Robert Marley - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Robert Marley

IEEE Engineering Management Review, Sep 1, 2020

The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in China in December 2019, quickly spreading to other p... more The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in China in December 2019, quickly spreading to other parts of the world leading to a global pandemic. A number of potential interventions and treatments are being considered. However, in the midst of a pandemic, much early reporting can contain misleading and contradictory data. Thus, reliable information and reasoned perspectives by decision-makers must be attained to minimize the pandemic's current impact, as well as the impact in the likely second wave in the “flu season of 2020–2021.” One potential treatment is the use of booster doses of the Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine; this vaccine is mandatory at birth in many lower-income nations. In this article, using widely available and reliable data, the relationship of per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) and the BCG vaccine's use on the impact of the virus is studied via statistical models. A strong association is seen between lower per-capita GDP and lower impact. Furthermore, a lower impact is witnessed in countries where the BCG vaccine is mandatory at birth, which suggests that clinical trials need to occur to determine the vaccine's efficacy. Perspectives in safety and risk mitigation needed for management of pandemics and similar events are also provided.

Sustainable Cities and Society

Computers & Industrial Engineering, 1990

... 4. MM Ayoub. Work place design and posture. Hum. Factors 15(3), 265-268 (1973). CAIE I$/)-~F ... more ... 4. MM Ayoub. Work place design and posture. Hum. Factors 15(3), 265-268 (1973). CAIE I$/)-~F 318 JEFFREY E FERNANDEZ et al 5 C S. Hartley and JR Pace Five Macintosh tools for human factors engmeenng Proc of the Human Factors SocwO' 31st Annual Meeting, Santa ...

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar 1, 2014

This paper examines an approach to modeling the relationship between perceived acceptable work ex... more This paper examines an approach to modeling the relationship between perceived acceptable work exposures and physical stressors in upper-extremity tasks using psychophysical methods. Several years of laboratory-based studies and results from a variety of simulated work tasks and task elements are summarized. The original impetus of these studies was founded in the pioneering work and successful application of psychophysical methods applied to manual materials handling tasks (e.g., lifting) generally beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. This approach provided unique and feasible solutions to work design problems involving exposure to the hazard of cumulative trauma. Presently, these methods were adapted to studying common upper-extremity tasks and task elements. Results provide conclusive evidence of the impact of required posture, force, gender and other variables on acceptable task frequency. These results and the psychophysical method in general, may be particularly helpful in establishing realistic and reasonable work design guidelines when workers are exposed to multiple, simultaneous hazards such as force, frequency, with deviated posture, etc, and in the absence of well-defined biomechanical or physiological-based models. Finally, a review of psychophysical theory and methods which can be applied to a wide range of occupational activities is provided. Relevance to industry: Psychophysical methods have been utilized for realistic work design guidelines for jobs with risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly the low back. This paper summarizes psychophysical methods and results developed for upper-extremity tasks. Required task frequencies should be reduced when postural deviation, required force, and other factors such as vibration, are greater than nominal.

This paper provides an overview of the major techniques (or tools) for conducting workstation ana... more This paper provides an overview of the major techniques (or tools) for conducting workstation analyses for the purpose of assessing risk for musculoskeletal disorders. No attempt is made to discuss the superiority of one identification tool over another but, rather, to provide information about the relevancy of each in different workstation design scenarios. In addition, the overall process for conducting workstation analyses is discussed with an emphasis on prioritization, solution development, implementation and follow-up strategies. The "trade-off" between extensive evaluations and solution implementation is also discussed.

Journal of The Ergonomics Society of Korea, 1994

This paper summarizes recent research in the use of the psychophysical method of adjustment to es... more This paper summarizes recent research in the use of the psychophysical method of adjustment to establish acceptable parameters for upper extremity work activities. Results from these studies show that this psychophysical approach can provide reliable guidelines based upon realistic job conditions which involve one or more risk factors for cumulative trauma. It is also shown that this method provides advantages over other psychophysical methods as well as current biomechanical and physioligical criteria.

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society annual meeting, Oct 1, 1990

Page 1. PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS SOCIE1Y 34th ANNUAL MEETING-1990 ISOKINETIC WRIST STRENG... more Page 1. PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS SOCIE1Y 34th ANNUAL MEETING-1990 ISOKINETIC WRIST STRENGTH OF FEMALES WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Jeffrey E. Fernandez, Mary G. Klein Department ...

