bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Disease Management: Improving Continuity of Care with Human Factors Engineering
Authors: Gosbee Laura Lin
Published: January 2012

The management of chronic disease by patients in the home care setting can involve a varied and complex set of tasks. Food allergy, a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition, is used as a case study to explore the role that human factors engineering can play to improve the continuity of care of patients. In order to gain insight into the cognitive demands involved in the management of this chronic disease, a cognitive task analysis was conducted to identify and characterize the critical decision making tasks confronting food allergy patients. This can provide valuable input to the design and development of tools and resources for use by the clinical practitioner and patient alike. Such tools can: assist the clinical practitioner with teaching patients; assist patients in daily tasks involved in managing their condition; and assist patients (or their families) in teaching others who may care for a pediatric patient with food allergy. It is hoped that such an improvement in continuity of care can lead to better disease management by patients.
Healthcare Handover and Patient Safety
Authors: Manser Tanja , Howard Steven K.
Published: January 2012

The current literature shows a growing awareness that high-quality handover practices (i.e. mechanisms for transferring information, responsibility, and authority) are critical to ensure continuity of care and patient safety. Inadequate patient handover consistently appears as a factor contributing to adverse events, across healthcare settings and practitioners. Impacts of inadequate handover include delays in diagnosis and treatment, redundant activities such as additional procedures and tests, longer hospital stays, decreased patient and provider satisfaction etc. It has been pointed out that handover processes are highly variable in quality and structure and that there seems to be a lack of consensus about the primary purpose of patient handover resulting in diverse measurement approaches and a broad spectrum of interventions to improve handover. The aim of this symposium is to present recent conceptual, empirical and implementation work on patient handover in a variety of clinical settings and to discuss implications for patient safety.
Multiple Identity Tracking and Entropy in an ATC-like Task
Authors: Hope Ryan M. , Rantanen Esa M. , Oksama Lauri
Published: January 2012

This research investigated an observer's ability to track and maintain multiple uniquely identified objects in a dynamic environment similar to ATC. The experimental task consisted of tracking a set of moving objects for twenty seconds. The objects were 6-character strings; three letters followed by three numbers. After tracking the objects for twenty seconds, the participants were instructed to locate a target-object. The time required to find the target object was recorded. The number of objects and the magnitude of direction changes (entropy) were manipulated. We found (1) a highly significant effect of increasing response times as a function of number of objects, (2) a marginally significant effect of entropy, decreasing response times as a function of entropy, and (3) a significant effect of displacement, increasing response times as a function of objects' displacement.
Unpacking the Temporal and Interactive Effects of Stress on Individual and Team Performance
Authors: Dietz Aaron S. , Weaver Sallie J. , Sierra Mary Jane , Bedwell Wendy L. , Salas Eduardo , Fiore Stephen M. , Smith-Jentsch Kimberly , Driskell James E.
Published: January 2012

Long-duration space flight demands prolonged exposure to a myriad of stressors which manifest and interact over time. Despite a significant body of work dedicated to identifying, mitigating, and managing the effects of stress on performance, a clear theoretical foundation explicating the ways in which interactions among stressors occurs, as well as how and when stress develops chronically remains unclear. Additionally, it is not yet well understood how such temporal and interactive effects impact performance at multiple-levels of analysis, including both individual and team performance. The current paper presents an innovative theoretical approach for unpacking these complex relationships, forming a foundation for understanding their impact on dynamic episodes of individual and team performance.
Integrating Physical and Cognitive Human Models to Represent Driving Behavior
Authors: Fuller Helen J.A. , Reed Matthew P. , Liu Yili
Published: January 2012

This research addresses the divide between cognitive and physical human models by integrating a cognitive human model with a physical human model. This new combined model uses the advantages of each type of model to overcome the weaknesses of the other. The capabilities of the new integrated model are evaluated in terms of modeling a task scenario with both cognitive and physical components: driving while performing a secondary in-vehicle task. The result is the Virtual Driver model.
Advances in Modeling Situation Awareness, Decision Making, and Performance in Complex Operational Environments
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl A. , Cuevas Haydee M. , Connors Erik S. , González Cleotilde , Foltz Peter W. , Lau Nathan Ka Ching , Warwick Walter J.
Published: January 2012

As organizations continue to evolve and integrate even more advanced information technology capabilities, traditional cognitive models of human performance, both at the individual and team level, must similarly mature in order to flexibly adapt to the challenges faced by teams performing in today's complex operational environments. The overall goal of this panel session will be to highlight advances made in modeling situation awareness, decision making, and performance in a variety of domains and applications. The panelists draw from their varied experiences in academia and industry to offer their commentary on a diverse range of approaches to modeling these complex cognitive processes. The panel also seeks to identify critical areas warranting further investigation.
Predicting operator mental workload using a time-based algorithm
Authors: Wang Wenbi , Cain Brad , Lu Xiao Long
Published: January 2012

