Work - Volume 73, issue s1

Authors: Black, Nancy L.

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223646

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S1-S3, 2022

Authors: Seva, Rosemary R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Designs that evoke fun and surprise have been successful in driving uncommon positive behavior. Affective design (AD) is based on the premise that products and services can elicit strong affective responses that can be harnessed for specific purposes such as increasing consumption. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to discuss the theoretical foundations and applications of AD to address contemporary consumption, recycling, and healthcare issues. METHODS: Current applications of AD to address environmental and health issues were analyzed in terms of effectiveness in changing user behavior. Relevant concepts were used to provide future research directions in this …field. RESULTS: Early applications of AD focused on designing products to increase customer satisfaction and stimulate consumption. The method, however, is auspicious in solving relevant societal and global problems. To pave the way for successful integration of AD, one research direction is the need to identify the right emotion to elicit in a certain context. There is a dearth of literature to promote sustainable consumption, such as using less energy, minimizing carbon footprint, or just taking care of the environment using AD. CONCLUSION: The integration of AD is a strategy that can be used to prompt behavior beneficial to society and the environment. Literature on AD suggests that a deliberate effort to manipulate design factors can work to elicit strong affective responses. Show more

Keywords: Affective design, sustainability, Kansei engineering, ergonomics in design, product design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211187

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S5-S14, 2022

Authors: Boy, Guy André | Morel, Chloé

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human-machine teaming (HMT) typically combines perspectives from systems engineering, artificial intelligence (AI) and human-centered design (HCD), to achieve human systems integration (HSI) through the development of an integrative systems representation that encapsulates human and machine attributes and properties. OBJECTIVE: The study explores the main factors contributing to performance, trust and collaboration between expert human operators and increasingly autonomous machines, by developing and using the PRODEC method. PRODEC supports HSI by improving the agile HCD of advanced sociotechnical systems at work, which qualify as human-machine teamwork. METHODS: PRODEC incorporates scenario-based design and human-in-the-loop simulation at design …and development time of a sociotechnical system. It is associated with the concept of digital twin. A systemic representation was developed and used, associated with metrics for the evaluation of human-machine teams. RESULTS: The study is essentially methodological. In practice, PRODEC has been used and validated in the MOHICAN project that dealt with the integration of pilots and virtual assistants onboard advanced fighter aircraft. It enabled the development of appropriate metrics and criteria of performance, trust, collaboration, and tangibility (i.e., issues of complexity, maturity, flexibility, stability, and sustainability), which were associated with the identification of emergent functions that help redesign and recalibrate the air combat virtual assistant as well as fighter pilot training. CONCLUSION: PRODEC addresses the crucial issue of how AI systems could and should influence requirements and design of sociotechnical systems that support human work, particularly in contexts of high uncertainty. However, PRODEC is still work in progress and advanced visualization techniques and tools are needed to increase physical and figurative tangibility. Show more

Keywords: Integrative human and machine systemic representation, flexibility, human systems integration, trust, collaboration, scenario-based design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220268

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S15-S30, 2022

Authors: Rodríguez-Vega, Graciela | Rodríguez-Vega, Dora A. | De la Vega-Bustillos, Enrique J. | López-Millán, Francisco O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adopting awkward postures at work has a great impact on productivity and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Considering anthropometric data in the design of products and workplaces can diminish this impact. The traditional univariate-percentile-approach is one of the most implemented in the anthropometric analysis, even though it has proved limitations in comparison with multivariate-approaches. OBJECTIVE: To develop univariate and multivariate hand models considering four anthropometric dimensions, and to theoretically compare the univariate and multivariate accommodation percentages. METHODS: Univariate percentile models corresponding to the database of real subject nearest-neighbors to the 5th and 95th percentiles were obtained for …the male and female population. Two multivariate approaches were implemented on the central 90% of both populations: 2D principal component analysis and archetypal analysis. The accommodation percentage for each family of models was obtained based on the population that simultaneously fit all the anthropometric dimensions. The goodness-of-fit and McNemar’s tests were performed to statistically analyze the accommodation percentages. RESULTS: Eight human hand models were obtained via Principal Component Analysis while two, three, four, and eight Archetypal Analysis models (male-population) and two, three, six, and eight Archetypal Analysis models (female-population) were selected after a root-sum-of-squares analysis for k = 1, ...  ,10 archetypes. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the Principal Component Analysis models obtained a higher accommodation level, followed by the Archetypal Analysis and percentile models (male population). In the case of the female population, models obtained by multivariate-Archetypal Analysis (k = 8) obtained a higher accommodation percentage. Show more

Keywords: Percentage accommodation, human hand models, percentiles, multivariate approaches

