bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computing the Similarity of Sequential Behavior
Authors: Myers Christopher W.
Published: January 2012

Current technology provides researchers' the capability to collect high-density/high-definition data. However, the potential of such capabilities is diminished without the availability of objective analyses. For example, techniques to objectively compare two complete behavioral routines, two subsections within the same routine, or two subsections between two different routines have been elusive. The capability to objectively compare interactive routines of behavior will enable researchers to study the adoption and evolution of such routines. In this paper a technique is proposed to objectively compare behavioral routines, whether the data are obtained from a human or embodied computational model. This technique offers the promise of solving what Anderson (2002) regarded as the non-determinism problem of modeling behavior at the 100-ms level of behavior. The technique is housed within a software tool for integrating and analyzing fixed-location and movement data collected from eyes and cursors, simultaneously (Myers & Schoelles, in press).
Cognitive Metrics Profiling
Authors: Gray Wayne D. , Schoelles Michael J. , Sims Chris
Published: January 2012

Cognitive Metrics Profiling promises a new approach to minimizing the cognitive workload of interactive systems. By metering high-fidelity computational cognitive models of embodied cognition, Cognitive Metrics Profiles provide a theory-based prediction of the transient changes in workload demanded by dynamic task environments. Although establishing the reliability and validity of this new approach will not be trivial, our profiles stand on the shoulders of the ACT-R architecture of cognition. More than 30-yrs of research have gone into the ACT line of theories. Over the last decade, hundreds of researchers have used ACT-R to build and test models of human cognition. Hence, although many of the details of the architecture are certainly incomplete, much of ACT-R is approximately correct. We expect that the predictions of a Cognitive Metrics Profile based on ACT-R will provide a better estimate of cognitive workload than the estimates used in current human factors practice.
Modeling Tools for Predicting Driver Distraction
Authors: Salvucci Dario D.
Published: January 2012

In contrast to the vast amount of modeling work focused on desktop user interfaces, recent work has increasingly focused on “off-the-desktop” interfaces, one prime example being in-vehicle interfaces used while driving. This paper highlights four recent approaches to predicting driver distraction from in-vehicle interfaces as secondary tasks: hand-crafted modeling with the full-fledged ACT-R architecture, handcrafted modeling with the much less complex ACT-Simple framework, modeling-by-demonstration using the new CogTool, and simplified modeling-by-demonstration using the integrated Distract-R system. While all four use an integrated-model approach and a rigorous driver model, each approach illustrates different advantages and disadvantages of simplifying cognitive modeling for purposes of rapid prototyping and evaluation of in-vehicle interfaces.
A Platoon Level Model of Communication Flow and the Effects on Soldier Performance
Authors: Swoboda Jennifer C. , Kilduff Patricia W. , Katz Joshua P.
Published: January 2012

