bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of writing success: How important are spelling, grammar and punctuation?
Authors: Daffern Tessa , Mackenzie Noella M , Hemmings Brian
Published: January 2017

Writing provides a means for personal reflection, thinking, creativity, meaning-making and sharing, as well as complementing other modes of communication in a world of multimodal texts. While writing in the digital age has become increasingly fast-paced and exposed to global scrutiny, being able to write efficiently with correct spelling, grammar and punctuation remains a critical part of being a literate writer. This article uses data from 819 Australian primary school students to explore the relationship between three language conventions, namely spelling, grammar and punctuation as measured by the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) Language Conventions Test, and the quality of written composition, as measured by the NAPLAN Writing Test. Results indicate that spelling, grammar and punctuation jointly predict written composition achievement with spelling as the main predictor. Implications for the educational practice of writing in the contemporary context are discussed, emphasising the importance of spelling in relation to writing and how instruction in spelling, during senior primary school, appears to be critical for written composition improvement.
On Measures of Affinity for Truncated Distributions
Authors: Smitha S. , Nair K. R. Muraleedharan , Sankaran P. G.
Published: January 2017

Abstract:

In the present paper we define affinity for truncated distributions and examine its properties. The relationship of this measure with other discrimination measures is examined. We also provide a characterization result for the proportional hazard model using the functional form of the truncated affinity.

AMS (2000) Subject Classification: 62E10, 90B25
Extending Takahasi‐Sakasegawa’s Indirect Response Technique to Cover Sensitive Surveys in Unequal Probability Sampling
Authors: Pal Sanghamitra
Published: January 2017

Abstract:

Randomized Response (RR) Technique (RRT), introduced by Warner (1965), is a well‐known way to unbiasedly estimate proportions of people bearing sensitive characteristics. Takahasi and Sakasegawa (1977) narrated a novel procedure avoiding any particular RR device unlike most researchers in this field. Most RRT’s in the literature give estimators for population totals and variance estimators thereof, allowing exclusively simple random sampling with replacement (SRSWR) schemes, including as well the above too. We present formulae applicable to general varying probability sampling, even without replacement applying Takahasi‐ Sakasegawa device.

AMS (2000) Subject Classification: 62D05.
Un critique de l'interprétation religieuse des ulémas iraniens : 'Abd al-Karim Suroush (1945- )
Authors: Marcotte Roxanne
Published: January 2017

Sous le régime autoritaire de la République islamique d'Iran, l'autorité religieuse s'y étant instaurée en théocratie, les critiques sérieuses se font rares. 'Abd al-Karīm Suroush fait exception; il est un des critiques actuels les plus controversés, remettant en cause certains principes religieux sur lesquels se fonde le régime iranien. Depuis quelques années, les magazines iraniens Kayhān-i farhangī, puis Kiyān, porte-parole de la nouvelle critique, publient régulièrement des articles de Suroush. La critique n'a pas tardé à venir, et un ensemble de mesures ont été prises pour contrecarrer ces critiques mal vues par un régime au sein duquel il fut, lui-même, haut fonctionnaire. Celui-ci propose une désacralisation de la connaissance religieuse et de la jurisprudence islamique. Il propose aussi une plus grande autonomie de la sphère religieuse par rapport à l'emprise actuelle qu'elle a sur la sphère politique, tout en ne remettant pas en cause la nécessité du fondement islamique de la société et de ses institutions politiques. Il s'agira donc d'essayer de voir quelle est la place que Suroush veut réserver à l'islam et à la connaissance religieuse dans une république islamique adaptée au monde moderne. Bref, il s'agira de voir comment les positions de Suroush remettent en question le pouvoir absolu d'interprétation de l'institution religieuse dirigeante.
Lex orandi, lex credendi: Faith, doctrine and theology in dialogue
Authors: Schaefer Marym.
Published: January 2017

This article, the 1996 presidential address given to the Canadian Theological Society, outlines the interdisciplinary nature of liturgical studies with focus on aspects of particular interest to theologians. The changing relationship of the terms in the frequently cited axiom lex orandi [ est] lex credendi is explored. As a kind of theological case study new approaches to the présence of Christ and the Holy Spirit in the Christian liturgy are set out to show what theology of liturgy might offer christology and pneumatology. Finally, observations about some feminist rituals are offered from the perspective of a liturgical theologian.
Youthful Alienation and Social Mobility: A Re-evaluation of the Whole Social Mobility Ethos Is Urgently Needed
Authors: Ross Donald C. , Ross Donald C.
Published: January 2017

