Search

Background: During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the interaction between the alternating currents of the gradient coil and the static magnetic field (SMF) generates vibrational forces, perceived as loud acoustic noise. The sound pressure levels (SPLs) are high enough to cause hearing damage, necessitating hearing protection for anyone in the scanner room. To address this, technological advancements have introduced acoustic noise reduction (ANR) software that can alter the gradient currents, resulting in lower vibrational forces and quieter scans. However, such alterations might decrease image quality and prolong scan times. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate different ANR software to understand their specific utilities and limitations. Additionally, it remains unclear whether, when, and how such software is being utilized clinically, and how MR personnel manage acoustic noise overall. Furthermore, exposure to the SMF within the scanner vicinity can induce transient adverse health effects, such as vertigo, dizziness, nausea, headaches, drowsiness, and metallic taste. However, the evidence is inconclusive regarding the regularity of symptoms, and control groups are needed to account for environmental confounders. Insights into the management of acoustic noise, gradient field applications, and SMF exposure may assist in making MRI both safer and quieter, thereby improving the MR work environment, patient comfort, and the overall clinical experience. Aim: The overall aim of this thesis was to present a radiography perspective on acoustic noise management, gradient field applications and SMF exposure in MR. Methods: This thesis encompasses four studies. In Study I, we explored health complaints subjectively associated with SMF and acoustic noise exposure, including symptom prevalence and attribution over the last year. Data were extracted from a nationally distributed cross-sectional survey answered by MR radiographers and CT radiographers (the latter used as contr, Bakgrund: Vid magnetkameraundersökningar (MR, magnetisk resonans) skapar samspelet mellan växelströmmarna i gradientspolen och det statiska magnetfältet (SMF) vibrationskrafter som uppfattas som höga oljud. Ljudnivåerna är så pass höga att hörselskydd krävs för att undvika hörselskador under bildtagning. Modern mjukvara har utvecklats för att minska detta buller genom att ändra eller begränsa gradientströmmarna, men kan påverka bildkvaliteten negativt och förlänga scanningstiden. Genom att utvärdera olika bullerreducerande mjukvaror kan vi förstå deras specifika användningsområden och begränsningar. Dessutom är det oklart om, när och hur sådan mjukvara används kliniskt, eller hur MR-personal hanterar buller generellt. Exponering för SMF i närheten av magnetkameran kan även orsaka tillfälliga negativa hälsoeffekter som yrsel, illamående, huvudvärk, dåsighet och metallsmak. Hur ofta dessa symtom uppträder är inte helt klarlagt, och kontrollgrupper behövs för att ta hänsyn till påverkande omgivningsfaktorer. Ökad kunskap om hanteringen av buller, gradientfältsapplikationer och SMF-exponering kan bidra till att göra MR både säkrare och tystare, vilket förbättrar arbetsmiljön, patientkomforten och den övergripande kliniska upplevelsen. Syfte: Det övergripande syftet med denna avhandling var att presentera ett radiografiskt perspektiv på hantering av buller, gradientfältsapplikationer och SMF-exponering vid MR. Metod: Denna avhandling omfattar fyra studier. I Studie I undersökte vi förekomst av symtom och hälsobesvär som kopplats till SMF- och bullerexponering. Data hämtades från en nationellt utskickad tvärsnittsenkät besvarad av MR-röntgensjuksköterskor och CT-röntgensjuksköterskor (CT, datortomografi, användes som kontroller) runtom hela Sverige. Totalt inkluderades data från 529 deltagare och analyserades både beskrivande och med logistisk regression. I Studie II intervjuade vi 15 MR-röntgensjuksköterskor runtom Sverige för att undersöka hur de hanterar buller i klini

The design of ergonomic workstations is based on key principles, such as anthropometry, with the aim of adapting the work environment to the physical and psychological characteristics of workers, promoting a comfortable and safe environment. The evaluation of jobs using the ROSA method sought to determine the level of risk and the necessary action. Subsequently, anthropometric measurements were collected from 13 workers that allowed the design of the workstation for the administrative staff of PROVIP'S CIA. LTDA. The results indicate that the upper and lower back, neck and wrist are the body areas most affected by musculoskeletal discomfort. The evaluation of positions with ROSA for PVD revealed levels of high to extreme risk, signaling an urgency in ergonomic intervention. Therefore, the redesign of jobs is proposed, considering anthropometric measurements, to improve work comfort and standardize an adaptable workstation prototype. Ergonomic design is crucial to adapt the work elements to the worker and prevent musculoskeletal injuries. The use of anthropometric measurements not only improves comfort, but also increases productivity and decreases the risk of work-related injuries., El diseño de estaciones de trabajo ergonómicas se fundamenta en principios clave, como la antropometría, con el objetivo de adecuar el entorno laboral a las características físicas y psicológicas de los trabajadores, promoviendo un ambiente cómodo y seguro. La evaluación de puestos de trabajo mediante el método ROSA buscó determinar el nivel de riesgo y la acción necesaria. Posteriormente, se recopilo medidas antropométricas de 13 trabajadores que permitieron diseñar la estación de trabajo del personal administrativo de PROVIP´S CIA. LTDA. Los resultados indican que la parte superior e inferior de la espalda, cuello y muñeca son las áreas corporales más afectadas por molestias musculoesqueléticas. La evaluación de los puestos con ROSA para PVD reveló niveles de riesgo alto a extremo, señalando una urgencia en la intervención ergonómica. Por consiguiente, se propone el rediseño de los puestos, considerando medidas antropométricas, para mejorar el confort laboral y estandarizar un prototipo adaptable de estación de trabajo. El diseño ergonómico es crucial para adecuar los elementos de trabajo al trabajador y prevenir lesiones musculoesqueléticas. El uso de medidas antropométricas no solo mejora el confort, sino que también incrementa la productividad y disminuye el riesgo de lesiones laborales.

The purpose of the article is to build the model of the functioning and role of a thing in the system of contemporary design. Research methods. The article applies general scientific methods and approaches of cognition, namely: interdisciplinary and systematic approaches, analysis, synthesis, deduction and induction; abstraction method, method of ascent from the general to the specific, empirical method of collecting information. The method of Gestalt psychology was used to determine the specifics of combining the constituent elements into holistic configurations. Scientific novelty. The article presents a systematic analysis of the functioning of a thing in contemporary design as a holistic model. In the course from the general to the specific, the constituent elements of the model have been defined, which can be in static and dynamic states of development. The static and dynamic aspects of development depend on the pre-project conditions and technical specifications, requirements of the consumer of design objects, and methods of technological production of a thing. Conclusions: It is found that a thing in contemporary design performs several functions in the subsystem "thing-consumer-socio-cultural environment" simultaneously. Through constant filling, changes, redesign of the object environment, a thing influences the formation of visual culture, creates a general image of the socio-cultural environment saturated with visual expressiveness. In this way, the old image of object culture is constantly replaced by a new one. The type of consumer and customer, depending on the value orientations formed by the socio-cultural environment, determines specific design features of the project image of a thing, from the instrumental minimalism of its form to the complexity of the form as an art object. Pre-project research, design, and formation of things are subject to universal tasks, principles, techniques, and methods. The updated image of the socio-cultural environment

Background Surgical specialists experience significant musculoskeletal strain as a consequence of their profession, a domain within the healthcare system often recognized for the pronounced impact of such issues. The aim of this study is to calculate the risk of presenting musculoskeletal injuries in surgeons after surgical practice. Methods Cross-sectional study carried out using an online form (12/2021–03/2022) aimed at members of the Spanish Association of Surgeons. Demographic variables on physical and professional activity were recorded, as well as musculoskeletal pain (MSP) associated with surgical activity. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the development of MSP based on personalized surgical activity. To achieve this, a risk algorithm was computed and an online machine learning calculator was created to predict them. Physiotherapeutic recommendations were generated to address and alleviate each MSP. Results A total of 651 surgeons (112 trainees, 539 specialists). 90.6% reported MSP related to surgical practice, 60% needed any therapeutic measure and 11.7% required a medical leave. In the long term, MSP was most common in the cervical and lumbar regions (52.4, 58.5%, respectively). Statistically significant risk factors (OR CI 95%) were for trunk pain, long interventions without breaks (3.02, 1.65–5.54). Obesity, indicated by BMI, to lumbar pain (4.36, 1.84–12.1), while an inappropriate laparoscopic screen location was associated with cervical and trunk pain (1.95, 1.28–2.98 and 2.16, 1.37–3.44, respectively). A predictive model and an online calculator were developed to assess MSP risk. Furthermore, a need for enhanced ergonomics training was identified by 89.6% of surgeons. Conclusions The prevalence of MSP among surgeons is a prevalent but often overlooked health concern. Implementing a risk calculator could enable tailored prevention strategies, addressing modifiable factors like ergonomics.