The Future Combat System (FCS) initiative is at the center of the Army's Future Force Vision. To predict how proposed systems and displays will impact situational understanding and, thereby, decision making, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory Human Research and Engineering Directorate (ARL HRED) used the tool, Command, Control, and Communication: Techniques for Reliable Assessment of Concept Execution (C3TRACE). C3TRACE is a modeling environment in which one can develop multiple concept configurations quickly and efficiently, minimizing the need for multiple human-in-the-loop experiments. Among the performance measures tracked are operator utilization, completed versus dropped messages, and the probability of making a “good” decision, that is, a decision supported by the required information. C3TRACE was used to develop a model of a Future Combat System (FCS) platoon equipment concept—–wrist-mounted displays for the dismounted positions and laptop-type displays for the mounted positions. This paper discusses the effects of display device communication processing on Soldier performance in mounted vs. dismounted positions.
Bone Mineral Content and Fatigue Failure of Lumbar Motion Segments in Simulated Flexed Lifting: Does Specimen Age Influence the Relationship?
Authors: Gallagher Sean , Marras William S. , Litsky Alan S. , Burr Deborah
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a comparison of the fatigue failure responses of older versus younger lumbar spine cadaver motion segment specimens. These specimens were repeatedly subjected to loads simulating those experienced by the spine in lifting a 9 kg load in different torso flexion postures (0, 22.5, and 45 degrees of flexion). An older sample of 36 motion segments (average age 81 years + 8 SD) is compared with a younger sample of 18 motion segments (average age: 47 years + 9 SD) with respect to the number of cycles to failure and results of survival analyses evaluating the effects of flexion and bone mineral content with and without the younger data set. Compared to the older sample of spines, the younger sample exhibited many more cycles to fatigue failure in all the torso flexion conditions (10020 versus 8267 average cycles to failure in 0 degrees flexion, 7124 versus 3262 in 22.5 degrees flexion, and 3229 versus 263 cycles to failure in 45 degrees flexion). The increased cycles to failure in young specimens is likely due to the increased bone mineral content (BMC) in younger motion segments (30.7 g + 11.1 g per motion segment versus 27.8 + 9.4 g). Cox regression analyses modeling both flexion effects and BMC indicate that betas are similar when just older spines are modeled and when younger specimens are included in the analysis. Betas for survival analysis models with and without younger specimens generally show little change for flexion (2.716 versus 2.756 for 22.5 degrees [0 degrees referent], 3.926 versus 3.380 for 45 degrees [0 degrees referent]). Bone mineral content shows a similar protective effect in both models (Betas: −0.127 versus −0.087). Overall, comparison of the models indicate that risk ratios are similar for 22.5 degrees flexion, slightly increased for 45 degrees flexion and slightly more protective influence predicted for BMC in the combined sample versus the older sample alone.
Aging Effect on Joint Moment Generation Strategy in Successful Reactive-Recovery from Unexpected Slips
Authors: Liu Jian
Published: January 2012

3D joint moment analysis has been regarded as a valuable tool in slips and falls studies. In addition to the commonly used peak joint moments, joint moment distribution characteristics enabled by 3D approach may reflect the relative importance of different anatomical planes. The objective of this study was to examine the aging effect on lower extremity joint moment distribution characteristics among all the three anatomical planes during the process of successful reactive-recovery from unexpected slips. Nine young and nine old participants who were identified as having successful recovery trials were selected from previously conducted walking experiments. Unexpected slips were created by introducing slippery floor surface without participants' awareness. Peak joint moment ratio (JMP Ratio) was defined and computed for each anatomical plane. Results indicated significant decreased sagittal JMP Ratio for the old group and significant increased sagittal JMP Ratio for the young group during recovery. It was concluded that young and old individuals appeared to adopt different joint moment distribution strategies, which may be due to age-related lower extremity strength degradation.
A Biomechanical Basis for Low Back Injury Risk in High Exertion Tasks
Authors: Chaffin Don B.
Published: January 2012

Manual work is still very prevalent in many jobs today. This paper will explore the historic role that biomechanics has played in understanding these outcomes, as well as reviewing various prevention strategies used today.

The focus of the presentation will be on occupational low back pain. The discussion begins with the fundamental biomechanical reality; that the lumbar spine is often subjected to extremely large compression forces when one stoops to pick up an object, even if the object is of moderate weight. The paper will discuss this outcome, as well as biomechanics research in the late 80s that lead to inclusion in 1994 of a torso twisting risk factor in the “NIOSH Lifting Guideline.”

The growing use of mechanical aids (hoists, articulated arms and conveyors) has done a great deal to alleviate high levels of low back stress while lifting, but too often these same devices require people to twist and push and pull objects. High torso muscle antagonistic actions and vertebral shear forces were being predicted in such activities, especially when fast motions were involved. Concern also over shoulder injuries was growing related to the use of these devices, leading to the need to develop and use models of whole body exertions in industry to understand the full complexity of the problems for various groups of people.

