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Computer Mouse Usage Among Computer Gamers and its Association with Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Computer Mouse Usage Among Computer Gamers and its Association with Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Luqman APENDAI1, Ammar ADNAN1, Radin Zaid RADIN UMAR2, Siby SAMUEL3, Malek HAMID1, *

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

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

3 Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 45 – 47   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

Computer mouse design has evolved throughout generation. Most people are using computer mouse to do work and for entertainment. However, due to repetitive actions involving hand, it could lead to Trigger Finger and Carpal Tunnel syndromes. Objectives of the study are: (i) to evaluate the relationship between computer mouse’s usage during playing online games – number of keystroke, number of buttons clicking, distance of computer mouse dragging, and duration of active on game – and Trigger Finger syndrome via Trigger Finger test; and (ii) to evaluate the relationship between computer mouse’s usage during playing online games – number of keystroke, number of buttons clicking, distance of computer mouse dragging, and duration of active on game – and Carpal Tunnel syndrome via Phalen’s test. Thirty participants are recruited for the study. A participant are asked to download a software called ‘Mousotron’ on his computer system that provide data of his or her pattern of computer mouse usage – number of keystroke, number of buttons clicking, distance of computer mouse dragging, and duration of active on game. After that, participants are required to come to the laboratory for the assessment phase in which the Trigger Finger and Phalen’s tests are assessed. The interactions between the variables are analyzed and the results show a positive correlation for all interactions. The findings show how spending time playing video games will affect one’s health – specifically the hands.

Keywords

Trigger Finger test, Phalen’s test, computer mouse usage, mousotron

Acknowledgement

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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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.

Malaysian Drivers’ Perception Towards Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Malaysian Drivers’ Perception Towards Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Muhammad Syafiq SYED MOHAMED

Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) , 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia.

Page 15 – 20   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

In the past few years many advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) has made their way into common passenger cars. ADAS such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind spot information system (BLIS), and many more has slowly made their way into passenger cars in Malaysia. Examples of cars in Malaysia equipped with some ADAS technology include the 2016 Mazda 3, Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid, and the recently introduced Honda CR-V. Even though ADAS has been around in passenger cars as early as late 1990’s, ADAS has only been widely introduced into passenger cars in the last few years. In this study, a content analysis of Malaysian automotive online portal was conducted to determine the overall perception of Malaysian drivers towards ADAS. As many as 277 comments related to ADAS were obtained from the Malaysian automotive online portal. Only 63 comments were related to the perception of ADAS. The comments were divided further into 27 positive comments and 36 negative comments. Due to the attitude of Malaysian drivers, as well as their driving style, ADAS technology was perceived to be more of a nuisance rather than of assistance. Two famous Malaysian driving habits, e.g. the cutting of lanes and tailgating were discussed together with the related ADAS (Lane Departure Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking). Future implications of ADAS in Malaysia were also discussed.

Keywords

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, ADAS, Malaysian drivers, perception

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.

Digital Eye Strain Evaluation Among Video Gamers with and without Blue Light Monitor Filter

Digital Eye Strain Evaluation Among Video Gamers with and without Blue Light Monitor Filter
Nik Fakhri MANSOR1, Ammar ADNAN1, Radin Zaid RADIN UMAR2, Siby SAMUEL3, Malek HAMID1, *

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

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

3 Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA, USA

* Corresponding Author: abdmalek@iium.edu.my

Page 41 – 44   |   Vol. 2, No. 2 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 September 2017

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Abstract

E-sports or electronic sports have been attracting a lot of attentions especially younger audience with the promise of wealth just through playing video games. Staring into monitor screen regardless of devices for an extended amount of time will lead to Digital Eye Strain (DES) in general, more particularly visual fatigue. The study is to explore the effect of extended exposure of blue light wave while playing video games to gamers, focusing on DOTA players. This study will investigate visual fatigue with and without blue light monitor filter. From a total of 20 participants who were recruited, 10 participants performed the experiment with blue light monitor filter and the remaining without blue light monitor filter. Visual fatigue was measured by the perceived frequency of light observed by each participant using critical flicker frequency (CFF) before and after the experiment. Participants were also required to perform subjective evaluation (SE) by answering questionnaire on visual fatigue symptoms that they experienced after the experiment. SE was used to establish correlation between the reading obtained from CFF to determine visual fatigue. The result shown that With_Filter and Without_Filter scored a positive and negative average difference in CFF score respectively. Teary eye was discovered to be the most common symptom in With_Filter and Without_Filter group although Without_Filter group experienced more symptoms than With_Filter group such as red eyes, twitching eyelids, blurred near and distant vision, and pain in and around eyes.

Keywords

Critical flicker frequency, eye strain, visual fatigue, blue light, monitor filter, DOTA

Acknowledgement

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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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.