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211108

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S31-S43, 2022

Authors: Oyama, Hideki | Watanabe, Akihisa | Togami, Hidenori | Noro, Kageyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ophthalmic surgeons experience high levels of physical strain in the neck, lower back, and buttocks. While ergonomic interventions may help to solve these problems, only a few studies have reported chair designs for ophthalmic microsurgery. OBJECTIVE: To design a chair that reduces the physical strain on surgeons and examine its effectiveness in improving posture and reducing seat pressure. METHODS: A prototype chair with a three-dimensional seat surface and a sliding adjustment mechanism for the backrest was designed to fit the surgeon’s body. A conventional chair (A) and the prototype chair (B) were compared during microsurgeries …performed by five surgeons. Seat pressure was measured using a pressure-sensing device, and the pelvic tilt angle was measured using a gyroscope sensor. RESULTS: A paired t -test indicated significant differences between the chairs: average seat pressure was 70.4±12.7 mmHg for A and 40.5±3.8 mmHg for B (p  = 0.008); the maximum seat pressure was 242.2±19.7 mmHg for A and 170.5±38.5 mmHg for B (p  = 0.024); contact area was 906.1±114.5 cm2 for A and 1,255.9±60.1 cm2 for B (p  < 0.001); and relative value of the pelvic tilt angle was –13.7°±3.7° for A and –7.1°±4.9° for B (p  = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The prototype chair was associated with lower seat pressure and maintenance of a more neutral posture than the conventional chair, indicating that it may help to reduce physical strain in ophthalmic surgeons. Show more

Keywords: Ophthalmologic surgery, posture, ergonomics, work-related musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211117

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S45-S55, 2022

Authors: Paul, Gunther | Steffan, Isabella Tiziana | Itoh, Nana | Bowman, Richard | Bradtmiller, Bruce

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Design for All or Universal Design is a relatively new domain in Ergonomics. With globally ageing populations, it has however recently gained significant interest. OBJECTIVE: This position paper summarizes the outcomes of a workshop held at the virtual 21st Triennial Congress of the International Ergonomics Association. The paper expands the horizon of traditional Ergonomics into a domain where people are differently abled and establishes a platform for the essential needs of future ergonomic standards which are required to inform inclusive design guidelines, or Design for All, extending the range of users. METHODS: The paper includes …contributions from Asian, Australian, European and US workshop participants who are accessibility design experts in their respective geographic regions. The paper summarizes issues related to anthropometry in the Design for All, based on recent work in the US (Access board) and actual developments in various national and international accessibility standardization bodies, such as the Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand, the European Standardization Organization (EN 17210:2021; EN 17161:2019) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 21542:2021 and BS ISO 7176-5:2008). CONCLUSIONS: The paper concludes that despite the identification of a significant gap in knowledge of the anthropometry of people with disabilities as far back as 1990, work towards bridging the gap and enabling ergonomic standardization has not progressed since then globally. The lack of standardization in anthropometric data on people with a physical disability continues to complicate provision of data for mobility and accessibility design and hampers accessibility standardization efforts. Show more

Keywords: Universal Design, architectural accessibility, disabled persons, standardization, standards

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211106

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S57-S65, 2022

Authors: Qureshi, Sadeem Munawar | Davy, Jonathan | Buckley, Katie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Early-Career Community (ECC) comprises researchers, practitioners, and professionals in their “early-career” stages in the Human Factors/Ergonomics (HFE) profession. Early-career HFE professionals are essential to both current industry decision making and future growth of our profession. OBJECTIVE: This paper provides detailed insights into the barriers and suggestions to support engagement with ECC within the International Ergonomics Association (IEA) and its Federated Societies. METHODS: This report integrates key findings from the formal and informal discussions that occurred with diverse groups of stakeholders (n  > 100) at IEA2015, IEA2018 and IEA2021 guided by the participatory inquiry paradigm, cooperative …action-inquiry and participatory ergonomics approaches. RESULTS: Barriers to support ECC include: a lack of employment opportunities, poor general awareness and integration of HFE in existing university-courses, financial constraints, inclusivity challenges and a lack of Influence in decision-making. While some of the more systemic challenges are context-specific and cannot be overcome, ECCs suggested that: the IEA and its Federated Societies include ECC members as part of their boards; a Standing Committee for the ECCs be established as part of the IEA; make use of social-media more effectively to engage the ECC. More mentorship, networking, knowledge sharing, training and education, combined with financial-support will ensure that the ECC can participate. CONCLUSION: ECC members experience complex and dynamic challenges that affect their development and involvement in the broader HFE profession. It is therefore critical that appropriate, global, national and local strategies are developed to continue to support and develop the ECC to ensure the continued growth of and demand for HFE. Show more

