On the application of motivation theory to human factors/ergonomics: motivational design principles for human-technology interaction.

OBJECTIVE: Motivation is a driving force in human-technology interaction. This paper represents an effort to (a) describe a theoretical model of motivation in human technology interaction, (b) provide design principles and guidelines based on this theory, and (c) describe a sequence of steps for the. evaluation of motivational factors in human-technology interaction. BACKGROUND: Motivation theory has been relatively neglected in human factors/ergonomics (HF/E). In both research and practice, the (implicit) assumption has been that the operator is already motivated or that motivation is an organizational concern and beyond the purview of HF/E. However, technology can induce task-related boredom (e.g., automation) that can be stressful and also increase system vulnerability to performance failures. METHOD: A theoretical model of motivation in human-technology interaction is proposed, based on extension of the self-determination theory of motivation to HF/E. This model provides the basis for both future research and for development of practical recommendations for design. RESULTS: General principles and guidelines for motivational design are described as well as a sequence of steps for the design process. CONCLUSION: Human motivation is an important concern for HF/E research and practice. Procedures in the design of both simple and complex technologies can, and should, include the evaluation of motivational characteristics of the task, interface, or system. In addition, researchers should investigate these factors in specific human-technology domains. APPLICATION: The theory, principles, and guidelines described here can be incorporated into existing techniques for task analysis and for interface and system design.

Uma viagem de trem: a atividade de trabalho dos inspetores ferroviários em diálogo com a ergologia / A train trip: rail inspectors' work activity in dialogue with ergology

Este artigo propõe a narrativa de uma história concreta de trabalho e as discussões teóricas que ela convoca, na perspectiva da ergologia. A história foi produzida durante uma pesquisa com um grupo de inspetores ferroviários de Minas Gerais. A partir da vivência de uma viagem de trem coloca-se em debate os diversos aspectos que compõem e atravessam a atividade de trabalho dos inspetores como a trama e a urdidura, a variáveis a gerir, os valores, a gestão do risco, o "uso de si", o "corpo-si", a hierarquia, o coletivo, a antecipação e o desenvolvimento do sujeito que trabalha(AU)

This paper proposes a narrative of a specific work history and theoretical discussions that it summons, from the perspective of ergology. The story was produced during a survey with a group of railway inspectors of Minas Gerais, Brazil. From the experience of a train journey we discuss the various aspects that compose and traverse the inspectors' work activity, such as the warp and the weft, the managing of variables, the values, the risk management, the "use of oneself", the "body-self", the hierarchy, the collective, the anticipation and a development of the person who works(AU)

Desk-based workers' perspectives on using sit-stand workstations: a qualitative analysis of the Stand@Work study.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting time has been identified as a health risk factor. Sit-stand workstations allow desk workers to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the working day, but not much is known about their acceptability and feasibility. Hence, the aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the acceptability, feasibility and perceptions of using sit-stand workstations in a group of desk-based office workers. METHODS: This article describes the qualitative evaluation of the randomized controlled cross-over Stand@Work pilot trial. Participants were adult employees recruited from a non-government health agency in Sydney, Australia. The intervention involved using an Ergotron Workfit S sit-stand workstation for four weeks. After the four week intervention, participants shared their perceptions and experiences of using the sit-stand workstation in focus group interviews with 4-5 participants. Topics covered in the focus groups included patterns of workstation use, barriers and facilitators to standing while working, effects on work performance, physical impacts, and feasibility in the office. Focus group field notes and transcripts were analysed in an iterative process during and after the data collection period to identify the main concepts and themes. RESULTS: During nine 45-min focus groups, a total of 42 participants were interviewed. Participants were largely intrinsically motivated to try the sit-stand workstation, mostly because of curiosity to try something new, interest in potential health benefits, and the relevance to the participant's own and organisation's work. Most participants used the sit-stand workstation and three common usage patterns were identified: task-based routine, time-based routine, and no particular routine. Common barriers to sit-stand workstation use were working in an open plan office, and issues with sit-stand workstation design. Common facilitators of sit-stand workstation use were a supportive work environment conducive to standing, perceived physical health benefits, and perceived work benefits. When prompted, most participants indicated they were interested in using a sit-stand workstation in the future. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a sit-stand workstation in this group of desk-based office workers was generally perceived as acceptable and feasible. Future studies are needed to explore this in different desk-based work populations and settings.

