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Developmental Approach for Behavior Learning Using Primitive Motion Skills

Dawood F, Loo CK

Int J Neural Syst, 2018 May;28(4):1750038.
PMID: 29022403 DOI: 10.1142/S0129065717500381

Imitation learning through self-exploration is essential in developing sensorimotor skills. Most developmental theories emphasize that social interactions, especially understanding of observed actions, could be first achieved through imitation, yet the discussion on the origin of primitive imitative abilities is often neglected, referring instead to the possibility of its innateness. This paper presents a developmental model of imitation learning based on the hypothesis that humanoid robot acquires imitative abilities as induced by sensorimotor associative learning through self-exploration. In designing such learning system, several key issues will be addressed: automatic segmentation of the observed actions into motion primitives using raw images acquired from the camera without requiring any kinematic model; incremental learning of spatio-temporal motion sequences to dynamically generates a topological structure in a self-stabilizing manner; organization of the learned data for easy and efficient retrieval using a dynamic associative memory; and utilizing segmented motion primitives to generate complex behavior by the combining these motion primitives. In our experiment, the self-posture is acquired through observing the image of its own body posture while performing the action in front of a mirror through body babbling. The complete architecture was evaluated by simulation and real robot experiments performed on DARwIn-OP humanoid robot.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Development of prolonged standing strain index to quantify risk levels of standing jobs

Halim I, Omar AR

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2012;18(1):85-96.
PMID: 22429532

Many occupations in industry such as metal stamping workers, electronics parts assembly operators, automotive industry welders, and lathe operators require working in a standing posture for a long time. Prolonged standing can contribute to discomfort and muscle fatigue particularly in the back and legs. This study developed the prolonged standing strain index (PSSI) to quantify the risk levels caused by standing jobs, and proposed recommendations to minimize the risk levels. Risk factors associated with standing jobs, such as working posture, muscles activity, standing duration, holding time, whole-body vibration, and indoor air quality, were the basis for developing the PSSI. All risk factors were assigned multipliers, and the PSSI was the product of those multipliers. Recommendations for improvement are based on the PSSI; however, extensive studies are required to validate their effectiveness. multipliers, and the PSSI was the product of those multipliers. Recommendations for improvement are based on the PSSI; however, extensive studies are required to validate their effectiveness.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture/physiology*
Postural assessment in pen-and-paper-based observational methods and their associated health effects: a review

Sukadarin EH, Deros BM, Ghani JA, Mohd Nawi NS, Ismail AR

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2016 Sep;22(3):389-98.
PMID: 27173135 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2016.1156924

INTRODUCTION: This review describes standardized ergonomics assessment based on pen-and-paper observational methods for assessing ergonomics risk factors.
OBJECTIVE: The three main objectives are to analyze published pen-and-paper observational methods, to extract and understand the risk levels of each method and to identify their associated health effects.
METHODOLOGY: The authors searched scientific databases and the Internet for materials from 1970 to 2013 using the following keywords: ergo, posture, method, observational, postural angle, health effects, pain and diseases. Postural assessments of upper arms, lower arms, wrists, neck, back and legs in six pen-and-paper-based observational methods are highlighted, extracted in groups and linked with associated adverse health effects.
RESULTS: The literature reviewed showed strengths and limitations of published pen-and-paper-based observational methods in determining the work activities, risk levels and related postural angles to adverse health effects. This provided a better understanding of unsafe work postures and how to improve these postures.
CONCLUSION: Many pen-and-paper-based observational methods have been developed. However, there are still many limitations of these methods. There is, therefore, a need to develop a new pen-and-paper-based observational method for assessing postural problems.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture*
Musculoskeletal complications of hand-arm vibration syndrome among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia

Qamruddin AA, Husain NRN, Sidek MY, Hanafi MH, Ripin ZM, Ali N

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2020 Dec 03.
PMID: 33148113 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1846924