Existing workload algorithms based on the Multiple Resources Theory (MRT) provide an effective approach for diagnosing operator overload caused by interference among concurrent tasks, however, their ability to handle overload in single task conditions is limited. We argue a time-based algorithm, developed on the Information Processing (IP) model of workload (Hendy, Liao, & Milgram, 1997), provides a viable solution to address this limitation. In this study, we proposed a new algorithmic implementation of the IP model in the context of task network modeling. The new algorithm was implemented in a JAVA program and tested on an existing model of a Bakan vigilance task. The results obtained from the new algorithm demonstrated the feasibility of this solution. By integrating resource-based and time-based algorithms, analysts will be able to diagnose more accurately system performance breakdowns caused by operator overload.
Integrating Systems Theory, Cognitive Systems Engineering and Psychophysiology in Performance Analysis
Authors: Norlander Msc Phd Arne
Published: January 2012

Based on research in the emergency management and military domains this paper reports on research and development of theories, methods and tools for modeling, analysis and assessment of performance in precarious time-critical situations and missions. We describe case studies, field studies, and experiments using a combined systems theory, Cognitive Systems Engineering and psychophysiology framework. We performed identification, modeling, and synthesis of Joint Tactical Cognitive Systems, and their inherent command, control, and intelligence activities. The dynamics of tactical missions are of a specific nature, and determined and forward exploitation and control of these real-time, safety-critical operational dynamics are vital for success in a wartime or disaster scenario. We found significant relations between workload, time pressure, catecholamine levels in saliva samples, and cognitive complexity.
Affective Biases in Information Search during Tactical Decision-Making
Authors: Kustabayeva Almira , Panganiban April Rose , Matthews Gerald
Published: January 2012

Tactical decision-making may be an emotional experience for an operator. Emotion, whether extrinsic or intrinsic to the task, may bias attention to task critical information. The current study used a feedback manipulation to induce positive and negative affect (PA and NA) during a decision-making task requiring information search. In a task based on a rescue scenario, participants were randomly assigned to either a “success” or “failure” condition and instructed to evaluate the costs and benefits of different routes along separate legs of the rescue mission, similar to reaching a “fork in the road.” Feedback was effective in manipulating emotion. PA and NA were significantly correlated with information sampling frequencies, but no general mood-congruent bias was found. Instead the role of mood appears to depend on the general affective context, a finding interpreted in relation to the mood-as-input hypothesis. The practical relevance and limitations of the study are discussed.
Skill-based differences in the cognitive mechanisms underlying failure under stress
Authors: Suss Joel , Ward Paul
Published: January 2012

Studies of “choking under pressure” suggest novices choke because attention is distracted away from the primary task. In contrast with the traditional research on stress and performance, where additional resources made available with increasing skill can ameliorate the effects of stress, experts are thought to degrade because stress draws attention to, and disrupts, previously proceduralized performance. Two kinds of dual-tasks, extraneous and skill-focused, were used to examine skill-based differences in attentional demands of a live-fire, handgun shooting task. Expert and novice police officers completed shooting trials under moderate time pressure. Contrary to choking research findings, the performance of experts was not adversely affected by skill-focused attention whereas novices were. This pattern was also reflected in a range of process measures. The results challenge currently accepted explanations of choking under pressure, and suggest that the degree to which expert performance is cognitively mediated may be greater than previously assumed. Implications for traditional theories of skill acquisition and for training to perform in stressful environments are discussed.
A Multivariate Test Battery for Predicting Vigilance
Authors: Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Shaw Tyler H. , Finomore Victor S.
Published: January 2012

It has proved difficult to predict individual differences in vigilance from standard psychometric tests. We report a study that explored the utility of a multivariate battery in predicting vigilance on a task requiring monitoring of a tactical display. A two-phase design was employed. Participants performed a short vigilance task (SVT) prior to the longer criterion monitoring task. We investigated the predictive ability of cognitive ability, personality, performance on the SVT, and stress responses to the SVT. Four versions of the criterion task were used, to test generalization of predictive validity. Key predictors of vigilance were found to include ability, SVT performance, and subjective task engagement and coping. Multiple regression analyses suggested that together these predictors explained about 30% of the variance in vigilance (with some differences for prediction of different task versions). Results are discussed in relation to the resource theory of vigilance, and the practical issues arising from selecting vigilant operators.
Predicting Complex Spatial Working Memory Fatigue Vulnerability Based on Individual Differences in fMRI Images
Authors: Quill Laurie Larsen , Nemeth Kristie , Caldwell Lynn , Schmidt Regina , Parker Jason , Taylor Brian , Arbuckle Nicole
Published: January 2012