The purpose of this research was to establish the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders together with ergonomic risks in a group of full-time teachers at the Lauro Damerval Ayora Educational Unit in Loja. The methodology used in the research was observational, descriptive, cross-sectional. The study population consisted of 50 teachers, from which a sample of 46 was obtained through inclusion and exclusion criteria, to whom a survey was applied using two instruments: the REBA Method and the Nordic kuorinka questionnaire. The results obtained show a medium and high level of MSD with 60.8% and 23.90% respectively; while the ergonomic risk shows a very high and high level with 28% and 17% respectively. It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of MSD in the teaching staff of the Lauro Damerval Ayora Educational Unit, and a high statistical association between variables, so it is advisable to implement intervention programs to prevent the occurrence of this type of disorders., O objetivo desta pesquisa foi estabelecer a incidência de distúrbios musculoesqueléticos juntamente com os riscos ergonômicos em um grupo de professores de tempo integral na Unidade Educacional Lauro Damerval Ayora, em Loja. A metodologia utilizada na pesquisa foi observacional, descritiva e transversal. A população do estudo foi composta por 50 professores, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de 46 por meio de critérios de inclusão e exclusão, aos quais foi aplicada uma pesquisa com dois instrumentos: o método REBA e o questionário nórdico kuorinka. Os resultados obtidos mostram um nível médio e alto de DME com 60,8% e 23,90%, respectivamente; enquanto o risco ergonômico mostra um nível muito alto e alto com 28% e 17%, respectivamente. Conclui-se que há uma alta prevalência de DME no corpo docente da Unidade Educacional Lauro Damerval Ayora e uma alta associação estatística entre as variáveis, razão pela qual é aconselhável implementar programas de intervenção com o objetivo de prevenir o aparecimento desse tipo de distúrbio., Esta investigación tuvo como finalidad establecer la incidencia de trastornos músculo esqueléticos junto con riesgos ergonómicos en un en un grupo de docentes a tiempo completo en la Unidad Educativa Lauro Damerval Ayora de Loja. La metodología utilizada en la investigación fue de tipo observacional, descriptiva, de corte transversal La población de estudio estuvo compuesta por 50 docentes, de los cuales se obtuvo una muestra de 46 mediante criterios de inclusión y exclusión, a quienes se les aplicó una encuesta utilizando dos instrumentos: el Método REBA y el cuestionario Nórdico de kuorinka. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian un nivel medio y alto de TME con un 60,8% y 23,90% respectivamente; mientras que el riesgo ergonómico evidencia un nivel muy alto y alto con un 28% y 17% respectivamente. Se concluye que existe una alta prevalencia de TME en el personal docente de la Unidad Educativa Lauro Damerval Ayora, y una asociación estadística alta entre variables, por lo cual es recomendable la implantación de programas de intervención con la finalidad de prevenir la aparición de este tipo de trastornos.

This study focuses on the assessment of psychosocial risks and their psychophysical consequences in the drivers of the Professional Drivers’ Union of Gualaceo. The main objective is to identify the intralaboral, extralaboral, and individual risks faced by these drivers and to analyze the psychophysical consequences of these risks. To achieve this, a methodology that included surveys and interviews with 150 drivers was employed, addressing aspects such as social support, discrimination, communication, work-life balance, and mental health. The results revealed a high prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort, particularly in the cervical and lumbar regions, which supports the hypothesis that psychosocial risks impact the drivers’ health. Additionally, the lack of training in psychosocial risks and the need for comprehensive prevention programs were emphasized. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of addressing psychosocial and ergonomic risks in professional drivers and highlights the need to improve working conditions and the quality of life of this specific occupational group., Este estudo se concentra na avaliação dos riscos psicossociais e suas consequências psicofísicas nos motoristas do Sindicato dos Motoristas Profissionais de Gualaceo. O principal objetivo é identificar os riscos intralaborais, extralaborais e individuais enfrentados por esses motoristas e analisar as consequências psicofísicas desses riscos. Para isso, foi utilizada uma metodologia que incluiu pesquisas e entrevistas com 150 motoristas, abordando aspectos como apoio social, discriminação, comunicação, equilíbrio entre vida pessoal e profissional e saúde mental. Os resultados revelaram uma alta prevalência de queixas musculoesqueléticas, especialmente nas regiões cervical e lombar, apoiando a hipótese de que os riscos psicossociais afetam a saúde dos motoristas. Além disso, a falta de treinamento em riscos psicossociais e a necessidade de programas de prevenção abrangentes foram destacadas. Em conclusão, este estudo ressalta a importância de abordar os riscos psicossociais e ergonômicos em motoristas profissionais e destaca a necessidade de melhorar as condições de trabalho e a qualidade de vida dessa população específica de trabalhadores., Este estudio se enfoca en la evaluación de riesgos psicosociales y sus consecuencias psicofísicas en los conductores del Sindicato de Choferes Profesionales de Gualaceo. El objetivo principal es identificar los riesgos intralaborales, extralaborales e individuales que enfrentan estos conductores y analizar las consecuencias psicofísicas de estos riesgos. Para lograrlo, se empleó una metodología que incluyó encuestas y entrevistas a 150 conductores, abordando aspectos como apoyo social, discriminación, comunicación, equilibrio entre el trabajo y la vida personal y salud mental. Los resultados revelaron una alta prevalencia de molestias musculoesqueléticas, particularmente en las regiones cervical y lumbar, lo que respalda la hipótesis de que los riesgos psicosociales afectan la salud de los conductores. Además, se destacó la falta de capacitación en riesgos psicosociales y la necesidad de programas de prevención integral. En conclusión, este estudio subraya la importancia de abordar los riesgos psicosociales y ergonómicos en conductores profesionales y destaca la necesidad de mejorar las condiciones laborales y la calidad de vida de esta población laboral específica.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are increasingly prevalent and affect the health and performance of workers, especially in informal and rudimentary manufacturing sectors, which by their very nature, such as panel mills, involve repetitive movements, prolonged postures, and handling of loads, factors that predispose to dis-ergonomic risks and painful symptoms, leading to long-term occupational diseases and altered functionality. Objective: To determine the perceived symptomatology and dis-ergonomic risk among workers in a panela factory. Methodology: The study design was descriptive and cross-sectional. Twenty-nine workers of a panela mill in the municipality of Sandoná were evaluated, using the Nordic instrument for perceived symptomatology and the OWAS battery for dis-ergonomic risk. Results: 82.8% of participants had musculoskeletal discomfort; of this percentage, the body area with the greatest discomfort was the dorsal or lumbar region at 37.5%; 86.2% had dis-ergonomic risk. Conclusions: The results indicate that the population presented musculoskeletal symptomatology and that the manipulation of loads, together with forced postures, represent harmful effects to the workers of panela mills, given the characteristics of the work., Os distúrbios musculoesqueléticos relacionados ao trabalho são cada vez mais prevalentes e afetam a saúde e o desempenho dos trabalhadores, especialmente em setores de manufatura informais e rudimentares, que, por sua própria natureza, como os moinhos de panela, envolvem movimentos repetitivos, posturas prolongadas e manuseio de cargas, fatores que predispõem a riscos não ergonômicos e sintomas dolorosos, levando a doenças ocupacionais de longo prazo e alteração da funcionalidade. Objetivo: determinar a sintomatologia percebida e o risco dis-ergonômico entre os trabalhadores de uma fábrica de panelas. Metodologia: o desenho do estudo foi descritivo e transversal. Vinte e nove trabalhadores de uma fábrica de panela no município de Sandoná foram avaliados, usando o instrumento nórdico para sintomatologia percebida e a bateria OWAS para risco dis-ergonômico. Resultados: 82,8% dos participantes apresentaram desconforto musculoesquelético; dessa porcentagem, a área do corpo com maior desconforto foi a região dorsal ou lombar, com 37,5%; 86,2% apresentaram risco dis-ergonômico. Conclusões: os resultados indicam que a população apresentou sintomatologia musculoesquelética e que a manipulação de cargas, juntamente com as posturas forçadas, representa efeitos nocivos aos trabalhadores de moinhos de panela, dadas as características do trabalho., Los trastornos musculoesqueléticos relacionados con el trabajo son cada vez más frecuentes e impactan en la salud y por ende en el desempeño del trabajador, aún más cuando se trata de sectores productivos informales y rudimentarios que, por sus características, como los molinos paneleros, implican movimientos repetitivos, posturas prolongadas y manipulación de cargas, los cuales son factores que predisponen al riesgo disergonómico y a una sintomatología dolorosa en estos trabajadores, ocasionando enfermedades laborales a largo plazo y alteración de la funcionalidad. Objetivo: determinar la sintomatología sentida y riesgo disergonómico en trabajadores de un molino de panela. Metodología: el diseño del estudio fue de tipo descriptivo, transversal. Se evaluó a 29 trabajadores de un molino panelero en el municipio de Sandoná, se aplicó el instrumento nórdico para la sintomatología sentida y la batería OWAS para el riesgo disergonómico. Resultados: el 82,8 % de los participantes presentó molestias músculo esqueléticas y, de este porcentaje, la zona corporal de mayor molestia fue la región dorsal o lumbar con un 37,5 %; además, la población correspondiente al 86,2 % presenta riesgo disergonómico. Conclusión: los resultados indican que la población sí evidencia sintomatología músculo esquelética y que la manipulación de cargas junto con posturas forzadas representa efectos dañinos en los trabajadores de molinos de panela, dadas las características del trabajo.

