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- Abeysekera, John, et al.
(author)
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Body sizes and other human factors differences between Swedish and foreign students in Swedish universities
- 1994
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In: Ergonomics for Quality Life. - : PPCOE. ; , s. 420-423
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Past studies have shown large differences in body size between people of Industrialized Countries (ICs) and Industrially Developing Countries (IDCs). These differences can have negative effects on the usage of technology which IDCs today acquire to a great extent from ICs. At the same time, the number of students from IDCs seeking education and training in universities in ICs is increasing. This paper reports on the impact of human factors differences particularly body size differences between foreign and local students on the use of university facilities, based on anthropometric and questionnaire surveys carried out on a small scale by foreign graduate students of Lulea University, Sweden. The study revealed large differences in body sizes between local and foreign students. The questionnaire survey of foreign students showed that there are other significant human factors differences such as the use of a foreign language, viz. Swedish which is unique to Scandinavia, and the exposure to long cold winters. Whether these differences in human factors influence the acquisition of knowledge or learning capacity of foreign students is worth further investigation.
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- Abeysekera, John D.A., et al.
(author)
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A head-model reconstruction based upon photogrammetric data from Sri Lankan adult males relevant to the design of headgear
- 1989
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In: Journal of Human Ergology. - 0300-8134. ; 18:2, s. 199-211
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Due to the large variability in heads and faces in one population, the standard anthropometric dimensions of the head, measured from anatomical landmarks alone, may not suffice for the design of fitting headgear, e.g., helmets. To provide adequate data of the shapes and contours of the head to the designer, appropriate head models sculptured using comprehensive head dimensions, must be developed. This paper describes (a) a procedure of collecting comprehensive anthropometric data of the head using a photogrammetric method and (b) a simple sculpturing technique to reconstruct a head model of the user population
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- Abeysekera, John D.A., et al.
(author)
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A Scandinavian perspective on human factors testing of personal protective devices
- 1997
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In: Performance of protective clothing. - West Conshohocken, Pa : ASTM International. - 0803124023 ; , s. 283-292
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Testing for protection performance and human factors in personal protective devices (PPD) can be undertaken using a standardised methodology. The standardised methodology for performance testing is used for the certification of PPD. However, it is unfortunate that methods of testing for human factors and wearability of PPD are scarce, and even the methods that do exist are not always refined or standardised. In both hot and cold environments, thermal comfort is an important user need of PPD. To test the thermal characteristics of PPD, methods providing objective data are available, yet they are not always standardised. An exception exists for insulation testing of clothing, for which standardised methods have been developed. The fit of PPD is also a priority need among wearers. Clothing fit is often tested subjectively. The objective methods developed to test the fit of PPD and clothing again require refinement and standardisation. Wearability of PPD urgently requires the development and standardisation of both objective and subjective testing methods. This paper provides insights into some testing methods on human factors of PPD that have been particularly useful over the years.
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- Abeysekera, John D. A., et al.
(author)
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Adaptation to discomfort in personal protective devices: an example with safety helmets
- 1990
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In: Ergonomics. - : Informa UK Limited. - 0014-0139 .- 1366-5847. ; 33:2, s. 137-145
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Discomfort in the use of personal protective devices (PPD) has been one of the chief causes of their non-use. A field trial using industrial helmets was carried out to ascertain whether by training and repeated wearing subjects could experience a significant adaptation to discomfort. Ten subjects took part in the trial in a tropical environment by wearing helmets repeatedly (6 h a day) for one month. Subjective evaluations of discomfort were made at the end of the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 14th and 30th day. It was revealed that complaints of discomfort, viz. hotness, heaviness, bad fit, etc., decreased markedly throughout the 30 day period. Though positive responses of adaptation to discomfort seem to reach an optimum towards 30 days, it is difficult to draw any conclusions on the optimum period of adaptation for each discomfort factor. In relation to inherent discomforts that are extremely difficult to overcome without compromising the protection efficiency of a PPD, the principle of adaptation seems to be a very important facet which has to be developed for an effective PPD programme.
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- Abeysekera, John D.A., et al.
(author)
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Body size variability between people in developed and developing countries and its impact on the use of imported goods
- 1989
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In: International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. - : Elsevier BV. - 0169-8141 .- 1872-8219. ; 4:2, s. 139-149
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Industrially Developing Countries (IDC) today, to a great extent, depend on Industrialized Countries (IC) for the supply of most industrial goods. An attempt has been made to ascertain the degree of design incompatibility experienced by users of these imported goods due to differences in the body sizes of people in producer and user countries. A comparative study of variations in body sizes is made from data available in literature and from anthropometric surveys. The results reveal differences in almost every part of the human body. The need for reliable anthropometric data in respect of IDC is stressed. Urgent measures are required to introduce changes in equipment, particularly for the benefit of users in IDC.
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- Abeysekera, John D.A., et al.
(author)
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Effect of the hot environment on man
- 1988
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In: International Symposium on Work in a Hot Environment and Heat Related Disorders, Khartoum 27-31 Jan. 1988.
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)
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