Recently some biomechanics research began to focus on another aspect of vertebral column function that makes it vulnerable to injury, particularly during fast motions with light loads. This vulnerability is due to the column's reliance on well coordinated torso muscle contractions to control its inherent dynamic instability.
Effects of Rebar Tying Machine on Trunk Flexion and Productivity
Authors: Vi Peter
Published: January 2012

A before-and-after experimental design was conducted to evaluate the potential reduction in the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to concrete reinforcement workers when using an automatic rebar tying machine. Eleven (11) concrete reinforcement workers participated in this experiment. All dependent variables (trunk posture, and rebar tying time) were measured before and after implementing the rebar tying machine. The results of the study indicated that working with a rebar tying machine significantly reduced the magnitude and duration of exposure to awkward trunk posture. Tying time was reduced when participants used the machine. Based on trunk posture exposure and rebar tying time, it is concluded that the rebar tying machine can be an effective tool to reduce the frequency and duration of severe trunk flexion and increase productivity among concrete reinforcement workers.
Culture and Cognition: Implications for Cognitive Design of Learning Resources
Authors: Nam Chang S. , Kim Hyung N. , Smith-Jackson Tonya L. , Scales Wayne A.
Published: January 2012

The rapid growth of computer-based learning applications has generated the need for the consideration of learning styles of culturally diverse students. However, few attempts have been made to empirically study the influence of learner's cultural backgrounds on computer-based learning. Many studies have shown that mismatches between students' cultural learning preferences and pedagogy may negatively affect their academic performance and attitudes toward learning. The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate a Web-based tutorial for global positioning systems (GPS) designed by employing culture-centered interface design guidelines that would be compatible with cultural learning preferences of two ethnic groups -African- and European-Americans. Results of the study showed that AA students preferred a Web-based tutorial designed with interface design guidelines that were compatible with their cultural learning preferences. There are several implications for culture-centered cognitive design of learning resource.
Effect of Scroll Bar and Navigation Menu Co-Location on Web Performance
Authors: Devine Heather , Andre Anthony D.
Published: January 2012

This study explored the effect of scroll bar and navigation menu co-location on web performance. Participants interacted with fictitious web sites that co-located the menu and scroll bar, or placed them opposite one another. We did not find support for the hypothesis that menu and scroll bar co-location would result in improved menu navigation performance. However, participants indicated a preference for co-location and found it easier and faster to use than non-co-location. The results show a strong advantage for the conventional right-side placement of the scroll bar and a potential benefit for the unconventional right-side placement of the menu.
Using Eye Tracking to Evaluate Alternative Search Results Interfaces
Authors: Rele Rachana S. , Duchowski Andrew T.
Published: January 2012

Surveys have shown that 75% of users get frustrated with search engines and only 21% find relevant information. Inability to find relevant results can be partially attributed to cluttered results pages and failure in constructing Boolean queries. This research used sixteen subjects to evaluate two types of search results interfaces using four tasks while measuring performance and studying their ocular behavior using a Tobii 1750 eye-tracker. The two interfaces used were list interface, commonly seen on many search engines and a tabular interface presenting information in discrete categories or elements of the result's abstract. Quantitative comparisons of two interfaces are made on performance metrics such as time and errors, process metrics such as fixation durations, number of fixations, and eye movement transitions from one element or category of the abstract. Subjective data was collected through post-task and post-test questionnaires. The results did not show any significant difference in performance between the two interfaces, however, eye movements analysis provide some insights into importance of search result's abstract elements such as title, summary, and URL of the interface while searching.
How Late Can you Update? Detecting Blur and Transients in Gaze-Contingent Multi-Resolutional Displays
Authors: Loschky Lester C. , McConkie George W.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated perceptual disruptions in gaze-contingent multi-resolutional displays (GCMRDs) due to delays in updating the image after an eye movement. GCMRDs can be used to save processing resources and transmission bandwidth in many single-user display applications such as virtual reality, simulators, video-telephony, remote piloting, and teleoperation. The current study found that image update delays after an eye movement could be as long as 60 ms without significantly increasing the detectability of image degradation and/or transients due to the update. This is good news for designers of GCMRD applications, since it is ample time to update their displays after an eye movement without disrupting perception.
Steering Errors May Result from Non-Rigid Transparent Optical Flow
Authors: Dyre Brian P. , Lew Roger
Published: January 2012

