A Novel Device for the Evaluation of In Vitro Bacterial Colonization in Membranes for Guided Tissue and Bone Regeneration.

Purpose: To evaluate, in vitro, the efficiency of a novel apparatus to test the adherence and penetration of bacteria on different membranes for guided regeneration. Methodology: To create the 3D device, Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems were used. Three types of biomaterials were tested (n = 6): (DT) a collagen membrane; (DS) a polymer membrane; and (LP) a dense polytetrafluoroethylene barrier. The biomaterials were adapted to the apparatuses and challenged with two different monospecies bacterial culture of A. actinomycetemcomitans b and S. mutans. After 2 h, bacterial adherence and penetration were quantified by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Two specimens from each group were used for image analysis using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. Statistical analysis was performed. Findings: The DS group had a higher adherence of S. mutans compared to A. actinomycetemcomitans b (p = 0.05). There was less adherence of A. actinomycetemcomitans b in the DS group, compared to the LP (p = 0.011) and DT (p < 0.001) groups. Only the membranes allowed penetration, which was blocked by barriers. The DT group allowed a greater penetration of S. mutans to occur compared to A. actinomycetemcomitans b (p = 0.009), which showed a higher penetration into the DS membranes compared to S. mutans (p = 0.016). The penetration of A. actinomycetemcomitans b through DS was higher compared to its penetration through DT and LP (p < 0.01 for both). DT and DS allowed a greater penetration of S. mutans to occur compared to LP, which prevented both bacterial species from penetrating. Conclusion: The apparatus allowed for the settlement and complete sealing of the biomaterials, enabling standardization.

Systemic relations among the variables involved in occupational accidents of the nursing team in a psychiatric hospital.

BACKGROUND: The occupational activities carried out in hospital environments pose occupational risks to professionals. In psychiatric hospitals, due to the characteristics of the patients treated, professionals are also subjected to other risks, such as physical aggression. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to identify the systemic context, highlighting the cause-and-effect relationships that culminate in occupational accidents that occurred with the nursing staff in a psychiatric hospital in Brazil. METHODS: The current study is an applied research and was divided into three stages. First, the collection of data related to the case study was made and accidents were analyzed and occupational hazards were identified. In the second stage, from the collected information, occupational safety indicators were defined. Lastly, in the third stage, the qualitative aspect of System Dynamics was applied to perform the systemic analysis and to identify how the different variables were related. RESULTS: The results showed that physical aggression was the main cause of accidents. Regarding safety indicators, while both the level of use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) by professionals and the high level of PPE protection were positive aspects, the level of training of professionals to use PPE was a negative aspect. The Causal Link Diagram (CLD) showed that the perception of risk influenced the level of use of PPE and those organizational measures influenced the accident rate. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the systemic analysis of the system dynamics can optimize the diagnostic process of occupational accidents in psychiatric hospitals, and especially help to identify the cause and effect among the variables involved.

Ergonomic assessment of postal workers' pain symptoms and musculoskeletal risks related to parcel processing activity for delivery.

The parcel delivery activity is carried out all over the world and workers in this sector have suffered from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to the strong demand for work generated by the recent increase in e-commerce. This study aimed to evaluate postal workers' pain symptoms, movements and identify MSDs risks related to the parcel processing activity for delivery, proposing preventive measures. A sample of thirty-two workers was evaluated with the application of sociodemographic and Nordic questionnaires and electrical bioimpedance. The motion capture sensors were used to evaluate right/left shoulder joints, segment C7-T1 (Cervical) and segment L5-S1 (Lumbar) of three postal workers (percentiles of anthropometric data: 5, 50, and 95) during four real work activities that are part of the parcel processing. The analyzed workers presented musculoskeletal complaints in practically all body regions, with a greater prevalence in shoulders, hands, lower back, and knees. According to the Body Mass Index (BMI), they were on average overweight (27.8 ± 3.7 kg/m2). In the movement analysis, we identified risks related to cervical protrusion, anterior trunk flexion, and shoulder flexion, in addition to repetitive movements. In some activities, the higher stature showed an increase in lumbar and cervical anterior flexion. The set of evaluations showed that the activity of processing orders for delivery offers musculoskeletal risks. We identify that ergonomic adaptations are necessary to adapt the heights of the work environment to the statures of the postal workers. Relevance to industry: The activity of processing orders for delivery is carried out practically all over the world generating jobs and income for its employees. Nonetheless, there are still situations of ergonomic disadvantage that can generate musculoskeletal risks. The findings elucidate ergonomic risks and provide useful information for future ergonomic interventions in the postal/delivery workplace environment.

