Search Results (172)

Electronics manufacturing workers engaged in material handling are susceptible to occupational back pain. This cross-sectional study aimed to develop a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix and evaluate ergonomic risk factors contributing to back pain among workers in this industry. A total of 354 electronics assembly workers participated in the study. Data collection involved the use of the Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ), the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), and workstation lighting intensity measurements. The risk assessment matrix for back pain prediction was applied, and associated factors were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results indicated that lighting intensity at 76.52% of inspection stations was below the standard requirements. Furthermore, 57.63% of workstations exhibited high- to very high-risk postures, necessitating ergonomic intervention. The risk matrix predicted that 62.44% of workers were at moderate to very high risk of occupational back pain. Statistical analysis identified manual lifting (OR_adj = 2.48; 95% CI = 1.13–5.44), shift work (OR_adj = 2.21; 95% CI = 1.11–4.40), and inappropriate workstation design (OR_adj = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.42–8.42) as significant contributors to elevated back pain risk. These findings underscore the importance of ergonomic interventions and the application of a semi-quantitative risk assessment matrix for the prevention of occupational back pain in industrial workers. Full article

Employee satisfaction is a crucial factor affecting organizational performance, productivity, and overall workplace efficiency. This study investigates employment satisfaction within the Greek technology sector through sentiment analysis, focusing on employees’ responses through the Employee Experience-Satisfaction (EmEx-Sa) questionnaire. The study employs natural language processing (NLP) and, in particular, the lexicon-based sentiment analysis methodology to analyze data from 208 employees across the entirety of Greece, obtained from open and semi-open questions, multiple-choice alternatives, and demographic questions. The objective is to utilize data from sources such as the Michigan Organizational Assessment Questionnaire (MOAQ), Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) and Job Descriptive Index (JDI) to determine the primary elements that impact job satisfaction and, by applying principles of organizational ergonomics, gain insight into the attitudes and emotions of employees. Results reveal that the working environment (total sentiment score: 21.50) is the primary driver of positive sentiment, while salary (total sentiment score: −18.72) is the main source of dissatisfaction. Sentiment regarding superiors is more balanced, leaning slightly positive (total sentiment score: 0.02), but the analysis indicates opinions lack significant polarization. The findings delineate critical factors influencing job satisfaction, encompassing the work environment, leadership quality, salary, and opportunities for professional advancement. The research underscores the significance of internal marketing tactics in fostering engagement, trust, and transparency between management and employees and provides actionable suggestions for boosting working conditions, fostering employee well-being, and improving organizational performance, underscoring the strategic imperative of prioritizing job satisfaction. Full article

Work performed in confined and low-height spaces (NSLH) is relatively common across several industries, yet it has not been adequately addressed from an ergonomic perspective. Such activities require workers to adopt awkward postures, most often with the trunk bent and rotated, while handling loads positioned at varying distances from the body. These conditions lead to rapid fatigue, musculoskeletal strain, and, in the long term, may cause serious health disorders. Traditional ergonomic risk assessment methods, such as REBA, RULA, or QEC, were initially applied in these situations; however, the results were unsatisfactory. Their broad applicability and reliance on calculation tables that incorporate factors irrelevant to NSLH tasks prevent them from providing an accurate evaluation of ergonomic risks in these environments. To overcome these limitations, a new assessment method, RALH (Risk Assessment for Narrow Spaces with Low Height), was developed. The method aims to evaluate ergonomic risks in contexts where workers cannot maintain an upright posture, resulting in significant stress on the spinal column, particularly in the lumbar and cervical regions. The RALH methodology incorporates parameters such as trunk inclination, trunk rotation, load weight, distance between the body and the load, exposure duration, and the worker’s physical fitness. A dedicated software tool, ERGO Agent—RALH, was designed to implement this methodology, providing structured data collection, parameter normalization, and ergonomic risk calculation. Case studies, including distribution agents working inside van cargo compartments, demonstrated that the method produces accurate and objective results. Beyond diagnosis, RALH also supports the development of preventive strategies, such as equipment optimization, task allocation, worker training, and physical conditioning. Overall, the RALH method is a practical tool for improving occupational health and efficiency in NSLH environments, where traditional ergonomic approaches are insufficient. Full article

