Comparing the impact of an icon array versus a bar graph on preference and understanding of risk information: Results from an online, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined the best way to convey the probability of serious events occurring in the future (i.e., risk of stroke or death) to persons with low numeracy or graph literacy proficiency. To address this gap, we developed and user-tested a bar graph and compared it to icon arrays to assess its impact on understanding and preference for viewing risk information. OBJECTIVES: To determine the: (i) formats' impact on participants' understanding of risk information; (ii) formats' impact on understanding and format preference across numeracy and graph literacy subgroups; (iii) rationale supporting participants' preference for each graphical display format. METHODS: An online sample (evenly made up of participants with high and low objective numeracy and graph literacy) was randomized to view either the icon array or the bar graph. Each format conveyed the risk of major stroke and death five years after choosing surgery, a stent, or medication to treat carotid artery stenosis. Participants answered questions to assess their understanding of the risk information. Lastly, both formats were presented in parallel, and participants were asked to identify their preferred format to view risk information and explain their preference. RESULTS: Of the 407 participants, 197 were assigned the icon array and 210 the bar graph. Understanding of risk information and format preference did not differ significantly between the two trial arms, irrespective of numeracy and graph literacy proficiency. High numeracy and graph literacy proficiency was associated with high understanding (p<0.01) and a preference for the bar graph (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence to demonstrate the superiority of one format over another on understanding. The majority of participants preferred viewing the risk information using the bar graph format.

Frecuencia de factores ocupacionales asociados a astenopía en trabajadores usuarios de pantallas de visualización de datos de empresas del rubro construcción en Huaraz, 2019 / Frequency of occupational factors associated with astenopia in workers who use data visualization screens of companies in the construction sector in Huaraz, 2019

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de factores ocupacionales asociados a astenopía en trabajadores usuarios de pantallas de visualización de datos (PVD) de empresas del rubro construcción de Huaraz, 2019. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Investigación observacional, transversal, de enfoque cuantitativo. Se encuestaron 234 trabajadores usuarios de PVD con 6 a más meses en el puesto laboral actual y más de 4 horas diarias frente a la PVD. El Cuestionario de Síndrome Visual Informático (CVS-Q) permitió identificar astenopía. La prueba Chi cuadrado de independencia, la prueba U Mann Whitney y razón de prevalencias permitieron identificar los factores asociados a astenopía. Se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS versión 25. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio fue 35.8 años, el 73.08% fueron varones, el 77.78% utilizaba silla ergonómica, el 60.68% toma descansos breves, el 35.47% y 86.75% trabaja con iluminación y distancia a la PVD adecuada, respectivamente, y el 14.53% presentó astenopía. El puesto laboral administrativo (p < 0.001), la toma de descansos breves (p = 0.023), el nivel inadecuado de iluminación del ambiente laboral (p < 0.001), la distancia inadecuada frente a la PVD (p < 0.001), el extenso tiempo laboral en el área actual (p < 0.001), la elevada cantidad de horas diarias frente a la PVD (p < 0.001), la edad (p < 0.001), el sexo femenino (p = 0.001) y la miopía (p = 0.011) fueron factores asociados a astenopía. CONCLUSIÓN: Los trabajadores administrativos, de sexo femenino, de mayor edad, con mayor tiempo laboral y de horas al día frente a la PVD, que laboran con inadecuada iluminación y distancia frente a la PVD y que tienen miopía presentan mayor probabilidad de padecer astenopía

