Influence of environmental variables on students' cognitive performance in indoor higher education environments

BACKGROUND

Educational environments can have environmental conditions that are incompatible with the needs of students, compromising their well-being and affecting their performance.

OBJECTIVE

To identify the environmental variables that influence the performance of university students and measure this influence through an experiment in indoor environments.

METHODS

The study applied an experimental methodology for three consecutive days in seven educational environments located in different regions of Brazil, measuring the environ-mental conditions, the students' perception of the environment, and their cognitive performance. The impact of environmental variables and environmental perception on student performance was analyzed using Generalized Linear Models and a Structural Equation Model.

RESULTS

Students who took the test at air temperatures between 22.4°C and 24.7°C had a 74.20% chance of performing better than those outside this range. Air temperatures between 26.2°C and 29°C were associated with an 86% chance of taking less time to complete the test. High illuminance levels increased the chance of taking longer to answer the test by 41.7%.

CONCLUSIONS

Three environmental variables (relative humidity, lighting and air temperature) and two perceptual dimensions (light and thermal perception) directly influence student performance.

Team Workload and Performance of Healthcare Workers with Musculoskeletal Symptoms

In healthcare professionals, musculoskeletal complaints are the most frequent health disorders with the greatest potential for productivity losses. The teamwork developed by these professionals can be a coping strategy, but it can also be one more demand for the maintenance of performance. For this reason, this research aimed to investigate the relationship between team workload and performance in healthcare workers with different intensities of musculoskeletal symptoms. A survey was conducted with health professionals from 24 institutions of the Brazilian public health system, recruited by stratified probability sampling. Through non-hierarchical cluster analysis, the sample was allocated into three groups based on the intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms. We analyzed the approximation between the variables of "team workload" and "performance" of the groups formed in the previous phase through multiple correspondence analysis. In the group with higher musculoskeletal symptom scores, there was lower performance and a worse team workload. As the intensity of symptoms decreased, team workload and performance became closer variables in a two-dimensional space, indicating that the relationship between team workload and performance is improved in situations of low musculoskeletal symptom intensity.

Quantitative analysis of the influence of air temperature variability on thermal perception of Brazilian university students

BACKGROUND: The scientific literature has already identified the influence of thermal conditions on health and performance of students. However, users’ opinions are often overwhelmed by normative evaluations, not receiving the necessary attention. OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively compare the influence of air temperature variability on the thermal perception of students from six air-conditioned teaching environments located in four regions of Brazil. METHODS: Three-day experiments were carried out in six environments. A thermal condition was proposed for each day. From that, the environmental parameters were measured and a questionnaire about the thermal perception was applied. Then, Generalized Linear Models were applied to obtain a measure of effect and hypothesis test and confidence interval were used to find comfort zones and compare environments. RESULTS: The results showed that students from environments A, B, C and E felt less the effects of the increase in air temperature compared to students from environments D and F. In addition, students from environments A, B, C and E showed less perceptual variability compared to students from environments D and F. CONCLUSIONS: Students acclimated to higher thermal conditions felt less the effects of the increase in air temperature, showed less perceptual variability and a higher degree of thermal adaptability.

Relationship between mental workload and hospital infection in the ICU

BACKGROUND: Nursing is among the most stressful professions. Studies that examine possible factors that influence the mental workload (MWL) of nurses are of fundamental importance, because through these results, efforts can be concentrated on improving their working conditions more efficiently. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of hospital infection on the MWL of nurses in an intensive care unit (ICU). METHOD: Cross-sectional and descriptive study, with a quantitative approach. Three research instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and the Nursing Work Index-Revised Brazilian version (B-NWI-R). The sample consisted of 30 nurses from the ICU of a public hospital in João Pessoa city, Brazil, during the daytime period, and the Spearman correlation test (α= 0,05) was applied to verify associations. RESULTS: There was a high MWL among nurses, with a NASA-TLX weighted average of 66.38 (SD±15.0). Correlations were found between the levels of hospital infection in the ICU and the MWL of the nurses (r = 0.654, p <  0.01); in the nurses’ care of patients with urinary tract infection, the correlation is 0.546, p <  0.01; if care is provided to patients with lung problems, the correlation is 0.563, p <  0.01 The ICU presented a favorable environment to nursing practices, with means lower than 2.5, according to the B-NWI-R. CONCLUSION: The MWL of the nurses was associated with the hospital infection levels of the intensive care sector studied. It was found that the MWL of nurses in relation to hospital infection in the ICU increased by 42.8% . This MWL is impacted by 29.8% when nurses’ care is linked to patients with urinary infection. But if care is provided to patients with lung problems, this percentage rises to 31.7%

