AHFE Open AccessSocial and Occupational Ergonomics
Editors: Henrijs Kalkis, Zenija Roja
Topics: Social & Occupational Ergonomics
Publication Date: 2025
ISBN: 978-1-964867-66-3
DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006001
Articles
Changing work style in Activity Based Working (ABW)
Many countries have been advocating work style reforms that take work-life balance into account. However, progress has been slow as the reforms have only been slogans, and no concrete measures have been put into place. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to restrictions on going out, including to the office, and people are forced to work from home. This has led to various changes in work styles, although these changes vary depending on the industry and occupation. Here, changes in work style include not only changes in location, but also changes in working hours, freedom of task choice, etc. The authors conducted a survey of change during the pandemic on work content, work locations, freedom, etc., compared to before the pandemic. As a result, since it is still in the early stages, the percentage of companies that have introduced some form of work style reform was about 50%. However, regarding communication, many opinions were heard that the frequency of communication has decreased due to the sudden shift to online. In addition, it was found that these opinions differ depending on the management level, managerial level, and general employee level, and it was found that it is necessary to take into account the difference in position when analyzing. After the pandemic ended, various opinions were heard, such as returning to the pre-COVID-19 period, the same as during COVID-19, and further changes. Please refer to a separate report for details (HCII2025). At this time, it was also found that some changes were occurring, regardless of whether they were good or bad. It was found that these can be classified at the level of changes in the social environment, the environment in the company or at home, and the policies of the company or department. Therefore, we broke these down into more detail and conducted a new survey on the following items: Advancement of equipment, Advancement of tools, Changes in internal systems Improvement of the internal environment (network, etc.), Company and department policies, Changes in the social environment (increase in co-working spaces, improvement of Wi-Fi environments in public spaces, faster home networks, etc.). This paper presents a detailed analysis of the survey results and the requirements for introducing work style reform.
Shinichi Fukuzumi, Keiko Kasamatsu
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Mitigating Pakistan's Smog Crisis Through Predictive Modeling
Smog, a persistent environmental challenge in Pakistan, poses severe threats to public health, the economy, and the environment. Characterized by a toxic mixture of pollutants such as particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and ground-level ozone (O₃), smog in Pakistan has escalated due to rapid urbanization, industrialization, vehicular emissions, and agricultural practices like crop residue burning. The phenomenon intensifies during winter months, particularly in urban centers such as Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad, where temperature inversions trap pollutants near the surface. This abstract explores the prediction of smog events in Pakistan, emphasizing the integration of meteorological data, pollution sources, and advanced predictive models to mitigate its adverse impacts.Accurate smog prediction is crucial for timely intervention, as it helps governments and citizens adopt preventive measures. Predictive modeling in Pakistan leverages a combination of historical pollution data, meteorological parameters (temperature, wind speed, humidity, and pressure), and emission sources such as industrial discharge and vehicular traffic. Machine learning techniques, including regression models, time-series forecasting, and classification algorithms, have shown promise in predicting smog intensity and duration. Furthermore, numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, such as the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, provide insights into pollutant dispersion and atmospheric dynamics.Satellite-based remote sensing is another vital tool for monitoring air quality and predicting smog in Pakistan. Data from satellites like MODIS and Sentinel-5P offer high-resolution insights into aerosol levels, which, when integrated with ground-based monitoring stations, improve the accuracy of predictions. Hybrid models combining machine learning with atmospheric simulations are emerging as powerful solutions to capture the complexity of smog formation and dispersion in regions with diverse geographical and climatic conditions like Pakistan.The application of smog prediction in Pakistan has significant implications for public health and policy-making. Real-time air quality monitoring systems integrated with predictive models enable authorities to issue timely advisories and impose short-term restrictions on industrial and vehicular activities. Additionally, long-term strategies such as urban reforestation, adoption of cleaner fuels, and stricter emission standards can be informed by these predictions. Awareness campaigns targeting crop burning and the promotion of alternative practices among farmers are also crucial to reducing episodic spikes in air pollution.Despite these advancements, challenges persist in Pakistan’s smog prediction efforts. Limited coverage of air quality monitoring stations, inconsistent data collection, and a lack of public awareness hinder the effectiveness of predictive systems. Bridging these gaps requires investments in monitoring infrastructure, capacity-building for local meteorologists and data scientists, and fostering collaborations with international organizations for technology transfer.In conclusion, the prediction of smog in Pakistan is a multifaceted endeavor requiring the integration of data science, atmospheric studies, and policy interventions. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering a multidisciplinary approach, Pakistan can mitigate the devastating impacts of smog and move towards sustainable urban development. Effective prediction and mitigation strategies are essential not only for safeguarding public health but also for achieving broader environmental and economic goals.