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 1992

An investigation was performed to assess the effect of forearm rotation (pronation and supination... more An investigation was performed to assess the effect of forearm rotation (pronation and supination) and elbow orientation upon maximum grip strength of 10 male and 10 female subjects. Seven positions of forearm rotation which ranged from 90 degrees pronation to 90 degrees supination in both the 90 degree elbow flexion (arm adducted, forearm horizontal) and 0 degree flexion (shoulder flexed, whole-arm extended forward and horizontal) postures were examined. Thus a total combination of 14 postures were documented. Results indicate that maximum grip strength decreased significantly with forearm pronation, relative to the “neutral” forearm posture (p = 0.086). Other rotation postures did not yield significantly different grip strength from the neutral, but there was a clear decreasing trend in grip strength with forearm rotation away from neutral, particularly in pronation. The 0 degree elbow flexion showed the highest average grip strength values compared to 90 degree elbow flexion post...

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 1989

Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range-of-motion, muscle activity, and task perform... more Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range-of-motion, muscle activity, and task performance, and subjective ratings of pain were observed in a group of individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These measures were compared to a control population showing no symptoms of CTS. Results indicate that individuals with CTS had significantly lower values on some strength tests, less range of motion on several measures, and reduced performance on a simulated task than did the control group. Ratings of pain and distress for the CTS group were also significantly higher than the control group. Occupational and personality factors associated with the CTS group were also identified and discussed.

2012 Frontiers in Education Conference Proceedings, 2012

An innovative, easy to implement International Engineering Certificate is introduced in this work... more An innovative, easy to implement International Engineering Certificate is introduced in this work-in-progress, innovative practice paper. The certificate enhances a four year engineering or computer science major without delaying the time to graduate. Other benefits include low cost, flexible structure, appeal to diverse audiences and potential for external support opportunities. The certificate is compared to four international opportunities provided by other engineering programs.

Proceedings Whistler 2008 International Snow Science Workshop September 21 27 2008, Sep 22, 2008

Avalanche injury data has generally been derived from medical evaluation of victims, or in the wo... more Avalanche injury data has generally been derived from medical evaluation of victims, or in the worst case, by autopsy. These post-event examinations evaluate injuries sustained, but cannot directly determine the forces or impact loads experienced by the victim. If an individual is caught in a slide, what forces and accelerations are experienced, and what injuries might result? The MSU Avalanche Dummy project was undertaken to directly investigate the forces imparted to a snow avalanche victim. During initial testing, a full-sized, instrumented crash dummy was entrained in avalanches at the Bridger Bowl Ski area. A portable battery-powered digital data acquisition system was developed and utilized to record multi-axis force data from load cells in the upper and lower leg, and knee. It also recorded head impacts sensed by accelerometers in the bio-fidelic ~200-pound dummy. Test sequences were recorded with both video and still images from setup through explosive-induced avalanche to recovery. This yielded a good visual record of entire test events, for research use and possibly for public avalanche awareness education purposes. Equipment, setup, test protocol and logistics, data correlation, test results, and future test scenarios are discussed.

Ergonomics, 1995

Two laboratory experiments were conducted; first, to utilize the psychophysical approach (method ... more Two laboratory experiments were conducted; first, to utilize the psychophysical approach (method of adjustment) to establish maximum acceptable frequency (MAF) for a sheet metal drilling task and, second, to examine the effect of sustained, static exertion upon objective and subjective measures under similar task conditions. In both experiments, the wrist posture (flexation, ulnar deviation) required by the task was varied. Twelve healthy females served as subjects. Results show that the psychophysically adjusted task frequency was significantly lower when wrist deviation was required, particularly flexion. MAF for one-third (25 degrees) and two-thirds (50 degrees) flexion were 88% and 73%, respectively, of those selected in the neutral posture. Furthermore, these results were supported by trends in grip strength, heart rate, blood pressure, EMG and perceived exertion. Results from the sustained exertion trials revealed that significant increases in physiological parameters occurred...