Objectives. Exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) is associated with hand-arm vascular syndrome (HAVS), which is characterized by musculoskeletal complications. However, evidence on this matter has been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the prevalence of musculoskeletal complications of HAVS between a high-exposure (≥5 m·s-2) group and a low-moderate-exposure (<5 m·s-2) group and to explore the factors associated with the musculoskeletal complications of HAVS among tyre shop workers in Kelantan, Malaysia. Methods. A cross-sectional study involving 200 tyre shop workers was carried out. HAV was measured by a vibration meter. The workers were divided into two exposure groups - according to their 8-h time-weighted average, A(8), of vibration exposure - and compared. Results. Almost half of the workers reported musculoskeletal complications of the upper limbs and neck. Only the lifetime vibration dose (LVD) was significantly associated with the development of musculoskeletal complications. Conclusion. The high-exposure group had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal complications. Only the LVD was significantly associated with complications. However, all factors of the work system, such as ergonomics, handgrip force and posture, might contribute to the development of musculoskeletal complications of HAVS and should be included in assessments.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Development of a predictive model for work-relatedness of MSDs among semiconductor back-end workers

Ling CF, Radin Umar RZ, Ahmad N

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2020 Dec 29.
PMID: 33096963 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1840116

Objective. Limited models are available to predict work-relatedness of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among semiconductor back-end workers. This study aims to develop a model to predict the MSDs development among back-end workers. Method. Potential MSD risk factors were extracted from 277 work compensation investigation reports conducted between 2011-2019. Binary logistic regression approach was used to determine significant predictors. Results. Significant predictors (p

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Lower back pain and its association with whole-body vibration and manual materials handling among commercial drivers in Sabah

Awang Lukman K, Jeffree MS, Rampal KG

Int J Occup Saf Ergon, 2019 Mar;25(1):8-16.
PMID: 28978270 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2017.1388571

A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of lower back pain (LBP) and its association with whole-body vibration (WBV) and manual materials handling (MMH). We studied 110 commercial vehicle drivers using a self-administered questionnaire and the VI-400Pro human vibration monitor. Prevalence of LBP was 66.4%. The percentage of drivers who had frequent manual handling of heavy loads was 45.5% and those who handled heavy loads in awkward postures accounted for 86.4%. Daily vibration A(8) averaged on the z axis was 0.25 (0.06) m·s-2 and at vector sum was 0.29 (0.07) m·s-2. Daily vibration exposures on the z axis, frequent manual handling of heavy loads and awkward posture during MMH were significantly associated with LBP. Drivers who are exposed to WBV and frequently handle heavy loads manually and with awkward postures probably have more LBP than drivers who are exposed to only one of these risk factors.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Postural behaviour of intraocular pressure following trabeculoplasty

Singh M, Kaur B

Int Ophthalmol, 1992 May;16(3):163-6.
PMID: 1452420

Postural behaviour of intraocular pressure (IOP) was studied in 29 glaucomatous eyes before and after argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and compared with that of 60 normal eyes. Although argon laser trabeculoplasty was successful in lowering the IOP below 21 mm Hg, it produced little effect on the postural behaviour of the IOP. No significant change was observed in the amplitude of postural rise of IOP in ALT treated eyes.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture*
Fulltext Parallelogram linkage leg structure for stabilized walking gaits in humanoid robot

Firdaus Sukarman, Mohd Ghazali Mohd Hamami, Mazleenda Mazni, Muhammad Amir Mat Shah, Ahmad Faidzal Khodori

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2017;9(1):22-31.
MyJurnal

The utilization of parallelogram structure in a small-sized humanoid robot consists of two parallel platforms that are linked serially in each leg. The thigh and shank of each leg consists of two servomotors as actuator and linked in parallel platform. By using parallel mechanism in leg structure, foot sole surface is always parallel to the walking surface at any point. Even it looks unnatural to human-like walking motion, the expected result is the robot can maintain it posture while walking and at the point foot sole touch the walking surface, unnecessary vibrates can be modulated at the certain level to remain its balance. The effectiveness and the performance of the proposed parallel platforms are experimented by using zero moment point (ZMP) method by taking various scenario data from pressure sensors attached at the footsole. Planned walking gait is introduced to be identical in terms of foot steps length and width of each leg swing. As the results, in terms of load in each actuator, required torque at servomotors can be reduced because two servomotors are used simultaneously in one parallel system. Stable walking gait can be predicted as the quantity of error falls within the error ranges from the published walking gait patterns.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Analysis the influence of heart rate and muscle activity towards muscle fatique in layup workers