The effects of mental and physical fatigue can significantly impact how we interact with our daily environment. Furthermore, these effects exhibit a high level of variance across individuals. Advances in technologies such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are offering new opportunities to characterize the effects of sleep deprivation on individuals. In this paper, we investigate the use of advanced fMRI modalities in resting wakefulness as correlated with performance on a spatial working memory task after sleep deprivation. Findings show that fatigue vulnerability to performance decrements on complex spatial working memory tasks in healthy participants can be predicted by fMRI images taken during resting wakefulness.
Modeling Human-Automation Team Performance in Networked Systems: Individual Differences in Working Memory Count
Authors: de Visser Ewart , Shaw Tyler , Mohamed-Ameen Amira , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

As human-machine systems grow in size and complexity, there is a need to understand and model how human attentional limitations affect system performance, especially in large networks. As a first step, human-in-the-loop experiments can provide the requisite data. Secondly, such data can be modeled to provide insights by predicting performance with a large number of vehicles. Accordingly, we first carried out an experiment examining human-UAV system performance under low and high levels of task load. We also examined the effects of a networked environment on performance by manipulating the number and relevance of network message traffic from automated agents. Results showed that in conditions of high task load, performance degraded. Moreover, performance increased with the help of relevant messages, and decreased with irrelevant, noise messages. Furthermore, a simple correlation showed a fairly strong connection between working memory scores and our collected performance data. Using regression to model this data revealed that a simple linear equation does not provide for very accurate modeling of different aspects of decision making performance. However, inclusion of the OSPAN working memory capacity measure improves prediction capability considerably. Together, the results of this study show that human-automation team performance metrics can be modeled and used to predict performance under varying levels of traffic, probability of assistance, and working memory capacity in a complex networked environment.
Task Activities, Postures and Work Performances among Computer Operators in a State Agency
Authors: Kim K. Han , Bao Stephen S. , Silverstein Barbara
Published: January 2012

The use of computer keyboard and the associated work posture have been reported as major risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms in computer work, but their specific interactions have not been clearly identified. In this study, insurance bill processing workers at a state agency were monitored using a time-lapse camera and software to track their computer activity during a full workday. Then overall task distributions, postures, and keying performances were measured and analyzed. Observations indicated that compared to other types of tasks, typing constitutes the longest daily duty among these workers, occupying 41% of their time. While workers are typing, their posture deviates least frequently from a predetermined set of neutral angles; the peripheral joints, which include the wrists and neck, deviate more frequently from neutral than the central joints including the back and shoulders. Overall the results indicate that typing tasks are less significantly associated with awkward posture than other types of office work.
Effects of Font Size on Muscle Activity
Authors: Elouri Yasser , Akladios Magdy , Peres S. Camille , Amos April
Published: January 2012

A laboratory study was conducted to determine the effect of display font size on muscle activity, using surface electromyography (SEMG) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). The study showed that volunteers performing the experiment on small font size increased left hand flexor and neck extensor muscles activity. There was also a significant difference in RULA grand scores based on posture angle measures between the three tasks that subjects performed. In addition, there was an effect of time on upper body posture and subjective measures. There was no impact of font size on the dominant hand deltoid and trapezius, or left and right hand extensor muscles. In general, the results suggest that software developers should be sensitive to font size while designing software. The results also suggest that computer users should have better knowledge regarding the benefits of increasing the font size on their displays.
Application of Electric Utility Workers' Anthropometry to Clearance between Vehicle Pedals and Adjacent Structures
Authors: Freier Stephen , Seeley Patricia , Marklin Richard , Saginus Kyle
Published: January 2012

Many electric utility fleet vehicles—notably pickups and vans—have limited clearance between the accelerator and brake pedal for workers who wear larger shoe sizes and even larger boots. The objectives of this study were to establish a analysis protocol for determining safe clearance between pedals and adjacent structures and then apply this protocol to existing utility fleet vehicles to determine which vehicles have adequate clearance for safe driving. Three sources of data were measured:1) detailed dimensions of the cabs of 16 common utility vehicles 2) anthropometric dimensions of 187 male electric utility field and generating station workers, including boot size and 3) width, length, and height of work boots, snow shoes, and rain slickers. Analysis revealed that many common fleet vehicles provide inadequate foot clearance between the pedals and adjacent structures, thus creating an unsafe driving condition. The approach of data collection and analysis of this study can be applied to other types of vehicles in order to determine the safety of pedal design, particularly risk of “unintended acceleration.”
Occupational Safety: The Past, Present and Future
Authors: Thurmon Lockhart E.
Published: January 2012

