bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a Stable Career in an Unstable Job Market
Authors: Shapiro Ronald G. , Andre Anthony D. , Schumacher Robert M. , Windell David T. , Schur Courtney I.
Published: January 2012

Welcome to the Sixteenth Annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Student Career Panel. While our typical career panel emphasizes what one should do to prepare for a career in a “typical” year, 2009 is anything but typical. The economy is changing every day and so too is the job market for Human Factors (HF)/Ergonomics (E) graduates. About the only certainty is that the economy and associated job market will likely change from month to month over the course of the year. Thus, our panelists have chosen the theme “Toward a Stable Career in an Unstable Job Market” for our 2009 panel. We solicited questions for this paper from the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) student members. The California State University Northridge Student Chapter members then selected the best six questions for the panel to address in this paper. Many of the recommendations in this paper are tried and tested techniques, which should apply well even in this unstable environment. Some are new ideas, which the professionals on our panel deem especially appropriate today. At the annual meeting panel discussion, panelists will provide a brief introduction and then entertain questions from the audience regarding career preparation in today's environment. A subsequent paper will be published on the HFES website summarizing the panel discussion.
A Reliability Study of Three Functional Mobility Assessment Tools in Fall Risk Evaluation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyue , Lockhart Thurmon E.
Published: January 2012

Falls accidents are one of the leading causes of older adults' injury death and nonfatal injuries. Numerous functional mobility assessment tools have been developed to evaluate the risk of fall since 1980s but none of them is fully satisfactory or generally accepted. The current study compared a promising method, the Postural-Locomotor-Manual test (PLM), with two commonly used tools, the Berg's balance test (BBT) and the timed Get-up & Go test (GU&G) in terms of their differences between healthy and fall prone groups. The PLM method measures both inherited and required motor skills as well as their coordination, by using a set of inertial measurement units (IMUs) instead of the traditional optoelectronic instruments. Results have shown that PLM parameters assessed by IMUs agreed well with those assessed by the optoelectronic instruments, and more importantly, had significant difference between groups with different fall risk.
Video Gamer Advantages in a Cellular Telephone and Driving Task
Authors: Telner Jason A. , Wiesenthal David L. , Bialystok Ellen
Published: January 2012

Driving while speaking on a cellular telephone is one of today's most controversial and risky dual task situations. Proficient video game players possess superior divided attention ability and were hypothesized to display superior driving performance compared to non-gamers when engaged in these dual tasks. 115 university students were tested following characterization of their video game proficiency. The driving task, was performed using Drivesim 4.00 software, and was presented by itself as well as in combination with a series of verbal tasks simulating a telephone conversation (the dual task situation). The verbal tasks were also tested apart from the simulated driving. Each participant was thus his/her own control so that the effect of driving or performing verbal tasks could be examined separately and in combination with each other. Compared to non-gamers, proficient video game players had fewer crashes and drove more safely in the dual task conditions.
Complementary Audio-Visual Collision Warnings
Authors: Fricke Nicola , Thüring Manfred
Published: January 2012

The growing number of driver assistance systems increases the demand for warnings that are intuitively comprehensible. Particularly in hazardous situations, such as a threatening collision, a driver must understand the warning immediately. For this reason, collision warnings should convey as much information as needed to interpret the situation properly and to prepare preventive actions. The present study investigated whether informing about the object and the location of an imminent crash by a multimodal warning (visual and auditory) leads to shorter reaction times and fewer collisions compared to warning signals which only inform about the object of the crash (auditory icons) or give no additional information (simple tone). Results reveal that multimodal warnings have the potential to produce a significant advantage over unimodal signals as long as their components complement each other in a way that realistically fits the situation at hand.
Assessing the Human Factors of a Human Engineering Standard
Authors: Nesteruk Hope E. J.
Published: January 2012

For many years, the Department of Defense (DOD) Design Criteria Standard: Human Engineering (MIL-STD-1472F) was the premier standard in the field of Human Factors; however, over the past 20 years Human Factors knowledge has advanced more rapidly than the standard. Not only is the standard technologically out of date, but it lacks basic usability features. This paper describes the survey undertaken to kick-off the first major update to this standard in many years. 58 typical users of the standard were surveyed on a variety of topics including format, data, technology, and user needs. Results indicate several areas for improvement such as including more references and adding recent technological innovations. Additionally, while a majority of the participants expressed a preference for an electronic version of the standard, many users still wished to maintain a hard-copy version. The results of this survey will be used to drive a major revision to MIL-STD-1472.
Concept of Operations Storyboard Tool
Authors: Thronesbery Carroll , Schreckenghost Debra , Molin Arthur
Published: January 2012

