bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of prehospital triage and five-level triage system at the emergency department
Authors: Tsai Li-Heng , Huang Chien-Hsiung , Su Yi-Chia , Weng Yi-Ming , Chaou Chung-Hsien , Li Wen-Cheng , Kuo Chan-Wei , Ng Chip-Jin
Published: July 2017

Objective

There is lack of scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of prehospital triage systems. This study compared the two-level Taiwan Prehospital Triage System (TPTS) with the five-level Taiwan Triage and Acuity Scale (TTAS) at ED arrival regarding the prediction of patient outcomes and the utilisation of medical resources.

Design

This was a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients transported via the emergency medical service (EMS), who arrived at the ED of a medical centre in northern Taiwan during the study period were enrolled. TTAS acuity levels 1–2 were considered comparable to the designation of ‘emergent’ by the prehospital TPTS system. The outcomes were analysed by comparing TPTS and TTAS by acuity levels.

Results

Among 4430 enrolled patients, 25.2% and 74.8% were classified as emergent and non-emergent by TPTS; 44.1% and 55.9% were classified as levels 1–2 and levels 3–5 by TTAS. Of the TPTS emergent patients, 15.2% were classified as TTAS levels 3–5, whereas 30.4% of TPTS non-emergent transports were classified as TTAS levels 1–2 at the ED. TTAS levels 1–2 showed better predictability than TPTS emergent level for hospitalisation rate with a sensitivity of 70.3% (95% CI 68.3% to 72.2%) versus 41.1% (95% CI 39.0% to 43.2%), and a negative predictive value of 74.8% (95% CI 73.4% to 76.0%) versus 62.6% (95% CI 61.7% to 63.5%).

Conclusion

The current prehospital triage system is insufficient and inappropriate in classifying patients transported to the ED. The present study offers supporting evidence for the introduction of a five-level triage system to prehospital EMS systems.
Abstracts from international Emergency Medicine journals
Authors: Weber Ellen J
Published: July 2017

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
On the almost quasi-Yamabe solitons
Authors: Pirhadi Vahid , Razavi Asadollah
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we first introduce the notion of almost quasi-Yamabe solitons and get some interesting formulas for them. Then, we explore conditions under which an almost quasi-Yamabe soliton is trivial and give some characterization results for it. Finally, we give a necessary and sufficient condition under which an arbitrary compact almost Yamabe soliton is necessarily gradiant.
A model for real-time computation of fuselage-rotor interference
Authors: van der Wall Berend G. , Yin Jianping
Published: July 2017

A simple analytical real-time capable model to account for fuselage-induced velocities at rotor blade elements is described at the example of the Bo105 fuselage. Data of the fuselage-induced flow fields in the volume of rotor operation above the fuselage are first computed by a panel method in the range of angle of attack and sideslip of [Formula: see text]. The model parameters are then estimated based on these data. The usefulness of the model in combinations of angle of attack and sideslip is demonstrated.
Is quantum computing for real?
Authors: Tichy Walter
Published: July 2017

In this interview, computer scientist Catherine McGeoch demystifies quantum computing and introduces us to a new world of computational thinking.
Late Australopiths and the Emergence of Homo
Authors: de Ruiter Darryl J. , Churchill S.E. , Hawks J. , Berger L.R.
Published: July 2017

New fossil discoveries and new analyses increasingly blur the lines between Australopithecus and Homo, changing scientific ideas about the transition between the two genera. The concept of the genus itself remains an unsettled issue, though recent fossil discoveries and theoretical advances, alongside developments in phylogenetic reconstruction and hypothesis testing, are helping us approach a resolution. A review of the latest discoveries and research reveals that (a) despite the recent recovery of key fossil specimens, the antiquity of the genus Homo remains uncertain; (b) although there exist several australopith candidate ancestors for the genus Homo, there is little consensus about which of these, if any, represents the actual ancestor; and (c) potential convergent evolution (homoplasy) in adaptively significant features in late australopiths and basal members of the Homo clade, combined with probable reticulate evolution, makes it currently impossible to identify the direct ancestor of Homo erectus.
Visual Perceptual Learning and Models
Authors: Dosher Barbara , Lu Zhong-Lin
Published: July 2017

Visual perceptual learning through practice or training can significantly improve performance on visual tasks. Originally seen as a manifestation of plasticity in the primary visual cortex, perceptual learning is more readily understood as improvements in the function of brain networks that integrate processes, including sensory representations, decision, attention, and reward, and balance plasticity with system stability. This review considers the primary phenomena of perceptual learning, theories of perceptual learning, and perceptual learning's effect on signal and noise in visual processing and decision. Models, especially computational models, play a key role in behavioral and physiological investigations of the mechanisms of perceptual learning and for understanding, predicting, and optimizing human perceptual processes, learning, and performance. Performance improvements resulting from reweighting or readout of sensory inputs to decision provide a strong theoretical framework for interpreting perceptual learning and transfer that may prove useful in optimizing learning in real-world applications.
The 2D : 4D Digit Ratio as a Biomarker for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Mackus M. , de Kruijff D. , Otten L. S. , Kraneveld A. D. , Garssen J. , Verster J. C.
Published: July 2017