Sickness absence from work in the footwear industry: A longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Studies on illness in the footwear industry have prioritized specific work sectors and diseases. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the main factors related to sickness absence and the indicators of illness in terms of recurrence and workdays lost among workers at a footwear company, ranging from storage of raw material to distribution of the final product. METHODS: A total of 9072 cases of absence from work were investigated in shoe production units from 2014 to 2017. Univariate models estimated the risk of bodily dysfunction (physiological and psychological) and the severity of recurrence and work days lost. RESULTS: (1) Most production units and work sectors were related to one or more affected bodily functions; (2) Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions and the work sectors of prefabrication; cutting, assembly and finishing; and quality inspection of the final product required a longer recovery time before return to work and had a greater recurrence of leave; and (3) Women seemed to be more affected than men in terms of the reappearance of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Illness differs according to occupational sectors. The production sectors present more serious situations due to physical overload, intense rhythm and concentration, monotony and low autonomy.

Assessment of the influence of psychosocial factors on musculoskeletal disorder symptom intensity

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have observed that psychosocial factors are associated with an increase in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in European countries. However, the influence of psychosocial factors on the WMSD symptoms has not been studied in detail. Additionally, working conditions differ between developing and developed countries.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, the influence of psychosocial factors on WMSD symptoms among men and women in the footwear industry in northeastern Brazil is investigated.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate workers' perceptions of psychosocial factors and WMSD symptoms. The influence of psychosocial factors on WMSD symptom trends was observed through ordinal logistic regression models.

RESULTS

It was found that different psychosocial factors are related to WMSD symptom intensification. Factors such as "job insecurity" and "low social support," which are not associated with the worsening of WMSD symptoms in developed countries, showed a noticeable influence in the sample analyzed.

CONCLUSION

These findings may be associated with differences in working conditions and economic problems in developing countries, suggesting that some psychosocial factors have a different effect on workers' perceptions in developing countries.

Effects of a worksite physical activities program among men and women: An interventional study in a footwear industry

The study aims to assess the association between various levels of engagement in a worksite physical activities program and variables related to musculoskeletal symptoms, psychophysiological well-being, difficulty to perform tasks, willingness to work, and interpersonal relationships, among men and women in a footwear industry. This program involved 1113 workers. Data were analysed using an ordinal logistic regression model. In women, an increase in the frequency of participation in the worksite physical activities program was associated with less musculoskeletal pain (OR = 3.12; 2.07-4.71), better relationships among colleagues (OR = 2.83; 1.67-4.81), and a higher level of psychophysiological well-being (OR = 1.98; 1.06-3.70). In men, an increase in the frequency participation in the worksite physical activities program was associated with less difficulty in performing occupational tasks (OR = 0.49; 0.27-0.87). Thus, the association between occupational exercises and studied variables differed between genders.

Students' blood pressure and heart rate while performing cognitive tasks at education institutions in Northern and Northeastern Brazil

BACKGROUND

The use of information and communication technologies improves the versatility of learning environments by broadening the scope of educational practices, allowing students to communicate with other institutions and providing access to information in real time. However, these tools, in addition to environmental characteristics, can increase the internal thermal load, which is directly influenced by the external environment, with a consequent impact on body physiology.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigated the relationship between air temperature and blood pressure and heart rate among students performing cognitive tasks at computer laboratories in four public universities (three in Northeastern Brazil and one in Northern Brazilian).

METHODS

Thermal conditions and physiological parameters were analysed over three consecutive days, and the participants were subjected to changes in air temperature from 20°C to 33°C. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after testing.