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a proposed new and unique program relative to t... more This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a proposed new and unique program relative to treatment and troubleshooting for diagnostic causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range of motion, muscle activity, and task performance, together with subjective ratings of pain were observed in a group of individuals diagnosed with CTS. These measures were compared to a control population showing no symptoms of CTS prior to undergoing treatment and following completion of the treatment program. Results indicate that individuals with CTS had significantly lower values on some strength, range of motion, and slower task performance than did the control group. Ratings of pain and distress were also significantly higher than the controls, and in the literature the CTS group's values approached levels of chronic pain. Analysis of posttreatment cases revealed statistically significant improvements in several strength measures of up to 25% over pretreatment values. Significant improvement was also shown in several range of motion measures of up to 22%. Finally, a significant reduction of 15% in pain and distress ratings was demonstrated in the posttreatment cases.

International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of creatine monohydrate (CrH2O) on upp... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of creatine monohydrate (CrH2O) on upper extremity anaerobic response in strength-trained females involved in overhand sports. Two movements were utilized in this evaluation: elbow flexion (EF) and shoulder internal rotation (IR). Subjects were pair-matched and assigned to receive placebo (n = 13) or 25 g CrH2O (n = 11) for 7 days. Pre- and post-treatment measurements included peak concentric and eccentric isokinetic torque, isotonic 1RM, and fatigue (FAT) during EF; isotonic 1RM, FAT, and peak velocity during IR; and body weight. MANOVAs revealed significant interaction between treatment and trial for EF (p <.05) but not for IR or weight. Univariate analysis indicated a significantly greater change in EFFAT following CrH2O than following placebo. Thus, CrH2O did not influence peak EF or IR strength, IR work to fatigue, or IR velocity, but was associated with greater work capacity during fatiguing EF. These data suggest that CrH2O may enhance upper extremity work capacity, but this enhancement may not extend to the muscles primarily responsible for overhand sports performance.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

This study was a follow-up evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) subjects based on objective... more This study was a follow-up evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) subjects based on objective and subjective measures utilizing a conservative treatment method. It was hypothesized that the CTS individuals would maintain their improvements over the course of a 6-mo period after treatments. The design used was a case control study in which the improvements of the CTS subjects were compared within themselves and with a matched comparison group. The treatments were performed at a private chiropractic clinic, and the objective and subjective measures were independently taken in an industrial engineering laboratory. All CTS subjects were volunteers from a random sample. Forty-three individuals were evaluated at the pretreatment period and in the 6-mo follow-up. Only 22 subjects returned for reevaluation. The treatment duration was not controlled. The results indicate that CTS subjects had maintained improvements in most of the objective measures and pain and distress ratings over the pretreatment level (p < .05) at 6 mo post-treatment. When compared to a matched comparison group, CTS-treated subjects demonstrated no significant differences (p < .05) in grip strength (for females), pinch strength, forearm pronation and supination forces, assembly task performance and pain and distress scores. The results of statistical analyses indicate that CTS subjects can be treated and achieve a significant recovery to within normal comparative levels of non-CTS subjects in most subjective and objective measures.

Information on musculoskeletal pain/discomfort over a past 12-month period was collected from 387... more Information on musculoskeletal pain/discomfort over a past 12-month period was collected from 387 nurses from a hospital in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico using a modified version of the SNQ questionnaire. Results showed high incidence of pain/discomfort with more than half of the participants referring complaints in more than one body part. Higher percentages of complaints were registered for legs, lower back, neck, and upper back regions. Overall, registered nurses and those working on night shifts had the highest percentage of pain/discomfort complaints. Increased risk for musculoskeletal pain/discomfort was associated to smoking (OR=2.6), history of any type of disease (OR=2.8), and working in the morning shift (OR=1.63). The overall 12-month incidence of musculoskeletal complaints was comparable to that of nurses in other countries. It is necessary to further evaluate tasks involving manual load handling, prolonged standing, and static postures and its possible role in causation of pain/discomfort among this worker population.

Industrial Engineering programs at American Universities at the baccalaureate level have historic... more Industrial Engineering programs at American Universities at the baccalaureate level have historically emphasized general focus areas including manufacturing/production processes/systems, human factors/ergonomics, management, operations research, and probability/statistical processes. As a result of a variety of factors, however, there is evidence to suggest that the BS degree in industrial engineering may have undergone change during the last 20 years. This paper compares and contrasts the undergraduate curricular focus areas sampled from some of America’s most recognized Industrial Engineering programs over the last 20 years in an effort to document such trends. Results indicate that there may have been shifts in the emphasis areas within IE curricula in terms of total course offerings. Most notably, manufacturing, production systems, human factors/ergonomics and work methods have seen substantial reductions in the number of courses offered, though basic courses in the areas are st...

