bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using the Work of Felix Guattari to Understand Space, Place, Social Justice, and Education
Authors: Walkerdine Valerie
Published: October 2013

This article considers the work of the radical psychoanalyst Felix Guattari in relation to the study of and intervention into space, place, education, and social justice. By understanding the ways in which Guattari’s work understands space and place as central to existence, the article explores his schizoanalytic cartographies to think about the mapping of possibilities for movement, change, and transformation. As well as setting out a reading of this work, the article discusses what might be the implications for researching class transitions and for working within education to marshal the powers of the imagination and the inhabiting of new spaces and places.
Insights about health-related quality of life in cancer patients indicate demands for better pharmaceutical care
Authors: Ibrahim Nagwa A , Björnsdottir Ingunn , Al Alwan Ashraf S , Honore Per Hartvig
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To highlight the health-related quality of life scale scores for Saudi patients with different types of cancer, to get understanding and foundation for improvements. To suggest suitable plans for quality of life improvement based on study outcome. The role of oncology pharmacy will be stressed.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a tertiary regional hospital using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire. Attendees were patients diagnosed with any type of cancer and eligible for active anticancer treatment and/or palliative care.

Results

Quality of life was evaluated for 87 participants. Most of patients were aged between 51 and 60 years; and 50% had active treatment with chemotherapy. Patients seemed to perform well with respect to average scores in both the symptoms and the functional health status scales. The mean score for the global quality of life scale was 47.2 ± 27.1, while the range of mean scores for the five function subscales was 59.0 ± 27.1 to 81.6 ± 13.8, indicating average level of general wellbeing with above average to high level of functional health status, while >50% of the patients met the operational criterion having less severe symptoms. Outpatients generally had somewhat higher scores as compared to hospitalized patients.

Conclusion

The general quality of life seemed satisfactory, but there is still need to improve care. Based on results from other studies, oncology pharmacists’ roles are essential to improve quality of life through treatment counseling, follow-up on drug support therapy, stress on patient’s education through specific programs, review and update the local guidelines, and conduct more research.
Multilevel Dynamic Systems Affecting Introduction of HIV/STI Prevention Innovations Among Chinese Women in Sex Work Establishments
Authors: Weeks Margaret R. , Li Jianghong , Liao Susu , Zhang Qingning , Dunn Jennifer , Wang Yanhong , Jiang Jingmei
Published: October 2013

Social and public health scientists are increasingly interested in applying system dynamics theory to improve understanding and to harness the forces of change within complex, multilevel systems that affect community intervention implementation, effects, and sustainability. Building a system dynamics model based on ethnographic case study has the advantage of using empirically documented contextual factors and processes of change in a real-world and real-time setting that can then be tested in the same and other settings. System dynamics modeling offers great promise for addressing persistent problems like HIV and other sexually transmitted epidemics, particularly in complex rapidly developing countries such as China. We generated a system dynamics model of a multilevel intervention we conducted to promote female condoms for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention among Chinese women in sex work establishments. The model reflects factors and forces affecting the study’s intervention, implementation, and effects. To build this conceptual model, we drew on our experiences and findings from this intensive, longitudinal mixed-ethnographic and quantitative four-town comparative case study (2007-2012) of the sex work establishments, the intervention conducted in them, and factors likely to explain variation in process and outcomes in the four towns. Multiple feedback loops in the sex work establishments, women’s social networks, and the health organization responsible for implementing HIV/STI interventions in each town and at the town level directly or indirectly influenced the female condom intervention. We present the conceptual system dynamics model and discuss how further testing in this and other settings can inform future community interventions to reduce HIV and STIs.
Interorganizational Relationships in the Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Spark Together for Healthy Kids™
Authors: Yessis Jennifer , Riley Barbara , Stockton Lisa , Brodovsky Sharon , Von Sychowski Shirley
Published: October 2013

The Heart and Stroke Foundation’s Spark Together for Healthy Kids™ (Spark) is a multiyear initiative in Ontario, Canada, that takes a population approach to obesity prevention. It focuses on creating healthy environments by improving access to healthy foods and physical activity, with an emphasis on strengthening the advocacy capacity of organizations and citizens. Consistent with the complexity of the intervention, the evaluation of Spark applied systems concepts and methods to test the utility of network analysis as a method for evaluation, and to inform collaborations of organizations involved in programs and advocacy. Relationships among organizations from different sectors and jurisdictional levels with a focus on school community environments were of particular interest. Interorganizational network analysis was used to understand these relationships, including the role of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Findings revealed a niche brokering role for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and other provincial and national organizations, and the importance of these brokers for engaging local and regional organizations. Findings also reinforced the importance of a mixed methods approach to network analysis, and the potential value of the analysis for scientific and practical purposes.
Social Networks and Smoking
Authors: Schaefer David R. , adams jimi , Haas Steven A.
Published: October 2013