Technological innovations—tools, artefacts, and processes—open up new possibilities of human action and thereby increase the domain of our positive freedom. Technology is inherently value-laden, since such an intended increase of freedom may be a good or bad relative to human values. The use of tools may also involve unintended and unwanted by-products and side effects. Therefore, technology should not develop in a deterministic or random manner but should be guided by reasonable democratic principles. Technology as-sessment (TA) is a pattern for the evaluation of technological projects and products by their costs and benefits, risks, and profits. Using philosophical distinctions and arguments as its method, this paper explains, elaborates, and illustrates Niiniluoto’s formula TA = 6E + S for TA. The first E is effectiveness, the ability of the new tool or solution to produce its intended effects. This is the main concern of the engineer. The second is its economic profit, based on the monetary exchange value of the product. This is the domain of economic theories. Effectiveness and economy, and efficiency as their combination, are not the only relevant dimensions of TA. As products of design, artefacts have esthetic qualities, studied today in applied esthetics. The relations of tools to the health of their users are studied in ergonomics. The relations of human technologies to the health of the natural environment and sustainable development are treated in ecology. Technical tools and their effects can always be evaluated by ethical standards which concern their moral worth. Technological systems have also an impact which is social in the broad sense, since they can lead to changes in the communica-tive, legal, institutional, and political spheres of society, Las innovaciones tecnológicas –herramientas, artefactos y procesos– abren nuevas posibilidades de acción humana y, por tanto, aumentan el ámbito de nuestra libertad positiva. La tecnología está intrínsecamente cargada de valores, debido a que este aumento de la libertad puede ser bueno o malo en relación con los valores humanos. El uso de herramientas también puede conllevar subproductos y efectos secundarios no deseados. Por tanto, la tecnología no debe desarrollarse de forma determinista o aleatoria, sino guiarse por principios democráticos razonables. La evaluación de tecnología (TA, por su sigla en inglés) es un patrón de evaluación de proyectos y productos tecnológicos por sus costes y beneficios, riesgos y beneficios. Utilizando como método distinciones y argumentos filosóficos, este artículo explica, elabora e ilustra la fórmula de Niiniluoto TA = 6E + S para la TA. La primera E es la eficacia, la capacidad de la nueva herramienta o solución para producir los efectos previstos. Es la principal preocupación del ingeniero. La segunda es su beneficio económico, basado en el valor de cambio monetario del producto. Este es el ámbito de las teorías económicas. La eficacia y la economía, y la eficiencia como su combinación, no son las únicas dimensiones relevantes de la TA. Como productos del diseño, los artefactos tienen cualidades estéticas, estudiadas hoy en día en la estética aplicada. Las relaciones de las herramientas con la salud de sus usuarios se estudian en ergonomía. Las relaciones de las tecnologías humanas con la salud del entorno natural y el desarrollo sostenible se tratan en ecología. Las herramientas técnicas y sus efectos siempre pueden evaluarse con criterios éticos relativos a su valor moral. Los sistemas tecnológicos también tienen un impacto social en sentido amplio, pues pueden provocar cambios en las esferas comunicativa, jurídica, institucional y política de la sociedad.

The purpose of this research was systemize information and literature published in various scientific databases regarding compliance with body mechanics measures by nurses in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between the years 2013-2023. 26 selected articles that answered the PICO question posed in the study. The methodology used was a Scoping Review, based on PRISMA guidelines. A search for articles published between 2013 and 2023 was conducted on PubMed/Medline, BVS, Science Direct, Ocronos, Scielo, Latindex, and Google Scholar. Twenty-six scientific articles were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria established for this study. Among the most relevant results, it was found that nursing professionals exhibit inadequate body mechanics due to a lack of knowledge of the technique, workload, or insufficient staffing. It was also identified that lumbar spine injury is the most affecting issue for ICU staff, attributed to poor postures, repetitive movements, or lifting heavy weights., El objetivo del estudio fue sistematizar información y la literatura publicada en varias bases de datos científicas, con relación al cumplimiento de las medidas de mecánica corporal por parte de enfermeros (as) en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos entre los años 2013- 2023. Fueron 26 los artículos seleccionados que daban respuesta a la pregunta PICO plantada en el estudio. La metodología utilizada fue una revisión de alcance (SCOPING REVIEW), en base a los lineamientos PRISMA, se realizó la búsqueda de artículos publicados entre 2013 y 2023, en PubMed/Medline, BVS, Science Direct, Ocronos, Scielo, Latindex, Google Académico. Los artículos científicos seleccionados fueron 26, los mismos que obedecieron a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión determinados para este estudio. Entre los resultados más relevantes se encontró que los profesionales de enfermería desarrollan una mecánica corporal inadecuada. Entre las causas declaradas se citan; desconocimiento de la técnica, sobrecarga laboral o falta de personal; también se identificó que la lesión a nivel de columna lumbar es la que más afecta al personal en la UCI, debido a las malas posturas, movimientos repetitivos o levantamiento de grandes pesos.

Este proyecto está centrado en el diseño de una estación de trabajo para implementar en casa, pensado principalmente en las personas con modalidad de teletrabajo, las cuales en muchas ocasiones carecen del material y conocimientos básicos para su correcta implementación. Es una realidad que los trabajadores cada vez más prefieren trabajar desde casa debido a la comodidad que supone, pero para ello se requiere de un material adecuado adaptado a las necesidades y a los espacios de los que dispone cada usuario. Por ello, este proyecto se ha enfocado en aportar una solución a los requerimientos de este sector de la población, apostando por una estación de trabajo ergonómica, eficiente y adaptable a diferentes entornos, para que cada usuario pueda diseñar su propia oficina en casa., The focus of this project is the design of a workstation that can be executed at home. The primary purpose of such a design is to serve those who work remotely from home since they often lack the material and basic knowledge to properly implement a design that meets their needs. It is increasingly evident that workers prefer to work from home due to the convenience it offers, but this requires appropriate materials adapted to the wants of each user and the space they have available. Therefore, this project has focused on providing a solution to the needs of this sector of the population, by proposing an ergonomic, efficient, and adaptable workstation that is suitable for all types of spaces so that each user can design their own home office.

Este proyecto está centrado en el diseño de una estación de trabajo para implementar en casa, pensado principalmente en las personas con modalidad de teletrabajo, las cuales en muchas ocasiones carecen del material y conocimientos básicos para su correcta implementación. Es una realidad que los trabajadores cada vez más prefieren trabajar desde casa debido a la comodidad que supone, pero para ello se requiere de un material adecuado adaptado a las necesidades y a los espacios de los que dispone cada usuario. Por ello, este proyecto se ha enfocado en aportar una solución a los requerimientos de este sector de la población, apostando por una estación de trabajo ergonómica, eficiente y adaptable a diferentes entornos, para que cada usuario pueda diseñar su propia oficina en casa., The focus of this project is the design of a workstation that can be executed at home. The primary purpose of such a design is to serve those who work remotely from home since they often lack the material and basic knowledge to properly implement a design that meets their needs. It is increasingly evident that workers prefer to work from home due to the convenience it offers, but this requires appropriate materials adapted to the wants of each user and the space they have available. Therefore, this project has focused on providing a solution to the needs of this sector of the population, by proposing an ergonomic, efficient, and adaptable workstation that is suitable for all types of spaces so that each user can design their own home office.