Mapping the relationships between work and sustainability and the opportunities for ergonomic action.

A map was drawn up of the relationships between work (in its multiple interpretations) and sustainability (sustainable development and corporate sustainability) based on a bibliographic analysis of articles that discuss these themes jointly in the current academic literature. The position of the discipline of ergonomics focused on work was identified from this map and, based on its specific academic literature, it was possible to identify where this discipline could contribute so that work and workers can be included in the discourse of sustainable development and considered in corporate sustainability policies. Ergonomics can be actively influential within the organization on issues relating to work improvements; it may boost integrated increases in the organization's performance and in workers' well-being; it can provide support for changes and new (environmental) sustainability-related work requirements to be considered; and it can contribute to the definition of the concept of work in a context of sustainable development.

Envelhecimento e usuários de informática: repercussões de um programa ergonômico / Aging and computer science users: repercussions of na ergonomic program

Este estudo visa conhecer as repercussões de um programa ergonômico para usuários de informática participantes de um grupo de convivência. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quase experimental e qualitativa, com base em análise temática. As variáveis quantitativas foram descritas em média e desvio padrão. Para a ocorrência de diferenças significativas entre as medidas antropométricas, realizou-se o teste T de Wilcoxon (p ≤ 0,05). Da caracterização dos participantes, observou-se que eles têm bom poder aquisitivo e nível de escolaridade. As alterações na coluna vertebral apresentaram um percentual elevado, mas não houve diferenças significativas nas medidas antropométricas. Por sua vez, as condições de uso do computador mostraram-se razoáveis. Os depoimentos evidenciaram a importância desse programa para a conscientização postural, melhora de movimentos da coluna vertebral e alívio de dores. O estudo mostrou que ambientes informatizados não adaptados podem levar a uma acentuada postura incorreta e dores musculoesqueléticas.(AU)

This work intends to know the repercussions of an ergonomic program for computer science users in a social group. It is a research almost experimental and qualitative, based on theme analysis. The description of the quantitative variables was accomplished by means of average and standard deviation. To verify if there were significant differences between the anthropometric measurements, the Wilcoxon T test (p ≤ 0,05) was carried out. From the participants’ characterization, it was observed that they have great purchasing power and school level. The changes in the vertebral column obtained a high percentage among the researched subjects, however, there were no significant differences in the anthropometric measurements. On the other hand, the computer usage conditions were reasonable. The statements identified that the ergonomic program was important for postural awareness, movement improvement of the vertebral column and pain relief. This study shows that computerized environments which are not adjusted for the elderly can lead to an accented incorrect posture and musculoskeletal pain.(AU)

Envelhecimento e usuários de informática: repercussões de um programa ergonômico / Aging and computer science users: repercussions of na ergonomic program

Este estudo visa conhecer as repercussões de um programa ergonômico para usuários de informática participantes de um grupo de convivência. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quase experimental e qualitativa, com base em análise temática. As variáveis quantitativas foram descritas em média e desvio padrão. Para a ocorrência de diferenças significativas entre as medidas antropométricas, realizou-se o teste T de Wilcoxon (p ≤ 0,05). Da caracterização dos participantes, observou-se que eles têm bom poder aquisitivo e nível de escolaridade. As alterações na coluna vertebral apresentaram um percentual elevado, mas não houve diferenças significativas nas medidas antropométricas. Por sua vez, as condições de uso do computador mostraram-se razoáveis. Os depoimentos evidenciaram a importância desse programa para a conscientização postural, melhora de movimentos da coluna vertebral e alívio de dores. O estudo mostrou que ambientes informatizados não adaptados podem levar a uma acentuada postura incorreta e dores musculoesqueléticas.

This work intends to know the repercussions of an ergonomic program for computer science users in a social group. It is a research almost experimental and qualitative, based on theme analysis. The description of the quantitative variables was accomplished by means of average and standard deviation. To verify if there were significant differences between the anthropometric measurements, the Wilcoxon T test (p ≤ 0,05) was carried out. From the participants’ characterization, it was observed that they have great purchasing power and school level. The changes in the vertebral column obtained a high percentage among the researched subjects, however, there were no significant differences in the anthropometric measurements. On the other hand, the computer usage conditions were reasonable. The statements identified that the ergonomic program was important for postural awareness, movement improvement of the vertebral column and pain relief. This study shows that computerized environments which are not adjusted for the elderly can lead to an accented incorrect posture and musculoskeletal pain.

