Search Results (371)

Upper-limb impairments affect a substantial portion of the global population, often limiting the ability to perform daily activities. Robotic rehabilitation systems offer a promising solution by enabling high-dose, task-oriented therapy with consistent and objective feedback. However, user acceptance and perceived comfort are critical for their successful adoption. This work presents a feasibility, performance, and comfort evaluation of a 2-degree-of-freedom upper-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton capable of performing elbow flexion/extension and forearm pronation/supination. A total of 47 healthy participants were enrolled and tested across three rehabilitation modalities: passive assist, active assist, and active resist. Passive assist enabled full range-of-motion execution, active assist supported movement, and active resist provided variable resistance via a sliding bar (0–100%). Objective performance metrics, including position, current, and temperature, were recorded and analyzed, revealing trajectory-tracking errors during passive assistance of 4.82° ± 0.02° for forearm movement and 1.20° ± 0.04° for elbow movement, with actuator temperatures remaining below their rated limits throughout the study. The active assist mode did not achieve a true assist-as-needed performance, indicating a need for further refinement. Subjective evaluation included the System Usability Scale, yielding a score of 87.1 ± 9.6, indicating excellent usability, and a safety and comfort assessment averaging 4.4 ± 0.4 out of 5. Perceived effort was assessed using the Borg CR-10 scale and generally scaled appropriately across modalities, although some variability suggests the need for further investigation. Qualitative feedback identified areas for improvement, particularly in ergonomics and control behavior. Overall, the results support the feasibility, usability, and safe operation of the proposed exoskeleton and provide insights for future device refinement and evaluation with target user populations. Full article

General-purpose bibliometric tools do not address domain-specific needs of occupational safety and health (OSH) evidence mapping, such as quantifying whether the literature connects hazard characterisation with real worker exposure or identifying which articles best bridge science and preventive practice. This paper presents ORISMA (Occupational Risk Integrated Systematic Mapping and Analysis), an open-source R package that introduces five preventive bibliometric indicators: the Worker–Risk Disconnection Index (WRDI), Risk Category Saturation Index (RCS), Material–Gap Profile (MGP), Abstract Sufficiency Score (ASS), and Bridge Article Score (BAS). A complete evidence map is produced through three function calls. To demonstrate the package, we apply it to a corpus of bibliographic records on occupational risks in metal additive manufacturing (metal AM), retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and PubMed. After conservative relevance-guard filtering (191 records retained) and three-step deduplication, 76 unique records were analysed. The global WRDI was 0.4474, indicating moderate disconnection between hazard characterisation and worker exposure evidence. Industrial hygiene and emerging technology domains dominated preventive coverage, while safety, ergonomics, psychosocial, and biological risk domains were largely absent. Eighteen strong bridge articles were identified. The material–risk co-occurrence map showed no detected co-occurrence between explosion/fire or asphyxiant-gas risks and any material, reflecting an absence of explicit terminology in the retrieved literature rather than a definitive absence of evidence. ORISMA provides a reproducible, domain-aware framework that requires further validation across independent OSH domains before broad generalization. Full article

Background: Operating room (OR) nurses are at high risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to physically demanding tasks and the use of heavy lead aprons. Objectives: This study evaluated the impact of a multidimensional ergonomic intervention on injury prevention awareness, compliance, and health outcomes among OR staff. Methods: A prospective quality improvement pilot study was conducted with 33 OR nurses. The intervention, based on the Health Belief Model and Human Factors Engineering, integrated ergonomic education with environmental modifications. Outcomes were assessed via questionnaires, field audits, and sick leave records at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-month follow-up. Results: Awareness scores improved from 68.7% to 98.8% (p < 0.001). Observational audits demonstrated a reduction in non-ergonomic actions from 2227 to 440 (mean deviations per nurse: 111.4 to 22.0, p < 0.001), with improvements sustained at 6 months. Annual sick leave cases decreased from three to one. Conclusions: A multifaceted real-world pilot intervention combining education with system-level engineering was associated with enhancing ergonomic compliance and reducing unsafe behaviors. This approach fosters the self-efficacy necessary for sustainable WMSD risk mitigation in high-intensity clinical settings. Full article