It has been suggested that the second (2D, index finger) to fourth (4D, ring finger) digit ratio, 2D : 4D, may be a biomarker for the risk of developing autism. The aim of the current study was to determine the usefulness of the 2D : 4D digit ratio as biomarker for autistic traits. N=401 healthy young volunteers participated in the study. For both hands, digit lengths were measured using digital Vernier calipers. In addition to demographics, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) questionnaire was completed, comprised of five subscales, assessing “social insights and behavior,” “attention switching,” “communication,” “imagination,” and “attention to detail.” Overall, no significant correlations were observed between the AQ total score, its subscales, and the 2D : 4D digit ratio. For women, the left hand 2D : 4D digit ratio correlated significantly with the subscale score “communication” (r=-0.142; p=0.036). For men, a significant positive correlation was found between the left 2D : 4D digit ratio and the total AQ score (r=0.157; p=0.042) and AQ subscale “attention switching” (r=0.182; p=0.017). In conclusion, gender specific associations between the 2D : 4D digit ratio and specific autism traits were observed, which were stronger in men than in women. Future studies should be conducted in patients that are formally diagnosed with autism.
College Students’ Perceptions of Worry and Parent Beliefs: Associations with Behaviors to Prevent Sun Exposure
Authors: Yockey Robert A. , Nabors Laura A. , Oluwoye Oladunni , Welker Kristen , Hardee Angelica M.
Published: July 2017

More research is needed to understand how attitudes impact behaviors that afford sun protection. The current study examined the impact of students’ perceptions of parental beliefs about sun exposure and its influence on their practiced sun protection behaviors and worry about sun exposure. Participants were college students (N=462) at a large Midwestern university. They completed a survey to examine their perceptions of risks and messages about sun exposure and sun exposure behaviors. Results indicated that gender and students’ perceptions of parental beliefs about sun exposure were related to sun protection behaviors and their own worry over sun exposure. Specifically, males showed lower levels of sun protection behaviors, with the exception of wearing a hat with a brim, and lower levels of worry about sun exposure compared to females. Roughly a third of our sample had a family history of skin cancer, and this variable was related to worry about sun exposure and parental beliefs. Prevention messages and interventions to reduce sun risk for college students should address risks of sun exposure as well as educating young adults about the importance of wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats to improve sun protection.
A Comparative Study on Evaluation Methods of Fluid Forces on Cartesian Grids
Authors: Nonomura Taku , Onishi Junya
Published: July 2017

We investigate the accuracy and the computational efficiency of the numerical schemes for evaluating fluid forces in Cartesian grid systems. A comparison is made between two different types of schemes, namely, polygon‐based methods and mesh‐based methods, which differ in the discretization of the surface of the object. The present assessment is intended to investigate the effects of the Reynolds number, the object motion, and the complexity of the object surface. The results show that the mesh‐based methods work as well as the polygon‐based methods, even if the object surface is discretized in a staircase manner. In addition, the results also show that the accuracy of the mesh‐based methods is strongly dependent on the evaluation of shear stresses, and thus they must be evaluated by using a reliable method, such as the ghost‐cell or ghost‐fluid method.
QoE-Driven D2D Media Services Distribution Scheme in Cellular Networks
Authors: Chen Mingkai , Wang Lei , Chen Jianxin , Wei Xin
Published: July 2017

Device-to-device (D2D) communication has been widely studied to improve network performance and considered as a potential technological component for the next generation communication. Considering the diverse users’ demand, Quality of Experience (QoE) is recognized as a new degree of user’s satisfaction for media service transmissions in the wireless communication. Furthermore, we aim at promoting user’s Mean of Score (MOS) value to quantify and analyze user’s QoE in the dynamic cellular networks. In this paper, we explore the heterogeneous media service distribution in D2D communications underlaying cellular networks to improve the total users’ QoE. We propose a novel media service scheme based on different QoE models that jointly solve the massive media content dissemination issue for cellular networks. Moreover, we also investigate the so-called Media Service Adaptive Update Scheme (MSAUS) framework to maximize users’ QoE satisfaction and we derive the popularity and priority function of different media service QoE expression. Then, we further design Media Service Resource Allocation (MSRA) algorithm to schedule limited cellular networks resource, which is based on the popularity function to optimize the total users’ QoE satisfaction and avoid D2D interference. In addition, numerical simulation results indicate that the proposed scheme is more effective in cellular network content delivery, which makes it suitable for various media service propagation.
Release of Danger-Associated Molecular Patterns following Chemotherapy Does Not Induce Immunoparalysis in Leukemia Patients
Authors: Timmermans Kim , Leijte Guus P. , Kox Matthijs , Scheffer Gert Jan , Blijlevens Nicole M.A. , Pickkers Peter P.
Published: July 2017