Case studies of mental models in home heat control: searching for feedback, valve, timer and switch theories.

An intergroup case study was undertaken to determine if: 1) There exist distinct mental models of home heating function, that differ significantly from the actual functioning of UK heating systems; and 2) Mental models of thermostat function can be categorized according to Kempton's (1986) valve and feedback shared theories, and others from the literature. Distinct, inaccurate mental models of the heating system, as well as thermostat devices in isolation, were described. It was possible to categorise thermostat models by Kempton's (1986) feedback shared theory, but other theories proved ambiguous. Alternate control devices could be categorized by Timer (Norman, 2002) and Switch (Peffer et al., 2011) theories. The need to consider the mental models of the heating system in terms of an integrated set of control devices, and to consider user's goals and expectations of the system benefit, was highlighted. The value of discovering shared theories, and understanding user mental models, of home heating, are discussed with reference to their present day relevance for reducing energy consumption.

The ergonomics of dishonesty: the effect of incidental posture on stealing, cheating, and traffic violations.

Research in environmental sciences has found that the ergonomic design of human-made environments influences thought, feeling, and action. In the research reported here, we examined the impact of physical environments on dishonest behavior. In four studies, we tested whether certain bodily configurations-or postures-incidentally imposed by the environment led to increases in dishonest behavior. The first three experiments showed that individuals who assumed expansive postures (either consciously or inadvertently) were more likely to steal money, cheat on a test, and commit traffic violations in a driving simulation. Results suggested that participants' self-reported sense of power mediated the link between postural expansiveness and dishonesty. Study 4 revealed that automobiles with more expansive driver's seats were more likely to be illegally parked on New York City streets. Taken together, the results suggest that, first, environments that expand the body can inadvertently lead people to feel more powerful, and second, these feelings of power can cause dishonest behavior.

An online means of testing asymmetries in seating preference reveals a bias for airplanes and theaters.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate asymmetrical interactions between humans and their environment using online seat booking sites. BACKGROUND: Functional differences between the cerebral hemispheres affect the choices people make. For example, when asked to imagine going to a cinema, people preferentially select seats to the right We investigated whether this experimental research generalizes to online booking sites for aircraft and theaters. METHOD: Occupancy rates for seats taken on the left and right sides were assessed for 100 airline flights with 12,762 available seats and 37 theater performances with 34,456 seats. On the basis of previous research, a rightward bias was predicted for aircraft and theaters. RESULTS: For aircraft, contrary to expectation, occupancy rate was higher for left- compared with right-side seats. For theaters, a rightward bias was observed when the theater was less than half full.The bias was not affected by the orientation of the map. CONCLUSION: For aircraft, the leftward preference could be attributable to a rightward turning bias or a "feeling" that the port seats are closer to the exit, even though they are not. For theaters, the data demonstrate that the rightward preference observed in earlier studies exists only when the theater is relatively empty. APPLICATION: Asymmetrical seating may play an important role in the efficient assimilation of information from the environment, and this role should take this into account when designing effective human-environment interfaces.The online method of assessing seating used in the current study provides an informative and potentially powerful means of assessing asymmetries in human perception and action.

Operators' perception of comfort in two tractor cabs.

Workspace characteristics affect the perceived comfort level of the operator and uncomfortable working conditions have been found to have a negative impact on productivity and safety. The comfort of the operator is increasingly recognized by manufacturers as a product's added value. Comfort can positively distinguish a product and increase its competitiveness. The concept of comfort is controversial, and a clear operational definition is missing. Nevertheless, it is widely accepted that comfort is a subjective phenomenon that can be evaluated by the final users. In this study, comfort aspects of the tractor workspace interior (i.e., the cab) were investigated. Users with various levels of expertise and two medium-power utility tractors of different brands were used in a 2 x 2 mixed-factorial experimental design. Participants were involved in a dynamic assessment of the cabs, and their opinions about the different workspaces were collected through a questionnaire. Additionally, objective measurements were taken on both tractors, and subjective data were compared with objective data. Results indicate significant differences in terms of the ease of locating and operating the controls (i.e., rear-mounted three-point linkage, hydraulic system, and power take-off), the ease of starting the tractor, the ease exiting the cab, the required level of concentration in executing the tasks, the adequacy of lateral visibility from the driving station, and the level of noise at the operator's position. This article provides guidance for improving the comfort of tractor workspace interiors. Agricultural machinery manufactures would benefit from research results, differentiating themselves from competitors.