2009 39th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, 2009

The faculty development sub-committee of the Engineering Schools of the West Initiative (ESWI) de... more The faculty development sub-committee of the Engineering Schools of the West Initiative (ESWI) developed and administered a pair of surveys for faculty and administrators. We constructed the surveys with four objectives in mind: (1) to collect descriptive benchmark data about perceptions on issues related to the scholarship of teaching; (2) to understand if there was a difference between engineering faculty and administrators' perceptions; (3) to explore how the respondents' own values, in regard to teaching excellence, aligned with their perception of the values of their institutions; and (4) to articulate some implications as to how excellence in teaching is valued and evaluated in the academic community.

AIHce 1997 - Taking Responsibility...Building Tomorrow's Profession Papers, 1997

A concern of all ergonomic analysis and design is to help ensure a safe environment for employees... more A concern of all ergonomic analysis and design is to help ensure a safe environment for employees working in various trades and professions. This can include systems to warn users about the incorrect usage of equipment or processes. This paper summarizes an investigation in to developing methodologies to measure these responses quantitatively. Twelve participants were asked to drive a simulated vehicle with electromyography (EMG) electrodes placed on four different muscle groups of the upper arm and lower leg. Subjects were distracted to generate a lane departure, during which the auditory, haptic, or combination of auditory and haptic, warning was provided to capture the driver's attention. The response of the participant to the given warning was measured by recording the muscle activity using EMG. The results documented significant root-mean-square (RMS) of EMG amplitudes during steering and braking activity in response to the warning condition. In addition, this study describes methodology involved in measuring these responses. The result of this study can be useful to find the effectiveness of warning systems such as correct reactions, or possibly the presence of startle/panic responses.

IEEE Engineering Management Review, Sep 1, 2020

The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in China in December 2019, quickly spreading to other p... more The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in China in December 2019, quickly spreading to other parts of the world leading to a global pandemic. A number of potential interventions and treatments are being considered. However, in the midst of a pandemic, much early reporting can contain misleading and contradictory data. Thus, reliable information and reasoned perspectives by decision-makers must be attained to minimize the pandemic's current impact, as well as the impact in the likely second wave in the “flu season of 2020–2021.” One potential treatment is the use of booster doses of the Bacille Calmette–Guerin (BCG) vaccine; this vaccine is mandatory at birth in many lower-income nations. In this article, using widely available and reliable data, the relationship of per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) and the BCG vaccine's use on the impact of the virus is studied via statistical models. A strong association is seen between lower per-capita GDP and lower impact. Furthermore, a lower impact is witnessed in countries where the BCG vaccine is mandatory at birth, which suggests that clinical trials need to occur to determine the vaccine's efficacy. Perspectives in safety and risk mitigation needed for management of pandemics and similar events are also provided.

Sustainable Cities and Society

Computers & Industrial Engineering, 1990

... 4. MM Ayoub. Work place design and posture. Hum. Factors 15(3), 265-268 (1973). CAIE I$/)-~F ... more ... 4. MM Ayoub. Work place design and posture. Hum. Factors 15(3), 265-268 (1973). CAIE I$/)-~F 318 JEFFREY E FERNANDEZ et al 5 C S. Hartley and JR Pace Five Macintosh tools for human factors engmeenng Proc of the Human Factors SocwO' 31st Annual Meeting, Santa ...