Producción Científica, An end-to-end hardware-software pipeline is introduced to automatize ergonomics assessment in industrial workplaces. The proposed modular solution can interoperate with commercial systems throughout the ergonomics assessment phases involved in the process. The pipeline includes custom-designed Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensors, two real-time worker movement acquisition tools, inverse kinematics processing and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) report generation. It is based on free tools such as Unity3D and OpenSim to avoid the problems derived from using proprietary technologies, such as security decisions being made under “black box” conditions. Experiments were conducted in an automotive factory in a workplace with WMSDs risk among workers. The proposed solution obtained comparable results to a gold standard solution, reaching measured joint angles a 0.95 cross-correlation and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) lower than 10 for elbows and 12 for shoulders between both systems. In addition, the global RULA score difference is lower than 5 % between both systems. This work provides a low-cost solution for WMSDs risk assessment in the workplace to reduce musculoskeletal disorders and associated sick leave in industry, impacting the health of workers in the long term. Our study can ease further research and popularize the use of wearable systems for ergonomics analysis allowing these workplace prevention systems to reach different industrial environments., Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2021- 124515OA-I00), Junta de Castilla y León-Consejería de Empleo e Industria (INVESTUN/21/VA/0003), 061/196941

The socio ecological model states that individual behaviors at work are shaped by the interactions between individual employees and their work environments. This study used citizen science to gain insights into which elements of the built, social, and organizational environment in an office and surrounding neighborhoods in two Swedish cities were perceived as barriers to or facilitators of healthy and sustainable behaviors at work. Participants in the eight-week Sustainable Office Intervention pilot study (SOFIA) (n = 33) were cluster-randomized into an experimental arm (sustainable lifestyle) or a control intervention arm (healthy lifestyle). They used the Our Voice Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool mobile app to document contextual elements at their workplaces. In total, 114 photos and text-based narratives were recorded, and four themes emerged: built environment, building design, office ergonomics, and food and beverages. Eighteen percent of the photos were linked to pro-environmental behaviors, all exclusively captured by the experimental arm. Twelve barriers and solutions for improving the workplace environment were identified during discussions with participants in both arms. The findings provide insights for designing or renovating office spaces and urban planning to promote healthier and more sustainable lifestyles for office workers.

Due to working in static positions and use of repetitive movements over long periods of time, dermatologists are at increased risk of work-related musculoskeletal injury. Historically, studies on procedural ergonomics have focused on dermatologic surgery, however, laser procedures can also have a significant cumulative effect on physician posture. Here, we aim to highlight ergonomic challenges specific to dermatologic laser procedures and suggest areas of improvement in operating room organization, patient positioning, physician mechanics, and instrumentation. For the operating room, it is beneficial to store several devices in the same room, have central placement of electrical outlets, and to position the devices on the same side of the bed as the laser operator. When considering patient positioning, a Trendelenburg bed position can be helpful for vascular lesions on the head, and frequent repositioning of the patient can prevent uncomfortable bending of the operator and laser arm for circumferential lesions. Physicians should maintain a working position with a neutral spine and wrist position, moving the patient and bed as needed to reduce muscle tension. Lastly, laser instrumentation in the future could be improved upon with lightweight consoles and hand pieces, long multi-articulated device arms, and lightweight laser goggles with adjustable head straps. With the use of organizational, ergonomic positioning, and teamwork strategies, we can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury for our laser operators.

Optimal ergonomics are essential to improving clinical performance and longevity among urologists, as poor ergonomics can contribute to work-related injury and physician burnout. While a majority of urologists experience muscular injury throughout their career, women and trainees are disproportionately affected. These disparities are exacerbated by the lack of formal ergonomics education within urologic training programs. This review provides an overview of practical approaches to optimize ergonomics across working environments for urologists and trainees. We highlight intraoperative techniques and novel devices which have been shown to reduce work-related injury, and we identify knowledge gaps to guide future areas of ergonomic research.

(1) Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), discomfort, fatigue, pain, and other acute and chronic work-related injuries are common among dental clinicians. Hand instruments constitute a primary risk factor for these conditions. The overall goal of this study was to compare in dental hygienists with healthy hands, and in those with MSDs, the effect of three different handle designs on instrumentation-related muscle work, comfort, fatigue, and quality of tactile feedback. (2) Methods: Clinicians tested three periodontal curettes: one with a novel adaptive silicone handle, another with a rigid resin handle, and the third with a rigid silicone handle. Ten hygienists-five with MSDs and five without-each scaled three typodonts using the three different curettes. Statistical analysis was performed using a General Linear Model (GLIM) and Tukeys post hoc test, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was implemented. (3) Results: On average, mean comfort and fatigue across all instruments were significantly worse in testers with MSDs, who also expended significantly more work to complete the same task. In all testers, a novel adaptive handle design was associated with significantly reduced total muscle work and post-instrumentation fatigue, as well as better comfort than conventional rigid handle designs. (4) Conclusions: An adaptive curette handle design demonstrated significantly better ergonomic outcomes than conventional rigid curette handle designs. Hygienists with MSDs expend significantly more muscle work during dental instrumentation.

[Abstract]: The Phoenix framework, much like the broader Elixir ecosystem, strongly emphasises developer experience and ergonomics, with most of its features being well documented and easy to use. One of the notable exceptions is its code generation commands, which present serious usability concerns, discouraging the community from fully investing in such technology. This project aims to correct these issues by providing an environment to facilitate their use and documentation., [Resumen]: El framework Phoenix, así como el ecosistema Elixir en general, pone un fuerte énfasis la experiencia y ergonomía de desarrollo, siendo la mayoría de sus características bien documentadas y fáciles de usar. Una de las notables excepciones son sus comandos de generación de código, que presentan serios problemas de usabilidad, lo cual dificultad la adopción de esta tecnologían en la comunidad. Este proyecto pretende proporcionar un entorno que facilite su uso y documentación.

La ergonomía, es una disciplina que estudia la relación entre el entorno laboral y los trabajadores, así como la interrelación entre los procesos realizados y los riesgos ergonómicos del trabajo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre el rediseño de puestos de trabajo, orientado a criterios ergonómicos generales. Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de artículos tanto en inglés como español de los años 2018 al 2023, tanto en inglés como español. Como resultado principal se localizaron 25 publicaciones de relevancia, que permitieron corroborar que entre los criterios ergonómicos generales para el rediseño de un puesto de trabajo, se aprecia la valoración del riego ergonómico del trabajador al efectuar la tarea, las condiciones disergonómicas del lugar, las características de la tarea y los efectos negativos en la salud del colaborador, debido a las posturas forzadas, el sobresfuerzo, la carga de trabajo, el trabajo repetitivo, el estrés entre otros. Esto señala que el nuevo diseño, debe estar ajustado a las condiciones antropométricas y biomecánicas del operador, así como a las características de la tarea ejecutada.

This article focused on conducting a documentary review for the application of theoretical foundations of ergonomics and biomechanics to the design of the workplace as an approach to creating safe, healthy and productive work environments through which the physical and mental well-being of workers is sought. Since, investment in these principles not only improves the quality of life of employees, but also benefits the company, increases productivity, reduces costs and improves the image of the company. In the same way, a safe and healthy work environment is ensured, in this sense, it is essential that workers receive constant training in appropriate ergonomic and biomechanical practices, which will allow them to actively participate in the improvement of their jobs. Reading this article will reveal a series of recommendations to create safe, healthy and productive work environments. These recommendations are based on ongoing ergonomic and biomechanical assessments of workstations, carried out in a collaborative and systematic manner, to meet changing demands by ensuring that workstation designs are safe and healthy, encouraging worker participation through practical observation of their work environments to understand the establishment of postures, movements and efforts in the activities they perform, which would allow for a detailed analysis so that improvement models can then be applied in postures and movements that minimize risk and injuries during their tasks. Ergonomics and biomechanics are the main theoretical basis for creating work environments that promote health, safety, efficiency and benefit both people and organizations., Este artículo centró su objetivo en realizar una revisión documental para la aplicación de fundamentos teóricos de la ergonomía y la biomecánica al diseño del lugar de trabajo como un enfoque para la creación de entornos de trabajo seguros, saludables y productivos mediante los cuales se busca el bienestar físico y mental de los trabajadores. Ya que, la inversión en estos principios no sólo mejora la calidad de vida de los empleados, sino que también beneficia a la empresa, aumenta la productividad, reduce costos y mejora la imagen de la empresa. De igual manera se asegura un ambiente laboral seguro y saludable, en ese sentido, es fundamental que los trabajadores reciban formación constante en prácticas ergonómicas y biomecánicas adecuadas, lo que les permitirá una participación activa en la mejora de sus puestos de trabajo. La lectura de este artículo revelará una serie de recomendaciones para crear entornos de trabajo seguros, saludables y productivos. Estas recomendaciones se basan en evaluaciones constantes ergonómicas y biomecánicas de los puestos de trabajo, realizadas de manera colaborativa y sistemática, para ajustarse a las demandas cambiantes garantizando que el diseño de los puestos de trabajo sean seguros y saludables, fomentando la participación de los trabajadores mediante la observación práctica de sus entornos laborales para la comprensión en el establecimiento de posturas, movimientos y esfuerzos en las actividades que realizan, lo que permitiría un análisis detallado para que luego se puedan aplicar modelos de mejoras en las posturas y movimientos que minimicen el riesgo y lesiones durante sus tareas. La ergonomía y la biomecánica son la base teórica principal para la creación de entornos de trabajo que promuevan la salud, la seguridad, la eficiencia y beneficien tanto a las personas como a las organizaciones.