Transparent, non-rigid optical flow can result from environmental factors (e.g., wind-blown snow) or technological factors (e.g., superposition of sensor imagery flow on the environmental flow viewed directly through the windscreen) and can produce systematic errors in judgments of the direction of heading and control of yaw. Here, we examined whether these systematic errors generalize to control of heading in a more realistic scenario, driving across a textured ground plane through falling snow. Simulated crosswinds caused the snow to move at varying angles (0-32°) relative to the simulated direction of translation. Participants were instructed to steer such that they maintained a straight path relative to the ground plane. For non-zero angles, a pattern of systematic steering errors was found that was consistent with the pattern of errors previously observed with judgments of heading. These results suggest that motion transparency occurring in more realistic simulations can introduce systematic errors in controlling vehicles.
Viewpoint Tethering in Complex Terrain Navigation and Awareness
Authors: Lamb Matthew , Hollands J. G.
Published: January 2012

Twelve participants navigated a simulated vehicle across complex virtual terrain using five different display viewpoints: egocentric, dynamic tether, rigid tether, three-dimensional (3D) exocentric, and twodimensional (2D) exocentric. While navigating, participants had to avoid being seen by simulated enemy units. After the navigation task, participants' spatial awareness was assessed using a recognition task. The egocentric display was more effective than exocentric displays (2D or 3D) for navigation, and the exocentric displays were more effective than egocentric for time seen during navigation and the recognition task. The tethered displays generally produced intermediate results, but minimized the time during which the participant's avatar was visible to enemy positions. In summary, it would appear that the tether facilitated spatial awareness involving knowledge of locations of interest with respect to one's own position

while navigating.
Static Representation of Object Motion
Authors: Gillan Douglas J. , Sapp Merrill V.
Published: January 2012

Displaying motion information is useful in dynamic tasks, such as tracking or predicting the course of moving objects or systems (e.g., unmanned ground or air vehicles, troops, or weather). Static representations of object motion may be useful when technological limitations prevent use of dynamic displays. The present experiment examined people's interpretations of a variety of static cues to represent object motion. Participants viewed and rated two static types of representation of object motion – motion lines and arrows. The features of object motion that participants rated were distance traveled, direction, path, speed, and acceleration. The results show that observers reliably interpret certain static cues to represent features of object motion, especially distance, direction, path and speed; the cues examined were not interpreted as representing acceleration. The results are interpreted as guidelines for design of displays that include object motion information.
Common Region and Spatial Performance Using Map-Like Displays
Authors: Hurts Karel
Published: January 2012

Three techniques of perceptual grouping were compared in terms of their effect on people's ability to read maps that always remained visible. The techniques differ in the way they create clusters of objects on map-like displays: by using boundary lines to form adjacent “countries” (Common Region), by coloring “city” symbols that belong to the same, contiguous, country in a unique way (Adjacent Color), or by using color to create spatially non-contiguous, overlapping, clusters (Color Only). Subjects were asked to compare the horizontal orientations of two cities at a time, and, in another task, to compare two distances corresponding to three map cities. Results show that orientation statements were verified faster for same-cluster cities than for differentcluster cities, but only in the Common Region condition. Neither distance estimations nor orientation judgments were distorted by any grouping technique, as indicated by an effect on judgment accuracy. The implications of these results for our understanding of map reading ability in relation to techniques for perceptual grouping are discussed.
Optimizing Alarm Location and Effects of Hearing Protection for Machining Industries
Authors: Lee Jun-Seok , Kong Dongjoon
Published: January 2012