A concept of operations Storyboard Tool was developed to assist authors in building a concept of operations for a new system, refining it with stakeholders, and using it to support subsequent development activities. It was developed iteratively, testing iterations by using the tool to support ongoing research and development projects at NASA Johnson Space Center. In this paper, we present lessons learned about integrating sketches and descriptions for clearer communication, the benefits of organizing descriptive information as structured data, and assisting the process of concept development. We also discuss the value of supporting workflow process and the role of human factors in systems engineering.
How Would You Test This? — Works-in-Progress Forum for Human Factors/Ergonomics Test and Evaluation Initiatives
Authors: Grier Rebecca A. , Allan Karla Eve
Published: January 2012

Test and Evaluation (T & E) professionals share one thing in common: a keen interest in continually improving the methodology they apply to human factors/ergonomics testing and evaluation of products and processes. Due to practical constraints of the HFES annual meeting submission process, presenters of traditional format papers and posters receive retrospective feedback on their work – work that was completed at least one year ago! Meeting face-to-face at the annual HFES meeting would seem the perfect opportunity for T & E professionals to provide advanced input to one another regarding works in progress. The purpose of this alternate format session is to promote a lively exchange of ideas that may result in enhancements to Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E) T & E works in progress. Three contributors will each present an overview of a planned but unfinished project that can still be modified prior to execution. Following each presentation, audience members can propose modifications to enhance the work. The technical input received by contributors should prove highly beneficial as they go on to complete their work after the HFES annual meeting and the feedback shared may be of value to all attendees. The session was first offered at HFES 2008 and was a success.
Usability Testing: Making it Work for the Army
Authors: Savage-Knepshield Pamela A.
Published: January 2012

During an early formative usability test, representative end-users perform a set of tasks using a prototype or simulation of a system. While performing tasks and thinking aloud, a skilled specialist observes and takes notes recording how easily a participant performs the tasks and logging issues encountered. Sessions are conducted in a usability test lab, while interested parties watch from a separate observation room through a one-way mirror. Due to cost, schedule, and resource constraints many elements of conventional usability testing are not viable for use when testing equipment with Warfighters. To overcome these challenges and meet the needs of system developers, usability test procedures were modified and hybrid solutions developed. Descriptions and examples of these modifications are provided as are lessons learned and insights gained through their use during the course of seven usability tests.
Trusting the Trust Literature: What Applied and Theoretical Literatures Have in Common
Authors: Garvin Sena
Published: January 2012

This presentation is a comparison of business, academic, and military literature on trust. What are the relationships among the academic, more theoretical literature and the more applied realm of business and military literature when trust in teams is explored? This presentation will explore the constructs involved when each literature discusses the overlaps and gaps within trust. In addition, this presentation will discuss how each literature looks at team trust in leadership, leader trust in team members, and trust among team members. References to trust in teams will be coded and analyzed.
Human Factors Research and Development Planning for NextGen
Authors: Krois Paul , Herschler Dan , Hewitt Glen , McCloy Tom , Piccione Dino
Published: January 2012

Increasingly detailed planning is addressing a range of human factors considerations associated with the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The practice of human factors program management for NextGen poses complex opportunities and challenges. Relationships between human factors research programs and their elements and with other programs and portfolios are identified and aligned using a human system integration roadmap. Effective planning that addresses human factors issues associated with transitions of new NextGen technologies, automation and procedures will facilitate realization of intended benefits from NextGen involving increased throughput, efficiency, and safety in the National Airspace System.
Effects of Video Weather Training Products, Web-Based Weather Briefing, and Local versus Non-Local Pilots on GA Pilot Weather Knowledge and Flight Behavior
Authors: Knecht William , Ball Jerry , Lenz Michael
Published: January 2012

This study explores 1) whether video weather training products significantly affect general aviation (GA) pilot weather knowledge and weather-related flight behavior, 2) use of modern Web-based weather preflight briefing products, and 3) whether local Oklahoma GA pilots differ appreciably from non-local pilots in weather knowledge or weather-related flight behavior. No highly significant, meaningful, simple effects were found for two 90-minute video weather training products on weather knowledge or subsequent flight safety on a simulated flight involving deteriorating weather. A data-collecting emulation of www.aviationweather.gov suggests that mere time spent on preflight briefing, pages viewed, and page view duration alone are not adequate predictors of either quality of preflight briefing nor subsequent flight safety. Finally, no important differences between local and non-local pilots were seen, implying that FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute flightdeck studies are generalizable to the national population of U.S. GA pilots.
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Simple Obstacle-Related Graphical Depictions for Head-Mounted Displays
Authors: Beringer Dennis B. , Holcomb Kali
Published: January 2012

