bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of Various Factors Affecting Measurement Accuracy of the Tekscan Seat Pressure System
Authors: Lu Hongzheng , Lin Gang
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the following factors affecting the measurement accuracy of the seat pressure measurement system made by TekScan, Inc.: (a) contact time; (b) contact area; (c) the amount of force applied on the pressure mat at the time of calibration and at measurement; and (d) the consistency of contact time before calibration and measurement, and the time interval between calibration and measurement. Results show that the above factors significantly affect the accuracy of measurement. The measurement error can be limited by controlling the contact time for both calibration and measurement to 2 minutes, and controlling the contact area and applied force equally at calibration and measurement.
Augmented Concurrent Feedback Degrades Learning: Implications for Training and Simulation
Authors: Schmidt Richard A. , Wulf Gabriele
Published: January 2012

Artificially augmented concurrent feedback during training is generally known to be strongly beneficial to performance during practice, but detrimental to the retention and transfer of skills that rely on closed-loop control processes; this relationship is unknown for more rapid open-loop skills, however. Augmented concurrent visual feedback was examined in the acquisition, retention, and transfer of discrete tasks where programming and open-loop processes are strongly involved. During practice, augmented concurrent feedback facilitated performance as indicated by several error measures, relative to a no-concurrent feedback condition. However, augmented concurrent feedback generally degraded accuracy and movement control stability in retention and transfer. These findings have strong relevance for training and simulation where retention and transfer performance is the ultimate goal.
Application of Advanced Technology to Team Training
Authors: Gramopadhye Anand K. , Kraus David , Rao Pradeep , Jebaraj Daniel
Published: January 2012

Research on civil aircraft inspection and maintenance has shown the importance of teamwork in completing aircraft inspection and maintenance tasks. Training has been identified as one of the primary intervention strategies in improving team performance. If training is to be successful, it is clear that we need to provide aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) with training tools to help enhance their team skills and improve team performance within the aircraft inspection/maintenance environment. In response to this need, this paper describes the development of a computer-based multimedia team training tool, the Aircraft Maintenance Team Training (AMTT) software.
The Effects of Exercise and Alternating Task Modules in Skill Acquisition
Authors: Goettl Barry P. , Shebilske Wayne L. , Connolly-Gomez Cathy , Robertson-Schulé Linda
Published: January 2012

One class of theories of the spacing effect suggests that arousal may inhibit learning during massed practice. The goal of this study was explore the role of exercise on the spacing effect. Participants practiced three complex tasks (i.e., Space Fortress, algebra word problems, and a desk-top flight simulator) under four training conditions. Participants trained under massed or alternating task modules regimes, with or without moderate exercise. Results indicated that alternating tasks enhanced acquisition and retention performance on Space Fortress. In addition, exercise inhibited retention performance. These same trends were obtained for algebra word problem solving and for a desktop flight simulator task. These findings replicate previous studies showing an advantage for alternating task modules and challenge theories suggesting that the spacing effect is the result of deficient processing due to lower arousal level. Results suggest that exercise may reduce mental rehearsal or implicit processes that alternating task modules promote.
Predicting Values and Trends from Tables and Graphs
Authors: Shamo Marcia Kuskin , Meyer Joachim , Gopher Daniel
Published: January 2012

The issue of optimal display design was re-examined under the hypothesis that the nature of the data set would influence the efficacy of displays. An experiment assessed the effect of data structure on the relative efficacy of line graphs and tables. Participants saw a sequence of graphic or tabular displays which presented data from functions. The displays showed either values taken from the simple form of a single sinusoid function (structured data conditions), or from the complex and seemingly unstructured form of five summed sinusoid functions (unstructured data conditions). After seeing four consecutive displays participants were asked to predict the behavior of the data set in the next display which they had not yet seen. They were required to predict either the behavior of specific points, or the direction of trends. While the performance of the point comparison task was not influenced by display format, graphs were found to have an advantage for the prediction of future trends. Graphs also led more frequently to the identification of structure than did tables, both for structured and unstructured conditions.
Display of Quantitative Information: Are Grables better than Plain Graphs or Tables?
Authors: Hink Jessica K. , Wogalter Michael S. , Eustace Jason K.
Published: January 2012

Previous research is equivocal on the most efficient, effective methods for displaying quantitative information in tables and graphs. Guidelines suggest different display types are more appropriate for certain purposes but not others. However, there is little empirical evidence to support the recommendations. This study examines several methods of displaying quantitative information (e.g., line graphs, bar charts, tables) factorially crossed with different kinds of data extraction questions (i.e., inquiries about trends, comparisons, and exact numerical quantities). Results showed that tables, bar grables (combined bar graph and table) and line grables produced the most accurate responses, and line graphs and bar charts produced the fastest responses across question types. Results are discussed with respect to prior theoretical work and the potential benefits of hybrid forms of quantitative data displays for multiple kinds of data extraction inquiries.
Design Techniques to Offset Potential Costs in Configural Displays
Authors: Bennett Kevin B. , Nittoli Bob , Walters Brett
Published: January 2012