Lymphedema is a chronic, progressive, and debilitating disease of the lymphatic system with no current cure. Physiologic procedures, which address the underlying pathophysiology of lymphatic dysfunction, have gained traction in both treatment and prevention of lymphedema. This narrative review examines current physiologic lymphedema surgical techniques and emerging developments in this rapidly evolving field. While the two most common physiologic surgeries remain lymphovenous bypass (LVB) and vascularized lymph node transfer (VLNT), newer physiologic surgery techniques such as vascularized lymph vessel transfer (VLVT) and lymph node to vein anastomosis (LNVA) have been described in an effort to reduce donor site morbidity, with early promising clinical outcomes. The use of bioengineering with stem cells, pro-lymphangiogenic growth factors, and biomaterials such as Biobridge can be applied in conjunction with surgery to help promote lymphangiogenesis. Technological advances in robotic surgical systems and 3D exoscopes are helping to make supermicrosurgery more technically feasible and ergonomic, and increasing accessibility to lymphedema surgery. As our surgical armamentarium expands, treatment algorithms must be updated to determine how various surgical techniques can be combined and sequenced, how the indications for physiologic surgery can be expanded, and how surgical treatment can be tailored to the patient and disease process. Full article

Background: Stapes prostheses represent one of the earliest and most widely applied “biomedical actuators” designed to restore hearing in patients with otosclerosis. Unlike conventional actuators, which convert energy into motion, stapes prostheses function as passive or smart micro-actuators, transmitting and modulating acoustic energy through the ossicular chain. Objective: This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of stapes prostheses from an engineering and biomedical perspective, emphasizing design principles, materials science, and recent innovations in smart actuators based on shape-memory alloys combined with surgical applicability. Methods: A narrative review of the evolution of stapes prostheses was consolidated by institutional surgical experience. Comparative evaluation focused on materials (Teflon, Fluoroplastic, Titanium, Nitinol) and design solutions (manual crimping, clip-on, heat-activated prostheses). Special attention was given to endoscopic stapes surgery, which highlights the ergonomic and functional requirements of new device designs. Results: Traditional fluoroplastic and titanium pistons provide reliable sound conduction but require manual crimping, with a higher risk of incus necrosis and displacement. Innovative prostheses, particularly those manufactured from nitinol, act as self-crimping actuators activated by heat, improving coupling precision and reducing surgical trauma. Emerging designs, including bucket-handle and malleus pistons, expand applicability to complex or revision cases. Advances in additive manufacturing and middle ear cement fixation offer opportunities for customized, patient-specific actuators. Conclusions: Stapes prostheses have evolved from simple passive pistons to innovative biomedical actuators exploiting shape-memory and biocompatible materials. Future developments in stapes prosthesis design are closely linked to 3D printing technologies. These developments have the potential to enhance acoustic performance, durability, and patient outcomes, thereby bridging the gap between otologic surgery and biomedical engineering. Full article

The article presents research on a wide frequency range piezo sensor applied to surfaces by touch. It details the design of the piezo sensor, its operating principles, and usage characteristics. Calculations of the main vibration forms and modes, modeling, and experimental verifications are provided. The objective of the research was to create a lightweight, ergonomic device that enables quick detection and testing of ultrasonic vibrations on objects (ultrasonic concentrators, their replaceable tips, concentrator mounting structures, device casings, etc.) with a brief touch—up to 1 s. After optimizing the design parameters and conducting tests, it was determined that the piezo sensor identifies vibrations in the range of 20–96 kHz, which is a commonly used range in ultrasonic vibration systems (UVS). A distinctive feature of the sensor is that in this frequency range, it does not generate amplitude peaks, and its structural elements do not enter into the resonances of lower modes (1–5). The piezo sensor is not intended to determine precise vibration amplitudes and forms. It is designed to quickly find the points of minimum and maximum vibrations in vibrating objects, where precise measurements will later be conducted. The conducted research will assist in the design and manufacturing of such devices. Full article