Adolescent smoking and friendship networks are related in many ways that can amplify smoking prevalence. Understanding and developing interventions within such a complex system requires new analytic approaches. We draw on recent advances in dynamic network modeling to develop a technique that explores the implications of various intervention strategies targeted toward micro-level processes. Our approach begins by estimating a stochastic actor-based model using data from one school in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The model provides estimates of several factors predicting friendship ties and smoking behavior. We then use estimated model parameters to simulate the coevolution of friendship and smoking behavior under potential intervention scenarios. Namely, we manipulate the strength of peer influence on smoking and the popularity of smokers relative to nonsmokers. We measure how these manipulations affect smoking prevalence, smoking initiation, and smoking cessation. Results indicate that both peer influence and smoking-based popularity affect smoking behavior and that their joint effects are nonlinear. This study demonstrates how a simulation-based approach can be used to explore alternative scenarios that may be achievable through intervention efforts and offers new hypotheses about the association between friendship and smoking.
Systems Science
Authors: Mabry Patricia L. , Kaplan Robert M.
Published: October 2013

This supplement of Health Education & Behavior showcases the current state of the field of systems science applications in health promotion and public health. Behind this work lies a steady stream of public dollars at the federal level. This perspective details nearly a decade of investment by the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. These investments have included funding opportunity announcements, training programs, developing resources for researchers, cross-disciplinary fertilization, and publication. While much progress has been made, continuing investment is needed in the future to ensure the viability and sustainability of this young but increasingly important field.
Information Processing Versus Social Cognitive Mediators of Weight Loss in a Podcast-Delivered Health Intervention
Authors: Ko Linda K. , Turner-McGrievy Gabrielle M. , Campbell Marci K.
Published: October 2013

Podcasting is an emerging technology, and previous interventions have shown promising results using theory-based podcast for weight loss among overweight and obese individuals. This study investigated whether constructs of social cognitive theory and information processing theories (IPTs) mediate the effect of a podcast intervention on weight loss among overweight individuals. Data are from Pounds off Digitally, a study testing the efficacy of two weight loss podcast interventions (control podcast and theory-based podcast). Path models were constructed ( n = 66). The IPTs, elaboration likelihood model, information control theory, and cognitive load theory mediated the effect of a theory-based podcast on weight loss. The intervention was significantly associated with all IPTs. Information control theory and cognitive load theory were related to elaboration, and elaboration was associated with weight loss. Social cognitive theory constructs did not mediate weight loss. Future podcast interventions grounded in theory may be effective in promoting weight loss.
Stakeholders’ views of enclave tourism
Authors: Nunkoo Robin , Ramkissoon Haywantee
Published: October 2013

Using a grounded theory approach, this study investigates stakeholders’ views of enclave tourism in the island of Mauritius. In-depth interviews with tourism stakeholders were conducted and data were analyzed using the principles of grounded theory. Seven subthemes emerged from the analysis and these were categorized into two main themes: enclave tourism as an agent of empowerment/improvement and enclave tourism as a force of sociocultural destruction/denial of freedom. The themes suggest that stakeholders’ views are nuanced and often contradictory. In line with the principles of grounded theory, a conceptual framework explaining stakeholders’ views of enclave tourism is developed. The findings are discussed with existing literature and similarities and contradictions are noted. Unlike what is usually claimed by researchers and scholars, enclave tourism development results in some environmental and socioeconomic benefits, particularly with respect to sustainable hotel operations, empowerment of local community and women, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Taking the extra out of the extraordinary: Paparazzi photography as an online celebrity news genre
Authors: Mortensen Mette , Jerslev Anne
Published: October 2013

Paparazzi photography presently constitutes the largest genre of visual celebrity news on the internet along with red carpet photography. With the emergence of digital media, this genre has moved towards the centre of mainstream news and entertainment culture, and the content has undergone a significant transformation. Trademark paparazzi photographs used to be depictions of celebrities deviating from prevailing norms of proper conduct by exhibiting bodily excess and/or transgressing social or moral codes. By contrast, a content analysis conducted for this article shows that snapshots of famous people engaged in insignificant everyday activities hold by far the largest share of today’s insatiable digital, globalized and commercialized market for news pictures of celebrities off-duty. Re-examining the well-known theorization of the tension between the ordinary and extraordinary in celebrity culture studies, this article thus investigates the following research question: How is the ordinary represented in paparazzi photographs as a genre of visual celebrity news in the current, digital media landscape?
Seoul’s Digital Media City: A history and 2012 status report on a South Korean digital arts and entertainment ICT cluster
Authors: Cohen Deborah Elizabeth
Published: October 2013

