Advances in Physical Ergonomics and Human Factors

Wheelchair user will use different propulsion strategies to control in a variety of progression conditions that may induce the shoulder pain. The hypothesis of this study is that wheelchair user in different progression conditions has different ways to control the wheelchair. The purpose of this study is to use the accelerometer to recognize the movement of the wheelchair. It can be easily used to define the different progression condition in order to know the cause of the inducement of shoulder pain. The researchers collected acceleration data during the wheelchair progression in rough and smooth distinguishing surfaces: (1) outdoor grassland and; (2) indoor flatland. Researchers transformed the acceleration data into spectrogram files and training convolutional neural network (CNN) deep learning model to accurately recognize and predict wheelchair user’s wheelchair location. As the results, the wheelchair user’s medial-lateral direction of acceleration is expected to present more significant features than the front-back motion when being related to progression condition. At the same time, the vertical direction of acceleration also reflected the wheelchair vibration during different surface of progression condition.

The aim of this study is to perform physical workload analysis in metal processing industry operations (assembly operators, packaging operators and inspection staff) using objective ergonomics research methods based on the heart rate monitoring and muscle fatigue. The study was carried out in a medium sized metal manufacturing enterprise in Latvia in the department of manufacturing of ironing boards. Assembly, packaging operators and inspection staff agreed to take part in the objective heart rate monitoring and muscle myotonometry measurements. Results show that workers are at high risk of developing WMSDs, since they are subjected to heavy manual work and load on muscles during work. Accordingly to the heart rate analysis the assembly operators and packing operators can be subdivided into heavy work category, but inspection staff- in moderately heavy category. Myotonometry investigation results confirm muscle fatigue and heaviness of physical workload.

In the present study occupational health and safety system and basis of the E-Health were analysed. The E-Occupational health and safety means transforming E-Health basic principles into E-Occupational health and safety context. The E-Occupational health and safety system differentiates from E-Health system as the stakeholders are different, including their interactions, hierarchy and tasks. Thus, the necessity of creating E-Occupational health and safety system is based not only on the scientific literature, but also on the level of the European and national development priorities. Estonia has a well-developed E-Health system, but not yet in the form of E-Occupational health and safety. Authors of the present paper investigated Estonian occupational health structure systematically and, based on the research results, developed the framework of E-Occupational health and safety, where stakeholders’ functions are taken into account. As a result of the study are described by stakeholders’ main activities obtained from the legislation, scientific literature and risk assessment cases. Stakeholders’ activities are arranged into the system enabling to create IT-solutions.

The paper is focused on influence of the upper limb position on the forearm EMG activity. This paper briefly reviews proposed methodology and measuring process. Those results are just preliminary which served for evaluation of proposed methodology. The research is focused on the issue of local muscular stress in the area of the hand and forearms. The lateral muscular stress is evaluated by integrated electromyography. The paper presents preliminary results of male group (20–45 years). The research will continue and will be extended to other groups and also to female population.

Through the study of the theory and results of flow, this paper puts forward the method suitable for preschool children’s product design, and seeks for a new way of development and research for preschool children’s product design. Based on the flow theory, through on-the-spot investigation, put forward on the premise of preschool children’s needs and behavior characteristics, combined with the use of environment and the function of product features, establish a preschool children product innovation design method, including a specific goal, timely and accurate feedback, the unity of behavior and consciousness, potential thinking guide, subjective emotional experience and other elements, and is verified through a case. Based on the innovative design concept of flow theory, this paper deeply understands the needs of preschool children, so as to provide preschool children with emotional experience and psychological space of entertaining through lively education through design, promote the healthy development of children’s body and mind, and provide new ideas for the design of children’s furniture. The innovative design concept based on flow theory is a new design method from unilateral functional needs to spiritual needs.