Chemotherapy may result in the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which can cause immunoparalysis (deactivation of the immune system). We investigated DAMPs following chemotherapy and their relationship with markers of immunoparalysis in leukemia patients. In 6 patients with acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome and 12 healthy subjects, DAMPs, cytokines, and markers of immunoparalysis were determined before and during the first week after chemotherapy initiation. In the patients, plasma levels of nuclear DNA (a marker of general DAMP release) were profoundly increased before chemotherapy and further increased 4-6 h afterwards, while the specific DAMP mitochondrial DNA showed only a trend towards increase. Circulating cytokine levels did not change following chemotherapy. Leukocyte cytokine production capacity and HLA-DR expression were similar in patients and healthy controls until day 4 when leukocytes were found to be virtually absent. In conclusion, in the early phase following chemotherapy in leukemia patients, increased DAMP release does not induce immunoparalysis.
Distribution of Human Papillomavirus Genotypes among Women in Mashhad, Iran
Authors: Taghizadeh Eskandar , Taheri Forough , Abdolkarimi Hamed , Ghorbani Renani Pedram , Gheibi Hayat Seyed Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Objective: Cervical cancer is the third most common malignancy in females. Since the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype can vary geographically, it is essential to define its genotypic distribution before establishing health care policies and vaccination programs in any given area. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HPV types in women in Mashhad, Iran. Methods: We used nested PCR and reverse dot-blot hybridization for genotyping. The study included 143 cervical cytology samples from Mashhad with confirmed papillomavirus infection by molecular methods. Results: We found that 74.1% of HPV types were in high-risk groups, including genotypes 16, 18, 39, 52, 58, 66, 68, and 73. Coinfection was detected in 56.4% of the cases. The low-risk group, comprising 25.9%, included genotypes 6, 11, 42, and 44/55. Conclusions: Prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment have been proven to reduce the mortality rate of cervical cancer. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis of the genotype of the virus in infected patients is very important.
The History and Future of Ablative Neurosurgery for Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Volpini Matthew , Giacobbe Peter , Cosgrove G. Rees , Levitt Anthony , Lozano Andres M. , Lipsman Nir
Published: July 2017

Background: There is an urgent need to develop safe and effective treatments for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Several neurosurgical procedures have been developed to treat the dysfunctional brain circuits implicated in major depression. Objectives: This review describes the most common ablative procedures used to treat major depressive disorder: anterior cingulotomy, subcaudate tractotomy, limbic leucotomy, and anterior capsulotomy. The efficacy and safety of each are discussed and compared with other current and emerging modalities, including deep brain stimulation (DBS) and MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). Methods: The PubMed and MEDLINE electronic databases were used in this study, through July 2016. Keywords, including “treatment resistant depression,” and “ablative neurosurgery,” etc. were used to generate reference hits. Results: Approximately a third to half of patients who underwent ablative procedures achieved a treatment response and/or remission. The efficacy and safety profiles corresponding to both ablative procedures and DBS were very similar. Conclusions: The longitudinal experience with ablative procedures shows that there remains an important role for accurate, discrete lesions in disrupting affective circuitry in the treatment of TRD. New modalities, such as MRgFUS, have the potential to further improve the accuracy of ablative procedures, while enhancing safety by obviating the need for open brain surgery.
Migrants and Refugees in Europe: Challenges, Experiences and Contributions
Authors: Schilling Tobias , Rauscher Stephan , Menzel Christian , Reichenauer Simon , Müller-Schilling Martina , Schmid Stephan , Selgrad Michael
Published: July 2017

Due to the current geopolitical situation more refugees from crisis countries were and will be treated in Europe. In 2015 the number of displaced people reached an unprecedented level, with more than one million crossing into Europe. The migration itself can impair both mental and physical health. Therefore, the provision of medical care for refugees and migrants is a novel and major challenge for the health care systems in Europe. In this article we describe our experiences and contribution in providing medical care for refugees who have newly arrived in Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany. Furthermore, we report our experiences from a tertiary referral University center in Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany. We focus on challenges in both the outpatient and the inpatient setting, with a special focus on intensive care patients. In addition, we provide an overview about the spectrum of diseases in this specific patient cohort.
Ticagrelor Versus Aspirin in Acute Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source
Authors: Amarenco Pierre , Albers Gregory W. , Denison Hans , Easton J. Donald , Evans Scott R. , Held Peter , Hill Michael D. , Jonasson Jenny , Kasner Scott E. , Ladenvall Per , Minematsu Kazuo , Molina Carlos A. , Wang Yongjun , Wong K.S. Lawrence , Johnston S. Claiborne
Published: July 2017

Background and Purpose—

Ticagrelor is an effective antiplatelet therapy among patients with atherosclerotic disease and, therefore, could be more effective than aspirin in preventing recurrent stroke and cardiovascular events among patients with embolic stroke of unknown source (ESUS), which includes patients with ipsilateral stenosis <50% and aortic arch atherosclerosis.