OBJECTIVE: To determine the freequency of occupational faactors assoociated with asthenopia in users of data display screens (DDS) of companies in the construction sector of Huaraz, 2019. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, quantitative approach research. 234 DDS user workers were surveyed with 6 or more months in the current job position and more than 4 hours a day in front of the DDS. The Visual Computer Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q) allowed to identify asthenopia. Chi Squaare Test, U Mann Whitney and prevalence ratio allowed us to identify the factors associated with asthenopia. The statistical package SPSS version 25, was used. RESULTS: The average age was 35.8 years, 73.08% were male, 77.78% used ergonomic chair, 60.68% take short breaks, 35.47% and 86.75% worked with adequate lighting and distance to the PVD, respectively, and 14.53% presented asthenopia. The administrative job position (p <0.001), the taking of short breaks (p = 0.023), the inadequate level of illumination of the work environment (p <0.001), the inadequate distance in front of the DDS (p <0.001), the extensive working time in the current area (p <0.001), the high number of daily hours in front of the DDS (p <0.001), age (p <0.001), feemale seex (p = 0.001) and myopia (p = 0.011) weere factors assoociated wiith asthenopia. CONCLUSION: Administrative workers, female, older, with longer working time and hours a day in front of the PVD, who work with inadequate lighting and distance in front of the PVD and have myopia are more likely to suffer asthenopia

Effects of an in-vehicle eco-safe driving system on drivers' glance behaviour.

We have designed a new in-vehicle eco-safe driving system and shown its effectiveness in prompting drivers to execute a fuel-saving and safe driving style (Vaezipour et al., 2018, submitted for publication). However, the system could also bring potential negative outcomes, i.e. driver distraction. This simulator study investigated drivers' glance behaviours as indicators of driver distraction when using our Eco-Safe Human-Machine-Interface (HMI). Four types of eco-safe information display conditions (baseline, advice only, feedback only, both advice and feedback) were tested on different traffic situations with varied road traffic complexity. Results showed that the eco-safe HMI system did not cause visual distraction. In contrast, the advice only or feedback only information improved forward gazing on the roadway. In addition, drivers tended to adapt their visual scanning strategies according to the traffic situations. In the car-following situation they paid longer glances to the forward roadway, while in the intersections they spent more time to look at the HMI system. The findings indicated that our eco-safe driving system improved drivers' eco-safe behaviours and meanwhile enhanced their visual attention on road while no evidence showed that drivers were distracted by it.

Talking about the Impact of Screen-viewing on Health.

Emilia is a young woman admitted to the hospital for pyelonephritis. Sophie finds out, from the morning reports about her, that she stays awake very late every night watching television or chatting on her mobile phone.

Computer vision syndrome: a review of ocular causes and potential treatments.

Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the combination of eye and vision problems associated with the use of computers. In modern western society the use of computers for both vocational and avocational activities is almost universal. However, CVS may have a significant impact not only on visual comfort but also occupational productivity since between 64% and 90% of computer users experience visual symptoms which may include eyestrain, headaches, ocular discomfort, dry eye, diplopia and blurred vision either at near or when looking into the distance after prolonged computer use. This paper reviews the principal ocular causes for this condition, namely oculomotor anomalies and dry eye. Accommodation and vergence responses to electronic screens appear to be similar to those found when viewing printed materials, whereas the prevalence of dry eye symptoms is greater during computer operation. The latter is probably due to a decrease in blink rate and blink amplitude, as well as increased corneal exposure resulting from the monitor frequently being positioned in primary gaze. However, the efficacy of proposed treatments to reduce symptoms of CVS is unproven. A better understanding of the physiology underlying CVS is critical to allow more accurate diagnosis and treatment. This will enable practitioners to optimize visual comfort and efficiency during computer operation.

Repercusión del trabajo con pantallas de visualización de datos en la salud de los obreros / Impact of visual display in computer use on the occupational health

Las pantallas de visualización de datos son unidades periféricas de salida que permiten la visualización de la información, el personal humano las utiliza de diferentes maneras. Con el objetivo de determinar existencia de alteraciones de salud se realizó un estudio a 52 operadores de pantallas que laboran de forma continua con estos equipos. Se encontró que la mayor incidencia de trastornos referidos por los obreros fueron los oculares (48,07 por ciento); la cefalea (con 25 por ciento), y la ansiedad (19,23 por ciento). Se investigó, además, las condiciones ergonómicas de sus centros laborales, y se detectaron deficiencias en 100 por ciento de los obreros estudiados; el exceso de ruido fue la condición más negativa reportada.