Javed Anjum Sheikh, Usman Javed Sheikh, Farzan Sheikh
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Career constructing and management as a determinant of career success in the globalizing society
In light of the pace of development of the global world, the acceleration of social life, the hard to predict direction of social change, the question arises about the quality of the transformations in the world of work and the process of constructing careers understood as investing in the career "portfolio". A contemporary study of career requires us to take into account the multi-contextual occurring changes in the world of work, which create new requirement for the employees. Career development is a life-long process of a comprehensive nature. In the process of constructing a career emphasis is put on the subjects’ work on themselves, their permanent participation in life projects and multi-layered processes as well as the acquisition of experience and the capacity for self-awareness. This view is a background for thinking about career as a “property” of an individual, along with their individual career choices. This peculiar shift of an individual’s orientation from external conditions to internal conditions prompts us to consider career in connection with an individual seen as a pro-development and proactive subject, who possesses an individual career and a sense of success in its construction. Success in a career is the result of integration of two processes: career planning and career directing and management. In this sense, it is understood as the subject's achievement of the objectives of their career. The distinguishing feature of proactive and pro-development planning, directing and management of a career is the awareness of being a causative agent that performs actions in a desired direction and influences the surrounding reality, thereby initiating changes. There is no doubt that active coping in a reality subject to permanent change requires people to adapt to the constantly changing context of creation of individual careers, and the new way of thinking about career means entering a path of permanent constructing of a career in the world of "boundaryless" careers.
Agnieszka Cybal-Michalska
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Influence of Controlled Breaks on Mental Fatigue: Physical Activity Break vs. Social Networking Break
Mental Fatigue is a growing concern in many occupations that require extended work hours. Managing mental fatigue is critical for the air traffic control job, considering the complex nature of the task and the recent substantial increase in air traffic. In a dynamic environment that demands continuous cognitive activity wherein vigilance or sustained attention is necessary, regular and brief rest periods may help alleviate mental fatigue. The focus of our study is to investigate how mental fatigue develops with cognitive activities in a simulated air traffic control task and how a controlled break may affect mental fatigue. The study examined the influence of controlled breaks to help human operators mitigate mental fatigue induced by simulated air traffic control tasks.Fifteen college students were recruited to complete two task sessions with 30-minute strategy training and 75-minute CTEAM simulated air traffic control scenarios separated by a 20-minute controlled break. Two types of breaks were used: a physical activity of brisk walking on a treadmill or a social networking break using Facebook or Twitter ©. Simulation task performance metrics included proximity errors, number of crashes, and activation time. The mental workload for the task sessions was measured using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). The participant's self-rated feelings of mental fatigue were collected with a Fatigue questionnaire at the beginning and end of both task sessions. The mental fatigue questionnaire included questions on positive constructs, including calm, confidence, excitement, energy, fitness and motivation, and alertness; and negative constructs, including the need for coffee, concentration difficulty, irritability, stress, need for sleep, need for a short stroll, anxiety, and lack of confidence.The study showed that the presence of a break significantly reduced the subjective feeling of mental fatigue in many sub-dimensions. The two types of breaks, physical or social network breaks, were not different in their effects on the subjective feelings of mental fatigue. A clear increase-decrease-increase pattern for mental fatigue across the four times that mental fatigue was measured showed the development of mental fatigue due to task sessions and the alleviating effect of the break. There were no significant differences in the CTEAM task performance between simulated air traffic control task sessions one and two. No significant differences were found in the participants' mental workloads for the two task sessions. It suggests that although mental fatigue may be developing for the participants, they still worked hard to maintain their level of performance throughout the task sessions. This study shows the importance of incorporating regular controlled breaks in a work shift to help alleviate operators’ mental fatigue.