Problemas con el uso de sillas de ruedas y otras ayudas técnicas y barreras sociales a las que se enfrentan las personas que las utilizan. Estudio cualitativo desde la perspectiva de la ergonomía en personas discapacitadas por enfermedades reumáticas y otras condiciones / Usage problems and social barriers faced by persons with a wheelchair and other aids. Qualitative study from the ergonomics perspective in persons disabled by rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions

Objetivos. Identificar los problemas de uso y accesibilidad a los que se enfrentan las personas discapacitadas (presenten dolor o no) usuarias de ayudas técnicas (sillas de ruedas convencionales); reconocer las barreras físicas que limitan su autonomía, y registrar cuáles son las prácticas socioculturales que los excluyen del proceso de diseño de dichas ayudas. Materiales y método. Participaron 15 pacientes con alguno de los siguientes diagnósticos: espondilitis anquilosante, artritis reumatoide, o amputados que utilizarán sillas de ruedas en México y Colombia. Estudio cualitativo. Análisis: temático y con aproximación teórica del diseño industrial utilizando pruebas de uso para análisis ergonómicos. Resultados. Se identificaron 6 temas asociados a los problemas de uso desde la perspectiva del paciente: barreras que limitan el empleo de las sillas de ruedas (uso y aceptabilidad), adaptaciones creativas, independencia, potencial de uso de las ayudas técnicas (silla de ruedas y/o andaderas), percepción del cuerpo y ayudas técnicas, y barreras arquitectónicas. Las necesidades ergonómicas y de uso, así como el nivel de independencia resultante, son diferentes entre los usuarios de sillas de ruedas que sufren dolor crónico y aquellos cuya discapacidad no involucra dolor. Estos últimos tienen más independencia en sus movimientos y decisiones. Conclusiones. La propuesta del «diseño desde y para el usuario» debe involucrar tanto las perspectivas del técnico en ergonomía y del médico como la interpretación que el usuario hace de su entorno y de la vivencia de la enfermedad (AU)

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the usage and accessibility problems faced by the disabled (whether in pain or not) users of assistive devices (conventional wheelchairs), identify physical barriers that limit their mobility, and recognize the socio-cultural practices excluding them from the design process of such devices. Another main purpose of this paper is to improve the ergonomic criteria that influence the design and manufacture of assistive devices. Materials and method: Study population: 15 patients with any of the following diagnoses: ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or amputees using wheelchairs in Mexico and Colombia. Design: Qualitative study. Thematic analysis with a theoretical industrial design approach to employing usability testing for ergonomic analysis. Results: We identified 6 issues associated with usability problems from the patient’s standpoint: barriers for use of wheelchairs (usability and acceptability), creative adaptations, potential use of technical devices, independence, body perception and assistive devices, and architectural barriers. The ergonomic and usability requirements and the resulting level of independence vary across wheelchair users with chronic pain and those whose disability does not involve pain. The latter are more independent in their movements and decisions. Conclusions: User input is essential in the design of assistive devices. The proposal of “design from and for the user” must rely on both engineering and medical perspective on the ergonomy as well as the user interpretation of the environment and the experience of the disease. Thus we can arrive at a “user-centered design” (AU)

Application of behavior-based ergonomics therapies to improve quality of life and reduce medication usage for Alzheimer's/dementia residents.

Behavior-based ergonomics therapy (BBET) has been proposed in the past as a viable individualized non-pharmacological intervention to manage challenging behaviors and promote engagement among long-term care residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's/dementia. We evaluate the effect of BBET on quality of life and behavioral medication usage in an 18-bed dementia care unit at a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in West Central Ohio. Comparing a target cohort during the 6-month pre-implementation period with the 6-month post-implementation period, our study indicates that BBET appears to have a positive impact on the resident's quality of life and also appears to correlate with behavioral medical reduction. For instance, the number of days with behavioral episodes decreased by 53%, the total Minimum Data Set (MDS) mood counts decreased by 70%, and the total MDS behavior counts decreased by 65%. From a medication usage standpoint, the number of pro re nata (PRN) Ativan doses decreased by 57%.