In 2017, Brazil was the largest exporter and the second largest producer of beef in the world, besides the sixth sector that causes most occupational diseases in this country. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the ergonomic risk of the manual handling task of bovine quarters in a slaughterhouse. The risk-assessment model presented in ISO11228-1 was employed. However, the five steps were unfulfilled. Conforming to monthly production data, each one of the seven workers registered handled 282 pieces per day (33.8 ± 22.8 kg/piece). Some inappropriate work conditions can be highlighted: handled weights were high per worker, per day; floors were uneven and slippery; handling with one hand and standing posture was restricted. All the interviewed workers (n = 6) perceived the exertion to accomplish the task as 8 (very hard+), along with feeling back pain. The manual handling task of bovine quarters was unacceptable and needs adaptation, as there were many ergonomics risk factors.

The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate frequency and location of binaural electrostimulation to ensure the treatment effect. Twenty-three healthy participants were recruited to receive 15 min of electrostimulation at two different frequencies (i.e., 1 vs. 25 Hz), and the same procedure was performed at two locations (tragus vs. earlobe). This study observed fluctuations in heart rate variability to reflect the autonomic activity. Repeated measures ANOVA was carried out to determine the differences. Results showed that the activities of parasympathetic and total power increased after stimulation in both tragus and earlobe trials. However, the effect of 25 Hz stimulation to increase total power was significantly higher than that of 1 Hz. No significant difference in stimulating the earlobes or tragus was observed. Therefore, binaural electrostimulation might be cardioprotective and useful as a complement to medical treatment.

Long-term exposure to whole-body vibrations increases the risk of different pathological changes to the body and neural system. Although most scooter riders use it only for short-distance transportation, some people, such as postmen and deliverymen, utilize it as a tool for making a living in Taiwan. We recruited nine participants to take part in the experiment. The experiment included three levels of rider weight and three levels of payload to evaluate the whole-body vibration under nine (=3 × 3) operating conditions. The 8-h estimated vibration dose value (VDV) was determined from the collected data in accordance with the ISO 2631-1 standard. The study results indicate that the heavier the rider weight is or the heavier the payload is, the greater is the vibration exposure. Both rider weight and payload have a significant effect on vibration exposure. The design of the shock absorber has a greater impact on vibration exposure.

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between experienced mental workload and physiological response by multi-modal data. The participants were required to perform a test simulation task that imposed varying level of mental resource demand. At the same time physiological parameters (heart interbeat intervals, electromyography, and galvanic skin response) were recorded by non-invasive wearable sensors. The subjective ratings of mental workload were also collected after the experiment. Results shown that LF/HF was significantly larger in difficult level of task than middle and easy levels but between middle and easy levels of tasks. Moreover, the average of SC was significantly larger in difficult and middle levels of tasks than the easy level but between difficult and middle levels of tasks. There were significantly positive correlations between the subjective evaluation of mental workload and LF/HF and between the subjective evaluation and behavioral performance.

Objective to study the changes of physical status under the condition of lacking food and water on oxygen-deficient plateau. Methods 2 volunteers survived for 72 h with little water, pilot biscuit and emergency oxygen supply on the high altitude plateau by themselves, using sleeping bags and chemical heating bags to keep out the cold at night. The volunteers were asked not to eat biscuit, drink water and use oxygen unless extremely needed, and the amount of biscuit and water the volunteer took were recorded. The volunteers survived at 5237 m altitude for 18 h first, and then walked down to 4742 m altitude and survived for 54 h continuously. The body composition indexes and physiological parameters were monitored. Results Under the condition of lacking food and water on oxygen-deficient plateau for 72 h, the physical status of the 2 volunteers changed to be feeble, but they could walk and do some light work normally. Their lips were dry and cracked, but no serious changes occurred except fever. The total amounts of biscuit and water were 60 g and 650 ml for one volunteer, and 94 g and 950 ml for the other. For both volunteers, the fat percentage declined, while the muscle percentage rose in the whole survival time. Their body temperatures rose in the second day, and the heart rates and blood pressures did the same in the second and the third days. The oxygen saturations declined significantly after 6 h and recovered after 2 days for one volunteer, while declined slightly in the all 3 days for the other. Conclusion The human physical status would decline under the condition of lacking food and water on oxygen-deficient plateau which was higher than 4700 m. With a little emergency oxygen supply and not much more activities, young people could still sustain for 72 h without serious states.