Methods—

We randomized 13 199 patients with a noncardioembolic, nonsevere ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack to ticagrelor (180 mg loading dose on day 1 followed by 90 mg twice daily for days 2–90) or aspirin (300 mg on day 1 followed by 100 mg daily for days 2–90) within 24 hours of symptom onset. In all patients, investigators informed on the presence of ipsilateral stenosis ≥50%, small deep infarct <15 mm, and on cardiac source of embolism detected after enrollment or rare causes, which allowed to construct an ESUS category in all other patients with documented brain infarction. The primary end point was the time to the occurrence of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death within 90 days.

Results—

ESUS was identified in 4329 (32.8%) patients. There was no treatment-by-ESUS category interaction (
P
=0.83). Hazard ratio in ESUS patients was 0.87 (95% confidence interval, 0.68–1.10;
P
=0.24). However, hazard ratio was 0.51 (95% confidence interval, 0.29–0.90;
P
=0.02) in ESUS patients with ipsilateral stenosis <50% or aortic arch atherosclerosis (n=961) and 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.76–1.27;
P
=0.89) in the remaining ESUS patients (n=3368;
P
for heterogeneity =0.04).

Conclusions—

In this post hoc, exploratory analysis, we found no treatment-by-ESUS category interaction. ESUS subgroups have heterogeneous response to treatment (Funded by AstraZeneca).

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.c
linicalt
rials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01994720.
William of Ockham on the Instant of Change
Authors: Roques Magali
Published: July 2017

Ockham’s approach to the problem of the instant of change as it is found in the Summa logicae i, chapter 5, and ii, chapter 19, is usually described as “purely logical,” narrowing the treatment of “begins” and “ceases” to simplistic cases. The aim of this paper is to complement our knowledge of Ockham’s position on the problem of the instant of change by analysing the treatment of the problem he gives in his questions on the Physics 98-101. In these passages, Ockham adopts a “physical approach” in order to deal with problems related to the continuity of alteration and the production of the form of the mix from elementary qualities. To solve these problems, he is compelled to give up one of the most important claims at the basis of the logical approach that he adopted in the Summa logicae, namely that the distinction between permanent and successive entities is not relevant in the assignment of truth-conditions to propositions containing the aspectual verbs “beginning” and “ceasing.”
Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature, Version 5 (ERSSTv5): Upgrades, Validations, and Intercomparisons
Authors: Huang Boyin , Thorne Peter W. , Banzon Viva F. , Boyer Tim , Chepurin Gennady , Lawrimore Jay H. , Menne Matthew J. , Smith Thomas M. , Vose Russell S. , Zhang Huai-Min
Published: July 2017

The monthly global 2° × 2° Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST) has been revised and updated from version 4 to version 5. This update incorporates a new release of ICOADS release 3.0 (R3.0), a decade of near-surface data from Argo floats, and a new estimate of centennial sea ice from HadISST2. A number of choices in aspects of quality control, bias adjustment, and interpolation have been substantively revised. The resulting ERSST estimates have more realistic spatiotemporal variations, better representation of high-latitude SSTs, and ship SST biases are now calculated relative to more accurate buoy measurements, while the global long-term trend remains about the same. Progressive experiments have been undertaken to highlight the effects of each change in data source and analysis technique upon the final product. The reconstructed SST is systematically decreased by 0.077°C, as the reference data source is switched from ship SST in ERSSTv4 to modern buoy SST in ERSSTv5. Furthermore, high-latitude SSTs are decreased by 0.1°–0.2°C by using sea ice concentration from HadISST2 over HadISST1. Changes arising from remaining innovations are mostly important at small space and time scales, primarily having an impact where and when input observations are sparse. Cross validations and verifications with independent modern observations show that the updates incorporated in ERSSTv5 have improved the representation of spatial variability over the global oceans, the magnitude of El Niño and La Niña events, and the decadal nature of SST changes over 1930s–40s when observation instruments changed rapidly. Both long- (1900–2015) and short-term (2000–15) SST trends in ERSSTv5 remain significant as in ERSSTv4.
Multipolarity and Modernization. Sources of China's Foreign Policy in the 1980s
Authors: Østergaard Clemens Stubbe
Published: July 2017

Change in China's policy towards the USA, the USSR and the Third World is analysed in terms of its immediate causes, and by means of a framework categorizing types of sources, processes of change and reappraisals, as well as stabilizers affecting all of these. It is shown that there has been a descriptive reappraisal since Afghanistan, based on perceived changes in conditions of policy towards important power groupings, changes that imply global multipolarity. Domestic politics, in particular the drive towards economic modernization and its ideological ramifications, has resulted in a normative reappraisal of policy. It is found that purges and professionalization have affected composition of the foreign policy-making system, while conflicts between representatives of technocratic and bureaucratic constituencies have affected the balance of power within the system. The article describes the resulting policy, which is marked by independence and equidistance towards the superpowers.
Sir John Harington's Protesting Catholic Gifts
Authors: Kilroy Gerard
Published: July 2017