Some of the alienation of our young people results from the North American ethos of stationary or preferably upward social mobility. Society has a negative, hostile cultural attitude to individuals who do not meet this standard and become downwardly socially mobile. This ethos ignores human limitations. In a society whose demands and expectations exceed the capacities of many individuals, alienation and membership in the alienated subculture become preferable to the painful loss of self-esteem from conventional downward social mobility. W e need a re-evaluation of the whole social mobility ethos with its strong approval of upwardly socially mobile individuals and its strong disapproval of downwardly socially mobile individuals.
The Art of Medicating Hyperkinetic Children: A Number of Practical Suggestions
Authors: Arnold L. Eugene
Published: January 2017

The psychologic aspects of the prescribing, giving, and taking of medicines are especially important when trying to modify the emotion-laden behavior of hyperkinetic children. The physician should start by cultivating positive expectations in child, parents, and teacher. This is necessary in order to break up existing complex vicious cycles of negative expectations, low self-esteem, discouragement, resentment, misbehavior, and poor achievement. One promotes the child's cooperation by building rapport from the first contact and by negotiating a medication contract directly with him. The child needs to know not only that his past misbehavior of failures are not being held against him but also that better is expected of him now that he has medical help. Parents deserve unhurried clarification of questions and should be warned about side effects. The time taken to talk directly with the teacher is most valuable. Direct communication can help set up positive expectations in school and elicit objective information about the child's day-to-day performance.
Policy Cycles and Policy Learning in The People's Republic of China
Authors: Petrick Richard L.
Published: January 2017

A concept of policy cycles has gained dominance in the literature on the People's Public of China. This article examines the model, its usage, and its underlying assumpment and limitations, and contrasts it with a suggested alternative, a social learning model. A rgue that for the People's Republic, neither model is adequate to explain the development of policy, and suggest a synthesis of the two models, using Hirschman's 3) model of “problem-solving styles.”
Measuring Political Participation
Authors: Kalaycioglu Ersin , Turan Ilter
Published: January 2017

As an area which lends itself to empirical analysis, political participation has been subject to rigorous attempts at operationalization. In this article, an extension of these efforts is intended. Employing data collected in Kenya, Korea, and Turkey, a ten-item, three-dimensional scale of political participation is developed. The overall structure of the scale closely resembles the findings of Verba, Nie, and Kim—a fact which also lends support to the validity of the scale of political participation developed here. Easy to administer, valid, and reliable, the three-dimensional, ten-item scale provides a potential for cumulative analysis in the subfield of political participation.
Identifying Effective Behavior Change Techniques in Built Environment Interventions to Increase Use of Green Space: A Systematic Review
Authors: Roberts Hannah , McEachan Rosemary , Margary Tamsin , Conner Mark , Kellar Ian
Published: January 2017

Green space has beneficial impacts on health, and there is increasing interest in how to modify green space to promote use. We identified effective behavior change techniques in environmental interventions that aimed to encourage use of green space. Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Interventions were coded by reviewers using the Behavior Change Technique taxonomy (BCTTv1). Eleven studies reported an increase in green space use post-intervention. Techniques involving physical environment changes (“adding objects to the environment” or “restructuring the physical environment”) were commonly delivered alongside additional techniques such as “restructuring the social environment,” introducing “prompts or cues” and “demonstration of the behavior.” Risk of bias was high or unclear for all, and the quality of evidence was very low. Intervention content was poorly described according to current reporting guidelines. More rigorous evaluations of green space interventions are needed, coupled with full descriptions of intervention content, to allow replication.
Globalisation of Anti-dumping and Its Impact
Authors: Bhat T.P.
Published: January 2017

A steep reduction in tariff duties, dismantling of substantial non-tariff barriers and removing of grey area measures left very little options for the WTO member countries to protect their non-competitive industries. One of the easy ways opened to them has been the initiation of antidumping measures. The WTO rules allow them to opt for anti-dumping measures with some specific stipulations. These are not too strict or stringent to comply with. Besides, anti-dumping has a unique combination ofp olitical and economic manipulability. During the eight years of the WTO regime, the use of anti-dumping measure has become rampant and it is indeed threatening to limit the market access achieved under the GATTIWTO trade negotiations over the last fifty years or so.

In the recent years, a large number of developing countries have become the frequent users of anti-dumping (AD) and they account for half of the overall world total. Many of the heaviest AD users are countries who did not even have an AD statute a decade ago. The traditional users continue to make use of AD with more vigour by targeting the new users. The developing countries are targeting each other. The sectoral coverage of AD is over 85 per cent at the end of 2002. As many as 96 countries are the victims and 38 countries are making use of AD actions.