Extended Reality (XR) technologies—including Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality—are increasingly applied in the food industry to simulate sensory environments, support education, and influence consumer behavior, while robotics addresses labor shortages, hygiene, and efficiency in production. This review uniquely synthesizes their convergence through digital twin frameworks, combining XR’s immersive simulations with robotics’ precision and scalability. A systematic literature review and keyword co-occurrence analysis of over 800 titles revealed research clusters around consumer behavior, nutrition education, sensory experience, and system design. In parallel, robotics has expanded beyond traditional pick-and-place tasks into areas such as precision cleaning, chaotic mixing, and digital gastronomy. The integration of XR and robotics offers synergies including risk-free training, predictive task validation, and enhanced human–robot interaction but faces hurdles such as high hardware costs, motion sickness, and usability constraints. Future research should prioritize interoperability, ergonomic design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration to ensure that XR–robotics systems evolve not merely as tools, but as a paradigm shift in redefining the human–food–environment relationship. Full article

Tele-ultrasound systems enable remote diagnostic imaging by transmitting both motion commands and haptic feedback between a sonographer and a robotic probe. While these systems aim to replicate conventional ultrasound procedures, they rarely address the physical strain typically experienced by sonographers. In this study, the effect of applying a force scaling strategy to haptic feedback on reducing muscular fatigue and task-induced stress during a realistic tele-ultrasound task is studied. First, a thorough operational and biomechanical analysis of the abdominal US procedure was performed to reconstruct a representative task in the laboratory. Then, a bilateral position–force tele-ultrasound architecture was implemented, and a total of 11 subjects performed the reconstructed remote ultrasound task under two randomized conditions: with and without force scaling. Surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were acquired from seven upper-limb muscles (posterior deltoid, trapezius, anterior deltoid, biceps, triceps, wrist flexors, and wrist extensors). Teleoperation-related stress was also assessed using a seven-item Likert-scale self-report questionnaire administered after each trial. Statistical significance was tested using Repeated Measures ANOVA for EMG data and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test for stress scores. The results showed a statistically significant reduction in muscle activation in 5 out of 7 muscles, and a clear mitigation of fatigue progression over time in the scaled condition. Additionally, perceived stress levels were significantly lower in the presence of force scaling in overall stress scores. These findings support the effectiveness of force scaling as a tool to enhance ergonomics in tele-ultrasound procedures without compromising the operator’s ability to perform the task. The proposed methodology proved robust and generalizable, offering valuable insight into the integration of human-centered design in tele-operated diagnostic systems. Full article

Background: Dentists are at an increased risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders, particularly carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), due to repetitive hand movements, awkward postures, and sustained grip forces. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically relevant CTS indicators among dentists in Jordan. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 licensed dentists in Jordan. Participants completed demographic questionnaires and the Valid Arabic version Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) to assess their symptom severity and hand function. Data was analyzed using STATA version 17, applying descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, t-tests, ANOVA, and multivariable linear regression to evaluate association between sociodemographic factors and BCTQ scores. Results: Of the 201 participants, 64.2% were female and 35.8% were male. Female dentists were significantly younger (median age 31 vs. 39 years, p < 0.001), reported higher symptom severity (median score 18.0 vs. 16.0, p = 0.019), and experienced greater functional limitations (median score 15 vs. 9, p < 0.001) than male dentists. The overall mean symptom severity score was 19.12 (SD = 7.82), and the functional impairment score was 14.20 (SD = 6.37), indicating mild pain and functional limitation. Multivariable regression revealed that male sex was associated with significantly lower symptom scores (β = 0.7, p = 0.001) and better function (β = 0.722, p = 0.002). Geographic location, higher education level (PhD), and full-time employment were associated with higher symptom scores in the study. Conclusions: Wrist and hand symptoms are prevalent among dentists in Jordan, with significant sex differences in symptom severity and functional impairment. Geographic location, academic degree, and working hours were significant predictors of CTS-related symptoms. These findings underscore the need for ergonomic interventions and targeted preventive strategies, especially for high-risk groups, such as female and full-time practitioners. Full article

