bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Prior Knowledge on Strategy Development & Performance
Authors: Hansberger Jeffrey T.
Published: January 2012

The types of strategies individuals use and how they use them over time potentially determines adaptability, their ability to learn, and their performance. The prior knowledge and experience people bring to a dynamic task can influence these task interactions. This study investigated the strategies used, strategy variability, performance, and learning over a 2-3 month time period in a complex, dynamic task environment between two groups of individuals that differed on their prior knowledge of the task domain of football coaching. The two groups displayed distinctly different patterns of strategy use, development, learning, and performance over time. One group focused on improving their domain knowledge base while the other refined their strategy repertoire and showed improved performance over time.
Technology Integration Expertise among Middle School Teachers
Authors: Lambert Judy L. , Lane Sharolyn Converse
Published: January 2012

When technology is integrated effectively into classrooms there is strong positive impact on student achievement. However, there is still a great divergence between what enthusiastic advocates think technology will do for education and what is actually being accomplished. The primary objective of this study was to identify the concepts and knowledge that teachers who are experts in technology integration consider to be essential for successful technology integration, and to examine how these teachers characterize this conceptualization in their design and practice of instruction. The conceptual knowledge of these expert teachers was compared to the knowledge of teachers who are not technology experts to identify knowledge that should be highlighted in technology training sessions. Study findings indicate a significant difference in the knowledge organization of technology experts and novices with the experts focusing on conceptual issues such as challenges; technology as a stimulant to change in the learning environment; new opportunities; and effects of technology integration on the learning environment while novices tended to focus on lower level procedural skills required to use the technology.
Sensor Noise and Ecological Interface Design: Effects on Operators' Control Performance
Authors: St-Cyr Olivier , Vicente Kim J.
Published: January 2012

We studied the impact of sensor noise on operators' control performance using an Ecological Interface Design (EID) display with a representative thermal-hydraulic process simulation. A number of studies have shown that EID improves the performance of operators. However, no studies have assessed the effects of the presence and magnitude of sensor noise on interfaces based on EID. We hypothesized that as the magnitude of sensor noise would increase, performance would worsen for both EID and non-EID operators, although performance of the EID group would not be worse than that of the non-EID group. Our results show that EID participants performed significantly better than non-EID participants when dealing with industry representative sensor noise. When the magnitude of sensor noise was randomly increased, no differences were observed between the two groups. These results have important consequences for the applicability of the EID framework in industrial settings.
Measurement of Taskload and Performance in a Dynamic Multi-Task Experiment
Authors: Levinthal Brian R. , Rantanen Esa M.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses an experimental paradigm for measuring human performance under time pressure. Participants were presented with four simultaneous number-entry tasks. Entry could occur only within a discrete window of opportunity, represented visually by a target range within a variable-speed progress bar. Participants could view only one task at a time, thus performance required scanning and sampling of all four tasks. Sampling behavior (mouse movements to the vicinity of one of the four tasks) was manipulated via access effort; blocks of trials presented either a half or full second lag before a target task would become visible. Participants' performance was evaluated by the proportion of responses completed within the required window of opportunity as well as the proportion of a window of opportunity that elapsed before the onset of a response. Results indicate a decrease in such performance as a result of display lag manipulation. The potential for the use of this paradigm in developing predictive measures of performance is discussed.
On the Application of Cognitive Work Analysis to the Development of a Commercial Investment Software Tool
Authors: Dainoff Marvin J. , Dainoff Charles A. , McFeeters Larry
Published: January 2012

Principles of cognitive work analysis were directly applied to the conceptualization and design of a web-based software tool for investment analysis. The investment philosophy known as fundamental analysis is concerned with the intrinsic value of a company compared with its stock price. The means-end abstraction hierarchy was critical in characterizing the work domain of the fundamental analyst and allowed an ecological interface on the domain to be constructed. This resulted in a patentable software product which is now on the market.
Exploring Cognitive Work within a 911 Dispatch Center: Using Complementary Knowledge Elicitation Techniques
Authors: Terrell Ivanna S. , McNeese Michael D. , Jefferson Tyrone
Published: January 2012

This study evaluates the differences in user information acquired from scenario-based versus non scenario-based knowledge elicitation for the design of 911 dispatch simulations. During the non-scenario condition, participants answered probe questions concerning their work activities and emergency response procedures. During the scenario-based condition, participants were presented with an emergency scenario and described the necessary steps required to respond to the situation. Preliminary analysis implies that information derived from non scenario-based knowledge elicitation may focus more upon the defined protocols of workgroups whereas information gathered from scenario-based knowledge elicitation may be more concerned with procedures and interactions that are unique to a certain workgroup. Results suggest that the use of scenario-based knowledge elicitation is more likely to allow designers to tailor simulations that conform to the unique culture of an emergency dispatch center workgroup than non scenario-based knowledge elicitation.
Mental Rotation of Objects in an Airport Security Setting
Authors: Morgan Justin Fox , Stafford Shawn , Nayeem Razia , Pepe Aaron
Published: January 2012