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Mar 1, 2014

This paper examines an approach to modeling the relationship between perceived acceptable work ex... more This paper examines an approach to modeling the relationship between perceived acceptable work exposures and physical stressors in upper-extremity tasks using psychophysical methods. Several years of laboratory-based studies and results from a variety of simulated work tasks and task elements are summarized. The original impetus of these studies was founded in the pioneering work and successful application of psychophysical methods applied to manual materials handling tasks (e.g., lifting) generally beginning in the 1960s and 1970s. This approach provided unique and feasible solutions to work design problems involving exposure to the hazard of cumulative trauma. Presently, these methods were adapted to studying common upper-extremity tasks and task elements. Results provide conclusive evidence of the impact of required posture, force, gender and other variables on acceptable task frequency. These results and the psychophysical method in general, may be particularly helpful in establishing realistic and reasonable work design guidelines when workers are exposed to multiple, simultaneous hazards such as force, frequency, with deviated posture, etc, and in the absence of well-defined biomechanical or physiological-based models. Finally, a review of psychophysical theory and methods which can be applied to a wide range of occupational activities is provided. Relevance to industry: Psychophysical methods have been utilized for realistic work design guidelines for jobs with risk of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly the low back. This paper summarizes psychophysical methods and results developed for upper-extremity tasks. Required task frequencies should be reduced when postural deviation, required force, and other factors such as vibration, are greater than nominal.

This paper provides an overview of the major techniques (or tools) for conducting workstation ana... more This paper provides an overview of the major techniques (or tools) for conducting workstation analyses for the purpose of assessing risk for musculoskeletal disorders. No attempt is made to discuss the superiority of one identification tool over another but, rather, to provide information about the relevancy of each in different workstation design scenarios. In addition, the overall process for conducting workstation analyses is discussed with an emphasis on prioritization, solution development, implementation and follow-up strategies. The "trade-off" between extensive evaluations and solution implementation is also discussed.

Journal of The Ergonomics Society of Korea, 1994

This paper summarizes recent research in the use of the psychophysical method of adjustment to es... more This paper summarizes recent research in the use of the psychophysical method of adjustment to establish acceptable parameters for upper extremity work activities. Results from these studies show that this psychophysical approach can provide reliable guidelines based upon realistic job conditions which involve one or more risk factors for cumulative trauma. It is also shown that this method provides advantages over other psychophysical methods as well as current biomechanical and physioligical criteria.

Proceedings of the Human Factors Society annual meeting, Oct 1, 1990

Page 1. PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS SOCIE1Y 34th ANNUAL MEETING-1990 ISOKINETIC WRIST STRENG... more Page 1. PROCEEDINGS of the HUMAN FACTORS SOCIE1Y 34th ANNUAL MEETING-1990 ISOKINETIC WRIST STRENGTH OF FEMALES WITH CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Jeffrey E. Fernandez, Mary G. Klein Department ...

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 1992

An investigation was performed to assess the effect of forearm rotation (pronation and supination... more An investigation was performed to assess the effect of forearm rotation (pronation and supination) and elbow orientation upon maximum grip strength of 10 male and 10 female subjects. Seven positions of forearm rotation which ranged from 90 degrees pronation to 90 degrees supination in both the 90 degree elbow flexion (arm adducted, forearm horizontal) and 0 degree flexion (shoulder flexed, whole-arm extended forward and horizontal) postures were examined. Thus a total combination of 14 postures were documented. Results indicate that maximum grip strength decreased significantly with forearm pronation, relative to the “neutral” forearm posture (p = 0.086). Other rotation postures did not yield significantly different grip strength from the neutral, but there was a clear decreasing trend in grip strength with forearm rotation away from neutral, particularly in pronation. The 0 degree elbow flexion showed the highest average grip strength values compared to 90 degree elbow flexion post...

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting, 1989

Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range-of-motion, muscle activity, and task perform... more Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range-of-motion, muscle activity, and task performance, and subjective ratings of pain were observed in a group of individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These measures were compared to a control population showing no symptoms of CTS. Results indicate that individuals with CTS had significantly lower values on some strength tests, less range of motion on several measures, and reduced performance on a simulated task than did the control group. Ratings of pain and distress for the CTS group were also significantly higher than the control group. Occupational and personality factors associated with the CTS group were also identified and discussed.

2012 Frontiers in Education Conference Proceedings, 2012

An innovative, easy to implement International Engineering Certificate is introduced in this work... more An innovative, easy to implement International Engineering Certificate is introduced in this work-in-progress, innovative practice paper. The certificate enhances a four year engineering or computer science major without delaying the time to graduate. Other benefits include low cost, flexible structure, appeal to diverse audiences and potential for external support opportunities. The certificate is compared to four international opportunities provided by other engineering programs.