Cutting force measurement: Hand tool instrumentation used in slaughterhouses - a systematic review.

Workers' intensive use of hand tool cutting in the meat packing industry is a risk factor for occupational health, mainly by mechanical compression of tissues in the upper limbs, which can cause Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs). This systematic review aimed to identify the characteristics and measured variables of instrumented knives and determine how they should be designed. The review process and article extractions occurred through an analysis of the (article) titles, keywords and abstracts, followed by reading the full texts by two reviewers independently. Searches were conducted in Medline, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Ebsco and Engineering Village for articles published in peer-reviewed journals from January 2000 to March 2019, in the English language. The result of (the) search included 1289 potentially eligible studies, with 894 duplicated/triplicated/quadruplicated articles that were excluded, resulting in 404 remaining articles of which 33 were considered eligible, with 36 additional articles, totaling 69 evaluated full texts. After the review, none of the 14 analyzed studies, were rated as having good methodological quality. In addition, four types of instrumented knives were used. Data acquisition was performed in both laboratory and meat processing plants. It is noteworthy that only one knife was submitted to a validation process and that the articles did not provide complete technical information about the knives. The result demonstrated that the cutting force varies within and between subjects, tasks, plants and blade finishings. All knives used some type of electrical connection via cable or wires. Of the articles found, none considered the influences that the workers are subject to when they do not use the same tool daily for data acquisition. Therefore, the development of different types of instrumented knives, with wireless data transmission and more rigorous studies are necessary to expand the knowledge of the cutting force and development of WMSD in slaughterhouse workers who perform meat cutting.

Aplicabilidade da captura de movimentos na pesquisa interdisciplinar de tecnologia assistiva: um relato de experiência / Applicability of motion capture in interdisciplinary research of assistive technology: a report of experience

Resumo Introdução A Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) é apontada como uma das soluções para proporcionar uma melhor funcionalidade e qualidade de vida às pessoas com doenças reumatológicas. Projetos interdisciplinares com foco em avaliar, indicar e desenvolver TA são importantes para os avanços na pesquisa e assistência clínica. A captura de movimento, por meio da instrumentação tecnológica, apresenta-se como um tema inovador por fornecer dados objetivos sobre o usuário. Mais estudos nessa área são necessários para conhecer as possibilidades de aplicação da instrumentação tecnológica em pesquisas de TA. Objetivo Descrever a aplicabilidade da captura de movimento, por meio de um equipamento de alta tecnologia, numa pesquisa interdisciplinar de TA para pacientes reumatológicos. Método Trata-se de Relato de Experiência, com uma abordagem qualitativa, no qual foi descrito as ações utilizando um equipamento tecnológico específico para captura de movimentos. Resultados Foi utilizada a captura de movimento com três finalidades: apoio educacional; avaliação de usabilidade de recursos de TA desenvolvidos; e suporte a grupos de estudo de terapeutas ocupacionais para análises de atividades. Conclusão Nas diferentes ações, a captura de movimento funcionou como um recurso complementar para as análises de atividades realizadas pelos terapeutas ocupacionais, o que contribuiu para a indicação, desenvolvimento e avaliação dos dispositivos de TA e para facilitar as orientações dadas no manual e nos grupos de orientação sobre Proteção Articular. O trabalho interdisciplinar foi o diferencial para o uso adequado do equipamento.

Abstract Introduction Assistive Technology (AT) is pointed as one of the possible solutions to offer better functionality and quality of life for people with rheumatological diseases. Interdisciplinary projects focused on assessing, indicating, and developing AT are important for advances in research and clinical care. Motion capture, through technological instrumentation, is an innovative theme for providing objective data about the user. Further studies in this area are needed to know the possibilities of applying technological instrumentation in AT research. Objective To describe the applicability of motion capture, using high-tech equipment, in an interdisciplinary AT research for rheumatological patients. Method It is an Experience Report, with a qualitative approach, in which the actions were described using specific technological equipment to motion capture. Results: Motion capture was used for three purposes: educational support; usability evaluation of AT resources developed; and support for study groups of occupational therapists to activity analysis. Conclusion In the different actions, the motion capture was used as a complementary resource for activities' analysis performed by occupational therapists, which contributed to the indication, development, and evaluation of AT devices and to facilitate the instructions provided in manual and in the guidance groups about Joint Protection. Interdisciplinary work was differentiated for the proper use of equipment.

