1.Development of a Decision Support System for Analysis and Solutions of Prolonged Standing in the Workplace.
Isa HALIM ; Hambali AREP ; Seri Rahayu KAMAT ; Rohana ABDULLAH ; Abdul Rahman OMAR ; Ahmad Rasdan ISMAIL
Safety and Health at Work 2014;5(2):97-105
BACKGROUND: Prolonged standing has been hypothesized as a vital contributor to discomfort and muscle fatigue in the workplace. The objective of this study was to develop a decision support system that could provide systematic analysis and solutions to minimize the discomfort and muscle fatigue associated with prolonged standing. METHODS: The integration of object-oriented programming and a Model Oriented Simultaneous Engineering System were used to design the architecture of the decision support system. RESULTS: Validation of the decision support system was carried out in two manufacturing companies. The validation process showed that the decision support system produced reliable results. CONCLUSION: The decision support system is a reliable advisory tool for providing analysis and solutions to problems related to the discomfort and muscle fatigue associated with prolonged standing. Further testing of the decision support system is suggested before it is used commercially.
Fatigue
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Human Engineering
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Muscle Fatigue
2.Assessment of Muscle Fatigue Associated with Prolonged Standing in the Workplace.
Isa HALIM ; Abdul Rahman OMAR ; Alias Mohd SAMAN ; Ibrahim OTHMAN
Safety and Health at Work 2012;3(1):31-42
OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the psychological fatigue and analyze muscle activity of production workers who are performing processes jobs while standing for prolonged time periods. METHODS: The psychological fatigue experienced by the workers was obtained through questionnaire surveys. Meanwhile, muscle activity has been analyzed using surface electromyography (sEMG) measurement. Lower extremities muscles include: erector spinae, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius were concurrently measured for more than five hours of standing. Twenty male production workers in a metal stamping company participated as subjects in this study. The subjects were required to undergo questionnaire surveys and sEMG measurement. RESULTS: Results of the questionnaire surveys found that all subjects experienced psychological fatigue due to prolonged standing jobs. Similarly, muscle fatigue has been identified through sEMG measurement. Based on the non-parametric statistical test using the Spearman's rank order correlation, the left erector spinae obtained a moderate positive correlation and statistically significant (rs = 0.552, p < 0.05) between the results of questionnaire surveys and sEMG measurement. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, the authors concluded that prolonged standing was contributed to psychological fatigue and to muscle fatigue among the production workers.
Electromyography
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Fatigue
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Humans
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Lower Extremity
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Male
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Muscle Fatigue
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Muscles
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Surveys and Questionnaires
3.Design and Development of an Ergonomic Trolley-Lifter for Sheet Metal Handling Task: A Preliminary Study
Radin Zaid RADIN UMAR ; Nadiah AHMAD ; Isa HALIM ; Poh Yan LEE ; Malek HAMID
Safety and Health at Work 2019;10(3):327-335
BACKGROUND: There have been some concerns related to manual handling of large items in industry. Manual handling operations of large sheet metal may expose workers to risks related to efficiency as well as occupational safety and health. Large sheet metals are difficult to move and burdensome to lift/transfer, and handling the sharp sheet edges may result in contact stress and/or cut injuries on the workers. METHODS: Through observation, interview, and immersive simulation activities, a few problems related to current handling of sheet metals were identified. A sheet metal trolley-lifter was then designed and fabricated to address these issues. A pilot study on the use of the developed trolley-lifter for handling sheet metals was conducted to compare between the new and traditional handling methods. RESULTS: The pilot study of the trolley-lifter showed promising results in terms of improving the cycle time, manpower utilization, and working postures compared with the traditional handling method. CONCLUSION: The trolley-lifter offers an alternative solution to automation and a mechanized assistive device by providing a simple mechanism to assist the handling of sheet metals effectively and safely.