Research on configural displays has indicated that they facilitate the extraction of high-level properties in a domain if the emergent features map appropriately to the critical data relationships. On the other hand, designing configural displays to offset the potential cost for the extraction of low-level data has proven to be more challenging. Several complementary design strategies (i.e., color-coding/layering/separation, tick marks/gridlines, bar graphs/extenders, and digital values) were applied to the same configural display and performance was compared in two experiments. In Exp. 1 observers had two displays (baseline, enhanced) and completed two types of probes (focused and integrated) with two probe methodologies (concurrent visual and retrospective memory). The enhanced display produced significantly faster and significantly more accurate responses for both focused and integrated probes when the probes were administered with the concurrent methodology. In Exp. 2 observers had 10 displays (versions with design strategies applied alone and in various combinations) and completed only focused probes using the concurrent methodology. The results indicate that both digital values and tick marks/gridlines were particularly effective in offsetting potential costs associated with configural displays. The implications for the design and evaluation of configural displays are discussed.
Knowledge of Results in Simultaneous and Successive Tasks: What Children Can Teach us
Authors: Bishop Pamela J. , Scerbo Mark W. , Kelley Michelle L. , Coates Glynn D.
Published: January 2012

One goal of the present study was to re-examine how children perform on simultaneous and successive vigilance tasks. A previous study found that, unlike adults, children exhibit higher perceptual sensitivity on successive versus simultaneous vigilance tasks. A second goal was to examine how children respond to three different types of knowledge of results (KR to correct detections, false alarms, and irrelevant KR). Thirty children performed two tasks (simultaneous and successive) with 10 assigned to each KR condition. Their performance was measured with the nonparametric indices A′ and B″, as well as response times to correct detections. The results showed that children exhibited higher perceptual sensitivity on the successive as opposed to the simultaneous task. KR to correct detections resulted in the most liberal response criterion and the shortest response times. Collectively, the results suggest that children do not necessarily perform like adults on visual tasks and highlight the need for human factors professionals to exercise caution when appealing to the adult literature for children's design issues.
Effects of Caffeine and Gender on Vigilance and Marksmanship
Authors: Johnson Richard F. , Merullo Donna J.
Published: January 2012

Sentry duty performance requires both rifle marksmanship accuracy and sufficient attention to detect the infrequent appearance of targets. Research has shown that marksmanship accuracy is in part a function of arm-hand steadiness, that arm-hand steadiness may be better in women than men, and that in men 200 mg caffeine heightens alertness and attenuates vigilance decrements. Study objectives were: (a) evaluate gender differences in speed of target detection and rifle firing accuracy during three hours of simulated sentry duty, and (b) determine if 200 mg caffeine enhances sentry duty performance in women as it has been shown to do in men. Twelve men and 12 women were pre-trained on the Weaponeer M16 Rifle Marksmanship Simulator. During 3-hour test sessions, the participant monitored the target scene of the Weaponeer and fired at targets when they appeared. For both men and women, target detection response time deteriorated with time on sentry duty and vigilance decrements were attenuated by 200 mg caffeine. For men, marksmanship accuracy was constant over time; for women, marksmanship accuracy deteriorated after 1.5 hours.
Subjective Measurement Assessment in a Full Mission Scout-Attack Helicopter Simulation
Authors: Heers Susan T. , Casper Patricia A.
Published: January 2012

A full mission helicopter simulation was conducted in support of the US Army's Rotorcraft Pilot's Associate Advanced Technology Demonstration. Four crews flew four doctrinally correct scenarios under two mission equipment package conditions. The Advanced Mission Equipment Package (AMEP) contained additional equipment and longer sensor ranges than the Baseline Mission Equipment Package (BMEP). Following each run, pilots filled out the NASA Task Load Index (TLX) workload scales and a perceived situation awareness (SA) scale. TLX ratings were lower for the AMEP, while SA ratings were higher for the AMEP. A similar inverse relationship was found in the scenario effects. A stepwise multiple regression found a significant relationship between SA ratings and three of the component TLX subscale ratings. Both perceived workload and situation awareness ratings indicate a benefit from the advanced technologies available on the AMEP. These measures were also sensitive to the varying demands of the scenarios and pilot responsibilities.
Requirements for Automated Collision-Avoidance Systems for Free Flight
Authors: Knecht William
Published: January 2012