I exhort therefore againe and againe all parties, to leave to persecute and learne to perswade. Attempt by reason and not by rigour to wynne the adverse party. Let not every man imagine hee sees all but that another perhaps hath found somewhat that he hath not heard of. And then if this peremptorynes were once laide asyde, and charity admitted in the place…it were impossible the quiet of the Commonwealth should be thus disturbed with pretended factions of religion.
Blessed Newman's Sacred Heart Theology and ‘The Intercommunion of Hearts’
Authors: Graham Donald G.
Published: July 2017

This article explores the historical place of Sacred Heart theology and devotion in the Anglican and Catholic life of Blessed John Henry Newman to argue that his neglected, personalised theology of the Sacred Heart is set firmly on the dogmatic foundations of his neo-patristic Christology, avoids maudlin sentimentality, resonates with magisterial teaching, and straddles the divide between theology and spirituality. Hence Newman's spiritual-theology of the intercommunion of hearts is, at once, relational, devotional and theological in a manner which has the potential both to touch the hearts of contemporary men and women and serve as a resource for those in the academy.
Ascending the Mountain with Christ: Divine Accommodation in Gregory of Nyssa's de Beatitudinibus
Authors: Gavin John
Published: July 2017

Gregory of Nyssa, in his eight homilies on Matthew 5: 1–11, interprets the Beatitudes as a ladder of ethical ascent toward the divine likeness. He must confront, however, two obstacles for the believer during this journey: the incomprehensible nature of God and the fallen nature of man. Gregory demonstrates how the Beatitudes resolve these problems by adapting divine characteristics and putting them within the reach of human nature. This essay examines the various forms of divine accommodation in the Beatitudes and man's movement toward perfect happiness in God.
Another Book for Jarrow's Library? Coincidences in Exegesis between Bede and the Laterculus Malalianus
Authors: Siemens James
Published: July 2017

As an original composition if the seventh-century archbishop of Canterbury, Theodore of Tarsus, it is reasonable to expect that, writing less than a generation after his death, Bede might have known the Laterculus Malalianus, despite there having been no acknowledgment of the text by him, and no discernment by Bede's readers of its influence on him even up to the present time. Recent analysis of the Laterculus, however, has given cause to reconsider this oversight, as exegetical motifs that appear almost nowhere else across the tradition are developed in the Laterculus and taken up in significant waya by Bede. The purpose of this paper is to set out these exegetical coincidences and propose that, in light of them, the Laterculus Malalianus deserves to be considered among the sources Bede drew on as he set about producing his own considerable work.
Three Priests: Barron, Buchanan, and Bickerstaffe-Drew
Authors: Hogarth Gillian
Published: July 2017

The subject of each of the following vignettes was connected, in some way or other, with the Diocese of Clifton. Fr Eustace Barron served in a number of parishes in the diocese between 1876 and 1916; Mgr Francis Bickerstaffe-Drew was a good friend of George Ambrose Burton, Bishop of Clifton from 1902-31, with whom he maintained a correspondence throughout his time as a military chaplain in Flanders during the First World War; and Fr John Buchanan, a chaplain with the United States Army, was posted to the diocese with his men during the Second World War.
“The Surgeon's Knife”: George Errington's Administration of the Diocese of Clifton, 1855-1857
Authors: James Serenhedd
Published: July 2017

Footnotes have been omitted from this article. All references and other notes will be found in Dr James's forthcoming book, “George Errington and Roman Catholic Identity in Nineteenth-Century England”. “The Surgeon's Knife” is taken from Canon Harding's 2011 study of Bishop William Clifford.
A Constrained Maximization Extension to Incremental Transfer Effectiveness, or, How To Mix Your Training Technologies
Authors: Carter George , Trollip Stanley
Published: July 2017

The incremental transfer effectiveness concept can be extended to a constrained maximization context by replotting the data to form a set of iso-transfer contours and adding Constraints to this same graph as binding linear functions. This transformation permits an analytically elegant solution to maximizing transfer of training dynamically constrained by financial, environmental, reliability, or other restricting factors for any number of instructional technologies through application of the Lagrange Multiplier method. Alternatively, the dual problem of finding the minimum value of these constraints can be solved to achieve a specified transfer of training. An example of applying the Lagrange Multiplier method to training is provided and the potential usefulness of mathematical programming techniques noted. This extension is particularly useful in complex training environments involving numerous instructional technologies or frequently changing constraints. In the single instructional technology case, this extension provides additional graphical insight into the trade-offs involved in designing cost-effective training programs.
The Development and Validation of an Analytical Training Program for Medical Suturing1
Authors: Salvendy Gavriel , Pilitsis John
Published: July 2017