The role of mental rotation in the airport security screening task was examined. 13 participants were asked to detect a handgun which was shown embedded in an x-ray image similar to what a baggage screener would see. The weapon was shown to the participant in 8 different rotations for 2 different perspectives (facing right or left for each rotation). The results of the experiment produced the classic inverted V response time function curve. The data suggest that mental rotation can be applied to complex stimuli found in detection task such as the airport security domain.
Situation Awareness in a Networked Virtual Submarine
Authors: Huf Sam , French Han Tin
Published: January 2012

This paper concerns human factors that might impact the success of future maritime defense operations. In such operations, extensive networking is likely to allow large amounts of information to be shared between headquarters, ships, submarines and aircraft. Military planners anticipate that this will enhance situation awareness for their forces. Researchers at Australia's Defence Science and Technology Organisation are studying this issue using a synthetic environment (a game play simulation involving a manned virtual submarine operating within a computer generated scenario). The initial focus of this work has been to identify appropriate metrics with which to monitor performance. Here we present an attempt to employ objective situation awareness metrics. Despite some technical problems, a number of interesting findings suggest that there may be a trade off between the accuracy of operator understanding and the size of the field of view of networked sensors.
The Hunt for Situation Awareness: Human-Robot Interaction in Search and Rescue
Authors: Riley Jennifer M. , Endsley Mica R.
Published: January 2012

Robots are gaining acceptance as team members in complex task completion, though they must be directed or closely supervised by human operators. Effective interaction between operators and robots is dependent upon the operator's ability to develop situation awareness on the robot and environment. In teleoperation this requires the effective distribution of attention between remote activities and the local controls and interfaces. Limitations in attentional resources can limit SA on one or the other place, resulting in overall decreased system performance. We present observations made at a robot-assisted search and rescue exercise to describe common SA problems in vehicle control. This paper focuses on human-robot interaction and the role of SA in search operations. Key SA concerns observed and discussed include difficulties in robot localization, inadequate support for team operations and shared SA, workload in the visually demanding task, and poor integration of data at the interface.
User-Centered Evaluation of Multi-National Communication and Collaborative Technologies in a Network-Centric Air Battle Management Environment
Authors: Nelson W. Todd , Bolia Robert S. , Vidulich Michael A. , Langhorne Anna L.
Published: January 2012

Future command and control (C2) and air battle management (ABM) operations will undoubtedly be affected by the shift toward network-centric warfare (NCW), a concept of operations that relies upon a sophisticated information technology infrastructure comprising sensor, information, and engagement grids. It will be achieved through heightened shared situation awareness and real-time collaboration, which will require effective communication between coalition forces throughout the command chain. The present study provides an initial evaluation of communication effectiveness of persons from English-speaking countries with different dialects. In addition, an evaluation of collaborative interface technology for future ABM operations is presented. Together, these data provide an initial step in the characterization of communication challenges in future coalition operations and an assessment of the technologies that may be required to effectively share information and situation awareness in future ABM operations.
A Usability Evaluation of Concentric Rings in Relationship Graphing
Authors: Goldberg Joseph H. , Liggett Emily
Published: January 2012

A usability evaluation was conducted of a prototype radial graph visualization tool, to better understand whether concentric rings are useful for navigation and comprehension. Nodes represented sales representatives and contacts, and edges represented specific types of relationships. Double-clicking a graph node caused slow-in, slow-out, animated reorganization of the network about that node. Ten sales managers completed tasks ranging from graph comprehension to strategic analysis. Eye tracking was also utilized to address specific usability questions. Tasks were generally completed in 1-3 minutes, but assists revealed significant confusion with relationship concepts and terminology. Specific difficulties were related to filtering the graph and with occlusion of specific nodes. Eye tracking confirmed that concentric rings are used while searching nodes within the same level. Subjective assessments were quite positive. compared with presently-used enterprise sales network analysis tools.
The Effects of Semantic and Syntactic Instruction on User Performance and Satisfaction in Search User Interface Design
Authors: Bandos Jennifer , Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

