bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a model for measuring teamwork in Australian Rules Football Officials
Authors: Neville Timothy J. , Salmon Paul M. , Read Gemma J. M.
Published: September 2016

Officials in sport are a growing area of research in human factors due to the rapid decision making, expertise and teamwork required to officiate. Influenced by the “Big Five” model of teamwork, this paper presents exploratory research which developed measures for capturing teamwork in Australian Rules Football (AFL) Umpires. Four ratings of AFL umpiring teamwork are presented – Time in Control, Difference in Control, Time in Midzone and Difference in Midzone, which capture coordination, mutual performance monitoring and backup behavior in AFL umpiring teams. The measures are tested through observational analysis of umpiring teams in seven AFL games. The findings demonstrate that the measures achieved inter- and intra-team differences in teamwork; while over the course of games the umpiring teams demonstrated the ability to self-regulate. The suitability of the measures to AFL umpiring, the “Big Five” model, and other teamwork domains are discussed. Finally, extensions of the measures into a model of AFL umpiring teamwork are presented.
Intelligent Teamwork
Authors: McNeese Michael D. , McNeese Nathan J.
Published: September 2016

Intelligent teamwork means many things to many people. This paper provides a historical foundation to various elements of human-agent collaboration, leading to the identification of research needs and challenges that are often present when teamwork is seen from the vantage point of cognitive augmentation. A broad research framework consisting of four meshed phases derives from the historical foundation and research needs and challenges to help integrate multifarious considerations involving information, technology, people, and environment is presented. Examples and lessons learned associated with each phase are provided to help articulate requisite bottlenecks and tradeoffs that inevitability arise when agents, aids, and interfaces are purposefully human-centered in their approach. The objectives of understanding, usefulness, usability, and context are examined in consort with each phase.
Cyberspace Operations and the People Who Perform Them
Authors: Trent LTC Stoney , Hoffman Robert , Leota Tony , Frost CPT Robert , Gonzalez MAJ Danielle
Published: September 2016

In 2009, the Department of Defense established U.S. Cyber Command to centralize and advocate for joint cyberspace operations. By 2018, the Cyber Mission Force (CMF) will consist of 6100 personnel in 133 teams that have offensive or defensive responsibilities. Although cybersecurity has been maturing for the better part of thirty years, there are important differences between cybersecurity and cyberspace operations. Cybersecurity, for instance, is focused on maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of Information Technology (IT) networks. Cyberspace operations, on the other hand, are threat oriented and require enterprise-scale coordination. Many cyberspace tools are built by and for networking experts that have full privileges, access and responsibility for their networks. Such conditions rarely exist for cyberspace operations and intelligence teams. This panel will introduce the variety of roles, responsibilities and cognitive challenges in the CMF. Panelists will reserve significant time for Q&A to inform the design of future systems.
The Relationship Between Individual Differences in Switching Performance and Task Engagement
Authors: Clegg Benjamin A. , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: September 2016

Strategic task switching is demanded in many real-world situations where effective simultaneous performance of concurrent tasks is not possible. Building from a model of strategic task overload management, the current study explored the influence of task load on the relationship between an individual’s task switching capability and task engagement. Only when high workload was present in both tasks was there a correlation between the capability to switch and subsequent action within tasks. In contrast, no relationships between task switching and later task engagement were seen when demands were not high enough in both tasks to require strategic switching.
Effects of Sitting and Standing Work Postures on Short-Term Typing Performance and Discomfort
Authors: Kar Gourab , Hedge Alan
Published: September 2016

The study evaluated effects of sitting and standing work postures on objective short-term computer typing performance and perceived discomfort. A randomized, repeated measures, study design was used to assess typing performance and perceived discomfort for 12 participants on a 15-minute computer-typing task. Typing performance was measured by number of characters typed and number of errors. Perceived discomfort was measured for the whole body, as well as for upper body and lower body, using a visual analog scale. Results suggest that for a short-term computer typing task, compared to a sitting work posture a standing work posture leads to fewer typing errors without impacting typing speed. Overall levels of perceived discomfort for the whole body are similar for sitting and standing work postures. However, for perceived discomfort there is an interaction of work posture and body region - upper body discomfort is higher in the sitting work posture while lower body discomfort is higher in the standing work posture.
Effects of Working Memory Capacity, Task Switching, and Task Difficulty on Multitasking Performance
Authors: Liu Shijing , Wadeson Amy , Kim Na Young , Nam Chang S.
Published: September 2016