Manasi Deshpande, Chen Ling, Elena Cheng
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Pilot Study: Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Musculoskeletal Injuries Among Healthcare Office Workers in Saudi Arabia
Work related musculoskeletal injuries (WMSIs) represent a significant occupational health concern, particularly among office-based workers in healthcare settings. In Saudi Arabia, the increasing prevalence of these injuries among healthcare office workers drawn attention due to their impact on worker productivity, well-being, and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery. The nature of office work, often involving prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and inadequate workstation ergonomics, contributes to the development of WMSIs, especially in the lower back, neck, and upper limbs. Office workers, who are frequently engaged in tasks such as data entry, administrative duties, and patient coordination, face unique ergonomic challenges that may predispose them to such injuries. This study aims to evaluate the ergonomic risk factors contributing to WMSIs among healthcare office workers Saudi Arabia. By identifying and assessing these risk factors, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the specific ergonomic challenges faced by this workforce.The Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) was used in this study to assess ergonomic risks associated with WMSIs among healthcare office workers in Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. ROSA is a widely recognized tool designed to assess ergonomic risks in office environments by evaluating factors such as workstation setup, posture, repetitive tasks, and environmental conditions. A sample of 20 healthcare office workers was selected from a major hospital in eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Each participant's workstation was observed and assessed using ROSA, focusing on key ergonomic risk factors including chair and desk height, screen positioning, keyboard setup, and the frequency of repetitive motions. During the ROSA assessment, participants were asked about their experience with musculoskeletal discomfort and injury, as well as their perceived ergonomic practices. The data collected were analyzed to identify common risk factors associated with WMSIs and to determine the areas requiring ergonomic intervention.The ROSA assessment revealed several critical ergonomic risk factors contributing to WMSIs among healthcare office workers. A significant portion of participants (25%) were found to have poorly adjusted workstation setups, with desk and chair heights not properly configured to support optimal posture. Furthermore, 35% reported performing frequent repetitive tasks, such as typing and extended mouse usage, without sufficient breaks, exacerbating the risk of upper limb strain. The overall ergonomic risk levels for most workers were classified as moderate (65%) to high (10%), highlighting the urgent need for ergonomic improvements.The ROSA assessment findings specifically emphasize major ergonomic risks contributing to WMSIs among healthcare office workers in Saudi Arabia. Key factors such as lack of ergonomic awareness, insufficient break times, and repetitive tasks were identified as primary contributors to discomfort and injury. These results strongly indicate the necessity of targeted ergonomic awareness training within healthcare environments. This training should focus on proper workstation adjustments, posture improvement techniques, and the encouragement of regular breaks to mitigate strain. Addressing these ergonomic challenges is critical to improving worker well-being, reducing the prevalence of WMSIs, and enhancing overall productivity in healthcare settings. To further refine these interventions, additional follow-up study is recommended to assess their effectiveness in mitigating ergonomic risks.
Ali Aljaroudi, Zainab Al Ibrahim
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Ergonomics and Psychosocial Risks Relation to Work Performance for Employees in Banking Sector
Nowadays ergonomics encompasses a comprehensive framework aimed at optimizing the compatibility between individuals, their surrounding environment, and work performance. Such approach is leaning towards enhancing both the well-being of banking sector employees and the productivity of organizations. The aim of this study is to investigate ergonomics and psychosocial risks relation to work performance for employees in banking sector based on theoretical analysis and questionnaire data. Theoretical analysis with monographic method was performed and a questionnaire was used in the study which was elaborated based on modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Several studies show that the physical and mental health of workers is a key indicator of their participation in the labor market and, often due to poor health, people are not employed. There is a complex interplay between the effects of psychosocial risks, their mitigating or aggravating factors and the resulting productivity loss. The survey was conducted among 1300 office workers in banking sector, 763 females and 537 males in various age groups were analyzed. Results reveal that workers in the banking sector are mainly subjected to compulsory work positions, monotonous work operations as well as they work under high pressure deadlines that can cause high stress levels. At the same time answers to the questions regarding work performance proves that banking sector workers, both males and females, are not coping with all the tasks equally, there is focusing problems as well as fatigue from mental workload that influence the work performance aspects. Both mental and physical risks at work affect employees health in banking sector that in many cases result in muscular skeletal disorders and stress at work, that significantly can impact also work performance.
