Year: 2018

Evaluation of Human Performance in Daily Activities Under Controlled Environment Based on Heart Rate Measurement: A Review

Evaluation of Human Performance in Daily Activities Under Controlled Environment Based on Heart Rate Measurement: A Review
N .K. Khamis1, *, S.Z Ibrahim11

1 Centre for Materials Engineering and Smart Manufacturing (MERCU), Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia.

Page 17 – 29   |   Vol. 3 No. 2 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2018

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Abstract

Performance and efficiency impairment is a critical issue particularly in the workplace. It may lead to undesirable consequences such as injury, accident and profit loss if this issue was not controlled properly in the organisation. Therefore, the three main objectives of this review are: to assess the current status of human performance research by using heart rate (HR) as physiological measures; to find relationship between HR measures and individual performance; and to identify pertinent issues related to human fatigue. A systematic literature search was performed using the following key words and synonyms: Heart rate, human, individual, occupational, worker, performance, and fatigue. Twenty two relevant laboratory studies were discussed in this review paper, chosen from electronic databases. Numerous human performance detection methods and techniques were found in the past studies. Based on this review, HR can assist researchers to determine performance according to a task demand, condition and its complexity. Overall, this review equips interested research groups, occupational health physicians, and employers with an overview of the HR measures to determine human performance in daily work practices. Future studies are needed to deal with performance and efficiency issues in daily work practices should be based on these concerns and factors found in this review.

Keywords

Heart rate, Human, Worker, Performance, Fatigue, Laboratory

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) under grant GUP-2017-094. We would like to express our gratitude to the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), UKM, Malaysia for the support in this study.

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Sick Building Syndrome and its Associated Factors Among Office Workers in Federal House Kota Kinabalu

Sick Building Syndrome and its Associated Factors Among Office Workers in Federal House Kota Kinabalu
Valentine@Japulee GANTUL1, Jac Fang LIM1, Mohd Yusof SIDEK2, Wan Mohammad ZAHIRUDDIN2, Noraziah BAKRI1, Leonard MASUDAL1, Andrew GITAM1, Simson GUNSALAM1

1 Department of Health, Sabah, Malaysia.

2 Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences University of Science, Malaysi

Page 1 – 11   |   Vol. 3 No. 2 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 Dec 2018

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Abstract

Sick building syndrome is a term that has been described as a complex of non-specific symptoms caused by working in buildings with an adverse indoor environment. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sick building syndrome among office workers in Federal House, Kota Kinabalu. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to July 2010 among 361 office workers in Federal House, Kota Kinabalu. All workers who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. Respondents were interviewed using questionnaire which was translated to Bahasa Malaysia and validated to identity the socio-demography, work environment and symptoms of sick building syndrome. Indoor air assessment was done to determine the selected chemical and physical parameters. Data were entered and analysed by SPSS 12.0 using descriptive, univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. The majority of the respondents were female (61.2%) and the staff involved were professional and management group (3.0%), support group I (82.3%) and support group II (14.7%). The mean age was 35.6 (9.22) years and median duration of working at the current workplace was 36 (76.0) months. The prevalence of sick building syndrome was 47.4% (95% CI: 42.2%, 52.5%). Logistic regression analysis showed that significant risk factors associated with sick building syndrome were female (OR: 2.12; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.35; p=0.001), history of allergic (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.30, 4.19; p=0.001) and draught condition in work environment (OR: 2.71; 95% CI: 1.70, 4.32; p=0.001). Physical parameters were above the standard level but concentration of the chemical parameters was within the normal value. The prevalence of sick building syndrome was considered high. Those who had history of allergic, female and exposed to draught condition in work environment were at higher risk of sick building syndrome. Medical follow up should be carried out for the affected worker with regular indoor air monitoring in the workplace.

Keywords

Sick building syndrome, office workers, indoor air assessment, prevalence

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Graphical Vs. Nongraphical Displays: Which One is the Best Labelling System for Laboratory Searching Task?

