification time, and recall. Show more

Keywords: Monitoring, convolution neural networks, event detection, HRI, sensor data processing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203427

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 935-943, 2021

Authors: Chen, Long | Sivaparthipan, C.B. | Rajendiran, Sowmipriya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, social media have filtered our life both in the professional and personal aspects. Currently, most of us suffer from poor quality of thinking, which is due to the impact of social media towards our lives, particularly in the health care arena. OBJECTIVES: In this article, cultural tension due to social media creates an unwanted risk to the youngsters and others with sleep deprivation. They become dependent on staying dynamic via social networking sites media all the time. As indicated by an ongoing report, there is a reliable connection between the measure of time spent …via web-based networking media and depression among youthful grown-ups, which creates unprofessional problems and potential healthcare risk in individuals due to the usage of social media. RESULTS: This article speaks about the research gap and possible risks reforming strategies on healthcare communication in social media through statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: The experimental validation of case studies shows prominent solutions that have not been addressed in traditional methods. Show more

Keywords: Dynamic system, statistical analysis, health issues, data collection, social media

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203428

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 945-953, 2021

Authors: Pingli, Duan | Muthu, Bala Anand | Kadry, Seifedine Nimer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The manufacturing industry undergoes a new age, with significant changes taking place on several fronts. Companies devoted to digital transformation take their future plants inspired by the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is a worldwide network of interrelated physical devices, which is an essential component of the internet, including sensors, actuators, smart apps, computers, mechanical machines, and people. The effective allocation of the computing resources and the carrier is critical in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for smart production systems. Indeed, the existing assignment method in the smart production system cannot guarantee that resources meet the inherently …complex and volatile requirements of the user are timely. Many research results on resource allocations in auction formats which have been implemented to consider the demand and real-time supply for smart development resources, but safety privacy and trust estimation issues related to these outcomes are not actively discussed. OBJECTIVES: The paper proposes a Hierarchical Trustful Resource Assignment (HTRA) and Trust Computing Algorithm (TCA) based on Vickrey Clarke-Groves (VGCs) in the computer carriers necessary resources to communicate wirelessly among IIoT devices and gateways, and the allocation of CPU resources for processing information at the CPC. RESULTS: Finally, experimental findings demonstrate that when the IIoT equipment and gateways are valid, the utilities of each participant are improved. CONCLUSION: This is an easy and powerful method to guarantee that intelligent manufacturing components genuinely work for their purposes, which want to integrate each element into a system without interactions with each other. Show more

Keywords: Safety, privacy, trustfulness, VGC’s, IoT, CPU

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203429

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 3, pp. 955-965, 2021