Eight maintenance workers have to fix 22 broken machines per day on average located on the floor. Workers have to work in a way to bend their back to repair the machine and workers always pick up the equipment from the toolbox placed on the floor. These working postures can risk health problems. The healthy survey showed that workers have lower back pain problems are 4.30 on average. The result from REBA showed the average score up to 12.16, which was a high-risk criterion. This study aims to improve working posture by designing new ergonomic tools. This study has designed a toolbox shelf and a chair with a tray on which tools can be placed. After a -1- month trial, the health survey showed that the lower back pain score reduced to 2.46 on average and the REBA assessment score reduced to 2.83 on averages which is a significant risk reduction.

The school furniture (table and chair) tries to respond to the anthropometric requests of the students so that they can feel comfortable during the periods of learning. This conjugation is not easy considering the variety of anthropometric measures of the students that are in phase of structural growth in particular in the phase of pre-adolescence and adolescence. A study previously carried out by the authors, with students between the ages of 9 and 16 years old, showed a mismatch for 65% and 73% of the population (chair and chair/table, respectively). Taking into account this high value of mismatch, it was questioned if the students’ performance would be affected. Trying to answer this question, the d2 attention test was applied to 48% of the population, in two moments: in the first one the students were seated randomly, i.e., without considering the fit between the student’s dimensions and those of the existing furniture. At the second moment there was a control group (12%), sitting on furniture adjusted according to NE 1729-1:2015. The results obtained seem to indicate that performance is not affected by the ergonomic mismatch of school furniture.

The sustained and prolonged posture in driving is associated with leg and lower back musculoskeletal problems. The seat should allow the reduction of the pressure that the body exerts on the seat, the maintenance of the lordotic curve and the reduction of discomfort. Therefore, it was intended to study how a change in the prominence of the driver’s car seat lumbar support, affects discomfort perception, pressure, and force between the body and the seat pan.30 male individuals were registered during the random use of 5 prominences of 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mm respectively. The results suggest that unlike the average pressure, force and contact area (p-value > 0.05), the lumbar support prominence influences discomfort (p-value < 0.05). The 30 mm support has the best relationship between the pressure exerted by the body, force, and discomfort perception. On the contrary, the 50 mm support had the worst performance among all.

Office work has caused pain presence and development of musculoskeletal diseases related to work and repetitive task all over the world. This study looked forward to identifying and analyzing the occurrence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among workers at the Industrial University of Santander, Colombia. The Nordic questionnaire with evaluation in neck, shoulders, low back, elbows and wrists/hands was used, since it is a very powerful tool to study the occupational factors, as well as to identifying their nature in order to generate proposals for changes that reduce musculoskeletal demands into work activities. This questionnaire was completed by 121 workers, including teachers and administrative employees, from October to November 2016. Results showed that the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during the last 12 months and 7 days was in the neck and lower back. Additionally, they indicated that workstations in offices should be laid out following ergonomics standards, guidelines and recommendations.

In general, many products in the function and shape of the interpretation of the lack of clarity or abstract may affect the user for the use of the product in the misunderstanding or the shape of the do not understand. In this research, we examined the figurative design. Then, these images will measure the correlations between the different semantics according, including: the congruous, incongruous related, incongruous categories. These can be as a new tool to measure the semantic study. Consumers understand and recognize the look and feel of products and use products intuitively.

With the correlation study on human sweating measurements at home and abroad gradually deepening, the evaluation on human sweating has been valued and used in the fields like nuclear and chemical protection. Though the research of sweating measurement has permeated different domains, the measurement about heat-moisture comfort is still for thorough research. Methods of determination of human sweating measurements currently at home and abroad were reviewed in the study. Three methods were about the measurements of systemic dominant sweating. They were respectively net weight, dressed weight and clothing weight. Five methods were about the measurements of local dominant sweating, and they are gauze-spongy pad, filter paper, vinyl bag, ventilated bag, and absorb sweat patch. The theories of these methods and application were reviewed, as well as their advantages and disadvantages respectively. Although the measurement methods have their limitations, they still lay a foundation for exploring new and more superior measurement methods for measuring the sweating rate of human body in the future.