Henrijs Kalkis, Zenija Roja, Svetlana Kocerova
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Interaction of Physical and Mental Strain for Surgeons and Nurses in Operating Theatre in Latvia
Health care is one of the leading sectors of the national economy in Latvia, where employees according to the official statistics make up 6.7% of all employees in the country. In 2022. Today, physical load and stress at work are an integral part of everyday life in various professions. It places a heavy burden on workers` mental and physical abilities. Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD`s) are the most common causes of occupational diseases, injuries, and disabilities for various professions, including staff in the operating block. When cognitive demands increase and are not balanced with employees' abilities, employees' health suffers (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007; Johnson & Hall, 1988; Karasek, 1979). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of physical and mental strain for surgeons and nurses in operating theater.Methods and materials. The research was performed at one of the hospitals in Latvia. Altogether participated 8 operating surgeons (7 males, 1 female) and 10 surgery nurses (2 males, 8 females). Interaction of mental and physical load was determined using subjective and multidimensional assessment tool: The NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) (Hart, 2006). This method is a multidimensional rating system for assessment of general or total workload based on results of the six sub scales: mental demands, physical demands, temporary demands, task performance, effort and frustration. Psychosocial aspects were considered when assessing mental strain, including working hours, work content, work team interrelations.ResultsThe results of NASA-TLX analysis show that highest degree of total workload considering mental and physical load interaction was identified for physicians surgeons (75 points). Surgeons have a very high responsibility on the executable work, and they have been involved in responsible decision making, for example, saving the patient's life. Physical demands of the surgeons are mainly based in connection with postural load (prolonged standing on legs, forced working postures) and repetitive hand-arm movements. As work of surgery nurses is characterized with prolonged standing on legs and compulsive posture, load on upper limbs, the NASA-TLX analysis shows that physical load of surgery nurses is evaluated up to 78 points, but temporal load indicator for surgery nurses resulted in 83 points (highest degree), work performance conforms to 80 points, which indicates a high level of responsibility. Conclusion The interaction of a mental and physical load using NASA-TLX method allowed to estimate the total workload and compare the significance in percent (or weight scores) of different demands (stress at work, an effort, frustration, quality of performance, a.o.). The physical workload is higher for surgery nurses than for operating surgeons, as according to the NASA-TLX analysis psycho-emotional workload (responsibility for the patient's life, time pressure, decision making) is higher than physical workload for operating surgeons. Physical workload (frequent arm movements, standing, lifting and carrying) for surgery nurses significantly influences their total workload.Acknowledgment: This research has been supported by the project “Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Psychosocial Risks for Operating Room Health Care Staff”, Agreement No. LU-BA-PA-2024/1-0044, UL registration No. ESS2024/465.
Zenija Roja, Henrijs Kalkis, Marwan Babiker
Open Access
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The Impacts of Self-Esteem and Subjective Well-Being on Job Satisfaction and Performance
This study explored how customer service employees’ self-esteem and subjective well-being could moderate the decreasing propensities of job satisfaction and job performance in the workplace with psychological contract violation (PCV). 200 Japanese customer service employees completed the online questionnaire. The mediated moderation model revealed that even when employees perceive a PCV as a predictor of burnout, they might work with high self-esteem and high subjective well-being and avoid decreasing the propensities of job satisfaction and job performance.
Noriko OKABE
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
'Adapting ergonomics and human factors in remote work for employee well-being: A conceptual study
Purpose: The shift from the traditional face-to-face to remote working requires that both employers and employees to adapt their environments to ensure alignment with the demands of remote work. This includes leveraging digital technologies, infrastructure, tools, systems, and content to enhance employees’ effectiveness and well-being. Given permanence of remote and hybrid work following the widespread adoption during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to identify ergonomic factors that support employee well-being and productivity in these settings. While existing studies have identified ergonomic factors in various contexts few have specifically on remote work. Furthermore, the ergonomic elements affecting the well-being of remote employees remain underexplored, and theoretical frameworks in this area are scarce. Therefore, this study seeks to explore the ergonomic factors that need adapting to ensure employee well-being and effectiveness when working remotely and to develop a conceptual framework for future studies.Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative approach. Data was sourced from electronic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. From a systematic literature search, 36 relevant articles were analysed using content analysis techniques.Results: The study identified cognitive, physical, and organizational ergonomic factors that require adaptation in remote work environments to enhance employee performance and well-being. Findings highlight the critical role of ergonomic adjustments in home office setups, including their impact on safety, comfort, ease of use, and productivity. These factors contribute significantly to workforce well-being and overall satisfaction. Additionally, the study revealed a lack of theory-driven approaches in existing research on ergonomics and remote work. A conceptual framework was developed, proposing hypothesized relationships between key constructs for empirical testing and validation.Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the adoption of ergonomically sound remote working environments for employees. It provides recommendations for organizations seeking to enhance their remote work policies with an emphasis on ergonomics to promote a healthier and more productive remote workforce.Implications: The study highlights the need for future research to validate the proposed conceptual framework across diverse contexts and settings. Such validation will enhance the generalizability of findings on ergonomics and remote work, further advancing knowledge in this domain.Keywords: Remote working, ergonomics, employee wellbeing, technology adaption, home office design, occupational health.