Background: Dental instrumentation with hand-held devices is associated with discomfort, fatigue and musculoskeletal diseases or repetitive stress injuries. The goal of this in vivo study was to determine the effect of an ergonomic handle sheath on muscle work, comfort and fatigue associated with (a) piezoelectric scaling by hygienists with and without musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and (b) dental cavity preparation by healthy dentists using a dental micromotor. Materials and Methods: Two groups of ten hygienists each tested the piezoelectric scaler. Hygienists in Group 1 had no MSDs, while those in Group 2 had been diagnosed with MSDs. Additionally, ten dentists with no MSDs used a dental micromotor to prepare four standardized cavities. Time-based work in four muscles, comfort and fatigue were recorded in the presence and absence of an add-on soft, insulating handle sheath. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance model with Tukeys post-hoc test. Results: Comfort, fatigue and muscle work were significantly better for both devices when the sheath was used. While hygienists with MSDs used more muscle work to complete the set scaling task, and the sheath-related reduction in work was somewhat greater, these MSD-related differences did not quite reach significance. Conclusions: The results of this pilot study show that the ergonomic performance of an ultrasonic scaler and a dental micromotor may be improved by the use of an ergonomic handle sheath.

Although traditional workplace settings such as hospitals and clinics are well-studied, non-clinical areas like home kitchens, which connect clinical healthcare with the care provided in daily living settings, have received less attention. During the early stages of the global pandemic, there has been an increase in home cooking activities due to widespread isolation and restrictions imposed on dining publicly. Ergonomics is at the intersection between work environments and human task performance, and kitchen ergonomics informs knowledge on effective, safe, and efficient cooking practices while maintaining the desired kitchen functionality. Numerous contributions across various disciplines have added knowledge to the kitchen ergonomics area, and this rapid scoping review aims to synthesize the knowledge from these diverse disciplines and further understanding of user interactions with home kitchens. Adopting the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model, relevant research publications were synthesized into four major themes: Kitchen layout, arrangement, and environment; Kitchen tools and technology; Design criterion for users with special needs; Risks & Hazards related to kitchen activities. These themes summarizes the current state and gaps in kitchen ergonomics. In addition, these themes help identify future engineering opportunities for supporting health-related cooking activities in the home environment.

The aim with this project was to improve the workspace of activity based offices. In the aftermath of Covid-19, people working remote gave companies the possibility to create smaller offices with shared spaces. This removed the customizable workspace for the employees as they found themselves trying to find a new desk each day which suits them, and there for creating a hostile environment with no sense of belonging. This project resulted in a series of products which offers versatile solutions for enhancing both auditory and visual experiences in shared space offices. A cohesive system that combines these two functionalities in a portable and user-friendly manner. The project addresses the importance of providing customizable work areas in spaces where standardizations has been implemented. Looking at the ergonomic aspects in different offices in Sweden, the lack of adjustable quality lighting and proper sound levels were not up to standard. Different zones had been implemented to control sound levels, but the silent zones ended up being to quiet and instead disturb the employees. Most lighting were fixed to the ceilings and could therefore not be adjusted as the employees pleased which led to some desks standing empty each day. The Synergy System offers the possibility to easily add luminaires and speakers where needed, as the employees can bring what’s needed for the chosen desk of the day. The luminaire has a warmer light to fit the Scandinavian preference, and a dimmer to enable the preferred brightness. The speaker is equipped with both sound masking and Bluetooth setting, thereby being able to create privacy, eliminate distracting sounds and be used for meetings or conferences. Both products are battery driven and attaches easily by magnets to both the charging station and rails hanging above the desks. The Synergy System ultimately aims to enhance employee well-being and productivity by providing a customizable and flexible workspace solution that adapts to i

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a growing concern among information technology (IT) professionals. Understanding the specific risk factors associated with MSDs among employers, occupational health practitioners, and IT professionals may reveal effective preventive measures. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with MSDs among IT professionals. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Online Library Wiley, Springer, Web of Science, and manual searches to identify relevant studies published between 2013 and 2023. The search strategy employed appropriate keywords related to IT professionals, musculoskeletal disorders, prevalence, and risk factors. Two reviewers independently assessed each article using PRISMA guidelines and the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Prevalence Data. Data extraction was performed, and a narrative synthesis was conducted to summarize the findings. Our search yielded a total of 1159 records, with 13 studies finally included in this review. The selected studies were from several countries and contained a total of 4632 participants. The prevalence of MSDs was reported with a maximum rate of 89% and a minimum rate of 20%, reflecting the overall percentage of affected individuals and including data on specific body areas affected. Identified risk factors from the selected studies include work duration, experience, sex, strenuous back positions, smoking, physical inactivity, MSD history, uncomfortable workstation setting, mental stress, insufficient sleep, body posture, exercise status, alcohol consumption, prolonged sitting, workspace, job demands, overexertion, breaks during work, and excessive usage of smartphones.

Industrial design is, broadly speaking, a design discipline, where one of its main objectives is the design and development of objects/products for man. This, as a subject immersed in a material and symbolic world, is the recipient of the designer’s production and, as such, is central when carrying out the design process. The following article takes a tour of different approaches around this individual ‘user’, which are a reference in the teaching of industrial design in Argentina, and which, when institutionalized, reproduce certain discourses, conceptions, views. Its characteristics, concepts and main contribu-tions are distinguished, the views on the bodies, experiences, desires and needs of indivi-duals, as well as social and cultural aspects, are reviewed. But the relationship that is stated between the designer and the user during the design process is also addressed. A review of the concepts generated, their scope and implications is proposed, to understand the consequences in the training of the designer, opening a reflective path on them, which then allows operating on them., O desenho industrial é, em linhas gerais, uma disciplina do design, onde um dos seus principais objetivos é a concepção e desenvolvimento de objetos/produtos para o homem. Este, como sujeito imerso num mundo material e simbólico, é o destinatário da produção do designer e, como tal, é central na realização do processo de design. O artigo a seguir percorre diferentes abordagens em torno desse “usuário” individual, que são uma referência no ensino do desenho industrial na Argentina e que, quando são ins-titucionalizadas, reproduzem determinados discursos, concepções, visões. Distinguem-se suas características, conceitos e principais contribuições, revisam-se as visões sobre os corpos, experiências, desejos e necessidades dos indivíduos, bem como aspectos sociais e culturais. Mas também é abordada a relação que se estabelece entre o designer e o usuário durante o processo de design. Propõe-se uma revisão dos conceitos gerados, seu alcance e implicações, para compreender as consequências na formação do designer, abrindo um caminho reflexivo sobre eles, que permite então operar sobre eles., El diseño Industrial es, a grandes rasgos, una disciplina proyectual, donde uno de sus objetivos principales es el diseño y desarrollo de objetos/productos para el hombre. Este, en tanto sujeto inmerso en un mundo material y simbólico, es el destinatario de la producción del diseñador y, como tal, es central a la hora de llevar adelante el proceso de diseño. El siguiente artículo realiza un recorrido sobre distintos abordajes en torno a este individuo ‘usuario’, los cuales son referencia en la enseñanza del diseño industrial en Argentina, y que, al estar institucionalizados, reproducen determinados discursos, concepciones, miradas. Se distinguen sus características, conceptos y aportes principales, se recorren las miradas sobre los cuerpos, las experiencias, los deseos y necesidades de los individuos, así como aspectos sociales y culturales. Pero también se aborda la relación que se enuncia, produce entre el diseñador y el usuario durante el proceso de diseño. Se propone una revisión sobre las concepciones generadas, sus alcances e implicancias, para comprender las consecuencias en la formación del diseñador, abriendo un camino reflexivo sobre las mismas, que permita, luego, operar sobre ellas.

