bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Usability Analysis of Design Guideline Database in Human-Computer Interface Design
Authors: Ogawa Katsuhiko , Yonemura Shun-ichi
Published: July 2017

Human-computer interface design guidelines are useful for developing well designed interfaces but the designer must be able to access the guideline appropriate to the application. Research is conducted to understand how designers access design guideline databases and then methods are tested to improve the usability of the databases. A design guideline database of approximately 300 guidelines is developed using a hypermedia approach. The system employs a book metaphor interface to characters and graphics in a Japanese environment. The subjects of the usability analysis are software designers who did not have any background in human factors. They were provided with the representation of a bad interface design on a piece of paper, and were instructed to improve the design through the use of the guideline database. Two common strategies were identified by observing the designers' actions: a hypothesis strategy and a checklist strategy. These strategies were analyzed using the quantities and quality of improvements recommended. The optimum database usage checks interface violations by employing the browsing function of the database; sometimes key word searches are used.
The Intelligent Graphic Interface Project: Operator Interfaces for the Year 2000
Authors: Crawford John L.
Published: July 2017

Managing a complex computerized process such as a telecommunications network, an electric power system or a pulp and paper mill is an increasingly difficult task. Developing effective human-computer interfaces for the supervisory control centres of the future requires an interdisciplinary approach, applying research results from a range of academic disciplines to the real-life problems faced by industrial users of the technology. This is the approach of the Intelligent Graphic Interface (IGI) Research Project, a unique applied research project linking Canadian industry and academic communities. The goal of this five-year, $6.8 million project, which began in 1991, is to combine artificial intelligence research with advanced computer graphics technology and human factors engineering to produce an Intelligent Graphic Interface; essentially an “expert assistant” for operators in real-time supervisory control environments, dedicated to enhancing the interactions between people and these complex computerized systems.
Aircrew Coordination Training for all Crew Members: Enhancing the Capability of Full Mission Flight Simulators
Authors: Oser Randall L. , Franz Thomas M. , Zovko Jean
Published: July 2017

According to aviators and researchers, the optimal environment for aircrew coordination training (ACT) is in flight simulators (Prince, Oser, Salas, & Shrestha, 1992). However, most flight simulators are designed solely for cockpit personnel, and additional personnel in multi-crewed aircraft (e.g., crew chiefs, flight attendants) are typically excluded from this vital phase of training. This demonstration presents a PC-based Crew Chief Station specifically designed to enable the inclusion of military helicopter crew chiefs into simulator-based ACT scenarios.
Communications Technical Group Forum from Pots to Pixels
Authors: Marics Monica , Smith Mary R.
Published: July 2017

Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) is undergoing many changes. The phones themselves may no longer be “plain”; the service is no longer limited to just connecting two voices. This forum concentrates on the design, evaluation, and standardization of telephone-based interfaces. There are four central topics: (1) the current design issues with treating the telephone as an interface for users of many services; (2) the concerns of national and international standards bodies for phone-based interfaces; (3) the human factors issues surrounding the incorporation of speech synthesis and speech recognition into the telephone network; and (4) innovative design responses to current limitations. Overall is a trend from POTS to pixels.
Automated Corporate Cockpits: Some Observations
Authors: Wise John A. , Guide Patrick C. , Abbott David W.
Published: July 2017

Automated airline cockpit systems are very helpful at times, but they can induce errors and other problems when change is required by the operational demands. If this holds in the constrained airline operating environment, it would appear that corporate aviation — with its demand for extreme flexibility — would magnify these problems. This study is the first attempt to examine the pilot-automation interaction in the corporate aviation environment. Survey data from 430 corporate pilots and observations from over 60 actual corporate missions are discussed.
A Human Factors Guide for Aviation Maintenance
Authors: Parker James F.
Published: July 2017

Safety considerations require that air carrier maintenance be of the highest quality and essentially error-free. Economic considerations require that maintenance activities be as efficient as possible. Success in meeting both safety and economic goals depends on the performance of those working in the aviation maintenance community. A human factors guide can be of value in supporting and enhancing the performance of aviation maintenance personnel.

One end product of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) program on “Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance” is a guidebook presenting human factors information oriented specifically toward the air carrier maintenance workforce. The Human Factors Guide presents established principles of job design and work. Coverage is broad and includes a variety of topics considered important in determining maintenance effectiveness and in the control of maintenance error.