It has been almost 30 years since the first publication of the NIOSH Work Practices Guide for Manual Lifting (1981). This guide has been successfully applied by ergonomists worldwide and demonstrated itself a very powerful tool for task design and injury prevention. The main objective of this panel, is to bring together the original authors of this guide in order to 1) share their experience of the early endeavor, 2) comment on the current development of industrial ergonomics, and 3) discuss valuable issues that should be addressed in the future. This panel session is sponsored by Liberty Mutual and the Industrial Ergonomics and Safety Technical Groups.
Force distribution at the hand/handle interface for grip and pull tasks
Authors: Young Justin G. , Sackllah Michael E. , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate how surface pressure distribution at the hand/handle interface changes during gripping and pulling and to enhance understanding of coupling between hands and grasped objects. Two pressure-sensing arrays were wrapped around a 3.18 cm diameter cylindrical handle which was fixed to a six-axis load cell. Six male subjects grasped the fixed overhead instrumented handle and performed two exertion types: downward pull exertions of 30, 60, and 90 percent of their measured grip strength and a maximal isometric grip exertion. Consistent with previous studies, the greatest pressure was exerted on the distal segments of the phalanges and at the base of the thumb and palm during maximum isometric gripping. However, when pulling, pressure on the palm (underside of the handle) was negligible. Most pull pressure was distributed over the fingers unevenly in a bimodal distribution, with the greatest pressures occurring on the proximal side of the hand followed by the fingertips. This supports the hypothesis that friction acts through the soft tissues of the fingers and creates an increased normal force in the direction of proximal segments (i.e. “belt friction”). When the surface of the handle is lumped into 5 equal zones, the observed bimodal trend is lost, with the greatest average pressure observed at the top of the handle corresponding to the pull direction. This discrepancy highlights the importance of resolution when making conclusions about applied hand forces. Future research is needed to investigate pressures on handles of different size and surface friction to develop comprehensive models of hand/object coupling.
Participatory Ergonomics Applied to Mammographers' Work
Authors: Sommerich Carolyn , Lavender Steven , Sanders Elizabeth , Lamar Sabrina , Evans Kevin , Joines Sharon , Yen Wei-Ting
Published: January 2012

A participatory ergonomics process has been initiated, the aim of which is to work with mammographers to develop interventions that will improve their work conditions and reduce their occupational exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Mammography is an understudied occupation, but worthy of attention, based on the number of workers and the elevated prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort they experience. The presentation describes the research methodology and results from the first stages of the process.
Harvesting Innovation in the Industry: Prescriptions for breakthrough products
Authors: Portnoy Felix , Bellotti Victoria , Lund Arnie , Russell Dan , Simsarian Kristian , Wroblewski Luke , Resnick Marc
Published: January 2012

Innovation is a key element for the future of human factors, both as a discipline and as a professional society. However, formal training of innovation processes is absent from the human factors curriculum. Furthermore, published studies about innovation methodologies in human factors manuscripts are scarce. Consequently, practitioners are relying on their own experience and intuition to introduce novel product development techniques in their organization. Therefore, the goal of this panel is to discuss the innovation techniques that are employed by some of the most innovative companies in the technology domain. Human factors and user experience team leaders will present how they have formulated innovation strategies among team members and their impact on product development.
School Leadership View of Human and Organizational Factors in Performance Management: A Comparative Analysis of High- and Low-Performing Schools
Authors: Kraemer Sara , Geraghty Elisabeth , Lindsey Deborah , Raven Cynthia
Published: January 2012

This study explored data use in schools, and human and organizational factors associated with performance management systems between high- and low-performing schools in Milwaukee Public Schools, a large urban school district in southeastern Wisconsin. Specifically, this research investigated school improvement planning and use of different types of academic data for decision support from the viewpoint of school leadership. Interviews with principals and observations of school improvement planning meetings were conducted to identify and describe (1) dimensions of data and data use and (2) the human and organization factors in school-based performance management systems between high- and low-performing schools. Implications for macroergonomic analysis in school-based performance management systems and differentiated designs for school support are discussed.
Trust in Sociotechnical Systems
Authors: Montague Enid , Mcguire Kerry , Fiore Steve , Holden Rich , Fitch Greg , Lee John
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this panel is to provide a general overview and discussion of trust relationships in sociotechnical systems. The panel will be composed of five well-known experts in complex systems research and will offer differing views on the concept of trust in these systems. The panel will consist of a brief introduction sociotechnical and macroergonomic theory followed by a comprehensive overview of conceptualizing trust as a sociotechnical construct. The range of concepts discussed in this panel include: trust in and through technologies, interpersonal trust in virtual teams and virtual agents and trust in particular domains such as health care, and driving. This panel will highlight successful projects or approaches to conceptualizing trust in complex work systems that include individuals, groups and technologies.
Tactile “Change Blindness” in the Detection of Vibration Intensity
Authors: Ferris Thomas , Stringfield Kiana , Sarter Nadine
Published: January 2012

