Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Computer Terminals”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 595 records · Page 33Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Distinguishability of the video display terminal (VDT) as a source of magnetic field exposure.

Magnetic field strength or its surrogate has been used as the measurement of exposure in all studies involving field exposure. Video display terminals (VDTs) are considered a minor source on this scale because its field strengths lie in the low range of magnetic fields. Several experiments show, however, that field strength may not be the only relevant variable in determining exposure. This paper explores the use of a method based on "effects functions" to determine the extent to which the VDT can be distinguished from other sources. It is shown that VDT exposure may be of consequence if exposure depends on certain types of time variation of the field. Because of the incompleteness of science in this area, this is a demonstration of a method rather than an actual demonstration of VDT as a significant source of exposure.

Computer Simulation↗
PubMed1994

ELF magnetic field exposures in an office environment.

Potential exposures to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields were investigated in response to worker concerns about an apparent increased spontaneous abortion risk in a payroll office environment. Concern in this office centered on the use of video display terminals (VDTs), which have been investigated as a potential cause of adverse reproductive outcomes among women. In this investigation, magnetic field sources were evaluated using a hand-held survey meter. Emdex datalogging dosimeters were also used to determine full shift personal exposures for 15 women working in the payroll area. On average, the exposures of workers to ELF magnetic fields in the payroll office area ranged from 1.0 to 6.5 mG with a mean of 3.2 +/- 1.5 mG. The results of this study indicate that many sources of ELF magnetic fields, including printers, photocopiers, and the electrical distribution system, can contribute to a worker's exposure in an office environment.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed2003

Near wins prolong gambling on a video lottery terminal.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether near wins can prolong gambling activity on a video lottery terminal. In a three-reel game, near wins were operationally defined as two identical symbols followed by a third different symbol. Players in an experimental condition were exposed to 27% near wins in a series of continuous losses, whereas players in a control group were exposed to none. Participants played as long as they wished, and received real money for their wins. The results showed that players in the near win condition played 33% more games than did the control group. The results of this study suggest that near wins can be added to the list of factors that may motivate people to gamble despite the probability of monetary loss.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Magnetic fields of video display terminals and pregnancy outcome.

The magnetic fields emitted by video display terminals (VDTs) and their potential association with pregnancy outcome are discussed. The majority of the epidemiologic studies suggest that VDT work is not related to adverse pregnancy outcome. The exposure to magnetic fields from modern VDTs is usually even lower than that from other sources in the office environment, such as printers and photocopying machines. There are, however, some indications of an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcome among women exposed to high levels of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields of VDTs or electric appliances at home. Because the present evidence is not sufficient to allow the drawing of final conclusions, it would be important to examine the effects of exposure to higher fields existing at industrial work places.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed2000

Video display terminal workstation improvement program: II. Ergonomic intervention and reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort.

The effects of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal discomfort in 118 video display terminal (VDT) users were assessed 1 year after intervention. The intervention consisted of recommended changes to workstations, which were based on the evaluation of 15 ergonomic characteristics. Compliance with the intervention was at least 75% for most workstation characteristics. Reduction in discomfort was substantial and was highest for the wrist/hand (57%), lower back (43%), and neck/shoulder (41%) severity of discomfort outcomes. Neither compliance with intervention on individual workstation characteristics nor summary intervention scores were associated with reduction in discomfort. Our results demonstrate that although reduction of musculoskeletal discomfort may be observed in the context of an intervention study, it may be difficult to link these benefits to specific interventions.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A survey of the adequacy of video display terminal/unit equipment in 7 local authorities in the Midlands.

In order to assess the adequacy of equipment in the run-up to the full implementation of the Display Screen Equipment Regulations, several local authorities agreed to take part in a pilot survey of their own video display terminals. The instrument was a self-reporting questionnaire based on the new regulations. A number of the questionnaires were also completed in parallel by EHOs in order to assess the objectivity with which questionnaires were completed. The surveys found many deficiencies but discovered that respondents with better levels of training were less critical of their work station. The reasons for this are discussed. The parallel inspection validated the instrument and suggests that self-inspection by users is a good indicator of some conditions at the work station but not of temperature, light, or relative humidity. Occupational stress was also measured. The levels were above UK average and levels of depression were found to be associated with respondents' aches and pains.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Heart rate increase to alcohol administration and video lottery terminal play among probable pathological gamblers and nonpathological gamblers.