The preparation of the Human Factors Guide was done in a manner to ensure that needs of users were addressed. Size and format were selected in terms of user preferences. Information obtained through a series of FAA-sponsored human factors meetings plus that gained from a survey of maintenance personnel guided both the selection of topics and the presentation of materials.
Space Station Freedom Aural Toxic Alarm Development
Authors: Jensen Dean G.
Published: July 2017

To minimize training and enhance crew performance, Space Station Freedom will use the same auditory alarms that are in use for the Orbiter ( i.e. fire/smoke, rapid delta pressure, master, and systems management alarms). However, it has been determined that an additional toxic -atmosphere alarm is required for Space Station Freedom. The purpose of this study was to select an auditory toxic-atmosphere alarm for Space Station Freedom. Four final toxic alarm candidates were selected to be tested based upon expected performance indicated by previous research, compatibility with existing Orbiter alarms, and human hearing characteristics. The candidate toxic atmosphere and the Orbiter alarms were tested to determine how well they could be remembered and discriminated. All 100 subjects received the four Orbiter alarms. Each group of 25 of these subjects received one candidate toxic alarm. The results of the comparisons between the candidate toxic alarms indicated that the “Chirp” alarm ranked first for both response times and errors. The next evaluation looked at how the Orbiter alarms compared with the “Chirp” toxic alarm. The results indicated that “Chirp” toxic alarm had the lowest mean response time and the lowest mean errors when compared to the Orbiter alarms. These results indicate that the “Chirp” alarm most consistently ranked highest of the four candidate toxic alarms tested and that this alarm also elicited competitive performance, in terms of response times and correct identifications, when compared with the existing Orbiter alarms.
Field Investigations of Laser Eye Protection F-15E Aircraft Lighting Compatibility
Authors: Thomas Shari R. , Cartledge Robert M. , Graham Michael R. , Patterson James A. , Poe Don
Published: July 2017

The need to protect aircrews from ocular laser exposures increases as lasers proliferate in military systems. Many aircraft lighting incompatibilities are associated with the current Air Force daytime laser eye protection (LEP) visor. Weapons Systems Trainer (WST) and ground tests were conducted to determine the compatibility of three prototype LEP visors with F-15E aircraft lighting. In the WST, aircrews rated statements concerning the visibility and color appearance of the instruments with the LEP. For ground tests, F-15E instructors viewed lights inside and outside of the cockpit with the LEP before and after sorties and completed questionnaires about their visibility. The visibility of most of the F-15E instruments was not detrimentally affected by LEP use, but their color appearance was altered, which affected the utility of two head-down displays (HDDs). One LEP visor also affected exterior aircraft lighting visibility. The majority of the aircrews judged the LEP visors to be safe for F-15E flight operations.
Design and Evaluation of Helmet Systems Using 3D Data
Authors: Whitestone Jennifer J.
Published: July 2017

The new anthropometric design technologies utilize advanced surface scanning and software analysis capabilities which allow for high resolution surface data of individuals and their protective equipment. Anatomical landmarks are identified in every head scan and include coordinates of locations such as pupils, tragions (ears), and other relevant features. The subjects are then scanned with their protective equipment donned and common surface areas found in the two scans, usually on the front of the face, are used to register the two surface scans. For development of helmet mounted systems technology using existing helmet shells as platforms, a population of representative personnel can be scanned with and without the helmet to establish a database. This database, then, is used to derive feature envelopes such as ear locations or pupil ranges with respect to a helmet-based coordinate system. This coordinate system, and the subsequent features envelopes, can be duplicated by designers and used as a basis for building viewing devices or acoustic equipment.
Instructor Strategies in the Assessment of Aircrews: Heuristics in CRM Assessment and Their Operational Implications
Authors: McDougall William A. , Seamster Thomas L. , Edens Eleana S.
Published: July 2017

Established Crew Resource Management (CRM) research has concentrated on the analysis of actual crew behaviors and crew training. As CRM research and training matures, assessment issues take on increasing importance. Current research emphasis has broadened and shifted focus from crew training methodologies in recognition of the importance of the assessment process. The identification of the strategies that experienced instructors employ in efficient CRM assessment is essential to a better understanding of the assessment process. These learned strategies help experienced instructors focus on key crew behaviors in complex Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT). This present research was designed to identify these strategies employed by experienced instructors as part of a larger effort to develop a prototype CRM assessment expert system. Protocol analysis techniques were used to develop a set of assessment rules for the prototype expert system. The experienced instructor protocols were translated into a set of pseudo-code rules. The lower-level rules, derived from the experienced instructor protocols, were analyzed and abstracted into a set of general strategies. These are the strategies that the experienced instructor has learned to use to help focus on the key crew behaviors in the complex Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT) scenario environment where the instructor cannot observe all behaviors. These strategies have a number of implications for training new instructor/assessors, the standardization and calibration of LOFT assessors, and for achieving more systematic CRM assessments.
Preview and Practice: Effects on Scheduling Behavior in a Simulated Flight Task
Authors: Andre Anthony D. , Heers Susan T. , McCann Robert S. , Cashion Patricia A.
Published: July 2017