RESULTS

Analyses of the experimental data showed changes in heart rate at high temperatures, with a greater risk of students from Teresina and Manaus institutions presenting heart rates above 100 bpm during cognitive tasks.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the temperature range applied, on the day of the highest temperature, we observed the highest percentage of participants who reported thermal discomfort (63%, 33°C; 58%, 29°C; 38%, 28°C) and a reduction of cognitive performance (15 to 10 points when the air temperature increases from 20 to 33°C).

Analysis of air temperature changes on blood pressure and heart rate and performance of undergraduate students

BACKGROUND

The increase in air temperature has been associated with human deaths, some of which are related to cardiovascular dysfunctions, and with the reduction of physical and cognitive performance in humans.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) and the cognitive performance of students who were submitted to temperature changes in classrooms.

METHODS

The university students answered a survey that was adapted from the Battery of Reasoning Tests over 3 consecutive days at different air temperatures while their thermal state and HR were measured. During those 3 days, BP and HR were evaluated before and after the cognitive test.

RESULTS

The average and final HR increased at high temperatures; the tests execution time was reduced at high temperatures; and the cognitive tests was related to Mean BP at the beginning of the test, the maximum HR during the test and the air temperature.

CONCLUSIONS

The cognitive performance of undergraduate students in the field of engineering and technology will increase while performing activities in a learning environment with an air temperature of approximately 23.3°C (according to their thermal perception), if students have an initial MBP of 93.33 mmHg and a 60 bpm HRmax.

Um panorama dos níveis de ruído para conforto acústico de ambientes de ensino com vdt em áreas das regiões brasileiras

As instituições de ensino têm papel fundamental na formação dos indivíduos, influenciando direta e indiretamente em questões sociais, econômicas e ambientais. Dentre os problemas de conforto ambiental mais encontrados em ambientes de ensino, destacam-se os excessivos níveis de ruído, que afetam o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar os parâmetros de níveis de ruído de seis laboratórios de informática com Video Display Terminals (VDTs) de Centros de Tecnologia de Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES) em áreas das regiões brasileiras, avaliando o comportamento e a conformidade do seu nível de ruído equivalente (LAeq) e elaborando um modelo matemático que compare os níveis de ruído entre as instituições. A conformidade dos níveis de ruído foi avaliada segundo a NBR 10152/1987, a ANSI S12.60-2002 e as diretrizes da Organização Mundial da Saúde. O estudo se trata de uma pesquisa experimental, cujas medições técnicas foram realizadas de acordo com a NBR 10151/2000. A análise descritiva mostrou que os seis ambientes de ensino avaliados apresentaram LAeq superiores aos valores estabelecidos nas normas aplicáveis. Criou-se um modelo linear generalizado para comparar os níveis de ruído entre os laboratórios das instituições, que corroborou os resultados obtidos na análise descritiva. Avaliaram-se os aspectos arquitetônicos dos laboratórios e concluiu-se que os elevados níveis de ruído podem estar vinculados aos baixos coeficientes de absorção dos materiais presentes nessas salas. A originalidade está na análise das diferenças dos níveis de ruídos entre os laboratórios a partir de uma modelagem matemática, mas levando-se em consideração os aspectos arquitetônicos.

Sound pressure and temperature centering of material and sterilization

Objective: Gauge the sound pressure and temperature levels emitted by the equipment of the drying and sterilization rooms of the Material and Sterilization Center and compare them with the current legislation. Method: It is an experimental study with a quantitative approach, implemented in a school hospital in Joao Pessoa-PB. The data were obtained by a sound pressure meter and a thermal stress meter in September 2016. Results and Discussion: The data evidenced high sound pressure levels, reaching a mean of 71.25 and 76.25 dB (A), in the drying and sterilization rooms respectively. The levels found do not exceed that recommended by NR15 (Regulatory Norm 15) which is 85dB(A), but NBR 10152/87 (Brazilian Norm 10152/87) indicates levels between 45 and 55 dB(A) for acoustic well-being. As for the temperature the measured mean ranged between 24.91 and 25.87 °C. Conclusion: The levels of sound pressure and temperatures found in the environment can cause physiopsychological changes in the professionals that works in this services. Keywords: Sound pressure; Temperature; Material and Sterilization Center

School furniture and work surface lighting impacts on the body posture of Paraíba's public school students

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of school furniture and work surface lighting on the body posture of public Middle School students from Paraíba (Brazil).