Based on attitude questionnaires and film analysis. three training simulators, electromechanical (E), perceptual (P), and (E) + (P),were developed to teach suturing to medical students. Training effectiveness on these simulators was compared to the traditional training method. Intergroup comparisons were obtained by having nine subjects from each of the three experimental groups, subsequent to training, practice on porcine skin by placing 35 sutures similar to those o{ the traditional group (N = 9). Results indicate that all three experimental training methods provided for significantly better quality of performance, briefer training times. and less psychophysiological stress (as measured by sinus arrhythmia, chin and neck EMG, and skin conductance) than the traditional training method.
Anatomical Frames of Reference and Biomechanics
Authors: Reynolds Herbert M. , Hubbard Robert P.
Published: July 2017

For dynamic simulation of human movement, segment axis systems are often defined by the inertial tensor unique to each simulated body segment. When empirical three-dimensional data are sought that describe either the mass distribution or the kinematic properties of the human body, anatomical frames of reference are needed for the sake of measurement methodology and data comparability. Anatomical axis systems are based on anatomical landmarks that must represent functional and stable features in the skeletal geometry. The role of anthropometric landmarks used in defining anatomical coordinate axis systems is discussed with examples from current research regarding the kinematics of the hip joint and mass distribution of the whole body. The use of anatomical frames of reference will improve the correspondence between computer simulations of the human body and the biological structure.
Effects of Aircraft Noise on an Intelligibility Task
Authors: Arnoult Malcolm D. , Voorhees James W.
Published: July 2017

The recorded sounds of three aircraft (T28 propeller airplane, Bell 204B helicopter, and Bell 206 helicopter) flying directly overhead at 300 ft and 900 ft (91.4 m and 274.3 m) were played While subjects engaged in an audiovisual task. The subjects viewed a series of 35-mm color slides of everyday scenes and heard them described by one-word labels. Each label was to be identified as "Right," "Wrong," or "Unheard." The results were in close agreement with previous field studies on the rated "annoyingness" of aircraft sounds and provided no support for the contention that impulsive helicopter noise ("blade-slap") is disruptive in ways not accoullfed for by simple measures of loudness level
The Event-Related Brain Potential as an Index of Display-Monitoring Workload
Authors: Isreal Jack B. , Wickens Christopher D. , Chesney Gregory L. , Donchin Emanuel
Published: July 2017

As an index of task workload, the possible advantages of the event-related brain potential (ERP) over traditional secondary task and physiological measures are described and previous efforts to validate the use of ERPs in this context are discussed. An experiment is then reported in which perceptual load, incurred by monitoring a simulated air-traffic-control display for discrete events, is assessed using (a) measures of the P300 component of ERPs elicited by auditory probe stimuli and (b) a reaction time secondary task. The ERP measures were found to reflect systematically differences in task workload and to covary closely with the reaction time measure. The results are discussed within the framework of a multidimensional conception of human processing resources and task workload.
Short-Term Retention of Traffic Turn Restriction Signs
Authors: Hoffmann Errol R. , Macdonald Wendy A.
Published: July 2017

Two laboratory experiments evaluated short-term retention of information from verbal and symbolic signs after following verbal (auditory mode) and pictorial (visual) forms of interfering activities. A differential interference effect was observed consistent with the .dualcoding hypothesis. From a practical viewpoint, neither type of Sign appeared superior in terms of its likely retention in short-term memory by drivers.
A Method To Evaluate Human Factors/Ergonomics Design Variables of Distress Signals
Authors: Marras William S. , Kroemer K. H. E.
Published: July 2017

The selection and use of distress signals is crucial for a boater in any emergency. This situation is intensified by the fact that boaters are usually not familiar with such devices. Therefore, incorporation of human factors/ergonomics variables into the design of distress signals can be an important element in boater survival. This report presents a systematic method to evaluate and confirm the effectiveness of human factors/ergonomics variables in the design of distress signals. The effects of several identified variables were tested individually in the lab and synergistically in a (simulated) on-water emergency. It was found that emergency signals that were designed according to human factors/ergonomics recommendations generally required less time to operate than devices that did not follow such guidelines.
The Influence of Oncoming Vehicles on Automobile Lateral Position
Authors: Triggs Thomas J.
Published: July 2017

A vehicle-following procedure was used to record the performance of automobiles along two sections of a four-lane suburban road. Cameras mounted unobstrusively on the experimental vehicle enabled video records to be made of the vehicle being followed. Analysis of these records showed that, as vehicles approached from opposite directions while in adjacent lanes, there was a systematic linear movement away from the road centerline. This lateral displacement commenced approximately 3.6 s before the vehicles met in one of the road sections and 2.4 s in the other section. The displacement increased steadily up to the point of the two vehicles passing in both sections. The data refute the claim that drivers show a general tendency to steer toward objects of perceptual significance.
Pacing and Locus of Control in Quality Control Inspection
Authors: Eskew Rhea T. , Riche Charles V.
Published: July 2017