This article provides a history and status report of the development of the nearly completed Digital Media City (DMC), a South Korean entertainment and digital contents ICT (information and communication technology) cluster planned with considerable western input at the turn of the 21st century. Using an ethnographic mixed method methodology, this research analyzed the gap between DMC as originally envisioned and the results to date, investigating the user communication practices that DMC supports and constrains. The study found that while the technological infrastructure at DMC makes it possible for residents to engage in new activities as well as different ways of doing standard activities, the original vision of DMC as a Global Creative Cluster was a result of temporary IMF-mandated liberalization. Because of the return to traditional South Korean cultural values and economic nationalism, the ICT has not been implemented as planned.
Useful but no Oracle: reflections on the use of a Delphi Group in a multi-methods policy research study
Authors: Bloor Michael , Sampson Helen , Baker Susan , Dahlgren Katrin
Published: October 2013

Delphi Groups are an increasingly popular method, not least because electronic communications have made it easier to assemble a ‘virtual’ expert panel, but there have been a number of review articles which have pointed to a lack of rigour. Using an extended case study of a Delphi Group designed to establish agreed policy recommendations and deriving from a project using observational and semi-structured interview methods, this article examines the value of Delphi Groups as part of a mixed method research design. The article includes a narrative of the sequence of events in the Delphi Group’s deliberations, a detailed examination of how the group process led to the modification of one draft policy recommendation, a further examination of a contested additional policy recommendation, and a list of pragmatic recommendations on the conduct of Delphi Groups in respect of size, composition, recruitment, contestation, timing, closure and scope.
Imagining coastal change: reflections on making a film
Authors: Daniels Stephen , Veale Lucy
Published: October 2013

Geography has a long, if episodic, relationship with film and film-making. In this essay we reflect on the process of making the short film Imagining Change: Coastal Conversations during the first three months of 2012. We discuss some issues arising from the making of the film as a medium and method for showing, and showcasing different forms of arts and humanities practice – narrating, performing, picturing – in relation to environmental change.
The Role of HRD in CSR, Sustainability, and Ethics
Authors: Ardichvili Alexandre
Published: October 2013

This article proposes a theoretical model linking human resource development (HRD), corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate sustainability (CS), and business ethics. The model development was informed by Pierre Bourdieu’s relational theory of power and practice, and by Norbert Elias’ and Michel Foucault’s theories of power and knowledge. The model suggests that CSR, CS, and ethics are parts of the same organizational subsystem, shaped by a complex interaction between human capital, individual moral development, habitus (mindsets, dispositions), organizational practices and culture, and external situational factors. The generative mechanism, or motor, driving the development and change of organizational culture, consists of power relationships that are shaped by specific figurations of various types of human capital (social, cultural, economic, and symbolic). HRD can influence this system by engaging in culture change efforts, ethics and CS-/CSR-related education and training on all levels of the organization, and raising awareness of issues of power.
A Conceptual Model of Organizations as Learning-Performance Systems
Authors: Alagaraja Meera
Published: October 2013

This article identifies factors that influence Lean implementation that has as its outcome a conceptual model based on an integrative review of literature. The conceptual model uncovers the complexity of Lean implementation. Further, the model highlights the importance of recognizing human resource development (HRD) related issues and challenges for managing change during Lean implementation. The conceptual model enhances our understanding and interpretation of the dynamic aspects that learning and performance bring to the organization. The model is an important starting point for developing a better general understanding of organizations as learning-performance systems. The discussion addresses how learning and performance may be integrated in future Lean implementation efforts by leveraging the intersection of HRD and Lean. The article concludes with implications of the model for HRD theory, research, and practice.
The Effects of Predictive Displays on Performance in Driving Tasks with Multi-Second Latency
Authors: Matheson Adrian , Donmez Birsen , Rehmatullah Faizan , Jasiobedzki Piotr , Ng Ho-Kong , Panwar Vivek , Li Mufan
Published: October 2013