Work Ergonomic Analysis: Application of a Postural Study on the Oysters Cultivation / Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho: Aplicação de um Estudo Postural no Cultivo de Ostras

The cultivation of marine mollusks is an activity of great importance in Brazil, providing employment and income for artisanal fishermen and fishing communities, contributing to local development. However, this type of cultivation is still carried out in a very handmade way with intense use of labor. The objective of this study was to describe the postures and movements of fish farmers during the oyster classification activity. Ten employees of a marine farm participated in the municipality of Florianópolis, SC. For the analysis of the posture and movements, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method and NIOSH method were used along with in situ observation and interviews with the workers. The task of oysters classification presents an average risk of injury or occupational diseases, especially in the cervical region and upper limbs, as it is developed with marked flexion of the head and shoulders, which requires a lot of the muscles involved to maintain the posture and perform repetitive movements. Many workers have muscle pains in the shoulders, lower back, hands, wrists and fingers. Simple and economically viable adaptations should be adopted, because through ergonomic evaluation it is possible to carry out interventions that are within the reach of the workers. It is necessary to transmit knowledge so that the workers are aware of the postures that they must adopt in the accomplishment of this aquaculture activity and thus to promote a better quality of life of this population. (AU).

O cultivo de moluscos marinhos é uma atividade de grande importância no Brasil proporcionando a geração de emprego e renda para pescadores artesanais e comunidades pesqueiras, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento local. Entretanto, este tipo de cultivo ainda é realizado de forma bastante artesanal com intensa utilização de mão de obra. Diante disso, este estudo teve por objetivo realizar uma descrição das posturas e movimentos de maricultores durante a realização da atividade de classificação de ostras. Participaram voluntariamente dez funcionários de uma fazenda marinha no município de Florianópolis, SC. Para análise da postura e movimentos, utilizou-se o método Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) e método NIOSH juntamente com a observação in loco e entrevistas com os maricultores. A tarefa de classificação de ostras apresenta médio risco de lesão ou doenças ocupacionais, principalmente na região cervical e membros superiores, pois é desenvolvida com acentuada flexão de cabeça e ombros, o que exige muito da musculatura envolvida para manter a postura e realizar movimentos repetitivos. Muitos trabalhadores apresentam dores musculares nos ombros, lombar, mãos, punhos e dedos. Adaptações simples e economicamente viáveis devem ser adotadas, pois através da avaliação ergonômica é possível realizar intervenções que estão ao alcance dos trabalhadores. Necessitase transmitir os conhecimentos para que os trabalhadores tenham consciência das posturas que devem adotar na realização desta atividade aquícola e assim promover uma melhor qualidade de vida desta população. (AU).

An aircraft seat discomfort scale using item response theory.

The purpose of this study is to construct an aircraft seat discomfort scale and verify the evidence of its validity and reliability. We developed a questionnaire and presented it to 1500 Brazilian passengers at an airport. The data analysis included: 1) factor analysis; 2) the analysis of the items to be used in the scale created using Item Response Theory. The scale covered all levels, from "without discomfort" to "maximum discomfort". At the level of minimal, a passenger feels that the aircraft seat is cramped and has little space. Discomfort tends to increase when passengers are unable to perform desired activities (eg: reading, sleeping), which causes irritation and disappointment. The maximum discomfort level occurs when noise disrupts activities and an aircraft seat is considered hard. The scale developed presented indications that it is reliable and valid, proving to be a useful tool for identifying levels of discomfort in aircraft seats.

Simulating the influence of physical overload on assembly line performance: A case study in an automotive electrical component plant.

Although the workstations of a Brazilian automotive electrical harness production line are set close to TAKT time (the production rate required to meet demand), factory performance is compromised regarding: (i) sick leaves due to occupational disease (105 employees last year) and (ii) a production rate at only 42% of capacity. Our objective was to simulate the performance of a production line balanced against physical overload by the addition of an extra workstation. Based on ergonomic work analysis, the study applied System Dynamics at the global observation stage to obtain a systemic interpretation of the factors involved in production line performance. According to the indicators, the alternative configuration reduced physical overload by 36%, which would result in a sick leave rate of 50.8 employees/year (51.6% lower than the current configuration), as well as a production rate at 99% of capacity (a 92.7% increase over the current configuration). We found that reducing physical overload allows the "workforce control" loop to govern the system, producing favorable results. We conclude that setting the work cycle overly close to TAKT time leads to overload, due to the shorter recovery times at the end of each cycle. Thus, it is necessary to seek a balance between efficiency gains through downtime reduction and the physiological recovery of workers.