Multitasking requires human operators to handle the demands of multiple tasks through task switching at the same time and this ability is required in many jobs. Previous studies showed that different levels of working memory capacity (WMC) and task switching abilities can lead to differences on multitasking performance. With increased complexity of tasks, maintaining task performance is challenging. This study sought to find the relations of WMC, task switching, task difficulty, and multitasking performance. Multi-Attribute Task Battery II (MATB-II) was employed in this study as a platform to assess multitasking. Automated OSPAN and Trail Making Tasks (TMT) were used to assess WMC and the task switching ability, respectively. Results indicated that there were significant effects of these three parameters on multitasking performance. Other dimensions of multitasking performance will be addressed in future studies.
Unchanging Capacity
Authors: Morey Stephanie A. , McCarley Jason S. , Thomas Nicole A.
Published: September 2016

Complex workspaces often require operators to divide attention between information within the visual periphery and a visual central task. For an air traffic controller, for example, monitoring complex displays while also watching for potential hazards is essential for avoiding aircraft collisions. In such environments, fast and accurate detection of peripheral events may be critical for safe performance. Presenting targets redundantly offers a potential way of speeding up target detection (Little, Eidels, Fific, & Wang, 2015; Townsend & Eidels, 2011). It remains unclear, however, whether redundant-target processing remains efficient with a concurrent central task. A series of experiments examined the effects of dual-tasking on peripheral redundant-target processing, either between- (Experiments 1a & 1b) or within-participants (Experiment 4). Furthermore, Experiments 2 and 3 manipulated target-distractor discriminability and distractor presence to examine the effects of target salience on dual-task processing efficiency. One hundred and one undergraduate students ( N =20 in each of Experiments 1a to 3; N = 21 in Experiment 4) performed a redundant-target task either by itself (Experiment 1a) or whilst performing a manual tracking task (Experiments 1b-4). The tracking task required participants to maneuver a joystick using both hands to align a cursor with a moving red target. The detection task required participants to press a joystick button bimanually whenever a target appeared at a location in the peripheral visual field. Experiments 1a, 1b, and Experiment 4 employed “T” as the target item and “L” as distractor items that appeared randomly rotated in 90° steps. In Experiment 2, target salience was increased by employing “X” as the target item and “O” for the distractor items. Experiment 3 tested peripheral target processing in the absence of distractors; hence, only the target item “T” was employed. Processing efficiency in the target-detection task was calculated using measures of resiliency (Little et al., 2015) or workload capacity (Townsend & Eidels, 2011).

In all five experiments, processing of redundant targets was less efficient than predicted by a standard parallel race model (Raab, 1962; Townsend & Eidels, 2011). Surprisingly, processing efficiency differed negligibly between the single and dual-task conditions. Capacity may be protected from task-load effects due to separate information-processing resource pools within the central and peripheral visual fields (Wickens, 2002). Neither increasing the discriminability between targets and distractors, nor removing distractors entirely, had any effect on redundant-target processing efficiency. Results suggest target processing in the visual periphery is capacity-limited, but that processing efficiency is robust against changes to concurrent task load or target salience.
Comparison of Provider Experience with Two Patient Examination Tables
Authors: Abdelrahman Amro , Yu Denny , Cohen Tara , Hallbeck Susan , Woolley Sandra
Published: September 2016

Medical care providers recognize nonadjustable examination tables in clinics as a barrier to comprehensively and safely providing routine healthcare for disabled, elderly and obese patients. The aim of this study was to understand how the availability of the adjustable examination table may affect the medical care provider’s perception of the quality of care provided to patients who need physical assistance. Fifty providers answered questionnaires to report their perceptions of two different examination tables’ usability. The first one is a mid-century industrial designed table and the other adjustable and ADA compliant, as used in a community health clinic. Before implementation of the new adjustable examination table, 34 medical care providers provided feedback on their experiences with nonadjustable examination tables. A second survey was administered approximately six months after implementation of the new adjustable examination tables to 16 medical care providers (with 2 indicating participation in the prior-to-implementation survey) for their feedback on experiences with the new adjustable examination tables. Providers reported significantly (p<0.05) more comfort in getting typical patients (27%), bariatric patients (50%), and geriatric patients (30%) into a sitting position when they used the adjustable examination table compared to the nonadjustable examination table. Providers considered the adjustable examination tables to have a more ideal width (60%) and length (64%) to accommodate a wider variety of patients than the nonadjustable examination tables. Providers also considered the adjustable table (33%) easier to use and preferable to the nonadjustable table. This research showed how the adjustable examination table improves healthcare provider experience to provide access to healthcare for patients with disabilities with better ergonomics and greater safety for both patients and providers.
Improving Medical Education
Authors: Yovanoff Mary , Pepley David , Mirkin Katelin , Moore Jason , Han David , Miller Scarlett
Published: September 2016

Virtual simulation is an emerging field in medical education. Research suggests that simulation reduces complication rates and improves learning gains for medical residents. One benefit of simulators is their allowance for more realistic and dynamic patient anatomies. While potentially useful throughout medical education, few studies have explored the impact of dynamic haptic simulators on medical training. In light of this research void, this study was developed to examine how a Dynamic-Haptic Robotic Trainer (DHRT) impacts medical student self-efficacy and skill gains compared to traditional simulators developed to train students in Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter (IJ CVC) placement. The study was conducted with