Advanced displays of traffic information will be required by pilots and air traffic controllers to cope with the problems of free flight. The development of these displays should be human-centered, and should be guided by what we have learned about collision avoidance.
Hearing Thresholds among Pilots and Non-Pilots: Implications for Auditory Warning Design
Authors: Beringer Dennis B. , Harris Howard C. , Joseph Kurt M.
Published: January 2012

Observations in simulator studies suggested that the older segments of the General Aviation pilot population were having difficulty hearing specific auditory warnings in the cockpit. These observations, in combination with data from Tobias (1968a; 1968b; 1972), prompted a reexamination of the hearing capabilities of pilots and non-pilots. In Phase 1, threshold data were collected for 150 non-pilots and 150 pilots using stratified age sampling. The usual higher-frequency decrements attributable to aging and general environmental exposure were found in both samples. Significant differences were found between the non-pilot and pilot samples, with greater threshold shifts between 2 and 6 kHz in evidence among the pilots. In Phase 2, individuals were exposed to simulated aircraft engine noise and asked to detect and identify both conventional and novel auditory warning sounds. Results of both phases are discussed in terms of implications for the design of auditory warnings for General Aviation aircraft.
The Effects of Task Partitioning and Computer Skill on Engagement and Performance with an Adaptive, Biocybernetic System
Authors: Eischeid Todd M. , Scerbo Mark W. , Freeman Fredrick G.
Published: January 2012

The present study examined the effects of computer skill and task partitioning on a tracking task using a biocybernetic, adaptive system. The tracking task was partitioned into horizontal and vertical axes, and the adaptive system allocated control of the axes between the human and the system in real time. Results showed that sharing a task with a computer with expert-level skill elicits performance comparable to performing the task manually. However, sharing a task with a computer with novice-level skill degrades performance compared to performing the task manually. Thus, although no clear advantage was found for being paired with an expert-level computer, there was a definite disadvantage to being paired with a novice-level computer. In addition, the present study also showed the potential improvements in system behavior by manipulating the automation switching criteria, namely increasing the range around the baseline EEG engagement mean.
Age-Related Differences in the Acquisition, Transfer, and Retention of Using an Automatic Teller Machine
Authors: Jamieson Brian A. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

The present study trained older and younger adults to use a simulated automatic teller machine. Training consisted of practice on transactions with immediate, substantial feedback provided by the experimenter. Both younger and older adults' performance improved with practice on the task. Performance declined when participants had to transfer to related transaction types on a different version of the simulator. After a one month retention interval, no significant declines in performance were detected for the transfer task. Older adults were shown to have achieved higher levels of performance than seen in related types of studies, and were able to transfer and retain performance ability.
Team CTA Applied to Radar Operations System Modernization
Authors: Anastasi Donna , Miller Diane , Lind Ann-Marie T.
Published: January 2012

A team Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) approach has been applied to the modernization of a radar operations system. With the remoting and automation of radar operations, there will be dramatic changes in the number and role of operators, as well as the displays required to support operators during missions. To design the new modernized system it is necessary to obtain a full understanding of how the current system operates and ensure that the allocation of tasks to humans and automation fully covers the entire operation. Traditional task analysis does not take into consideration plans for staffing reduction and addition of the new team “member” or agent, i.e., the automated system. To facilitate operator interaction with the modernized system, a new team architecture must be considered. CTA documents current operations, including a representation of mental activities, e.g., assessments, judgements, and decisions, in addition to the physical actions, e.g., executing system commands. A team CTA method is used to model the operations independent of the current operator roles and team structure. This approach captures the element of “team” by assuming a meta-operator and representing parallel tasking and data flow among tasks. This paper provides a description of the team CTA method and its application to large-scale, complex system design.
More About Operator Monitoring under Normal Operations: The Role of Workload Regulation and the Impact of Control Room Technology
Authors: Vicente Kim J. , Mumaw Randall J. , Roth Emilie M.
Published: January 2012

This paper is part of a research program that we have been conducting to better understand how operators monitor a nuclear power plant under normal operations. A field study was conducted in a modern plant that has more automation and more computer-based displays than the two plants that we had observed in previous studies. Eleven operators were observed for a total of approximately 88 hours. The findings suggest that operators actively adopt strategies to regulate their workload so as not to exceed their resource constraints. In addition, the results suggest that computer-based control rooms require operators to have more knowledge about the interface (not the plant itself) than do the older analog, hard-wired control rooms. Moreover, computer-based designs require operators to reduce the degrees of freedom in the design to have context-sensitive information, whereas hard-wired designs require operators to expand the degrees of freedom.
Contending with Complexity: The Development and Use of Scaled Worlds as Research Tools
Authors: Ehret Brian D. , Kirschenbaum Susan S. , Gray Wayne D.
Published: January 2012