The paper attempts to highlight developments in the use of AD actions world over under the WTO regime. It illustrates the position of four important players, namely USA, the EU, India and China as users and the victims of AD actions. It shows the special position of each of these actors occupy in the AD spectrum. Finally, ii concludes on the basis of observations that there is a need to contain and drastically modify the AD agreements to combat the menace. Some suggestions are offered to do so.
Evolution and Performance of Indian EPZs/SEZs
Authors: Singhal L. B.
Published: January 2017

A Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is defined as a specially delineated duty free enclave for trade operations. This area is reckoned as a foreign territory for the purpose of duties and tariffs. Movement of goods/services between SEZ and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) is treated as exports and imports. SEZ units can be set up for export of goods and services including trading. Establishment of EPZs/SEZs is essentially a post World War-II syndrome when import substitution was gradually discarded to adopt export led growth – opened up/free trade policy. Rationale for setting up EPZs/SEZs emanates from natural endowments and other resources of different countries. The developing countries have plenty of cheep labour but they lack in export related infrastructure, technology and even access to their products in overseas markets. The first example of EPZ – Shannon Export Processing Zone – designed to liberalize trade/FDI debuted in Ireland during 1956.

First FTZ in India was set up at Kandla in 1965. Then came the establishment of EPZs at SEEPZ (1974), Cochin, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Falta, Noida and Surat.

As a part of its Export & Import Policy, the Government of India had announced setting up of SEZs in April 2000. The Government of India has enacted SEZ Act, 2005 in June 2005. At present, 14 SEZs are operating and approvals have been given for establishment of 64 more such enclaves. The paper attempts to throw light on the major issues involving evolution and performance of Indian EPZs/SEZs.
India's Textiles & Clothing Trade
Authors: Rameshan P.
Published: January 2017

In this paper we examine the textiles and clothing export performance of India and China during the ATC and post-MFA period, with focus on the two leading consumer markets, viz. the European Union (EU) and USA. We evaluate the proposition that in comparison with China, India has not been able to gain significantly in these markets from the quota-removal on textiles and clothing, and that India has continued to be a smaller player in the world market for textiles and clothing as compared to China. Further, we analyze the implications of the trade trends of the US and EU textiles and clothing markets for the future textiles and clothing export success of India. Besides, we explore the possible strategic options available to India to become a major player in the leading export markets of textiles and clothing despite the competition and competitors. The results reported in the paper support our proposition that India&s gains in textiles and clothing trade in the ATC and post-MFA era have not been commensurate with its hopes. The paper suggests various reasons for this unsatisfactory outcome and outlines some measures to ensure better gains for India in future.
Hatch Waxman Act and the Indian Pharmaceutical Firms: An Analysis
Authors: Sahay Arvind , Kumar Saini Gordhan
Published: January 2017

In the US, the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984, (the Hatch-Waxman Act or HWA), was designed to provide cheaper drugs to consumers while leaving intact a financial incentive for research and development for pharmaceutical firms. The HWA permits non-brand name, generics to market their molecules subsequent to patent expiry; however, recent judgments on “authorized generics” have tilted the scale toward large pharma brand name firms by decreasing the “playing space” available to the generic manufacturer. On the other hand, recent rulings in the US have the potential to help Indian pharmaceutical firms by allowing them earlier access to the molecules that brand name firms are investigating. Recent case laws have revisited the trade-off between the interests of innovator and generic companies.

Today, Indian companies need to revisit their generics focused strategy given the implications of recent case law. Although Indian companies have already adapted authorized generics route besides maintaining a steady flow of ANDA filing, Indian companies have to be careful in striking a proper balance between. generics and authorized generics, innovator and copy cat strategy. This paper evaluates the impact of recent case law on the prospects of Indian pharma firms.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment in ASEAN
Authors: Bhatt P.R.
Published: January 2017

The ASEAN region has become one of the most attractive investment locations in the developing world. It attracted FDI to the tune of US$19 billion in 2003. Among ASEAN countries, Singapore topped the list with US$11 billion FDI inflows followed by Malaysia (US$2.5 bn), Brunei (US$.0 bn), and Vietnam (USɁ5 bn) in 2003. An attempt has been made in this paper to understand the determinants of FDI in ASEAN. The empirical model is estimated for five countries of ASEAN and ASEAN region as a whole for the period 1976-2003. The estimation of the model shows that there is a positive influence of the size of the economy (GNI) on FDI inflows in the case of Indonesia and Singapore. The infrastructure is significant for Indonesia and Malaysia in attracting FDI. Exchange rate had influence on FDI for Malaysia. The openness of the economy was significant in attracting FDI for Indonesia. The model is estimated for panel data of ASEAN region by pooled least square method and fixed effect model. In the case of pooled least square method, gross national income (GNI) is very significant and having expected sign. This implies that market size attracted FDI in the ASEAN region. The depreciation of the currency attracted FDI inflows in ASEAN as indicated by the variable XR which is significant with negative sign. Infrastructure is another significant variable in this model. Openness variable is significant but negative sign. When the model was estimated by fixed effect model it is found that all variables are significant with expected sign except in the case of the variable openness.
Effects of Motivation: Rewarding Hackers for Undetected Attacks Cause Analysts to Perform Poorly
Authors: Maqbool Zahid , Makhijani Nidhi , Pammi V. S. Chandrasekhar , Dutt Varun
Published: January 2017

Objective:

The aim of this study was to determine how monetary motivations influence decision making of humans performing as security analysts and hackers in a cybersecurity game.

