| 1. |
- Fan, Xuelong, et al.
(author)
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Effects of sensor types and angular velocity computational methods in field measurements of occupational upper arm and trunk postures and movements
- 2021
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In: Sensors. - : MDPI AG. - 1424-8220. ; 21:16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Accelerometer-based inclinometers have dominated kinematic measurements in previous field studies, while the use of inertial measurement units that additionally include gyroscopes is rapidly increasing. Recent laboratory studies suggest that these two sensor types and the two commonly used angular velocity computational methods may produce substantially different results. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the effects of sensor types and angular velocity computational methods on the measures of work postures and movements in a real occupational setting. Half-workday recordings of arm and trunk postures, and movements from 38 warehouse workers were compared using two sensor types: accelerometers versus accelerometers with gyroscopes—and using two angular velocity computational methods, i.e., inclination velocity versus generalized velocity. The results showed an overall small difference (<2° and value independent) for posture percentiles between the two sensor types, but substantial differences in movement percentiles both between the sensor types and between the angular computational methods. For example, the group mean of the 50th percentiles were for accelerometers: 71°/s (generalized velocity) and 33°/s (inclination velocity)—and for accelerometers with gyroscopes: 31°/s (generalized velocity) and 16°/s (inclination velocity). The significant effects of sensor types and angular computational methods on angular velocity measures in field work are important in inter-study comparisons and in comparisons to recommended threshold limit values.
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| 2. |
- Forsman, Mikael, Professor, et al.
(author)
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Mind the gap – development of conversion models between accelerometer- and IMU-based measurements of arm and trunk postures and movements in warehouse work
- 2022
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In: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 105
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Sensor type (accelerometers only versus inertial measurement units, IMUs) and angular velocity computational method (inclination versus generalized velocity) have been shown to affect the measurements of arm and trunk movements. This study developed models for conversions between accelerometer and IMU measurements of arm and trunk inclination and between accelerometer and IMU measurements of inclination and generalized (arm) velocities. Full-workday recordings from accelerometers and IMUs of arm and trunk postures and movements from 38 warehouse workers were used to develop 4 angular (posture) and 24 angular velocity (movement) conversion models for the distributions of the data. A power function with one coefficient and one exponent was used, and it correlated well (r2 > 0.999) in all cases to the average curves comparing one measurement with another. These conversion models facilitate the comparison and merging of measurements of arm and trunk movements collected using the two sensor types and the two computational methods.
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| 3. |
- Lind, Carl Mikael, et al.
(author)
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Development and evaluation of RAMP II - a practitioner’s tool for assessing musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in industrial manual handling
- 2020
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In: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 63:4, s. 477-504
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- RAMP II is an observation-based tool developed for assessing a wide range of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors related to industrial manual handling. RAMP II, which is part of the RAMP tool, is based on research studies and expert judgments. The assessment relies mainly on direct or video observations of the work being assessed, but additionally on measured push/pull forces and weights of handled objects, and on perceived workload and discomfort. Over 80 practitioners participated in the development of the tool. According to the evaluations, 73% of the assessment items evaluated had acceptable reliability, and the majority of the potential end-users reported that RAMP II is usable for assessing risks and as a decision base. It is concluded that this study provides support that RAMP II is usable for risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in industrial manual handling. Practitioner summary: RAMP II is an observation-based assessment tool for screening and assessing major musculoskeletal exposures in industrial manual handling jobs. Over 80 practitioners participated in the development of the tool. This study provides support that RAMP II is usable for risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in industrial manual handling. Abbreviations: CTS: carpal tunnel syndrome; HARM: the Hand Arm Risk Assessment method; IMP: intramuscular pressure; κw: linearly weighted kappa; LBD: lower back disorders; LBP: lower back pain; MAWL: maximum acceptable weight of lift; MHO: manual handling operations; MSD: musculoskeletal disorder; MNSD: neck-shoulder disorder; NSP: neck-shoulder pain; OCRA: the Occupational Repetitive Action methods; OHS: occupational health and safety; PABAK: prevalence and bias adjusted kappa; p0: proportion of agreement; RAMP: Risk Assessment and Management tool for manual handling Proactively; ROM: range of motion; RPL: risk and priority level; RSI: the Revised Strain Index; RULA: the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment; SWEA: Swedish Work Environment Authority; UEMSDs: upper-extremity work-related musculoskeletal disorders; WMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorder; WRMSD: work-related musculoskeletal disorder; workday8h: eight hours workday.
