Comparative study of the work load between one-man buses and two-man buses.

The differences in physiological and safety conditions of one-man buses and two-man buses were examined from the view point of occupational fatigue. This survey consisted of a work load study which included a time study, study of subsidiary behavior, auditory task, memory test, Galvanic Skin Response (GSR) and physiological function tests and a self-administered questionnaire which involved items concerning safety and subjective fatigue complaints. The visual and postural restrictions in the one-man bus were greater than in the two-man bus. The mental capacity of the one-man bus drivers was found to be less. Greater mental fatigue and stress were observed in the one-man bus. More subjective fatigue complaints were observed in the one-man bus. More cases of near accidents were observed in the one-man bus. From these results it was concluded that the one-man bus caused bus drivers a greater mental and physical work load.</p

A study on the factors related to birth weight in "Buraku" (socio-economically discriminated) areas in Japan

A questionnaire study on factors related to birth weight was carried out in a "Buraku" area and control area from 1975 to 1984. Altogether, 111 births were covered in the "Buraku" area, and 309 in the control area. The incidence of low birth weight was found to be significantly higher in the "Buraku" area than in the control area. Factors related to the high incidence of low birth weight were observed more frequently in the "Buraku" area than in the control area. Among these factors, the duration of gestation, the number of days-off before delivery, and the mother's physical structure and smoking habits were found to be strongly related to the incidence of low birth weight. Such factors as the number of days-off before delivery and mother's smoking habits were also found to have a high relation to socio-economical factors: These results demonstrate that the incidence of low birth weight is significantly higher in the "Buraku" area than in the control area, and that this phenomenon is brought about by poor health of the mother and socio-economical factors