Complex, real-world behavior takes place in complex, real-world environments. Efforts to study cognition in such environments can be hampered by difficulty in accurately tracking information flow. This problem may be tackled by studying task performance in the context of a scaled world—an abstracted version of the task environment designed to elucidate information flow while maintaining the critical elements ofthat environment. Scaled worlds are discussed in the context of our current research, Project NEMO.
Normative-Descriptive Modeling of Human Teams: A 15-Year Perspective
Authors: Kleinman David L. , Serfaty Daniel
Published: January 2012

For almost 15 years we have been conducting combined analytical modeling and empirical research in the area of distributed decisionmaking and coordination in multi-person teams. Our emphasis has been on the coordination of information, resources and actions within the team. Using a unique team-in-the-loop simulation environment, experiments have been designed and operationalized to examine team decisionmaking and coordination processes, and to manipulate those aspects of the problem that affect these processes. Our concomitant modeling efforts have been geared to establish a mathematical framework for explaining and predicting team performance and strategy. Our approach blends normative mathematical theories for team decisionmaking with descriptive facets that capture known, and observed, human cognitive limitations and biases. The resulting normative-descriptive models have provided excellent predictions of the actual data collected in the experiments, and have shed new light on the nature of team coordination processes.
The Human Factor in ‘Lights-Out’ Automation: Using Field Study Data to Identify Critical Human Factors Design Issues
Authors: Mitchell Christine M. , Thurman David A. , Brann David M.
Published: January 2012

Operations automation is a computer-based system that attempts to encode operator expertise, typically the expertise of personnel in charge of complex dynamic systems. The use of automation to replace operators is becoming a serious option in many systems, some of which are safety critical. One application of operations automation is ‘lights-out’ automation, that is, systems in which there are no operators to ‘tend’ the system. If an error occurs, the system remotely pages an operator who evaluates the problem. This paper is predicated on the assumption that even the best-designed automation requires human interaction, since, for the foreseeable future, all automation will inevitably fail at some point in time. Automated systems that attempt to emulate human expertise are likely to fail even more often, as building robust systems of this type remains a challenging research issue. Thus, identifying and addressing design issues for operations automation are critical components to ensure safe and productive systems. Design issues include the ability to elicit and encode robust expert knowledge, as well as supporting human-automation interaction with operations personnel when the system reaches its inevitable limits, and with engineers and software designers who must ensure that the system does not fail the same way more than once. This paper describes two field studies of operations automation fielded at NASA for satellite control. The purpose is to understand how and why such automation fails and design issues that facilitate or degrade human-automation interaction.
Task Representation for Decision Support, Performance Enhancement and Training
Authors: Shalin Valerie L. , Jacques Paul F.
Published: January 2012

We use the term cognitive task analysis (CTA) to refer to the cognitive aspects of any task (including primarily physical tasks and tasks conducted in teams), and distinguish two linked phases: 1) elicitation and 2) representation. This paper addresses the representation of cognitive task content, for its critical role in bridging CTA with cognitive engineering. An ongoing task analysis of jet fighter crewmembers on air defense supression (Wild Weasel) missions provides an opportunity to comment critically on the utility of the Plan-Goal Graph representation (Sewell & Geddes, 1990) we have been using.
Evolution of Interaction Style Using a Multimedia Conferencing Application
Authors: Smith Jennifer A. , Hughes Kathleen E.
Published: January 2012

Multimedia conferencing applications provide all the functional complexity of an audio conference with the added requirement of managing different media: voice, data and video. Such a fully-featured interface can be challenging to learn. In an effort to answer these questions, this study examined the evolution of interaction style as users learned a new multimedia conferencing application. The interface provided menus, an icon toolbar, an outline (tree) viewer, and a conference room metaphor. Results indicate that across sessions, a predominant interaction style was evident for each task. Also, each user developed a preferred interaction style. Deviations from the typical interaction style can be interpreted as instances of particularly intuitive or particularly unusable aspects of the interface.
Telepresence in Actv Media Spaces
Authors: McGee Michael K. , Neale Dennis C. , Amento Brian S. , Brooks Patrick C.
Published: January 2012