The explanatory power of Schema Theory: theoretical foundations and future applications in Ergonomics.

Schema Theory is intuitively appealing although it has not always received positive press; critics of the approach argue that the concept is too ambiguous and vague and there are inherent difficulties associated with measuring schemata. As such, the term schema can be met with scepticism and wariness. The purpose of this paper is to address the criticisms that have been levelled at Schema Theory by demonstrating how Schema Theory has been utilised in Ergonomics research, particularly in the key areas of situation awareness, naturalistic decision making and error. The future of Schema Theory is also discussed in light of its potential roles as a unifying theory in Ergonomics and in contributing to our understanding of distributed cognition. We conclude that Schema Theory has made a positive contribution to Ergonomics and with continued refinement of methods to infer and represent schemata it is likely that this trend will continue. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: This paper reviews the contribution that Schema Theory has made to Ergonomics research. The criticisms of the theory are addressed using examples from the areas of situation awareness, decision making and error.

Ergonomics issues in national identity card for homeland security.

Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attack, many countries are considering the use of smart national identity card (SNIC) which has the ability to identify terrorists due to its biometric verification function. However, there are many ergonomics issues in the use of SNIC, e.g. card credibility. This research presents a case study survey of Malaysian users. Although most citizens (>96%) own MyKad (Malaysia SNIC), many do not carry it around and use its applications. This defeats one of its main purposes, i.e. combating terrorism. Thus, the research investigates ergonomics issues affecting the citizens' Intention to Use (ITU) MyKad for homeland security by using an extended technology acceptance model. Five hundred questionnaires were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling. Results show that perceived credibility and performance expectancy are the key issues. The findings provide many countries with insights into methods of addressing ergonomics issues and increasing adoption of SNIC for homeland security.

A utilização da análise ergonômica do trabalho como ferramenta do terapeuta ocupacional no estudo da atividade de trabalho de cabeleireiros / The use of ergonomic job analysis as a tool for the occupational therapist inthe study of the labor activity of hairdressers

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa que objetivou analisar a atividade de trabalho de cabeleireiros, bem como demonstrar a utilidade do método da Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho (AET) comobase metodológica para o terapeuta ocupacional atuar em situações de trabalho, a fim de diagnosticar os riscos ergonômicos da situação estudada e desenvolver um caderno de encargos com recomendações de melhoria. O estudo foi realizado em um salão de beleza localizado em Curitiba, PR, no período de março a outubro de 2010. A categoria profissional estudada foi ?cabeleireiro? e a atividade de trabalho analisada foi ?escova?. Observou-se que o trabalho é realizado através da adoção de posturas inadequadas, movimentos repetitivos adicionando-se aausência de pausas para a recuperação das estruturas musculotendíneas e/ou osteomusculares. Evidenciou-se a necessidade de intervir no ambiente de trabalho, focando-se na sua organização e pôde-se concluir que desvios observados nas atividades de trabalho desenvolvidas nesse setor de serviços refletem-se em consequências para a saúde e bem-estar dos trabalhadores.(AU)

This article presents the results of a research that aimed to analyze the labor activity of hairdressers, as well as to demonstrate the usefulness of Ergonomic Job Analysis (EJA) work-study method as a methodologicalbasis for the occupational therapist to act in different job situations. Through this method, the therapist is able to diagnose the ergonomic risks of the situation studied and develop a booklet of duties with improvementrecommendations. The research was carried out in a hair salon located in the municipality of Curitiba, State of Parana, from March to October 2010. ?Hairdressing? was the occupational category chosen and ?hair straightening? was the work activity analyzed. It was possible to observe that the activity is performed with the adoption of inadequate posture, repetitive movements, and lack of pauses to allow the recovery of the musculotendinous and/or osteomuscular structures. The need to intervene in this working environment is noticeable, focusing on its organization. In conclusion, the disorders observed in the work activities developed in the Third Services reflect in consequences to the health and welfare of workers.(AU)

Ergonomics action research I: shifting from hypothesis testing to experiential learning.