Background:

Cyberattacks are increasing at an alarming rate. As cyberattacks often cause damage to existing cyber infrastructures, it is important to understand how monetary rewards may influence decision making of hackers and analysts in the cyber world. Currently, only limited attention has been given to this area.

Method:

In an experiment, participants were randomly assigned to three between-subjects conditions ( n = 26 for each condition): equal payoff, where the magnitude of monetary rewards for hackers and defenders was the same; rewarding hacker, where the magnitude of monetary reward for hacker’s successful attack was 10 times the reward for analyst’s successful defense; and rewarding analyst, where the magnitude of monetary reward for analyst’s successful defense was 10 times the reward for hacker’s successful attack. In all conditions, half of the participants were human hackers playing against Nash analysts and half were human analysts playing against Nash hackers.

Results:

Results revealed that monetary rewards for human hackers and analysts caused a decrease in attack and defend actions compared with the baseline. Furthermore, rewarding human hackers for undetected attacks made analysts deviate significantly from their optimal behavior.

Conclusions:

If hackers are rewarded for their undetected attack actions, then this causes analysts to deviate from optimal defend proportions. Thus, analysts need to be trained not become overenthusiastic in defending networks.

Application:

Applications of our results are to networks where the influence of monetary rewards may cause information theft and system damage.
An Evaluation of Formats for Graphic Trend Displays—Experiment II
Authors: Schutz Howard G.
Published: January 2017

This study was designed to determine which of three types of trend formats results in superior performance for a task requiring the subject to make complex decisions. Three commonly used formats were included in the study: line type, vertical-bar type, and horizontal-bar type. Two secondary independent variables were: number of time points and amount of missing data. Results of the study indicate that preference should be given to line-type graphs, followed closely by the vertical-bar type. A secondary finding was that irrelevant points and missing data on graphic trend displays represent important factors in the degradation of operator performance.
An Evaluation of Methods for Presentation of Graphic Multiple Trends—Experiment III
Authors: Schutz Howard G.
Published: January 2017

The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of multiple-line versus multiple-graph presentation of trend-type displays on operator performance. Four types of lines having low confusability were determined experimentally from a sample of twenty-five lines. The primary variable was single-graph, multiple-line presentation versus multiple-graph single-line presentation. Other variables included in this study were: number of lines, degree of confusion among lines, coding of lines, and two operator tasks: point-reading and comparing. It was found that for the point-reading task, either type of display is acceptable, but for the comparing task, the multiple-line display is much superior to the multiple-graph display. Moreover, the use of color coding for the graph lines tended to improve performance slightly.
Communication and Human Performance
Authors: Klemmer E. T.
Published: January 2017

The communication to which the present paper refers is the flow of information in and out of the human operator while he is performing a well-defined task. The steps in this process, the types of measures required in its analysis, and some recent data in human information processing are outlined. The paper ends with a brief evaluation of the function and the future of computer simulation in improving man-machine communications.
Rationalism for Science
Authors: Thomas Ralph E.
Published: January 2017

A brief survey of the historical development of rationalism is made. It is shown that neither rationalism nor empiricism satisfy Aristotle's postulates for a science. The development of mathematical statistics shows a direct concern with the relation between theory and observation. Results to date suggest that Aristotle's postulates do not yield a suitable characterization of science. It is concluded that any system of rationalism suitable for science will share the following characteristics with mathematical statistics; (1) basic concepts will involve both theoretical and empirical entities, (2) some aspects of the rationalism will he developed empirically, and (3) some aspects of the rationalism will be developed by “elimination” of “true values” from “self-evident” mathematics. New systems of scientific rationalism may differ from mathematical statistics by (1) prohibiting the use of the “excluded middle,” (2) replacing, or reformulating, the probability concept, and (3) relaxing the requirement of indefinite repetition of experiments.
The Integration of a Human Factors Group within an Industrial Facility
Authors: Foss Frederic A.
Published: January 2017