Emergency alarm systems are extremely important in our daily life since these can provide adequate and timely warning to people in event of threatened disaster. These systems cause a traumatic hearing loss due to their extremely high sound level. Hearing protection devices are the most popular and convenient solution for avoiding a traumatic hearing loss. However, the study of alarm location problems with hearing protection has not been much paid attention. The purposes of this study were; (1) to determine the number of alarm devices, their optimum locations and minimum sound power levels and; (2) to find the effectiveness of hearing protection devices. The selected working environment was a machining facility that usually generates extremely high noise level. An analytical model was provided and the effects of hearing protection devices were discussed with two examples. The results showed that hearing protection was highly required at or above 85dBA noisy environment.
Evaluation of Bone-Conduction Headsets for Use in Multitalker Communication Environments
Authors: Walker Bruce N. , Stanley Raymond M. , Iyer Nandini , Simpson, Brian D. , Brungart Douglas S.
Published: January 2012

Standard audio headphones are useful in many applications, but they cover the ears of the listener and thus may impair the perception of ambient sounds. Bone-conduction headphones offer a possible alternative, but traditionally their use has been limited to monaural applications due to the high propagation speed of sound in the human skull. Here we show that stereo bone-conduction headsets can be used to provide a limited amount of interaural isolation in a dichotic speech perception task. The results suggest that reliable spatial separation is possible with bone-conduction headsets, but that they probably cannot be used to lateralize signals to extreme left or right apparent locations
An Examination of Head-Mounted Displays and Task Complexity in an Airborne Command and Control Simulation Environment
Authors: Galster Scott M. , Bolia Robert S. , Brown Rebecca D. , Tollner Alison M.
Published: January 2012

Technology-induced increases in information availability have elevated the issue of display cluttering in application domains in which display space is limited. To remediate this problem, evaluations of potential display technologies should be conducted. This paper discusses the examination of head-mounted displays (HMDs) in a simulated airborne command and control environment. Twelve participants engaged in tasks in which they were required to retrieve information from one of several display technologies. This information was available via two HMDs, on paper, and on the primary display. Further, as in previous work, the task complexity was also manipulated. The results indicated that the HMDs tested, in general, did not produce a performance benefit over the other methods of information retrieval. However, the HMDs.did not show a decrement in performance as previous studies have shown. Potential uses of HMDs.and other display technologies are discussed.
Improved Tactical Headset: The Effect of Noise Cancellation on Sound Localization
Authors: Klein Edward W. , Wertz Jonathan M. , Smith Daniel R.
Published: January 2012

Among other dangers, soldiers in combat often risk hearing damage. A new source of damage is an increase in crew compartment noise resulting from the addition of armored protection to Highly Mobile Multi-Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs, commonly known as “Humvee”). To protect soldiers, the US Army may replace the current Interim Headset (IH) with an Improved Tactical Headset (ITH), which uses noise cancellation technology. However, decision makers are concerned that the ITH may affect perception. In the current study, twenty-one soldiers were tested for accuracy of sound localization in an 8 times 2 mixed experimental design (Speaker Location x Headset Type). Results indicate soldiers wearing either headset experienced the front/back confusion typically found in the literature; but soldiers wearing the ITH localized sound more accurately when the sounds originated from their rear and right rear. These findings may support the ITH as the preferred intervention.
Enhancing Perceived Situation Awareness and Reducing Perceived Workload with a Likelihood Alarm Display
Authors: Fallon Corey K. , Bustamante Ernesto A. , Bliss James P.
Published: January 2012