An exploratory study was conducted to evaluate construction of synthetic imagery, presented in a binocular, stereoscopic, see-through head-mounted display (HMD) for depicting obstacles commonly encountered in helicopter operations. In Phase 1, participants examined still images to identify obstacles from graphics depicting two levels of ground-plane representation and three levels of object complexity (depth). They then rated the depictions and responded to perspective-view still images of an obstacle field, indicating which areas corresponded with obstruction-free locations. Context played a major role in identifying obstructions, and presence of guy-wire references was important, both for identification of towers and of areas in the forward view that would be free from obstructions. Preliminary flight-simulator trials indicate pilots having experience with power-line flying interpret the representations literally and not schematically or generically.
Evaluations of Data Communications in Tower, TRACON, and En Route Air Traffic Control
Authors: Allendoerfer Kenneth R. , Truitt Todd R , Willems Ben
Published: January 2012

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has embarked on a large effort to create the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). NextGen will prepare the National Airspace System to accept increasing air traffic levels and complexity in a safe and efficient manner. Data Communications (Data Comm) is one of the core technologies of NextGen. The use of Data Comm will improve information exchange between pilots and air traffic controllers. In 2009, the FAA conducted three human-in-the-loop experiments to address the use of Data Comm in the Airport Traffic Control Tower, the Terminal Radar Approach Control, and the En Route airspace. The experiments focused on human factors aspects of air traffic control tasks under a variety of conditions including varying percentages of aircraft equipped for Data Comm, different interface designs, and changes in roles of responsibilities of air traffic controllers.
Exploring Age-Related Differences in Prospective Memory Inside and outside of the Lab
Authors: Kim Paul Y. , Mayhorn Christopher B.
Published: January 2012

Age differences in the performance of two prospective memory tasks (activity-based and event-based) were investigated both in laboratory and naturalistic settings. Forty young and 40 older adults participated. First, the participants came to the lab and answered ninety trivia questions with embedded prospective memory tasks. Second, they were required to come to a local mall (naturalistic setting) a few days later to complete various prospective memory tasks. Results indicated that both age groups performed the event-based task followed by activity-based task better in the lab than in the naturalistic setting. The young performed the tasks better than their older counterparts in both contexts, though the effects failed to reach statistical significance. An interesting finding was that older participants performed the naturalistic event-based task better than the young participants. These findings suggest that converting activity-based tasks into event-based tasks may help people accomplish their daily prospective memory tasks more successfully.
Functional Fidelity, Context-Matching, and Individual Differences in Performance
Authors: Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Reinerman-Jones Lauren E. , Langheim Lisa K. , Guznov Svyatoslav , Shaw Tyler H. , Finomore Victor S.
Published: January 2012

Conventional personality questionnaires are often only weak predictors of operational performance. A major problem is that personality effects are moderated by contextual factors which may be mismatched across laboratory and real-world studies. Context mismatch threatens the ‘functional fidelity’ of laboratory performance tasks; the extent to which the individual behaves as they would in the operational environment. Three research strategies for enhancing the functional fidelity of laboratory studies of individual differences are proposed. First, contexts relevant to specific personality traits may be developed in the laboratory. For example, socially threatening environments may be necessary to find meaningful effects of neuroticism. Second, traits linked to a specific performance context may be employed. The validity of traits for driver stress vulnerability supports this approach. Third, psychophysiological responses to simulations of the cognitive demands of the work environment may be used. Our recent work shows that stress and hemodynamic responses to short high-workload tasks predict longer-duration sustained performance.
Accelerated Learning: Prospects, Issues and Applications
Authors: Hoffman Robert R. , Andrews Dee , Fiore Stephen M. , Goldberg Stephen , Andre Terence , Freeman Jared , Fletcher J. Dexter , Klein Gary
Published: January 2012

An effort is under way to roadmap for investigations aimed at developing robust and broadly-applicable methods for “accelerated learning” (Hoffman, et al., 2009). This includes methods for: (1) Facilitating the acquisition of expertise in mission or organization-critical specializations and (2) Retaining that expertise in the form of both personnel capabilities and organizational knowledge. Achievement of the objective will be made possible through a collaboration of scientists and government specialists in areas of training and expertise studies. Panelists will discuss differing perspectives on the concept of accelerated learning, highlighting prospects, issues, and methodological challenges.
Using the Neocities 3.1 Simulation to Study and Measure Team Cognition
Authors: Hamilton Katherine , Mancuso Vincent , Minotra Dev , Hoult Rachel , Mohammed Susan , Parr Alissa , Dubey Gaurav , McMillan Eric , McNeese Michael
Published: January 2012