Two studies were conducted to assess telepresence in “active” and “inactive” media spaces. Telepresence in the current context is defined by the type of access provided to remote space and by the type of sharing of artifacts occurring in that space. The media spaces investigated entailed the use of multiple video sources and groupware applications between two remotely located users. The first study involved participants negotiating the layout of a room utilizing a shared computer graphics program. The second study involved cooperative physical assembly of a real object. Observations of task performance behaviors and subject questionnaires were used to assess telepresence. Thirty-two pairs of subjects participated in each study. The studies resulted in a variety of findings concerning the use of a head-mounted camera, the number and location of video signals available to users, the setup of face-to-face video signals, and the appropriateness of different tasks given all of the previous variables.
An Empirical Perspective on Visual Icon Design
Authors: Sears Andrew , Jacko Julie A. , Brewer Byron , Robelo Lylliam D.
Published: January 2012

The primary objective of this study is to evaluate two methods for assessing the quality of iconic representations of computer functionality. A secondary objective is to explore the relationship between frequency of use of specific computer functions and icon usage. These objectives were accomplished by investigating the identifiability, perceived effectiveness, and frequency of use of 34 icons used in the standard and formatting toolbars of Microsoft® Word 7.0. More specifically, our data provide information regarding the perceived effectiveness of the iconic representation given its associated functionality, free-form recall of associated functionality given only the icon, frequency of use of the functionality (either by access through the icon or the menu) and frequency of icon use. To accomplish our objectives, we constructed and administered a four-part survey to 353 volunteers. The results compose the first empirically documented evidence that icon use is not merely a function of how frequently users access the functionality the icon is designed to represent. The results also suggests that the ability of users to correctly identify the functionality of an icon given only the graphic image may be an effective method of evaluating the quality of alternative icon designs.
Designing for Navigating Personal Web Information: Retrieval Cues
Authors: Czerwinski Mary , Larson Kevin , Robbins Daniel
Published: January 2012

Usage tracking has provided us with evidence that hotlists, bookmarks and favorites folders are the navigation tools most frequently used by users in information foraging tasks on the web (Pitkow & Recker, 1996). Usability studies, as well as basic research, however, indicate that the current web browser designs are sub-optimal in supporting users' cognitive models of the web and the information they repeatedly consume (Abrams, 1997; Tauscher & Greenberg, 1997). This study examines what specific attributes of a web page are efficient retrieval cues for the user: the title, summary information, or a graphical image of the page. We found a reliable difference across these kinds of retrieval cues using a variety of performance measures. The results showed, not unsurprisingly, that the title information is the most beneficial retrieval cue, given our current text-centric browser design. We then present specific design examples that demonstrate how adding simple visual cues might enhance today's browsers. Future work will explore how to leverage other aspects of memory during the retrieval of stored web information, especially spatial cognition and other, image-based mnemonic aids.
The Effects of Selection Technique on Target Acquisition Movements Made with a Mouse
Authors: Bohan Michael , Chaparro Alex , Scarlett Deborah
Published: January 2012

Research has shown that a significant amount of the time needed to acquire on-screen targets with a mouse can be spent in the selection phase. Thus we are exploring alternative modes of target selection that may reduce this time. In the present experiment, participants acquired targets of varying distance and size. Two methods for target selection were compared: (1) the standard button-select technique, (2) and a mouse-over technique, in which targets were designated when the cursor and target were superpositioned for 350 ms. Results showed that target-acquisition times were significantly shorter for the mouse-over technique, particularly at the smallest target size. There was also evidence that the effects were localized in the selection phase. Overall, the results suggest that the mouse-over technique can be an effective alternative to selelcting targets via button press. Potential applications and limitations of this procedure are discussed.
Eye Movements and Interface Component Grouping: An Evaluation Method
Authors: Kotval Xerxes P. , Goldberg Joseph H.
Published: January 2012

Evaluation of the computer interface is traditionally conducted via checklists, task scenarios, walkthroughs, heuristics and other subjective techniques. Analysis of user's eye movements during user interaction can add more objectivity to these evaluations. The objective of this study was to determine if eye movement behavior is influenced by interface design quality in a manner that can be characterized and used to identify design weaknesses. Eye movement scanpaths were collected from 12 subjects interacting with 4 interfaces utilizing different component grouping strategies. Interface quality ranged from “excellent” to “unacceptable”, as assessed by 50 typical users and 30 interface designers. A series of quantifiable measures were developed to characterize the resulting scanpaths. These measures examined raw scanpath data, fixations and saccades, and their interaction on both a temporal and spatial basis. The measures proved to be good indicators of interface quality. The “good” grouping strategy resulted in few fixations (minimal processing) and relatively efficient scanpath behavior (minimal search). The “poor” grouping strategies produced scattered scanpaths covering a larger portion of the interface area (extensive search) and requiring a higher number of fixations (more processing). The applicability of eye movement analysis as a quantitative interface evaluation method was further discussed.
Laptop Configurations in Offices: Effects on Posture and Discomfort
Authors: Price Jana M. , Dowell William R.
Published: January 2012