Healthcare professionals (namely, occupational therapists) face ergonomic risk factors that may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD). Ergonomic assessments are crucial to mitigate this occupational issue. Wearable devices are a potential solution for such assessments, providing continuous measurement of biomechanical and physiological parameters. Ergo4workers (E4W) is a mobile application designed to integrate data from independent wearable sensors—motion capture system, surface electromyography, force platform, and smartwatch—to provide an overview of the posture and workload of occupational therapists. It can help identify poor work practices and raise awareness about ergonomic risk factors. This paper describes the development of E4W by following a User-Centred Design (UCD) approach. The initial stage focused on specifying the context of use in collaboration with six occupational therapists. Then the app was implemented using WordPress. Three iterations of the UCD cycle were performed. The usability test of prototype 1 was carried out in a laboratory environment, while the others were tested in a real healthcare work environment. The Cognitive Walkthrough was applied in the usability tests of prototypes 1 and 2. The System Usability Scale evaluated prototype 3. Results evidenced positive feedback, reflecting an easy-to-use and intuitive smartphone app that does not interfere with daily work activities. Full article

This study investigates visual fatigue in a real-world pharmaceutical packaging environment, where operators perform repetitive inspection and packing tasks under frequently suboptimal lighting conditions. A human-centered methodology was adopted, combining adapted self-report questionnaires, high-frequency eye-tracking data collected with Tobii Pro Glasses 3, and lux-level measurements. Key eye-movement metrics—including fixation duration, visit patterns, and pupil diameter—were analyzed within defined work zones (Areas of Interest). To reduce data complexity and uncover latent patterns of visual behavior, Principal Component Analysis was applied. Results revealed a progressive increase in visual fatigue across the workweek and throughout shifts, particularly during night work, and showed a strong association with inadequate lighting. Tasks involving high physical workload under poor illumination emerged as critical risk scenarios. This integrated approach not only confirmed the presence of visual fatigue but also identified high-risk conditions in the workflow, enabling targeted ergonomic interventions. The findings provide a practical framework for improving operator well-being and inspection performance through sensor-based monitoring and environment-specific design enhancements, in alignment with the goals of Industry 5.0. Full article

Background/Objectives: Babywearing is a carrying system that ensures consistent contact and proper posture between the baby and carrying adult, in which there is no age or weight limit, and it is rarely inadvisable. Although babywearing has been growing in popularity and acclaim due to the comfort and emotional closeness between the carrier and baby, there are a number of physical and physiological consequences for the adult carrier when using an ergonomic babywearing device, such as muscular, postural, cardiorespiratory, and energy expenditure, and the perception of effort and pain. The objective is to explore the physical implications affecting the carrier, as well as the subjective perception of strain and pain. Methods: A systematic review was carried out including articles up to December 2023 in the Web of Science (WOS), Medline, and SportDiscus databases. Studies dealing with ergonomic babywearing and the physical implications of babywearing were included; systematic reviews or case studies were excluded. Results: After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 14 original articles were obtained for analysis. Methodological quality was rated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies with scores between 3 and 8 points. All articles included valid and reliable information on exposure, outcome measures, and results. Conclusions: The studies reviewed cover different aspects, such as muscle activation and postural stability, as well as specific ergonomic design for particular groups. In general terms, it seems that the use of certain babywearing devices, especially back or front carry, seems to be the one that generates fewer physiological alterations in the carriers compared to carrying babies in arms or other positions. Full article