The research of mental workload evaluation methods is a hotspot nowadays. At present, there are three main types of mental workload evaluation methods: subjective evaluation method, work performance evaluation method and physiological evaluation method. This paper introduces the three methods, summarizes their application, compares the three methods, summarizes their three advantages and disadvantages, and concludes that the future evaluation of mental workload will develop in the direction of combining various methods, make up for their shortcomings, give full play to their advantages, and better evaluate mental workload.

Color is one of the major influences on consumers’ willingness to purchase products. The color conforms to the brand’s personality and image to highlight the brand’s characteristics and influence the consumer’s perception and purchase behavior. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether the average consumer can identify different brands by color. In this study, two lipstick brands were investigated, including: French Dior and Japanese-style plant village show, 29 colors, using semantic difference method, to investigate 12 experts and 18 novices on the brand color differences and the degree of connection. The results show that the cognitive standard of brand color is different between them. The color discrimination and sensitivity of the subjects with design background were more common than those of the subjects, indicating that the educational background might affect brand recognition. This result may provide the designer’s reference to the marketing color plan.

The project sought the identification and analysis of the knowledge that currently exists on sports suits of the BMX. A bibliographic analysis of scientific and technical journals of the sector was carried out; panels and interviews were carried out with athletes, coaches and experts. Non-participatory observations were carried out in real context to determine aspects of the practice, such as the studies of the assumed positions, career points of more tension, pledge-user-practice behavior, etc. In addition, companies and products of the market were tracked to know technical, functional, perceptual, and other peculiarities about the sports suit. Subsequently, an analysis of the regulatory in the BMX-clothing was made. In this phase, techniques and tools for the analysis of usability, aerodynamics, postures and other information were developed to understand the pledge-user relationship. The intention of this proposal is to expose the requirements for the design of clothing for the practice of BMX.

Body height and weight are the most prominent parameters of body shape characteristics. Many body parameters are related to stature and weight. Based on the data of the second national anthropometric survey conducted from 2014 to 2018, this study analyzed five data of foot length, foot width, foot circumference, toe height and tarsal point height for male and female, and established the multivariate linear regression equation between foot items and stature and weight. The regression equation can be used as the basis of ergonomic product design.

For cyclists, well-fitting clothing is essential for comfort and performance during cycling. Preference towards a clothing size is mostly based on comfort perception in a standing position, although the shape of the upper body obviously changes in cycling position. This study gives an indication of the conversion factors from a standing position to a cycling position for five relevant upper body dimensions. In this experiment, 57 amateur cyclists’ upper body dimensions were measured in both standing condition and cycling position on an adjustable fitting bike. The most pronounced conversion factors are seen in the waist front length, which decreases with 13.81 ± 7.98% and the back length, which increases with 18.39 ± 9.04% when sitting on the bike compared to the standing posture. The calculated factors can be used to determine the optimal jersey size for cyclists without measuring them in cycling condition.

Industrial carts require significant pushing/pulling forces causing postural discomfort to operators in shoulder, neck, lower back. The purpose of this study was to diminish postural uneasiness during the operation of the cart by modifying it. The modified cart includes a pelvis support with a waist belt, an increased handle height and all swivel wheels to scale down the discomfort levels in specific regions and assist with improved motion of the cart. After modification, the discomfort levels on shoulder, lower arms, mid back and lower back are significantly lesser. The results of this study indicate significant difference in discomfort levels and better maneuverability with the modified cart.

This nine-month prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the incidence of low back pain (LBP) and the correlation of LBP with postural risk factors among informal garment female workers. Data was collected by using a follow-up questionnaire to assess the LBP incidence. Ergonomics risk assessment was conducted by using the standard Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. The incidence of nine-month LBP was presented at 30.98% and the highest incidence was found at month 9th (5.99%). The postural ergonomic factors which were significantly associated with LBP were shoulder flexion 45o–90o, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion 60o–100o, wrist twist, neck twist and trunk twist. The findings confirmed that the LBP incidence was subsequently accumulated every longer period and the working risk posture played a role in that higher risk to LBP development. The findings suggest for ergonomics training for workers in order to perform safe posture while sewing and ergonomics workstation modification.