The authors examined heart-rate responses to alcohol consumption and video lottery terminal (VLT) play. Regular VLT players (30 probable pathological gamblers [PPGs]; 30 nonpathological gamblers [NPGs]) were randomized to an alcohol (mean postdrinking blood alcohol concentration = 0.056%) or placebo condition. Heart rate was recorded at pre- and postdrinking baselines and during VLT play. Consistent with an earlier study, alcohol-condition participants displayed elevated heart rates relative to placebo-condition participants only at postdrinking and VLT play. Moreover, alcohol-condition participants showed a greater heart rate increase to VLT play than did placebo-condition participants. However, PPGs were not more susceptible to alcohol- and/or VLT play-induced heart rate accelerations than were NPGs. Implications for gambling/alcohol-disorder comorbidity are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Measurement and evaluation of visual index in VDT operators under Multi-user system].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the visual function of the visual display terminal (VDT) operators under the Multi-user system. METHOD: Subjective symptoms of the VDT operators under the Multi-user system were measured before and after work in the field study. Visual indices were measured at 8:15, 9:15, 10:15, 11:15, or 12:15 a.m. RESULT: No discomfort symptom was observed during the working time, and Longitudino-Kinetic visual acuity, and Critical flicker frequency didn't decrease. Refraction showed no significant decrease as compared with that at 8:15 except that of right eye measured at 12:15. CONCLUSION: The Visual function of the VDT operators remained good in the Multi-user's system.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Strategies of international cooperation in an international project: advantages and pitfalls.

The MEPS (musculoskeletal--eyestrain--psychosocial--stress) study involved an extensive degree of multidisciplinary and multicultural cooperation. The objective was to examine the effects of multiple ergonomic interventions on visual, musculoskeletal, postural, and psychosocial outcomes amongst operators of visual display terminals (VDTs). The inherent complexity of a comprehensive ergonomic investigation requires participation of researchers from a variety of disciplines, as well as comparisons among populations with different geographical and cultural backgrounds. The design and execution of the resulting research protocol presents a number of challenges. This paper discusses the advantages and pitfalls associated with multidisciplinary multinational cooperation. Advantages include the necessity for development of a common language and perspective providing a basis for future collaboration. Pitfalls include logistic and coordination difficulties associated with conducting standardized procedures in different locations, as well as the inherent potential for professional conflict. It is argued that such pitfalls ought to be understood and integrated into the project planning process.

Clinical Protocols↗
PubMed1994

[Effects of goal setting and real-time feedback on performance and time estimation during VDT operation].

The problem of serious occupational fatigue of software operators has come up for discussion. Along with the outcome of a survey showing that their working hours are longer than those of other types of workers, with the former reporting for duty unconsciously early in the morning, it is pointed out that their time estimation and crookedness of time cognition are reduced. As a result of the survey, it was also found that in visual display terminal task, the work is carried on while receiving real-time feedback, and those engaged in development work, set their goal to complete a specific amount of work within a specific time-limit. Thus, in order to examine the effects of these two factors on these workers' performance and their subjective time estimation, 76 subjects (undergraduate students) were asked to engage in task of six terms. The results indicated that the group with its goal set and real-time feedback given had higher performance and motivation for task, and showed more time reduction than did other groups to a significant extent. It is noteworthy that it was proved that the subjects were not conscious of this time reduction.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Musculoskeletal disorders among visual display terminal workers: individual, ergonomic, and work organizational factors.

A number of individual, ergonomic, and organizational factors of presumed importance for the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders were investigated in a group of 260 visual display terminal (VDT) workers. The cross-sectional study utilized medical and workplace investigations as well as questionnaires. The results were subjected to a multivariate analysis in order to find the major factors associated with various upper-body muscular problems. Several such factors were identified for each investigated type of musculoskeletal problem. Some were related to the individual: age, gender, woman with children at home, use of spectacles, smoking, stomach-related stress reactions, and negative affectivity. Organizational variables of importance were opportunities for flexible rest breaks, extreme peer contacts, task flexibility, and overtime. Identified ergonomic variables were static work posture, hand position, use of lower arm support, repeated work movements, and keyboard or VDT vertical position.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The effect of an ergonomic intervention on musculoskeletal, psychosocial and visual strain of VDT entry work: organization and methodology of the international study.

This special issue of the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics (JOSE) reports the results from an extensive multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative investigation of the impacts on visual display terminal (VDT) work of musculoskeletal, visual, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors. For brevity, this effort has been referred to as the MEPS project (musculoskeletal--eyestrain--psychosocial--stress). This paper lays out the basic methodological structure of the study. The study was conducted in 4 countries utilizing VDT data entry workers as the primary subject population. A battery of objective and subject assessment measures, including muscle load, visual function, physical and visual strain, postural, ergonomic and psychosocial factors, were assessed at 3 different points in time. A pre-test was given prior to an ergonomic intervention. Two post-tests were given 1 month and 1 year after the ergonomic intervention.

Computer Terminals↗
PubMed1994

Epidemiological studies of work with video display terminals and adverse pregnancy outcomes (1984-1992).