This paper discusses the objectives, responsibilities, and functions of the human factors operation within the Space Guidance Center of the Federal Systems Division in IBM. The management philosophy is examined relative to the organization of Human Factors within an integrated engineering manufacturing facility. Management problems concerning priority, size, and funding are also discussed. The sizing of the group will be contrasted with that of the facility. Various relationships that have been established between the Human Factors group and various plant activities are examined. The support that other engineering organizations can give Human Factors is also discussed.
A Method for Applying Statistical Decision Theory to System Task Analysis
Authors: Cooperband Alvin S. , Alexander Lawrence T.
Published: January 2017

For system tasks involving signal detection, a method is presented by which statistical decision theory may be used to derive limiting conditions for adequate operator performance from results obtained in an abstracted laboratory task. The limiting conditions may then serve as a basis for making design decisions regarding functions allocation and for specifying operating rules. The method is illustrated with a collision-prediction task in which previous research suggests that performance depends on the ability to detect a nonzero rate of change in the relative bearing between the two objects moving on converging paths.
Brightness Contrast, Color Contrast, and Legibility
Authors: Mclean Michael V.
Published: January 2017

An experimental study was conducted investigating the effects of color and brightness contrast, direction of contrast, and six contrast values upon the legibility of a circular dial. The brightness of four chromatic hues was matched with four achromatic hues. Hues were combined in all possible combinations excluding chromatic with achromatic, resulting in six contrast values. For both dark on light and light on dark contrast directions, the contrast values were equal. Half of the twenty-four subjects had pilot training and half did not. A Dodge type tachistoscope was used to present the stimulus conditions. Reading time results indicated that the addition of color contrast to a dial of a given achromatic brightness contrast value, with a light on dark contrast direction, will not degrade and may improve the legibility of that dial. Legibility was also found to increase as contrast value increased. The study indicates that the use of color should be reconsidered in its application as a coding technique in complex system displays.
Dynamic Vision: The Legibility of Moderately Spaced Alphanumeric Symbols
Authors: Lippert S. , Lee D. M.
Published: January 2017

Two experiments were conducted to investigate subject performance on the basis of two criteria, zero and 100 percent legibility of moving targets. A modified method of limits was employed. The targets consisted of black alphanumeric symbols regularly spaced 7.5 degrees apart on a brightly illuminated white background. Each target subtended an angle of 39 min. Legibility of the symbols was determined as they moved vertically from top to bottom in a frontal plane. The mean angular velocities for both the zero and 100 percent legibility performance levels were found to be approximately three times higher for the 7.5 degree symbol spacing than their respective velocities for a previously determined 1.5 degree symbol spacing. Performance was approximately twice as good with a 30 degree aperture as with a 3 degree aperture.
Target Recognition on TV as a Function of Horizontal Resolution and Shades of Gray
Authors: Johnston Dorothy M.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of horizontal resolution and shades of gray on target recognition. Phase I of the study determined target recognition time on a TV display when the subjects were permitted an external cockpit view of the targets on the terrain model. Phase II determined target recognition time and probability when the subjects were not permitted an external cockpit view of the terrain. A closed circuit television system was used in conjunction with a terrain model for static presentations to the subjects. The results from Phase I revealed reliable differences in target recognition time as a function of horizontal resolution; shades of gray; slant range; resolution and slant range interaction; shades of gray and slant range interaction; and resolution, shades of gray and slant range interactions. Phase II results showed reliable differences in target recognition time and probability as a function of resolution and slant range.
Human Simulation Applied to the Functional Design of Information Systems
Authors: Van Cott Harold P. , Kinkade Robert G.
Published: January 2017

Three studies used humans to simulate the functions of science information systems. The simulated systems were made available to biochemist users to fulfill their information needs. The requesting behavior of the users and of the simulated system elements in response to requests was measured with respect to a number of variables: (e.g., frequency, time and type of requests). The results are interpreted in terms of their implications for the design of improved science information services and systems and the functional properties that these systems should have to meet user requirements.
A Study of the Relation between Forward Velocity and Lateral Acceleration in Curves During Normal Driving
Authors: Ritchie Malcolm L. , Mccoy William K. , Welde William L.
Published: January 2017

25 male and 25 female subjects drove a 110 mile course containing 227 curves with instructions to drive normally. In each curve, speed and lateral acceleration were recorded. An inverse relationship between speed and lateral acceleration was obtained.
Just Noticeable Differences in some Vehicle Handling Variables
Authors: Hoffmann Errol R. , Joubert Peter N.
Published: January 2017