This study compares six classroom desk dimensions to students’ anthropometry for female middle schools in Libya. The assessed desk dimensions include seat height, seat depth and seat width, desk height, backrest height, and under-surface of desk height. These dimensions were compared to the related anthropometric data of 90 students. The comparison was carried out using six equations (obtained from the literature). Results of the comparison showed that the size of the desk is not suitable for a large proportion of the students. Seat height, desk height and backrest height were found high for a large proportion of the students. Also, seat depth and width were found small for a very large proportion of the students. Under desk height was the only desk dimension that was found suitable for most of the students. Two alternative proposed designs of the desk were considered. Both showed significant improvement compared to the current design.

Objective: In order to guarantee the vital signs of human body as the core, the design points of outdoor rescue products were analyzed from the perspective of cognitive guidance, and new ideas and methods for the design of rescue products were explored. Method: Based on the theory of physiology, psychology and design, the design method of outdoor rescue products oriented by user cognition was proposed, which focused on the accuracy and timeliness of outdoor rescue. Conclusion: Through theoretical analysis and design practice, the effectiveness of the design of rescue products oriented by user cognition is verified, and the speed and accuracy of outdoor rescue design are also verified. This kind of design is not only suitable for professional rescue organizations, but also can meet the rescue needs of the majority of non-professional users. It is a reliable design method in the design of rescue products.

This paper applies service design thinking and service system constructing methods to innovate the existing service mode of bus terminal. Through the establishment of an intelligent transportation system for luggage consignment and mailing small pieces of luggage, and space-sharing logistics system for passenger luggage compartment, this dissertation provides distributed supply channels for the station convenience stores or restaurants in use of passenger transport network, builds a new on and offline application platform for passenger transport service, establishes a storage space sharing service system for passenger transport, and develops intelligent goods transportation product between the station’s consignment center, the mail office and the luggage compartment. First, this project uses literature, group culture, user research and other research methods to conduct on-the-spot investigations on the bus passenger station service system. After sorting and integrating survey data, it summarizes the service content, problem points and needs of the bus terminal to explore innovative design opportunity points of passenger transport services. Second, this paper evaluates and screens design opportunity points derived from the previous stage to obtain the design orientation of passenger transport innovation service system; then analyzes storage space sharing service system for passenger transport through theoretical methods of service system including the contact layer, system layer, strategic layer and philosophical layer. Finally, using the open source hardware Arduino platform to realize the intelligent self-loading trolley product as the logistics transport module in the service system link, to coordinate the service relationships among various stakeholders in the service link and optimize user experience process and service touch-points.

Integration of management systems according to International Organization for Standardization - ISO (Annex SL: High Level Structure) brings positive and negative aspects in Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) management system implementation.All the management processes of the OH&S are presently introduced in new standard ISO 45001:2018.OH&S management system together with quality and environmental management system create the strongest trinity, historically applicable in more than 80% industry companies.However, despite the strong history of the management systems, there has been a crucial change in ISO requirements. Risk Analyses of those risks, which have big impact on business objectives, influence the level of integration. External and internal processes have big impact on Risk Management and the process of Risk Assessment is necessary to consider as a part of holistic system of Risk Management.This paper focuses on application of Risk-based Thinking methodology and its using in optimization of OH&S management processes.

Effective tools to eliminate dangerous practices in the performance of work activities can be define from the point of view of labor protection authorities into instruments that are implemented within the effective functioning of control bodies and tools that can be applied by the control bodies directly to the controlled entities (employers). Effective tools in this area applicable to the effective functioning of control bodies include, in particular, the training of controllers, an increased focus on the quality of inspections and the effectiveness of the selection of control bodies. Effective tools that can be applied by control bodies to controlled entities include, in particular, prevention and education using all available resources.

Buildings are called smart buildings of they create productive and cost-effective environment using optimization of four basic components: building construction, technical equipment, service and management, as well as optimization of their mutual relations. Residual risk value taking into consideration technical equipment are defined in case of smart buildings. Prevention against possible risks requires implementation of specific systems within the framework of active intelligence (e.g. fire detection, CCTV, evacuation systems). Communication system based on application of digitization principles concerning all the relevant operational information is an integrated component of all active prevention. Defining of the threats, together with quantitative evaluation of risks are important components of the risk analyses. Digital processing of information by means of a central unit creates conditions required for definitions of inputs into actuators. The proposed model, which belongs among complex systems determined for control of smart building operation, is applied to a group of fire lifts.