This study presents the design, development, and experimental validation of an automated flat blade grinding machine for the wood processing and plastic recycling industries in Ecuador. The machine was engineered following the VDI 2221/2222/2225 design methodology, integrating SolidWorks-based 3D modeling and ANSYS finite element analysis (FEA) to validate critical structural components. The selected configuration includes a Type 6 alumina grinding wheel (38A-60-K-VS), a mechanical clamping system, cutting fluid cooling, and a hardwired electromechanical control system that does not require a programmable logic controller (PLC). FEA results confirmed adequate safety factors (ηs > 16; ηf > 14) for the ACME 3/4–8 power screw under operational loads. Experimental testing on blade specimens (thickness: 3 mm; length: 70 mm; steel up to 60 HRC) demonstrated that four grinding passes at a 45° inclination angle reduced mean surface roughness (Ra) from 5.39 ± 1.83 µm (used blades) to 0.162 ± 0.092 µm, achieving values comparable to new blades (Ra = 0.601 ± 0.153 µm): a point-estimate reduction of 97% in mean Ra relative to the used-blade condition. The automated process reduced average grinding time by approximately 30% compared to manual methods, while maintaining noise levels within the 85 dB occupational exposure limit. Operator satisfaction surveys rated the system above 4.5/5.0 across all ergonomic and usability criteria. These results validate the proposed machine as a cost-effective, locally manufacturable solution to standardize blade maintenance in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across Latin America. Full article

Population ageing is reshaping the use and evaluation of everyday urban green spaces, especially in old urban districts where nearby public spaces support walking, resting, exercise, and social contact. Conventional age-friendly assessments often emphasise whether formal infrastructure is provided, but facility provision alone does not ensure experiential fit with older adults’ functional capacities, daily routines, and social practices. This exploratory multiple-case study examines user-initiated informal adaptations in three neighbourhood-scale green spaces in Gulou District, Nanjing, China. Facility audits, approximately 30 h of non-participant observation, semi-structured interviews with 36 older users, and 220 valid questionnaires were combined through cross-case coding and qualitative triangulation. Three adaptation types were identified: supplementary, modifying, and appropriative adaptations. These practices were interpreted as context-dependent behavioural signals potentially associated with safety and convenience, ergonomic support and material-thermal comfort, social accessibility and spatial accommodation, and social support. Adaptation patterns varied descriptively across sites and age groups in relation to facility conditions, spatial organisation, activity intensity, and user characteristics. The findings suggest that, when interpreted alongside facility audits, interviews, and site context, older adults’ everyday adaptations may help identify possible mismatches between formal provision and actual use, offering a low-cost interpretative perspective for inclusive, incremental, and socially sustainable green-space renewal. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent a critical global challenge to workforce productivity. In Thailand, these disorders are particularly prevalent in labor-intensive industries such as ice manufacturing, where workers face significant ergonomic hazards. Addressing this gap, the present study aimed to assess the occupational health, safety, and ergonomic risks facing workers in ice production facilities. This cross-sectional descriptive study investigated production workers who were employees in two of eight ice manufacturing plants in Surat Thani, Thailand, using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method. A structured occupational health and safety risk assessment questionnaire and the REBA evaluation form were used to collect data. All participants were male, averaging 30.4 (±8.5) years old. Regular pain areas included the upper/lower back, hips/thighs, shoulders, wrists, and ankles. Ergonomic assessments showed high overall risk due to heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, and cold environments. Based on REBA scores, 13.04% were in the very-high-risk group (score ≥ 11) and 65.22% in the high-risk group (score 8–10). Most production workers in ice plants faced high ergonomic risks, especially from postures affecting the upper and lower back. Training should be provided to promote awareness of risky postures and proper lifting techniques. Mechanical aids and back-support equipment are also recommended to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Full article

Aquatic recreation significantly enhances well-being; however, individuals experiencing functional limitations remain frequently marginalized from this form of tourism due to infrastructural and environmental barriers. This study investigates the perceived operational risks and apprehensions encountered by users with specific accessibility needs during yacht sailing, aiming to inform inclusive vessel design aligned with the social dimension of sustainable development. A survey of 277 participants with diverse, officially certified functional limitations was conducted to evaluate their maritime experiences and safety concerns. Participants identified a mean of 11 pre-voyage apprehensions out of 19 distinct risk categories. The most prevalent concerns included stumbling, slipping, or falling on board (79%), the risk of falling overboard (73%), and seasickness (70%), with an overall moderate severity ($\overline{X}$ = 2.2 on a 4-point scale). Crucially, severe safety concerns (e.g., vessel sinking or falling overboard) were significantly mitigated following practical sailing experience. Conversely, everyday functional and ergonomic challenges—such as moving between the deck and crew quarters ($\overline{X}$ = 2.6), operating rigging ($\overline{X}$ = 2.7), embarkation ($\overline{X}$ = 2.6), and utilizing sanitary facilities ($\overline{X}$ = 2.1)—persisted irrespective of experience level. Statistical analysis revealed that gender and age had negligible effects on concern levels. Extensive maritime experience reduced apprehensions regarding balance and swimming competencies, while concurrently increasing awareness of communication and comfort-related operational challenges. This study highlights a distinct divergence between initial psychological anxiety—which is largely mitigated by experience—and persistent architectural barriers inherent in standard yacht design. The results underscore that achieving meaningful inclusivity in water tourism requires prioritizing interior spatial layouts, accessible sanitary facilities, and barrier-free vertical circulation in naval architecture, rather than focusing exclusively on emergency safety systems. These insights directly support the advancement of Sustainable Development Goal 10 and the integration of universal and human-centered design principles within the maritime recreation sector. Full article