Noor'Ain Azizan, Seri Rahayu Kamat, Nur Syafiqah Rayme, Ruzy Haryati Hambali

Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 2018;11(1):99-107.
MyJurnal

Repetitive movement can lead to the pain muscle, nerves, and tendons that cause by
repetitive overuse of working task. The muscle will fatigue due to; repetitive
movement, force that been applied, posture during working and duration of working.
The stress level during working can influent the energy performance usage during
working. The aim of this paper is to analyse the influence of heart rate and muscle
activity of workers in composite manufacturing towards muscle fatigue. The data was
collected for a worker in hand layup department and the Qualitative method was used
in a way to investigate the working load and level of pain received by their body. Then,
the Qualitative data was sorted and the respondent proceeded for a Quantitative
method which involves muscle activity analysis and heart rate analysis. The tools that
were used to conduct these experiments were surface electromyography (sEMG),
Wristwatch with chest strap and perceived stress scale (PSS). The experimentation
used to calculate the average reading of heart rate and muscle activity during working
and detect the duration the muscle to start fatigue. Moreover, this paper analysed the
relationship between heart rate and muscle activity through the duration of working.
As an overall finding of this research, it was shown that the heart rate of the workers
influence the muscle activity of workers and has high potential relationship to the
fatigue of muscles of the workers in the layup department.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Amplitude analysis of lower leg muscle in car pedal operation in specific driving posture and duration

Khamis, N.K., Deros, B.M

Journal of Engineering and Science Research, 2018;2(3):14-19.
MyJurnal

Driving posture is important to determine the comfortability of the driver. The purpose of this study is to investigate the muscle response in car pedal operation. To evaluate this response, 11 volunteers involved in simulated driving experiment using an electrical impedance myography to detect the muscle contraction of the lower leg, particularly at Gastrocnemius medial (GM). The driver requires to perform different pedal actions. The results depict that GM muscle shows different reaction according to pedal actions. According to these results, different degree of ankle angle lead to different muscle response. These findings help us to understand the effect of physical attribute related to muscle response and joint angle on driver during monotonous driving task.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Job hazard analyses (JHA) for ergonomics risk factors in Malaysian pineapple plantation

Nur Fazrina Mohamad Salleh, Ezrin Hani Sukadarin

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2018;15(1):17-25.
MyJurnal

The prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSS) rapidly increases and it is recognized as a significant health outcome in agricultural sector. Agricultural ergonomics risk factor is one of hazards constantly arising from all job task activities including awkward postures and heavy lifting. Job hazard analyses (JHA) were conducted to assess the exposure of ergonomics risk factors in Malaysia Pineapple Plantation. The analyses performed involved two steps. They were: 1) guidelines and manual book Malaysia Pineapple Plantation as references; and 2) conducting walkthrough observation based on checklist approaches at the plantation. The identified risk factors were prolonged exposure of standing, squatting, stooping and kneeling, highly repetitive motion on the lower limbs, deviation and twisting of wrist and lastly, heavy lifting. The analyses confirmed that the exposure to ergonomics risk factors in pineapple plantation is high. It would be desirable to reduce the risk factors by educating and training the pineapple workers to perform their task with strong consideration of occupational safety and health.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders among assembly workers in Malaysia

Roseni Abdul Aziz, Mat Rebi Abdul Rani, Jafri Mohd Rohani, Ademola James Adeyemi

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2014;11(1):33-38.
MyJurnal

Studies have identified working postures as a major risk factors associated with Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in industries. This study investigated the prevalence of WMSD among assembly workers in Malaysia and how psychosocial factors such as personal values and workers relationship with family and superior are associated with discomfort and pain. A survey was conducted among 127 workers at assembly process in the manufacturing industry. The workers were aged 28.74±6.74 years and 64.6% of them were males. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the effect of workplace factors on WMSD at different body regions. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to investigate association between psychosocial factors and occurrence of discomfort and pain. Only occupation and job activities revealed any significant different with WMSD in the major body regions while there was no significant difference in gender, age and work duration classifications. Shoulder painis the most prevalent in terms of frequency and intensity of occurrence. Psychosocial issues that have to do with person values, effect of job on family relationship and workers rapport with superiors are all found to be associated with the discomfort and pain among the occupational group. Employers and concerned government agencies need to take more proactive steps in tackling the problem as the occurrence of WMSD will have a significant effect on the overall wellbeing of the working population.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Assessment of sitting pressure on Malaysian bus drivers