The systematic research on driver’s behavior process can be more helpful to find implicit questions in the preliminary stage and save the cost of development and testing in the later stage of the design research. Firstly, the methods of hierarchical task analysis (HTA) and Therblig analysis are selected to analysis the drivers’ behavior, which is to obtain the mapping model between driver’s behavior and forklift cab components, find the explicit/implicit problems in cab, and obtain data of behavior. Then, some suggestions for the behavior and shape optimization are proposed according to the ECRS principle. The innovative design of the cab is carried out. Finally, the usability of innovative design is verified by the comparison of behavior data and gesture analysis. Three steps of engineering vehicle cab’s shape design method based on behavior analysis are proposed: behavior analysis, innovative design and usability verification, which can systematically guide to current engineering vehicle cab shape design as a supplementary research method compare with the traditional ergonomic analysis.

Risk Assessment is the most important part of the Risk Management Process. Various methodology forms are used for the purpose of assessing the risks properly minimizing thereby vast portion of negative effects a subject or organization may face. In order to make the process (Risk Identification – Risk Analysis – Risk Evaluation) easier, software development has passed a long way by now. The article as presented below, shall be of a brief introduction, i.e. not only to dynamic software solution already in use at the platform of numerous companies brought into different Slovak and Czech industries, including thus the relevancy and due observance of available software tools.

The hospice service design refers to the design service and solution that the design team supply for the dying people and their families. As a complete service design process, it consists of many related elements, which include both tangible material and intangible non-material elements. The final presentation to the audience is a comprehensive service package which focus on one or more service pain points in the hospice process, is the result of the interdisciplinary service design team. With highly developed digital media, virtual experience and artificial intelligence, the main opportunity for hospice service design exploration is the digital touch point that closely related to the development of Internet technology, that is, relying on the Internet+ design results to respond to the pain points happened in the hospice service process. By working together online and offline, it is possible to build the most sophisticated contemporary hospice service design solution.

In order to optimize the safety regulatory mode and enhance the effectiveness of safety regulation for Chinese government regulators, this paper carry out the comparative analysis of the benefits between compliance supervision mode (CSM) and self-regulation mode (SRM) based on the perspective of evolutionary game theory. Taking the social environment of Chinese industry as an example, the game model of government and company participation under the CSM and SRM has been established and solved. The results of comparing the total payoff of the two regulatory modes show that the payoff of adopting an independent regulatory model are less than the compliance regulatory model in China. Under the pure strategy, it is unstable that the government players chose a strategy corresponding to the CSM. In addition, this new research perspective can also be used to explore government safety regulatory decisions in other countries.

Demographic change in Germany will lead to a 17% increase in the need for elderly care by 2030. Following, knowledge among care givers concerning age and age related impairments of their patients and residents needs to be increased. This field study examined whether wearing an age simulation suit (intervention group) can also lead to an enhanced sensitization compared to participants who observed the intervention (control group). For the study 40 training courses (n = 330) were conducted in the areas of outpatient and inpatient elderly care, consisting of information on age related impairments and the possibility of wearing an age simulation suit. The results show a high sensitivity of age-related impairments both for the intervention and for the control group. However, the intervention group has significantly higher sensitivity values (M = 5,1) than the control group (M = 4,8). It is concluded that observing of age simulation intervention can nevertheless be a good way to make training effective.

The paper aims at clarification if a job type has an influence on three physical properties of humans. Those are dexterity of fingers and hands, grip strength and range of motions. A group of 67 manual and 99 office workers both males and females in different age groups were assessed by Purdue Pegboard Test, Grooved Pegboard Test and Complete Minnesota Dexterity Test. For hand grip the Jamar dynamometer was used and range of motions were measured by standard goniometers. In dexterity area male office workers proved higher dexterity than manual in all kinds of testes. Female office workers proved significant differences only in half of the tests. Grip strength differences were not statistically significant between office and manual workers. Only differences between males and females were confirmed. Regarding range of motions male office workers had better values only in 7 joints from 36, however females had better values in 22 from 36 joints.