NOM-037 on Teleworking; came into force in December 2023, it was created by the Secretary of Labor and Social Welfare, to regulate the obligations between employers and employees who carry out 40% of work activities at home. Objective: Analyze the physical, ergonomic and psychosocial conditions of Teleworkers to design a preventive program that reduces the risks to which they are exposed. Methodology: it was divided into 3 phases; Phase I. Diagnosis of physical, ergonomic and psychosocial conditions. Phase II. Analysis of the results and Phase III. Proposal for a preventive program. Results: of the workers surveyed with a home office, 75% adapted their home dining room to an office; Only 62.5% were assigned computer equipment, in no case of those interviewed did the organization provide them with an ergonomic chair, the employer did not come to verify the working conditions at home, 50% do not have protocols for possible problems with WiFi or the computer, for 47.5% the physical factor of greatest discomfort is noise, 50% present muscle pain in the back and 20% present visual discomfort. Discussion: remote work has been well received by the employees who carry it out, since they consider that it reduces stress, anxiety and creates a balance between work and personal life Conclusions: employees who have to go to a center obligatory work are less satisfied, since they do not have free time for themselves or their families, in addition to facing rigid office rules such as the dress code every day of the week; behavior and time among others., La NOM-037 de Teletrabajo; entro en vigor en el mes de diciembre del 2023, fue creada por la Secretaria de Trabajo y Previsión Social, para regular las obligaciones entre patrones y empleados que desempeñan el 40% de las actividades laborales en su domicilio. Objetivo: Analizar las condiciones físicas, ergonómicas y psicosociales, de los Teletrabajadores para diseñar un programa preventivo que reduzca los riesgos a los que se encuentran expuestos. Metodología: se dividió en 3 fases; Fase I. Diagnóstico de las condiciones físicas, ergonómicas y psicosociales. Fase II. Análisis de los resultados y Fase III. Propuesta de un programa preventivo. Resultados: de los trabajadores encuestados con home office el 75% adaptó el comedor de su domicilio a oficina; sólo al 62.5% la empresa le asigno equipo de cómputo, en ningún caso de los entrevistados la organización les proporcionó silla ergonómica y el patrón no acudió a verificar al domicilio las condiciones laborales, el 50% no cuenta con protocolos ante posibles problemas con el wifi o del ordenador, para el 47.5% el factor físico de mayor molestia es el ruido, el 50% presenta dolores musculares en la espalda y el 32.5% tiene preferencias por esta modalidad ya que evitan el tráfico. Discusión: el trabajo remoto ha sido bien recibido por los colaboradores que lo llevan a cabo, ya que consideran que reduce el estrés, la ansiedad y genera un balance entre el trabajo y la vida personal. Conclusiones: los empleados que tienen que acudir a un centro de trabajo de forma obligatoria se encuentran menos satisfechos, ya que no tienen tiempo libre para ellos o para sus familias, además de enfrentar todos los días de la semana las normas rígidas de la oficina como el código de vestimenta; de comportamiento y de tiempo entre otros.

The industrial sector is crucial for Mexico's economic development, as it significantly contributes to foreign income and is the second largest source of employment in the country. However, since 2007, Mexican workers have faced low wages, limited access to social security, and inadequate training. The concept of a work environment is relatively new in Mexican administration, but understanding worker behavior and organizational climate in processing plants is important. Research on the organizational climate factors prevailing in the engineering department of an electronics assembly maquiladora plant in Matamoros, Tamaulipas. The research is non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive. Organizational climate factors include environmental conditions, ergonomics, remuneration, communication, initiative, and creativity, company, colleagues, supervisors, job position, and recognition. The results show that the ergonomics dimension has the highest percentage of dissatisfaction, followed by remuneration and communication. Dissatisfaction with furniture condition and economic perception related to average salaries in the city are the main weaknesses of the organizational climate in the engineering department. Satisfaction with temperature, cleanliness, lighting, location, and comfort of the workplace are strengths. The organizational climate is an important factor in organizations and is directly related to workers' perception of their workplace. Companies need periodic measurement mechanisms for the organizational climate to maintain an optimal work environment and ensure worker satisfaction. It is recommended to establish a permanent mechanism to periodically evaluate the organizational climate and take action., El sector industrial es crucial para el desarrollo económico de México, ya que contribuye significativamente a los ingresos de divisas y es la segunda mayor fuente de empleo en el país. Sin embargo, desde 2007, los trabajadores mexicanos han enfrentado bajos salarios, acceso limitado a la seguridad social y capacitación inadecuada. El concepto de ambiente de trabajo es relativamente nuevo en la administración mexicana, pero es importante entender el comportamiento de los trabajadores y el clima organizacional en las plantas de procesamiento. La investigación sobre los factores del clima organizacional que prevalecen en el departamento de ingeniería de una empresa maquiladora de ensambles electrónicos en Matamoros, Tamaulipas. La investigación es no experimental, transversal y descriptiva. Los factores del clima organizacional incluyen condiciones ambientales, ergonomía, remuneración, comunicación, iniciativa y creatividad, empresa, compañeros de trabajo, jefes y superiores, puesto de trabajo, y reconocimiento. Los resultados muestran que la dimensión de ergonomía tiene el mayor porcentaje de insatisfacción, seguida de remuneración y comunicación. La insatisfacción con la condición del mobiliario y la percepción económica en relación a los sueldos promedio en la ciudad son las principales debilidades del clima laboral en el departamento de ingeniería de la empresa. Las fortalezas incluyen la satisfacción con la temperatura ambiental, limpieza, iluminación, ubicación y comodidad del lugar de trabajo. El clima laboral es un factor importante en las organizaciones y está directamente relacionado con la percepción que los trabajadores tienen de su lugar de trabajo. Las empresas necesitan mecanismos de medición periódica del clima organizacional para mantener un ambiente laboral óptimo y garantizar la satisfacción de los trabajadores. Se recomienda establecer un mecanismo permanente para evaluar periódicamente el clima laboral y tomar medidas

his thesis examines the relationship between architectural design in a space analog environment and cognitive performance. This is done through longitudinal, repeated measures, quantitative study which was conducted during a Mars analog mission, with cognitive assessments administered under different environmental conditions within the mission habitat. Key architectural factors explored included privacy, exposure to natural elements, and spatial ambiguity. Cognitive performance was evaluated through a range of assessments targeting executive function, reaction time, and working memory. Key findings suggest that privacy and exposure to natural elements significantly influenced cognitive performance. Participants showed improved reaction times in more private spaces, and enhanced executive function in spaces mimicking natural environments. However, the effects of spatial ambiguity remained inconclusive. The study raises intriguing possibilities for architectural design in real-life space missions, echoing the requests of veteran astronauts for more diverse living and working spaces. Conclusions: While the conclusions drawn are promising, the findings are confined by the study's limitations such as the small sample size, specific conditions of the simulated space mission, and the quantitative focus. Therefore, additional research incorporating diverse methodologies, populations, contexts, and assessment methods is recommended. This study serves as a stepping stone towards a more comprehensive understanding of the interactions between space architecture and cognitive performance, with implications for human space exploration.

Objective Understanding the impact of physical capacity in combination with high physical workload could be beneficial for the prevention of health-related exits from work. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the separate and combined effects of low cardiorespiratory fitness and high physical workload on disability pension (DP) due to any cause, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Methods A total of 279 353 men born between 1951 and 1961 were followed regarding DP between 2006 and 2020, ages 45–64. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed during military conscription, using an ergometer bicycle test. Physical workload was based on a job-exposure matrix (JEM) linked to occupational title in 2005. Cox regression models estimated separate and combined associations with DP. Results Low cardiorespiratory fitness and high physical workload were associated with increased risk of DP. For all cause DP, the fully adjusted hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval for those with low cardiorespiratory fitness was 1.38 (1.32–1.46) and for those with high physical workload 1.48 (1.39–1.57). For all cause and MSD DP, but not for CVD DP, the combination of low cardiorespiratory fitness and high physical workload resulted in higher risks than when adding the effect of the single exposures. Conclusion Both low cardiorespiratory fitness in youth and later exposure to high physical workload were associated with an increased risk of DP, where workers with the combination of both low cardiorespiratory fitness and a high physical workload had the highest risks (all-cause and MSD DP).

The literature has yielded promising data over the past decade regarding the use of inertial sensors for the analysis of occupational ergonomics. However, despite their significant advantages (e.g., portability, lightness, low cost, etc.), their widespread implementation in the actual workplace has not yet been realized, possibly due to their discomfort or potential alteration of the worker’s behaviour. This systematic review has two main objectives: (i) to synthesize and evaluate studies that have employed inertial sensors in ergonomic analysis based on the RULA method; and (ii) to propose an evaluation system for the transparency of this technology to the user as a potential factor that could influence the behaviour and/or movements of the worker. A search was conducted on the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The studies were summarized and categorized based on the type of industry, objective, type and number of sensors used, body parts analysed, combination (or not) with other technologies, real or controlled environment, and transparency. A total of 17 studies were included in this review. The Xsens MVN system was the most widely used in this review, and the majority of studies were classified with a moderate level of transparency. It is noteworthy, however, that there is a limited and worrisome number of studies conducted in uncontrolled real environments.