The present study examined pilot scheduling behavior in the context of simulated instrument flight. Over the course of the flight, pilots flew along specified routes while concurrently performing three different flight-related secondary tasks. Seven pilots flew the simulation with no preview of future workload conditions, while another seven received preview information in the form of both written instruction and practice. The results show evidence for both macro and micro scheduling strategies. Specifically, those pilots with preview of future workload demands adopted an efficient macro strategy of scheduling more of the difficult secondary tasks during the low workload phase of flight. Subjects in both groups engaged in micro scheduling strategies as a function of flight path workload and secondary task workload.
The Effect of Polarity on Object Recognition in Thermal Images
Authors: Brickner Michael S. , Zvuloni Amir
Published: July 2017

Thermal imaging (TI) systems, transform the distribution of relative temperatures in a scene into a visible TV image. TIs differ significantly from regular TV images. Most TI systems allow their operators to select preferred polarity which determines the way in which gray shades represent different temperatures. Polarity may be set to either black hot (BH) or white hot (WH). The present experiments were designed to investigate the effects of polarity on object recognition performance in TI and to compare object recognition performance of experts and novices.

In the first experiment, twenty flight candidates were asked to recognize target objects in 60 dynamic TI recordings taken from two different TI systems. The targets included a variety of human placed and natural objects. Each subject viewed half the targets in BH and the other half in WH polarity in a balanced experimental design. For 24 out of the 60 targets one direction of polarity produced better performance than the other. Although the direction of superior polarity (BH or WH better) was not consistent, the preferred representation of the target object was very consistent. For example, vegetation was more readily recognized when presented as dark objects on a brighter background. The results are discussed in terms of importance of surface determinants versus edge determinants in the recognition of TI objects.

In the second experiment, the performance of 10 expert TI users was found to be significantly more accurate but not much faster than the performance of 20 novice subjects.
Subjective Estimates of Velocity, Distance and Time: Implications in Helicopter Navigation
Authors: Sebald Colleen A. , Wickens Christopher D.
Published: July 2017

This study assessed the sorts of biases induced in a pilot's estimates of velocity, elapsed time, and distance traveled in a flight simulation environment. The validity of an “internal equation” relating the concepts of subjective distance, velocity, and time was assessed. Pilots flew a series of flight legs which varied in their distance, time and velocity, during which they were asked to make judgments of time passage (group 1), speed (group 2), and distance traveled (group 3). These judgments were made under both single and dual task conditions. There was little consistent effect of task loading on any of the subjective estimates, but variations in interval duration, speed, and distance effected the subjective estimates of these quantities in different ways. There was no evidence found for support of an internal equation.
Learning on the Line: Human Factor Issues in the Design and Acceptance of Networked Technology in Education
Authors: Omanson Richard C. , Freivalds Andris
Published: July 2017

Education is using technology in unprecedented ways. Rather than being used as stand-alone automated tutors, technology is being used to enable children to extend the learning environment beyond the classroom into the home, library, and the community at large. This symposium describes these educational trends and the human factors issues they raise.
Understanding Time-Compressed Speech: The Effects of Age and Native Language on the Perception of Audiotext and Menus
Authors: DeGroot Jenny , Schwab Eileen C.
Published: July 2017

Time compression increases the rate of speech without altering its pitch. The present study investigated time compression as a means of improving the efficiency of audiotext applications for a variety of user populations. Subjects from three age groups (20-30, 40-50, and 60-70 years old) and two native language groups (native and nonnative English speakers) interacted with a prototype of an Interactive Voice Response system. Four prototypes were constructed, each containing speech compressed at a different rate: 30%, 20%, 10%, and uncompressed. Each subject telephoned one of the prototypes to learn how to use Call Forwarding and to order another telephone service feature. Compression rate did not significantly interact with age or native language. Across compression rates, 60-year-olds spent significantly more time on the phone than did 20- and 40-year-olds. Moreover, 60-year-olds were significantly less successful at forwarding phone calls, and reported more difficulty and confusion, than other subjects. Nonnative English speakers spent significantly more time on the phone than did native English speakers. Despite this difference, nonnative speakers were just as successful at forwarding phone calls, and rated the system and the announcer just as favorably as did native speakers of English. There was no main effect of compression rate on call duration; faster speech did not result in significantly shorter phone calls.
Teaching an Introductory Course in Human Factors Engineering: A Successful Learning Experience
Authors: Sojourner Russell J. , Aretz Anthony J. , Vance Kristen M.
Published: July 2017