The integration of virtual and augmented reality is transforming processes in the field of product design. This study evaluates the usability of immersive digital tools applied to industrial design through a combined market research and empirical case study, using the software ‘Gravity Sketch’ and the immersive headset ‘Meta Quest 3’. An embedded single case study was conducted based on the international standard ISO 9241-11, considering the dimensions of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction, analysed through nine indicators: tasks completed, time to complete tasks, dimensional accuracy, interoperability, interactivity, fatigue, human error, learning curve, and perceived creativity. The results show a progressive improvement in user–system interaction across the seven Design Units, as users become more familiar with immersive technologies. Effectiveness improves as users gain experience, though it remains sensitive to design complexity. Efficiency shows favourable values even in early stages, reflecting operational fluency despite learning demands. Satisfaction records the greatest improvement, driven by smoother interaction and greater creative freedom. These findings highlight the potential of immersive tools to support design processes while also underlining the need for future research on sustained usability, interface ergonomics, and collaborative workflows in extended reality environments. Full article

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the most prevalent occupational health issues, particularly affecting public transport drivers due to prolonged sitting, constrained postures, and poorly adaptable cabins. This study addresses the ergonomic risks associated with tram driving, aiming to evaluate biomechanical load and postural stress in relation to drivers’ anthropometric characteristics. A combined methodological approach was applied, integrating two standardized observational tools—RULA and REBA—with anthropometric modeling based on three representatives European morphotypes (SmallW, MidM, and TallM). ErgoFellow 3.0 software was used for digital posture evaluation, and lumbar moments at the L4/L5 vertebral level were calculated to estimate lumbar loading. The analysis was simulation-based, using digital human models, and no real subjects were involved. The results revealed uniform REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) scores of 6 across all morphotypes, indicating moderate to high risk and a need for ergonomic intervention. Lumbar moments ranged from 51.35 Nm (SmallW) to 101.67 Nm (TallM), with the tallest model slightly exceeding the recommended ergonomic thresholds. These findings highlight a systemic mismatch between cabin design and user variability. In conclusion, ergonomic improvements such as adjustable seating, better control layout, and driver education are essential to reduce the risk of WMSDs. The study proposes a replicable methodology combining anthropometric, observational, and biomechanical tools for evaluating and improving transport workstation design. Full article

Worm gears are used in various mechanical constructions, especially in heavy industrial plants, where they are exposed to high operating loads, large torques, and high temperatures, particularly in conditions where it is necessary for the input and output shafts to be at an angle of 90°. Regarding tribological optimization, the application of carbon nanotube in lubricants can lead to significant improvements in the performance characteristics of worm gears, both in terms of increasing efficiency and reducing the coefficient of friction and wear, as well as minimizing mechanical losses, noise, and vibrations. The objective of this study is for the research results, through the use of oil with varying percentages of carbon nanotube additives (CNTs), to contribute to the optimization of worm gears by improving efficiency, extending service life, and reducing vibrations—both within the gearbox itself and within the industrial facility where it is applied. The research methodology involved laboratory testing of a worm gear using lubricants with varying concentrations of carbon nanotube. During the experiment, measurements of efficiency, vibrations, and noise levels were conducted in order to determine the impact of these additives on the operational performance of the gear system. The main contribution of this research is reflected in the experimental confirmation that the use of lubricants with optimized concentrations of carbon nanotube significantly enhances the operational performance of worm gears by increasing efficiency and reducing vibrations and noise, thereby enabling tribological optimization that contributes to improved reliability, extended service life, and enhanced workplace ergonomics under demanding industrial conditions. Furthermore, experimental investigations have shown that the efficiency of the gearbox increases from an initial value of 0.42–0.65, which represents an increase of 54%, the vibrations of the worm gear decrease from an initial value of 5.83–2.56 mm/s², which represents an decrease of 56%, while the noise was reduced from 87.5 to 77.2 dB, which represents an decrease of 12% with the increasing percentage of carbon nanotube additives in the lubricant, up to a maximum value of 1%. However, beyond this experimentally determined threshold, a decrease in the efficiency of the tested worm gearbox, as well as an increase in noise and vibration levels was recorded. Full article