Der Ackerschlepper wird in der Landwirtschaft, auf dem Bau, im Forst und im Kommunalbereich als Universalmaschine eingesetzt. Dazu wird er wechselnd mit einer Vielzahl von Maschinen gekoppelt, um diese zu betreiben. Es ergeben sich wechselnde Bedienszenarien mit unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an die Bedienung der gekoppelten Maschinen. Heutige Bediensysteme sind statisch und müssen daher als Kompromisslösung für diese unterschiedlichen Anforderungen an die Bedienung eingeordnet werden. Adaptive Bediensysteme können sich hingegen an wechselnde Bedienszenarien anpassen. Diese Arbeit beleuchtet den Stand der Technik der Bediensysteme in Ackerschleppern allgemein und explizit an drei ausgewählten Beispielen. Ferner werden zwei Methoden beschrieben, mit denen ein adaptives Bediensystem spezifiziert werden kann. Für die Bewertung der kognitiven und physischen Ergonomie von Bediensystemen allgemein werden zwei weitere Methoden vorgestellt. Alle Methoden sind für einen auf dem V-Modell basierenden Entwicklungsprozess geeignet. Die beschriebenen Ergebnisse einer theoretischen und praktischen Potentialanalyse motivieren den Einsatz adaptiver Bediensysteme im Ackerschlepper. Die theoretische Potentialanalyse stützt sich auf die Grundlagen der Ergonomie und auf die Art und Weise wie die Funktionen in einem Ackerschlepper genutzt werden. Die praktische Potentialanalyse stützt sich auf die Auswertung und Analyse von Messdaten aus dem Feld mit fast 500 Arbeitsstunden aus 14 Bedienszenarien. Ferner beschreibt diese Arbeit die Anwendung der Methoden zur Spezifikation, das entwickelte und funktionsfähige adaptive Bediensystem und die Anwendung der Bewertungsmethoden, die für das adaptive Bediensystem eine signifikante Verbesserungen der physischen und kognitiven Ergonomie zeigen.

This project was implemented as a Master thesis project in Industrial design engineering (IDE). In collaboration with Billerud Karlsborg, the project was initiated to develop proposal for a technological solution for eliminating a manual handling work task in the production line for coated paper products. The design process was implemented as a Participatory design approach, inviting the workers of the production unit to collaborate in design activites and workshops. The participatory approach was based on the Scandinavian perspective on Participatory design, with influences from the comtemporary views on collaborative design. The project included a holistic ergonomic analysis focused on the assessment of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in the work task flagged by workers as a cause of work strain. The focused work task documented in detail and assessed through REBA and RULA assessment. The work task involves manual handling of a stack of residual paper that is rolled to a tube, by hand, and subsequently lifted and pushed to a grinder inlet for re-purposing. While the ergonomic analysis confirm that there are postural risk factors present, the pace of work suggests that adequate resting for preventing work stain related to the focused task is possible during work. However, the percieved work strained is suggested to originate from work task in close connection to the focused task. A proposal for a concept that sufficiently eliminates the risk factors found in the focused task is developed based on a human-centered design and anthropometric principles. The development concludes with the construction of a prototype, but time constraints denies evaluation of the prototype with end users. The concept is therefore presented as renders of a 3D-model., Det här projektet har utförts som ett examensarbete inom Civilingenjör Teknisk design, på uppdrag av Billerud Karlsborg. Syftet med projektet var att utveckla ett tekniskt lösningsförslag till ett av Billerud utvalt arbetsmiljöproblem vid en av arbetstationerna i pappersbruket i Karlsborg. I samarbete med arbetarna i den berörda produktionslinjen genomfördes en participativ designprocess, innefattade planering och genomförande av participativa designaktiviteter och workshops baserade på de skandinaviska teorierna kring participativ design, med influens från nyare perspektiv kring co-design. Som en del i arbetet utfördes en övergipande ergonomisk analys avseende belastningsergonomiska riskkällor vid en fokuserad arbetsstation, med en detaljerad kartläggning av den arbetsuppgift som arbetarna upplever som problematisk. Den fokuserade arbetsuppgiften innefattar manuell hantering av en restprodukt som behöver rullas ihop för hand och därefter lyftas samt skjutas till en kvarn för återvinning. Den ergonomiska analysen utfördes med hjälp av REBA- och RULA-bedömningar, vilka bekräftade att en potentiell risk för belastningsergonomiska skador i det arbetssätt som utövas, men där produktionstakten och systemets styrning tyder på att tillräcklig vila är möjlig under arbetet för att motverka skador från lågintensivt muskelarbete. Arbetsmiljöproblemet bedöms däremot inte vara obefintligt då arbetarnas totala arbete innefattar ytterligare moment av fysisk belastning, och där arbetsmiljöproblemet eventuellt kan vara ett resultat av närliggande moment till den fokuserade arbetsuppgiften. Som lösningsförslag på problemet utvecklas ett koncept som eliminerar de funna riskkällorna i den avgränsade arbetsuppgiften, med utgångspunkt i användarcentrerad design och utefter antropometriska riktlinjer. Utvecklingen av en fysisk prototyp för utvärdering med arbetarna påbörjades, men hann inte slutföras innan projektet avslutades. Istället presenteras konceptet genom rendingar av en 3D-model

Bakgrund: Inhämtning av kunskap om och kvantifiering av belastning i ländryggen är en essentiell aspekt för att adressera den belastning och ländryggssmärta som finns bland vårdpersonal som utför fysiskt krävande arbete. Mätningen och utvärderingen av denna belastning utgör en betydande del av det preventiva arbetet för att identifiera riskfaktorer och främja en hälsosam arbetsmiljö. Syfte: Denna översiktsstudie syftar till att granska den aktuella vetenskapliga litteraturen om kompressions- och skjuvkrafter som påverkar ländryggen hos vårdpersonal under patienthantering. Studien undersöker de vanligaste mätmetoderna för att mäta dessa krafter, den kompressions- och skjuvkraft ländryggen utsätts för hos vårdpersonal under patienthantering, efterlevnaden av riktlinjer för tunga lyft samt effekterna av olika interventioner på uppmätt ländryggsbelastning. Metod: Denna översiktsstudie har genomförts i enlighet med Statens beredning för medicinsk och social utvärderings (SBU) metodbok. Bedömning av BIAS-risk utfördes med hjälp av SBU;s bedömningsmallar baserade på en modifierad version av QUADAS-2. Vetenskapliga artiklar samlades in via sökningar i PubMed-databasen. Resultat: Totalt inkluderades 14 studier i denna studie. Dessa studier omfattade sammanlagt 337 deltagare. Alla inkluderade studier utvärderade både kompressionskrafter och skjuvkrafter som utfallsmått och använde reliabla samt validerade mätmetoder som mätinstrument. Resultaten tyder på att belastningen på vårdarnas ländryggar ofta överstiger de rekommenderade nivåerna för kompressions- och skjuvkrafter. Slutsats: Studien ger signifikant bevisning för en potentiell positiv effekt av olika hjälpmedel på ländryggsbelastning, men det finns även motstridig forskning som pekar på motsatt resultat. Det finns tydliga indikationer på att använda rätt teknik under lyft och att bibehålla en ergonomisk kroppsställning kan bidra till att minska risken för belastningsrelaterade skador och främja hälsa och välbefinnan

The conceptualization of what we know as architecture, is originated in the discovery of fire, allowing the need to cook and the evolution of the people, achieving the intellectual development and living in society. For this reason, this research establishes a study on the importance of the stove and its transition as an architectural component in Afro-descendant communities of the Colombian Caribbean, the above through an ethnographic and ergonomic analysis from the adaptation of man to the stoves. As a result, it is determined that the Binde transcends the bench stove as a result of the economy factors and improvement of postures linked to the ergonomics of the old cooks; as well as the transition from the bench stove to the industrial stove due to the risks produced by the use of wood as a biofuel, this supported in references, results of ethnographic analysis and interviews. However, it is established that the typologies of wood stoves are currently part of the gastronomic tradition, despite the technological developments linked to industrial stoves, present in rural and urban communities of the Municipality of Turbo and Necoclí., A conceituação do que conhecemos como arquitetura, é enquadrada na descoberta do fogo, o que permitiu a necessidade de cozinhar e a evolução do cérebro; alcançando o desenvolvimento intelectual e habitando a partir da arquitetura. Por essa razão, esta pesquisa estabelece um estudo sobre a importância do fogão e sua transição como componente arquitetônico em comunidades afrodescendentes do Caribe colombiano, o acima através de uma análise etnográfica e ergonômica a partir da adaptação do homem aos fogões. Como resultado, determina-se que o Binde transcende o fogão de banco como resultado da melhoria das posturas ligadas à ergonomia dos cozinheiros antigos; bem como a transição do fogão de bancada para o fogão industrial devido aos riscos produzidos pelo uso da madeira como biocombustível, isso apoiou em referências, resultados de análise etnográfica e entrevistas. No entanto, fica estabelecido que as tipologias dos fogões a lenha fazem atualmente parte da tradição gastronômica, apesar dos desenvolvimentos tecnológicos ligados aos fogões industriais, presentes nas comunidades rurais e urbanas do Município de Turbo e Necoclí., La conceptualización de lo que conocemos como arquitectura se origina en el descubrimiento del fuego, que resolvió la necesidad de cocinar e influyó en la evolución de las personas, incluso en su desarrollo intelectual y en el habitar en sociedad. Por tal motivo, esta investigación establece un estudio sobre la importancia del fogón y su transición como componente arquitectónico en comunidades afrodescendientes del Caribe colombiano, para lo cual hace un análisis etnográfico y ergonómico desde la adaptación del hombre a los fogones. Como resultados, se determina que el binde trasciende al fogón de banco como consecuencia de factores económicos y la mejora de posturas ligadas a la ergonomía de las antiguas cocineras, al igual que de la transición del fogón de banco al fogón industrial debido a los riesgos producidos por el uso de madera como biocombustible; todo lo cual está soportado en referentes y resultados del análisis etnográfico y entrevistas. Sin embargo, se establece que las tipologías de fogones a leña actualmente hacen parte de la tradición gastronómica, pese a los desarrollos tecnológicos ligados a los fogones industriales, presentes en comunidades rurales y urbanas de los municipios de Turbo y Necoclí.