Search engines have the potential to assist users in a variety of information retrieval tasks. Unfortunately, field studies show that they consistently fail to meet the usability goals of effective and efficient performance. Two of the primary drawbacks are that users do not apply correct semantic logic and syntax in their queries. This study investigates the use of targeted search hints, a form of in-line help, to improve query construction. The results show that search hints can improve performance, but with interactions that designers must consider. Some hints increase the time required to construct queries. Compound hints can also lead to reduced performance. The implications of these findings are discussed.
An Illustrative Example of Four HCI Design Approaches for Evaluating an Automated System Interface
Authors: Cuevas Haydee M.
Published: January 2012

Automation technology has been embedded into nearly every facet of today's society, from cellular phones and personal digital assistants to automated teller machines to highly advanced systems in aviation and industrial operations. Still, the fundamental element for the successful operation of these products and systems is a well designed interface between humans and technology. To address this issue, this paper seeks to highlight how Ebert's (1994) four approaches to HCI design (ethnographic/anthropomorphic, cognitive, predictive modeling, empirical) can be effectively integrated to develop better interfaces between humans and society's complex systems. First, a brief overview of these approaches will be presented, emphasizing how the outcomes of one approach can inform the implementation of the next approach. Then, a step-by-step analysis of a hypothetical task performed using an automated postal machine will serve to illustrate the process of applying these approaches to evaluating an automated system interface.
Cognitive Task Analysis of Data Mining Processes in Bioinformatics Research
Authors: Ma Jiao , Drury Colin G.
Published: January 2012

Health care processes generate vast amounts of data of potential value to improve health and health care services. Bio-medical data, such as genetic data, need to be properly stored in data warehouses and analyzed to benefit health care. From a multidisciplinary perspective, Bioinformatics addresses research, development and application of computational tools and approaches for analyzing and thus expanding the use of biological, medical, behavioral and health data. Data mining techniques are often used by bioinformatics researchers. In the current project, a bootstrapping-themed Cognitive Task Analysis was adopted to analyze the data mining processes used by several bioinformatics researchers at the University at Buffalo, SUNY. Two of the Applied Cognitive Task Analysis (ACTA) techniques, “Task Diagram Interview” and “Knowledge Audit Interview,” were integrated with questionnaire surveys and field observations. This paper presents the ACTA portion of the cognitive task analysis, and shows that there was agreement on most of the cognitive elements required for data mining.
Understanding the Usability Construct: User-Perceived Usbility
Authors: McGee Mick , Rich Aaron , Dumas Joe
Published: January 2012

The usability profession has seen success in industry and academia, as well as recognition in the popular press. However, inconsistent measurement, unreliable problem identification, inappropriate high-level goals, and a lack of valid metrics highlight recent usability literature. Rather than support or refute these findings, we offer a research introspection that we hope contributes to all of these issues by improving our basic understanding of the construct of usability. A Usability Concept Survey (UCS) containing 64 potential usability characteristics was created and administered to 46 users who rated how integral each characteristic was to usability. Multivariate analyses of these user perceptions were used to construct: 1) a taxonomy of usability to classify usability characteristics, 2) data-driven general dimensions of usability, 3) a map of usability space showing specific usability characteristics within the general dimensions; and, 4) a definition of usability. We believe this better understanding of the construct of usability can contribute directly to improving usability objectives, measures, and practice.
Strategies for Mainstream Cellular Phone Use by Individuals with Moderate to Severe Cognitive Impairments
Authors: Vanderheiden G. C. , Nelson R.K. , Yan L. , Sesto M. E.
Published: January 2012

A population often overlooked in the design of cellular phones is people with cognitive disabilities. This study evaluated the ability of persons with moderate to severe cognitive impairments to use mainstream cellular phones programmed with experimental interface features that allowed operation with minimum cognitive ability. Two modes were tested. The first allowed an individual to place calls by simply opening a flip phone. The second displayed four pictures on the touchscreen and allowed a call to be made by touching one of the pictures. Sixteen individuals with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores from 6 to 19 participated. There was a 100% success rate using the flip mode in both Instruction and Carryover conditions and a 100% success rate in Instruction and 81.3% success in Carryover for the picture mode. This was compared to standard ‘touchtone’ dialing mode success rate of 12.5% in the Instruction condition and 6.3% in Carryover condition.
Effects of Screen Orientation and Margin on Reading with a Handheld Computer
Authors: Lee Young S. , Smith-Jackson Tonya L.
Published: January 2012