This study investigates a variety of laptop configurations and their effects on posture and discomfort. There are several benefits to using laptops in an office setting. They conserve space and allow greater computing flexibility in meetings or business travel. One potential drawback of laptops is that the keyboard and monitor cannot be adjusted independently, which may lead to constrained postures and musculoskeletal discomfort. In this study, 14 users experienced six laptop configurations. The configurations varied in terms of laptop placement and the kinds of external peripherals (e.g. external monitor) that were used in conjunction with the laptop. Past findings showing increased neck flexion and discomfort with laptop use were replicated. However, the addition of peripheral devices to laptops seems to mitigate the problems previously associated with their use.
Office Environment Syndrome Study: Part I
Authors: Hedge Alan , Erickson William A.
Published: January 2012

An indoor environment survey (temperature, relative humidity, illuminance, noise, infrasound, CO, CO2, formaldehyde, respirable dust weight, particle counts, mite allergen in carpet or chair dust, individual and total volatile organic compounds, individual and total microbiological volatile organic compounds) was conducted in 4 office buildings. A detailed self-report occupant comfort, ergonomic conditions and SBS questionnaire survey was administered to all employees, and 1,508 returns were received (72% return rate). There were few associations between specific SBS symptoms and specific environment measures were found, but total SBS symptoms were not correlated with most of the indoor environment measures. There was a significant difference in SBS reports between areas above and below 650 ppm CO2. SBS symptoms were correlated with perceived indoor environment conditions, cacosmia, overwork, migraine, allergies, and musculoskeletal complaints. SBS symptoms were not associated with negative affect, worry, or general anxiety and stress.
10 Year (1988–1997) Review of the Publishing Trends in the Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society
Authors: Hitt James M.
Published: January 2012

Over the last ten years there has been a large growth in the amount of research conducted addressing human factors (HF) issues. Much of this research has been published based on lectures, poster presentations, and symposiums held at the annual meeting of the HFES. The research presented at this meeting has several advantages over research published in journals. The research presented tends to be recently conducted when compared to research in journal articles. The meeting also supplies a venue for personal interaction between scientists to discuss research interests in HF. The first purpose of this paper is to supply a descriptive summary of the research published in the proceedings over the last ten years. The second purpose is to supply a resource for HF students from which specific information regarding academic programs and their areas of focus, which companies are performing HF research, and where potential funding may be found.
Technological Innovation in Humanitarian Demining
Authors: Tsipis Kosta
Published: January 2012

There are about 100 million mines emplaced in over 60 countries world-wide that will kill or maim about 30,000 persons annually. Current methods of humanitarian demining are extremely slow, dangerous, and expensive. This has led to a set of new technologies applied to humanitarian demining. This paper describes the most promising ones.
Sources of Stress and Boredom in Vigilance
Authors: Scerbo Mark W.
Published: January 2012

Recent studies on vigilance have shown that participants find these tasks to be boring, demanding, and stressful. Although several attempts have been made to isolate the source of workload, stress, and boredom in vigilance, none appears to account for all the results in the literature. In the present paper, a new approach is outlined that brings together research in workload, daydreaming, and boredom. Specifically, it is shown that two aspects of the vigilance experience, the need to focus attention and the inability to quit the task at will, contribute to high levels of boredom. Because the vigilance task itself requires only an occasional response, the boredom forces the observer to seek additional stimulation. Thus, the observer directs attention inward to internally generated stimuli instead of outward to the task at hand. Consequently, stress arises from the need to combat feelings of boredom and to refocus attention on the detection task.
Arousal and Vigilance: Still Vital at Fifty
Authors: Matthews Gerald , Davies D. Roy
Published: January 2012

Norman Mackworth (1950) demonstrated that amphetamine reduces vigilance decrement. Fifty years on, arousing agents are recognised as important influences on vigilance, but various shortcomings of traditional arousal theories have become apparent. Studies of self-report energetic arousal and vigilance confirm that arousal is a vital component of vigilance research, although arousal effects are contingent upon task demands and other moderating factors. Facilitative effects of arousal on perceptual sensitivity can be accommodated within attentional resource theory. However, it remains unclear whether arousal indexes some basic neural or cognitive capacity, or whether arousal influences ‘functional resources’ rather than basic capacity. Arousal, and other subjective state variables, may be related to effort-regulation strategy or to distraction from internal cognitions and fatigue symptoms. A sound understanding of arousal effects on vigilance is essential for developing practical countermeasures.
Enhancing Visual Inspection with Binocular Rivalry: Integrating Three Studies
Authors: Maheswar Girish , Drury Colin G.
Published: January 2012