18 third year medical students with no prior CVC insertion experience who underwent a pre-test, simulator training (manikin, robotic, or mixed) and post-test. The results revealed the DHRT as a useful method for training CVC skills and supports further research on dynamic haptic trainers in medical education.
Anesthesia Maintenance and Vigilance
Authors: Betza Scott M. , Jurewicz Katherina A. , Neyens David M. , Riggs Sara L. , Abernathy James H. , Reeves Scott T.
Published: September 2016

Limited research has focused on vigilance during the maintenance phase of anesthesia work. The goal of this study was to identify anesthesia maintenance tasks and to identify the transitions between these tasks within the perspective of the vigilance paradigm. In this study, three bariatric surgeries were recorded and analyzed using a task categorization structure. Across the surgeries the primary anesthesia provider spent 71% of their time doing patient or display monitoring tasks. Task frequency and transition visualizations were generated to identify trends in the task switching. Transitions between the task categories occurred approximately once every nine seconds for the primary anesthesia provider. Additionally, it appears that regardless of the task, there was a high frequency of task transitions to looking at the visual displays and then from the visual displays towards the patient. The results of this study emphasize the importance of vigilance for anesthesia display design.
The effect of a secondary task on identification accuracy of oxygen saturation ranges using an enhanced pulse oximetry sonification
Authors: Paterson Estrella , Sanderson Penelope , Paterson Neil , Liu David , Loeb Robert
Published: September 2016

In the operating theatre, anesthesiologists monitor an anesthetized patient’s oxygen saturation (SpO2) with a visual display but also with an auditory tone, or sonification. However, if the anesthesiologist must divide their attention across tasks, they may be less effective at recognising their patient’s SpO2 level. Previous research indicates that a sonification enhanced with additional sound dimensions of tremolo and brightness more effectively supports participants’ identification of SpO2 ranges than a conventional sonification does. This laboratory study explored the effect of a secondary task on participants’ ability to identify SpO2 range when using a conventional sonification (LogLinear sonification) versus an enhanced sonification (Stepped Effects sonification). Nineteen non-clinician participants who used the Stepped Effects sonification were significantly more effective at identifying SpO2 range ( Md = 100%) than were 18 participants using the LogLinear sonification ( Md = 80%). Range identification performance of participants using the Stepped Effects sonification tended to be less disrupted by a concurrent arithmetic task (drop from Md = 100% to 95%) than it was for participants using the LogLinear sonification (drop from Md = 80% to 73%). However, the disruption effect in each case was small, and the difference in disruption across sonifications was not statistically significant. Future research will test the sonifications under more intense cognitive load and in the presence of ambient noise.
An EPIC Cognitive-Architectural Account of Spatial Separation Effects in Two-channel Listening Tasks
Authors: Kieras David E. , Wakefield Gregory H. , Brungart Douglas S. , Simpson Brian D.
Published: September 2016

An important application of cognitive architectures is to provide human performance models that capture psychological mechanisms in a form that can be “programmed” to predict task performance of human-machine system designs. Earlier models accounted for some key aspects of performance in a two-talker task, but spatial separation of the speech sources produces complex effects not yet represented. Adding some first-principle mechanisms to the earlier models suggests that this fundamental aspect of multi-talker speech perception can be accounted for as well.
A Cross-Domain Approach to Designing an Unobtrusive System to Assess Human State and Predict Upcoming Performance Deficits
Authors: Bracken Bethany , Palmon Noa , Kellogg Lee , Elkin-Frankston Seth , Farry Michael
Published: September 2016

Many work environments are fraught with highly variable demands on cognitive workload, fluctuating between periods of high operational demand to the point of cognitive overload, to long periods of low workload bordering on boredom. When cognitive workload is not in an optimal range at either end of the spectrum, it can be detrimental to situational awareness and operational readiness, resulting in impaired cognitive functioning (Yerkes and Dodson, 1908). An unobtrusive system to assess the state of the human operator (e.g., stress, cognitive workload) and predict upcoming performance deficits could warn operators when steps should be taken to augment cognitive readiness. This system would also be useful during testing and evaluation (T&E) when new tools and systems are being evaluated for operational use. T&E researchers could accurately evaluate the cognitive and physical demands of these new tools and systems, and the effects they will have on task performance and accuracy. In this paper, we describe an approach to designing such a system that is applicable across environments. First, a suite of sensors is used to perform real-time synchronous data collection in a robust and unobtrusive fashion, and provide a holistic assessment of operators. Second, the best combination of indicators of operator state is extracted, fused, and interpreted. Third, performance deficits are comprehensively predicted, optimizing the likelihood of mission success. Finally, the data are displayed in such a way that supports the information requirements of any user. The approach described here is one we have successfully used in several projects, including modeling cognitive workload in the context of high-tempo, physically demanding environments, and modeling individual and team workload, stress, engagement, and performance while working together on a computerized task. We believe this approach is widely applicable and useful across domains to dramatically improve the mission readiness of human operators, and will improve the design and development of tools available to assist the operator in carrying out mission objectives. A system designed using this approach could enable crew to be aware of impending deficits to aid in augmenting mission performance, and will enable more effective T&E by measuring workload in response to new tools and systems while they are being designed and developed, rather than once they are deployed.
A Model of Visual Location Learning
Authors: Khosroshahi Ehsan B. , Salvucci Dario D.
Published: September 2016