This paper provides a detailed explanation of the link between NeoCITIES, a crisis management simulation of emergency response teams, and team cognition. Descriptions of the NeoCITIES simulation structure, interface, and modifications are provided, along with its functionality in effectively studying team cognition. The paper focuses on three commonly examined constructs within the team cognition literature, namely, team situation awareness, team mental models, and information sharing.
Factors Affecting Interrupted Task Performance: Effects of Adaptability, Impulsivity and Intelligence
Authors: Cades David M. , McKnight Patrick E. , Kidd David G. , King Eden B. , Boehm-Davis Deborah A.
Published: January 2012

Interruptions are a disruptive force in both our professional and personal lives. In order to develop the most comprehensive mitigation strategies, it is essential to gain insight into what factors affect the disruptiveness of interruptions. Although a significant body of research has approached this problem from the systems and tasks sides, the role of specific cognitive traits affecting interrupted task performance has been largely overlooked. In this study, participants completed measures of intelligence, adaptability, and impulsivity-reflexivity in an effort to determine whether these traits influence interrupted task performance. Intelligence scores were found to predict primary task latency, secondary task accuracy and the ability to resume the primary task following an interruption.
Theoretical Discussion of CAMOCS and RIAS Communication Models to Support Healthcare Information Technology Development
Authors: Cloud-Buckner Jennifer , Gallimore Jennie J. , Scott Rosalyn
Published: January 2012

The increasing use of healthcare information technology has a direct, sometimes negative, effect on communication between physicians and patients. Many studies have evaluated how patient-provider interactions are affected by the implementation of an already developed technology. Instead, we propose that research in understanding and modeling communication should inform healthcare IT design so that systems can support the communication that needs to exist. This paper briefly describes two communication models (one based in healthcare and one based in business organizational communication), their similarities and differences, and research outcomes related to their use when evaluating communication in the healthcare domain. We then describe how these models might be combined and used as an underlying model to inform and validate design for healthcare IT.
The Effect of Affective State on Virtual and Face-to-Face Group Performance
Authors: Dzindolet Mary , Spencer Mercedes , Malcolm Lani , Wigley Brittney , Glazer Courtney , Pierce Linda
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between affective state and virtuality on group creativity, negotiation, and information exchange. Over 100 students watched a film clip to induce a positive or neutral mood and performed tasks as dyads or triads either face-to-face or distributedly. Although the affective state manipulation did not affect performance, the more positive affect the groups reported, the more words the groups used to communicate. Distributed groups did not generate more ideas or act less cooperatively than face-to-face groups. However, face-to-face triads performed better on the information exchange task than distributed triads; distributed dyads outperformed face-to-face dyads. An interaction between affective state and group type was also found for trust in the computerized communication medium. Implications are discussed.
Comparison of Mouse and Keyboard Efficiency
Authors: Omanson Richard C. , Miller Craig S. , Young Elizabeth , Schwantes David
Published: January 2012

In many corporate settings, users are required to quickly execute commands. Three methods of issuing commands were compared: 1) selecting a menu item with a mouse (Menu-Mouse condition); 2) selecting a menu item with a keyboard shortcut (Menu-Keyboard condition); and 3) selecting a toolbar item with a mouse (Toolbar-Mouse condition). Users performed one of the three methods across 90 trials and had their speed assessed in blocks of 30 trials. Overall, the Toolbar-Mouse method was the fastest, while the Menu-Keyboard condition showed the most improvement. A GOMS-based model is presented that accounts for differences among methods. This work confirms the use of toolbars for common commands, but also suggests that for heavily-used interfaces, keyboard shortcuts can be as efficient as toolbars and have the advantage of providing fast access to all commands.
Helmet Use in Sledding: Do Users Comply with Manufacturer Warnings?
Authors: Heckman Genevieve M. , Harley Erin M. , Scher Irving , Young Douglas E.
Published: January 2012

Sledding, like other recreational sports, is associated with inherent risks of injury in which behavioral factors may influence the accident and injury modes. In the present work, we examined the rate of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage and its relationship to various environmental and user characteristics at three popular sledding sites in California. Experimenters measured speeds and collected observations of equipment type, helmet use, sledder age and gender, along with on-product warnings and safety information for some of the products observed during data collection. The recorded sledder speeds were within the range of impact speeds for which helmets have been shown to reduce the likelihood of head injury. Despite this, and despite the prevalence of on-product warnings recommending helmet use, the observed usage rate of protective equipment while sledding was less than 5 percent for all sledders. Given the importance of helmets in reducing the risk of head injury in snowsports, these findings have important implications for the snowsport and broader safety community.
Head to Head: Remote Usability Testing Takes on Live Usability Testing in the HFES Ultimate Fighting Challenge
Authors: Rodriguez Ania , Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