Tele-operation of a Lunar rover from a control station on Earth involves a latency of several seconds due primarily to the finite speed (light-speed) of command and sensor signals, and this latency creates a difficult control task for the human operator. Two predictive displays, which seek to aid viewer perception of present events, were designed and evaluated for the specific task of driving a rover with multi-second latency. These displays provided visual information to the human operator on the rover’s real-time locomotion, as predicted from control inputs executed by the operator. A human-subject experiment with 12 participants was conducted in which the participants navigated an actual rover through obstacle courses. There were four experimental conditions repeated by each participant: (1) delayed video feed only, (2, 3) two predictive displays based on delayed video feed, and (4) a reference condition of video feed with no delay. Inferential statistics show that both predictive displays significantly improved performance in terms of time taken to complete the courses, and one of the displays facilitated performance approaching that with no delay. No trends were observed in terms of collisions with or encroachments near obstacles.
Unmanned Aircraft System Response to Air Traffic Control Clearances
Authors: Shively Robert J. , Vu Kim-Phuong L. , Buker Timothy J.
Published: October 2013

In the National Airspace System (NAS), Air Traffic Control (ATC) expects aircraft to complete ATC clearances in a timely manner in order to maintain minimum separation between aircraft. The end-to-end response time for an aircraft to complete a clearance, as measured from the end of ATC instructing the pilot of the clearance to the just noticeable difference (JND) on the ATC display of the aircraft satisfying the clearance (i.e., initiation/completion of an altitude climb), can be referred to as measured response (MR). This MR is not quantified in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, regulations, or policy; however, as manned aircraft have developed along with the Air Traffic Management System, a shared understanding of reasonable and timely response has evolved. By contrast, the introduction of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the NAS has highlighted this issue. This paper seeks to define MR and its components, and describe a methodology, with an example, that can be used to investigate it.
Effects of Type and Strength of Force Feedback on Movement Time in a Target Selection Task
Authors: Rorie R. Conrad , Vu Kim-Phuong L. , Marayong Panadda , Robles Jose , Strybel Thomas Z. , Battiste Vernol
Published: October 2013

Future cockpits will likely include new onboard technologies, such as cockpit displays of traffic information, to help support future flight deck roles and responsibilities. These new technologies may benefit from multimodal feedback to aid pilot information processing. The current study investigated the effects of multiple levels of force feedback on operator performance in an aviation task. Participants were presented with two different types of force feedback (gravitational and spring force feedback) for a discrete targeting task, with multiple levels of gain examined for each force feedback type. Approach time and time in target were recorded. Results suggested that the two highest levels of gravitational force significantly reduced approach times relative to the lowest level of gravitational force. Spring force level only affected time in target.
Shift Turnover Strategy and Time in Aviation Maintenance
Authors: Warren William R. , Blickensderfer Beth , Cruit Jessica , Boquet Albert
Published: October 2013

Ineffective shift turnover strategies are a contributing factor in aviation accidents and incidents that involve shared maintenance tasks between shifts. Furthermore, a constant demand for available aircraft places time pressure on technicians to complete these tasks. This study examined the effect of shift turnover strategy and time pressure on error capture, accuracy, and completion time of a shared maintenance task between two maintenance shift technicians. Forty aviation maintenance students completed a maintenance task while subjected to conditions of shift turnover strategy and time pressure. The researchers measured three levels of performance; i.e., skill-based errors, trigger event errors, and task completion time. Results indicate that the face-to-face shift turnover strategy was significantly more effective in preventing trigger event errors than the written strategy. Additionally, technicians under time pressure completed the task significantly faster than technicians without time pressure. Results support the need of face-toface shift turnovers within aviation maintenance procedures.
Evaluation of a Technique to Simplify Depictions of Visually Complex Aeronautical Procedures for NextGen
Authors: Chandra Divya C. , Grayhem Rebecca
Published: October 2013

Performance based navigation supports the design of more precise flight procedures. However, these new procedures can be visually complex, which may impact the usability of charts that depict the procedures. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether there are performance benefits from simplifying aeronautical charts that depict visually complex flight procedures by separating the procedures onto different chart images. Forty-seven professional pilots participated. They used high-fidelity current and modified charts to find specific information from approach and Standard Instrument Departure (SID) chart images that were shown one at a time on a computer monitor. Response time and accuracy were recorded. Results show a consistent and significant reduction in the time to find information from the simplified chart images. Response time varied linearly with a simple clutter metric, the sum of visual elements in the depiction, indicating serial visual search. Most questions were answered with high accuracy, but some questions about altitude constraints yielded low accuracies.
The Insertion of Human Factors Concerns into Nextgen Programmatic Decisions
Authors: Beard Bettina L. , Seely Rachel , Holbrook Jon , Galeon Margaret
Published: October 2013