Assessing Exposure to Physical Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Relevant Psychosocial Factors Among Assembly Workers in an Automotive Component Assembly Plant

Assessing Exposure to Physical Risk Factors for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Relevant Psychosocial Factors Among Assembly Workers in an Automotive Component Assembly Plant
FAZILAH ABDUL AZIZ1, ZAKRI GHAZALLI1, NIK MOHD ZUKI MOHAMED1, and AMRI ISFAR2

1 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, 26600 Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia

2 Safety, Health and Environment Department, Ingress Technologies Malaysia SDN BHD, 48300 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia

Page 34 – 51   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a common health problem throughout the manufacturing industry. Determination of musculoskeletal disorders and its relevant factors are one the most leading basis for ergonomics intervention programs in the automotive industry. This study was aimed to identify the ergonomics physical and psychosocial risk factors in automotive component assembly plant workers. In total ten workers with different job tasks were observed using Quick Exposure Check (QEC) which is an observational instrument, which allows practitioners and workers to assess four key regions of the body. It was found that automotive assembly component assembly plant workers were exposed to many postural problems while performing automotive component assembly task activities. Results of the QEC scores were found to be very high for the worker’s neck, whereas the scores for the worker’s back (in moving) and worker’s shoulder/arm were found to be high. The workers in spot gun welding process in two workstations including panel member rear cross No.1 spot gun welding assembly process (Line 2) as well as workers at the panel roof side inner spot gun welding assembly process suffered from very high levels of WMSDs at all worker’s main body regions except wrist/hand. Meanwhile, the vibration exposure level is high in most of the workstations. In addition, a very high exposure level for stress has been found in the panel member rear cross No.1 spot gun welding assembly process (Line 2) workstation. Musculoskeletal disorders had a high prevalence among workers in this automotive component assembly plant. The physical and psychosocial risk factors were required to be identified and controlled so that the WMSD’s symptoms can be minimized. The results of this study will be applied to a knowledge-based ergonomics risk assessment system development for assembly plant workers in an automotive component manufacturer.

Keywords

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), musculoskeletal disorders automotive component assembly plant, manual assembly process, and manual welding assembly process

Acknowledgement

The authors also would like to acknowledge University Malaysia Pahang (UMP), the
Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MoHE) of the scholarship SLAI (Sijil Latihan
Akademik IPTA) and Ingress Technologies Sdn Bhd.

© 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.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Ergonomic Hazards Among Room Attendants in Hotel Industries

Musculoskeletal Symptoms and Ergonomic Hazards Among Room Attendants in Hotel Industries

Mohd Nasrull Abdol RAHMAN* and Mohd Syahir Muhamad JAFFAR

Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and
Manufacturing, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), 86400 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia

*Corresponding Author: mnasrull@uthm.edu.my

Page 24 – 33   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Ergonomic hazards which contribute to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) among room attendants were considered as a problem or trouble since these ergonomic problems would affect their work performance for hotel industries. Data for MSDs prevalence among room attendants were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and direct observation via Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA) Checklist for examining the ergonomic hazards at hotel industries. The highest body part trouble among room attendants in the last 12 months were low back pain (60%), followed by wrists/hands (41.5%), and knees (36.9%). WISHA Checklist results showed that most of room attendants were found in hazard level for risk factors involving awkward posture and highly repetitive motion. All the results obtained showed that the essential ergonomic interventions are needed to eliminate risk of exposures to MSDs among room attendants.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Symptom, Ergonomic Hazards, Room Attendants, Hotel Industries

Acknowledgement

The authors express sincere gratitude to all hotel industries respondents who had given a great cooperation throughout the data collection for the study. Appreciation also goes to everyone who involved directly or indirectly towards the completion of 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.

The Efficiency Study of Local Exhaust Ventilations Performance Conducted in the Welding Workshop a Case Study at Technical College

The Efficiency Study of Local Exhaust Ventilations Performance Conducted in the Welding Workshop a Case Study at Technical College

Yurizman JAMIL1 and Nor Halim HASAN1

1 Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 13 – 15   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Students who carried out their study in welding workshop may be exposed to health risks from inhaling welding fumes. There are a total of 10 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) system installed in the welding workshop which consists 6 sets – special types of arc welding and 4 sets – special types for welding of MIG / TIG. A total of 7 sets of Local Exhaust Ventilation System that tested the effectiveness for (Capture Velocity) were used to measure the reading at a distance of 6 inches from the air openings and compared with standards set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). There were 3 sets of Local Ventilation system that cannot function due to damage to the circuits and equipment. Scope of the study revolved around the aspects focused on the measurement aperture (hood) where Capture Velocity data were taken and observations throughout the effectiveness of the system. Instruments used were Anemometer, Smoke Tube Tracer Set and Measuring Tape. There was an availability velocity measurement that fails when comparing to the standard that is set for the welding process. There were no maintenance records and test reports of Hygiene Technician II recognized by Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) as provided under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, Regulations – Occupational Safety and Health (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000. According to this study, it is suggested to immediately perform maintenance/repairs to the ventilation system and run a full test of the entire system by Hygiene Technician II. Ensure suitable personal protective equipment is used for welding work. Compliance with the requirements of Regulation 17(1) (Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2000 that mentions any engineering control equipment provided shall be inspected at each interval being no longer than one month by the employer; and examined and tested for its effectiveness by a registered hygiene technician at each interval being no longer than twelve months.