Ahmad Rasdan Ismail, Mohd Afiq Zainal Rosli, Isa Halim, Baba Md. Deros, Mohd Nizam Ab Rahman, Md. Mustafizur Rahman

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2012;9(3):1-9.
MyJurnal

The main purpose of this study was to establish the comfort zone for bus drivers in a seated position. In addition, this study is to investigate the seated pressure distribution among Malaysian bus drivers. The study consists of 10 bus drivers randomly selected to be a part of this study. The FSA pressure mat was utilized in order to investigate the force distribution of buttock to the seat pan of the drivers’ seat. This device is placed on the driver seat and backrest. Later, the subject would sit on for several minute. The finding reveals that most of the bus drivers feel discomfort by having low back pain and musculoskeletal disorder. The seat pressure distribution of Malaysian busses indicated that the seat not able to absorb high pressure generated from buttock that later may cause the discomfort and restricted the performance of drivers.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Call center ergonomics issues: A case study

Hari Krishnan, T.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2012;9(3):17-22.
MyJurnal

Introductions: Call center has been defined as a working environment in which uses telephone and computer for the purpose of marketing and manage communication with prospect clients or existing clients (Rocha, Glina, Morinho and Nakasato, 2005; Sprigg, Smith and Jackson, 2003).
Methodology: The study was conducted via observation of working condition and face to face interview with call center operators. Measurement of anthropometrics was also conducted.
Results: Ergonomics issues found at call center were inappropriate work condition and workstation which lead to awkward sitting posture (sitting with forward leaning posture, raised shoulder, feet not supported on floor). Besides that organizational policy which required high job demand and subsequently lead to prolonged sitting and static posture (very minimal posture changes). Combination all these factors lead to musculoskeletal symptoms and the operators reported of having neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back pain compared to other body parts.
Conclusion: The management should embark on organization wide ergonomics management program and should review the current policy and create safe and healthy working environment by providing suitable workstation for the operators in order to prevent musculoskeletal.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Understanding ergonomics: a practical approach for improving workplace safety and health

Zafir M.M., Fazilah M.H.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2007;4(1):19-27.
MyJurnal

Ergonomics management is a process that will have a significant, positive effect on a company’s profits through cost reduction, quality improvement, performance improvement and productivity enhancement. Also known as human factors of human engineering, it basically describes the interaction between an employee and his/her job functions, with the emphasis being on reducing unnecessary physical stress in the workplace. The goal of ergonomics is to enable workers to be more effective by matching the requirements and demands of the job to the abilities and limitations of the workers rather than trying to force the workers to fit the job. This paper theoretically describes the benefits of understanding the ergonomics to the workplace. The components and activities required to implement ergonomics management also have been discussed. Besides that, the practical approach of ergonomics has been described by giving practical workplace improvement suggested by scholars. By approaching work practices (stretching, reaching, and sitting) from an ergonomically correct point of view, a worker actually becomes stronger, healthier and more productive.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Ergonomic study for optimum printing workstation using factorial experiment and response surface methodology

Mohammad Iqbal, Hartomo Soewardi, Azmi Hassan, Che Hassan Che Haron

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2004;1(2):42-48.
MyJurnal

This paper presents the use of factorial experiments and response surface methodology to determine the best workstation design configuration of an existing electronic industry. The aim is to find the value of physical dimensions that gives the best performance for the workstation. Four performance measures are selected; the cycle time, the metabolic energy expenditure, worker’s posture during the task and lifting limitations. The methodology used in this study consists of two parts. The first part is based on factorial experiments and handles discrete search over combinations of factor-levels for improving the initial solution. In the second part, the solution that was obtained earlier is further refined by changing the continuous factors by using response surface methodology. The result of this optimization study shows that the optimum value of physical dimensions gives a significant improvement for the performance measures of the workstation.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Perception study on ergonomics practices in Malaysian quarry and mining industry