Charles Kwaku Ata Hanu, Michael D Dzandu, Hayford Amegbe, Buddhi Pathak
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
Preliminary Findings on the Relationship Between Noise Exposure and Sleep Quality in DJs
Night venues, characterized by elevated noise levels and late-night operations, present various occupational hazards for staff. While noise exposure has been a subject of research, its impact on workers' quality of life, particularly sleep quality, remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between noise exposure and sleep quality among DJs, aiming to inform future research and potential interventions. Methods: This study employed a causal-correlational, non-probabilistic design. Data were collected from a convenience sample of DJs in Valparaíso using a Sound Pressure Level meter for noise assessment and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire for sleep quality evaluation. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software. Results: No statistically significant relationship was found between sleep quality and gender within the predominantly young adult (approximately 20-30 years old) sample. However, the PSQI data suggests a correlation between noise exposure and poor sleep quality, with 100% of the studied DJs exhibiting indicators of poor sleep. Conclusions: This preliminary study indicates a potential link between noise exposure and compromised sleep quality among DJs working in Valparaíso night venues. While the present findings highlight the potential impact of noise on sleep, the non-probabilistic sampling method and limited sample size restrict the generalizability of the results and the ability to definitively establish a causal relationship. Future research with larger, more representative samples is recommended to further explore this association and investigate potential contributing factors. Expanding the study population will allow for a more robust analysis of the relationship between noise exposure and sleep quality, and will help determine if the observed correlation reflects a causal link
Rodrigo Dominguez, Miguel Tapia, Fernando Tapia, Sebastian Pino, Alex Rojas, Carlos Gomez, Anghela Cieza, Sofia Murillo
Open Access
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Conference Proceedings
WRMSDs and Vision Disorders in Office Workers Using Digital Devices
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and health problems related to sustained visual load are becoming significant in today's world of rapid technological change where employees increasingly are using digital devices to perform various job tasks. These health problems are compounded by psychosocial risks at work. Psychosocial risks at work usually involve lack of time, freedom of choice in job tasks, lack of support from colleagues and supervisor. The aim of this study was to analyse the scientific literature on the causes of WRMSDs, visual disorders, and their interaction with psychosocial risks for office workers who work with digital devices.Methods and materials. A systematic literature analysis was conducted using databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, using such keywords: office workers, computer, vision disorders, musculoskeletal disorders. Studies published in the last 25 years were included, focusing on peer-reviewed articles that examined office workers using digital devices. The inclusion criteria were scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals in English only. Exclusion criteria: conference abstracts, presentations, summaries. Altogether 35 articles were selected, of which only 15 met the inclusion criteria.Results and DiscussionStudies have shown that office workers using digital devices are influenced by a variety of risk factors, including WRMSDs, but the most important are individual, organizational and psychosocial aspects (Wærsted et al., 2010). Research indicates that the frequency of WRMSDs among computer users ranges from 33.8% to 95.3%, and these health impairments mainly manifest in the following body parts: neck, shoulders, upper back, and low back (Abdullah & Abdullah, 2021; Azmi & Aziz, 2022). It has been proven that spinal spondylosis with radiculopathy, tendinitis, tendovaginitis, bursitis, periarthritis, etc. are associated with overload at work, strain on certain body parts, and forced working postures (Andersen et al, 2008; Argus & Paasuke, 2022). These health issues are further exacerbated by the sedentary nature of computer-based work (Azmi & Aziz, 2022). In addition to WRMSDs, office workers experience visual discomfort, particularly visual fatigue. Employees complain of dry and itchy eyes and increased sensitivity to light. One of the most common health problems in computer users is computer vision syndrome (Klamm & Tarnow, 2015; Ranasinghe et al., 2016). It has been shown that the computer vision syndrome symptoms can be associated with gender (more frequent in women), vary by ethnicity (highest in Hispanics, lowest in Asians), increase with longer screen time, and are strongly linked to dry eye disease (Portello et al., 2012). Office workers can be also exposed to psychosocial risks at work: high job demands, low support from colleagues and supervisor, lack of time, limited freedom of choice (Ariëns et al., 2001; Davis & Heaney, 2000; Bongers et al., 2002). Literature analysis reveals that it has been argued that a systematic approach to risk reduction is needed, addressing organizational, psychosocial and physical work factors (Woods, 2005). Other studies have shown that in order to achieve high performance in an organization, not only should employees be provided with a healthy working environment and safety at work (Pastare et al., 2020; Roja et al., 2017), but also management of occupational health and safety is highly relevant (Lundqvist et al., 2024).ConclusionsThe literature review showed that office workers working with digital devices are exposed to WRMSDs and visual strain due to individual, organisational and psychosocial workplace risks. Further research will be conducted to investigate in depth the vision disorders and muscle fatigue using objective measurements. Additionally, the study will explore strategies for managing occupational health and safety in an effective manner, including the interaction between job demands and the support provided to employees by organizational management.