The researchers investigated the effects of a likelihood alarm display (LAD) on perceptions of workload and situation awareness (SA) during varying degrees of taskload. Twenty-four psychology students reacted to alarms while performing a complex primary task. The researchers examined participants performances during four experimental sessions. Two conditions of alarm display (binary and likelihood) and task load (low and high) were manipulated within groups. In addition, alarm display order (binary first or likelihood first) and task load order (low first or high first) were examined between groups. Results showed greater SA and reduced workload when participants used a likelihood alarm display and when they experienced low task load. Significant order effects also occurred. This study demonstrated the positive effects of a likelihood alarm display on perceptions of workload and SA, and suggests that LAD use may reduce workload and enhance SA.
Understanding Customer Needs in Designing Automotive Center Consoles
Authors: Bhise Vivek D. , Hammoudeh Rashad , Dowd James , Hayes Marc
Published: January 2012

This paper presents results of two studies conducted to determine customer needs in designing future center console designs for automotive products. The first study involved an observational survey of 150 vehicles in three parking lots to determine what items people store in their vehicles and the item locations. The data obtained from the survey provided a list of all the stored items, their distribution and their locations inside the vehicle. Papers, bottles, cups, books, bags and sunglasses were most frequently observed items in the vehicles. The second study was conducted to determine storage preferences of items in the center console. A foam-core center console with velcro surfaces was built inside a minivan. Thirty-six drivers were asked to select items that they would carry most often in their vehicles and place them on the center console surfaces. The resulting layouts of stored items were summarized. The summary data were provided to four teams of industrial design and engineering students to create design concepts for future automotive center consoles.
Evaluation of a Surgeon-Centered Laparoscopic Tool Design to Conventional Tools
Authors: Trejo A.E. , Jung M.-C. , Oleynikov D. , Hallbeck M.S.
Published: January 2012

Surgeon-centered design principles were employed to design an articulating laparoscopic tool. Evaluation of this tool by 38 expert laparoscopic surgeons demonstrated that they believed the new tool could significantly reduce back, shoulder, arm, wrist and hand pain and stiffness. They preferred the new design to conventional designs for comfort and general impression. The added articulation at the grasper tip was deemed a useful addition by 92%; in addition, 89% of the surgeons would purchase the tool once it was on the market. This study demonstrates that good surgeon-centered design can improve a standard laparoscopic tool. It further demonstrates that given a choice between current tools and ergonomically designed tools, laparoscopic surgeons will select the more comfortable, useful tool.
Predicted versus Actual Response to Warning Signs and Labels: Examining the Role of ANSI Z535 Features
Authors: Frantz J. Paul , Young Stephen L. , Rhoades Timothy P. , Wisniewski Elaine C.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the extent to which predicted responses to ANSI Z535-style warning signs and labels correspond to actual responses. In previous studies, lay people's impressions of the influence of warning attributes have not been found to accurately predict actual responses to warnings or to reflect the effects obtained in behavioral studies for different warning conditions. However, these studies have not specifically focused on the connection between predicted and actual responses to warnings that vary according to conformance with an ANSI standard for product warnings. Four warning scenarios were employed in the present study, with warnings varying according to the extent of ANSI-conformance. Participants consistently and incorrectly predicted that people would be more likely to notice and/or comply with warnings that were more consistent with ANSI as opposed to those warnings that were less-consistent with ANSI. Collectively, people's perception of differences in response to warnings was not consistent with what has been reported in observational studies.
ANSI Z535 Signal Words and the Ability to Infer Hazard and Consequence Information - 1992 versus 2004
Authors: Frantz J. Paul , Rhoades Timothy P. , Shah Raina J. , Hall Steven M. , Isaacson Judith J. , Burhans Charles G.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the influence of signal word on the interpretation of a product safety label in 1992 and 2004. It also examined people's ability to infer consequences from a label that did not explicitly state hazard or consequence information. Participants were shown a label with the signal word DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION, or with no signal word and asked a series of questions regarding willingness to engage in certain activities with the product, perceived degree of hazard associated with engaging in these activities, perceived degree of hazard associated with not heeding the label, and perceived consequences of not heeding the label. Participants were able to infer the type of hazard and other consequence information that was not explicitly stated. Presence or type of signal word did not influence perceived hazardousness or perceived consequences and with one exception did not influence willingness to engage in certain activities. With one minor exception, there were no differences in responses between 1992 and 2004. In a separate analysis, hazard ratings, overall, were lower for signal words when presented second than when presented first.
“Rider Responsibility” and Amusement Ride Accidents: An Observational and Consensus Study of Rider Behaviours
Authors: Woodcock Kathryn , Tsao Janet
Published: January 2012