Remote usability testing is emerging as a popular approach through which evaluators can test technology interfaces on a large number of participants quickly and inexpensively. Two types of remote studies have been employed, either with a moderator interacting remotely with the participant or in an unmoderated format. But without a moderator, or even when the moderator is present but not collocated with the participant, there is some question as to whether the results can match the validity, reliability, and acceptability of a live testing paradigm. This session is a novel format that pits the two in a head-to-head challenge during the conference session. The audience is asked to be a part of the session as test participants and/or results evaluators. The session is divided into three modules. In the first module, a remote unmoderated study was conducted on the HFES.org web using the current state of the art for remote, unmoderated testing. The other two modules are conducted live during the conference session. In the second module, a moderated remote study is conducted with the moderator located in other room but with the participants in the conference session room. In the third module, a live study is conducted with a moderator collocated with the participants in the conference session room. These two modules also use state-of-the-art techniques for these methods. The final time block of the session is used to interactively discuss the differences in the results with the audience. They are able to decide for themselves the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Transforming the Energy Economy – the Role of Behavioral and Social Science
Authors: Sanquist Tom , Vine Edward , Meier Alan , Diamond Rick , Sheridan Thomas
Published: January 2012

Human factors engineering can provide a unique set of concepts and methods to facilitate transforming the energy economy to less resource intensive utilization. While this has not been a traditional endeavor for the profession, new developments in technologies associated with the smart grid, and a need to understand and modify consumption patterns represent new opportunities. This panel assembles experts in behavioral science and energy analysis to discuss the various ways that the human factors and ergonomics profession can contribute to enhancing energy efficiency, conservation and greenhouse gas reduction.
The Role of Monitoring and Control in Similar Nontarget/Target Discrimination
Authors: Miles Sian , MacKen Bill
Published: January 2012

Processes involved in discrimination of targets from nontargets differing by a single critical feature were explored. Participants learned 80 target nouns (singular and plural), and were tested on 120 nouns: 40 targets, 40 similar nontargets (plurality changed between study and test), and 40 novel nontargets. Speeded (250ms, 1000ms) yes-no judgments were required after each test item. In Experiment 1, participants were informed before study, or after study but before recognition, that the test contained nontargets similar to targets by virtue of a plurality change. Controls received no such instructions. Target/nontarget similarity instructions reduced false alarms to similar nontargets and enhanced discrimination only when participants were informed before study, and at the 1000ms response interval. In Experiment 2, one group of participants was oriented to the specific discriminating feature before study, while another group was instructed that the task was difficult and to invest considerable effort at study. Specifically orientating participants to the critical feature change again improved discrimination and reduced false alarm rates, while merely emphasizing the requirement for effortful encoding did not. Detailed monitoring and control of target/nontarget discrimination are effective in reducing false recognition only if the necessary discriminating features are deliberately encoded at study, and if sufficient time is given for deliberate retrieval at test.
A preliminary investigation of surgeons' leadership in the operating room
Authors: Parker Sarah Henrickson , Yule Steven , Flin Rhona , McKinley Aileen
Published: January 2012

Background: There is widespread recognition that non-technical skills, including leadership, are essential for an effective, efficient and safe team performance. However, the empirical literature on specific skills required for effective leadership within the intraoperative setting is limited and inconclusive. Method: Observations ( n = 23 operations) were conducted in operating rooms (OR) from three teaching hospitals in Scotland to gather data on intraoperative leadership behaviours. This analysis focused on the role of the lead surgeon. These were coded according to a task- and team-oriented structure, using seven leadership constructs identified in the surgical literature. Results: Leadership behaviours were categorised with acceptable inter-rater reliability. The analysis showed that as intraoperative leaders, surgeons exhibited both task- and team-oriented behaviours. They most frequently engaged in team-oriented leadership behaviours, namely ‘guiding and supporting’ followed by ‘communication and coordination’ behaviours. Discussion: This study is the first step in developing an empirically derived scale to measure and evaluate surgeons' intraoperative leadership. Future studies will investigate the relationship between the leadership behaviours identified here, team performance, and patient safety outcomes. Better understanding of intraoperative leadership can lead to improved surgical team performance, which could impact patient safety in the operating room.
Nurses' Hand Hygiene Practices: Effects of Scenario, Knowledge, and Locus of Control
Authors: McLaughlin Anne Collins , Anxieter Grace E. , Hemmer Amanda T.
Published: January 2012