Learning visual locations is a critical skill that allows people to understand and act in their environment, especially as part of a person’s situation awareness during complex tasks such as air-traffic control. Although a number of studies have examined visual location learning from a theoretical and/or empirical perspective, the goal of developing a rigorous computational model of this process remains an elusive one. In this work, we develop an initial model focused on acquiring, rehearsing, and recalling the locations of static objects in the visual field. We build this model on the foundation of the ACT-R cognitive architecture, specifically using its memory and vision components to better understand and specify the processes of visual scanning and location memory. We then demonstrate how this model accounts for human behavior and performance in two recent empirical studies. The resulting model can serve as the basis for future efforts to build a more rigorous general computational models of more complex tasks that involve visual location learning as a central component task.
Comparison of Lumbopelvic Coordination between Trunk Flexion and Extension
Authors: Zhou Jie , Ning Xiaopeng
Published: September 2016

Lumbopelvic coordination describes the relative contributions of lumbar and pelvis to the total trunk flexion/extension motion, which has been identified as a major influential factor to spinal loading. The current study investigated the differences in lumbopelvic coordination between trunk flexion and extension. Thirteen subjects performed pace-controlled trunk flexion/extension motions in the sagittal plane while lumbopelvic continuous relative phase and phase variability were quantified. The results demonstrated that compared with trunk extension, lumbopelvic continuous relative phase and phase variability were 28% and 117% greater in trunk flexion motion, respectively, which indicated a more anti-phase and unstable coordination pattern. Quantifying these coordination patterns helps identifying abnormal patterns and serves as normative benchmarks during low back pain rehabilitation.
Panel Discussion In Honor of Dr Tom Waters The NIOSH Lifting Equation - Part II
Authors: Fox Robert R. , Maikala Rammohan V. , Occhipinti Enrico , Colombini Daniela , Alvarez-Casado Enrique , Gallagher Sean
Published: September 2016

With the introduction of the NIOSH Lifting Equation, specifically after the publication of the Revised Lifting Equation (RLE) (Waters et al., 1993), occupational health and safety professionals across the world have successfully utilized the RLE to evaluate the risks associated with lifting and lowering tasks in the workplace. Although the RLE takes into consideration of various job task variables to determine recommended weight limits for a variety of task combinations, a number of articles and peer reviewed publications have appeared with a notion of either extending or modifying the RLE to address manual handling situations that the original equation was not able to assess comprehensively. The purpose of this panel discussion will be to provide an overview to ergonomics practitioners and researchers of these extensions and beyond, thus exploiting the full potential of this lifting equation. The first presentation will discuss the Variable Lift Index (VLI) for highly variable manual lifting tasks, whereas the second presentation describes the Sequential Lift Index (SLI) in assessing a sequence of lifting tasks that workers perform while they rotate to different tasks over a workday. In addition to the inherent variability in lifting tasks assumed by the RLE, we often encounter materials handling scenarios associated with one-handed lifting, team lifting, lifting of people (e.g., patient handling), lifting while seated or kneeling, lifting on improper frictional surfaces, lifting unstable loads, or lifting for more than 8 hours. To this effect, the third presentation examines the wider application of the RLE by adding new multipliers to the equation. Extending further on quantifying typical lifting task-related variables and associated risk on the lower back, the final presentation explores the fatigue failure process experienced by the lumbar spine when performing multiple and varied lifting tasks. This innovative approach is nascent in ergonomics literature, especially in ergonomics risk assessment, and has great potential in injury prevention at the workplace.
A Cane for More than Walking
Authors: Matalenas Laura A. , Hu Tengwen , Veeramachaneni Vishnu , Muth John
Published: September 2016