Pressure ulcer is one of the most common complications in bedridden patients. It may lead to dysfunction of the skin and cause wound infections, even increasing patient mortality through many complications. Mechanics of skin soft tissue play a very important role in clinical practice. In this study, the indentation test was used to obtain Young’s modulus and thickness of the skin soft tissue. This study has three purposes and it is (1) to assess the Young’s modulus and soft tissue thickness of sacral soft tissue among the three groups; (2) to compare Braden scale in the three groups, and; (3) to compare the Young’s modulus, soft tissue thickness of the sacral soft tissue in the three groups, whether there are significant differences or not. These hypotheses were in three groups. These are healed group which are the long-term bedridden patients with healed ulcer wound; long-term bedridden patients with pressure ulcers worsening or unhealed group, and; patients with long-term bedridden without pressure ulcer or the non-ulcer group. The purposes of this study were (1) to assess the Young’s modulus and soft tissue thickness of sacral soft tissue among the three groups, (2) to compare Braden scale in the three groups, (3) to compare the Young’s modulus, soft tissue thickness of the sacral soft tissue in the three groups, and healthy adults, whether there are significant differences. The researchers used the indenter that was assembled by ultrasound probe and load cell controlled by the software LabVIEW program. It is to capture image for evaluating the deformation and force, then Young’s modulus and soft tissue thickness can be estimated. The following results of this study has revealed that (1) there was a statistical significant differences in activities between the Braden scales evaluated by each other; (2) the effective Young’s modulus in unhealed group was the lowest (190.4 ± 60.0 kPa, p < 0.05), and; (3) the soft tissue thickness was the thinnest in the unhealed group (12.6 ± 1.9 mm, p < 0.05). Therefore, the results of this study demonstrated that the effectiveness of the Young’s Modulus of soft tissue and it’s thickness could be both a tool to assess the healing or worsening of pressure ulcers among clinical practices.

The lifecycle design strategy (LiDs) is an important design theory that human beings put forward in the industrialized era for the increasingly severe environmental and social development problems. This paper attempts to explore the impact of this theory on interaction design in the era of digitization and informatization. In order to better substitute this design theory into interaction design, the article further expands the 3R principle (Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling) in LiDs into the 7R principle (plus Redesign, Revalue, Renovate and Regenerate), and analyzes its influence on the methods and considerations in interaction design in combination with design cases. Provides some new methods and reflections for interaction design.

Automotive glass manufacturing entails a range of activities and requires, inter alia, bending and twisting, working in static positions, reaching away from the body, repetitive movements, handling heavy materials, use of body force, and exposure to noise. The study entailed the conducting of interviews with operatives at an automotive glass facility using a structured questionnaire. Selected findings include: bending or twisting the back, repetitive movements, and handling heavy materials predominated in terms of ergonomics problems encountered; things within easy reach, adjustable work surfaces, being able to sit down, elbow height work, and mechanical assistance, predominated in terms of the interventions that would make work easier, and the lower back, and both feet predominated in terms of the frequency at which pain occurs in an anatomical region as a result of use. Training of workers in positional work and working with load, investigating the ability to sit while working and worker participation in ergonomic solutions are selected recommendations.

Design thinking is a mindset to find a solution for a real need using an iterative method. Its fundamental philosophy is to empathize and reframe a problem so that one can innovate faster using systematic methods. In this study, we illustrate the use of design thinking to enhance the life of older people. A total of forty students from two universities spent 2 days talking and playing with senior citizens to evaluate and understand their daily activities, likes and dislikes. Based on observations, systematic interviews, and storytelling, a series of innovative products were designed. In this manuscript, two of them will be described. The first was an entertainment system called Memo-TV for those with short-term memory loss and the second, Shadow Play, was a means to enhance their upper body strength using an innovative and interactive game.