Proposta de gestão do absenteísmo da enfermagem hospitalar: uma revisão sistemática / Proposal for management of absenteeism among hospital nurses: a systematic review

Resumo Objetivo: Investigar na literatura o conhecimento disponível sobre a interdependência dos agentes desencadeantes do absenteísmo da enfermagem hospitalar para inferir, a partir de uma perspectiva multicausal, possíveis ações de gestão e controle. Métodos: Revisão sistemática compreendendo o recorte temporal de 2013 à 2017, utilizando descritores operacionalizados em bases de dados indexadas do portal da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES). A busca seguiu a metodologia Statement Preferred Reporting items For Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) auxiliada pelo software EndNote®. Resultados: Finalizado o processo de depuração dos 269 artigos recuperados, 39 atenderam aos critérios de inclusão estabelecidos e, deles, 23,08% atribuiu a origem do absenteísmo a causas diversas não específicas. A organização do trabalho foi identificada como causa em 20,51% do material analisado, os adoecimentos musculoesqueléticos 15,38% e, os transtornos mentais e comportamentais totalizaram 10,26%. A síndrome de Burnout, 7,69% dos artigos, a satisfação no trabalho e os aspectos psicossociais 5,13% cada, relacionamento com demais membros das equipes, assédio e resiliência, ambiente laboral, fadiga e conflitos com o paciente, cada um, com 2,56% dos artigos analisados na revisão sistemática. Conclusão: Pelos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que o absenteísmo deve ser tratado a partir de uma perspectiva múltipla, holística, epidemiológica e prospectiva através de variáveis organizacionais, físicas e cognitivas compatíveis com as análises multicausais.

Abstract Objective: To search the literature for information on interdependent factors influencing absenteeism of hospital nurses using a multicausal perspective analysis and to identify possible management and control actions. Methods: This systematic review included publications from 2013 to 2017. We used keywords from databases available at the portal of Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). EndNote® software was used to manage data, and we followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. Results: A total of 269 articles were retrieved, and 39 of them met our inclusion criteria. Studies that attributed absenteeism to a number of non-specific reasons accounted for 23.08% of the sample. The organization in work environment was defined as the reason in 20.51% of reports, musculoskeletal disease was the main reasons in 7.69%, and mental and behavioral disorders made up 10.26% of pointed causes. The Burnout syndrome was attributed as the reason for absenteeism in 7.69% of reports; satisfaction in work and psychological aspects accounted for 5.13% each in the studies, and relationship with other members of the nursing team, bullying and resilience, work environment, fatigue and conflicts with patients each were the reason in 2.56% of the studies analyzed in our systematic review. Conclusion: Absenteeism must be treated from a multiple, holistic, epidemiologic and prospective perspectives by adoption of organizational, physical and cognitive variables that are compatible with multicausal analyses.

Investigation of musculoskeletal symptoms in a manufacturing company in Brazil: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent and represent the most common health problem among the working population in industrially-developing countries, with considerable costs and impact on quality of life. Despite the high incidence of disability insurance claims among Brazilian manufacturing-sector workers, only a few studies assessed musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To provide information on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among manufacturing-sector workers and to explore the relationship between musculoskeletal disorders and sociodemographic and occupational characteristics in a medium metallurgical company located in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Data was collected through the use of a specifically-designed questionnaire and the items used to collect musculoskeletal disorders data were based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used and multivariate logistic regression analysis (p<0.02) was performed to explore the associations between musculoskeletal disorders and potential risk factors. RESULTS: The upper limb was the most frequently affected body region among manufacturing-sector workers: shoulder (24.8%), elbow and/or forearm (15.5%), wrist and/or hand (19.0%). Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that company experience (p=0.02), presence of sleep disorders (p=0.00), self-reported general health state (p=0.00) and perform work pause (p=0.00) were significant risk factors for development of musculoskeletal disorders. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic and work-related aspects are influential risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. These results add comprehension about musculoskeletal disorders prevalence and suggest a need for greater emphasis on prevention strategies.

Design and validation of an aircraft seat comfort scale using item response theory.