Although the small size of handheld computers increases portability and mobility, it causes difficulty reading information displayed on a small screen. In an attempt to improve text readability of handheld computers, this study investigated the effects of screen orientation and margin on reading speed, comprehension, and subjective ease of reading with a handheld computer. A 2×2 within-subject factorial design was conducted with 16 participants reading text from a PDA. In addition, users' preference for the two factors and their experiences with reading with the PDA were elicited in a post-experiment questionnaire. Finally, usability problems encountered were discussed in the interview. The results of this study indicated that neither screen orientation nor margin had a significant influence on reading performance. No prevailing preferences for screen orientation and margin were found. Invaluable qualitative information regarding usability problems was identified, which, in turn, supports several recommendations to improve reading from small screens of handheld computers.
One-Third Octave Band Spectral Characteristics and Consumers' Evaluation for Sound of Blouse Fabrics
Authors: Yi Eunjou , Cho Jayoung , Cho Gilsoo , Casali John G. , Robinson Gary S.
Published: January 2012

Ten woven fabrics for lady's blouse including natural silk and synthetic ones were selected and the objective sound characteristics including level pressure of total sound (LPToct), level range (ΔLoct), frequency difference (Δfoct), and variance of levels (VLoct) were obtained from one-third octave band spectra of each rubbing sound of the fabrics. Consumers' subjective sensation (softness, loudness, sharpness, clearness, roughness, highness, and pleasantness) was rated by free modulus magnitude estimation (FMME). Silk and synthetic fabrics showed similar shapes of octave band spectra. Silk fabrics were found as sounding much more pleasant than synthetic ones. In relationship between objective measurements and subjective sensation, subjective clearness for silk fabrics was explained significantly by ΔLoct and VLoct, whereas subjective softness was significantly described by the parameters for synthetic ones.
A PC Based Model for Prediction of Visibility and Legibility for a Human Factors Engineer's Tool Box
Authors: Bhise Vivek D. , Hammoudeh Rashad W.
Published: January 2012

Target detection and legibility prediction problems are generally considered complex as they require a good understanding of knowledge in photometry, geometry, human visual functions and visual performance measurement. Therefore, only simple geometric or photometric models are generally provided in human factors text books in the forms such as equations, graphs, or nomograms. This paper presents an easy to use but a more comprehensive model developed for a human factors engineering class to understand the variables, photometric measurements and use of human visual threshold data. The model can be easily down-loaded and exercised by a PC user to quickly estimate visibility and legibility in a number of situations. The model serves as a great tool to analyze a number of “what if” scenarios and learn the basics of human visual performance. The model will be an excellent candidate for including in a practicing human factors engineer's tool box.
Office Workplace Change and Training Intervention: Effects on Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Environmental Satisfaction
Authors: Robertson Michelle M.
Published: January 2012

The effects of an office ergonomics workplace and training intervention on workers' knowledge and self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort and environmental satisfaction were investigated. An instructional systems design process was used to develop and evaluate an office ergonomics training program. It was hypothesized that the training and workplace intervention would allow the worker to more effectively use their workplace through increased office ergonomics knowledge and skills. Following the intervention, there was a significant increase in workers' office ergonomics knowledge and awareness. Self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders significantly decreased for the group who had a workplace change and received ergonomic training relative to a workplace change-only group and a no intervention control group. Environmental satisfaction increased for both the workplace change and training groups as compared to the control group.
Universal Design Performance Measures for Products to Support the Practice of Universal Design
Authors: Story Molly Follette , Mueller James L.
Published: January 2012

The development of a set of Universal Design Performance Measures based on the Principles of Universal Design is presented. The performance measures can be used to evaluate existing designs, guide the design process, and educate consumers and design students. The Universal Design Performance Measures for Products were developed to help optimize and measure the usability of product designs for populations that are diverse in age and ability. Five distinct versions of the Universal Design Performance Measures were drafted and reviewed by consumers with disabilities, professional product designers, and marketing managers. These were distilled into two working versions of the performance measures, one for consumers and one for designers. The Universal Design Performance Measures for Products were then tested with consumer households and professional product designers and their households across the United States. Considerations for using the performance measures are discussed.
The Forensics Human Factors Consultant
Authors: Nemire Kenneth
Published: January 2012

Over 55 members of the Forensics Professional Group (FPG) completed a survey about their forensics human factors work. The survey included items about experience, degrees and certifications, areas of specialty, and rates, as well as aspects of forensics practice such as advertising and ethics. Part of the survey results provided information about issues that interest and concern FPG members, including continuing education, networking, speaker bureau, fee structures, managing a forensics business, advertising tips, update on trends in forensics human factors, impact of Daubert, professional liability insurance and professional ethics. This panel will summarize the results of the survey, present information about selected issues based upon the panelists' experience, and provide opportunities for members to discuss these issues.
A Study of Field Independence and United States Military Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Maliko-Abraham Helene A.
Published: January 2012