Experiments were carried out to determine the ability of drivers to detect changes in several vehicle characteristics which affect the “handling” of the vehicle. The experiments determined these just noticeable differences for vehicle response time, stability factor and steering ratio. They show a very high differential sensitivity to changes of response time and reasonably good ability to detect changes of steering ratio and stability factor. There are great differences between the discriminatory ability of different subjects and also within the same subject on different occasions. The “constant stimuli” and “up-and-down” methods were used in establishing the JND's. The magnitude of the time interval between presentation of the standard and comparison vehicles and the speed at which the test was made also affected the magnitude of the just noticeable difference.
Studies of Component-Total Task Relations: Order of Component-Total Task Practice and Total Task Predictability
Authors: Freedle Roy Omer , Zavala Albert , Fleishman Edwin A.
Published: January 2017

The Complex Coordination Test was used to examine component-total task relationships when component tasks are practiced in different orders. Sixty subjects practiced (two trials of two minutes each) on six component tasks and on the total task, practicing these in various orders. Part-tasks were three single-level (one rudder and two stick control) tasks and three double-level (one stick-stick and two rudder-stick) tasks. Correlational analyses were performed to determine component-total task relationships and component to total task predictability. It was found that order of part-task practice affects total task proficiency. Also, part-task scores can be combined in a statistically independent manner to yield prediction scores on a more complex task only when a specific double-level task is combined with a specific single-level task. It was also found that observed and predicted total task scores agree better when double-level tasks are practiced before rather than after the total task. Finally, prior practice on double-level tasks led to better total task proficiency than did prior practice on single-level tasks.
Some Human Factors Problems and Possibilities in Developing Ethiopia
Authors: Messing Simon D.
Published: January 2017

Both negative and positive cultural factors affect innovative efforts in developing countries. In the case of Ethiopia, negative factors include a low esteem for craftsmanship. Even where modern education is making inroads on some negative factors, as in the towns, feudalistic attitudes toward labor and the preference for unskilled labor on the assumption that it is more economical, act to continue functionally inefficient attitudes. In contrast, positive factors exist in traditions of mutual aid, now spreading from South Ethiopian cultures northward. An excellent model for mutual aid may be found in the practices of the migrant weavers' association of the Gurage and some neighboring tribes. Ethiopia provides an interesting area for the study of human factors in developing countries since it has not passed through a colonial period. Various stages of development can be traced comparatively free of outside influences.
Technological Development in the Developing Countries
Authors: Hofmeister Ralph H.
Published: January 2017

The current process of technological transfer with limited adaptation from the developed to the less developed countries is questioned. The most important features of the economic environment of the less developed countries—the levels of per capita output and consumption, the availability of capital per worker, and the rising trends in unemployment—are reviewed. The implications are sketched for the development of a technology appropriate to the developing context, appropriate in the capital intensity of its production techniques and in the design of its products. The man-machine system focus of human factors researchers is seen as potentially very productive in these questions.
Resistance and Adaptation to Technological Change: Some Anthropological Views
Authors: Beals Ralph L.
Published: January 2017

The significance of anthropological views for assessing the probabilities of acceptance or rejection of technological change are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the role of technology as a part of integrated socio-cultural systems. The significance of differences in cognitive structures and the possible relations between different kinds of social structures and the acceptance or rejection of technological changes are examined.
Technology Transfer Through Vita, Volunteers for International Technical Assistance
Authors: Grenfell Adrienne Cameron
Published: January 2017

VITA (Volunteers for International Technical Assistance) is a non-profit organization which supplies technical assistance to developing nations on a person-to-person basis. The program relies upon a large collection of volunteer technical experts whose advice has answered over 13,000 problems in the general field of developmental technology. Several manuals and handbooks have also been published. The majority of the volunteers are in the physical sciences but technology must be supported by socio-economic considerations, since technology appropriate to the needs of developing nations is only one factor in the drive to achieve freedom from want.
Mobilizing Rural Resources for Industrial Development
Authors: Frankel Jacob P.
Published: January 2017

Experiences in establishing small locally financed industries in rural regions of underdeveloped countries are discussed from the point of view of the entrepreneur. It is suggested that such development can be replicated in any of dozens of underdeveloped countries by sufficiently talented and thoughtful teams of engineers, economists and businessmen from the developed countries, who would also teach local counterparts to take over and carry on after a few years.
A Human Factors Viewpoint on Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Salim
Published: January 2017

Some of the problems related to human factors in Pakistan are poorly organized shops, inadequate tools and machines, improper designing methods and difficulties of transportation. Social and environmental conditions also contribute to low productivity. A human factors engineer must consider all of these areas if he is to assist in the gradual improvement of existing technologies.
A Comprehensive Approach to Human Factors in Developing Countries
Authors: Lippert Stanley
Published: January 2017

