Computer chairs: invest in a good one.
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Physiological parameters of vision were studied in three professional groups (a total of 1204 subjects): microscope operators, subjects working with magnifying glasses, and computer users. General and specific features of visual system fatigue formation were identified. Because of complete (in microscope operators) or partial (in subjects working with magnifying glasses and display users) "deprivation" of accommodation, these subjects develop early presbyopia (at the age of 30-35 years). In microscope operators long strain of accommodation system leads to professional myopia, while display users develop pseudomyopia. The highest overstrain is observed after 4 years of work in microscope operators, after 5 years in magnifying glass users, and after 6 years in computer users.
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Development of portable ventilators has enabled patients suffering from respiratory failure to live outside hospitals. The number of patients with neuromuscular disorders receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV) has been increasing year by year. However, Japanese social support services are not sufficient for these patients. Thus, we tried to establish a system to support patients under HMV using SpO2 monitoring system and videoconference system. Pulse oximeter was connected to a portable personal computer, which stores real-time data and send daily data to hospital. The computer in our hospital receives patient's data and prints out it as a trend-graph, which enables medical staffs to know patient's condition. When SpO2 deteriorates significantly, alarm system works automatically to warn patient's family. In case SpO2 worsens more severely, alarm also warns medical staffs in our hospital to call the patient to confirm patient's condition and to give advices. Videoconference system was also introduced to communicate quickly and correctly. Thirty-four patients with progressive muscular dystrophy attended this study after informed consents. They used these systems in the period between discharge and first visit to hospital. Videoconference system was utilized in only two patients, because it required a digital line. These systems were effective in decreasing anxieties of patients and their families about HMV. According to daily check, 16 of 34 patients showed temporary deterioration of respiratory condition, although all patients had been in good condition in hospital. Loosening of the belt of nasal mask, air leak from opened mouth were frequent causes for the deteriorations. These problems could be corrected smoothly after discussion and advices. Thus this system was very useful to establish good respiratory management in a short period. Monitoring system also detected troubles of ventilators. Two patients showed progressive worsening of SpO2 day by day, however we could not find any problems in their respiratory managements. When we checked the ventilator, there were lumps of dust at the upper-pressure limit valves, which caused air leak. It was revealed that 3 of 27 ventilators had the same troubles, which caused leaks more than 10% of the flow volume. This fact proved that this system was also effective to prevent severe troubles from unexpected problems about HMV. Videoconference system enabled us to communicate quickly and correctly. It was also convenient to give advices. It is quite difficult for ordinary people to explain and understand physical condition and methods to handle respirator with only oral communication. Visual communication solved these troubles almost completely. Although there are some problems about this system including high cost and quality of picture, it is undoubtedly powerful tool. It is natural for patients with respiratory failure to wish to stay their home, when they possessed portable respirators. So it is important to decrease the risk related to HMV. We verified that the combination of monitoring system and multimedia can produce effective support system. It is important to improve these systems and cut down the cost for popularization.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alternative computer keyboards whose halves can be slanted toward each other can reduce a risk factor (ulnar deviation) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) affecting the upper limbs. Two questions that computer keyboard operators face when using keyboards that can be separated into halves (split keyboards) are: (1) At what angle should the keyboard halves be opened? and (2) At what distance apart should the keyboard halves be placed? The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the opening angle and separation distance between halves of a split keyboard on wrist ulnar deviation and typing efficiency. METHODS: Eleven experienced computer keyboard operators participated in this study and used a split keyboard that was set up in a conventional (nonsplit) format and also in 3 alternative configurations: (1) centers of keyboard halves were separated at 20-cm distance, (2) keyboard halves were separated half of the distance of shoulder width, and (3) keyboard halves were separated at shoulder width distance. RESULTS: The 3 alternative configurations resulted in ulnar deviation of both wrists that were less than ulnar deviation from typing on a conventional setup. There were no differences in ulnar deviations among the 3 alternative configurations. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of this research provide physical therapists and ergonomists with a set of configurations of a split keyboard that they can recommend to their patients or clients. All of the alternative configurations of the split keyboard are beneficial in promoting a neutral wrist position, which theoretically would decrease exposure to WMSDs such as tenosynovitis in the wrist and carpal tunnel syndrome.
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The relation between image and visual perception of the human eye is an important point in digital imaging systems. Research aims should therefore pay attention to psychophysical aspects. Optimising of digital imaging systems can only be reached if the important final steps in the diagnostic process--visual perception and signal detection--are taken into account.
While working with displays, a combination of white and yellow objects against the black, dark grey, and blue backgrounds was found to be the best in visibility. When the objects were observed against the pale grey and green backgrounds of a display, eye functional changes were minimal, which causes the authors to recommend them as the optimum backgrounds. To reduce visual fatigability when a person works on a computer requires to alternate backgrounds by using white and yellow objects against the black and blue backgrounds for short-term emergency transmissions and green and pale grey backgrounds for presenting continuous current information.
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This pilot study examined the performance of an alternative computer visual interface, the Virtual Retinal Display (VRD), for low-vision use. The VRD scans laser light directly onto the retina, creating a virtual image. Since visually impaired individuals can have difficulty using computer displays, a matched comparison study was done between the VRD and the standard cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor. Reading speed and acuity tests were collected from 13 low-vision volunteers selected to represent the broad range of partially sighted individuals actively involved in the work force. Forty-six percent of subjects had highest visual acuity while viewing the VRD; 30% of subjects had highest acuity viewing the CRT; and 24% of subjects had equal acuity across the two displays. Although mean reading speed across all 13 subjects indicated no significant difference between displays, individual subjects with predominantly optical causes of low vision exhibited clinically important increases in reading speed versus the CRT. However, most subjects with predominantly retinal damage showed a slight disadvantage using the VRD. We give theoretical explanation to the bifurcated results and conclude that for a subset of low-vision users, the VRD technology is very promising as a basis for future low-vision aids.
Journalists witness events and report the news. The gathering and presentation of this information may subject the journalist to a variety of physical and psychological hazards. Some health and safety risk factors are inherent within the profession: for example, stress associated with deadlines and reporting on events in dangerous climactic or social conditions. Survey data and information collected by professional journalism associations should be used to educate journalists and, whenever possible, to attenuate the risk factors. Some of the more common risks within the profession include those relating to travel, repetitive strain, and psychological stress.