Research was conducted using United States Air Force (USAF) and United States Navy (USN) Air Traffic Control Specialists (ATCSs). The Embedded Figures Test (EFT) was used to assess the existence of the underlying ability of field independence. This study investigated the hypothesis that active duty military ATCSs, as a group, tend to be more field independent than a comparable group of military personnel who were not controllers. This research effort showed that the underlying ability of field independence was possessed by the military ATCSs in the samples used.
Stress Vulnerability, Coping and Risk-Taking Behaviors during Simulated Driving
Authors: Emo Amanda K. , Matthews Gerald , Funke Gregory , Warm Joel S.
Published: January 2012

112 college students participated in a study of simulated driving. The aim of the study was to investigate how coping related to both subjective stress responses and objective indices of risk-taking behavior. Dispositional coping (i.e., typical coping style) predicted task-induced stress responses, including increased distress and loss of task engagement. Consistent with the transactional model of driver stress, the effect of dispositional coping was mediated by the situational strategies adopted in response to the specific situation. Task-focused coping appeared to be more adaptive than emotion-focused coping. Drivers were afforded opportunities to pass other traffic in risky circumstances. Dispositional coping factors, especially a confrontive coping dimension, predicted risk-taking behaviors, such as frequent passing. These effects were not mediated by situational coping, suggesting that emotions during driving may shape habitual behavioral styles that operate irrespective of current mood and coping strategy. Implications of the findings for countermeasures to driver stress are discussed.
Dynamic Touch in Varying Media and for Proprioception
Authors: Pagano Christopher C.
Published: January 2012

The perception of actively manipulated objects via muscle sensitivity has been referred to as ‘dynamic touch.’ Recent research has indicated that the perception of various properties of occluded objects by dynamic touch is a function of the object's resistances to angular rotation, as quantified by the inertia tensor. Additional findings have generalized this hypothesis to the proprioception of occluded limbs. It is suggested that the mechanisms supporting the perception of intact limbs, prosthetic devices, and hand held tools and implements via dynamic touch may be one and the same—the detection of movement-produced physical invariants such as the inertia tensor. Research will also be presented showing that the kinesthetic perception of the length of occluded objects remains unchanged when wielding occurs in air or water. This demonstrates that the constancy of perception can be derived from the invariant nature of physical stimulation available to the perceiver, as Gibson (1966) hypothesized. Implications of this work for the design of hand-held tools and attachments to the body are discussed.
Ergonomic Laparoscopic Tool Handle Design
Authors: DiMartino Allison , Doné Kathryn , Judkins Timothy , Morse Jonathan , Melander Jennifer , Oleynikov Dmitry , Hallbeck M. Susan
Published: January 2012

Twenty-two subjects were tested and categorized according to hand size (small, medium, or large). Each subject selected the best location for a trackball and a trigger on a handle. Each subject specified the optimum diameter/size of the handle that he or she preferred. Additionally, subjects selected their preferred pivot range for opening and closing the handle. Finally, each subject exerted his or her preferred force for the trackball and trigger controls in the selected positions. Based on the data collected in this experiment, the recommended handle diameter is in the range of 4.3 to 5.7 cm. The recommended handle pivot is the range of 8.1 to 17.3 degrees for the open and closed positions. The recommended trackball actuation force is 3.0 lbs and the recommended ratchet actuation force is 0.6 lbs, on average.
Relation between Whole-Body Postural Discomfort and Body-Part Postures for Working Postures of Automobile Assembly Tasks
Authors: Lee Inseok , Chung Min K. , Song Young-Woong
Published: January 2012

Observational methods have been widely used for identifying posture-related risks in industry. In those methods, a single score of postural load for a working posture is required for evaluating the level of corrective actions, on the basis of each body-parts stressfulness evaluated. However, most existing methods have transformed stressfulness for several joints into a postural load based on subjective judgments of ergonomic experts, not on an objective basis. In this study, the relationship between body-part postural load and whole-body discomfort for working postures was investigated. A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate static postures frequently assumed during the automobile assembly tasks, based on perceived discomfort. The results showed that the postural load was strongly associated with the combination of discomfort for non-neutral joint postures. The more joints severely deviated from neutral position were involved in a working posture, the higher level of the whole-body postural discomfort was imposed. In a regression analysis, the relationship was quite well fitted with a linear model, in which shoulder motion was found to be the most affecting factor on the whole-body postural stresses. The linear relationship is expected to be useful for better understanding adverse effect of joint motions on a whole-body posture.
An Investigation of the Congruity in Geometry of the Glenohumeral Joint on the Maximum Acceptable Load during Pushing
Authors: Gielo-Perczak Krystyna , Matz Simon
Published: January 2012