Proceedings Whistler 2008 International Snow Science Workshop September 21 27 2008, Sep 22, 2008

Avalanche injury data has generally been derived from medical evaluation of victims, or in the wo... more Avalanche injury data has generally been derived from medical evaluation of victims, or in the worst case, by autopsy. These post-event examinations evaluate injuries sustained, but cannot directly determine the forces or impact loads experienced by the victim. If an individual is caught in a slide, what forces and accelerations are experienced, and what injuries might result? The MSU Avalanche Dummy project was undertaken to directly investigate the forces imparted to a snow avalanche victim. During initial testing, a full-sized, instrumented crash dummy was entrained in avalanches at the Bridger Bowl Ski area. A portable battery-powered digital data acquisition system was developed and utilized to record multi-axis force data from load cells in the upper and lower leg, and knee. It also recorded head impacts sensed by accelerometers in the bio-fidelic ~200-pound dummy. Test sequences were recorded with both video and still images from setup through explosive-induced avalanche to recovery. This yielded a good visual record of entire test events, for research use and possibly for public avalanche awareness education purposes. Equipment, setup, test protocol and logistics, data correlation, test results, and future test scenarios are discussed.

Ergonomics, 1995

Two laboratory experiments were conducted; first, to utilize the psychophysical approach (method ... more Two laboratory experiments were conducted; first, to utilize the psychophysical approach (method of adjustment) to establish maximum acceptable frequency (MAF) for a sheet metal drilling task and, second, to examine the effect of sustained, static exertion upon objective and subjective measures under similar task conditions. In both experiments, the wrist posture (flexation, ulnar deviation) required by the task was varied. Twelve healthy females served as subjects. Results show that the psychophysically adjusted task frequency was significantly lower when wrist deviation was required, particularly flexion. MAF for one-third (25 degrees) and two-thirds (50 degrees) flexion were 88% and 73%, respectively, of those selected in the neutral posture. Furthermore, these results were supported by trends in grip strength, heart rate, blood pressure, EMG and perceived exertion. Results from the sustained exertion trials revealed that significant increases in physiological parameters occurred...

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a proposed new and unique program relative to t... more This study was designed to assess the efficacy of a proposed new and unique program relative to treatment and troubleshooting for diagnostic causes of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Objective measures of anthropometry, strength, range of motion, muscle activity, and task performance, together with subjective ratings of pain were observed in a group of individuals diagnosed with CTS. These measures were compared to a control population showing no symptoms of CTS prior to undergoing treatment and following completion of the treatment program. Results indicate that individuals with CTS had significantly lower values on some strength, range of motion, and slower task performance than did the control group. Ratings of pain and distress were also significantly higher than the controls, and in the literature the CTS group's values approached levels of chronic pain. Analysis of posttreatment cases revealed statistically significant improvements in several strength measures of up to 25% over pretreatment values. Significant improvement was also shown in several range of motion measures of up to 22%. Finally, a significant reduction of 15% in pain and distress ratings was demonstrated in the posttreatment cases.

International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of creatine monohydrate (CrH2O) on upp... more The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of creatine monohydrate (CrH2O) on upper extremity anaerobic response in strength-trained females involved in overhand sports. Two movements were utilized in this evaluation: elbow flexion (EF) and shoulder internal rotation (IR). Subjects were pair-matched and assigned to receive placebo (n = 13) or 25 g CrH2O (n = 11) for 7 days. Pre- and post-treatment measurements included peak concentric and eccentric isokinetic torque, isotonic 1RM, and fatigue (FAT) during EF; isotonic 1RM, FAT, and peak velocity during IR; and body weight. MANOVAs revealed significant interaction between treatment and trial for EF (p <.05) but not for IR or weight. Univariate analysis indicated a significantly greater change in EFFAT following CrH2O than following placebo. Thus, CrH2O did not influence peak EF or IR strength, IR work to fatigue, or IR velocity, but was associated with greater work capacity during fatiguing EF. These data suggest that CrH2O may enhance upper extremity work capacity, but this enhancement may not extend to the muscles primarily responsible for overhand sports performance.