Subjects performed a simulated quality control inspection task requiring rapid visual scanning of electrical schematics to detect defects. Self-paced subjects could press a button to delay the progression of circuits, while machine-paced subjects, who could not control task timing, served as a yoked-control group. All subjects were given Rotter's (1966) Locus of Control Scale. The personality variable was found to interact with the pacing variable: self-paced internals had a higher criterion than self-paced externals, and thus made fewer false alarms; machine-paced internals had a lower criterion and made more false alarms than machine-paced externals. The results indicate that locus of control may be related to response bias or criterion in a detection task, and that this personality variable may be useful in selecting quality control inspectors.
Driving Experience and Task Demands in Simulator and Instrumented Car: A Validation Study
Authors: Blaauw Gerard J.
Published: July 2017

The validity of research results obtained using the fixed-base vehicle simulator of the Institute for Perception TNO was studied during straight-road driving. Absolute and relative validities were mainly evaluated in terms of system performance and driver behavior for inexperienced and experienced drivers, who had to perform lateral and longitudinal vehicle control both in the simulator and in an instrumented car on the road. Task demands for each control were varied with a free and forced accuracy instruction. Overall results showed good absolute and relative validity for longitudinal vehicle control; lateral vehicle control offered good relative validity. Lateral control performance lacked absolute validity due to the drivers' diminished perception of lateral translations (absence of kinesthetic feedback). Drivers were easily able to perceive yaw rotations in the simulator. Performance in the simulator was a more sensitive discriminator of driving experience than was performance in the instrumented car on the road.
A Variable-Memory Model of Visual Search
Authors: Arani T. , Karwan M. H. , Drury C. G.
Published: July 2017

Previous models of visual search have hypothesized either a random search or a repeated systematic search strategy. Although both models reproduce well the cumulative search time distribution, F(t), neither fully accords with eye movement data. A new model is proposed in which search is intended to be systematic but suffers from imperfect memory. Systematic search is then a special case in which the memory is perfect, and random search a special case in which the memory is totally lacking. The model was derived for single and multiple occurrences of a single fault (or target) type. Where the model could be proved to be insoluble, a simulation model was used. Simulation results were compared with the previous calculations of Morawski, Drury, and Karwan (1980) and were shown to give identical results for pure random and pure systematic search. As the parameters of the memory model were varied, a family of curves between these extremes was produced.
Inspectors' Stopping Policy after Fault Detection
Authors: Tsao Yao-Chung , Wang Tsai-Guey
Published: July 2017

Two experiments were conducted to examine the stopping policy of inspectors after they detected a faulty item. Self-paced subjects inspected 113 computer-drawn geometric patterns. Inspection time and detection rate were measured. The predictions of reinforcement theory, expectancy theory, and a combined theory of the two were compared. The results were found to be consistent with the combined theory where, following the detection of a faulty item, stopping time decreases for the second and third items, increases for the sixth and seventh items, and then levels off This phenomenon is found consistently for different levels of defect difficulty and for different informed or feed-forward defect rates. Field-dependent inspectors, designated so by their scores on the Group Embedded Figures Test, were found to detect more faulty items.
Computer-Based Graphics for Terrain Visualization Training
Authors: Barsam Helena F. , Simutis Zita M.
Published: July 2017

This research is concerned with applications of computer graphic techniques to broaden a soldier's experience with a difficult map-reading task: terrain visualization. The graphic techniques allow a soldier to view a simplified contour map in the upper half of a computer display, place and rotate a cursor at any location on the map, and subsequently view on the bottom half of the screen the simulated three-dimensional terrain that correlates with the cursor's position and direction. Effects of two factors on terrain visualization performance were considered: individual differences in soldiers' spatial abilities (high, medium, or low) and type of training (active or passive). After computer-based training on how to read contour lines, half of the soldiers in each spatial group received active practice in terrain visualization; the other half received passive practice. Under active practice, soldiers were allowed to freely explore contour maps, selecting the terrain they wished to view. Under passive practice, selection of position and direction of the cursor was randomly determined by the computer. After practice, all soldiers were given a paper-and-pencil terrain visualization test. Results showed that performance increased as a function of spatial ability. Form of practice had no effect on performance for soldiers of low and medium spatial abilities. However, active as compared with passive practice doubled the performance scores for soldiers with high spatial ability. Implications of these results for the design and development of training systems are discussed.
RESEARCH NOTE, The Impact of Safety Warnings on Perception and Memory
Authors: Ursic Michael
Published: July 2017