One of the most interesting topics in occupational research for musculoskeletal disorders is an investigation into why individuals respond differently to pushing forces taking into account their strength. The study reports the results of the strength of 12 subjects during one-handed pushing and the geometries of their shoulder joints derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The measurements of mean force during pushing were recorded when the upper right arm was abducted in the frontal plane from 5 to 30 degrees during maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). The three characteristic shoulder types A, B and C were identified in the group: type A - glenoid with a radius that is larger than that of the humerus, type B, glenoid and humerus with the same radius, and type C, glenoid with a radius that is smaller than that of the humerus. The congruency of the shoulder joint is not a straightforward related factor on the maximum acceptable load during pushing. There may exist other geometric relationships between the anatomic variables which have influence on the maximum load during.
Role of Ankle Joint in Successful Reactive-Recovery: A 3D Joint Moment Analysis
Authors: Liu Jian , Lockhart Thurmon E.
Published: January 2012

Understanding successful reactive-recovery is essential to further exploration of slip induced fall event. The objective of the current study was to characterize the net ankle joint moment pattern during reactive-recovery process. Six out of fifteen healthy young adults were selected as input for the current investigation. The three-dimensional (3D) inverse dynamics approach was applied to calculate net ankle joint moments in all the three planes (frontal, sagittal and transverse). Gait conditions (normal and reactive-recovery) significantly affected the absolute ankle peak moment and time to peak at p ≤ 0.05 level. The time to peak in the ankle frontal plane was the only one not affected. The ankle frontal and transverse joint moment was found to play an important role during the reactive-recovery process. Consequently, the necessity of a complete 3D joint moment analysis especially for slip and fall incidents was justified.
Usability Testing of an Internet Form for the 2004 Overseas Enumeration Test: Iterative Testing Using Think-Aloud and Retrospective Report Methods
Authors: Norman Kent L. , Murphy Elizabeth D.
Published: January 2012

An Internet form for the U. S. Census Bureau's 2004 Overseas Enumeration Test was evaluated in two rounds of usability testing. Participants were assigned to one of two conditions: Think-Aloud, in which they talked about what they were doing; or Retrospective-Report, in which they completed the form and then talked about their experience while viewing a recording. Participants also completed follow-up tasks. Sessions were video taped and logged. Round 1 testing identified 28 usability issues. Round 2 testing found that 13 of the issues had been resolved following design changes made to the interface. Round 2 testing identified 21 new and continuing usability issues. Results suggest that changes made to the interface increased the likelihood that respondents would be able to successfully complete the form. Task completion times in the think-aloud condition were only slightly longer than they were in the retrospective condition, while retrospective reports required a substantial amount of added time.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Automated Assistance for Web Searching
Authors: Jansen Bernard J. , McNeese Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Web search engines offering personalized automated assistance have the potential to improve the searching process. We report the results of a within subjects, counter balanced empirical evaluation to determine whether automated assistance improves searching performance. Thirty subjects interacted with two fully functional, information retrieval systems. The systems were identical in all respects except that one offered automated assistance while the other did not. The study used a client side automated assistance application, a 2G Text REtrieval Conference document collection and six topics. Results from the empirical evaluation indicate that automated assistance can statistically improve searching performance; however, the improvement is not as dramatic as one might expect, with an approximately 20% performance increase, as measured by number of relevance documents retrieved. We discuss the implications for Web systems and future research.
The Human-Web Interaction (HUWI) Cycle: A Framework of Users' Perception, Action, and Cognition on the Web
Authors: Farris J. Shawn , Jones Keith S.
Published: January 2012

Since its inception, the World Wide Web has flourished. While advances have been made in the general area of web usability, little attention has been paid to developing theories of human-web interaction. Accordingly, Neisser's (1976) perceptual cycle, which unifies research on action, perception, and cognition, is used as a framework for a human-web interaction (HuWI) cycle. The HuWI cycle assumes that while users interact with a website, in order to locate certain pieces of information, they sample only goal-relevant information from the website. Users then modify their knowledge of the system, based on the goal-relevant information that was acquired. This newly modified system knowledge then directs their interaction further.
Developing an Effective Section 508 Web Accessibility Compliance Program
Authors: Walker Jesse L. , Anders Shilo H. , Swierenga Sarah J.
Published: January 2012

