scholarly journals P-Ergonomics Platform: Toward Precise, Pervasive, and Personalized Ergonomics using Wearable Sensors and Edge Computing

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Vega-Barbas ◽  
Jose Diaz-Olivares ◽  
Ke Lu ◽  
Mikael Forsman ◽  
Fernando Seoane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Cloud Platform ◽  
Preventive Healthcare ◽  
Work Related ◽  
System Usability Scale ◽  
Amazon Web Services ◽  
Continuous Feedback ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Preventive healthcare has attracted much attention recently. Improving people’s lifestyles and promoting a healthy diet and wellbeing are important, but the importance of work-related diseases should not be undermined. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common work-related health problems. Ergonomists already assess MSD risk factors and suggest changes in workplaces. However, existing methods are mainly based on visual observations, which have a relatively low reliability and cover only part of the workday. These suggestions concern the overall workplace and the organization of work, but rarely includes individuals’ work techniques. In this work, we propose a precise and pervasive ergonomic platform for continuous risk assessment. The system collects data from wearable sensors, which are synchronized and processed by a mobile computing layer, from which exposure statistics and risk assessments may be drawn, and finally, are stored at the server layer for further analyses at both individual and group levels. The platform also enables continuous feedback to the worker to support behavioral changes. The deployed cloud platform in Amazon Web Services instances showed sufficient system flexibility to affordably fulfill requirements of small to medium enterprises, while it is expandable for larger corporations. The system usability scale of 76.6 indicates an acceptable grade of usability.

scholarly journals Swarm: A federated cloud framework for large-scale variant analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. e1008977
Author(s):  
Amir Bahmani ◽  
Kyle Ferriter ◽  
Vandhana Krishnan ◽  
Arash Alavi ◽  
Amir Alavi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Delays ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cloud Platform ◽  
Computational Costs ◽  
Cloud Framework ◽  
Amazon Web Services ◽  
Minimal Data ◽  
Genomic Data Analysis ◽  
Variant Analysis ◽  
Privacy Violation

Genomic data analysis across multiple cloud platforms is an ongoing challenge, especially when large amounts of data are involved. Here, we present Swarm, a framework for federated computation that promotes minimal data motion and facilitates crosstalk between genomic datasets stored on various cloud platforms. We demonstrate its utility via common inquiries of genomic variants across BigQuery in the Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Athena in the Amazon Web Services (AWS), Apache Presto and MySQL. Compared to single-cloud platforms, the Swarm framework significantly reduced computational costs, run-time delays and risks of security breach and privacy violation.

Multi-Factor Performance Comparison of Amazon Web Services Elastic Compute Cluster and Google Cloud Platform Compute Engine

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Sanjay P. Ahuja ◽  
Emily Czarnecki ◽  
Sean Willison
Keyword(s):  
Web Services ◽  
Cluster Computing ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Performance Comparison ◽  
Public Cloud ◽  
Cloud Platform ◽  
Amazon Web Services ◽  
Computing Performance ◽  
Comparative Examination ◽  
Insight Into

Cloud computing has rapidly become a viable competitor to on-premise infrastructure from both management and cost perspectives. This research provides insight into cluster computing performance and variability in cloud-provisioned infrastructure from two popular public cloud providers. A comparative examination of the two cloud platforms using synthetic benchmarks is provided. In this article, we compared the performance of Amazon Web Services Elastic Compute Cluster (EC2) to the Google Cloud Platform (GCP) Compute Engine using three benchmarks: STREAM, IOR, and NPB-EP. Experiments were conducted on clusters with increasing nodes from one to eight. We also performed experiments over the course of two weeks where benchmarks were run at similar times. The benchmarks provided performance metrics for bandwidth (STREAM), read and write performance (IOR), and operations per second (NPB-EP). We found that EC2 outperformed GCP for bandwidth. Both provided good scalability and reliability for bandwidth with GCP showing a slight deviation during the two-week trial. GCP outperformed EC2 in both the read and write tests (IOR) as well as the operations per second test. However, GCP was extremely variable during the read and write tests over the two-week trial. Overall, each platform excelled in different benchmarks and we found EC2 to be more reliable in general.

scholarly journals Scalability and cost-effectiveness analysis of whole genome-wide association studies on Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 1425-1430
Author(s):  
Inès Krissaane ◽  
Carlos De Niz ◽  
Alba Gutiérrez-Sacristán ◽  
Gabor Korodi ◽  
Nneka Ede ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Web Services ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Genome Wide Association ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Cloud Platform ◽  
Human Genomics ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Innovative Methodology ◽  
Amazon Web Services

Abstract Objective Advancements in human genomics have generated a surge of available data, fueling the growth and accessibility of databases for more comprehensive, in-depth genetic studies. Methods We provide a straightforward and innovative methodology to optimize cloud configuration in order to conduct genome-wide association studies. We utilized Spark clusters on both Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services, as well as Hail (http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2646680) for analysis and exploration of genomic variants dataset. Results Comparative evaluation of numerous cloud-based cluster configurations demonstrate a successful and unprecedented compromise between speed and cost for performing genome-wide association studies on 4 distinct whole-genome sequencing datasets. Results are consistent across the 2 cloud providers and could be highly useful for accelerating research in genetics. Conclusions We present a timely piece for one of the most frequently asked questions when moving to the cloud: what is the trade-off between speed and cost?