“Rider responsibility” regulations will oblige riders to comply with rules and safety features and to abide by the range and limits of their abilities. This study observed rider errors and analysed inspectors' reports of undesirable rider and operator behaviours. In most errors, provisions for error prevention and error capturing were ineffective, although error tolerance prevented most injury. While inspectors used a discourse of violation to describe undesirable behaviour, the observed errors were goal oriented and made sense in the rider's task or possible mental model. “Rider responsibility” obligations may not eliminate the contextual aspects of the errors resulting in deviation from the existing safety rules.
The Effect of Contradictory Information on Recently Acquired Knowledge
Authors: Adams Anne E. , Bowles C. Travis , Choi Ki C. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

When individuals encounter information contradicting their beliefs, they may briefly retain the contradiction, but are likely to revert to their original beliefs over time. Past research has focused on the effects of prior knowledge and consistency of information when prior knowledge was well-established. This study investigated the effects of prior knowledge and information consistency for recently acquired knowledge. By learning whether the same reverting effect holds for recently acquired information, interventions can be sought to enhance recall of important information. Participants in this study were given two information packages about a fictional animal and their recall on various facts tested. Although a large proportion of participants recalled the updated information, overall recall of contradicted information after two weeks was reduced compared to when information was consistent. Recall of the original information was shown to resurface.
Automation in the Home: The Development of an Appropriate System Representation and its Effects on Reliance
Authors: Sanchez Julian , Calcaterra Gina , Tran Quan Q.
Published: January 2012

To achieve an appropriate level of reliance on an automated system, the operator must have an accurate system representation such that he/she is aware of the capabilities and limitations of the system. The appropriate use of an automated system can lead to optimal performance by the human-machine dyad. This study investigates the relationship between an accurate system representation and behaviors associated with human-automation interaction (e.g., reliance). Furthermore, age-related effects are also included in the investigation. A cooking memory aid (Cook's Collage) is used as an automated aid that keeps track of the ingredients used in a specific recipe. Participants are asked to interact with the automated device for 5 sessions (each on different days). Tasks are structured to simulate those in a real kitchen. Preliminary results suggest that that there is a different pattern of interaction with the aid as a function of age. Older adults tend to rely on the aid for real-time feedback while younger adults use the aid as a verification tool that they have executed the recipe as desired.
Gender Differences in Navigation and Wayfinding using Mobile Augmented Reality
Authors: Ahmad Ali M. , Goldiez Brian F. , Hancock P. A.
Published: January 2012

Augmented Reality (AR) technology is sufficiently mature, where it is possible to evaluate improvement in human performance. A critical aspect of human performance is individual differences in AR. In the present study, the effect of gender on human performance in a “search and rescue” navigation task is assessed. Six conditions were investigated in the study: Two control conditions (paper map or compass prior to entering the maze), and four experimental conditions (combinations of egocentric and exocentric maps, and a continuously-on or on-demand map display). 120 subjects equally divided between males and females were tested. Pre and post test questionnaires were administered. Guilford-Zimmerman (G-Z) scores indicate that males perform better than females in spatial visualization and orientation tasks. The time for maze traversal for females exceeded that of males by 127 seconds on average for the no map condition. Also, males had better performance in covering the maze.
Rural Stop-Controlled Intersection Decision Support Systems
Authors: Laberge Jason , Ward Nicholas , Rakauskas Michael , Creaser Janet
Published: January 2012