With the adoption of Section 508 guidelines, the web community has wrestled with the issue of implementing an accessibility compliance program. This paper addresses some of those challenges that inhibit Section 508 compliance and proposes a three-prong approach. Making web pages compliant involves removing accessibility issues in the development, maintenance, and evaluation of web sites.
Analysis of Tools to Manage Engineering Design Life-Cycles
Authors: Smith Paige E. , Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

This research determined how team design and project management (planning and tracking) affected design performance and the personnel working on the design. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate three factors: team design (individuals versus groups), project support (no project support versus manual project support versus automated), and the engineering design life-cycle, which includes conceptual design, preliminary design, and detailed design. There were six observations per treatment, involving a total of 72 undergraduate engineering students. The impact of these factors were evaluated for design cycle time, cost effectiveness, mental workload, and job satisfaction. The design cycle time was 17% longer for participants without project support compared to those with automated support (p<0.05). Groups and individuals allocated their time differently during design (p<0.05). Mental workload, measured with the NASA Task Load Index (TLX), increased 16% over time (p<0.001). In addition, the combination of design phase and project tracking support affected the TLX rating (p<0.01). Job satisfaction was 5% lower at the end of the design project compared to the beginning of design (p<0.05).
Capturing Medical Documentation on the Battlefield Frontline–A Macroergonomic Analysis
Authors: DeVilbiss Carita A.
Published: January 2012

The frontline of military health care on the battlefield poses significant challenges to medical data collection, whether collected via paper or digitization. The mobility and tempo of the frontline and the physical needs of the patients significantly impact the combat medic's ability for timely, accurate, and thorough recording of patient encounter information. In the design of new integrated management information systems, basic data capture issues must not be ignored or minimized. If data is not captured, it will not be available within the information system, regardless of whether it is a paper-based or a digital system. This macroergonomic analysis evaluated the medical data generated at the frontline as well as current and proposed data capture procedures. Another key component was an evaluation of the healthcare providers at that level of care. The results were compiled into three key design strategies relevant for the next acquisition cycle of medical data capture devices.
The Relation between Job Characteristics and Quality of Working Life: The Role of Task Identity to Explain Gender and Job Type Differences
Authors: Hoonakker Peter , Marian Alexandre , Carayon Pascale
Published: January 2012

Women are largely underrepresented in the Information Technology (IT) workforce. Our study examines the factors related to the work environment that may contribute to the high turnover of women in the IT workforce. The literature links Quality of Working Life (QWL) to turnover intention, and turnover intention to turnover. In this study, we conducted secondary data analysis of questionnaire data collected from a sample of 1,110 employees of a single organization. We examined the impact of gender and job type (i.e. IT job versus non-IT job) on various indicators of QWL, as well as on the relationship between job factors and QWL. The results show that, specifically for women in IT jobs, task identity is highly associated with QWL.
Conceptual Framework for Studying Shift Changes and other Transitions in Care
Authors: Wears Robert L. , Perry Shawna J. , Eisenberg Eric , Murphy Lexa , Shapiro Marc , Beach Christopher , Croskerry Pat , Behara Ravi
Published: January 2012

In healthcare systems, division of labor and the need for continuous, 24 hour care subjects patients to multiple transitions in care. These transitions, or turnovers, are potential points of failure but have not been intensively studied. We observed care transitions in 5 EDs as part of a study on safety in emergency care and found that very different sorts of handovers occur in different settings. Based on these observations, we propose a conceptual framework for characterizing turnover events. The ability to characterize certain types of transitions may help clarify future studies and assist in crafting interventions to the context of work.
Refining the Walter Reed Sleep Management System: An Exemplar for Systems Improvement Using a Macroergonomic Approach
Authors: Grugle Nancy L. , Kleiner Brian M. , Wesensten Nancy J. , Balkin Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Sleep deprivation, by impairing performance capacity, threatens health and safety across both civilian and military sectors. The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) has developed a sleep management system (SMS) which provides a sociotechnical template for research in this area. A literature review was conducted to lay the groundwork for development of additional empirical research studies relative to sleep deprivation in order to further develop the sleep management system. Based on the existing body of knowledge regarding sleep deprivation effects on cognitive performance, and based on the ongoing development of the sleep management system, we suggest that a macroergonomic or sociotechnical systems approach to intervention may be useful in optimizing health and safety performance. This paper reviews the pertinent sleep deprivation literature and outlines the important issues for a macroergonomic research agenda.
The Tradeoffs and Side-Effects of Migrating from Wireless Computer to PDA-Based Support for Medication Administration
Authors: Chapman Roger J. , Rogers Michelle L. , Render Marta L.
Published: January 2012