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| 4. |
- Lind, Carl Mikael, et al.
(author)
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Prevention of work-related ill-health
- 2018
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In: 40th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC).
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents strategies targeting prevention of work-related ill-health, and how the use of smart workwear (wearables) can facilitate these strategies
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| 5. |
- Lind, Carl Mikael, et al.
(author)
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Prevention of Work: Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Using Smart Workwear – The Smart Workwear Consortium
- 2019
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In: Human Systems Engineering and Design. - Cham : Springer. - 9783030020521 - 9783030020538 ; 876, s. 477-483
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Adverse work-related physical exposures such as repetitive movements and awkward postures have negative health effects and lead to large financial costs. To address these problems, a multi-disciplinary consortium was formed with the aim of developing an ambulatory system for recording and analyzing risks for musculoskeletal disorders utilizing textile integrated sensors as part of the regular workwear. This paper presents the consortium, the Smart Workwear System, and a case study illustrating its potential to decrease adverse biomechanical exposure by promoting improved work technique.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Lind, Carl Mikael, et al.
(author)
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Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback
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Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work technique and improving postures in manual handling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The trunk and upper arm postures were recorded by the system. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users’ experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in adverse postures for the trunk and upper arms when the workers received feedback, and for trunk postures also after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as usable, comfortable and supportive for learning.
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| 8. |
- Lind, Carl Mikael, et al.
(author)
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Wearable Motion Capture Devices for the Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ergonomics-An Overview of Current Applications, Challenges, and Future Opportunities
- 2023
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In: Sensors. - : MDPI AG. - 1424-8220. ; 23:9
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a major contributor to disability worldwide and substantial societal costs. The use of wearable motion capture instruments has a role in preventing WMSDs by contributing to improvements in exposure and risk assessment and potentially improved effectiveness in work technique training. Given the versatile potential for wearables, this article aims to provide an overview of their application related to the prevention of WMSDs of the trunk and upper limbs and discusses challenges for the technology to support prevention measures and future opportunities, including future research needs. The relevant literature was identified from a screening of recent systematic literature reviews and overviews, and more recent studies were identified by a literature search using the Web of Science platform. Wearable technology enables continuous measurements of multiple body segments of superior accuracy and precision compared to observational tools. The technology also enables real-time visualization of exposures, automatic analyses, and real-time feedback to the user. While miniaturization and improved usability and wearability can expand the use also to more occupational settings and increase use among occupational safety and health practitioners, several fundamental challenges remain to be resolved. The future opportunities of increased usage of wearable motion capture devices for the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders may require more international collaborations for creating common standards for measurements, analyses, and exposure metrics, which can be related to epidemiologically based risk categories for work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
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| 9. |
- Mahdavian, Nafise, et al.
(author)
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Effect of Giving Feedback on Postural Working Techniques
- 2018
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In: Advances in Manufacturing Technology XXXII. - Amsterdam, Netherlands : IOS Press. - 9781614999010 - 9781614999027 ; , s. 247-252, s. 247-252
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Working postures and movements affect work efficiency and musculoskeletal health. To reduce the biomechanical exposure in physically demanding settings, working techniques may be improved by giving instant ergonomic feedback to the operator. This study investigates if feedback can be used to decrease adverse postures and movements in assembly work. A prototype solution of a smart textile workwear was used on a trainee assembly line. Posture and movement signals of 24 trainee operators were sampled via the workwear, transferred to a tablet for analyses and used to provide feedback suggesting improvements of work technique. Two modes of feedback were tested. Every participant’s work technique was measured before and after receiving the feedback and the results were compared. For upper arm elevation angle ≥60, behaviour change is indicated, supporting a positive work technique change, and indicated a future usefulness of technical automatic feedback for operators.