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

The survey was carried out in two public schools and the target population for the study included 8th grade groups involving a total of 31 students. Brazilian standards for lighting levels, the CEBRACE standards for furniture measurements and the Postural Assessment Software (SAPO) for the postural misalignment assay were adopted for the measurements comparison. The statistic analysis includes analyses of parametric and non-parametric correlations.

RESULTS

The results show that the students' most affected parts of the body were the spine, the regions of the knees and head and neck, with 90% of the total number of students presenting postural misalignment. The lighting levels were usually found below 300 lux, below recommended levels. The statistic analysis show that the more adequate the furniture seems to be to the user, the less the user will complain of pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Such results indicate the need of investments in more suitable school furniture and structural reforms aimed at improving the lighting in the classrooms, which could fulfill the students' profile and reduce their complaints.

Analysis on the relationship between the school furniture and the work surface lighting and the body posture of public Middle School students from João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of school furniture and work surface lighting on the body posture of two public Middle School students from Paraíba (Brazil). The target population included 8th grade groups involving 31 students. Brazilian standards for lighting levels, the CEBRACE standards for furniture measurements and the Postural Assessment Software (SAPO) for the postural misalignment assay were adopted for the measurements comparison. The statistic analysis includes analyses of parametric and non-parametric correlations. The results show that the students' most affected parts of the body were the spine, the regions of the knees and head and neck and about 90% of the students presented postural misalignment. The lighting levels were usually found below 300 lux, below recommended levels. Such results indicate the need of investments in more suitable school furniture and structural reforms aimed at improving the lighting in the classrooms, which could fulfill the students' profile and reduce their complaints.

<b> Um indicador do potencial de retorno de investimentos em inovação voltado para regiões do território brasileiro</b>

O estabelecimento de estratégias de desenvolvimento sustentável deve considerar, cada vez mais, o incentivo à geração de inovação. A inovação revela-se fundamental na formação de cadeias produtivas fundadas sobre o conhecimento, estimulando o investimento para a criação de uma economia da inovação regional. Fica evidente a necessidade da definição de critérios para selecionar regiões com maior potencial de retorno desse investimento, dadas as restrições orçamentárias inerentes à realidade brasileira. Urge a criação de medidas que viabilizem a identificação dessas regiões. Neste artigo é tratada a construção de um indicador, apoiada por técnicas de estatística multivariada, para selecionar as regiões mais favoráveis ao retorno do investimento em inovação. O estudo restringe-se ao território brasileiro, dada a especificidade das variáveis utilizadas. Inicialmente são consideradas as cinco grandes regiões político-administrativas, depois são avaliadas as vinte e sete unidades da federação. A pesquisa baseou-se na hipótese de que existe forte relação entre a densidade espacial de indicadores sócio-econômicos em áreas urbanas e a capacidade de inovação da região, decorrente das características culturais presentes em aglomerados regionais.

<b>Apreciação ergonômica do processo de produção de queijos em indústrias de laticínios</b>

Este trabalho analisou as variáveis ambientais e a organização do trabalho do processo de produção de queijos em indústrias de laticínios de pequeno porte da região do Sudoeste do estado da Bahia. O ambiente de trabalho foi caracterizado por meio de observações in loco do processo de produção e medição das variáveis ambientais referentes ao ruído, iluminação e temperatura. Os parâmetros quantificados foram avaliados segundo as normas regulamentadoras vigentes, visando ao final ter elementos para proposição de sugestões para os problemas identificados, objetivando assim a melhoria das atividades desenvolvidas nestas indústrias. Os problemas mais sérios encontrados estão relacionados com a postura e com a iluminação inadequada, a qual, em uma das indústrias investigadas, foi inferior aos dois critérios de avaliação empregados. Palavras-chave: Ergonomia, Indústria de laticínios, Conforto ambiental.