Automation
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Human Engineering
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Metals
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Methods
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Occupational Health
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Pilot Projects
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Posture
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Self-Help Devices
4.Stroke Code Implementation in A Physician-Led District Hospital in Malaysia
Zainura Che Isa ; Jo Anne Lim ; Aik Kheng Lee ; Yong Chieh Chan ; Huan Yean Kang ; Aznita Ibrahim
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.6):108-114
Introduction: The past few years have shown a marked improvement in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) thrombolysis therapy in Malaysia. We analysed our data on stroke code activation performed in a non-neurologist hospital.
Methods: Data of all stroke code activated patients from September 2019 to September 2020 was collected. Demographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients were analysed and reviewed with published data
in Malaysia. Results: Seventy cases were stroke code activated. Majority of the stroke cases (80%) were ischaemic
in nature with the highest subgroups of lacunar infarct at 60.7%. Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor followed by dyslipidaemia and diabetes. The median time for onset-to-door was 95minutes, door-to-CT was 24minutes,
door-to-decision was 46.5 minutes and door-to-needle was 80minutes. There was a sequential reduction in median door-to-CT and door-to-needle time to 16.5 and 65.5minutes respectively. Fifteen patients (21.4%) were given
thrombolysis therapy. The median NIHSS score was 7.5 on arrival and 6 upon discharge. They had an improvement
of mRS from a median of 4 upon discharge to 1 at six months follow-up. There were no haemorrhage incidences post
thrombolysis. The outcome of LACI strokes versus non-LACI strokes was similar at 3 and 6-months follow-up despite
non-LACI strokes having a more severe presentation upon admission. Conclusion: With AIS thrombolysis therapy,
non-LACI strokes may have similar functional outcomes as LACI strokes. With backup support from hospitals with
neurologists and neurosurgeons, physician-led AIS thrombolysis therapy is implementable in a non-neurologist centre. Strong adherence to protocol is pertinent to ensure success.
5.Steering Standardization of Pathology Services Through Centralisation and Consolidation of Laboratory Procurement
Salbiah Isa ; Mohd Jamsani Mat Salleh ; Hakimah Mahsin
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.1):280-285
The expansion of healthcare services to serve as many people as possible has led to the decentralisation of laboratory
testing. Many laboratory tests are now made available at district hospitals and rural health clinics for certain states
or provinces. Consequently, there is a proliferation of laboratory tests, techniques, equipment, and other required
commodities at the different medical laboratories. The lack of central governance has resulted in a widely-diverse
and non-standardised laboratory services that may eventually affect the quality of healthcare delivery to patients.
To ensure a high-quality and standardised healthcare delivery across a state or a province, it is important that the
relevant stakeholders outline and implement the necessary strategies to establish a streamlined medical laboratory
network. In this article, we discuss the significance of laboratory procurement consolidation and centralisation in the
steering of the standardisation of laboratory operations leading to a high-quality and efficient chemical pathology
services in a defined region.
6.Elbow-Height Handle and Staggered Stance Exhibited Greatest Force in Pushing and Pulling: A Study among Malaysian Adults
Isa Halim ; Adi Saptari ; Puvanasvaran Perumal ; Zulkeflee Abdullah ; Nurul Wirdah Mafazi ; Ahmad Faizal Salleh ; Anish Ravindra Kurup
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2022;18(No.5):104-113
Introduction: Pushing and pulling activities are common in daily life and industrial workplaces. These activities are
potentially contributing to muscle fatigue in the back and shoulder if not managed ergonomically. Therefore, this
study aimed to quantify the maximum strength of Malaysian adults in horizontal symmetrical two-handed pushing
and pulling with different handle heights and stances. Methods: Forty-seven participants of 24 males and 23 females
were recruited in pushing and pulling experiments. The participants were assistant engineers and postgraduate students of a technical university. The dependent variable was the magnitude of push/ pull force. The independent variables consisted of action, handle height and stances. The experimental design was set for 2 actions, 3 handle heights
and 2 stances, yielding 12 variables combinations. Results: Key findings of this study revealed that combination of
pull action, handle height at elbow level and staggered stance exhibited greatest force. On the contrary, combination
of push action, handle height at knuckle level and parallel stance resulted in lowest force. In pushing test, both male
and female participants obtained greatest force of 233.3 N and 121.7 N, respectively, when the handle height was
at elbow level and staggered stance. Similarly, in pulling test, males and females obtained highest force of 242.9 N
and 152.4 N, respectively. Conclusion: This study concluded that handle height at elbow level and staggered stance
exhibited greatest force in pushing and pulling activities. This study provides information to individuals who involved
in pushing and pulling tasks with least force exertion to minimize muscle fatigue in the back and shoulder. Future
studies should consider the following recommendations: 1) Participants of study should involve manufacturing industry workers. 2) To study the effect of pushing and pulling tasks on muscle activity.