Since the costs of proposed improvements in air traffic management exceed available funding, FAA decision makers must select and prioritize what actually gets implemented. We discuss a set of methods to support cost-benefit assessments of operational and human performance before new automation is introduced. This strategy should assist decision makers in selecting and prioritizing potential improvements, make the process more transparent, and strengthen the link between the engineering and human factors domains.
Product Physical Interface Design Characteristics for Older Adults with Hand Use Limitations
Authors: Yen Wei-Ting , Sommerich Carolyn , Lavender Steven , Flinn Sharon , Sanders Elizabeth
Published: October 2013

This study is part of a larger research project addressing the problem of physical interface design for older populations with hand use limitations. Taking jar lids as the example of a product interface design problem provided a focus for the study; the research goal is to systematically evaluate jar lid design ideas that were collected from the prior phase of the study, by means of controlled laboratory testing. Eighteen older females with hand problems participated in the study. A subjective evaluation process was applied to quantitatively examine how different lid design characteristics affected each user’s perception of effort and discomfort. The main effect of each lid design characteristic and the interactions between them were explored. The result showed that the medium lid designs (42 mm in diameter) that were perceived as the best were the ones with a tall height, a hexagonal top shape, and a convex side shape; the best small lids (28 mm in diameter) were the designs with a tall height and a hexagonal top shape. There was no significant difference in perceived ratings between the texture conditions.
Cognitive Engineering Across Domains
Authors: Roth Emilie , Kilgore Ryan , Burns Catherine , Wears Robert , Lee John D. , Jamieson Greg , Bisantz Ann
Published: October 2013

A strength of the field of cognitive engineering and decision-making lies in its wide applicability across the complex socio-technical systems, which are ubiquitous in modern society. Methods and theoretical advances in CEDM have been both developed through, and adapted across, domains as diverse as nuclear power, health systems, and aviation. While all of these domains clearly differ in terms of their surface characteristics, cognitive engineers are able to make fundamental connections across domains. These connections are supported by the types of methodological tools deployed within CEDM and allow problem solutions to be extended and adapted across domains. This panel brings together researchers and practitioners who have worked in a wide variety of domains to discuss a variety of design and methodological challenges they have and are facing. The panel will focus on synthesizing these challenges across domains – both across the panellists, and members of the audience, with the goal of providing both guidance and direction for future research.
The Effects of Affect and Inspection Duration on Decision Time and Confidence
Authors: Culley Kimberly E. , Liechty Molly M. , Madhavan Poornima
Published: October 2013

A variety of factors modify decision making behavior. The current study examines how affective state and inspection duration impact decision time and decision confidence in a simulated luggage screening paradigm. Participants ( N=200), from each of three “affect” groups—primed for anger, fear, or sadness— and a control group were tasked with detecting weapon targets with inspection durations of either two seconds (high time pressured inspection) or six seconds (low time pressured inspection). Results revealed a main effect for inspection duration on decision time, such that participants with more highly time-pressured inspections had longer decision latencies after the luggage image timed out. There were also main effects for inspection duration and affective condition on decision confidence, such that participants in the low time pressure group had greater decision confidence and participants in the fear group had lower decision confidence than those in the control group.
Methodologies for Assessing Situation Awareness of Unmanned System Operators
Authors: McDermott Patricia L. , Fisher Alia
Published: October 2013

Situation awareness (SA) in human robot interaction is an important issue – because it is so essential to reconnaissance tasks and because remote viewing of the environment makes it so difficult. Two query-based techniques for assessing SA are presented and contrasted. Participants provided information regarding detection and identification of potential threats during a scenario. After the scenario, operators reconstructed where they navigated, the targets they encountered, and the identification of target type (e.g., friendly, neutral, or enemy). The first SA coding method (perception-based) compared post-experiment recollections of targets (location and type) to information the subject provided during the scenario, using the operator’s perceptions during the scenario as a baseline. The second SA coding method (reality-based) compared the same postexperiment recollections to actual target locations and type, using objective reality as a baseline. The SA reality metric was significantly correlated with task performance, but the SA perception metric was not correlated with objective performance. The SA reality errors were consistently greater than the SA perception errors, possibly because the SA reality measure includes both recall and task accuracy errors. The discussion explores why and when it would be beneficial to employ each method.
Using the SUS to Help Demonstrate Usability’s Value to Business Goals
Authors: Bangor Aaron , Joseph Kurt , Sweeney-Dillon Marian , Stettler Garrett , Pratt James
Published: October 2013