Existing human factors knowledge, generated in a high technology environment, can be drawn upon to meet the needs of less developed countries with a lower technology environment. To open up effectively this potentially rich field of human factors activity, a broadly conceived approach to the anticipated problems is needed. Preliminary suggestions and methods are offered towards such an approach. In addition to the cited references, a bibliography containing a variety of references relevant to human factors in developing countries is included.
Data Organization
Authors: Durding Bruce M. , Becker Curtis A. , Gould John D.
Published: January 2017

Three experiments investigated how people organize data. Subjects were given sets of 15-20 words and asked to organize them on paper. Each word set had a pre-defined organization (hierarchy, network, lists, table) based on the semantic relations among the words. Experiment 1 showed that college students have all these organizational structures available for use. They organized most word sets on the basis of the semantic relations inherent in them. Whereas most subjects used “appropriate” organizations (those that most easily preserved the relations), a few subjects organized nearly all word sets into lists. Experiment 2 showed that subjects can efficiently fit the word sets into “skeletons” that were explicitly designed to maintain all the semantic relations among the words. Experiment 3 showed that subjects have difficulty in preserving the relations among the words when they were required to organize them into inappropriate structures. These results are evaluated relative to the use of computer-based information retrieval systems.
Use of Human Engineering Standards in Design
Authors: Rogers On G. , Armstrong Richard
Published: January 2017

Recently, an increased emphasis has been placed on product quality and compatibility with the human user. As a result, there is growing recognition of the need for man/machine design standards. Do present standards meet this need? In the present study, the impact of human engineering standards on product designs was evaluated by: (1) a comparison of two display panels designed to the same standards, (2) an analytical evaluation of two existing standards, and (3) a survey of standard users. Existing standards appear to have little effect on product design. The apparent reasons are complex, probably involving deficiencies in the standards themselves, education, and interdisciplinary communication, as well as designer preference.
Broadbent and Gregory Revisited: Vigilance and Statistical Decision
Authors: Craig Angus
Published: January 2017

By rigorous test, Broadbent and Gregory (1963) showed that the behavior of subjects in a vigilance task could be adequately described by the equal variance model of signal detection theory (SDT). Since then the model has been widely applied in the analysis and interpretation of numerous vigilance studies, but its goodness of fit to the data has been met by mere assumption. The present study attempted to redress the balance by testing the assumption in respect of some 200 individual ROCs obtained from four vigilance experiments. Although the analysis indicated that about half of the individual ROC functions were of the curved form predicted by the equal-variance SDT model and hence support the view that vigilance performance can be interpreted in terms of this theoretical model of decision-making, a substantial proportion (30%) of the individual functions were of a particular form whose presence is difficult to account for, if handled within the SDT framework. Other models which seem more appropriate are suggested and the implications discussed.
The Effect of Smoking on Risk-Taking in a Simulated Passing Task
Authors: Schori Thomas R. , Jones Barbara W.
Published: January 2017

Smokers are reported to be involved in traffic accidents more frequently than nonsmokers. One possible explanation for this is that smokers may take more risks (or may be less accurate at evaluating risk) than nonsmokers. To explore this possibility, nonsmokers, smokers-deprived, and smokers were required to perform a simulated car passing task-a task which, in actual driving situations, may be fraught with risk. However, no significant differences were detected as a function of the Smoking Condition. Therefore, it was concluded that nonsmokers, smokers-deprived, and smokers did not differ either in their willingness to take risks or in the accuracy with which they were able to evaluate risk. Differences were detected, though, as a function of trials, viz., with practice, the subjects became more accurate in evaluating risk.
Problems Facing Social Scientists Participating in Environmental Impact Research
Authors: Jobes Patrick C.
Published: January 2017

The National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) has formalized the need to provide assessment of projects which have potential impacts. Many social scientists suddenly have become involved with performing social research in order to assess impacts upon human behavior. This paper describes some of the problems facing social scientists in this endeavor. Practical advice regarding their solutions is provided.
Formatting and Organization of a Human Engineering Standard
Authors: Rogers Jon G. , Pegden Claude D.
Published: January 2017

A detailed item-by-item analytical review of two existing government human engineering standards and the results of a users' survey on human engineering standards revealed formatting and organization problems in current human engineering standards which detract from their utility to the designer. Problems identified and recommended solutions are presented. The recommended solutions are primarily directed at improving the ability to retrieve data from the standards and as a result increasing the degree to which the human engineering discipline has an effect on design.
Eye Movements in Curve Negotiation
Authors: Shinar David , Mcdowell Edward D. , Rockwell Thomas H.
Published: January 2017