The ideal structure for an introductory human factors engineering course has received widespread interest. A common issue involves the need to supply students with hands-on experience in design and applications. Such experience was provided by a recently revised course at the United States Air Force Academy. Course objectives stressed critical thinking through collaborative and interactive learning. Material was taught at a general conceptual level, and in-class exercises were extensively incorporated. To facilitate hands-on learning and critical thinking, the course was structured around a series of design projects, performed both individually and in groups. To measure success, standardized student critique data were collected and compared with the previous year. Results showed strong student agreement in the belief that the course stimulated both human factors knowledge and thinking skills. In addition, there was a significant increase in overall student evaluations from the previous year. These findings appear to validate the use of hands-on collaborative learning to augment the teaching of human factors concepts and theory.
Forensics Practice: Headaches and Remedies – II
Authors: Hornick Richard J. , Way Thomas C. , Besco Robert O. , Jahns Dieter W. , Laughery Kenneth R. , Sanders Mark S.
Published: July 2017

Attorneys continue increasingly to use human factors practitioners to perform analyses and to testify as expert witnesses in product liability and personal injury cases. This panel session is a follow-up to that presented at the previous Annual Meeting in 1992. It focuses on the practical and ethical matters faced by the human factors professional providing services to the legal community. This panel is intended to explore different experiential perspectives regarding effective procedures for dealing with the unique demands of the litigation field.
Choosing to Sue: Who Does so and Why?
Authors: Jackson Patricia L. , Cohen H. Harvey
Published: July 2017

There are many theories for why Americans sue. This paper reviews the findings of dispute researchers over the past decade. Factors that have been studied include: income, ethnicity, class, education, and geographic region. Other researchers have looked at social and behavioral variables in determining whether to file a grievance. Results from experiments and surveys have been as varied as the studies themselves. A consistent note in the literature, however, is recommendation for further research and new methodologies. Previous studies have often provided interesting statistical data, but provide little information on “real life” litigants. To that end, two case study reviews were made and the results were examined and compared with 1990 U.S. Census data. The first review was of ninety-three general accident cases. The second was of two hundred slip/trip/misstep and fall accidents. Overall, our findings concurred with dispute researchers who believe demographic variables have little or no influence on claims. The most interesting findings were in the areas of age and gender: especially, in slip/trip/misstep and fall accidents. Focusing entirely on demographic variables in dispute research may not be the key to determining who does or does not sue. Ideas for future research should include examining the behavioral factors that influence an individual's decision to sue and the cultural, educational, social and gender influences that may affect that decision. Further research by our firm will examine the influence of lawyers' television commercials and courtroom programs on individuals' decisions to sue.
Connoted Strength of Signal Words by Elderly and Non-Native English Speakers
Authors: Silver N. Clayton , Gammella Dana S. , Barlow Amy S. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: July 2017

A number of recent studies have examined the connoted strength of signal words used in sign and product label warnings. These words, such as DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION, are intended to differentiate various levels of hazard (high to low, respectively). Until recently, most studies have only used college students to evaluate signal words. Other populations who are at least equal to or possess greater risk of injury have not been studied. The main purpose of the present research was to determine whether other populations of persons, namely the elderly and non-native English speakers, derive similar meanings (i.e., connoted levels of hazard) from the signal words as have been shown in previous work for college students, as well as, for a sample of grade-school children tested in Silver and Wogalter (1991). A sample of 98 elderly persons and 135 non-native English speakers rated 43 potential signal words on how careful they would be after seeing each term. The results showed that the rank ordering of the words was consistent across both groups and this order corresponded with the ratings from earlier-studied populations. Moreover, there was a significant negative linear relationship between the number of words the non-native English speakers left blank and ratings of understandability by college students in previous research. The forensic implications and practical relevance of these results for hazard communication to diverse populations are discussed.
The Preferences Scale: Multinational Assessment of a New Measure of Morningness
Authors: Smith Carlla S. , Folkard Simon , Schmieder Robert A. , Parra Luis F. , Spelten Evelien , Almirall Helena
Published: July 2017

Several self-report scales have been developed to measure morningness, or the preference for early morning or late evening activity (i.e., larks vs. owls). This individual difference in human circadian (time-of-day) rhythms has applications in the selection and placement of shiftworkers for night work in industry.

Researchers have recently questioned the suitability of existing scales for people with alternate sleep-wake schedules and lifestyles. These factors may also render existing scales inappropriate for use in some cultures. To address this deficiency, we developed a new morningness scale (the preferences scale) that is not yoked to specific times of the 24-hour day and has a simplified response format.