As part of an effort to connect results of human factors testing with the needs of internal business clients, a usability testing program was created for smartphones to establish a link between usability metrics and business indicators of success in the marketplace. In addition to standard usability metrics of effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction (ISO, 1998), a measure of hedonics (Hassenzahl, Beu, and Burmester, 2001) was used. Of particular note was the use of the System Usability Scale (SUS) (Brooke, 1996) to provide a single measure of user satisfaction for all smartphones tested. Data from 54 studies involving 872 participants were analyzed to determine if usability metrics predicted marketplace outcomes. Results show that usability metrics are significantly correlated with indicators of business success and that the SUS accounted for most of usability’s contribution. Discussion of these results, the value of SUS, and implications for usability professionals are discussed.
Incrementally Formalizing Graphical Models for Collaborative Operations Research
Authors: Stark Robert F. , Roth Emilie M. , Farry Michael P.
Published: October 2013

To address issues in enterprise systems, operations research (OR) analysts need to be able to understand, codify, and communicate various aspects of the issues, such as the environment’s conditions and their relationships. Models are a natural way to capture that information, but they must be understandable to a variety of stakeholders involved in improving the enterprise. At the same time, the large amount of available information, such as event history and weather data, can easily overload analysts. To help analysts cope with data overload, it is useful for models to be accessible to computational tools that can provide data processing and visualization capabilities. To support both of those goals simultaneously, we describe an approach that supports the elicitation of qualitative insight from operations researchers and other relevant stakeholders and also provides avenues for computer software to perform semantic labeling and quantitative data processing. This approach directly supports an iterative OR process that satisfies the needs of multiple stakeholder communities, enabling initial qualitative relationships and hypotheses to be further investigated and justified with data-driven conclusions. Building on our previous experiences in knowledge acquisition and quantitative analysis, this paper outlines a new integrated workflow and a collection of graphical representation concepts for operations research and similar domains.
Understanding healthcare processes
Authors: Stitzlein Cara , Sanderson Penelope , Indulska Marta
Published: October 2013

Process models are powerful tools that facilitate workflow assessment. Stakeholders in healthcare technology projects use process models, but little is known about how current modeling notations support domain-specific challenges of understanding healthcare workflow. The aim of this study was to evaluate how well members of two healthcare stakeholder groups understand clinical processes modeled with Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) vs. a novel Health Process Notation (HPN). Engineers and healthcare-trained professionals were presented with process models and were tested for comprehension of processes and their perception of both notations. Participants showed a better understanding of relationships within the process and performed more efficiently with HPN. Nonetheless, BPMN was effective for representing sequences and task allocations. Professional background influenced certain aspects of stakeholders’ performance. The usefulness and ease of use of both notations were rated highly, suggesting that workflow models might help stakeholders assess the impact of technological change.
The Macrocognitive Decision Ladder
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , McCloskey Michael J
Published: October 2013

Though the seminal Rasmussen Decision Ladder (DL) (Rasmussen, 1981) was expressed in information processing framework and terminology, variations of the DL have been created, such as those by Lintern (2011) and Cummings (2003). This paper reports a further extension of the method of the DL to decompose macrocognitive work. In particular, the upward leg of the classic DL is reinterpreted as a sensemaking activity and the downward leg as a flexcution activity. This scheme for story telling was applied satisfactorily in a project that modeled workflows in intelligence analysis. This paper highlights the degrees of freedom available to cognitive systems engineers in the analysis of workflows for activities that are heavily cognitive and team-based.
A Visual Warning System for the Identification of Proximity Detection Events around a Continuous Mining Machine
Authors: Jobes Christopher C. , Carr Jacob L. , Reyes Miguel A.
Published: October 2013

Underground mobile mining machines pose a difficult safety challenge since their operators generally work in close proximity to these machines in very restricted spaces. Intelligent software for use with electromagnetic proximity detection systems has been developed that can accurately locate workers around mining machinery in real time. If a worker is located too close to the machine, the machine’s operation can be partially or completely disabled to protect the workers from striking, pinning, and entanglement hazards. Researchers have developed a visual method of relaying to the operators the interdiction of their machine operations by this intelligent proximity detection system. Several lighting sequence scenarios were human subject tested for effectiveness using a computer-based multimedia platform. Analysis of the test results indicates that a “fast flash” lighting arrangement is the most effective scenario based upon subject preference, rating, and accuracy of proximity intrusion location identification. This arrangement improves reaction time by 35%.
Comparing Traditional and Fuzzy Signal Detection Analysis for Classification Data
Authors: Bohil Corey J.
Published: October 2013