This paper discusses the user research and design process of the PTCane: a smart cane for physical therapy. The goal of the research process is to identify limitations in current home exercise programs, and the goal of the design process is to provide a device, the PTCane, to overcome these limitations and augment home exercise programs. User research included a general survey, physical therapy observations, and expert interviews. From our user research, we identified that the technology needs to overcome barriers to physical therapy, inform patients of their exercise accuracy, and decrease helplessness during recovery. The final proposed cane design includes reminders, an accuracy feedback system, a pain and progress survey, and a system to provide information about progress in therapy to both patients and therapists.
Describing the User Experience of Wearable Fitness Technology through Online Product Reviews
Authors: Michaelis Jessica R. , Rupp Michael A. , Kozachuk James , Ho Baotran , Zapata-Ocampo Daniela , McConnell Daniel S. , Smither Janan A.
Published: September 2016

Regular exercise has many health benefits, however a major problem in the United States is that Americans do not exercise enough to reap these advantages. Although there are many ways that one can be motivated to exercise, the use of wearable technologies such as fitness tracking devices show great promise as an individual, and cost effective solution. On the other hand, many people who try out these devices return them leading to lower than idea acceptance rates for these devices. We examined online product reviews for wearable fitness devices in order to discover which factors led to product acceptance or rejection. We performed a qualitative analysis of user reviews across many websites and devices followed by a quantitative exploratory analysis using stepwise multiple regression predicting users’ experience. Overall, our results support that four high-level themes: usability, trust, motivation, and wearability determined a user’s experience.
The Relationship Between User Mouse-based Performance And Subjective Usability Assessments
Authors: Kortum Philip , Acemyan Claudia Ziegler
Published: September 2016

Objective metrics, such as effectiveness and efficiency, are often considered to be the best website usability measurements. User performance metrics that can be collected remotely, such as mouse clicks and the distance the mouse has traveled show particular promise. However, no studies have demonstrated a direct relationship between subjective usability measures and these two objective user performance metrics. In this paper, thirty participants completed five different tasks of varying difficulty on a commercial website. Mouse clicks, the distance the mouse moved, success rates, and System Usability Scale (SUS) scores were collected for each task. Results showed that participants made fewer mouse clicks on tasks at which they were successful than on tasks they failed. Participants moved the mouse over twice as far on failed tasks as compared to successful tasks. The correlations between SUS scores and the two mouse-based measurements were remarkably strong.
Can Voters Tell When Their Voting Method Is Secure? Effects of End-to-end Security and Security Theater on Perceptions of Voting Systems
Authors: Acemyan Claudia Ziegler , Kortum Philip
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to understand how voters’ perceptions of voting system security might be impacted by the addition of actual security features and fake security features (i.e., security theater) to a voting method. In the context of voting, positive perceptions of security might be more important than security itself because voters must feel voting systems are safe enough to keep their votes secure and anonymous, or else they might choose to avoid participating in an election—potentially impacting election outcomes. To investigate this problem, 90 Rice University undergraduate students participated in a mock election using one of three systems, each associated with differing levels of security: a standard paper ballot, a paper ballot enhanced by end-to-end (e2e) security mechanisms, and a paper ballot that included fake security mechanisms to give the feeling of enhanced security without actually making the system safer. After voting, each participant completed a survey that included questions about voting system security to understand if one system was perceived to be more secure than another. In this study, participants rated the paper voting method with advanced e2e security to be the most secure; both the traditional paper ballot and security theater ballot were found to be the least secure. In summary, the advanced security features positively impacted voters’ perceptions of system security—indicating that people accurately assessed the safety of the provided voting method. This finding is promising and suggests that during real elections, there is the potential for voters to assess accurately a system’s security and then act-on and make decisions based on this information.
TV Channel Cards and Office Directories are Searched Faster When Alphabetized
Authors: Hines Terence , Ranellone Adam
Published: September 2016

There are millions of television cable channel cards in hotels, motels and homes around the world. Almost all of these lists are organized with TV channel numbers arranged in numerical order on the left and corresponding station call letters on the right. Office buildings have the building directories organized in a similar way. Such organization may be inefficient in terms of the time needed to find a specific channel. It may be more efficient to organize such lists with the station call letters arranged alphabetically at the left. To test this hypothesis participants were presented with lists of TV channels or personal names organized either in the traditional numerical order format or in an alphabetical format. The task was to find eight different TV channels or names on the two types of lists. Lists arranged alphabetically were searched significantly faster than those arranged in the traditional numerical sequence format.
An Association between Nature Exposure and Physiological Measures of Emotion and Cognition
Authors: Craig Curtis , Neilson Brittany , Overbeek Randy W.
Published: September 2016

Nature environments have significant benefits for human psychological functioning, in both the cognitive and emotional domains. These positive effects have been found primarily with questionnaires, performance measures, and transient physiological measures. This study explores the long-term relationships between degree of nature exposure and physiological states. With a publically available dataset, multiple hierarchical regressions were conducted testing the relationship between reported nature exposure and two physiological measures of cognition and emotion, including alpha band EEG asymmetry and degree of eyeblink startle reflex (EBR). A significant relationship was found with nature exposure and these measures, suggesting that nature has enduring positive effects for human functioning via measured physiology.
The Impact of Inspector’s Cognitve Style on Performance in Varous Visual Inspection Display Tasks
Authors: Stone Richard T. , Schnieders Thomas , Wei Chen-Shuang , Oviatt Tyler
Published: September 2016