Data on the preferences scale were collected from university students (total N=1,212) in four countries (U.S., England, Holland, and Spain). Responses on external validity measures (self-rated alertness over the waking day and actual and preferred arise and bed times) and another morningness scale (for comparative purposes) were also collected. Although scale statistics (aggregate and by country) suggest that the psychometric properties of the preferences scale were adequate, scale mean differences existed across countries. These results may indicate cultural, as well as the established biological, differences in morningness. However, a more thorough psychometric assessment is needed to substantiate this possibility.
Diagnosis of Alcohol Intoxication: Effectiveness of Cognitive and Neurovestibular Field Sobriety Tests
Authors: Kennedy Robert S. , Turnage Janet J. , Dunlap William P.
Published: July 2017

Tests from an automated performance test battery of cognitive tests and the standardized field sobriety tests (FST) used nationwide by law enforcement officers were administered in three experiments involving graded dosages of alcohol. In the first experiment, subjects were raised to one of four levels of alcohol dosage in four different sessions. In the second experiment, the descending branch of the blood alcohol level (BAL) curve was monitored from .15 BAL, and cognitive and motor performances were assessed by the Automated Performance Test System (APTS) and FST. In the third experiment, the ascending and descending limbs of the alcohol dosage curve were followed. Dose-response relationships were conducted and were statistically significant (p < .001) in all three studies for all but one test when evaluated singly. Using either test battery, composite scores could be employed to index degraded performance from elevated blood alcohol levels. The best single test was gaze nystagmus from the FST battery and the next best was code substitution from the cognitive battery. Taken singly, the individual tests ranged from 66% to 81% in terms of correctly detecting the dichotomous criterion of < 0.10 versus 0.10 BAC and above. These results are discussed in the context of standards setting for driving under the influence (DUI) and the use of behavioral tests to evaluate over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
The Task Analysis Process for a New Reactor
Authors: Staples L.J
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the application of the methodologies of Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) and Tabular Task Analysis (TTA), incorporating Human Error Analysis during the detailed design phase of a new reactor. The MAPLE-X10 reactor, currently being developed by AECL Research, is a dedicated isotope production facility, scheduled for commissioning at Chalk River Laboratories, Ontario in 1994.

The task analysis process developed for MAPLE-X10 consists of the representation and analysis of task data. The aim is to ensure compatibility between the design of MAPLE-X10 and the characteristics and capabilities of the diverse users of the system. Compatibility will lead to enhanced safety, operability and maintainability. Each stage of the task analysis process is described and discussed, emphasizing the practical application of Hierarchical Task Analysis for task representation, and Tabular Task Analysis for detailed analysis of tasks during which human error may have safety or production related consequences.

The benefits of applying the methods of Hierarchical Task Analysis and Tabular Task Analysis to the MAPLE-X10 project are highlighted. These include clear representation of the organization of tasks and interactions between systems in the HTA, continuous feedback to design and operations personnel regarding identified mismatches between existing procedures and the design intent, and cost effectiveness. The multiple uses of the information elicited during the task analysis process are also discussed in this paper. These include design verification, the identification of training requirements and the development / verification of operating procedures. In addition the task analyses provide a framework for other assessments to be completed for the project, such as Human Reliability Analysis, Workload Assessment, Communications Analysis and Training Needs Analysis for Mature Operations.
The Role of the Computer in Team Problem-Solving: Critiquing or Partial Automation?
Authors: Guerlain Stephanie A. E. , Smith Philip J.
Published: July 2017

A testbed was developed for studying the effects of different computer system designs on human-computer team problem-solving, using the real-world task of antibody identification. The computer interface was designed so that practitioners could solve antibody identification cases using the computer as they normally would using paper and pencil. A rule-base was then encoded into the computer such that it had knowledge for applying a heuristic strategy that is often helpful for solving cases. With this testbed, studies have been run comparing different computer system designs. A critiquing system was found to be better than a partially automated system on cases where the computer's knowledge is incompetent.
Active Man Machine Interface for Advanced Rotorcraft
Authors: Weiland Monica Z. , Convery Brian A. , Zaklad Allen L. , Zachary Wayne W. , Fry Clarence A. , Voorhees James W.
Published: July 2017