This paper provides a comparative analysis of the results of applying traditional signal detection theory (tSDT) and fuzzy signal detection theory (fSDT) methods to classification data. Fuzzy signal detection theory generalizes tSDT by allowing for non-binary assignment of events and responses in order to capture the uncertainty inherent in detection judgments. Because traditional signal detection has been used extensively in classification research, the use of fSDT may ultimately provide new insights in this domain. Results were analyzed from a classification learning experiment in which category discriminability, base-rates and payoffs varied across conditions. Several quantitative and qualitative differences were observed across theoretical perspectives. The difference between derived hit and false alarm rates was smaller in the fSDT analysis, even though the data were the same. Differences between accounts of the base-rate and payoff conditions, as well as between category discriminability levels, were actually reversed in some cases, depending on whether tSDT or fSDT were used. The implications of these differences for interpreting classification data are considered.
Differences in Monitoring between Experts and Novices
Authors: Bruder Carmen , Eißfeldt Hinnerk , Maschke Peter , Hasse Catrin
Published: October 2013

In the future of aviation, operators will have to work with highly automated systems. This necessitates operators monitoring appropriately (OMA). A theoretical model for adequate monitoring behavior was developed and eye movement parameters were defined to identify OMA. The present eye-tracking study focused on differences in monitoring behavior between experts (experienced pilots and air traffic controllers) and job applicants. Results from 21 experts and 33 applicants are reported.
Phenotypes of Teamwork – an Exploratory Study of Tower Controller Teams
Authors: Papenfuss Anne
Published: October 2013

Background: In complex human-machine-systems often teams of operators perform the tasks. Therefore, the quality of their teamwork processes is a factor that influences the performance of the overall system. There are theoretical models that predict teamwork processes which are critical for good team performance. The work presented in this paper researches how these generic processes become apparent in the domain of air traffic tower control. A scenario was used where operators control two airports simultaneously, i.e. they have to guarantee a safe flow of traffic. Method: An exploratory study was conducted to identify teamwork processes within a team of two tower controllers. Video data from a high fidelity simulation were analyzed and combined with radio communication data. Cognitive demanding situations were analyzed and compared to identical situations worked by a single operator. Results: Teamwork processes within the tower controller teams did not become apparent in explicit verbal communication but rather within the timing of activities. All teams showed a distinct pattern of activity defined as “flexible task assignment” within this paper. This behavior allowed the teams to respond to new aircraft with less delay, compared to the single controller working the same situation. Outlook: Further examples of “real-world” teamwork behaviors should be collected to understand the influence of the specific domain on the phenotype of teamwork processes. These behaviors should be mapped to underlying cognitive processes, like team situation awareness. This knowledge might not only be of academic interest but also a helpful basis for other research field of human factors, like enabling automation to serve as a team partner.
Supporting Human-Automation Collaboration Through Dynamic Function Allocation
Authors: Li Huiyang , Sarter Nadine , Wickens Christopher , Sebok Angelia
Published: October 2013

Context-sensitive function allocation can take two forms: (a) ‘adaptable automation’, where changes in the allocation of functions are initiated by the user, or (b) ‘adaptive automation’, where the automation triggers changes. However, operational experience suggests that neither approach by itself is sufficient and appropriate. This paper describes a hybrid dynamic function allocation scheme, in which the system and the operator collaborate on selecting and activating appropriate automation levels. The default mode of the system is adaptive automation, but operators can override system selections when they feel the need and have the time to do so. The effectiveness of the hybrid system was compared to fixed function allocations, to an adaptive scheme and to adaptable function allocation in the context of simulated robotic arm control tasks. The hybrid system improved performance and reduced workload in routine scenarios. The system was also preferred over the fixed and adaptive approach by the operators. However, these benefits can be explained mainly by the excessive use of high levels of automation in this condition. The findings have implications on future designs of dynamic function allocation schemes in complex systems.
Biomechanical Comparison of American Sign Language Interpretation and Conversation
Authors: Donner Abigail , Marshall Matthew , Mozrall Jacqueline
Published: October 2013

Sign language interpreting is an occupation that requires a combination of high physical and cognitive demands. Professional sign language interpreters frequently suffer from work-related musculoskeletal disorders, but the problem does not seem to be as widespread for Deaf people who, similar to interpreters, frequently use a signed language. This study compares the biomechanics of American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting with the biomechanics of ASL used in casual conversation between professional interpreters and Deaf students. Results indicate that interpreters use, on average, 22% larger wrist deviations and 7% higher levels of wrist velocity when they interpret, compared to when they use ASL in conversation. During conversation, no significant differences in wrist kinematics were observed between the Deaf students and interpreters who participated in the conversation. However, the Deaf students tended to sign with larger wrist deviation than the interpreters.
Exploring the Effects of “Low and Slow” Cyber Attacks on Team Decision Making
Authors: Mancuso Vincent , Funke Gregory J. , Finomore Victor , Knott Benjamin A.
Published: October 2013