Three aspects of visual inspection were considered in this study. The three aspects considered to effect inspection performance are (1) cognitive styles, (2) feedforward training (job aid), and (3) pacing. In this study, the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) was administered and the basic (control), static (self- pacing), and hybrid (systematic pacing) displays were used to investigate the pacing effect. The objective was to classify the inspectors into different categories via the MFFT based on their cognitive styles, and also to investigate inspection performance (accuracy and response time) affected by the job aids as cognitive styles. The results indicate that the MFFT is effective in all task conditions. The job aid was also found to have a positive impact on the overall performance.
GIFT Cloud
Authors: Ososky Scott , Brawner Keith , Goldberg Benjamin , Sottilare Robert
Published: September 2016

GIFT Cloud is the recently released web-based application version of GIFT, an open-source computer-based tutoring architecture that supports authoring, deployment, and evaluation of intelligent tutoring system technologies. This paper presents the GIFT Cloud Authoring Tools, through the lens of usability. Each major element within the authoring tools is described, along with usability design considerations that were made in order to reduce occurrence of error, to organize information, and to support end-user goals. The initial release of GIFT Cloud supports an iterative design approach, informed by user data and feedback, with an overall goal of making tutor authoring practical for subject matter experts without computer programming or instructional design knowledge. As such, lessons learned from this release, as well as plans for future research and usability improvements, are discussed.
Combining Flight Procedures Training with Mental Flexibility Training
Authors: Rivera Javier , Jimenez Camilo , Jentsch Florian
Published: September 2016

Flightcrew decision-making is contingent upon past experiences that create a set of action patterns or scripts. However, implementing the correct script or switching from one script to another may be difficult if one does not have the mental flexibility to adapt these scripts to changing situations. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects that augmenting procedural training with mental flexibility training can have on decision-making performance. The results, although preliminary, suggest that having more than one script, regardless of mental flexibility, does indeed improve decision-making performance.
An Investigation of the Usability Issues of Home-based Video Telemedicine Systems with Geriatric Patients
Authors: Narasimha Shraddhaa , Agnisarman Sruthy , Madathil Kapil Chalil , Gramopadhye Anand K. , Welch Brandon , Mcelligott James
Published: September 2016

Telemedicine is the use of technology to provide and support healthcare when distance separates the clinical service and the patient. This system is rapidly replacing the conventional method of in-person clinical visits. More than seventy percent of the geriatric population is predicted to need long-term healthcare; telemedicine could potentially support their increased healthcare needs. However, for increased user acceptance, it is important to investigate the usability of telemedicine systems. This study aims to investigate the usability issues associated with geriatric patients using home-based video telemedicine systems. Four home-based video telemedicine systems were chosen for this study: (1) Doxy.me, (2) Polycom, (3) Vidyo and (4) VSee. Using a between-subjects experimental design, 20 participants were randomly assigned to one of these four conditions. They were asked to complete a demographic questionnaire, followed by the completion of representative tasks on the telemedicine platform. This is followed by a retrospective think-aloud session at the end of which, the participants completed a NASA-TLX workload survey, an IBM Computer System Usability Questionnaire (IBM-CSUQ), and a post-test subjective questionnaire. Issues faced by the participants include downloading application plug-ins, locating icons and the size of the icons.
Quality of experience provisioned mobile streaming protocol for the hyper-connected Internet of Things devices over the heterogeneous wireless access networks
Authors: Park Min Ho , Choi Jun Kyun , Choi JungYul
Published: September 2016

5G-based hyper-connected Internet of Things environment is emerging, where various connectivities such as BlueTooth, WiFi, and 3/4/5G are provided. Since they have different communication characteristics, it is difficult to provide the user quality of experience when the handoff takes place according to the movement of the mobile devices between wireless access networks. For solving this problem, we propose a seamless video streaming protocol to satisfy the user quality of experience regardless of handoff. The proposed protocol can dynamically adjust streaming bit rate according to the network condition and also maintain fixed quantity of buffered audio–video data for the stable quality of experience level. The proposed protocol is designed independently of OS versions and CPU performance of terminals, which makes it easy to be implanted in various types of Internet of Things devices. Real-world experimental results show that seamless video streaming service can be guaranteed by carefully predicting the network dynamics over the heterogeneous wireless access networks. The protocol is now commercially deployed for over 5 million Long-Term Evolution subscribers of a South Korea telco, LG U+.
IL-17A attracts inflammatory cells in murine lung infection with P. aeruginosa
Authors: Wonnenberg Bodo , Jungnickel Christopher , Honecker Anja , Wolf Lisa , Voss Meike , Bischoff Markus , Tschernig Thomas , Herr Christian , Bals Robert , Beisswenger Christoph
Published: September 2016