A variety of data rich complex domains stand to benefit from the introduction of tactile displays that offload the visual and auditory information channels. Yet, a better understanding of factors that affect tactile information processing is needed to ensure the robustness of these interfaces. Recent research has shown, for example, that the sense of touch can be affected by phenomena that are analogous to visual change blindness, which describes the surprising difficulty in detecting changes to a visual scene when these changes coincide with masking stimuli or blank inter-stimulus intervals. To date, tactile change blindness has been demonstrated only for changes in the number of body locations where vibrations were presented. The present study examined whether change blindness is observed also in the context of detecting changes in vibration intensity and whether the introduction of a secondary task during vibrotactile presentations exacerbates these effects. The findings show that a 300-ms vibrotactile masking stimulus and a 600-ms “mudsplash” sequence of stimuli significantly degrade performance in detecting coincident intensity changes, as do intensity changes that occur gradually instead of abruptly. Change detection was significantly worse in dual-task (vs. isolation) conditions for only the “mudsplash” presentations. Implications of these effects for the design of tactile displays that encode information in vibration intensity are discussed.
Checking it Twice: Age-related Differences in Double Checking during Visual Search
Authors: Mitzner Tracy L. , Touron Dayna R. , Rogers Wendy A. , Hertzog Christopher
Published: January 2012

Visual search is an integral part of functioning in everyday life and a primary component of some occupational tasks. Older adults typically exhibit longer response times on visual search tasks compared to younger adults. Mechanisms proposed as explanations of these age-related differences include general slowing of the speed of information processing, amount of internal noise, attentional capacity, selective attention, and inhibition. This study evaluated the possibility that age-related differences in visual search may be partly due to older adults double checking to a greater degree than younger adults. Older adults did in fact double check more so than younger adults. Moreover, speed stress instructions reduced double checking behavior as well as age-related differences in double checking.
Results from Empirical Testing of the System for Tactile Reception of Advanced Patterns (STRAP)
Authors: Johnston Matthew , Hale Kelly , Axelsson Pär
Published: January 2012

The System for Tactile Reception of Advanced Patterns (STRAP) is capable of displaying complex information through tactile actuators on a user's torso. Non-verbal communication requirements from a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) task and tactile design guidelines resulted greater than 60 distinct tactile symbols for communication and a context free grammar. This empirical evaluation is the first step in validating the STRAP system as a complement to traditional communication methods such as military hand and arm signals and radio. Nine participants were trained on the entire tactile language to a 90% criterion and were asked to utilize a small subset of the vocabulary while completing room clearing tasks using a virtual desktop simulation. The results show no significant difference in room clearing performance when haptic versus verbal communications were provided, indicating that the STRAP system shows promise as a complementary communication device. Improvements to both the tactile display and symbols are discussed as a means to improve recognition of haptic commands and overall system utility.
Postural Activity and Motion Sickness among Drivers and Passengers in a Console Video Game
Authors: Dong Xiao , Stoffregen Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

We investigated the influence of vehicle control (driver vs. passenger) on postural activity and motion sickness in the context of a console video game. Using a yoked control design, individuals participated as driver-passenger dyads. Within dyads, individuals participated alone, with Driver sessions being recorded and played back to corresponding Passengers. Passengers were more likely than Drivers to report motion sickness. During game exposure, Drivers tended to move more than passengers. Yet participants who later became motion sick moved differently than those who did not, with changes in movement variability of the head and torso. The results confirm that control of a simulated vehicle reduces the risk of motion sickness, and that postural instability precedes motion sickness. The results can be used to guide the design of driving simulations and video games.
Evidence of Clutter Avoidance in Complex Scenes
Authors: Lohrenz Maura C. , Beck Melissa R.
Published: January 2012