The phenomenon of binocular rivalry occurs in stereoscopic viewing where the images presented to the two eyes contain small areas which resist stereoscopic fusion. In industrial inspection, this could help locate defects if a perfect item is presented to one eye and a potentially-defective item to the other eye. Any defect will show a sparkling visual effect. A sequence of three circuit board inspection experiments was used to determine whether this system is practical. An initial experiment using board images showed only a small effect of binocular fusion. A second experiment using symbol stimuli with excellent registration showed binocular rivalry to increase performance considerably, and to remove any effect of inspecting for multiple defects simultaneously. The third experiment returned to realistic inspected items, but ensured good registration by placing images on a computer screen. This experiment again showed the superiority of binocular rivalry, and also no unusual visual strain from stereo viewing. These experiments allow us to delineate the conditions under which the benefits of binocular rivalry can be exploited in quality control practice.
Impact Forces during Exit from Commercial Vehicles
Authors: Fathallah Fadi A. , Cotnam John P.
Published: January 2012

Injuries resulting from exiting trucks represent a substantial cost to businesses who operate these equipment. Many vehicles have aids to assist the driver in safely entering/exiting the vehicle. Nevertheless, many drivers do not use these aids. The purpose of this study was to quantify impact forces experienced during various truck exit methods. The study investigated impact forces of ten male subjects while exiting two tractors and a step-van. The results showed that jumping from cab-level resulted in impact forces as high as 12 times subject body weight; whereas, fully utilizing the steps and grab-rails kept the impact forces under two times body weight. Using the grab-rail during exiting the step-van resulted in over 40% reduction in impact force. An approach that emphasizes optimal design of entry/exit aids, coupled with driver training of proper use of these aids and education on the potential risks is expected to minimize vehicle-related musculoskeletal injuries.
A Validity Study of Fixed-Interval Observations for the Assessment of Body Postures during Construction Work
Authors: Paquet Victor , Punnett Laura , Buchholz Bryan
Published: January 2012

Categories of body posture recorded with two observational methods were compared to measurements obtained with an electronic postural assessment system and video analysis during simulated construction tasks. The electronic postural assessment system consisted of electronic inclinometers to measure upper arm posture, knee flexion and trunk flexion, coveralls to house the inclinometer wiring, and an electro-goniometric system to measure trunk lateral bending and torsion. Video analysis included frozen-frame analysis that corresponded to the moment of observation and simulated real-time analysis. Measurements were made on five male participants who performed three of six simulated construction tasks. Overall, agreement among the observational and reference methods was high, although significant differences among the methods were found in the measured frequency of some leg and trunk postures, particularly for knee flexion, trunk lateral bending and trunk torsion. These results suggest that discrete observations can be used to obtain accurate estimates of exposure frequency for arm postures at or above shoulder height, kneeling, climbing and gross categories of trunk flexion.
Quantifying Office Productivity: An Ergonomic Framework
Authors: Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

An ergonomic framework for conceptualizing and measuring office productivity is described. This framework is based on the the analysis of task time, posture and sequence, and the subsequent the determination of the most appropriate pace, posture, and activities for any office job. The framework assesses various measures of pace, proficiency, and posture that currently can be readily assessed by ergonomists, and it uses these measures to quantify the short-term duty cycle productivity (DCP) and in the longer-term life-cycle productivity (LCP) of office workers. The approach that will be described allows companies to evaluate the impact of ergonomic interventions on the productivity of their workers. The benefits of this ergonomic approach to assessing productivity are discussed.
Taking the Blame Off of Health Care Workers: Using a Systems Approach to Determine the Contributing Factors to Needlestick Injuries
Authors: McIntosh Krista R.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine what factors within a health care organization relate to the occurrence of needlestick injuries (NSIs) among Health care workers (HCW). To do this a systems approach was taken. The overall hypothesis was that factors external to the HCWs were related to the occurrence of NSIs and, therefore, the focus of NSI prevention should be taken off the individual. A mail-out questionnaire was completed by 209 Alberta nurses. From the data generated, a structural equation model was tested which examined factors at many levels of a health care organization as well as those associated with HCWs which may be predictive of the occurrence of NSIs. There was support for the hypothesis that organizational factors, not individual ones, account for the most variance in unsafe needle handling behaviours and NSIs. Discussion centers on the specific factors found to be most related to NSIs and possible human factors interventions.
Prototype Depth-Separated Coincident Transparent (True Depth) Display
Authors: Marshak William P. , Darkow David J.
Published: January 2012