The proliferation of digital avionic information presented to pilots has produced a critical need for intelligent avionic information management, particularly in the area of Caution, Warning, and Advisory (CWA) systems. This demonstration illustrates the role of an Active Man Machine Interface (AMMI) in the context of CWA systems in rotorcraft of the future. The basis of the AMMI's intelligence demonstrated here is provided by a cognitive model that 1) prunes the alert stream to only those messages that have meaning to the pilot depending on the tactical context, and 2) provide context-sensitive advice on the basis of the tactical context. The CWA AMMI is currently being designed using COGNET, an cognitive modelling methodology (Zachary, 1989), and implemented using BATON, a set of software tools used to implement and embed COGNET models into existing systems (Zachary et al, 1991).
The Development of an Interactive Multimedia Tour of Human Factors at Virginia Tech
Authors: Neale Wayne C. , Miller Robert H. , Miller Richard H.
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses some of the more important issues concerning the development of interactive multimedia systems. Specifically, the design of a multimedia tour or interactive presentation of human factors and ergonomics at Virginia Tech is demonstrated.
High Definition Systems Usability Test Tool (HUTT): A Human-Computer Interface Prototyping Tool
Authors: Heasly Christopher C. , Dutra Lisa A. , Kirkpatrick Mark , Seamster Thomas L. , Lyons Robert A.
Published: July 2017

The High Definition Systems Usability Test Tool (HUTT) was developed to demonstrate and assess different human-computer interface (HCI) concepts for generic operator console positions within an advanced naval tactical display environment. To facilitate a “rapid prototyping” approach to interface development, HUTT was developed as a general purpose tool. The HUTT can be used by the human factors engineer as a rapid prototyping tool enabling quick construction and evaluation of alternative interface concepts. Changes to the organization and operation of a prototype can be made quickly, ensuring that more time can be spent on evaluation as compared to development.

The demonstration will focus on the uses and operation of the HUTT. Demonstration participants will be shown how to develop, install and modify the OSF/Motif compliant graphics (pull-down menu structure and window contents) and the functionality of the HUTT to reflect changes in interface concepts.
PVAT - a Posture Video Analysis Tool
Authors: Merced-Moore Darlene , Adam Susan C.
Published: July 2017

The Posture Video Analysis Tool (PVAT) has been developed to meet the special needs of ergonomist and human factors analyst at NASA Johnson Space Center. Often times these specialist must attempt to evaluate microgravity working posture from video footage not specifically recorded for the purposes of quantitative analysis. The purpose for developing PVAT was to provide a structured methodology in which these specialists could optimize the data collection technique. The PVAT is designed such that microgravity postures can be documented while systematically observing footage of astronauts working in a space environment. PVAT is an interactive Macintosh menu and button driven SupercardTM prototype. Users are provided with a set of input parameters related to the microgravity environment and human performance issues. The primary inputs are: subject code, body orientation, targeted body part, camera view (given subject location), body movement, and rating level. A secondary set of inputs is available for users wishing to document extraneous behaviors or activities such as bending, reaching, interruptions, etc. These secondary behaviors may be documented as part of the primary inputs or independently. Each entry is time stamped and stored automatically. Provisions are made that allow users to pause, tag incorrect selections, enter an “unsure” response and user comments. Data output is saved as a “text file” using tab delimiters for easy importation into programs such as Micrsoft EXCELTM. Future PVAT modifications will include adding more input parameters, data reduction capabilities, control of the video deck from the application, and an animated postural glossary.
Strategies and Automaticity: Implications for Part-Task Training
Authors: Strayer David L. , Kramer Arthur F.
Published: July 2017

This research examined the role of strategic and automatic processing in the acquisition of cognitive skill. These factors were dissociated by manipulating the predictability of Consistently Mapped (CM) and Variably Mapped (VM) stimuli in a memory search task. In blocked CM and VM conditions, subjects could choose different strategies for each condition. However, in mixed CM and VM conditions, the subjects had no basis for choosing differential strategies. Subjects who received mixed training exhibited less skilled performance than subjects who received blocked training. Moreover, transfer conditions revealed what appears to be a critical interval for learning to use differential strategies. The implications for part-task training are discussed.
Training for Decision Making in Aircraft Inspection
Authors: Gramopadhye Anand K. , Drury Colin G. , Sharit Joseph
Published: July 2017

Research on civil aircraft inspection and maintenance has shown the potential for employing human factor interventions in improving performance. A series of training experiments was developed to understand the effects of different training interventions in the visual inspection domain. This paper reports on preliminary results obtained in applying a combined active and progressive part training scheme in improving the decision making performance for a visual inspection task. The task was a computer simulated airframe visual inspection task.
An Approach to Identifying Meaningful Action Patterns in Student-Tutor Interactions
Authors: Rowe Anna L. , Cooke Nancy J.
Published: July 2017