Eye movements and fixations of five drivers were recorded and superimposed on a videotaped recording of the dynamic visual scene as they drove on a two-lane rural road. The results showed that (1) on curved roads, the fixation pattern follows the road geometry, whereas on straight roads, the search behavior is less active, and most of the fixations are close to the focus of expansion. The results indicate that in driving through curves drivers direct foveal fixations to lateral placement cues rather than rely on peripheral vision; (2) the process of curve scanning begins in the approach zone prior to the curve itself, suggesting that perceptually the curve negotiating process precedes the curve by several seconds; (3) the search patterns on right and left curves are not symmetrical; visual excursions to the right on right curves are greater than eye movements to the left on left curves; and (4) fixation duration statistics may be related to accident rates on curves.
Multiple Images as a Function of LEDs Viewed during Vibration
Authors: Riley Terry M.
Published: January 2017

If a refreshed light emitting diode (LED) display is moved relative to the observer with such severity that the display cannot be fixated, multiple images of the display may appear. To determine the threshold refresh rate of this perceptual phenomenon, subjects evaluated the relative multiple imaging of nine LED refresh rates while under whole body vibration.
Some Effects of Coding Answers for Optical Mark Reading on the Accuracy of Answering Multiple-Choice Questions
Authors: Wright Patricia , Aldrich Anne , Wilcox Penelope
Published: January 2017

Multiple-choice questions for which more than one of the alternatives given could be correct were answered either by responding to each alternative (putting a tick or cross as appropriate) or by responding to subsets of alternatives (using code letters to denote the appropriate subset). In Experiment 1 fewer errors were made when code letters were used, but the range of subsets available provided information about correct answers. Experiment 2 eliminated this information by increasing the number of codes and extended the investigation to two levels of question difficulty answered by subjects from three levels of verbal ability. Response mode did not affect the accuracy of answering easy questions, but with harder questions coded answers were both slower and more error-prone than responses made to each alternative. These performance decrements were greatest for subjects in the lowest ability grouping. It is suggested that computer software can be adapted to meet the requirements of the human information processing system more easily than people can adapt to fit the requirements of computers.
Font Comparisons for 5 × 7 Dot Matrix Characters
Authors: Maddox Michael E. , Burnette James T. , Gutmann James C.
Published: January 2017

Two newly designed fonts and the Lincoln/Mitre font are compared for legibility using tachistoscopic presentation and forced identification. All three fonts were constructed with a matrix of 5 × 7 dots and were presented with a computer-generated display. The results were analyzed parametrically in terms of total identification errors and by conventional confusion matrices. The analysis showed significantly fewer errors with the font utilizing the largest number of dots per symbol than with either of the other two fonts. The confusion matrices revealed that the most severe confusions occur for different characters in different fonts.
Three-Dimensional Work Space of the Amputee
Authors: Rozier Carolyn K.
Published: January 2017

Twenty amputees participated in this study to determine the three-dimensional work space for above- and below-elbow amputees with prostheses. Data were collected from the normal as well as the prosthetic extremity by a photographic method to obtain tracings of movements of the hand against a frontal plane at different distances from the subject. The subjects with below-elbow prostheses had an average decrease in the work space of 45%. The subjects with above-elbow prostheses had an average decrease in work space of 83%. The bimanual work space showed that the majority of the work space of the above-elbow prosthetic extremity could be reached by the normal extremity work space. The normal extremity could not reach as much of the below-elbow prosthetic extremity work space.
Drivers' Eye Movements as Related to Attention in Simulated Traffic Flow Conditions
Authors: Ceder Avishai
Published: January 2017

Drivers' eye-movement amplitude and fixation duration are studied in four simulated traffic flow conditions: (1) within free-flow mode, (2) under maximum flow conditions, (3) within congested-flow mode, and (4) on an urban street between signalized intersections. Of major interest is the possible correlation between eye-movement data and drivers' attention demands. This correlation is based on an uncertainty theoretical model which provides a quantitative approach for evaluating drivers' attention level in various traffic flow conditions. Some applications to traffic flow phenomena are presented.
Sequential Expectancy in Visual Search
Authors: Monk Timothy H.
Published: January 2017

An experiment was designed to determine whether there was a sequential expectancy effect in visual search by which subjects carried over an expectation of the duration of the search from one trial to the next and produced a shorter search time on the nth trial if the (n-1)th trial had had a search time of similar magnitude. Search time was controlled by the surreptitious insertion of lags between the onset of the background (i.e., start of search) and the actual appearance of the target. Post-target search time (total search time minus lag) was then used as the dependent variable. Three lags (0, 7.5, and 15 s) were used in a random order. Two effects emerged. Post-target search time was found to be reduced if the previous trial had used the same lag as the given trial; and post-target search time was found to increase with lag. Both effects were explained by the construction of a sequential expectancy model.