This study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a multi-axis welding positioner, designed as a laboratory simulator with 360° rotational capability and 90° tilting functionality to support outcome-based instruction in welding and fabrication technology courses. A developmental research design was employed to systematically address common challenges in instructional welding operations, such as limited workpiece maneuverability, inconsistent welding angles, operator fatigue, safety risks from manual repositioning, and the lack of affordable, adaptable positioning equipment. The study was conducted at Caraga State University–Cabadbaran Campus in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, and involved sixteen purposively selected experts in Welding and Fabrication Technology. These experts assessed the prototype during the design, development, and evaluation phases via a validated researcher-developed survey instrument. The welding positioner was evaluated based on the following criteria: design, construction and material availability, functionality, usability, safety, modularity, and ergonomics. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that the prototype was highly functional, safe, and user-centered, enhancing welding accuracy and reducing operator fatigue. Of the evaluated parameters, Design, Construction, and Material Availability achieved the highest mean rating (3.61), reflecting strong structural quality and resource accessibility. Functionality received the lowest mean rating (3.51), signaling minor areas for improvement in responsiveness and component adjustability. The prototype, built from locally available, cost-effective materials, featured a motorized rotation system and a manual tilting mechanism that operated reliably during testing. The study concluded that the welding positioner met structural, ergonomic, and operational standards for use as a laboratory simulator in outcome-based welding instruction. Recommendations include integrating automated controls, enhancing portability, embedding digital monitoring features, and conducting extended performance evaluations in industrial settings. Full article

This study designed, developed, and evaluated a combined egg incubator and hatchery system to enhance poultry breeding efficiency, reliability, and ergonomic operation. Utilizing a developmental research design, the project addressed challenges in traditional incubation and hatching processes, including inconsistent temperature and humidity control, inadequate ventilation, frequent power interruptions, limited access to affordable materials and technical expertise, insufficient safety mechanisms, and a lack of multifunctional capability. Data were collected from 30 experts in agricultural engineering and poultry technology to evaluate design, construction, material availability, functionality, usability, safety, modularity, and ergonomics. Findings revealed the system was highly efficient, safe, and user-centered, improving hatch rates and operator comfort. Full article

The study introduces a portable sliding sand sieve, transforming traditional stationary systems into an innovative solution for sand separation in the construction industry. This innovative tool offers improved mobility, durability, and operational efficiency, particularly for construction workers, civil technology students, and educators in areas with limited access to advanced equipment. Utilizing a developmental research design, the study involved the conceptualization, fabrication, and evaluation of the prototype. The design incorporated locally available materials, including phenolic boards, mesh screens, steel tubing, and a sliding mechanism supported by bearings and brackets. The Input–Process–Output (IPO) model guided the development, ensuring focus on functionality, affordability, and user safety. To address this gap, the researchers aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a portable sliding sand sieve to enhance sand sieving in construction settings. Expert and student evaluators highly rated the portable sliding sand sieve for its design simplicity, functionality, durability, modularity, and ergonomics. It was praised for its ease of use, time-saving capability, and adaptability to various work environments. The sliding feature enabled continuous sand flow, enhancing productivity and reducing physical strain. Full article

This study focuses on the design and development of the Double Purpose Bench Vise to address safety, efficiency, and adaptability challenges in welding and fabrication environments. The project responds to limitations of conventional vises that restrict precision and increase the risk of strain-related injuries when handling heavy, irregular, or vertically oriented workpieces. Through an engineering-based development approach involving analysis, design, fabrication, and performance evaluation, the study introduces a Double Jaw Vertical Bench Vise equipped with a dual-clamping system and an integrated hydraulic jack mechanism for precise vertical adjustment with minimal physical effort. The device is designed to securely hold various materials, including metal bars, pipes, and wooden components, during cutting, grinding, shaping, welding, and assembly operations. Evaluation results from functional testing and user feedback indicate improved clamping stability, alignment accuracy, and ergonomic performance compared to traditional models, although refinements in structural optimization, weight distribution, and user interface components are recommended. The study suggests further prototype enhancement, extended field testing, and integration of advanced ergonomic and safety features to maximize durability, usability, and overall productivity in professional workshops and technical training laboratories. Full article