Part of the success of computerized intelligent tutoring systems will be associated with their ability to assess and diagnose students' knowledge in order to direct pedagogical interventions. What is needed is a methodology for identifying general relationships between on-line action patterns and patterns of knowledge derived off-line. Such a methodology would allow an assessment and diagnosis of knowledge, based only on student actions. The focus of this initial research is the development of a means of identifying meaningful action patterns in student-tutor interactions. Actions executed by subjects on a set of verbal troubleshooting tests (Nichols et al., 1989) were summarized using the Pathfinder network scaling procedure (Schvaneveldt, 1990). The results obtained from this work indicate that meaningful patterns of actions can be identified using the Pathfinder procedure. The network patterns are meaningful in the sense that they can differentiate high and low performers as defined by a previous scoring method. In addition, the networks reveal differences between high and low performers suggestive of targets for intervention.
Prescribing in the elderly
Authors: Webber Lucy
Published: July 2017

Prescribing in the elderly is a unique challenge faced by every GP. As the ageing population grows, more patients are presenting to GPs with an array of co-morbidities. The cumulative effect of this growth in morbidity is an increase in the prescribing of multiple medications. Although the use of appropriate medication can improve functional ability, slow disease progression and improve symptoms; medication can also cause adverse outcomes. Older patients are at particularly high risk of adverse outcomes, necessitating a rational and systematic approach to prescribing in the elderly. This article focuses on the challenges and pitfalls of prescribing in the elderly, and the ways in which GPs and the wider primary healthcare team can improve their practices for this group of patients.
The Mechanism and Effect of Dupuytren's Contracture
Authors: Cooper Anita
Published: July 2017

There is a plethora of literature about Dupuytren's contracture covering a range of subjects from tissue studies and predisposing factors through to the range of surgical techniques for its management. The scope of this paper will be limited to the condition and disease progression pre-operatively and how this affects the individual, with discussion of surgical management of the condition focusing on partial fasciectomy and the ‘open palm’ technique.
A Study of the Effect of Night Extension SpLintage on Post Fasciectomy Dupuytren's Patients
Authors: Glassey Nicole
Published: July 2017

This retrospective study examined the effect of night extension splinting on finger joint range of motion, pain, grip strength and hand function in post-fasciectomy Dupuytren's patients. In a group of 31 subjects, divided into those that had worn a night extension splint for the first three months of their rehabilitation and those that had never worn a night extension splint, assessment outcomes were collected retrospectively from the records at the subject's first assessment and at three months postoperatively. Statistical analysis between the two groups demonstrated that night extension splinting at three months post-fasciectomy for these subjects did not aid the maintenance of finger joint extension and reduced the rate of hand function resumption. However, night splintage did not cause a reduction in finger joint flexion. Night extension splinting for these subjects did not affect the recovery of hand grip strength nor did it affect the resolution of pain.

Routine use of night extension splintage did not achieve the aim of maintaining finger joint range of extension in these subjects. However, it would be inappropriate to apply these findings to the general population of Dupuytren's patients or alter any treatment regimes on the basis of these results due to the limitations of the study and the small sample size. It is suggested that more individual treatment programmes are appropriate rather than the routine regimes. A further prospective randomised controlled study with a larger sample size would be necessary to re-evaluate these findings.
An Exploration of the Developing Role of Hand Therapists as Extended Scope Practitioners
Authors: Ellis Bridget , Kersten Paula
Published: July 2017

Extended scope practitioners (ESPs) are specialist occupational therapists and physiotherapists working beyond their recognised scope of practice.

The aims of this study were to identify the number, training and scope of practice of hand therapists working as ESPs. Thirty-five ESPs were identified and sent a questionnaire examining aspects of their practice. Thirty-two ESPs (91%) replied.

The findings show that the ESPs worked in four models of practice: own clinic environment, rheumatology, preoperative and post-operative clinics. Their activities included making diagnoses, injections, joint aspirations and wound care. ESPs referred patients for surgery, investigative procedures and therapy. Training was largely experiential and there were unmet training needs. It can be concluded from this study that ESPs are undertaking aspects of care that traditionally have been undertaken by doctors and nurses. The development of ESPs has training implications.
A Survey on the Use of Sensibility Tests by Therapists Hand Therapists in the UK
Authors: Jerosch-Herold Christina
Published: July 2017