Many epidemiological studies have investigated the claim that work with video display terminals (VDT) is a risk factor during pregnancy. Results have been inconsistent, although in the majority of cases the hypothesis was not supported. Exposure assessment has been very poor and the statistical power of the studies generally low. Overall, the studies indicate that VDT operators are not at greater risk than the general population, because very low frequency (VLF) magnetic fields do not appear to be a risk factor and extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field exposure is not significantly greater than that experienced in other occupational and residential environments. However, since some studies lend support to the hypothesis that ELF magnetic fields may be a risk factor for pregnancy outcome, studies of subjects exposed to higher than average ELF fields are justified.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1990

Spontaneous abortion among women using video display terminals.

This case-base study with a source population of 214 108 commercial and clerical workers investigated the risk of adverse pregnancy outcome among women working with a video display terminal (VDT) in Denmark. A subpopulation was obtained by register linkage between a trade union membership file, the Medical Birth Register, and the National Register of In-Patients. In two years 24,352 pregnancy outcomes were registered, 2248 spontaneous abortions were recorded, and a base sample of 2252 pregnancies was randomly selected. Data on VDT use, job stress, ergonomic factors, and life-style factors were collected with questionnaires sent to 6212 women and 426 employers. There was no increased risk of medically verified spontaneous abortion among women with VDT use. The relative risk for women exposed to any degree of use was 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.77-1.14). Ergonomic work load and job stress were not confounders.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mean-term variations of visual function of video display terminal operators: observations on 70 cases].

The aim of the study was to evaluate medium-term variations of visual functions in VDT operators and their possible relationship to VDT exposure. The clinical records of 70 VDT operators attending our outpatient service for periodical ergophthalmological evaluation were reviewed in order to evaluate the variation of some visual parameters after a two-years follow-up. These included refraction, phorias, fusional convergence and divergence, stereopsis. The group did not include subjects affected by hyperopia, large ametropias, or binocular vision disturbances and was divided into two subgroups: low exposure group (n = 20; < 4 hours/day) and high exposure group (n = 50; exposure > 4 hours/day). Asthenopia was frequent in both groups. Variation of refraction and binocular vision parameters were absent or rather limited in both exposure groups. This seems to indicate that in subjects without significant ophthalmological problems the risk of permanent functional damage is very low at medium-term.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Abnormal tear dynamics and symptoms of eyestrain in operators of visual display terminals.

OBJECTIVES: To clarify the relation between the prevalence of dry eye syndrome and subjective symptoms of asthenopia in visual display terminal (VDT) operators. METHOD: 722 VDT workers (242 subject workers with symptoms of asthenopia and 480 controls without such symptoms) without obvious organic ocular diseases received an ophthalmological examination consisting of refractometry and a tear function (phenol red thread) test. RESULTS: More than 30% of symptomatic workers were found to meet the criteria of dry eye, and the odds ratio compared with the controls was 4.61 (p < 0.001). This odds ratio was significantly greater than that obtained for refractive errors (2.31). CONCLUSIONS: Although this cross sectional study could not prove that dry eyes are the cause of asthenopia, the profound association of dry eyes with symptoms of asthenopia could be verified. It would be useful to carry out tear function tests in workers with symptoms of asthenopia.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Video display terminals and miscarriage.

Concern about possible reproductive effects of using video display terminals (VDTs) was stimulated by reports of clusters of adverse pregnancy outcomes among groups of women who used VDTs. Exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted from VDTs was suspected of increasing the risk of miscarriage. Ten epidemiological studies have examined associations between VDT use and miscarriage, most of which were not originally designed to examine this hypothesis and suffer from methodological limitations. We review these studies and present previously unpublished data in support of our conclusion that for most women in modern offices, work with VDTs does not increase their exposure to electromagnetic fields or increase their risk of miscarriage. The miscarriage risk for women who work at high-stress jobs or with older, high-emission VDTs (ELF > 3 mG), however, is still uncertain.

Abortion, Spontaneous↗
PubMed1991

A cross-sectional study of health complaints among 79 data entry operators using video display terminals.

This paper reports on the findings of a cross-sectional study of 79 data entry clerks employed by an Ontario-based organization in five separate offices. The study was conducted to identify factors associated with physical complaints experienced by these office workers. A large percentage of the data entry clerks reported chronic physical complaints (eyestrain, musculo-skeletal pains, headache) as well as emotional or mental stress which they felt were associated with their occupation. Poorly designed overhead lighting systems in all offices contributed to both eyestrain and headache. Duration of employment as a data entry operator within the organization was not associated with stress or physical health complaints. The presence of an adjustable workstation did not in itself guarantee any protection from these conditions. Highly significant associations between occupational stress levels and some physical complaints were observed. The presence of these associations indicated that the management of both physical and stress complaints within these office environments should be tackled simultaneously.

Computer Terminals↗