Keywords

Local Exhaust Ventilation System, Engineering Control Equipment, Welding Workshop, Capture Velocity, ACGIH, USECHH Regulations 2000

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia for the permission of using instrumentations and opportunity to facilitate fruitful 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.

Study on Non-Ionizing Radiation (Radio Frequency) at Broadcasting Sector

Study on Non-Ionizing Radiation (Radio Frequency) at Broadcasting Sector

Yurizman JAMIL

Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia, Federal Territory of Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Page 9 – 12   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

Full text

Abstract

Application of non-ionizing radiation is growing in line with the rapid technological developments which impact on human exposure may result in danger if not controlled. As such, MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems Sdn. Bhd. has been selected to be assessed regarding electromagnetic radiation – radio frequency (RF) measurement around its broadcast facilities at ASTRO complex in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur. This study was conducted on the 3rd and 4th of February 2016. The measurement was encompassed only on the assessment of the electromagnetic radiation (radio frequency – RF) in the accessible areas within and around the ASTRO’S broadcast facilities (about 1.5 meters from the floor/ground). Mapping plot measurements method on the radiation source was made for non-ionizing radiation exposure readings for the electric field and magnetic field (near field) between 1 to 5 meters and the distance (far field) between 10 up to > 100 meters in the area that can be in access. 

The time measurements were taken and recorded for six minutes (RF) for each point of measurement (ICNIRP 1998, IEEE 1991, HWC 1999 and ARPANSA 2002). Measured radiations were assessed and evaluated against the mandatory standard exposure limits and the recommendations issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). The electromagnetic (RF) radiations present within the ASTRO complex were measurable but of low levels. The electrical field strengths and magnetic field strength were well below the exposure limits stipulated by the MCMC guidelines for members of the public and workers. The determined level of power density measured for the public at all locations around 0.04 μW/cm2 to 0.54 μW/cm2 exposure where the percentage was only about 0.004% to 0.054% when compared to the limits set by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. 

Based on the finding of these measurements, it was strongly believed that the presence of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the equipment within the ASTRO complex with the present loads would not lead to any significant radiation exposure received by workers around the facilities. Based on observation and preliminary inspection, at some places, especially those which were very close to the transmitting and receiving antennas, are expected to experience much higher radiation level than what was observed during the survey. This is because the range of frequencies produced by the antenna is more focused on the micro-wave frequency. It is, therefore, strongly recommended that limited accessing to these antennas to be provided with proper control measure such as by putting up radiation warning signs and notices at their entrance so that chances form personnel to get any significant or unnecessary exposure to radiation can be minimized.

Keywords

Non-Ionizing Radiation, Electromagnetic Field, Radio Frequency, Broadcasting Sector, Electric Field, Magnetic Field, Near Field, Far Field, Mandatory Standard Exposure Limits, MCMC

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia for the permission of using instrumentations and opportunity to facilitate fruitful 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.

A Study on the Usage of Blood-Volume-Pressure as a Driver’s Mental Workload Evaluation Tool

A Study on the Usage of Blood-Volume-Pressure as a Driver’s Mental Workload Evaluation Tool
Ahmad Khushairy Bin MAKHTAR1 and Makoto ITOH2

1 Department of Risk Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Malaysia

2 Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan

Page 1 – 8   |   Vol. 2, No. 1 (2017)   |    Available online on 1 April 2017

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Abstract

Estimating a driver’s mental workload level is challenging part nowadays. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore mental workload using blood-volume-pressure (BVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Participants performed two secondary tasks at two levels of task difficulty and also in two types of traffic conditions. The results show that increasing task difficulty seems to increase heart rate (HR) and reduce the heart rate variability (HRV) data simultaneously. Especially, data for HR was high when the drivers were performing the most difficult task for the mathematical arithmetic task. Results from BVP and ECG also show that they correlate each other showing that BVP can be used as a potential candidate as a mental workload measurement tools. Potential applications of this research include developing a method to estimate a driver`s mental workload level through blood volume pressure as the main measurement for evaluation of mental workload as it is non-intrusive to drivers.

Keywords

Driver, Mental Workload, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, Blood Volume Pressure

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.