Norhidayah Mat Sout, Muhamad Arifpin Mansor, Ahmad Rasdan Ismail

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):197-202.
MyJurnal

Ergonomics can be viewed as an approach to reduce injury and illness rates to improve the overall working
conditions for employees by addressing risk factor exposure that may occur during manual tasks. The objective
of this research was to analyze ergonomics risk factors by associating the perception of employer and employees
towards their workplace condition in quarry and mining industry. A Questionnaire on Ergonomics Risk Assessment
was used to determine the comparison level awareness and perception analysis among quarry and mining industry in
Malaysia. The findings of this research prove that the exposure of ergonomics risk factors towards the workers is in
a moderate level with a mean of 3.59 for the overall respondent review about the ergonomics risk among workers at
their workplace. Besides, the most concern in ergonomics is about the awkward posture at work. Some 8.8% of them
agreed and 6.6% of them totally agreed that they were in awkward posture while doing their work. As a conclusion,
assessment of ergonomics in quarry and mining industry will be a platform to provide a safe and healthy working
environment.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext Work-related carpal tunnel syndrome among computer users – a review of the associated risk factors and intervention strategies

Sethu, V.S.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(2):15-22.
MyJurnal

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (WRMSDs-UL) account for one of the largest types of occupational disorders worldwide. This broad term includes several disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tension neck syndrome and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) which are generally caused by poor postures, repetitive strain and psychosocial factors. Various workplace interventions have been investigated and employed to prevent the different WRMSDs-UL, but a common consensus to address the problem has yet to be achieved. This paper reviews and discusses the efficacies of some interventions which have been tested for the most prevalent type of WRMSDs-UL, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). The focus will be on computer users who developed CTS out of the prolonged and repetitive use of keyboards and pointing devices. The interventions studied include engineering design, management strategies, personal development, medical treatment and multi-dimensional approaches. Outcome of the study reveals that the most effective approach would be one that is multi-dimensional in nature, with the inclusion of at least two or more intervention strategies at the same time.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext An investigation of a dental laboratory worker with chronic low back ache

Lim, Jac Fang, Richard Avoi, Noraziah Bakri, Leonard Masudal, Iskandar Nonche, Adrian Joseph, et al.

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2017;14(2):39-41.
MyJurnal

The low back is usually associated with the lumbar spine which supports the entire weight of the upper body and significantly, is vital to the body mobility. Injury to the surrounding soft tissues can cause mild to debilitating symptoms due to muscle strain and ligament sprain. The causes of injury to the lower back are probably due to sudden twisting movement, poor posture position at work and manual handling of heavy objects or with twisting or bending movements while lifting. An Ergonomic Risk Assessment was carried out on a dental laboratory worker who complained of unresolved low back ache after a year on treatment and follow up at the outpatient department of a health clinic. From the various investigative methods used, it was found that the worker in question was placed in a situation that will over time encourage her to develop musculoskeletal disease. Our recommendations for change include immediate awareness and training in ergonomic principles of work and to report all cases so that appropriate action can be taken, reassess the workstation and environment of work, job enrichment, and creating a conducive environment for work. Once the changes have been implemented, a review will be necessary in three months time.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture
Fulltext A survey on working postures among Malaysian industrial workers

Raemy Md. Zein, Noorul Azreen Azis, Isa Halim, Adi Saptari, Seri Rahayu Kamat

Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, 2015;12(1):125-131.
MyJurnal

Working in a safe working posture is a necessity to enhance occupational health of industrial workers. Poor
working posture may lead to injuries, discomfort and fatigue to the workers. The objective of this study is to survey the
postures practised by the Malaysian industrial workers. A questionnaire survey was performed among 282 Malaysian
industrial workers in 10 different industries. From the answered questionnaire, it was observed that shoulder at chest
level (30.1%), back in a bent forward (33.3%) and lifting heavy load (44.7%) are the major work postures practised by
most of industrial workers. This survey identifies that working with shoulder and hand at chest level and back region
moderately bent forward is the main working posture practice by worker. Workers also reported lifting load below 5 kg
at the workstation. This survey recommended for industrial workers to be aware of the comfortable working posture
to avoid injury.

Matched MeSH terms: Posture

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