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| 10. |
- Bergström, Göran, 1964, et al.
(author)
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Body weight at age 20 and in midlife is more important than weight gain for coronary atherosclerosis: Results from SCAPIS.
- 2023
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier BV. - 1879-1484 .- 0021-9150. ; 373, s. 46-54
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Elevated body weight in adolescence is associated with early cardiovascular disease, but whether this association is traceable to weight in early adulthood, weight in midlife or to weight gain is not known. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of midlife coronary atherosclerosis being associated with body weight at age 20, body weight in midlife and body weight change.We used data from 25,181 participants with no previous myocardial infarction or cardiac procedure in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS, mean age 57 years, 51% women). Data on coronary atherosclerosis, self-reported body weight at age 20 and measured midlife weight were recorded together with potential confounders and mediators. Coronary atherosclerosis was assessed using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and expressed as segment involvement score (SIS).The probability of having coronary atherosclerosis was markedly higher with increasing weight at age 20 and with mid-life weight (p<0.001 for both sexes). However, weight increase from age 20 until mid-life was only modestly associated with coronary atherosclerosis. The association between weight gain and coronary atherosclerosis was mainly seen in men. However, no significant sex difference could be detected when adjusting for the 10-year delay in disease development in women.Similar in men and women, weight at age 20 and weight in midlife are strongly related to coronary atherosclerosis while weight increase from age 20 until midlife is only modestly related to coronary atherosclerosis.
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| 11. |
- Forcellati, Corrado Lillelund, et al.
(author)
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Support for Financial Decision-Making
- 2021
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In: Maritime Informatics. Lind, M., Michaelides, M., Ward, R., T. Watson, R. (Eds.). - Cham : Springer. - 9783030508913 ; , s. 255-273, s. 255-273
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Book chapter (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This chapter explores some of the financial processes where maritime informatics could make a difference and improve existing practices. The chapter takes the principle logic of how maritime transport serves the cargo owner, the passenger, or the transport buyer. The chapter acknowledges different types of costs and risks associated with maritime transport, such as capital, operational, voyage costs and environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-related costs to meet business needs and comply with regulatory requirements. Building upon the role of maritime informatics to achieve transparency, control, mitigate risks, and reduce the costs within each of these categories, different opportunities are acknowledged and associated with different shipping segments. Consideration is also given to economic advantage, resilience, compliance, and sustainability emerging from transparency in financial processes that comes with digital data sharing. The chapter provides a practical framework to identifying the role of maritime informatics in supporting financial management and decision-making by classifying cost/risk categories and digital data streams of relevance by looking at three dimensions: resiliency, compliance, and sustainability.
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| 12. |
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Forsman, Mikael, et al.
(author)
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The need for practical and reliable assessment methods for prevention musculoskeletal disorders
- 2019
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In: Transforming Ergonomics with Personalized Health and Intelligent Workplaces. - : IOS Press. - 9781614999737 - 9781614999720 ; , s. 3-14
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Although work-life is changing, and production is modernized, workrelated musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are still frequent, inducing very large costs for companies and societies all over the world. Ergonomists and other work health consultants work to make organizations sustainable. In their work to prevent WMSDs it is important to identify risks in a reliable way, to prioritize risks, and then to perform interventions (participatory interventions have shown to more often be successful), so that the risks and the disorders may be reduced. Most interventions concerns the environment and work methods, but also individual work technique, e.g. lifting technique and habitual work postures may be in focus. Today, risks are most often assessed by observation. However, observational methods generally have low reliability, i.e. low agreement between different observers for the same job task. There is also a low inter-method reliability, i.e. when the same work is assessed with different methods different risk levels are often obtained. There are now validated technical methods that may be used by practitioners. But, user-interfaces needs to be improved, and today's inexpensive electronic devices should be utilized to a higher degree, in the development of tools, in collaboration with practitioners. New methods should be attractive, easy and time efficient to use. The results of these methods will be objective and should increase the reliability in risk assessments of work tasks and jobs.