Eye tracking results from a recent visual search experiment suggest 1) people avoid searching in highly cluttered regions of displays, and 2) people tend to start searching in regions with lower clutter and progress to regions with higher clutter as needed. Subjects searched for a symbol randomly placed in displays containing varying amounts of clutter, measured with the C3 clutter metric (Lohrenz et al., 2009). Displays were categorized as having low, medium, or high “global” clutter (average clutter for the display). Displays were gridded into 100 cells, and a “local” C3 value was calculated for each cell. An eye-tracker monitored search behavior. On average, with low and medium global-clutter displays, subjects searched in areas with local clutter similar to the displays' global clutter; with high global-clutter displays, subjects searched in areas with significantly lower local clutter (relative to global clutter). The average clutter of cells in which subjects searched plateaued at C3=6.4 (on a scale from 0 to 12), suggesting a measurable limit to the amount of clutter through which subjects are able (or willing) to search.
Affective Characterization of Touch and Look-and-Feel from Multivariate Analysis of Questionnaire Responses
Authors: Bahn Sangwoo , Song Joobong , Ryu Taebeum , Yun Myung Hwan
Published: January 2012

Customer's satisfaction is a critical factor to a product's success and identifying key affective response factors, which customers mainly perceive, is critical to satisfy customers. This study aims to identify the key affective response factor for the evaluation of passenger car interior material using affective design methods. Related variables of satisfaction consisting of 10 affective response variables associated with look-and-feel and touch feel of a surface material were systematically identified through literature survey, customer reviews, and expert opinions. 30 users and 30 designers evaluated 41 different crash pad samples using a questionnaire survey with 7-point semantic differential scale and 100-point magnitude estimation scale. Based on the survey results, ‘softness’ was identified as the key affective response factor of satisfaction for car crash pad. Also, the relationship between softness and its related engineering variables was identified and modeled. It is expected that the results could suggest the suitable combinations of material properties for the maximum appeal and satisfaction of the user.
Usability Evaluation of Two Social Networking Sites
Authors: Rivera Javier , Davis Fleet , Mouloua Mustapha , Alberti Pascal
Published: January 2012

This paper examines differences between the two most popular social networking sites (Facebook and MySpace) in terms of their usability and design heuristics. First, we discuss a brief history on social network websites that have dominated the Internet in popularity and then declined over time due to major setbacks or system design failures. Second, we discuss usability heuristics and how they can be incorporated to social network websites to improve their chances of success among users. Lastly, we present a study in which we have used an adapted usability questionnaire based on these usability heuristics. This usability questionnaire compares Facebook and MySpace by rating them across eight dimensions such as simplicity, usefulness, functionality, consistency, proficiency, satisfaction, behavior, and needs for improvement. There was a significant difference between both social networks, indicating that Facebook was rated the highest on usability over MySpace.
Optimizing Successful Turn-taking in Spoken Dialog Systems
Authors: Witt Silke M. , Rolandi Walter , Zuber Elaine , Brooks Ted , Master Araceli , Loose Rebecca , Hubbell James
Published: January 2012

A major challenge in the design of spoken dialog systems is determining how long a system should wait — or time-out — before providing some instruction to a caller who is silent in response to a question. This study examined the impact that various time-out values had on the responses to three different question types. The results show that time-out values of 2 and 2.5 seconds caused the most instances of system and caller talking at the same time. The data also shows that these turn-taking issues have an effect on subsequent interactions between system and caller.
Marine Accident Investigation and Analysis with Focus on Human Factors
Authors: Kim Hongtae , Na Seong , Kim Hyejin , Ha Wookhyun
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes a human factors analysis method that contains a cognitive process model, a human factors analysis technique and a marine accident causal chain focused on human factors. In this paper, the cognitive process model that can be used as a tool to identify unsafe acts, decisions or conditions is discussed in detail, and 18 towing vessel collision accidents are analyzed to identify related unsafe acts. Then the human factors analysis technique which is based on the well-established human factors frameworks such as SHELL model and Reason's Generic Error Modeling Systems (GEMS) framework is used to identify underlying factors that cause those identified unsafe acts to occur. Lastly, in order to derive the optimum safety barriers, the marine accident causal chains are used.
Influence of LOC and Ethnicity on Adoption Decisions in the Use of Safety Technologies and Training in the Roofing Industry
Authors: Kane Jessi L.
Published: January 2012

The construction industry has been slow to adopt new technologies; therefore, this pilot study found it beneficial to evaluate the relationship between Locus of Control (LOC), ethnicity, and technology and training adoption decisions. The following research questions were proposed: 1) To what extent do Hispanic and non-Hispanic workers differ in LOC? 2) In adoption decisions? 3) How confidently can LOC be used to predict adoption decisions? 4) How confidently can adoption decisions be used to predict LOC? The study utilized secondary data collection. The quantitative data (103 participants; 79 non-Hispanic and 24 Hispanic) was analyzed with JMP 8. Results showed a significant difference between the two groups in both LOC and adoptions decisions. The qualitative data (29 participants; 13 non-Hispanic and 16 Hispanic) underwent content analysis using Atlas.ti. This study serves as a starting point for other research interested in developing technology adoption programs for this and possibly other populations.
Developmental Human Factors: Children's Mental Models of Computers
Authors: Oleson Kristin E. , Sims Valerie K. , Chin Matthew G. , Lum Heather C. , Sinatra Anne
Published: January 2012