This study introduces an Electronically Controlled Root Crop Processor, a compact, Arduino-powered simulator designed to transform hands-on learning for TVET students. Built with locally available materials, it seamlessly integrates grating and juice extraction while prioritizing safety, ergonomics, and user-friendly operation. Experts rated the prototype highly for functionality and usability, with ergonomics scoring 3.96, while aesthetics and modularity scored 3.83, highlighting areas for refinement. By bridging classroom theory and practical skills, the processor offers an interactive, real-world food processing experience, empowering learners to develop technical competencies efficiently in laboratory settings. Full article

Back-support exoskeletons are emerging as a promising solution to enhance workers’ safety, performance, and well-being in logistics environments. In warehouses, order picking and palletizing tasks impose substantial physical loads on workers and are associated with an increased risk of developing low back pain. However, evidence on exoskeleton evaluation in real industrial settings with actual workers remains limited. This study presents a pilot field test assessing the XoTrunk active back-support exoskeleton in a logistics warehouse involving six workers. To assist workers in palletizing, exoskeleton torques were modulated by a novel control strategy that integrates acceleration-based intention detection with muscle-activity-based torque modulation that scales with the handled load. The aim was to evaluate the workers’ perceptions of the exoskeleton in terms of assistance, comfort, usability, and acceptance and to assess the reduction in metabolic cost previously observed in laboratory studies. Results showed a non-significant decrease of 7.6% in average metabolic cost when using the exoskeleton compared to working without it (t(5) = 1.6, $p>$ 0.05). Nonetheless, some drawbacks emerged during field use: comfort issues and movement hindrance were frequently reported, affecting overall user acceptance. These findings highlight the importance of user-centered field tests to assess exoskeleton performance, support companies in making evidence-based decisions, and enhance workers’ awareness and acceptance to ultimately improve industrial ergonomics and safety. Full article

Healthcare professionals must acquire and maintain both declarative knowledge and fine psychomotor skills across a wide range of clinical procedures. Human working memory is physiologically limited, and the high cognitive demands of clinical environments frequently contribute to medical errors and adverse events. Intra-individual performance variability—driven by fatigue, stress, and motivation—represents a further challenge that conventional medical safety education has not adequately addressed. According to the World Health Organization, patient harm ranks fourteenth in the global burden of disease, with approximately 10% of hospitalised patients in high-income countries experiencing harm within healthcare facilities. This study reports the design, theoretical rationale, and preliminary outcomes of an augmented reality (AR) glasses system for hands-free, self-directed medical procedural training, developed from a human factors and ergonomics (HFE) perspective. The system integrates a see-through head-mounted display (HMD; Epson Moverio BT-40S), bone-conduction earphones (Shokz OpenComm), and an industrial-grade voice recognition application (NEC Solution Innovators), achieving fully hands-free operation compatible with aseptic technique. Content design is grounded in cognitive load theory (CLT) and the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML), extended by neuroscientific evidence on multisensory integration and memory consolidation. More than 40 procedure-specific modules have been developed in-house at Tokyo University of Technology, spanning airway management, vascular access, respiratory therapy, dialysis, and cardiac support. In a four-year longitudinal survey (virtual reality (VR) simulator; n = 286), major satisfaction items consistently exceeded the scale midpoint. In an AR endotracheal suctioning cohort (n = 38/22), procedural flow understanding was rated 3.95/5.0. A peer-reviewed randomised controlled trial (Clinical Simulation in Nursing, n = 36) demonstrated significantly superior skill improvement (p < 0.001) and learning motivation (p = 0.001) in the AR group versus textbook self-practice. Principal ergonomic limitations of current HMD hardware—excessive weight, narrow field of view, and absence of medical-grade certification—are documented, and AI-based real-time procedural assessment is identified as a priority for the next research phase. Full article

The holistic assessment of building life cycles requires integrating economic, environmental, and social dimensions, including occupational risks and cost management. However, building maintenance planning is often treated separately from sustainability assessment and construction cost classification systems. This study proposes a methodology that integrates maintenance and repair budgets with sustainability evaluation through a unified coding structure linking construction and maintenance work units. The approach combines economic cost analysis, environmental footprint indicators (carbon, water, energy, and ecological footprints), and occupational risk assessment within a life cycle framework. The methodology incorporates prevention through design by analyzing ergonomic and safety risks associated with construction work units and predicting future risks throughout the building’s service life. The structure has four phases: temporal planning of interventions, classification and coding of work units, impact analysis using sustainability indicators, and synthesis of results in a maintenance planning model. The data is integrated in a database using an exchange format compatible with sustainability analysis tools and BIM environments. The methodology is applied through a case study of social housing in Andalusia. Results show that maintenance interventions can be connected to construction work units in the assessment of the three dimensions. Full article