This article aims to evaluate the psychometric properties of a scale that measures aircraft seat comfort. Factor analysis was used to study data variances. Psychometric quality was checked by using Item Response Theory. The sample consisted of 1500 passengers who completed a questionnaire at a Brazilian airport. Full information factor analysis showed the presence of one dominant factor explaining 34% of data variance. The scale generated covered all levels of comfort data, from 'no comfort' to 'maximum comfort'. The results show that the passengers consider there is comfort, but this is very minimal when these passengers have to perform their desired activities. It tends to increase when aspects of the aircraft seating are improved and positive emotions are elicited. Comfort peaks when pleasure is experienced and passenger expectations are exceeded (maximum comfort). This outcome seems consistent with the literature. Further research is advised to compare the outcome of this questionnaire with other research methods, and to check if the questionnaire is sensitive enough and whether its conclusions are useful in practice.

Interaction levels between comfort and discomfort in aircraft seats.

BACKGROUND: Although comfort and discomfort on seats have been widely investigated, their nature is still not well described by literature and it is not known exactly how the interaction between these two phenomena happens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the multidimensional nature of comfort and discomfort in aircraft seats as well as their levels of interaction. METHODS: A comfort-discomfort questionnaire has been given to 1500 passengers in Brazil. RESULTS: The results brought evidence that comfort and discomfort are different phenomena with a strong negative correlation. At extreme levels, the presence of comfort implies the absence of discomfort; however at the other levels of comfort (minimum to moderate) there is the presence of discomfort. Estimating the scores given by the passengers has allowed them to be placed at scales of comfort and discomfort with their different levels. However, no passenger has achieved the levels of maximum comfort or of maximum discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to infer that comfort, as much as discomfort are multidimensional phenomena and must be evaluated through scales with different levels, since at the extreme levels there is no interaction between the phenomena, but at the intermediate levels the passengers could perceive comfort and discomfort at the same time.

Solutions in radiology services management: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed at reviewing the literature to identify solutions for problems observed in radiology services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Basic, qualitative, exploratory literature review at Scopus and SciELO databases, utilizing the Mendeley and Illustrator CC Adobe softwares. RESULTS: In the databases, 565 papers - 120 out of them, pdf free - were identified. Problems observed in the radiology sector are related to procedures scheduling, humanization, lack of training, poor knowledge and use of management techniques, and interaction with users. The design management provides the services with interesting solutions such as Benchmarking, CRM, Lean Approach, ServiceBlueprinting, continued education, among others. CONCLUSION: Literature review is an important tool to identify problems and respective solutions. However, considering the small number of studies approaching management of radiology services, this is a great field of research for the development of deeper studies.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho é levantar e identificar, na literatura, soluções no âmbito da gestão para os problemas encontrados na área de radiologia. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: A pesquisa é um estudo bibliográfico, de natureza básica, de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo exploratório. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados Scopus e SciELO e os softwares Mendeley e Illustrator CC Adobe. RESULTADOS: Nas bases de dados foram contabilizados, ao todo, 565 documentos, dos quais 120 tinham pdf free. Entre os problemas do setor estão: agendamento de horários, humanização, falta de treinamentos, pouco conhecimento e utilização das técnicas de gestão e interação com o usuário. A gestão de design apresenta soluções interessantes para o serviço, tais como Benchmarking, CRM, Lean Approach, ServiceBlueprinting, educação permanente, entre outras. CONCLUSÃO: Na busca de levantamento de problemas e soluções, a revisão de literatura é uma importante ferramenta, porém, tendo em vista os poucos estudos encontrados no âmbito de gestão na área, é importante realizar estudos mais profundos, o que torna a área um vasto campo a ser estudado.

Solutions in radiology services management: a literature review / Soluções no serviço de radiologia no âmbito da gestão: uma revisão da literatura

AbstractObjective:The present study was aimed at reviewing the literature to identify solutions for problems observed in radiology services.Materials and Methods:Basic, qualitative, exploratory literature review at Scopus and SciELO databases, utilizing the Mendeley and Illustrator CC Adobe softwares.Results:In the databases, 565 papers – 120 out of them, pdf free – were identified. Problems observed in the radiology sector are related to procedures scheduling, humanization, lack of training, poor knowledge and use of management techniques, and interaction with users. The design management provides the services with interesting solutions such as Benchmarking, CRM, Lean Approach, ServiceBlueprinting, continued education, among others.Conclusion:Literature review is an important tool to identify problems and respective solutions. However, considering the small number of studies approaching management of radiology services, this is a great field of research for the development of deeper studies.