Two groups of first, third, and fifth grade children were interviewed about their mental models of computers. The first group was interviewed in 1999, and the second in 2009. In both data sets, children as young as 6 years of age generated well developed analogies for computers. However, the 2009 data showed that children are increasingly able to generate these analogies at a younger age. Further, the types of analogies generated differed as a function of time, with those interviewed in 1999 more likely to describe perceptual qualities of computers (e.g., it is square), and those interviewed in 2009 relating computers to both cell phones and entertainment devices. Children's knowledge of technology provides a glimpse into the future user's mindset.
Organizing a Human Factors Educational Event at SAS
Authors: Coyle Cheryl L. , Whitman Lisa , Tudor Leslie
Published: January 2012

In an attempt to increase knowledge and awareness about the many ways in which the human factors teams at SAS contribute to product design, we planned and executed a company-wide usability demonstration event. Twenty-five stations encompassing usability-related demonstrations were featured. Various contests held throughout the duration of the event, as well as a lively, color-coordinated overall design, contributed to the exciting and celebratory nature of the day. The energetic atmosphere of the event attracted hundreds of attendees who enjoyed learning about the integration of human factors into the development of our company's products. Our poster describes the event's planning strategy, design, execution, outcome, and lessons learned.
The Relationship of Closure Speed and Training on Target Identification for Unmanned Vehicle Operators
Authors: Phillips Elizabeth , Rivera Javier , Fincannon Thomas , Dietz Aaron S. , Afek Ariel
Published: January 2012

This investigation explored differences in armored vehicle recognition training by supplying 2D images of 3D models at different views. Additionally, the relationship between the spatial construct of closure speed and target identification was examined. Participants were administered three tests of closure speed, and then trained on armored vehicle recognition with 2D images of 3D models at more angles than typically given with line drawings supplied to soldiers. Results did not show a significant difference between the training conditions on a tank recognition task. Examining the relationship between performance on closure speed tests and tank recognition performance scores showed mixed results. Implications of this research may include considerations for selection and training of future unmanned vehicle operators.
Supervisory Control of Robots Using RoboLeader
Authors: Chen Jessie Y. C. , Barnes Michael J.
Published: January 2012

We investigated the effectiveness of RoboLeader, an intelligent agent that could help the human operator control a team of robots, for enhancing the overall human-robot teaming performance. We compared the operators' target detection performance in the 4-robot and 8-robot conditions. The results showed that the participants detected significantly fewer targets with 8 robots vs. 4 robots. Although there were no significance differences between the RoboLeader and Baseline (no RoboLeader) conditions for target detection, the Roboleader group reduced their mission completion times by approximately 13% compared to Baseline. Those participants with higher spatial ability detected more targets than did those with lower spatial ability. Participants experienced significantly higher workload with 8 robots compared to the 4-robot condition, and those with better attentional control reported lower workload than did those with poorer attentional control.
Determining the Accuracy and Acceptance of Using Driver Interface Display Components and Fuel Economy Information Types
Authors: Rakauskas Michael E. , Graving Justin S. , Manser Michael P. , Jenness James W.
Published: January 2012

If novel displays in the vehicle are not easily understood, they may increase driver distraction and result in higher crash risk. In this way, improving the usability of in-vehicle displays may decrease crash risk. However when there are a large number of interface design options, it is difficult to quickly determine which will be the most beneficial. The goal of this evaluation was to identify fuel economy display components and information types that would have the highest potential to improve accuracy and acceptance. Participants were more accurate at identifying fuel economy level when viewing information presented on horizontal bar display components with reference points. Subjective scores suggested that a balance of instantaneous and long-term information types was associated with greater interface acceptance. Results of this rapid assessment show the utility of supplementing objective accuracy measures with subjective acceptance metrics when considering multiple user interface designs.
A Binary Response Method to Determine the Usability of Seven In-Vehicle Fuel Economy Displays
Authors: Graving Justin S , Rakauskas Michael E. , Manser Michael P. , Jenness James W
Published: January 2012