Zenija Roja, Henrijs Kalkis, Jevgenijs Viznuks, Tatjana Pladere, Aiga Svede, Linda Krauze
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The mental burden resulting from the nature of the work performed among Prison Officers.
The profession of prison officers, along with other uniformed services, is one of the occupations with a higher psychosocial risk (Basińska, 2013). Prison officers are more vulnerable to occupational stress than many other occupational groups (Langan-Fox, Cooper, 2011). The purpose of this study was to assess the psychological burden resulting from the nature of work among prison officers. The study involved 227 prison officers working in the security division, aged between 25 and 56. The questionnaire study included questionnaires on mental workload (including COPSOQ II, NAQ Bullying Measurement Questionnaire, OLBI Occupational Burnout Questionnaire, DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, inmate aggression questionnaire) and coping with workload (DERS Emotional Regulation Difficulty Scale, SPP-25 Stress Measurement Scale).A significant relationship between aggression, directed by inmates, and the occurrence of depression in officers has been shown. Officers characterized by better emotion regulation in terms of self-awareness and a sense of meaningfulness of their work cope better (at the emotional level) with inmate aggression. Their sense of meaningfulness in their work provides a buffer against negative consequences from exposure to inmate aggression. In addition, role clarity, i.e., the degree of clarity of responsibilities and the demands and goals placed on officers by management, the support of co-workers and good leadership quality, were shown to be significant predictors of high job satisfaction and low job burnout.
Sylwia Sumińska, Joanna Mazur-Różycka, Patrycja Łach, Łukasz Kapica
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Sewing Skills for Sustainable Fashion Focusing on the Starting Knot
As part of sustainable fashion, the long-term use of clothing is an action in our daily lives. For clothes to last, they need to be cared for and repaired, such as sewing on missing buttons and hooks or mending holes. In other words, everyone needs to have basic sewing skills. In Japan, from elementary school to high school, there are home economics classes where basic sewing is taught as part of the curriculum. However, the reality is that many students are unable to tie a starting knot. In this study, as a pilot study, we examined the skill level of a healthy Japanese university student in tying a starting knot. Three types of cotton yarn with different fineness were used to tie a starting knot. The study was conducted under three conditions: no reference, textbook, and video. The number of knots produced under each condition was 50, for a total of 450 knots.The average number of knots observed was 90.7% (no reference), 15.3% (textbook), and 4.0% (video). Statistically, the Fisher exact test showed a significant difference between no reference and with references. Textbook and video viewing were shown to be effective for no loops. In addition, based on the analysis of variance results for knot size and yarn end length, we expected video to be effective in skill acquisition due to its high information content. In general, a larger longitudinal modulus of elasticity or cross-sectional secondary moment results in a smaller deflection. Therefore, it was expected that thinner yarns would have a greater effect on loop formation, but there was no effect on the number of loops in this experiment. In the future, we plan to increase the number of subjects, perform hand movement analysis and eye tracking, and produce movies reflecting the results.
Mika Morishima, Satoki Nakashima
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Visual Ergonomics and Its Applications in Complex Systems
The study of ergonomics in various complex systems through visual channels is very important to ensure visual safety, visual performance, visual comfort and even visual health in people's life, study and work. Firstly, the definition of visual ergonomics is elaborated, along with the influencing factors of human, machine, and environment, and visual ergonomics evaluation indicators in three aspects e.g. physical load, psychological load, and performance are proposed. Then, the progress of application research on visual ergonomics in complex systems such as display terminals, transportation equipment, and indoor environments etc. is analysed. Finally, possible future development directions in research and application of visual ergonomics are suggested.
Li-wei Qiu, Xiao Zhao, Hong-bao Wang, Liang-kui Jiang, Zhi-yong Liu, Ze-rui XIANG
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