Inadequate hand hygiene for healthcare workers is one of the most common sources of pathogen transmission in hospitals. In the current study nurses were surveyed as to their level of hand hygiene knowledge, internal locus of control, and risk assessment of specific scenarios. Scenarios were manipulated as to the person involved, the location of possible transmission, and the level of risk in the scenario. Results indicated a need for product designers and hygiene educators to focus on hospital surfaces, worker beliefs, and increasing hand hygiene education.
Integrated Information Displays for ICU Nurses: Field Observations, Display Design, and Display Evaluation
Authors: Koch S. H. , Staggers N. , Weir C. , Agutter J. , Liu D. , Westenskow D. R.
Published: January 2012

Preventable adverse events are one of the leading causes of patient mortality in hospitals. Many of these adverse events occur in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) where nurses often work under cognitive, perceptual, and physical overloads. One contributing factor to these overloads is the display of treatment orders, monitoring information, and equipment status on numerous, spatially separated information displays. If these separate displays were combined into a single integrated display at the bedside, the display could potentially reduce nursing workload and improve nurse awareness of the patients' treatment plans and physiological status. We performed a study with three parts. First, we observed ICU nurses at work and found that task-relevant information was often presented in a sub-optimal format, it was unavailable at the point of care and/or it was laborious to retrieve. Second, we designed an integrated information display that presents the information needed by nurses at the patient bedside in a more optimal format. Finally, we evaluated paper-based prototypes of both the integrated display and existing ICU displays with pilot participants. The results for participants in a pilot study showed that nurses using the integrated display could answer questions about the patient's status and treatment significantly faster and more accurately. Integrated displays could potentially reduce adverse events in ICUs and reduce cognitive overloads.
Social Norms on Deviations from Prescriptive Handoff Practices
Authors: Patterson Emily S.
Published: January 2012

Numerous quality improvement projects on patient handoffs have been conducted in the last decade. Most of these projects intervene with a prescriptive model for conducting handoffs. This exploratory pilot study re-analyzed an existing repository of de-identified field notes on handoffs to answer the question: How do healthcare personnel react when deviations from prescriptive handoff practices are detected? We discuss how these findings suggest that prescriptive interventions may fail without having clear expectations for peer-to-peer positive feedback for appropriate deviations during contingencies and negative feedback when deviations increase risks to what is judged to be an unacceptable level.
Validating Human Performance Models of the Future Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle
Authors: Wong Douglas , Walters Brett , Fairey Lisa
Published: January 2012

NASA's Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) will provide transportation for crew and cargo to and from destinations in support of the Constellation Architecture Design Reference Missions. Discrete Event Simulation (DES) modeling is one of the design methods NASA employs to estimate crew performance in the CEV. During the early development of the CEV, NASA and its prime Orion contractor Lockheed Martin (LM) sought out an effective, low-cost method for developing and validating human performance DES models. This paper focuses on the method developed while creating a DES model for the Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPOD) phase to the International Space Station. Our approach to validation was to attack the problem from several fronts. First, we began the development of the model early in the CEV design stage. Second, we adhered to NASA's modeling and simulation development standards. Third, we involved the stakeholders, NASA astronauts, subject matter experts, and NASA's modeling and simulation development community throughout. Fourth, we applied standard and repeatable methods to ensure the model's accuracy. Lastly, we applied the data from a separate human-in-the-loop RPOD simulation, which provided us an additional means to estimate the validity of the model. The results showed that a majority of the DES model was an accurate representation of the current CEV design.
Selecting and Utilizing Metrics for an Internet-Based Community of Practice
Authors: Ruffner John W. , Brodie Anne C. , Holiday Christine L. , Isenberg Timothy H.
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Army Defense Ammunition Center (DAC) is the technical center for ammunition logistical support and knowledge for Department of Defense military and civilian personnel worldwide. As such, DAC, through an ammunition community of practice (CoP), ensures warfighters get real answers in real time within the right work context. This paper discusses the development of the ammunition community of practice for the worldwide ammunition community and identifies metrics used to determine the value of the CoP to its members.
Increasing Trust in Online Shopping Environments Increases Purchasing Behavior
Authors: Campbell Tyler , Walker Bruce N.
Published: January 2012

Trust has been shown to be a critical factor in promoting online purchasing behavior. This study tested the ability of three website modifications to increase levels of trust and intent to purchase. Previous theory dictates that trust is akin to certainties in the presence of uncertainty. Three easily implementable website features were chosen to reduce uncertainty, thus creating trust and in turn increase economic activity. Options on shopping websites of (1) overnight delivery, (2) in-store pick-up, and (3) a live video stream of a business's facilities were tested for effects on trust and usefulness via survey. The results suggest there are significant increases in at least some measures of trust and other correlates of purchasing behavior for all three suggested website enhancements.
A Novel Tool to Track and Analyze Qualitative Usability Data: Lessons Learned from the VA's Personal Health Record
Authors: Russell Scott A. , Saleem Jason J. , Haggstrom David A. , Russ Alissa L. , Chumbler Neale R.
Published: January 2012