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| 15. |
- Hagstrom, Emil, et al.
(author)
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IMPACT OF BODY WEIGHT AT AGE 20 AND WEIGHT GAIN DURING ADULTHOOD ON MIDLIFE CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM IN 15,000 MEN AND WOMEN : AN INTERIM ANALYSIS OF THE SWEDISH CARDIOPULMONARY BIOIMAGE STUDY
- 2019
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. - 0735-1097 .- 1558-3597. ; 73:9, s. 1692-1692
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- BackgroundElevated body weight in adolescence is strongly associated with early cardiovascular disease, but whether this association is traceable to weight in early adulthood, or to weight gain with subsequent high adult weight is not known. Using data from the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS), we investigated the association between weight at age 20, weight gain to midlife and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) at midlife.MethodsIn the first 15,810 participants in SCAPIS (mean age 58 years, 52% women), data on CACS at midlife, self-reported body weight at age 20 and weight at examination in SCAPIS were recorded.ResultsCACS in midlife was significantly higher with increasing weight at age 20 (p<0.001 for both sexes), and then increased with weight gain until midlife at all levels of body weight at age 20 after adjusting for age, height, smoking, alcohol intake, education level, exercise levels and LDL cholesterol. However, the association with weight gain was only significant in men (p = 0.047), not in women (p=0.474). No significant interaction was seen between weight at age 20 and midlife weight with CACS. The effect of weight at age 20 on CACS was significantly more marked in men than in women, as was the effect of weight gain (p<0.001 for both interactions).ConclusionWeight at age 20 and weight gain to midlife were both related to CACS, but much more markedly so in men than in women, indicating a generally larger effect of both early adult weight and further weight gain until midlife on CACS in men, compared to women.
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| 16. |
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| 17. |
- Kargarrazi, Saleh
(author)
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Bipolar Silicon Carbide Integrated Circuits for High Temperature Power Applications
- 2014
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Silicon Carbide (SiC) is suggested as a superior material for high temperature and high power electronic applications, thanks to its excellent properties. In this thesis, design and measurements of integrated circuits in bipolar 4H-SiC aiming for high temperature power applications are reported. On the low power side, a linear voltage regulator is demonstrated followed by introduction of a general-purpose opamp, which is employed to build other circuits such as a Schmitt trigger and a relaxation oscillator. On the high power side, a monolithic drive circuit for power BJTs is designed and tested in different loading conditions including resistive, capacitive and finally together with a commercial power BJT. The aforementioned circuits have been tested in the temperature range 25 - 500 °C, and are operational in the full range. The performance of each circuit is analyzed and directions for future work is suggested. The integrated circuits of this thesis set the reference for future advances in power integrated circuits in bipolar SiC.
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| 18. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(author)
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Accuracy of a posture measurement system for practitioners
- 2015
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In: The 47th International the Nordic Ergonomics Society Conference..
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper presents an evaluation of a feasible inclinometer system, for measurement of static and dynamic body postures, which can be used by practitioners. The system, an inclinometer based on a triaxial USB-accelerometer and an analysis program (Excel Macro), was compared with measurements obtained with a gold standard, i.e. an optical 3D motion capture system. The angles obtained with the inclinometer, had a high correlation with the corresponding angles of the optical motion capture system, for static upper arm postures above 0.997 for both abduction and flexion. At fast arm movements, the absolute difference in angles between the two systems was low, 4.1°, 5.4° and 3.6° at the 10th, 50th and 90th percentile respectively. This study indicates that this feasible and inexpensive ($140) inclinometer system (USB-accelerometer and Excel Macro), can be used to obtain upper arm inclination data of quality comparable to that of many research studies where direct measurements have been used.