IL-17A-dependent immunity is of importance in the protection against extracellular bacterial pathogens. However, IL-17A is also suggested to mediate the pathogenesis of lung diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome. Here, we studied the role of IL-17A in a mouse model of acute pneumonia. IL-17A mediated the expression of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC) and the recruitment of inflammatory cells in mice infected with a sub-lethal dose of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. IL-17A deficiency protected mice from lethal P. aeruginosa lung infection. A sub-lethal infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae resulted in increased bacterial burden associated with increased pulmonary inflammation. Thus, the type of infectious bacteria seemed to influence the way in which IL-17A functions during pulmonary infection. Reducing pulmonary inflammation by targeting IL-17A may be a therapeutic option in acute P. aeruginosa pneumonia.
Effect of adding intrathecal morphine to a multimodal analgesic regimen for postoperative pain management after laparoscopic bariatric surgery: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: El Sherif Fatma Adel , Othman Ahmed Hassan , Abd El-Rahman Ahmad Mohammad , Taha Osama
Published: September 2016

Background:

Pain control after bariatric surgery is a major challenge. Our objective was to study the efficacy and safety of intrathecal (IT) morphine 0.3 mg added to bupivacaine 0.5% for postoperative pain after laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Methods:

After local ethics committee approval, 100 morbidly obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: Group I received IT 0.3 mg morphine (0.3 mL) added to 1.2 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%; Group II received IT 0.3 mL saline added to 1.2 mL of bupivacaine 0.5%, immediately before induction of general anaesthesia. For both groups, 60 mg ketorolac and 1000 mg paracetamol were infused 30 minutes before the end of surgery. After wound closure, 20 mL bupivacaine 0.25% was infiltrated at wound edges.

Results:

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score was significantly lower in group I immediately, 30 minutes and 1 hour postoperatively. Time to first ambulation, return of intestinal sounds and hospital stay were shorter in group I than group II (p < 0.05); total morphine consumption was significantly lower in group I than group II (p < 0.05). Sedation score was significantly higher in group I immediately postoperatively, while at 30 minutes, 1, 2 and 6 hours postoperatively sedation scores were significantly higher in group II. Itching was significantly higher in group I.

Conclusion:

The addition of IT morphine to a multimodal analgesic regimen after laparoscopic bariatric surgery was an effective and safe method that markedly reduced postoperative pain, systemic opioid consumption and length of hospital stay.
Comparison of fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system and routine care with morphine intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in the management of early postoperative mobilisation: results from a randomised study
Authors: Langford Richard M , Chang Kuang-Yi , Ding Li , Abraham Jeffrey
Published: September 2016

Introduction:

Fentanyl iontophoretic transdermal system (ITS) (IONSYS®, The Medicines Company, Parsippany, NJ, USA) and morphine intravenous (IV) patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) have demonstrated equivalent pain control in several published studies. The primary objective of the current study was to compare fentanyl ITS with morphine IV PCA with regard to the patient’s ability to mobilise with acute postoperative pain.

Methods:

In this multicentre, open-label, randomised, active-controlled, prospective phase IV study, postoperative patients initially received IV morphine and were titrated to pain score ⩽ 4out of 10 on a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and then received fentanyl ITS (up to 240 µg (6 doses)/hour; up to a maximum of 3.2 mg (80 doses)/24 hours) or morphine IV PCA (doses up to 20 mg morphine/2 hours, up to 240 mg/24 hours). The primary efficacy measure was ability to mobilise, assessed using patient responses to three validated questions regarding mobility on a 6-point Likert scale (0 = no difficulty to mobilise to 5 = a very great deal of difficulty to mobilise). The study was originally planned to include ~200 patients. However, following the early suspension and termination of the study, a total of 108 patients were randomised to study treatment.

Results:

One hundred and eight patients were recruited prior to undergoing surgical procedures (orthopaedic surgical procedures (72%) or underwent major abdominal procedures (28%)). Postoperatively, 58 were randomised to receive fentanyl ITS, and 50 to morphine IV PCA. Fentanyl ITS patients had a greater ability to mobilise at the time of stopping study drug, with an adjusted mean ability to mobilise score (95% confidence interval (CI)) of 0.14 (−0.19, 0.47) for fentanyl ITS patients and 2.37 (1.98, 2.76) for morphine IV PCA patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Patients treated with fentanyl ITS reported that they were better able to mobilise than patients treated with morphine IV PCA, at all time-points following surgery out to 24 hours.
Examining the nature of defensively situated politics of difference, identity and essentialism in Ethiopia: A critical engagement
Authors: Hussein Jeylan Wolyie
Published: September 2016