The assessment of sensibility of the hand, a practice often undertaken by hand therapists, is an important aspect of the long-term follow-up of patients with peripheral nerve injuries. Such assessments provide feedback to the patient and referring surgeon, and a basis for clinical decision-making, clinical audit and research. The purpose of this survey was to investigate the choice of tests and methods of application and interpretation of specific sensibility tests among hand therapists and to compare these findings with recommendations from published research. A postal questionnaire was designed to collect descriptive data on the sensibility assessment practices of hand therapists in the UK. A total of 432 questionnaires were posted to members of the British Association of Hand Therapists. The response rate was 52.1%. Assessments of sensibility are undertaken by 70.7% of respondents. Reasons for the choice of tests, their frequency of use and specific method of application and interpretation of sensibility tests were collated. The findings indicate that pragmatic reasons such as the availability of equipment, time and sufficient patients governed the choice of tests among a large proportion of hand therapists, rather than any research evidence. The need for more accessible and evidence-based guidelines, training and practice in the use of tests and better resources were identified.
Outcome of Thumb Replantation following Traumatic Amputation: A Review of Three Cases
Authors: Burr N , Pratt Al , Bulstrode N , Sanders R
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the functional outcome in three patients who sustained a traumatic level-three thumb amputation and replantation during a six-week period and evaluates their functional outcome. It also discusses the current literature on this subject and suitable methods for assessing and reporting the outcomes of these injuries. Assessment was carried out at a mean of 40 weeks post operation (range 36-47) by the same independent therapist. Mean active interphalangeal joint flexion was 47° (range 30-75°) and metacarpophalangeal joint 42° (range 35-50°). Grip strength was a mean of 89 lbs (range 79-101 lbs) and pinch grip was a mean of 12.5 lbs (range 9-18 lbs). On sensory assessment two of the participants had a good return of sensibility with 5-7mm of two-point discrimination and at least diminished protective sensation. Overall satisfaction, sensibility and functional use of the thumb did not appear to be related to age but rather due to the demands placed on their replanted thumb for occupation and hand dominance.
Sensory Re-education Today and Tomorrow: A Review of Evolving Concepts
Authors: Rosén Birgitta , Balkeniu Christian , Lundborg Göran
Published: July 2017

Following surgical repair of major nerve trunks there is a rapid functional reorganisation in the brain, characterised by a changed cortical mapping of the hand secondary to incorrect reinnervation of peripheral targets. Sensory re-educational programmes are used in the rehabilitation phase to facilitate and positively influence the re-learning process, which is required to make possible an adaptation to the new synaptic organisation and to improve the recovery of functional sensibility - tactile gnosis. However, the outcome is often disappointing, especially in adults. The design of sensory re-education programmes has not changed for several decades. The purpose of this paper is to review evolving concepts in neuroscience and cognitive science, present a rationale for a modified approach to classic sensory re-education, and suggest new strategies for enhanced sensory re-learning following nerve repair.
Hand Rehabilitation in Sweden: an Occupational Analysis with the Focus on Specialisation and Educational Objectives
Authors: Carlsson Ingela
Published: July 2017

The aim of the present study was to describe professional activities and analyse occupational therapists’ (OTs) and physiotherapists’ (PTs) practice. Members of the Swedish Society for Hand Rehabilitation participated (84 OTs and 26 PTs). A self-report questionnaire was used. It included questions of a demographic nature and questions concerning methods for assessment and intervention. The response rate was 85%. Professional activities specific to OTs and/or PTs were identified as well as core activities evaluated as very important. A large proportion of respondents supported a formal certification process, emphasising specific professional development, as well as joint specialised education organised at master's level where OTs and PTs shared professional knowledge. The data from this occupational analysis has served as a basis for educational objectives for PTs and OTs working in the field of hand rehabilitation.
A Survey of Current Hand Assessment Practice in the UK
Authors: Büher Catherine , Hume Kenneth I
Published: July 2017

A range of physical assessment strategies is available to hand therapists although approaches to their use may be variable. Inconsistent use of standardised assessments may compromise the information available to therapists to provide an evidence base for, and inform, practice. Potential research opportunities may also be lost as comparative studies are difficult in such circumstances. This study aimed to review hand therapy assessment practices in the UK. Following a pilot study, a survey of the membership of BAHT (n=493) was undertaken using a self-completed postal questionnaire and a 50.5% response rate (n=249) was secured. Findings suggest that UK hand therapists are using assessment tools of variable accuracy in an environment of limited resources. Therapist time invested in physical measurement may be providing a poor return in terms of the quality of information generated. The need for accurate and easy-to-use measurement tools is evident as is the desire for patient-centred outcome measures. User-friendly and inexpensive measurement tools might facilitate hand therapy research, minimise the potential for researcher bias and enhance the evidence base for hand therapy. Subsequent work has begun to explore assessment tools that may evaluate patient outcome more effectively.
Hand Therapist Carpal Tunnel Clinic
Authors: Warwick David , Belward Peter
Published: July 2017

We report our experience with a carpal tunnel clinic run by a Hand Therapist, including the reasons why it was set up, the process by which it is run and the effect on our practice. 780 patients were allocated, on the basis of the general practitioner referral letter, to see a hand therapist rather than a consultant. This allowed time for detailed assessment and relieved 643 consultant clinic slots for other patients.