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics

This study was a follow-up evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) subjects based on objective... more This study was a follow-up evaluation of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) subjects based on objective and subjective measures utilizing a conservative treatment method. It was hypothesized that the CTS individuals would maintain their improvements over the course of a 6-mo period after treatments. The design used was a case control study in which the improvements of the CTS subjects were compared within themselves and with a matched comparison group. The treatments were performed at a private chiropractic clinic, and the objective and subjective measures were independently taken in an industrial engineering laboratory. All CTS subjects were volunteers from a random sample. Forty-three individuals were evaluated at the pretreatment period and in the 6-mo follow-up. Only 22 subjects returned for reevaluation. The treatment duration was not controlled. The results indicate that CTS subjects had maintained improvements in most of the objective measures and pain and distress ratings over the pretreatment level (p < .05) at 6 mo post-treatment. When compared to a matched comparison group, CTS-treated subjects demonstrated no significant differences (p < .05) in grip strength (for females), pinch strength, forearm pronation and supination forces, assembly task performance and pain and distress scores. The results of statistical analyses indicate that CTS subjects can be treated and achieve a significant recovery to within normal comparative levels of non-CTS subjects in most subjective and objective measures.

Information on musculoskeletal pain/discomfort over a past 12-month period was collected from 387... more Information on musculoskeletal pain/discomfort over a past 12-month period was collected from 387 nurses from a hospital in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico using a modified version of the SNQ questionnaire. Results showed high incidence of pain/discomfort with more than half of the participants referring complaints in more than one body part. Higher percentages of complaints were registered for legs, lower back, neck, and upper back regions. Overall, registered nurses and those working on night shifts had the highest percentage of pain/discomfort complaints. Increased risk for musculoskeletal pain/discomfort was associated to smoking (OR=2.6), history of any type of disease (OR=2.8), and working in the morning shift (OR=1.63). The overall 12-month incidence of musculoskeletal complaints was comparable to that of nurses in other countries. It is necessary to further evaluate tasks involving manual load handling, prolonged standing, and static postures and its possible role in causation of pain/discomfort among this worker population.

Industrial Engineering programs at American Universities at the baccalaureate level have historic... more Industrial Engineering programs at American Universities at the baccalaureate level have historically emphasized general focus areas including manufacturing/production processes/systems, human factors/ergonomics, management, operations research, and probability/statistical processes. As a result of a variety of factors, however, there is evidence to suggest that the BS degree in industrial engineering may have undergone change during the last 20 years. This paper compares and contrasts the undergraduate curricular focus areas sampled from some of America’s most recognized Industrial Engineering programs over the last 20 years in an effort to document such trends. Results indicate that there may have been shifts in the emphasis areas within IE curricula in terms of total course offerings. Most notably, manufacturing, production systems, human factors/ergonomics and work methods have seen substantial reductions in the number of courses offered, though basic courses in the areas are st...

2009 39th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, 2009

The faculty development sub-committee of the Engineering Schools of the West Initiative (ESWI) de... more The faculty development sub-committee of the Engineering Schools of the West Initiative (ESWI) developed and administered a pair of surveys for faculty and administrators. We constructed the surveys with four objectives in mind: (1) to collect descriptive benchmark data about perceptions on issues related to the scholarship of teaching; (2) to understand if there was a difference between engineering faculty and administrators' perceptions; (3) to explore how the respondents' own values, in regard to teaching excellence, aligned with their perception of the values of their institutions; and (4) to articulate some implications as to how excellence in teaching is valued and evaluated in the academic community.

AIHce 1997 - Taking Responsibility...Building Tomorrow's Profession Papers, 1997

A concern of all ergonomic analysis and design is to help ensure a safe environment for employees... more A concern of all ergonomic analysis and design is to help ensure a safe environment for employees working in various trades and professions. This can include systems to warn users about the incorrect usage of equipment or processes. This paper summarizes an investigation in to developing methodologies to measure these responses quantitatively. Twelve participants were asked to drive a simulated vehicle with electromyography (EMG) electrodes placed on four different muscle groups of the upper arm and lower leg. Subjects were distracted to generate a lane departure, during which the auditory, haptic, or combination of auditory and haptic, warning was provided to capture the driver's attention. The response of the participant to the given warning was measured by recording the muscle activity using EMG. The results documented significant root-mean-square (RMS) of EMG amplitudes during steering and braking activity in response to the warning condition. In addition, this study describes methodology involved in measuring these responses. The result of this study can be useful to find the effectiveness of warning systems such as correct reactions, or possibly the presence of startle/panic responses.