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| 19. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(author)
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Development and evaluation of RAMP I : a practitioner tool for screening for musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manual handling
- 2017
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Other publication (other academic/artistic)abstract
- RAMP I is a screening tool developed to support practitioners in screening for work-related musculoskeletal disorder risk factors related to manual handling. RAMP I, which is part of the RAMP tool, is based on research based studies combined with expert group judgments. More than 80 practitioners participated in the development of RAMP I. The tool constitutes of dichotomous assessment items grouped in seven categories. Acceptable reliability was found for a majority of the assessment items for 15 practitioners who were given 1h training. The usability evaluation points to RAMP I being usable for screening for musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, i.e., usable for assessing risks, usable as a decision base, has clear results, and the time needed for an assessment is acceptable. It is concluded that RAMP I is a valuable tool for practitioners.
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| 20. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(author)
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Development and evaluation of RAMP I – a practitioner’s tool for screening of musculoskeletal disorder risk factors in manual handling
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE). - : Taylor & Francis. - 1080-3548 .- 2376-9130. ; 25:2, s. 165-180
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- RAMP I is a screening tool developed to support practitioners in screening for work-related musculoskeletal disorder riskfactors related to manual handling. RAMP I, which is part of the RAMP tool, is based on research-based studies combinedwith expert group judgments. More than 80 practitioners participated in the development of RAMP I. The tool consistsof dichotomous assessment items grouped into seven categories. Acceptable reliability was found for a majority of theassessment items for 15 practitioners who were given 1 h of training. The usability evaluation points to RAMP I beingusable for screening for musculoskeletal disorder risk factors, i.e., usable for assessing risks, being usable as a decision base,having clear results and that the time needed for an assessment is acceptable. It is concluded that RAMP I is a usable toolfor practitioners.
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| 21. |
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| 22. |
- Lind, Carl, et al.
(author)
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Reducing postural load in order picking through a smart workwear system using real-time vibrotactile feedback
- 2020
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In: Applied Ergonomics. - : Elsevier. - 0003-6870 .- 1872-9126. ; 89
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vibrotactile feedback training may be one possible method for interventions that target at learning better work techniques and improving postures in manual handling. This study aimed to evaluate the short term effect of real-time vibrotactile feedback on postural exposure using a smart workwear system for work postures intervention in simulated industrial order picking. Fifteen workers at an industrial manufacturing plant performed order-picking tasks, in which the vibrotactile feedback was used for postural training at work. The system recorded the trunk and upper arm postures. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were conducted about the users’ experience of the system. The results showed reduced time in trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30° and ≥45° when the workers received feedback, and for trunk inclination ≥20°, ≥30° and ≥45° and dominant upper arm elevation ≥30°, after feedback withdrawal. The workers perceived the system as useable, comfortable, and supportive for learning. The system has the potential of contributing to improved postures in order picking through an automated short-term training program. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
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| 23. |
- Lindholm, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Sleep-Related Problems and Associations with Occupational Factors among Home Care Personnel
- 2020
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In: Nordic Journal of Working Life Studies. - : Det Kgl. Bibliotek/Royal Danish Library. - 2245-0157.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent demographic developments in Europe have increased the demand for home care. Working in other people’s home environment is challenging. Home care personnel’s musculoskeletal disorders are common, and care personnel overall often have sleep disturbances. In this study, associations between occupational physical and psychosocial factors and possible sleep-related problems among home care personnel were explored using a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to 19 workplaces in Stockholm County in 2017–2019, and 665 home care personnel answered. Several factors, including job contentment, physical burden of care, client-related burnout, quantitative demands, and pain, were significantly associated with sleep-related problems. The results highlight the need for implementing measures to improve psychosocial and organizational working conditions in home care service.
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| 26. |
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