This paper presents the case for the need for 'Action Research' (AR) approaches to gain understanding of how ergonomics considerations can best be integrated into the design of new work systems. The AR researchers work collaboratively with other stakeholders to solve a real-world problem: gaining insight into the problem and factors influencing solution building from an embedded position in the development process. This experience is interpreted in terms of available theory and can support further theory development. This non-experimental approach can help provide practical new approaches for integrating ergonomics considerations into real work system design processes. The AR approach suffers from a lack of acceptance by conventionally trained scientists. This paper aims to help overcome this weakness by developing the underlying theory and rationale for using AR approaches in ergonomics research. We propose further development of hybrid approaches which incorporate other evaluation techniques to extend the knowledge gains from AR projects. PRACTITIONER SUMMARY: Researchers should engage directly with organisations in ergonomics projects so that they can better understand the challenges and needs of practitioners who are trying to apply available scientific knowledge in their own unique context. Such 'Action Research' could help develop theory and approaches useful to improve mobilisation and application of ergonomics knowledge in organisations.

Carregadores de Açaí: Análise ergonômica do trabalho de carregadores de Açaí do Mercado Ver-o-Peso em Belém do Pará / Porters of the Açaí Berry: An ergonomic analysis of porters labor of the açaí in the Ver-o-Peso Market in Belem, Para State

A atividade de carregador de açaí é típica da Amazônia. Para investigar aspectos ergonômicos desta atividade foram aplicados a 30 trabalhadores, cerca de 10% dessa população em Belém, o Questionário Nórdico de Sintomas Osteomusculares - QNSO (PINHEIRO; TRÓCCOLI; CARVALHO, 2002), objetivando conhecer sintomas de inadequações laborais. O estudo teve caráter exploratório e descritivo. Adicionalmente, foi realizada análise profissiográfica para melhor compreensão da atividade e as suas inadequações. A idade dos entrevistados variou de 15 a 58 anos (média=27 anos), o tempo de serviço de um mês a 20 anos e a jornada diária de 3 a 14 horas. As maiores frequências de sintomas foram: dorsal superior, 56,6%; dorsal inferior, 63,3%, e membros inferiores, 53%. Os resultados denunciaram a precariedade do trabalho ocasionada pela quantidade de peso transportada pelos trabalhadores, posição dos barcos, marés e condições meteorológicas. Este estudo pioneiro constatou a necessidade de implementação ergonômica. (AU)

Carrying loads of the Açai Berry is a common activity in the Amazon. In order to investigate ergonomic aspects of these activity, the Nordic Osteomuscular Symptom Questionnaire – NOSQ (PINHEIRO; TRÓCCOLI; CARVALHO, 2002) was administered to 30 workers, or about 10% of this work force in Belem. The purpose was to ascertain organic problems produced by substandard labor conditions. The study was exploratory and descriptive character. In addition, a professional profile analysis was undertaken. Time spent in this activity varied from one month to 20 years, and on a daily basis consumed between three to 14 working hours. The highest frequency of maladaptive symptoms included the upper back (56.1%), lower back (63.3%), and the lower limbs (53%). The professional profile furnished details concerning the effects of hauling baskets of Açaí under precarious labor conditions, such as the boat position, tidal and weather changes, as well as the amount of weight to be transported. This pioneering study noted the need for ergonomic implementation. (AU)

Natural stimuli improve auditory BCIs with respect to ergonomics and performance.

Moving from well-controlled, brisk artificial stimuli to natural and less-controlled stimuli seems counter-intuitive for event-related potential (ERP) studies. As natural stimuli typically contain a richer internal structure, they might introduce higher levels of variance and jitter in the ERP responses. Both characteristics are unfavorable for a good single-trial classification of ERPs in the context of a multi-class brain-computer interface (BCI) system, where the class-discriminant information between target stimuli and non-target stimuli must be maximized. For the application in an auditory BCI system, however, the transition from simple artificial tones to natural syllables can be useful despite the variance introduced. In the presented study, healthy users (N = 9) participated in an offline auditory nine-class BCI experiment with artificial and natural stimuli. It is shown that the use of syllables as natural stimuli does not only improve the users' ergonomic ratings; also the classification performance is increased. Moreover, natural stimuli obtain a better balance in multi-class decisions, such that the number of systematic confusions between the nine classes is reduced. Hopefully, our findings may contribute to make auditory BCI paradigms more user friendly and applicable for patients.