Hearing loss in the United States (US) between the ages of 20–69 years old is increasing at an alarming rate and the growth rate of the hearing aid industry is increasing rapidly. These days, many people depend on hearing aids for their hearing effectiveness; therefore, early intervention in hearing protection and hearing loss prevention should not be underrated. Hence, listener’s clarification between signal comprehension in noise (SCN) and tiredness in background noise is important to assist the younger generation to protect their hearing. In light of this, an empirical laboratory study was conducted to determine the differences between signal comprehension in noise and an acceptable noise level (ANL). Thirty students participated in the study with ages ranging from 19 to 44 years old. Babble noise was used as the background noise, while comedian speech was used as the signal. Findings show that the background noise level accepted during an ANL task was 8% higher than the background noise level accepted during SCN. Results further revealed no statistically significant difference between listener’s ANL and SCN (P = 0.0609). Additionally, findings reveal no statistically significant differences of the effect that the background noise level posed on both ANL and SNC. However, listeners were more sensitive toward signal intensity during SCN task than during ANL task. This could be because ANL only measures listener’s willingness to work in noisy conditions while SCN task measures listener ability to seek meaning out of a signal presented in noisy conditions. Findings from this study could be used to assist listeners who are in the habit of setting their music listening volume at high levels while studying.

It has been a matter of great interest for designers and researchers to investigate the potential balance between product’s aesthetics and functionality. This study will try to explore the concept of hedonics, utilitarian value and their balance by incorporating some case studies from design literature. In this research paper, the tradeoffs between hedonics and utilitarian values will discussed by having the wearable products as a core. The discussion in this study would help designers in understanding the metrics of balance in attributes of product design process for smart wearables and helping them to design wearable products by enhancing user experience.

Ear anthropometry is important in physical ergonomics for ear-related products. With various anthropometric methods, comparisons between different measuring techniques have not been sufficiently studied especially for ear dimensions. This study aimed at comparing traditional measurement and 3D scanning method for ear anthropometry, with addressing their usages in practice. For thirty participants, ear length and ear width were measured by the same investigator with two measuring methods. Traditional measurement was directly conducted with a caliper, whereas dimensions using 3D scanning technique were extracted from the point cloud acquired from a structured light scanner. Statistical results showed the differences between traditional and 3D scanning measurement, which can provide empirical evidences of differences between different measuring techniques for ear anthropometry. Additionally, the usages of different methods were discussed so that the proper method can be selected to match specific goals for future research.

In this work, a hybrid personal cooling suit incorporated with dry ice and ventilation fans (HYB), and a water-cooling suit (WCS) were chosen to examine actual cooling performance on mascot actors while performing a moderate activity at 34 °C & RH = 78%. The total trial duration was 60 min (40-min walking at 4.0 km/h followed by 20-min resting at room temperature [24 ± 1°C, RH = 55 ± 5%]). Results showed that both HYB and WCS successfully prevented the mascot wearers’ core temperature from rising above 38.0 °C during trials. In contrast, core temperatures of CON (i.e., no cooling) reached 38.0 °C in 35 min. Heart rates in HYB and WCS were decreased by 11 and 17 beats/min compared to that of CON. Perceptual responses have been greatly improved by wearing HYB and WCS. It was concluded that HYB and WCS could mitigate heat stress on mascot wearers during a performance in the studied condition.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a common disorder condition worldwide. Compression therapy is the mainstay of prophylaxis and treatment of CVI in practice. The aim of this study is to investigate effects of the designed knee-high open-toe compression stocking (OTCS) on venous cross-sectional areas and flow velocities of the superficial and deep venous systems of the lower extremities. The results indicated that the designed OTCS (23 mmHg at ankle on average in a standard degressive pressure gradient from the distal to the proximal) can effectively squeeze limb tissues and generate different influences on the studied cross-sectional areas and flow velocities of the superficial and deep venous system. In general, the cross-sectional areas reduced by approximate 13%–16% along the tested superficial veins (Great Saphenous Vein and Small Saphenous Vein) in both healthy subjects (Group 1) and CVI patients (Group 2). The decreased venous cross-sections may squeeze superficial venous blood to deep venous system via perforator veins, leading to increased venous cross-sectional areas by 7% in Popliteal Vein vein in Group 1 (healthy subjects) and increased flow velocity of deep veins by approximate 6.5% and 19.6% in Group 1 and 2, respectively. These finding suggest that the designed new OTCS would improve venous haemodynamics of the lower limbs in dynamic daily use, especially for deep venous system of the CVI suffers.