ResumoObjetivo:O objetivo deste trabalho é levantar e identificar, na literatura, soluções no âmbito da gestão para os problemas encontrados na área de radiologia.Materiais e Métodos:A pesquisa é um estudo bibliográfico, de natureza básica, de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo exploratório. Foram utilizadas as bases de dados Scopus e SciELO e os softwares Mendeley e Illustrator CC Adobe.Resultados:Nas bases de dados foram contabilizados, ao todo, 565 documentos, dos quais 120 tinham pdf free. Entre os problemas do setor estão: agendamento de horários, humanização, falta de treinamentos, pouco conhecimento e utilização das técnicas de gestão e interação com o usuário. A gestão de design apresenta soluções interessantes para o serviço, tais como Benchmarking, CRM, Lean Approach, ServiceBlueprinting, educação permanente, entre outras.Conclusão:Na busca de levantamento de problemas e soluções, a revisão de literatura é uma importante ferramenta, porém, tendo em vista os poucos estudos encontrados no âmbito de gestão na área, é importante realizar estudos mais profundos, o que torna a área um vasto campo a ser estudado.

Erros de medicação: análise ergonômica de utensílios da sala de medicação em ambiente hospitalar / Medication errors: ergonomic analysis of the utensils in the medication living in the hospital environment

Da prescrição até a administração de medicamentos em pacientes podem ocorrer erros que causam dor, sofrimento e, em casos extremos, a morte. Assim, o objetivo geral deste artigo foi identificar os problemas relacionados aos utensílios da sala de preparo de medicação de um hospital da Grande Florianópolis no que tange à ergonomia física, cognitiva e organizacional, a fim de propor possíveis soluções no preparo de medicação para a eliminação ou minimização de erros no fluxo de medicação. Como método, fez-se: pesquisa bibliográfica, visita a campo e avaliação dos utensílios quanto à ergonomia física, cognitiva e organizacional. Como resultados, elaborou-se um quadro de análise de alguns utensílios da sala de medicação do hospital escola estudado, os quais foram relacionados com possíveis soluções para a otimização do processo de medicação. Assim, espera-se contribuir para a melhoria do trabalho dos profissionais da saúde e, consequentemente, promover uma melhor prestação de serviços à população.

From prescription to medication administration, errors that cause pain, suffering and, in extreme cases, death may occur in patients. Thus, the aim of this paper was to identify the problems related to the utensils used in the medication room of a hospital in Florianópolis, in respect to physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics, in order to propose possible solutions to prepare medications for disposal or minimization of errors in the stream of medication. As a method, they were used: literature review, field visit and assessment tools as physical, cognitive and organizational ergonomics. As a results, it is presented a framework analysing some utensils of medication room, which has been elaborated and related with possible solutions to optimization of the medication process. Thus, it is expected to contribute to improving the work of health professionals and promote better service to the population.

Influence of gender on the prevalence of Rsi/WRULD in meat-packing plants.

This research aimed to determine the handgrip strength difference between (♂) and (♀) and its influence on the incidence of RSI / WRULD in meat-packing plants. The study had the participation of 201 workers from the bone sector of a pig slaughterhouse located in the municipality of Sao Miguel do Iguacu, state of Parana, Brazil, being 98 men and 103 women with mean age of 34.3 ( ± 4.7 years) and weight of 66.3 (± 6.5 kg) for (♀) and 36.5 (± 6.4 years) and weight of 77.6 (± 5.8 kg) for (♂). Handgrip strength was used in the evaluation. Descriptive statistics and "t" test were applied, with significance level of 0.05% for strength test and percentage of pain levels. The results were presented according to gender (♂) 44.94 kgf (± 4.51) for the dominant hand (DH) and 41.09 kgf (± 4.09) for the non-dominant hand (NDH), and for males (♀), the average was 29.20 kgf (± 2.20) for DH and 28.40 kgf (± 2.39) for NDH. Statistical analysis indicated a "t" greater than 0.05 with 3.49% for DH and 2.95 for NDH, showing that (♂) and (♀) have strength levels significantly different in both hands and this study indicated that females have 35% less strength in the DH and 30.8% in the NDH. With regard to pain symptoms, pain for (♀) was higher than for (♂), with 21.5% in the shoulder region, 25% in neck, 48% in the column, 48.7% and in the arms and 48.8% in wrists and hands. It could be concluded that (♀) have less strength and higher percentage of pain in relation to (♂) when exposed to repetitive work and with identical tasks. Thus, it becomes clear that to avoid RSI / WRULD in meat-packing plants, companies should use knowledge on ergonomics in order to provide a work environment that respects the physiological differences between males and females.