We developed a User-Testing Database to be able to process a greater amount of user data, from multiple sources of data, at a much finer level of granularity, and to be able to aid in a more sophisticated analysis, including specific queries of usability data than a typical “manual”-based usability analysis. In this paper, we demonstrate our User-Testing Database as applied to a usability assessment of the Veterans Affairs (VA) My HealtheVet personal health record. The usability test included 24 Veterans who completed a series of scenarios in the usability lab at a Midwest Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). The User-Testing Database facilitated reduction of data gathered from video review, facilitator notes, and debrief notes into 1160 observations that were sorted into conceptual bins and summarized for the designers of the personal health record. From creation of the database to completion of the reports took four months and did not require extensive knowledge of qualitative analysis techniques. We argue a User-Testing Database can allow other usability studies to increase the number of participants and the granularity of the data without prohibitively increasing the amount of time and experience required to process the data gathered.
Effect of Brightness of Assisted Target Detection Cues in a Simulated Search and Rescue Task
Authors: Giang Wayne , Keefe Allan , Keillor Jocelyn
Published: January 2012

Assisted target detection (ATD) systems are designed to direct the user's attention to relevant areas of the display, but the majority of the research into the use of such systems does not consider the design of the cue itself. Within a search and rescue (SAR) context, there is a possibility that cues designed to facilitate effective search could in fact distract a SAR operator's search of the terrain, reducing the probability of locating a crashed aircraft. In order to determine if salience matters in the design of an ATD system for video-based sensor systems, it is important to study the impact of highly salient cues on visual search. In a previous experiment where the saliency of a cue was varied using different levels of cue brightness in a search task with static imagery, it was found that the more salient cues produced faster response times without any detrimental effects on accuracy. In the present experiment we used dynamic imagery from a SAR simulator. We found that cues of different brightness improved the sensitivity (d') of participants when compared to conditions in which no cues were available, but there was no evidence of any differences between the different levels of cue brightness. These findings suggest that cue brightness may not influence the salience of cues as much as one might expect in the context of a full-motion simulation. Other visual dimensions such as visual onsets or colour may potentially play a larger role in determining the saliency of ATD system cues when used in a task involving motion such as SAR.
The Impact of Head Orientation on Multi-segmental Torso Coordination during the Transition from Sitting to Standing
Authors: Johnson Molly B. , Van Emmerik Richard E. A.
Published: January 2012

Objective: The aim of this research was to assess how changing the orientation of the head to the trunk would impact the mobility and coordination of multiple torso segments during a common postural transition. Background: The dynamic relationship of the head to the trunk has a major impact on vestibular, visual, and neck muscle stretch receptor sensory feedback. Integration of sensory feedback is necessary to regulate postural control, which is necessary for the performance of daily and occupational activities. During upright stance, head extension induces postural sway (Vuillerme & Rougier, 2005); however, postural control within the torso may also be impacted. Methods: Eleven male and thirteen female, healthy, young subjects performed the sit-to-stand movement starting from standardized sitting conditions. Each subject performed four sit-to-stand trials with each of three different head orientations: extended, flexed, and neutral. 3-D kinematic data were analyzed for six torso segments: head, cervical, upper-thoracic, mid-thoracic, lumbar, and pelvis. Sagittal range of motion was calculated for torso joints composed of adjacent segment pairs. Cross correlations and time lag to maximum cross correlation were analyzed for all possible pairs of torso segments for normalized sit-to-stand trials. Results: Moving from sitting to standing elicited greater range of motion of most torso joints with the head extended compared to with the head flexed or neutral. Cross correlations at zero lag and maximum cross correlations for most torso segment pairs were lower with the head extended compared to flexed or neutral. The lag to maximum cross correlation was higher for all non-adjacent torso segments with the head extended compared to flexed or neutral. Conclusion: Extending the head on the trunk increased mobility within the trunk and decreased temporal coordination between multiple torso segments. These findings suggest that changing the relationship of the head to the trunk induces postural instability within the torso in a healthy population during a postural transition. Application: Increased mobility and reduced stability within the torso during postural transitions could increase occupational risk for falls and injuries, such as low back pain. Avoiding unnecessary head extension could decrease the likelihood of postural instability and subsequent injury risk.
Click This!: A Study on Optimizing Toolbar Placement in Computer Graphical User Interfaces
Authors: Hor Daniel , Dolgov Igor , Schwark Jeremy , Graves William
Published: January 2012