The True Depth Display (TDD) employs two display surfaces in the same visual space but separated in depth. Users see both displays simultaneously, so information can be presented to exploit the overlayed images. Information density can be increased without the debilitating effects of clutter. A hardware prototype of the TDD will demonstrate how this display technology can enhance user interface design.
Frequency of Use of Automotive Stereo Controls
Authors: Curry David G. , Jaworski Thomas
Published: January 2012

The primary determinants of control location are human physiological limitations, spatial relationship to the functions controlled, functional groupings, sequential arrangements, and priority of usage/frequency of use. The first four of these are relatively easy to determine, whether through anthropometrics or task/function analyses, but the final consideration is often less straightforward. The relative frequency of use of a set of controls that are primarily driven not by need, but by user preference are often almost impossible to determine before a product is actually put into use. This paper describes a study designed to evaluate the relative frequency of use of the controls available on automotive stereo products. The study focused on experienced users over an extended period of time and a relatively wide age range. Results indicated that control usage fell into several broad groups, with volume control being the most commonly used function.
A Field Based Investigation of a Computer Map for Armoured Fighting Vehicle Navigation
Authors: Beagley N. I. , Edwards R. J.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was carried out to compare an in-service paper map versus a prototype computer map for Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) navigation. Representative subjects commanded a test vehicle over predetermined courses using alternate media. Navigation errors were recorded and categorised as the primary performance measure. Other data gathered included direct observation and user questionnaires. Significantly fewer major errors were made using the computer map. Subjects reported high confidence in their position using the computer map and preferred it for map marking. The enhanced navigational performance achieved using the computer map is attributed to the added information of current location and orientation. Overlay of this information on a scrollable colour map afforded the commander the opportunity to interact more freely with other crewstation controls. It is concluded that iconic overlay of information provides an appropriate support to the task of AFV navigation but suggests that the level of information provided should be tailored to fit the scenario.
Evaluating the M1A2 Tank Commander's Interface: The Battle of Input Devices
Authors: Gross Jennifer , Ciappara Nancy , Smist Thomas , Benson Peter
Published: January 2012

Speed and accuracy of command and control inputs are critical to mission success and the very survival of tank crews in the U.S. Army M1A2 main battle tanks. New control methodologies (i.e., voice and touch input) are being considered for upgrades to the next main battle tank. Proponents argue that voice and touch are fast, natural modes of control. If so, when voice and touch are evaluated against the tank commander's traditional interfaces (e.g., push buttons, joystick cursor controller), mission task completion times should be quicker and no less accurate. Voice and touch input also should reduce cognitive workload compared to traditional tank input devices. The findings were consistent with these hypotheses.
Improving the Accessibility of User Accessible Archives
Authors: Barsness Karin , Caldwell Barrett , Chan Calvin , Stadler Jacob , Watson Jeff
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews the requirements associated with developing systems designed to convert large printed archives into electronic text format. Consideration of human factors issues include signal detection theory and job design. These two issues will greatly influence system strategies and implementation. Needs assessment and cost analysis of the system will help constrain decisions concerning technology and system structure. Technical issues involve assessing scanner and optical character recognition (OCR) software capabilities and understanding how those relate to system design. Overall system design is expected to require cooperation between smaller organizations that share similar and complimentary needs.
Surface Combatants of the Future - Reduced Crew Warships
Authors: Bost J. Robert , McKneely Jennifer A.B. , Hamburger Trish
Published: January 2012

Accounting for the human element in complex systems is difficult. Unfortunately this has often meant that the human element is not accounted for, resulting in systems performing below expectations. Future Navy ships and systems are anticipated to be even more complex exasperating this problem. The design problem is made more challenging with the DoD requirement for significant life cycle cost reductions through a reduced crew ship. Optimizing the make up of this reduced crew requires the development of new design processes and tools. This paper addresses DD 21 and Office of Naval Research integrated research and development effort to develop human performance models and metrics for use in the human centered design environment consisting of a human centered design process and an accompanying toolset. These models, metrics, processes, and tools support the development of advanced human computer interface technologies that comprise the advanced multimodal watchstation, but are applicable to the larger design space of total ship.
A Systems Approach to the Collection of Aviation Safety Data
Authors: Mykityshyn Amy L. , Mitta Deborah A.
Published: January 2012

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a hierarchical model of two main types of aviation safety inspections typically conducted by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs). This model, developed through function and task analyses and focus group discussions, will improve the quality of safety inspection data. The model will provide additional structure in the documentation of inspection results; in addition to collecting more specific data concerning an inspection, the use of a hierarchy will allow reconstruction of the inspection scenario during subsequent analyses. These enhancements to collected data will support trend analyses of specific problem areas that may impact aviation safety.