Graphical Vs. Nongraphical Displays: Which One is the Best Labelling System for Laboratory Searching Task?
Muhamad Zul Asraf MOHD ZAMRI1, Ammar ADNAN11, Radin Zaid RADIN UMAR2, Siby SAMUEL3, Norhashimah MOHD SHAFFIAR1, Malek HAMID1, *

1 Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia

3 Department of System Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 26 – 33   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

Graphical displays are known to improve the process of obtaining information because it can be easily comprehended. It also can be recognized faster and more precisely compared to nongraphical (i.e. alphanumerical) displays. However, it is unknown if the graphical displays application in labeling systems can improve the human performance in searching tasks in general, more particularly, on reducing the completion time of searching tasks and minimizing the errors made during the laboratory searching task. The objectives of the study are: (i) to evaluate the effect of graphical displays on the completion time of searching tasks; and (ii) to evaluate the effect of graphical displays on the errors made during searching tasks. Thirty-two participants (M= 21.875 years old; SD = 1.453) were recruited for the study, and assigned evenly to either the Graphical or the NonGraphical group. Participants were instructed to search for a total of sixteen items in a laboratory, and the completion time and errors made by him or her were recorded. The findings show that: (i) in term of completion time, there was a significant difference in the performance for Graphical group (M = 743.59, SD = 103.57) and NonGraphical group (M = 985.26, SD = 345.50) conditions; t (16) =2.680, p =0.015; and (ii) in term of the errors made, there was a significant difference in the performance for Graphical group (M = 0.19, SD = 0.544) and NonGraphical group (M = 1.13, SD = 1.360) conditions; t (16) =2.560, p =0.019. The results show that graphical displays is the best labeling system for laboratory searching task for both dependent variables being evaluated. The results from this study provide additional information regarding the application of graphical displays on human performance in general, and more specifically, recommend a better and suitable display type of labeling system – which is, one of the attributes of 5S system – for searching tasks.

Keywords

Graphical Displays, Searching Task, Labeling System, Completion Time, Human Error

Acknowledgement

The research was supported by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education through the RAGS15-066-0129 grant to International Islamic University Malaysia (Malek Hamid, PI). This study was also supported by the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Musculoskeletal Disorders in Competitive Video Gaming

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Competitive Video Gaming

Daryl Tan

Page 22 – 25   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

This paper reviews the rising growth of the esports industry and musculoskeletal disorders which are beginning to surface as more professional gamers train and practice to be the best in their field. To do this, various content from websites and esports reports was reviewed to identify the musculoskeletal disorders which are faced by esports professionals over various video game genres. This paper also outlines some ways forward for conducting research in the esports industry.

Keywords

eSports, competitive video gaming, musculoskeletal disorders

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Ergonomics Intervention to Improve Plastic Roll Handling Process at Production Area in Plastic Manufacturing

Ergonomics Intervention to Improve Plastic Roll Handling Process at Production Area in Plastic Manufacturing

Muhammad Syafiq SYED MOHAMED, Isa HALIM, Akmal Hafiz AZANI, Lai Yan LING

Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.

Page 12 – 21   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

Improper working techniques and substandard assistive device usage during manual transportation of heavy plastic rolls from storage to extrusion machine expose workstation operators to occupational health risks in a plastic manufacturing factory. This study focuses on the redesign the existing manual lift table to improve the plastic roll handling process. The procedure was initiated with a workplace observation followed by a questionnaire survey among nineteen operators. The ergonomic risk level was analysed through Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). The improved design concept of the device was constructed and selected using House of Quality (HOQ) and Pugh method. Statistical analysis from the survey revealed that most operators experienced occasional discomfort (36.0%) at similar pain level (44.3%) at wrist/hands, upper back, lower back, and shoulder mainly caused by difficulty to transfer the plastic rolls using the existing device. This study concluded that the new design of the plastic roll handling device is able to improve plastic roll handling process with the largest RULA score improvement from 7 to 2. Actual fabrication of new design and application should be implemented in order to improve the work posture and reduce the exertion of excessive force.

Keywords

HOQ, MSD, plastic, Pugh method, redesign, RULA

Acknowledgement

The researchers would like to thank the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka for funding this study by the University High Impact Short Term Grant
(PJP/2017/FKP/H19/S01527).