Musculoskeletal disorders within the carpentry trade: analysis of timber flooring subtasks

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (9) ◽  
pp. 2577-2590
Author(s):  
Abiola Akanmu ◽  
Johnson Olayiwola ◽  
Oluwole Alfred Olatunji
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Body Movement ◽  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Movement Data ◽  
Cutting Out ◽  
Trade Analysis ◽  
Ergonomic Exposures

PurposeCarpenters are constantly vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders. Their work consists of subtasks that promote nonfatal injuries and pains that affect different body segments. The purpose of this study is to examine ergonomic exposures of carpentry subtasks involved in floor framing, how they lead to musculoskeletal injuries, and how preventive and protective interventions around them can be effective.Design/methodology/approachUsing wearable sensors, this study characterizes ergonomic exposures of carpenters by measuring and analyzing body movement data relating to major subtasks in carpentry flooring work. The exposures are assessed using Postural Ergonomic Risk Assessment classification, which is based on tasks involving repetitive subtasks and nonstatic postures.FindingsThe findings of this paper suggest severe risk impositions on the trunk, shoulder and elbow as a result of the measuring and marking and cutting out vent locations, as well as in placing and nailing boards into place.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the type and size of wearable sensor used, only results of risk exposures of four body-parts are presented.Practical implicationsThis study draws insights on how to benchmark trade-specific measurement of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Safety efforts can be targeted toward these risk areas and subtasks. Specifically, results from these will assist designers and innovators in designing effective and adaptable protective interventions and safety trainings.Originality/valueExtant studies have failed to provide adequate evidence regarding the relationships between subtasks and musculoskeletal disorders; they have only mimicked construction tasks through laboratory experimental scenarios. This study adds value to the existing literature, in particular by providing insights into hazards associated with floor carpentry subtasks.

scholarly journals Bullying and harassment and work-related stressors: Evidence from British small and medium enterprises

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duncan Lewis ◽  
Phil Megicks ◽  
Paul Jones
Keyword(s):  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Management Standards ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Manager Support ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Employment Rights ◽  
Bullying And Harassment ◽  
Work Related Stressors

This article examines the relationship between work-related stressors and bullying and harassment in British small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Using representative data from a national survey on employment rights and experiences (Fair Treatment at Work), this research identifies that bullying and harassment are just as prevalent in British SMEs as in larger organisations. Drawing upon the Management Standards of the Health and Safety Executive, a number of significant relationships with bullying and harassment are established. Work demands placed upon employees are positively related to bullying and harassment behaviours, while autonomy, manager support, peer support and clarity of role are negatively associated with such behaviours. The study considers implications for human resource practices in SMEs, and the risks of informal attitudes to these work-related stressors in contemporary workplaces are discussed.

scholarly journals Validity of Wearable Sensors at the Shoulder Joint: Combining Wireless Electromyography Sensors and Inertial Measurement Units to Perform Physical Workplace Assessments

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 1885 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Poitras ◽  
Mathieu Bielmann ◽  
Alexandre Campeau-Lecours ◽  
Catherine Mercier ◽  
Laurent J. Bouyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wearable Sensors ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Complex Task ◽  
Inertial Measurement Units ◽  
Simple Task ◽  
Inertial Measurement ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Measurement Units ◽  
Shoulder Kinematics

Background: Workplace adaptation is the preferred method of intervention to diminish risk factors associated with the development of work-related shoulder disorders. However, the majority of the workplace assessments performed are subjective (e.g., questionnaires). Quantitative assessments are required to support workplace adaptations. The aims of this study are to assess the concurrent validity of inertial measurement units (IMUs; MVN, Xsens) in comparison to a motion capture system (Vicon) during lifting tasks, and establish the discriminative validity of a wireless electromyography (EMG) system for the evaluation of muscle activity. Methods: Sixteen participants performed 12 simple tasks (shoulder flexion, abduction, scaption) and 16 complex lifting tasks (lifting crates of different weights at different heights). A Delsys Trigno EMG system was used to record anterior and middle deltoids’ EMG activity, while the Xsens and Vicon simultaneously recorded shoulder kinematics. Results: For IMUs, correlation coefficients were high (simple task: >0.968; complex task: >0.84) and RMSEs were low (simple task: <6.72°; complex task: <11.5°). For EMG, a significant effect of weight, height and a weight x height interaction (anterior: p < 0.001; middle: p < 0.03) were observed for RMS EMG activity. Conclusions: These results suggest that wireless EMG and IMUs are valid units that can be used to measure physical demand in workplace assessments.

Group Counseling with Persons Who are Mentally Retarded on Work-Related Behaviors

1988 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charles W. Humes ◽  
Marilyn M. Suggs
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Behavior ◽  
Group Counseling ◽  
Mentally Retarded ◽  
Group Homes ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Behavioral Observations ◽  
Behavior Scale

Effects of group counseling with persons who are mentally retarded on work-related behaviors were examined using items selected from the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS) and behavioral observations. Participants were mentally retarded adults who were living in group homes and were employed. Counseling was conducted over a 14-week period with positive changes found in selected domains of the ABS and other observed behavioral changes.

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