Toolbars in computer graphical user interfaces are usually placed at the top of the program window. Yet our study showed that people typically responded fastest when toolbars are placed on the left or right side, despite the four sides being of equal distance from the center of the screen. Furthermore, responses were slowest when toolbars were placed at the bottom. We also found that participants performed significantly slower when presented with multiple toolbars and when toolbar position was unpredictable.
Potential Performance Costs Associated with Large-Format Tiled Displays for Surgical Visualization
Authors: Seidelman Will , Carswell C. Melody , Lio Cindy H. , Grant Russell C. , Sublette Michelle , Field Matt , Seales Brent , Clarke Duncan
Published: January 2012

Twenty-five participants performed a surgical training task on a large format display created from one projector or by tiling the images from a 4-, or 9-projector array. Utilizing a large-format display consisting of tiled projector images brings the potential benefits of increased display size with the potential threats to performance of inherent visual artifacts. The effect of these artifacts on performance and subjective workload was assessed. Results indicate that while display size did not affect performance on the surgical task, differences in mental workload were observed. Although a global measure of workload indicated that the tiled displays were the least demanding to use, participants reported deploying additional but highly specific cognitive resources when using these same displays. Their resource shifts seemed to involve adjustments to the perceived control gains created by enhanced size and also degraded ability to compare target sizes in the larger display, possibly due to the obscuring effect of tile edges.
Walking and Jogging: An Analysis of Pedestrian Stopping Times and Distances
Authors: Wood Matthew , Ayres Thomas , Kelkar Rajeev , Khatua Rajeeb
Published: January 2012

When faced with a potential hazard, a pedestrian may need to change course, stop, maintain speed or accelerate. Logically, this must involve both a delay phase (to perceive a hazard and formulate a response) and an action phase (e.g., to arrest forward momentum in a stopping response). Qualitatively, the decision and response processes are similar to those an individual faces while driving an automobile or riding a bicycle, but very little research has been found on this subject for pedestrians. In the current study, jogging or walking subjects were asked to stop quickly in response to an auditory signal, and data were extracted from video recordings of the trials. The reaction time phase observed in the study was similar to prepared reaction times in other settings. The halting phase visibly began with a change in body angle, with rapid deceleration following the subsequent heel strike. Both the time and the distance to stop required from a jog or walk can be important for analysis of vehicle-pedestrian collisions and other mishaps.
Pilot/ATC Communication Conflicts: Implications for NextGen
Authors: Mosier Kathleen L. , Rettenmaier Paula , McDearmid Matthew , Wilson Jordan , Mak Stanton , Raj Lakshmi , Orasanu Judith
Published: January 2012

In the planned NextGen aviation operations, it will be critical to ensure shared situational understanding and cooperative problem solving between aircrews and ATC (Air Traffic Controllers). A first step in predicting how future changes will impact flight crews and ATC is to examine the present system and to pinpoint problematic areas that may be ameliorated or exacerbated by advanced automation and heavier traffic density. Method: We coded ASRS (Aviation Safety Reporting System) reports identified as having communication conflicts between pilots and ATC. Results: Results describe types of conflict, operational context, phase of flight, operator states, and situations conducive to communication conflicts, risk perception differences and inappropriate resolution strategies. Limitations - Characteristics of the ASRS database guarantee that it is a rich source of data, but also impose inherent limitations with respect to generalization. Implications: This research will enable us to better predict NextGen aircrew/ATC communication breakdowns and conflicts resulting from specific situations and/or operator states.
The Effects of Text Messaging on Driver Distraction: A Bio-Behavioral Analysis
Authors: Mouloua Mustapha , Ahern Amber , Rinalducci Edward , Alberti Pascal , Brill J. Christopher , Quevedo Adrian
Published: January 2012

This study was designed to empirically examine the effects of text-messaging on driver distraction. Thirty participants were required to perform a driving simulation task while text-messaging using a cellular phone device. Driving errors as measured by lane deviations, crossing the median, crashes, etc., were recorded and analyzed as a function of the distracter. Physiological measures (EEG) were also recorded during the driving phases to quantitatively measure the participant's level of cortical arousal. It was hypothesized that text-messaging would affect driving ability and the level of cortical arousal. The results indicated higher levels of arousal and a prevalence of the theta frequency (4–7 Hz), which is associated with distractibility as a result of text-messaging activity. In addition, participants showed an increased number of driving errors as a function of text-messaging distractibility. These results have major implications for in-vehicle systems design, traffic safety, and driver attention and workload.