Keywords: Early career researchers, early career practitioners, International Ergonomics Association (IEA); Ergonomics, human factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211216

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S67-S80, 2022

Authors: Neves, Júlio César Bispo | de França, Tiago Cruz | Bastos, Mauro Penha | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Official authorities are in charge of communicating with the public in a consistent and coherent manner. The impact of social media on managing the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic potentially influenced social behavior in Brazil. OBJECTIVE: Using Twitter, this study analyzes communications about the COVID-19 pandemic from official agencies of the Brazilian government and key public sector decision-makers. METHOD: We captured public Twitter messages about COVID-19 exchanged between authorities at the federal, state, and municipal levels of government. These messages were further classified into guidance and information messages or disinformation messages. Finally, through analysis of tweets …and their frequency, we evidenced the level of information generated by the three levels of government. RESULTS: Our analyses show an underestimation of the magnitude of the pandemic by Brazilian government authorities. None of the spheres of government anticipated the imminent health crisis, did not issue good recommendations and guidelines, and did not take preventive actions. CONCLUSION: The lack of governmental actions and adequate guidance in Brazil has led to an explosive increase in infected people and deaths. Surprisingly, this was not due to technical or structural reasons. It resulted from conflicting communication strategies implemented by the federal, state, and municipal governments in attempts to minimize the effects of COVID-19 on their local health structures. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus, public health, social media, infodemic, human behavior

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211213

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S81-S93, 2022

Authors: González, C. Aleida González | Fonte, Daylí Morales | Rodríguez, Lisandra Leal | González, Adrián González | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In Cuba, the first cases of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) were confirmed on March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared the pandemic and the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) began to execute the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Plan. This plan was prepared two months earlier by MINSAP working together with the National Civil Defense and the government approved it at the end of January. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of the government strategies to deal with COVID-19, by analyzing the role of the different agencies involved …in the pandemic management. METHODS: A bibliographical review of the following documents was conducted: information issued by MINSAP and other ministries, archives of the Pedro Kouri Institute (IPK) and Cuban journals regarding the high impact in the field of medicine. The data were processed with different tools (diagrams, bar graphs, analysis and synthesis, etc.) that allowed measuring the effectiveness of the strategies implemented. RESULTS: The government’s strategies focused on: the integration of all state agencies and some private institutions to confront COVID-19; the collaboration between MINSAP specialists, country’s research centers and universities for the creation of vaccines to contain the pandemic; the production of medical equipment and instruments; the design of the organization processes of the services, such as planning techniques and distribution of ambulances, allocation of hospitals and isolation centers for sufferers and direct contacts respectively. CONCLUSION: The analysis carried out showed that the interrelations between the different organizations involved had positive influences on the treatment of the pandemic. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, strategies, public health, government, role integration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211209

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S95-S108, 2022

Authors: Buckley, Katie L. | O’Halloran, Paul D. | Oates, Jennifer M. | Carey, Lindsay B. | Ruddock, Mandy L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-system participation and factors are associated with occupational vocal health for vocally reliant workers, such as sports coaches. However, there is limited use of systems approaches and worker collaboration to address occupational voice. OBJECTIVE: The current research aimed to cooperatively consider coaches’ vocally reliant systems participation, including addressing vocal ergonomic factors that can create barriers for occupational vocal health and voice use. METHODS: Collaborative action inquiries explored vocal ergonomics with coaches (n  = 24) from nine professional basketball teams. Across three basketball seasons, coaches and a subject matter expert identified what influenced coaches’ voices and trialed …approaches to optimize vocally reliant coaching participation. Nine action inquiry methods were used, including search conferences, ergonomic approaches to enhance systems participation, and focus groups. Multi-level analyses were also undertaken. RESULTS: Participants cooperatively generated, implemented, and evaluated different strategies. A cumulative total of 57 strategies were explored within teams (team mean = 6.33, SD = 3, range = 4–14). Cross-case analysis identified 25 different strategy types. Overall, participants appraised 31.58% (18/57) strategies as supportive (i.e., enhanced facilitators for voice), 61.40% (35/57) strategies as somewhat supportive (i.e., some enhanced facilitators and some ongoing barriers), and 7.02% (4/57) strategies as unsupportive (i.e., pervasive ongoing barriers not mitigated by strategies). Further, factors across coaches’ work-systems continued to influence coaches’ voices in dynamic and complex ways. CONCLUSIONS: Collaboration with coaches enriched vocal ergonomic approaches by providing novel, context-anchored insights. Collaboration should form ‘part’ of broader mechanisms to support coaches’ voice use and vocal health at work. Show more

Keywords: Voice use, vocal health, occupational voice users, voice ergonomics, participatory ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211215

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. s1, pp. S109-S126, 2022