Computer displays are peripheral output units that allow visualizing data and the human resources use them in different ways. With the objective of finding out health problems related to this issue, 52 computer operators, who work permanently with these pieces of equipment, were studied. It was found that the greates incidental problems were occular disorders (48.07 percent), headache (25 percent) and anxiety (19.23 percent). Besides, the ergonomic conditons in their workplaces were also studied and the results showed deficiencies in 100 percent of them. Excessive noise was the most negative reported condition.

Repercusión del trabajo con pantallas de visualización de datos en la salud de los obreros / Impact of visual display in computer use on the occupational health

Las pantallas de visualización de datos son unidades periféricas de salida que permiten la visualización de la información, el personal humano las utiliza de diferentes maneras. Con el objetivo de determinar existencia de alteraciones de salud se realizó un estudio a 52 operadores de pantallas que laboran de forma continua con estos equipos. Se encontró que la mayor incidencia de trastornos referidos por los obreros fueron los oculares (48,07 por ciento); la cefalea (con 25 por ciento), y la ansiedad (19,23 por ciento). Se investigó, además, las condiciones ergonómicas de sus centros laborales, y se detectaron deficiencias en 100 por ciento de los obreros estudiados; el exceso de ruido fue la condición más negativa reportada(AU)

Computer displays are peripheral output units that allow visualizing data and the human resources use them in different ways. With the objective of finding out health problems related to this issue, 52 computer operators, who work permanently with these pieces of equipment, were studied. It was found that the greates incidental problems were occular disorders (48.07 percent), headache (25 percent) and anxiety (19.23 percent). Besides, the ergonomic conditons in their workplaces were also studied and the results showed deficiencies in 100 percent of them. Excessive noise was the most negative reported condition(AU)

The effects of visual display distance on eye accommodation, head posture, and vision and neck symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Determine the effects of display viewing distance on both the visual and musculoskeletal systems while the text height is held constant across viewing distances. BACKGROUND: The distance from the eyes to a computer display may affect visual and neck comfort. If the angular size of the characters remains the same, it is recommended that the display be placed at a farther viewing distance (e.g., 70-100 cm). However, in common usage, the character sizes are not adjusted based on viewing distance. METHOD: Participants under the age of 35 years (N = 24) performed visually demanding tasks using a computer display for 2 hr each at three viewing distances (mean: 52.4, 73.0, and 85.3 cm) while torso and head posture were tracked. At the end of each task, eye accommodation was measured and symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: The near distance was associated with significantly less blurred vision, less dry or irritated eyes, less headache, and improved convergence recovery when compared with the middle and far distances. Participants moved their torsos and heads closer to the monitor at the far distance. CONCLUSION: If the computer screen character sizes are close to the limits of visual acuity, it is recommended that the computer monitor be positioned between the near (52 cm) and middle (73 cm) distance from the eyes. APPLICATION: The location of a computer display should take into account the size of the characters on the screen and the visual acuity of the user.