Introduction: Law 31/1995 on the Prevention of Occupational Risks (1) art.26 obliges the employer to protect the pregnant worker against occupational risks that may negatively affect her health or that of her offspring. Measures must be proposed to eliminate or reduce the risk to the lowest accepted level. If it is not possible to adapt the worker, the contract will be suspended due to risk during pregnancy. The ergonomic factors to which the workers are exposed are analyzed, and measures are established to guarantee their safety. Objective: To know the current situation of work comfort and risk prevention during pregnancy and breastfeeding at work according to the evidence, developments and most relevant aspects currently available. Material and method: Narrative review of evidence found between 2018 and 2022 in English, French and Spanish. Studies on ergonomics at work in pregnant and lactating women were included. We consulted the databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, EnFisPo, the INSST library, and the ministerial and SERMAS guides. Results: The worker will promptly notify the Occupational Risk Prevention Service of the pregnancy or breastfeeding. The Help Guide for assessing occupational risk during pregnancy (2) will be used as a reference document. Measures such as mechanical aids, load reduction or redesign, correct work organization and improvements to the work environment will be proposed. During lactation, appropriate conditions are recommended for the extraction and conservation of milk., Introducción: La Ley 31/1995 de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (1) art.26, obliga al empresario a proteger a la trabajadora gestante frente a riesgos laborales que puedan afectar negativamente en su salud o la de su descendencia. Se deben proponer medidas que eliminen o reduzcan el riesgo al nivel más bajo aceptado. Si no es posible adaptar a la trabajadora, pasará a situación de suspensión del contrato por riesgo durante el embarazo. Se analizan los factores ergonómicos a los que están expuestas las trabajadoras, y se establecen las medidas que garanticen su seguridad. Objetivo: Conocer la efectividad del confort laboral y prevención de riesgos durante el embarazo y la lactancia en el trabajo según las evidencias, novedades y aspectos más relevantes disponibles actualmente. Material y método: Revisión narrativa de evidencias encontradas entre los años 2018 y 2022 en inglés, francés y español. Se incluyeron estudios sobre la ergonomía en el trabajo en la embarazada y en la lactancia. Consultamos las bases de datos PubMed, Cochrane Library, Cuiden, EnFisPo, la biblioteca del INSST y guías ministeriales y del SERMAS. Resultados: La trabajadora notificará precozmente al Servicio de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales el embarazo o lactancia. Se utilizará la Guía de ayuda para valoración del riesgo laboral durante el embarazo (2) como documento de referencia. Se propondrán medidas como ayudas mecánicas, reducción o rediseño de la carga, organización correcta del trabajo y mejoras del ambiente laboral. Durante la lactancia se recomiendan mantener las condiciones adecuadas para la extracción y conservación de la leche.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate and explore Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management, office ergonomics, and musculoskeletal symptoms in a group of office workers relocating from cell offices to activity-based flex offices (AFOs). Methods: The analysis was based on qualitative interview data with 77 employees and longitudinal questionnaire data from 152 employees. Results: Results indicate that there was a need to clarify roles and processes related to the management of OHS. Self-rated sit comfort, working posture, and availability of daylight deteriorated and symptoms in neck and shoulders increased after the relocation and seemed to be influenced by many factors, such as difficulties adjusting the workstations, the availability of suitable workplaces, and age, sex, and individual needs. Conclusion: Research on the long-term effects of physical work environments and management of (OHS) issues after implementing activity-based flex offices is sparse. This study demonstrates the importance of planning and organising OHS issue management when implementing an AFO, and to carefully implement office ergonomics among office workers.

Transport and mining machinery cabins are still not well adapted to their users, while checklists for their evaluation are not common in the literature. This article proposes a new checklist for ergonomic evaluation and tests its universality empirically with a sample of 96 transport and mining machine operators. The objective of the article is two-fold. First, the article checks whether there are anthropometric dimension differences between different machines’ operators. Second, statistical significance testing regarding items in the proposed checklist is performed to check its universality. Significant differences have not been found between anthropometric dimensions of transport and mining machine operators. Group comparisons prove that mining machines have better ergonomics characteristics of the chair, manual controls and vision field. The recommendation for crane designers is to examine mining machines solutions and analyze the possibility of adapting these solutions, due to anthropometric fit. Wide usage of the checklist is recommended.

Although the mining industry is the oldest one, it is still a major source of pollution with more people hurt or injured than in any other industry, while social conflicts around it are worldwide spread. Namely, mining projects still have direct and indirect environmental impacts and seriously affect land, water, air, biota, and people, while mining equipment focused in this paper has the highest footprint. The reason for the lack of progress in mining industry is the most likely the fact that in current research streams technology-centered design dominates. Our novel Smart Miner concept aims to create a step toward smart, ergonomic and sustainable mining machinery workplaces. It proposes a paradigm shift from pure technology to a Human and Data-Centric Engineering, which could be easily transferred to other industries, and develops solutions for raising the level of environmental quality in complex interactions between phys- ical, behavioral and organizational processes field, by matching advanced operator I4.0&5.0 and society S5.0 standards. An original idea approval route starts with mining machinery operator wellbeing in its microenvironment and its cyclical alignment with stakeholders in the value chain. After development of smart, ergonomic, non-invasive and reliable operator aid systems for regulation of physical environment job stressors - noise, human vibration, lighting, temperature, air quality, workplace layout issues etc., which solve environmental and human health issues and influence overall performance, research passes to operator macroenvironment determined by organizational contextual factors, which also impair sustainable development results. Micro and macro levels are planned to be connected and balanced by real time analytics to fit high sustainability performance indicators in novel, flexible and scalable system, aimed to increasing productivity and production together with reducing emissions and decrease of accidents rate.

Despite being the oldest, the mining industry continues to be a major source of pollution, with more people killed or injured than in all other industries. Additionally, social tension related to this sector is widespread around the world, since mining businesses continue to have a significant negative influence on land, water, air, biota, and people through direct and indirect mechanisms. The mining machinery workplaces, which are in the focus of this study have the largest environmental footprint. The dominance of technology-centered design in present research streams is most likely the explanation for the lack of advancement in the mining industry. The SmartMiner project creates shift from technology-centered design and its concept creates solutions for improving the standard of environmental quality in complex systems and suggests a paradigm change to a Human and Data-Centric Engineering. By aligning advanced operator I4.0&5.0 and society S5.0 standards, the SmartMiner project develops solutions for raising the level of environmental quality in complex interactions between physical, behavioural, and organizational processes field. Proposed paradigm can be easily transferred to other industries. The safety of mining machinery operators in their immediate surroundings and their regular alignment with value chain stakeholders are the first steps in our original idea approval process. Research moves to the operator macro-environment, which is determined by organizational contextual factors, and is encompassed by the development of intelligent, ergonomic, non-invasive, and dependable operator aid systems for regulating physical environment job stressors - noise, human vibration, lighting, temperature, air quality, workplace layout issues, etc., with high potential to solve environmental and human health issues and to influence overall performance.

Engineers use modelling and simulation techniques to efficiently create, evaluate, and optimize design solutions.In an industrial production context, engineers often need to consider requirements related to both productivityand worker well-being in order to find successful design solutions. However, simulations related to productivityand worker well-being respectively, are typically carried out by different engineering roles, using different digitaltools. This lack of integrated work procedure could lead to inefficient development processes and suboptimaldesign solutions. Additionally, since performing multi-objective optimizations is likely to be seen as a complicated task by engineers in areas such as design engineering, production engineering, and ergonomics, requiringspecific knowledge and skills, such tasks are typically performed by engineers specialized on optimization. Thispaper presents the development and usability evaluation of a digital tool that supports engineers not specializedin optimization to define and perform simulation-based multi-objective optimizations of requirements related toboth productivity and worker well-being in an automated and simultaneous manner. The digital tool is the resultof research carried out over a period of four years, following an iterative development and assessment process bythe means of use cases, done in close collaboration with potential users of the digital tool, i.e. engineers at severalcompanies. The usability evaluation of the digital tool shows that potential users in the industry view the tool asa promising support for performing their engineering tasks in a more efficient and integrated manner., CC BY 4.0Corresponding author: Aitor Iriondo PascualUniversity of Skövde, School of Engineering Science, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden.E-mail address: aitor.iriondo.pascual@his.se