This paper describes an experiment on the effects of low and slow cyber attacks on team decision making. Specifically, the study focuses on how targeted communications, disguised as originating from reliable sources, can be used to disseminate false information and instantiate biases in a team to disrupt normal decision-making processes. Using a team consensus task (the Life Event Stress Test), we manipulated the presence of a shared anchor (the disguised communication), and the presence of individual anchors. Our results indicated that, while teams were able to utilize their collaborative processes to reject the shared anchors, they were still susceptible to individual anchors. While only an introductory study with a limited sample size, the results contribute to both the cyber security and team decision-making literature. Implications for future research are also discussed.
Effects of Cyber Disruption in a Distributed Team Decision Making Task
Authors: Finomore Victor , Sitz Adam , Blair Elizabeth , Rahill Katherine , Champion Michael , Funke Gregory , Mancuso Vincent , Knott Benjamin
Published: October 2013

Stories of cyber-attacks have been prevalent in the public media and the cyber security market has grown greatly to help meet this demand. However, much of the effort has been focused on development of better hardware and software solutions with little thought to the human factors of cyber security. This investigation sought to gain a better understanding of the influence cyber-attacks have on the decision-making and collaboration of distributed team members working together to solve a complex logic problem. Eight three-person teams worked together to piece together bits of information to solve a potential terrorist attack. The time and outcome scores were evaluated for the three experimental conditions, which varied the levels of information injected. The goal of the injected statements was to disrupt the decision-making and collaborative process. Injects that were explicitly negating true facts had the more detrimental effect on team performance while performance in the condition with injects that were more suggestive in nature were no different from the no inject condition. These results shed light into the breakdown in team decision-making when confronted with a contradictory fact thus aiding in our knowledge to build robust collaborative tools.
Levels of Automation for Human Influence of Robot Swarms
Authors: Walker Phillip , Nunnally Steven , Lewis Michael , Chakraborty Nilanjan , Sycara Katia
Published: October 2013

Autonomous swarm algorithms and human-robot interaction (HRI) have both attracted increasing attention from researchers in recent years. However, HRI has rarely extended beyond single robots or small multi-robot teams. While one of the benefits of robot swarms is their robust capabilities and the ability of their distributed algorithms to deal autonomously with the complex interactions amongst swarm members, there is undoubtedly a need for humans to influence such swarms in some circumstances—especially when these swarms are operating in unknown or hostile environments. In this paper, we approach the problem of human-swarm interaction (HSI) using previous research in levels of automation (LOAs) in HRI. We create a target searching task whereby the swarm can operate at two different levels of autonomy: an autonomous dispersion algorithm, or user-defined goto points. We investigate what environmental conditions are conducive to different amounts of human influence, and at what point further human intervention has a detrimental effect on the swarm’s performance. The results show that for complex environments containing numerous obstacles and small passageways, there is indeed a need for some human influence; however, after a certain point, further influence causes performance degradation.
Life, the Universe, and Academia
Authors: Kelling Nicholas , Bedwell Wendy , Corso Gregory M. , Cuevas Haydee M. , Keebler Joseph R. , Peres S. Camille , Walker Bruce N.
Published: October 2013

The human factors discipline has always benefited from a strong connection between industry and academia. However, the increasing need of an educated industry workforce has created a potential concern of maintaining a viable academic workforce. Students, in particular, have previously voiced apprehensions regarding academic careers when compared to industry options. The balance between industry and academia should be preserved. Therefore, to aid in this equilibrium, an open discussion centered on student inquiries about early academia is needed to maintain an understanding of the current academic environment. Specifically, the most beneficial interaction may be through discussions between those interested in academia and those currently entrenched in multiple facets of success in early academic careers.
Archival Human Factors Jobs Database as a Tool for Tracking Trends in Skills and Knowledge Expectations in the Labor Market
Authors: Rantanen Esa , Claeys Christopher , Roder Daniel , Moroney William
Published: October 2013

To educate the future human factors/ergonomics workforce and meet the demand for new professionals in the field, academic institutions must pay close attention to the ever-changing skills and knowledge expectations in the labor market. These trends are not easy to track, however. Surveys of new professionals about their experiences in their first jobs or surveys of employers about their experiences with new hires suffer from low response rates, nonresponse bias, and the one-time nature of survey research. A better way to track labor market trends is to continually analyze human factors job postings for education and experience requirements specified in them. This paper describes development of a database for that purpose. We also discuss ways of analyzing unstructured text data in the database. The results of analyses of these data include summary statistics of frequencies and their correlations, clusters of similar jobs, and a continually updated mathematical model to classify jobs in the database. These results will be subjected to longitudinal analyses when the database contains sufficient data.