Motion sickness, console video games, and head-mounted displays.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the nauseogenic properties of commercial console video games (i.e., games that are sold to the public) when presented through a head-mounted display. BACKGROUND: Anecdotal reports suggest that motion sickness may occur among players of contemporary commercial console video games. METHODS: Participants played standard console video games using an Xbox game system. We varied the participants' posture (standing vs. sitting) and the game (two Xbox games). Participants played for up to 50 min and were asked to discontinue if they experienced any symptoms of motion sickness. RESULTS: Sickness occurred in all conditions, but it was more common during standing. During seated play there were significant differences in head motion between sick and well participants before the onset of motion sickness. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that commercial console video game systems can induce motion sickness when presented via a head-mounted display and support the hypothesis that motion sickness is preceded by instability in the control of seated posture. APPLICATION: Potential applications of this research include changes in the design of console video games and recommendations for how such systems should be used.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity: a systematic review of provocation studies.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess whether people who report hypersensitivity to weak electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are better at detecting EMF under blind or double-blind conditions than nonhypersensitive individuals, and to test whether they respond to the presence of EMF with increased symptom reporting. METHODS: An extensive systematic search was used to identify relevant blind or double-blind provocation studies. This involved searching numerous literature databases and conference proceedings, and examining the citations of reviews and included studies. The results of relevant studies were tabulated and metaanalyses were used to compare the proportions of "hypersensitive" and control participants able to discriminate active from sham EMF exposures. RESULTS: Thirty-one experiments testing 725 "electromagnetically hypersensitive" participants were identified. Twenty-four of these found no evidence to support the existence of a biophysical hypersensitivity, whereas 7 reported some supporting evidence. For 2 of these 7, the same research groups subsequently tried and failed to replicate their findings. In 3 more, the positive results appear to be statistical artefacts. The final 2 studies gave mutually incompatible results. Our metaanalyses found no evidence of an improved ability to detect EMF in "hypersensitive" participants. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms described by "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" sufferers can be severe and are sometimes disabling. However, it has proved difficult to show under blind conditions that exposure to EMF can trigger these symptoms. This suggests that "electromagnetic hypersensitivity" is unrelated to the presence of EMF, although more research into this phenomenon is required.

[Blinking activity during visual display terminal work. Part 1: Ocular discomfort and pathophysiological principles]. / Lidschlagaktivität während der Bildschirmarbeit. Teil 1: Okuläre Beschwerden und pathophysiologische Grundlagen.

Up to three-fourths of visual display operators complain about ocular discomfort after lengthy work at a monitor. The increase of displays at work has resulted in a problem area with growing impact for the economy and healthcare. Symptoms overlapping the complaints of dry eye disease point to the joint pathophysiological origin. In numerous studies the drastic decrease in blinking frequency was shown to be an essential cause of dry eye symptoms. Lid movements not only have the purpose of smoothing the precorneal tear film ("windshield effect"), but also affect the composition and stability of the different layers. Unfortunately, previous work has often been limited by the heterogeneity of measurement settings, leading to inconsistent results.

[Blinking activity during visual display terminal work. 2: reduced blinking and therapeutic approaches]. / Lidschlagaktivität während der Bildschirmarbeit. Teil 2: Reduzierter Lidschlag und therapeutische Ansätze.

New findings based on a noninvasive, automated long-term measurement method revealed interindividual differences in lid movement behavior, existence of blinking patterns, and the dominance of cognitive influence in the regulation of blinking frequency during increased concentration and especially visual attention. The development of an individual blinking animation promises long-lasting increase and harmonization of lid movements during visual display work. Maintenance of the integrity of the ocular surface by preventing surface evaporation and providing sufficient precorneal environment eradicates important pathogenic factors of ocular discomfort. An animation program for stimulation of blinking has been developed. First results showed that an increase in blinking rate initiated by the computer itself is feasible in principle during work at a visual display terminal. Further improvement of this new approach is promising.

[Work with visual demands. Assumption of responsibility for optical correction by the employer]. / Travail avec un écran de visualisation. Prise en charge de la correction optique par l'employeur.

Comparison of visual demands of work in a traditional office to those of work in an office equiped with a screen. Description of problems of vision when focusing the eye to various distances and fixing it in various directions. Range of possibilities for optical correction for work with a screen (monofocal, bifocal, progressive or for reading), specifying among the optical corrections those which are exclusively reserved for this activity and should become the employer's responsibility.