The paper presents an analysis of and challenges to various dimensions of defensively situated essentialisms about nation, people and identities in Ethiopia, examining the political, social and ideological underpinnings of essentialist perceptions and assessing their limitations. The author’s central argument is that limitations in essentialist positions and perspectives held about the meaning of nation, state and ethnic identity can be improved if a more context-sensitive and critical approach is adopted. The paper concludes with suggestions on what can and should be done to prevent essentialism and other totalizing logics from extending into the matrix of intellectual analyses of identities.
Eosinophilia: a pragmatic approach to diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Klion Amy D.
Published: September 2016

Eosinophilia is associated with a wide variety of allergic, rheumatologic, infectious, neoplastic, and rare idiopathic disorders. Clinical manifestations range from benign asymptomatic presentations to life-threatening complications, including endomyocardial fibrosis and thromboembolism. The prognosis and choice of treatment depend not only on the degree of eosinophilia and severity of organ involvement, but also on the etiology of the eosinophilia. Unfortunately, despite recent advances in molecular and immunologic techniques, the etiology remains unproven in the overwhelming majority of cases. This review presents a practical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with unexplained marked eosinophilia. A brief overview of the mechanisms of eosinophilia and eosinophil pathogenesis is also provided.
Interactions Between Neurokinin B and Kisspeptin in Mediating Estrogen Feedback in Healthy Women
Authors: Skorupskaite Karolina , George Jyothis T. , Veldhuis Johannes D. , Millar Robert P. , Anderson Richard A.
Published: September 2016

Context:

Kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB) are obligate for normal gonadotropin secretion, but their hierarchy is unexplored in normal women.

Objective:

To investigate the interaction between kisspeptin and NKB on estrogen-regulated LH secretion.

Design:

Women were treated with neurokinin-3 receptor (NK3R) antagonist followed by transdermal estradiol to induce LH secretion 48 hours later, with kisspeptin-10 or vehicle infusion during estrogen administration in a 2-way crossover study.

Setting:

Clinical research facility.

Patients or other participants:

Healthy females with regular menses.

Intervention(s):

NK3R antagonist AZD4901 40 mg twice daily orally was taken from cycle day 4–6 for 6 days (n = 10, with 10 no treatment controls). Transdermal estradiol patches (200 μg/d) were applied after 5 days of NK3R antagonist treatment. At 24-hour estradiol treatment, women were randomized to 7-hour kisspeptin-10 (4 μg/kg/h) or vehicle iv infusion, with the alternate infusion in a subsequent cycle.

Main outcome measure(s):

Plasma gonadotropin and estradiol secretion.

Results:

After an initial suppression, LH secretion was increased 48 hours after estradiol treatment. Kisspeptin-10 increased LH secretion during the inhibitory phase, and LH remained elevated beyond the discontinuation of kisspeptin-10 infusion. NK3R antagonist decreased LH pulse frequency (0.5 ± 0.2 vs 0.7 ± 0.2 pulses/h, P < .05) and stimulated FSH response to kisspeptin-10 infusion (10.7 ± 11.0 vs 5.0 ± 3.6 IU/L, P < .05) with a nonsignificant rise in LH. The duration of LH response was blunted, with LH being lower at 48 hours (7.5 ± 4.8 vs 15.0 ± 11.4 IU/L, P < .05).

Conclusions:

These data demonstrate that NKB signaling regulates GnRH/LH secretion in normal women, and is predominantly proximal to kisspeptin in mediating estrogenic positive and negative feedback on LH secretion.
Strategies used by two apterous strains of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum for passive dispersal
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Xing-Xing , Zhu Jing-Yun , Zhang Zhan-Feng , Tian Hong-Gang , Liu Tong-Xian
Published: September 2016

Wingless forms of aphids are relatively sedentary, and have a limited ability to migrate or disperse. However, they can drop off hosts or walk away if disturbed, or their food quality or quantity become deteriorated. Earlier, we found that the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris, 1776), could use differed strategies to escape danger and locate new host plants. To determine the mechanisms behind the different strategies, we undertook a series of studies including the aphids' host location, energy reserves under starvation, glycogenesis, sugar assimilation, olfactory and probing behaviors. We found that in our controlled laboratory conditions, one strain (local laboratory strain) moved longer distances and dispersed wider ranges, and correspondingly these aphids assimilated more sugars, synthesized more glycogen, and moved faster than another strain (collected from Gansu Province, northwestern China). However, the latter strain could locate the host faster, probed leaves more frequently, and identified plant leaves more accurately than the former strain after they were starved. Our results explained how flightless or wingless insects adapt to fit biotic and abiotic challenges in the complex processes of natural selection.