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Liquefied Petroleum Gas Bottling Plant – A Case Study

Risk Factors for Musculoskeletal Disorders in Liquefied Petroleum Gas Bottling Plant – A Case Study
A. Zamil1, M.I. Yaacob1, M.H.I. Zulkapli1, M. R. Shaari1, R.N. Damiri1, B.M. Deros2, D.D.I. Daruis3, * and M. I. N. Ma’arof4

1 Center of Education Extension, UKM, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, UKM, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

3 Faculty of Engineering, UPNM, Kem Sg. Besi, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

4 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying, INTI International University, Persiaran Perdana BBN, Putra Nilai, 71800 Nilai, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus, Malaysia.

*Corresponding author: dian@upnm.edu.my

Page 8 – 11   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

This study aims to investigate the risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for operators at a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottling plant in Malaysia. The operators are involved in manual material handling such as lifting LPG cylinders from conveyer, rolling LPG cylinders onto platform, lifting and stacking the cylinders. Adapted Nordic Questionnaire were distributed to six subjects to determine the affected body part as perceived by them. They were also observed and assessed using pen and paper tool for entire body, REBA. The findings show that the majority of the subjects perceived that they experienced discomfort if not pain at almost every part of their body. The discomforts and pains have led them to be absent from work at any time during the past 12 month. From REBA it was found out that the loading and stacking activity gave the highest risk factor to MSDs (score 11) as compared to the rolling activity (score 7). The risk factors identified were awkward posture, repetitive movement and prolonged static posture.

Keywords

LPG Bottling Plant; Musculoskeletal Disorders; LPG cylinder; Nordic Questionnaire; Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)

Acknowledgement

–

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Initial Study on Identifying Cognitive Operations in Teaching and Learning

Initial Study on Identifying Cognitive Operations in Teaching and Learning

Ummi Noor Nazahiah ABDULLAH, Norashiken OTHMAN

School of Manufacturing Engineering, University Malaysia Perlis, Kampus Pauh Putra, 02600 Arau, Perlis.

Page 1 – 7   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

Imbalance proportion of examination results between theory and coursework marks in engineering courses among engineering students become central issue among educators in higher learning institutions. This scenario gives indication that possibly the learning and teaching methods used in the class not accounted the students’ cognitive background and capability. So that, not every students received the benefits from teaching and learning process. This study investigate and emphasize the significant of understanding the cognitive capability among students as the target audience before educating them using teaching and learning method according to their cognitive capability. Two types of questionnaire were distributed to the two groups of engineering students based on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and multiple intelligences (MI) theory and methods. The answers were analysed using data categorizing and data entry technique. The results show that both students group dominated the kinaesthetic and digital auditory according to NLP principles while high percentage in body kinaesthetic and interpersonal category according to MI. However, the other parameters that present 10% feedback should be considered as input in teaching and learning methods because it is considered as high percentage. The contribution of this study not just for teaching and learning process among young students but also significant for ergonomics training that involving people from different groups of age, experience and culture. In future, further investigation will be conducted to examine the effectiveness of NLP and MI method implementation in teaching and learning process among engineering students using the results from this study.

Keywords

Cognitive, NLP, Multiple Intelligences, Engineering students

Acknowledgement

This study was supported by University Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP). I would like to express my
sincere grateful to School of Manufacturing Engineering, and Dr. Mohd Zakimi Zakaria. Many thankful also to students of School of Manufacturing Engineering for participates this research.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Kansei Evaluation of Universal Series Bus (USB) Charging Cable Designs

Kansei Evaluation of Universal Series Bus (USB) Charging Cable Designs
Muhamad Arif ABDILLAH1, Mohd Arif Hafizi ABD LATIF1, Ammar ADNAN1, Mohd Razif MAT HASAN2, ‘Atiah ABDULLAH SIDEK1, Malek HAMID1, *

1 Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Occupational Safety and Health and Built Environment Department, International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 39 – 43   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

