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Yadav A, Kylberg M, Granbom M, Malmgren Fänge A, Iwarsson S. Support Needs Among Older Tenants Living in Public Housing in Sweden: Perspectives of Janitors and Maintenance Staff. J Appl Gerontol 2023:7334648231169130. [PMID: 37098132 PMCID: PMC10394964 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231169130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Neighborhood support can improve aging in place for older adults, but research on the role of public housing staff in supporting older tenants is lacking. Twenty-nine participants (janitors, n = 11; maintenance staff, n = 18) collected data about critical situations among older tenants residing in apartments in Sweden. Modifying the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) and applying a mixed-methods design, quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, integrated through narrative. We found that older tenants asked staff for help with daily tasks. The staff identified CI management dilemmas in meeting older tenants' support needs while following the housing company's regulations, maintaining professional responsibilities, respecting individual work attitudes and preferences, and experienced a lack of competencies in some situations. Staff members were responsive to offering support in simple, practical, and emotional situations and in addressing matters they perceived as deficits in social and health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Yadav
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marianne Kylberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Marianne Granbom
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Susanne Iwarsson
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Rezvanizadeh M, Mohammad-Ghasemi M, Soltanzadeh A, Sadeghi-Yarandi M. Development of a novel ergonomic index assessment in the workplace based on physical, cognitive, and environmental components. Work 2023:WOR220335. [PMID: 36710706 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, proper assessment of the existing ergonomic hazards, focusing on improving the health of individuals, is of great importance. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a new model for ergonomic index assessment in the workplace, focusing on physical, cognitive, and environmental components. METHODS To determine the parameters to be measured for each group of occupations, the most critical indicators in each ergonomic dimension were identified using a review of scientific texts and obtaining expert opinions. The opinions of 30 experts were studied in three stages Delphi study. Cronbach's alpha was used to calculate model reliability in SPSS version 25. An analytical hierarchy process was used to determine the weight values of each component and parameter. The weights were calculated in Expert Choice version 11. RESULTS The mean CVI and CVR values were 0.92 and 0.80, respectively. Cronbach's alpha values for each of the physical, environmental, and cognitive components and the entire model were 0.91, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.89, respectively. Physical components and parameters of physical condition during work, mental workload, lighting, and thermal stress in the workplace were among the most important parameters in the three groups of office, operational, and services jobs. CONCLUSION The model can be a practical step toward properly evaluating the ergonomic components and planning to implement control measures to reduce physical, cognitive, and environmental risk factors. Considering the study of different variables in occupational ergonomic risk assessment, this model can be a helpful tool in ergonomic management systems used in different occupational environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmad Soltanzadeh
- Department of Occupational Safety & Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sadeghi-Yarandi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Realyvásquez-Vargas A, García-Alcaraz JL, Arredondo-Soto KC, Hernández-Escobedo G, Báez-López YA. Effects of mental workload on manufacturing systems employees: A mediation causal model. Work 2023; 76:323-341. [PMID: 36847054 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although some research has been done in the Mexican manufacturing industry regarding mental workload, none has explored its association with physical fatigue, body weight gain, and human error simultaneously. OBJECTIVE This research examines the association between mental workload and physical fatigue, body weight gain, and human error in employees from the Mexican manufacturing systems through a mediation analysis approach. METHODS A survey named Mental Workload Questionnaire was developed by merging the NASA-TLX with a questionnaire containing the mental workload variables mentioned above. The Mental Workload Questionnaire was applied to 167 participants in 63 manufacturing companies. In addition, the mental workload was used as an independent variable, while physical fatigue and body weight gain were mediator variables, and human error was a dependent variable. Six hypotheses were used to measure the relationships among variables and tested using the ordinary least squares regression algorithm. RESULTS Findings indicated that mental workload significantly correlates with physical fatigue and human error. Also, the mental workload had a significant total association with human error. The highest direct association with body weight gain was provided by physical fatigue, and body weight gain had an insignificant direct association with human error. Finally, all indirect associations were insignificant. CONCLUSION Mental workload directly affects human error, which physical fatigue does not; however, it does affect body weight gain. Managers should reduce their employees' mental workload and physical fatigue to avoid further problems associated with their health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Autonomous University of Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