Influence of monitor luminance change on observer performance for detection of abnormalities depicted on chest radiographs.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate how changes in luminance affect the detection accuracy of radiologists viewing chest radiograph images on high-resolution CRT monitors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen radiologists performed a detection task for 11 chest radiograph images with simulated nodules on a monitor with 11 luminance conditions (the maximum luminance ranges from 157.4-369.0 candela/m2) simulating CRT degraded by long-term usage, under the ambient illumination of 200 lux; the observation order was always from the darkest to the brightest. RESULTS: There was a statistically reliable effect of the 11 monitor display conditions on the detection of nodules (P < 0.001). In the conditions in which the maximum luminance of the CRT was 60.7% or below that of the standard display luminance, the correctly detected nodule number reliably deteriorated. CONCLUSIONS: The luminance change in CRT monitor display under long-term usage will have a detrimental effect on nodule detection performance in chest radiograph images.

Cutaneous mast cells are altered in normal healthy volunteers sitting in front of ordinary TVs/PCs--results from open-field provocation experiments.

BACKGROUND: Considerable controversy has surrounded the question of possible biological responses to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated from visual display terminals (VDTs), such as personal computers (PCs) and ordinary television sets (TVs). The cellular and molecular mechanisms for such potential harmful health hazards have not yet been understood, although clues from the literature include mast cells and histamine. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate possible biological mast cell responses to TV/PC screens. METHODS: Using the indirect immunofluorescence technique, we studied the presence of histamine-containing mast cells in the dermis of healthy volunteers. Cutaneous biopsies taken before and after exposure to ordinary TV/PC screens for 2 or 4 h were investigated in 13 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Our present in vivo study indicates that normal cutaneous mast cells could be altered by exposure from ordinary TV/PC screens. To our great surprise, we found the number of mast cells in the papillary and reticular dermis to increase, to varying degrees, in 5 out the 13 subjects after such an exposure. A migration of mast cells towards the uppermost dermis appeared as the most important event. Thus, the normally upper "empty zone" of the dermis disappeared, and instead, a higher density of mast cells were found in this zone. These cells also seemed to have a tendency to increase in number towards the epidermal-dermal junctional zone and some of them lost their granular content and the cytoplasm shrunk (=degranulation). These findings could only be seen in the exposed skin. Two of the 13 cases instead showed a decrease in mast cell number, but the shift in mast cells towards the upper dermis was still visible. Twenty-four h after the provocation, the cellular number and location were normalized in all subjects. CONCLUSIONS: By definition, normal healthy volunteers are assumed not to react to a TV/PC screen provocation. To our great surprise, this proved not to be true. The present results might lay a foundation to understand the underlying cause of so-called "screen dermatitis" with special reference to mast cells. However, blind or double-blind experiments using patients ought to be further investigated in order to find out the exact cause for the observed changes. Such causes include the effects of surrounding airborne chemicals, stress factors, etc.

Optical filters inhibiting television-induced photosensitive seizures.

OBJECTIVE: Televised images are the most common stimulus for provoking photosensitive seizures in photosensitive persons. To inhibit photosensitive seizures in photosensitive persons who do or do not have epilepsy, the authors sought nonpharmacologic methods for reducing the levels of photic stimulation of televised images. BACKGROUND: The authors found two types of pathophysiologic mechanisms (wavelength-dependent and quantity of light-dependent mechanisms) for photoparoxysmal responses (PPR). METHODS: The authors tested two different types of optical filters, one reflecting long-wavelength red light selectively, which stimulates a wavelength-dependent mechanism, and the other absorbing light in the visible spectrum evenly (neutral density filters). Inhibiting effects of optical filters were studied by conventional intermittent photic stimulation (IPS) using strobe light and novel photic stimulation using flashing cathode ray tubes (CRT). RESULTS: Both filters individually inhibited PPR insufficiently (less than 50%). Compound optical filters, composed of both types of filters, can inhibit the PPR, approximately 90% for IPS and 95% for photic stimulation with CRT. These compound optical filters do not destroy chromaticity of emissions from the television's CRT. CONCLUSIONS: These compound filters may be useful to prevent seizures induced by television in photosensitive persons.

Study on photo-pattern sensitivity in patients with electronic screen game-induced seizures (ESGS): effects of spatial resolution, brightness, and pattern movement.