Moving towards Industry 4.0, the use of Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging cable is a need among the users of smartphones whether android, iPhone, or others. Currently, many third party manufacturers produce USB charging cable with their own brand to fulfil the demand. However, the lifetime, design, and function of USB charging cable somehow may not meet user expectations. In the competitive market, it is important to know what are the user preferences regarding the existing USB charging cable design in the market especially in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to investigate affective aspect of USB charging cable perceived by the users and how they can be relating to product specifications. A survey at 30 stores around Klang Valley was conducted to find information regarding the current USB charging product in market and three selected designs were chosen based on the popularity and suggested by the store personnel. Then the Kansei online survey was done, in which respond from 111 volunteers- 65 males and 46 females- age between 18 to 30 years old [mean = 23.33; SD =1.73] were collected using Google forms survey. The respondents were asked to rate the three-designs based on Kansei words given. The data was analyzed to find the mean scores for the three selected designs -Design A, Design B, and Design C- in this study. It was found that Design C [mean=3.62; S= 0.2511] are the most preferred design, followed by Design B [mean=3.58; SD= 0.1904] and Design A [mean=3.28; SD= 0.3213]. Then, one-way ANOVA model was utilized (SPSS Version 23), and the finding shows that the difference between the three selected designs were significant [F (23,6) = 4.211, p = 0.040]. Design C becomes most preferred compared to other design due to its futuristic appearance, lightweight to carry, and more pleasant to hold which were agreed by most respondents. As a result, the subsequent data may serve to prove informative guideline for USB charging cable manufacture to design and produce the product that meet user preferences.

Keywords

Kansei Evaluation, Kansei Word, USB Charging Cable, User Preferences, Smartphone.

Acknowledgement

The study was supported by the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, through the Special Topic in Engineering Manufacturing course.

© 2022 Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFEM). All rights reserved.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.

Kansei Evaluation of Headscarf (Hijab, Tudung) Designs

Kansei Evaluation of Headscarf (Hijab, Tudung) Designs
Azkar Zahidi ISMAIL1, Muhamad Zul Asraf MOHD ZAMRI1, Ammar ADNAN1, Mohd Razif MAT HASAN2, Nor Khairusshima MUHAMAD KHAIRUSSALEH1, Malek HAMID1, *

1 Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

2 Occupational Safety and Health and Built Environment Department, International Islamic University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 34 – 38   |   Vol. 3, No. 1 (2018)   |    Available online on 1 June 2018

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Abstract

Headscarf (tudung in Malay Language) has become one of the Muslimah fashion. Nowadays, there are massive brands and designs of tudung are available in the market. However, most of the designs are dependent on designers’ artistic sensibility. Moreover, lack of proper consideration on user preferences may results in an unfit product that may minimize the potential profit. This study used Kansei evaluation to obtain user preferences on tudung in general, more specifically, on the design criteria of the tudung in Malaysian context. Twenty-five participants were involved in a semi-structured interview, and three designs of tudung were selected (namely Ariani, Naelofar, and Galeria), and ten Kansei words were obtained (trending, beautiful, quality fabric, non-transparent, cooling effect, comfortable, easy to wear, easy to shape, wrinkle free, and uncrowded design). These information were then converted into a Kansei Questionnaire, in which a respondent was asked to rate the three selected designs based on the ten Kansei words. 158 respondents were completed the questionnaire. In overall, Ariani scored the highest among the three designs (M = 3.86; SD = 0.367), follows closely by Galeria (M = 3.85; SD = 0.321), and the lowest was Naelofar (M = 3.40; SD = 0.321). The result also reveals that there is a significant difference between the three chosen designs at p < 0.05, [F (2, 27) = 6.295, p = 0.006]. The results from this study give an additional information regarding the user preferences on tudung’s design in general, more specifically, recommends the preferable tudung design based on the design criteria, in which will optimized the fit between the design and user preferences.

Keywords

Kansei Evaluation, User Preferences, Headscarf Design, Hijab, Tudung

Acknowledgement

The study was supported by the Department of Manufacturing and Materials Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, through the Special Topic in Engineering Manufacturing course.

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Human Factors & Ergonomics Journal (HFEJ), eISSN: 2590-3705  is the official Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Malaysia.  The journal is published on a biannual basis. HFEJ aims to address current research in the field of Ergonomics in addition to the broad coverage of cognitive ergonomics, user experience, physical ergonomics and others such as transportation, industrial design and industrial engineering. HFEJ is a member of, and subscribes to the principles of the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics), as such we only accept original work.