We employed a binary response method to evaluate the usability of seven fuel economy displays. The displays were set to show various levels of fuel economy and then static images of the displays were generated. Participants were presented the images and asked to indicate if the information on the fuel economy display indicated fuel economy was greater or less than an arbitrary average fuel economy. A display that consisted of a binary metric of fuel economy and an incremental metric of acceleration best facilitated the determination of fuel economy.
Dual-View Displays for Minimally Invasive Surgery: Does the Addition of a 3-D Global View Decrease Mental Workload?
Authors: Sublette M. , Carswell C.M. , Han Q. , Grant R. , Lio C.H. , Lee G. , Field M. , Staley D. , Seales W.B. , Clarke D.
Published: January 2012

Technological innovations are at the forefront of advances in minimally invasive surgery. Reduced visual and haptic cues, along with frame-of-reference problems with location and scale can cause surgeons to become disoriented. While most laparoscopic surgeries are performed via the use of a limited, singlescope, two-dimensional (2-D) view presented on a monitor in the operating room, there is demand for the availability of three-dimensional (3-D), global views. We compared workload, task-completion time, and the ability to recreate spatial mental representations between study participants who used the current scope-view display and those who used a dual-view display that included both the scope view and a computationally generated global view. We found no statistically reliable improvements for the dual-view display over the single-view display for any of our criterion measures, although trends were toward a dual-view advantage for workload in all tasks and accuracy in the reconstruction task, despite participants' claims that they did not utilize the global view during the experiment. Future research is needed to better understand the information available on global views that can enhance performance during surgical tasks and participants' decisions regarding when to use different views to support their performance.
Team Performance and Adaptability in Crisis Management: A comparison of cross-functional and functional teams
Authors: Geneviève Dubé , Sébastien Tremblay , Simon Banbury , Vincent Rousseau , Vincent Rousseau , Vincent Rousseau
Published: January 2012

Crisis management (CM) is a facet of command and control (C2) characterized by complexity and uncertainty, in addition to high time pressure. In order to meet the challenges of this kind of unpredictable crisis situations, teams must be able to adapt and coordinate in an effective way. The functional structure (i.e., each team member is allocated a unique functional role) is the most common in CM, but it is not necessarily the most efficient one. Structures that encourage independence and flexibility, like the cross-functional structure (i.e., team functions are shared across all team members), could promote much better performance in this kind of situations. We compared these two structures, functional and cross-functional, in a dynamic situation of CM. C3Fire, a forest firefighting simulation, was used to compare team structure on the basis of performance (process gain), communication, coordination and adaptability. Cross-functional team structures presented a better process gain, a more efficient coordination, and less communication. Surprisingly, no differences were seen regarding adaptability.
Some Good and Bad with Spatial Ability in Three Person Teams That Operate Multiple Unmanned Vehicles
Authors: Fincannon Thomas D. , Ososky Scott , Jentsch Florian , Keebler Joseph , Phillips Elizabeth
Published: January 2012

This study reports findings regarding the influence of spatial ability of each operator on a three person team on workload and performance. Sixty six participants were randomly assigned to the role of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator, unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) operator, and intelligence officer (leader) to create a total of 22 teams, and spatial ability was assessed with Part 5 of the Guilford-Zimmerman Aptitude Survey. Findings indicated that spatial ability of the UAV operator and UGV operator improved reconnaissance, and while spatial ability of the UAV operator improved reacquisition of objectives after reconnaissance, spatial ability of the intelligence officer hindered team performance on this second task. A rationale for these results was developed with findings from the Multiple Resource Questionnaire (MRQ). Discussion focuses on the relationship between spatial ability and visual perception in complex teams.
Investigation of the Impact of Feedback on Decision Accuracy and Reaction Time in a Perceptual Training Task
Authors: Curtis Michael T. , Maraj Crystal , Ritman Monica , Jentsch Florian
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the impact of feedback interventions on a perceptual aviation training task. Previous research on feedback suggests that knowledge of results and conceptual feedback can facilitate learning in certain contexts. Using an aviation discrimination training module, we sought to examine this influence in perceptual training and collected data from 52 volunteer participants. Initial results suggested that there was no noticeable difference between feedback and non-feedback conditions with respect to post-training performance. However, an interesting finding stemming from the average reaction times during training was that knowledge of results may alter response strategies in training: Whereas the no-feedback and conceptual feedback groups required significantly more time for their responses during training than either in the pre- or post-test (suggesting that they needed time to “think through” their responses in the training), the knowledge-of-results group was not only faster than the other groups in training, but its respondents also did not show the increase in response times during training that was so characteristic of the other two conditions. We concluded that this suggested that knowledge of results allowed participants to respond quickly and without the need of time to “think through” their responses. Based on the outcome of this study, we discuss the training implications for training perceptual tasks that rely on accurate and timely action.