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Rezvanizadeh M, Mohammad-Ghasemi M, Soltanzadeh A, Sadeghi-Yarandi M. Development of an ergonomics management model in the workplace: Introduction of the TUGA ergonomics management and analysis model (TEMA). Work 2023; 76:205-224. [PMID: 36806534 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conducting practical studies in ergonomics requires attention to all aspects of ergonomics with a comprehensive approach and focus on continuous improvement cycles. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop and present an ergonomics management model in the workplace. METHODS This study was performed using a three-stage Delphi study with 30 experts and a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process. According to the literature review and experts' opinions, the general cycle of the ergonomics management system with eight steps was developed. New methods were formed in two of these eight steps: the 3rd step (developing an ergonomic evaluation method) and the 5th step (creating a cost-benefit evaluation method). RESULTS The eight implementation steps of the TEMA were determined as follows: 1) Performing task analysis (TTA), 2) Ergonomic hazard identification, 3) Estimating the ergonomic index, 4) Determining control measures, 5) Evaluating cost-benefit parameter, 6) Implementing control measures, 7) Continuous monitoring, and 8) Evaluating the effectiveness of control measures. The Delphi study revealed that the number of deleted parameters includes one item (burnout), and the remaining parameters were 16 items. The mean CVI and CVR values were 0.92 and 0.80, respectively. Cronbach's alpha values for each of the physical, environmental, and cognitive components and the entire model were 0.91, 0.87, 0.85, and 0.89, respectively. CONCLUSION Using the mentioned management model can be a practical step towards properly evaluating the most critical dimensions of ergonomics in the workplace and optimal planning to implement control measures to establish a dynamic management system to reduce ergonomic risk factors in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmad Soltanzadeh
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Environmental Pollutants, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
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Li KW, Peng L, Zhao C, Khaday S. Mental workload assessments of aerial photography missions performed by novice unmanned aerial vehicle operators. Work 2022; 75:181-193. [PMID: 36591669 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental workload is one of the important variables in understanding human performance in drone operation. OBJECTIVE To test the effects of gender, age group, flight route, and altitude on the flight performance and mental workload of the novice drone operators. METHODS Ten male and 10 female participants without prior drone operating experience joined. They were split into two age groups. After attending a training, the participants operated a drone to perform photo taking missions under flight route and altitude conditions. The weighted NASA task-load-index (TLX), modified Cooper-Harper (MCH) scale, heart rate, and interbeat interval were measured to assess the mental workload of the participants. Flight time to complete the mission was adopted to indicate flight performance. RESULTS The effect of age group was significant (p < 0.05) on flight time, weighted TLX score, and MCH score. Flight route and altitude were not significant on the two subjective ratings and two cardiac measures. CONCLUSION The flight performance of younger participants was significantly better than that of their older counterpart. The effects of both the flight route and altitude on the perceived mental workload of the drone operators were insignificant. Both the weighted NASA TLX and MCH scales were appropriate in measuring the mental workload of the novice drone operators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Way Li
- School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Lu Peng
- College of Information Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caijun Zhao
- Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.,School of Safety and Engineering Management, Hunan Institute of Technology, Hengyang, China
| | - Samsiya Khaday
- Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
