Forthcoming and Online First Articles

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE)

Forthcoming articles have been peer-reviewed and accepted for publication but are pending final changes, are not yet published and may not appear here in their final order of publication until they are assigned to issues. Therefore, the content conforms to our standards but the presentation (e.g. typesetting and proof-reading) is not necessarily up to the Inderscience standard. Additionally, titles, authors, abstracts and keywords may change before publication. Articles will not be published until the final proofs are validated by their authors.

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International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (2 papers in press)

Regular Issues

  • Design and evaluation of a novel user-centred cassava extractor   Order a copy of this article
    by Hilma Raimona Zadry, Insannul Kamil, Megi Saputra 
    Abstract: Cassava is a vital crop in Indonesias agricultural sector, yet manual harvesting in West Sumatra remains labour-intensive. This study aims to develop an ergonomic cassava extractor that enhances efficiency while reducing farmers physical workload. The tool was evaluated based on extraction time, physical workload (%CVL), cassava damage, and harvested weight. Results show a 20.59% reduction in extraction time, a 15.24% decrease in physical workload, a 28% reduction in cassava damage, and a 30.77% increase in harvested weight. Economic analysis indicates a manufacturing cost of IDR 412,000.00 per unit, making it accessible to small-scale farmers. The proposed solution demonstrates improved functionality, user-friendliness, and efficiency compared to traditional methods. This ergonomic innovation addresses key challenges in cassava harvesting and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
    Keywords: cassava extractor; user-centred design; ergonomic tools; physical workload; extraction efficiency; agricultural ergonomics; small-scale farmers; sustainable agriculture; Indonesia; West Sumatra; manual harvesting.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10072333
     
  • Ergonomic assessment of coconut dehusking tools based on bilateral hand muscle activity using surface electromyography   Order a copy of this article
    by Naveen Kumar Raju, Shankar Subramaniam, NithyaPrakash Rajavel, Abbas Ganesan, Chander Prakash 
    Abstract: This study examines the ergonomic effects of four widely used coconut dehusking tools lever, hook, machete, and crowbar by evaluating muscle activity, median power frequency (MPF), and subjective discomfort. Muscle activity from the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) and biceps brachii was recorded using surface electromyography (sEMG) during dehusking of both dry and green coconuts. Subjective discomfort was measured with Borgs CR-10 scale. Results revealed that the lever tool exhibited the lowest maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) values, along with a decline in MPF trends, indicating reduced muscle activation and fatigue, and was rated as the least discomforting compared to other tools. The hook tool caused moderate muscle strain and discomfort, while the machete and crowbar showed the highest levels of muscle activity and discomfort, with the crowbar being the most detrimental. Overall, the lever tool emerged as the most ergonomically favourable, minimising muscle strain and discomfort, thus making it the optimal tool for reducing physical strain and enhancing user comfort during coconut dehusking tasks. Findings from this study can be used in designing coconut dehusking tools to reduce muscle fatigue.
    Keywords: coconut dehuskers; electromyography; product development; musculoskeletal disorders.
    DOI: 10.1504/IJHFE.2025.10072555
     

 

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