PURPOSE: With the ever-increasing popularity of computers, electronic screen game-induced seizure (ESGS) is beginning to pose a serious social problem. To elucidate the pathophysiology of ESGS, with the ultimate goal of prevention, we have been studying photo-pattern sensitivity in detail with a pattern-stimulation test using a CRT (cathode ray tube) display. This method is referred to as the "CRT-pattern test." METHODS: We studied 17 patients brought to our department for evaluation of ESGS. EEG responses were recorded during exposure to various patterns consisting of three elements: spatial resolution, brightness perception, and pattern-movement recognition displayed on a CRT monitor. Photo-paroxysmal response (PPR) frequencies were compiled for each stimulation. RESULTS: PPR was induced by the CRT-pattern test in nine of the 17 cases. In four cases, PPR induction was obtained only after introducing CRT-pattern tests in addition to standard intermittent photic stimulation (IPS). The rate of PPR induction differed according to the type of pattern, spatial frequency, and pattern-reversal frequency. However, neither the clarity of the edges of a pattern nor changes in the brightness of a pattern element had any effect on the rate of PPR induction. With the exception of a few subjects, the stimulation caused by pattern movement was not effective in eliciting PPR. Six cases in whom spatial resolution was involved showed occipital dominance in PPR provocation, and three in whom brightness perception and pattern movement recognition was involved showed frontal dominance. CONCLUSIONS: The CRT-pattern test is useful for identifying patients with photosensitivity among patients considered to have incidental or nonphotosensitive seizures unresponsive to standard IPS. Patients with ESGS caused by photosensitivity can be divided into two groups: those with occipital dominance for PPR provocation, in whom spatial resolution is involved; and another group with frontal dominance, in whom brightness perception and pattern-movement recognition (or possibly perception of colors) are involved.

A study of the effect of color photostimulation from a cathode-ray tube (CRT) display on photosensitive patients: the effect of alternating red-cyan flicker stimulation.

PURPOSE: In an attempt to establish evidence for developing better guidelines for the production of animation programs that would not induce photosensitive seizures in Japan, we evaluated the effects of red flicker, alternating red/cyan (complementary color to red) flicker stimuli, and of contrast between the red and cyan frames from a cathode-ray tube (CRT) display in photosensitive patients. METHODS: We studied 35 photosensitive patients. They were exposed to seven types of flicker. The first three types were alternating red/cyan flicker (R/C) with the luminance of cyan set at three different levels, high, equal, and low luminance (65, 20, and 16 cd/m2, respectively) relative to the red (20 cd/m2). The following four types were red, cyan, yellow, and magenta flicker stimuli. EEGs were recorded while the patients watched these stimuli on a CRT display. RESULTS: Rates of photoparoxysmal response (PPR) provocation were 11.4, 13.7, and 14.0% with high-, no- and low-contrast R/C flicker, respectively, and 3.7% with red flicker. The differences between red and each of the other R/C flicker stimuli were all statistically significant (p<0.05, 0.01, 0.01). No significant differences were found between the effects by each of the three levels of contrast in alternating R/C flicker (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that alternating R/C flicker is more provocative than simple red flicker, and that contrast between frames of different colors may play some role in the effects of alternating flicker stimuli from a CRT display in photosensitive patients. Therefore, caution against the use of the combination of red and cyan, in addition to the red flicker stimulus, should be included in any guidelines drawn up to prevent photosensitive seizures.

The nauseogenicity of two methods of navigating within a virtual environment.

This study compared the nauseogenicity of two different strategies for exploring virtual environments whilst wearing an immersive head-mounted display. In the first, the head was kept still and movement was achieved solely by manipulating a hand-control. In the second, the subject was free (and encouraged) to move his or her head when exploring the virtual world. Fourteen subjects completed both of the 20 min trials, three further subjects withdrew from the study after one trial. Subjects reported increases in adverse symptoms when using each strategy and, for the group as a whole, nausea increased steadily during each immersion period. However, significantly larger changes were reported when the head moved than when it was still, as predicted from sensory conflict theory.