This research involved evaluating a PDA application developed to provide a more mobile version of an existing Veterans Administration software program called BCMA (Bar Code Medication Administration). The original application was designed to be operable from a wireless desktop or laptop computer situated on a cart and connected with a bar code scanner to scan patient wristbands and medication labels. The primary goals of this system are to verify the medications about to be given to a particular patient are those ordered and to document the process. The PDA version is intended to meet the same goals utilizing a scanner built into the PDA itself, but also offer the benefits of a small, light-weight, mobile system. The evaluation involved usability inspection, usability testing, and structured interviews. The results describe (1) how the operating system's virtual keyboard display interacted with critical data in the application; (2) how the application software developers dealt with the challenge of a small screen size and the implications of those decisions; and (3) how users adapted their workflow attempting to maximize the benefits of greater mobility, while compensating for a loss in visibility.
Comparison of Torso Movements in Manual Transfer Tasks: Influence of Spinal Cord Injury and Low Back Pain
Authors: Kim K. Han , Choe Su Bang , Martin Bernard J.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to characterize functional limitation in seated manual transfer tasks for low back pain (LBP), spinal cord injury (SCI), and control subjects. Seated subjects performed either two- or one-handed transfer tasks to one of three targets 87cm above the hip-point at 0, 45, and 90° azimuths. Three torso angles (flexion, lateral bending, and axial rotation) were obtained from captured motions and modeled by combinations of B-spline base functions. The results demonstrated that 1) the SCI and LBP subjects exhibit smaller torso flexion than controls; 2) the SCI subjects tend to move the torso (lateral bending and extension) away from the target; and 3) these group differences are reduced in one-handed transfers and light load conditions. The movement patterns suggest that SCI patients may have adapted strategies to compensate for the limited control of upper body balance, while LBPs may limit torso motion to avoid pain.
Safety Climate in Healthcare: A Review of Measurement Instruments
Authors: Flin Rhona , Burns Calvin , Mearns Kathryn , Yule Steven
Published: January 2012

A deficient safety culture has been implicated in industrial accidents. More recently, patient safety problems in hospital care have revealed a weak safety culture as a causal factor. As in the other industrial sectors, the level of safety for hospital patients and staff is likely to be determined largely by the hospital's safety culture.

Measuring safety culture is a risk management technique widely used in high-reliability industries to identify safety problems before they become realised as accidents and near misses. The most common approach to measuring safety culture is to conduct a safety climate survey of the workforce. A safety climate survey typically assesses the workforce's attitudes and perceptions about work pressure, communication, reporting and safety systems, and supervision and management commitment to safety. Thus, safety climate surveys provide a range of leading indicators about an organisation's underlying safety culture, which need to be understood when designing and implementing safety interventions such as critical incident reporting systems. This paper reviews the construct validity of 13 instruments that have been used to assess safety climate in healthcare. An explanatory model linking safety climate and safety behaviours is proposed in order to develop more valid measures of safety climate in healthcare.
EMG Evaluation of a Bed Assistive Device for Patients
Authors: Babski-Reeves Kari , Tran Grace
Published: January 2012

Limited research is available in understanding or evaluating the physical benefits of self-transfer devices for patients following major surgery. The objective of this study was to quantify muscle activity while using an assistive device during bed-rise exercises. Twenty participants (9 males, 11 females) participated. A laboratory study using a repeated measures design was used to test the effects of bed rise condition (manual, assisted), device (ABNOSTRAIN™, Bed Pull-Up), device anchor height (7“, 13” above bed surface), and head elevation angle (0°, 30°) on mean and peak muscle activity of the upper and lower rectus abdominus and external oblique. Results indicated that the use of a device significantly reduced muscle activity at all three muscle sites evaluated compared to unassisted bed rising. Also, having a higher anchor height or bed elevation angle further significantly reduced muscle activity.
Advantage for Visual Momentum Not Based on Preview
Authors: Hollands J. G. , Pavlovic Nada J. , Enomoto Yukari , Jiang Haiying
Published: January 2012

Previous research has indicated that smooth rotation of geographic terrain between two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) views aids task switching. However, the time taken to show the smooth rotation may also provide a terrain preview for a post-rotation judgment. To test this possibility, we examined a situation where preview was provided but smooth transition violated. Twenty-four participants made judgments about the properties of two points placed on 2D or 3D displays of terrain. Participants performed the tasks in pairs of trials, switching tasks and displays between trials. In the continuous transition condition, the display rotated in depth and in azimuth from one display format to the other. In the discrete transition condition, the azimuth rotation was in the opposite direction, and then the terrain ”snapped” to the final orientation. The results showed that response time after transition was less for the continuous condition. We argue that smooth transition to the correct position provided improved visual momentum between displays.