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Campoya Morales ÁF, Hernández Arellano JL, Maldonado Macías AA, Rodríguez Y, Ochoa-Ortiz CA. Comparing workload and performance during demanding push force and mental tasks. Work 2022; 75:303-314. [PMID: 36591682 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of performing occupational tasks that demand physical and mental efforts in combined and simultaneous approaches are unknown, especially when pushing force is analyzed as a physical effort and solving arithmetic problems as a mental effort. OBJECTIVE In this study, physical and mental demands were simulated in a lab environment to assess the workload. METHODS Using a push force dynamometer, the maximum push force strength of each participant was recorded, and the physical demand was simulated exerting the push force in low, medium, and high levels. Mental demands were simulated solving arithmetic tasks in low, medium, and high levels. Two experimental conditions were defined: (1) task with combined physical and mental workload (performing physical demands first and mental demands after) and (2) task in a simultaneous way (performing both demands at the same time. NASA-TLX Traditional and RAW were applied to assess the workload. RESULTS The time to complete the tasks was significantly longer in the combined than the simultaneous approach, and performance was significantly higher in the combined than the simultaneous tasks. CONCLUSION The combined approach obtained better results than simultaneous and Traditional NASA-TLX presented a significantly higher level of global workload index than RAW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Fabián Campoya Morales
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Computación, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
| | - Juan Luis Hernández Arellano
- Departamento de Ingeniería Eléctrica y Computación, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
| | | | - Yordán Rodríguez
- Facultad Nacional de Salud Pública, Universidad de Antioquia, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Carlos Alberto Ochoa-Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingeniería Industrial y Manufactura, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
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Lin JH, Lee W, Smith CK, Yragui NL, Foley M, Shin G. Cleaning in the 21st Century: The musculoskeletal disorders associated with the centuries-old occupation - A literature review. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 105:103839. [PMID: 35809429 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Workers performing cleaning duties experience higher injury rates, especially in the form of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), than other industries. It is essential to understand the inherent risks associated with the nature of this occupation. Based on the Balance Theory (Smith & Carayon-Sainfort, 1989), this review surveys the current literature, especially those published since the previous review paper (Kumar & Kumar, 2008), and identifies which elements contributing to MSD risks were examined: task, technology, organization, environment, individual, and their interactions. Thirty-nine research papers published between 2005 and 2021 are identified and summarized. Among these papers, task and individual elements received the most attention, at 42 and 34 occurrences, respectively. The interaction elements of technology-organization, technology-environment, and organization-environment received less than three mentions. The goal of this literature review is to update the knowledge base and identify current trends for the cleaning occupation. Possible interventions for risk reduction and future research directions are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Hua Lin
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, WA, USA.
| | - Wonil Lee
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, WA, USA
| | - Caroline K Smith
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, WA, USA
| | - Nanette L Yragui
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, WA, USA
| | - Michael Foley
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP), Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, WA, USA
| | - Gwanseob Shin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea
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Modeling cause-and-effect relationships among variables affecting work stress based on fuzzy DEMATEL method. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jpmh-03-2022-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Several variables can affect work stress. This study aims to model the cause-and-effect relationships among different variables that can predict work stress based on one of the most important fuzzy multicriteria decision-making methods used to investigate the cause-and-effect relationships among variables.
Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted in 2020, including 17 experts in safety management, occupational health and work psychology, based on the fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method as a robust approach to identify the cause-and-effect relationships among different variables.
Findings
Shift work, lack of job satisfaction, mental health, mental overload, fatigue, job security, sleep disorders, environmental discomfort, work pressure, job knowledge (this could mean expertise/level of qualifications/familiarity with the job), work complexity and role conflict were found to be the most significant variables affecting work stress. Moreover, the cause-and-effect model of relationships among variables showed that shift work and lack of job satisfaction are root causes, and mental health, fatigue, mental workload, sleep disorder and environmental discomfort are direct causes.
Originality/value
Although the results of this study demonstrate that work stress can be influenced by 12 different variables, the modeling results show that some variables, such as shift work and lack of job satisfaction, can directly or indirectly impact other variables and thus result in work stress.