7.A Review on Ergonomics Factors Determining Working in Harmony with Exoskeletons
Isa Halim ; Muhammad Nadzirul Izzat Mahadzir ; Zulkeflee Abdullah ; Muhammad Zaimi Zainal Abidin ; Mohd Nazrin Muhammad ; Adi Saptari
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2023;19(No.6):311-327
Exoskeletons are wearable devices that can enhance human strength and are used in various fields, such as healthcare and the manufacturing industry. However, poorly designed exoskeletons can strain the muscles and cause injuries to users. The objectives of this review paper are to review the ergonomics factors that contribute to a harmonious
user-exoskeleton interaction and to explore the current trends, challenges, and future directions for developing ergonomically designed exoskeletons. In this review, 102 relevant papers published from 2015 to 2023 were retrieved
from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. These papers were considered in the analysis for gathering relevant information on the topic. The authors identified six ergonomics factors, namely kinematic compatibility, contact
pressure, postural control, metabolic cost, cognitive workload, as well as task demands and workplace conditions,
that can influence the interaction between users and exoskeletons. By understanding and addressing these ergonomics factors during the design and development process, exoskeleton designers can enhance the user experience and
adoption of the devices in daily living activities and industrial applications.
8.Evaluation of beak and feather disease virus, avian polyomavirus and avian papillomavirus of captives psittacine birds in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
Muhammad Faiz Mohd Padzil ; Nur Syafiqah Ab Halim ; Nurulhuda Najihah ; Aminuddin Baki Nurul Najian ; Jalila Abu ; Nurulfiza Mat Isa ; Han Yih Lau ; Abdul Razak Mariatulqabtiah
Malaysian Journal of Microbiology 2021;17(3):338-344
Aims:
Psittacine birds such as parrots, macaws, cockatoos, lovebirds and parakeets, are widely reared as household
pets or at aviary due to their attractive features. However, the status of virus-causing diseases of psittacine species in
Malaysia is fairly under-documented. Therefore, this study was aimed to detect the presence of three common avian
viruses that infect psittacine birds, i.e. beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), avian polyomavirus and avian
papillomavirus.
Methodology and results:
Faecal samples from twelve asymptomatic captive psittacine birds of different species were
collected from an undisclosed animal garden in Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Briefly, the sample was homogenised and
resuspended with SM buffer with the ratio 1:1 (weight of sample/g: volume of SM buffer/mL) before centrifugation at
1,000 × g for 20 min. The supernatant was collected and filtered before subjected to genomic DNA extraction using a
commercialised kit. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to screen the V1, VP1 and L1 genes of beak
and feather disease virus (BFDV), avian polyomavirus and avian papillomavirus, respectively. Findings revealed that the
samples were negative for BFDV and avian polyomavirus. However, positive results of 1.5 kbp PCR amplicon were
detected for avian papillomavirus in four out of the 12 samples (33.33%), which was from the white-crested cockatoo,
African grey parrot, yellow-collared macaw and Senegal parrot. Sequence analysis of the L1 gene from the Senegal
parrot Poicephalus senegalus revealed 93% identity to a reference Psittacus erithacus timneh avian papillomavirus.
Conclusion, significance and impact of study
This study added to the limited prevalence data of three important
avian viruses which infect captive psittacines in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia. Avian papillomavirus, but not
BFDV and avian polyomavirus, was detected in the collected captive psittacine birds. Therefore, a routine screening can
be performed to monitor the health status of birds despite their asymptomatic manifestation, in order to prevent possible
virus transmission.
Virus Diseases
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Birds