Inovações tecnológicas e organizacionais em escritórios e os impactos na qualidade de vida no trabalho / Technological and organizational innovations in offices and the impacts on the quality of work life

Este estudo buscou identificar as novas exigências do trabalho em escritórios, no atual cenário produtivo, motivadas pelas inovações tecnológicas e organizacionais e sua repercussão na qualidade de vida no trabalho. O referencial teórico fundamentou-se nos pressupostos da Ergonomia da Atividade, e o método baseou-se na Análise Ergonômica do Trabalho (AET). A pesquisa, de abordagem qualitativa, utilizou entrevistas semiestruturadas individuais, com a participação de trinta profissionais de uma instituição financeira brasileira de grande porte, e os dados foram analisados com o uso do programa Alceste. Os resultados apontaram que os entrevistados reconhecem a importância das inovações tecnológicas na realização de suas atividades, mas associam a elas o advento de novas exigências, decorrentes principalmente da intensificação e da maior complexidade e controle do trabalho, que resultam no aumento do custo humano do trabalho.(AU)

This study aimed to identify the new requirements of work in offices, in the current production scenario, driven by technological and organizational innovations, and their impact on the quality of work life. The theoretical framework was based on the assumptions of Ergonomics of Activity, and the method was based on Ergonomic Work Analysis (EWA). The research, which has a qualitative approach, used individual semi-structured interviews, with the participation of thirty professionals from a large Brazilian financial institution, and the data were analyzed using the software Alceste. The results indicated that respondents recognize the importance of technological innovations to carry out their activities, but they associate to them the advent of new requirements, mainly due to the intensification and greater complexity and control of work, resulting in an increased human cost of work.(AU)

Os bastidores da produção de fogos de artifício em Santo Antônio do Monte: degradação das condições de trabalho e saúde dos pirotecnistas / The backstage of fireworks production in Santo Antonio do Monte: notes on the degradation of the pyrotechnists work conditions and health

A cidade de Santo Antônio do Monte é considerada o 2º maior polo mundial de produção de fogos de artifício, sendo a pirotecnia a principal atividade econômica da região. Entretanto, o trabalho na indústria pirotécnica tem suscitado sérias preocupações das entidades sindicais e dos pesquisadores, bem como dos trabalhadores e suas famílias. Os acidentes de trabalho nesse setor são, geralmente, fatais ou mutilantes, havendo, ainda, registros de doenças relacionadas ao trabalho. Por isso, neste estudo almejou-se analisar as repercussões do processo de produção de fogos de artifício sobre a saúde e segurança desses trabalhadores. Os estudos da Psicopatologia do Trabalho e da tradição francesa de análise ergonômica constituíram as principais referências deste estudo. Para a realização desta pesquisa, utilizou-se uma estratégia metodológica pluridimensional, que reuniu e articulou dados estatísticos, empíricos (fatos clínicos, relatos, observações) e documentais. Os resultados revelam que os trabalhadores estão sujeitos a acidentes decorrentes do exercício de funções para as quais não foram adequadamente treinados, bem como a uma atividade penosa e nociva, geradora de lesões por esforço repetitivo (LERs) e doenças osteomusculares relacionadas ao trabalho. As mulheres que trabalham nesse setor também enfrentam o assédio sexual praticado por prepostos dos empregadores.(AU)

The town of Santo Antonio do Monte is deemed to be the 2nd largest center of fireworks production in the world, and pyrotechnics is the region's main economic activity. However, the work in the pyrotechnic industry has raised serious concerns from labor unions and researchers, as well as the workers and their families. Labor accidents in this sector are usually fatal or mutilating, and there're also reports of labor-related diseases. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the repercussions of the fireworks production process on these workers' health and safety. Studies on the Psychopathology of Work and those based on the French tradition of ergonomic analysis provided the main references for this study. To carry out this research, we used a pluridimensional methodological strategy, which gathered and connected statistical, empirical (clinical facts, reports, observations), and documental data. The results show that workers are exposed to accidents resulting from the performance of jobs for which they haven't been properly trained, as well as to a painful and harmful activity, which causes repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and workrelated musculoskeletal diseases. Women who work in this sector also face sexual harassment practiced by their employer's representatives.(AU)