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Liu YP, Chen HC, Hong WH, Weng WC. Effects of different tools and working height on physical workload in vertical cleaning tasks applying ambient control techniques. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 104:103818. [PMID: 35738213 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of different tools and working heights on physical workloads in vertical cleaning tasks. Thirty healthy adults were recruited to use a rag and a long-handle tool (LHT) to simulate cleaning operations on the Wii Fit board surfaces of 3 different heights, respectively. Participants used a lower 50th percentile force but were required to spend a longer time to finish the task while using an LHT than using a rag. The tool preferences were the main factors considered for efficiency and personal subjective workload and physiological load. 76.6% of the participants preferred to use the LHT instead of the rag at a high task height, but 70% preferred to use the rag when working at a medium task height. For low workload cleaning tasks on vertical surfaces, employers should provide cleaners with different handle lengths tools to choose from to reduce the cleaner's workload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Ping Liu
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, 413310, Taiwan
| | - Hsieh-Ching Chen
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, 106344, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsien Hong
- Department of Sports Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406040, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chun Weng
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, 106344, Taiwan
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Peng L, Li KW. Perceived difficulty, flight information access, and performance of male and female novice drone operators. Work 2022; 72:1259-1268. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-210862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are becoming popular in both commerce and private usage. Behaviors of novice drone operators are critical to UAV flight safety. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at discovering the perceived difficulty, flight information access frequency, and flight performance of novice drone operators. METHODS: Twenty adults without prior experience joined as human participants. After attending an onsite training, they operated a drone to perform three missions. The subjective rating of mission difficulty, frequency of flight information checked, and time to complete the mission were analysed. RESULTS: The results indicated significance of gender effects on the difficulty experienced by the novices. Females reported significantly higher difficulty ratings than males initially. This gender difference diminished later in their last mission. Frequency of flight information access was negatively correlated with the difficulty experienced by the operators. Operators who checked flight information more often had less difficulty in performing the flight missions. CONCLUSIONS: There were gender effects in the perceived difficulty and flight information access in drone operations for novices. Such information is helpful in drone operator training and drone design considering drone operation safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Peng
- College of Information Management, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kai Way Li
- Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
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Li KW, Lu Y, Li N. Subjective and objective assessments of mental workload for UAV operations. Work 2022; 72:291-301. [PMID: 35431209 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have created safety problems for the publics. Assessments of the mental workload for UAV operations are essential to realize the causes of UAV accidents. OBJECTIVE To test the following hypotheses: i. mission difficulty in UAV operation affects both subjective and objective measures of mental workload; ii. mission difficulty affects number of failures in UAV operation. METHODS Fourteen male adults participated as UAV operators after attending a UAV training course. They performed four flight missions of different difficulty levels. During their flight missions, their heart rate and inter-beat interval (IBI) were collected. Upon completing each flight mission, the participants gave subjective ratings of mental workload using three commonly adopted assessment tools. The time of flight and number of failures in flight operations were also recorded. RESULTS The results showed that mission difficulty affected the scores of all three assessment tools significantly. Mission difficulty also affected number of failures and IBI significantly. The scores of the three assessment tools were highly correlated (ρ= 0.7 to 0.83, p < 0.001) with one another. The results of the three subjective ratings were also consistent with that of the IBI data. CONCLUSIONS High mental workload in UAV operation could lead to poor flight performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Way Li
- School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Industrial Management, Chung Hua University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Yong Lu
- School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nailiang Li
- School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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Chen Y, Luo Y, Hu B. Towards Next Generation Cleaning Tools: Factors Affecting Cleaning Robot Usage and Proxemic Behaviors Design. FRONTIERS IN ELECTRONICS 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/felec.2022.895001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Among all healthcare sectors and working processes, the janitorial section is a prominent source of work-related injuries due to its labor-intensive nature and rising need for a hygienic environment, thus requiring extra attention for prevention strategies. Advancement in robotic technology has allowed autonomous cleaning robots to be a viable solution to ease the burden of janitors. To evaluate the application of commercial-grade cleaning robots, a video-based survey was developed and distributed to participants. Results from 117 participants revealed that: 1) participants were less tolerant when their personal space was invaded by humans compared with the cleaning robot, 2) it is better to inform the surrounding humans that the cleaning robot has been sanitized to make them feel safe and comfortable during the pandemic, and 3) to make the interaction more socially acceptable, the cleaning robot should respect human personal space, especially when there is ample space to maneuver. The findings of the present study provide insight into the usage and Proxemic behaviors design of future cleaning robots.
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