Little research has been done concerning consumer product safety warnings. This study, using 91 undergraduates, attempts to alleviate this void through an experiment in which the design and presence of a safety warning are systematically varied. The presence of a warning is found to have a positive impact on an individual's perception of the effectiveness and safety of a brand. The use of a pictogram, the strength of a signal word, and the use of capital letters in a safety warning are found to have little effect on perception of a brand or on memory of safety information.
Seated Trunk Posture at Various Seat Inclinations, Seat Heights, and Table Heights
Authors: Bendix Tom
Published: July 2017

The posture of 10 subjects who were reading while sitting at six different chair-table arrangements was examined by statometry. Two fixed seats with inclinations of − 5 deg (backward) and + 5 deg, respectively, and one tiltable seat were used. Of four heights of chair and table, two were based on different anthropometric measurements and two were based primarily on spontaneous choice by the subjects. The lumbar spine tended to decrease the kyphosis with increasing seat inclination forward, especially if combined with increasing seat height. The inclinations of the pelvis and the trunk as well as the posture of the cervical spine did not change systematically with different chair-table arrangements. Spontaneously chosen heights were not seen to alter the posture systematically as compared with anthropometrically based adjustments. The subjects tended to prefer the tiltable seat over either of the two fixed seat inclinations.
Training High-Performance Skills: Fallacies and Guidelines
Authors: Schneider Walter
Published: July 2017

A high-performance skill is defined as one for which (1) more than 100 hours of training are required, (2) substantial numbers of individuals fail to develop proficiency, and (3) the performance of the expert is qualitatively different from that of the novice. Training programs for developing high-performance skills are often based on assumptions that may be appropriate for simple skills. These assumptions can be fallacious when extended to high performance skills. Six fallacies of training are described. Empirical characteristics of high-performance skill acquisition are reviewed. These include long acquisition periods, heterogeneity of component learning, development of inappropriate strategies, and training of timesharing skills. A tentative set of working guidelines for the acquisition of high-performance skills is described.
Retrieval of HELP Information for Novice Users of Interactive Computer Systems
Authors: Cohill Andrew M. , Williges Robert C.
Published: July 2017

Appropriate design of HELP is important, particularly for novice users of software systems. Three methods of controlling HELP displays were evaluated in a text-editing task. The three methods were the initiation of HELP (i.e., user versus computer), the selection of a particular HELP sequence (i.e., user versus computer), and the type of format (i.e., on-line versus hard copy). These three variables were crossed in a between-subjects design along with a control condition of no HELP available to produce a total of nine separate test conditions. All of the various HELP configurations improved time to edit and reduced both the quantity of errors and the number of editing commands when compared with the no-HELP control condition. Additionally, there were differential effects among the various HELP configurations. It was concluded that for novice users, the optimum HELP system configuration was one in which the user controls the initiation and selection of HELP displays, and the information is stored in a hard-copy manual. The implications of this conclusion are discussed in terms of the design of HELP to facilitate browsing and comparison features.
The Relation between the Type A Behavior Pattern, Pacing, and Subjective Workload under Single-and Dual-Task Conditions
Authors: Damos Diane
Published: July 2017

Twenty Type A and 20 Type B subjects performed two discrete tasks alone and together. Half of the subjects performed paced versions of both tasks; half, unpaced versions. Workload ratings were obtained for all subjects under single-and dual-task conditions using eight bipolar adjective scales. Under single-task conditions there was a significant interaction between behavior pattern and pacing on one of the tasks. This interaction indicated that Type A subjects responded more rapidly under unpaced conditions than did Type B subjects, although there was little difference between the groups under paced conditions. Under dualtask conditions, Type A subjects responded more rapidly than did Type B subjects regardless of pacing. There was one significant interaction between behavior pattern and task on one of the workload scales.
The Functional Age Profile: An Objective Decision Criterion for the Assessment of Pilot Performance Capacities and Capabilities
Authors: Braune Rolf , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: July 2017

The initial development of a computer-based information-processing performance battery with aviation-relevant task structures is reported. It is shown that the currently existing prototype is sensitive to individual differences within chronological age groups as well as to age-related changes across different age groups. The utilization of such a test battery for the longitudinal assessment of aviator performance capabilities is discussed.
Some Components of Fault-Finding
Authors: Toms Margaret , Patrick John
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study is to examine some of the components involved up to and including choice of the first test in a network fault-finding task. The components investigated were identifying the set of possible faults or consistent fault set (CFS), applying the half-split rule to a specified CFS, and making the first test without the CFS being specified. Factors of network size (54 units and 24 units) and complexity, as defined by four types of CFS configuration, were manipulated. Results indicated that errors occurring in identification of the CFS are mostly omission errors. Performance of this component is degraded by increasing both network size and complexity of the CFS. The same pattern of effects is observed in selecting the first test when the CFS is not specified. Ability to select a half-split test from a given CFS is affected only by complexity of the CFS configuration. Future studies need to differentiate further the psychological demands imposed during the initial stages of faultfinding.