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Biomedical subjects

J A Eklund

Publications and source records attributed to J A Eklund.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Ergonomics and quality management--humans in interaction with technology, work environment, and organization.

In many studies, ergonomics has been shown to influence human performance. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate important ergonomics influences on quality in industrial production, from the perspective of interactions between humans, technology, organization, and work environment. A second aim was to elaborate on the implications of these findings for the development of quality management strategies. This paper shows that ergonomics problems in terms of adverse work environmental conditions, inappropriate design of technology, and an unsuitable organization are important causes of quality deficiencies. Problem solving aimed at improving ergonomics, quality, and productivity simultaneously is likely to obtain support from most of the interest parties of the company, and may also enhance participation. Ergonomics has the potential of becoming a driving force for the development of new quality management strategies.

Ergonomics↗
PubMed1995

Relationships between ergonomics and quality in assembly work.

Several studies indicate a relationship between ergonomic work conditions and the quality of the work. The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationships between a number of ergonomic conditions and product quality in car assembly. The most physically demanding tasks, the tasks with the most difficult parts to assemble, and the most psychologically demanding tasks, were identified by interviews with experienced assembly workers. Information on quality deficiencies was obtained from the internal quality statistics of the company and from interviews with quality control personnel. The results showed that the quality deficiencies were three times as common for the work tasks with ergonomics problems, compared with the other tasks. An increased risk of quality deficiencies was seen for all three categories of ergonomics problems investigated. Direct causes of quality deficiencies were identified, such as discomfort from strained parts of the body, organizational factors and time pressure. The analyses pointed to certain types of task that were more likely than others to cause quality problems. The results also showed that an important factor for job satisfaction was the possibility for the workers to perform their tasks with high quality. The study therefore confirms close relationships between ergonomics and quality, and thereby points to the possibility of conducting integrated change programmes aimed at improving work quality and work conditions simultaneously.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1995

Diagnostic radiology of the cranial base.

The skull base is a complex interface for bone, nerves, vessels, and musculature. With knowledge of the underlying anatomy, with an understanding of the strengths of CT and MR imaging, and with a familiarity of the commonest lesions, a rational approach to diagnostic imaging can be made, narrowing the clinical differential diagnosis and simplifying presurgical planning.

Adenoma↗
PubMed1987

Assessment of workload from measurements of stature.

The height of the body in the erect position varies by about 1% during the course of the day. It decreases rapidly after getting up and, depending on the pattern of work and rest, continues to reduce during the day; then overnight, it recovers. These changes result from changes in the height of the intervertebral discs. With conventional methods of measuring stature, these changes would go unrecognised. Apparatus has therefore been developed, allowing measurement to an accuracy of at least 1 mm. Studies have been made of static loading, dynamic lifting, running, in different types of seating and in resting postures. In general, height losses are proportional to the magnitude of lumbosacral compression, to the perception of exertion during physical exercise and to the levels of postural discomfort. Gains in height in positions of rest are proportional to the ratings for relaxation and comfort. For the ergonomist, therefore, the method offers a reliable means of assessing the effects on the spine of both physical work and rest-pauses.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

How does a backrest work?

After discussing the distribution of forces in the stable upright posture and illustrating the importance of the lumbar lordosis for minimising muscular effort in this position, the loadings on the spine and muscles of the back are outlined during upright sitting. It is shown that the backrest locates the lumbar spine so that the CG of the superincumbent body parts can be positioned above the vertebrae, permitting the gravity load to be transmitted to the seat without the counteracting torques which muscles would have to provide if this position was not adopted. The forces arising from other sitting positions are then discussed, and some conclusions drawn for seat design.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1984

Shrinkage as a measure of the effect of load on the spine.

A new method for measuring spinal load is proposed, whereby changes in body height are used as a measure of disc compression. The rate and magnitude of disc compression are caused by the loading and its temporal pattern. A device is reported for measuring body height (SD less than 1 mm). Experiments showed the dinural shrinkage during a working day and the rapid recovery when lying down. Other experiments demonstrated how the rate of shrinkage is a function of the load on the spine. Further, shrinkage when sitting in different chairs has been compared, and the results are in agreement with disc pressure measurements, reported in the literature. Finally, examples are given of how the method can be used in ergonomic evaluations.

Adult↗