Comfort model for automobile seat.

Comfort on automobile seats is lived daily by thousands of drivers. Epistemologically, comfort can be understood under the theory of complexity, since it emerges from a chain of interrelationships between man and several elements of the system. This interaction process can engender extreme comfort associated to the feeling of pleasure and wellbeing or, on the other hand, lead to discomfort, normally followed by pain. This article has for purpose the development of a theoretical model that favours the comfort feature on automobile seats through the identification of its facets and indicators. For such, a theoretical study is resorted to, allowing the mapping of elements that constitute the model. The results present a comfort model on automobile seats that contemplates the (physical, psychological, object, context and environment) facets. This model is expected to contribute with the automobile industry for the development of improvements of the ergonomic project of seats to increase the comfort noticed by the users.

Universal design and accessibility: an approach of the influence of muscle strength loss in the risk of falls in the elderly.

This study was conducted with older adults living in a long-stay institution in the city of Foz do Iguacu, Parana, Brazil with the objective of assessing the influence of muscle strength loss in the risk of falls. The sample consisted of 65 elderly who walk without the aid of support for locomotion, 37 women and 28 men, aged between 67 and 80 years. The risk of falls was assessed through the TUG test. To determine the handgrip strength, a hand dynamometer model Jamar ( was used, which provides the result in kg / force (kgf), being held only with the dominant hand. The results showed that in the last 12 months, only 32% of the elderly surveyed had no fall and the average handgrip strength was 24.32 ( 11.22 kgf; 40% had one fall and the average handgrip strength was 23.82 ( 10.18 kgf; 8% had two falls and the average handgrip strength was 19.48 ( 8.21 kgf and 20% had more than one fall and the average handgrip strength of 18.13 ( 7.33 Kgf., indicating that the force levels are statistically lower among elderly at high risk of falls (p> 0.05). It was concluded that the lower the force level, the greater the likelihood of falls. Thus, it is important to stress that due to the loss of muscle strength, all ergonomic hazards and architectural barriers must be removed so that older adults can perform their tasks more easily, with comfort and safety.

Usability in product design--the importance and need for systematic assessment models in product development--Usa-Design Model (U-D) ©.

In product design, human factors are considered as an element of differentiation given that today's consumer demands are increasing. Safety, wellbeing, satisfaction, health, effectiveness, efficiency, and other aspects must be effectively incorporated into the product development process. This work proposes a usability assessment model that can be incorporated as an assessment tool. The methodological approach is settled in two stages. First a literature review focus specifically on usability and developing user-centred products. After this, a model of usability named Usa-Design (U-D©) is presented. Consisted of four phases: understanding the use context, pre-preliminary usability assessment (efficiency/effectiveness/satisfaction); assessment of usability principles and results, U-D© features are modular and flexible, allowing principles used in Phase 3 to be changed according to the needs and scenario of each situation. With qualitative/quantitative measurement scales of easy understanding and application, the model results are viable and applicable throughout all the product development process.

The technological obsolescence of the Brazilian eletronic ballot box.

The electronic ballot box has played a significant role in the consolidation of Brazilian political process. It has enabled paper ballots extinction as a support for the elector's vote as well as for voting counting processes. It is also widely known that election automation has decisively collaborated to the legitimization of Brazilian democracy, getting rid of doubts about the winning candidates. In 1995, when the project was conceived, it represented a compromise solution, balancing technical efficiency and costs trade-offs. However, this architecture currently limits the ergonomic enhancements to the device operation, transportation, maintenance and storage. Nowadays are available in the market devices of reduced dimensions, based on novel computational architecture, namely tablet computers, which emphasizes usability, autonomy, portability, security and low power consumption. Therefore, the proposal under discussion is the replacement of the current electronic ballot boxes for tablet-based devices to improve the ergonomics aspects of the Brazilian voting process. These devices offer a plethora of integrated features (e.g., capacitive touchscreen, speakers, microphone) that enable highly usable and simple user interfaces, in addition to enhancing the voting process security mechanisms. Finally, their operational systems features allow for the development of highly secure applications, suitable to the requirements of a voting process.