Minnesota drivers are over-represented in accidents at rural stop-controlled intersections. There is also evidence that drivers in other states as well as older drivers are involved in many of these crashes. A task analysis and literature review showed that rural drivers could be getting into accidents because of problems detecting vehicles or gaps, perceiving or estimating the size of gaps, and/or judging gaps as safe. It is suggested that intersection decision support (IDS) systems present drivers with information elements that help them correctly identify and locate other vehicles and in some cases highlight (safe) gaps in approaching traffic. Several design concepts are proposed and research needs are discussed.
Behavioral Effects of Driver Distraction and Alcohol Impairment
Authors: Rakauskas Michael , Ward Nicholas
Published: January 2012

There remains some debate regarding secondary task distractions, such as cell phones, as a risk factor in traffic crashes and their relative risk compared to existing factors, such as engagement in common in-vehicle tasks and alcohol impairment. Moreover, studies of driver impairment often investigate single risk factors rather than combined factors (e.g. distraction task while drunk). This study compared non-distracted driving in a motion-based driving simulator to distracted driving (hands-free cell phone conversations, common in-vehicle tasks) either while sober or combined with alcohol (BAC 0.08). The results indicated that during a car following scenario, drivers engaged in the conversations or completing in-vehicle tasks were more impaired than drivers that were not involved in any distraction task. Indeed, both the cell phone and in-vehicle sources of distraction were generally more impairing than intoxication at the legal limit.
Effects of Driving Speed and Sign Reflectance on Nighttime Highway Sign Legibility Distance and Reading Time Requirements
Authors: Schieber Frank
Published: January 2012

Nighttime highway sign legibility distance was evaluated as drivers maintained speeds of 5 versus 60 MPH. Effective legibility distance fell by approximately 30% when driving at high speed (114.9 versus 81.2 m at 5 and 60 MPH, respectively; F (1,9) = 48.6, p < 0.001). This finding suggests that past research, usually conducted under static viewing conditions (i.e., less than 5 MPH), probably overestimates the distance at which drivers can effectively read signs at night. In order to evaluate the appropriateness of new minimum sign reflectance levels proposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), legibility distance was also evaluated using 100% (new) versus 15% reflectance signs. Results indicate that nighttime legibility distance can be expected to fall by approximately 12% over the life cycle of a microprismatic retroreflective highway sign given the proposed FHWA minimum reflectance specification (104.2 versus 91.9 m for 100% and 15% reflectance, respectively; F (1,9) = 20.6, p < 0.001).
Expanding Dod Human Systems Integration Demands—Can we Deliver what is Needed?
Authors: Gigley Helen M. , Boehm-Davis Deborah A.
Published: January 2012

DoD Acquisition has recently undergone major changes. In the recently published DoD Instruction 5000.2 (only available on-line at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/corres/html/50002.htm ), Human Systems Integration (HSI) has become a focus for all new system acquisitions. In the Instruction, HSI is defined to include: Human Factors Engineering, Personnel, Habitability, Manpower, Training, Environment, Safety and Occupational Health (ESOH), and Survivability. New acquisition policy intends that each of these HSI areas become a documented component of all acquisitions to meet maximal capability with the right number of personnel, suitably trained, and ready for operations, and at the same time assuring their health, safety and survivability. The panel's goals are:

1. To inform the community of the expanded DoD HSI emphasis and 2. To ask the HSI community to assess whether and how we are situated to meet the demands.
An Overview of NASA's Space Exploration Vision: The Human Systems Integration Challenges
Authors: Allard Terry , Kaiser Mary K.
Published: January 2012

The space exploration vision announced by President Bush on January 14, 2004 requires a new way of thinking about human-machine systems. A progressive and sustained exploration of the Moon, Mars, and other destinations of discovery will depend on system design that supports and extends the capabilities of our astronauts through advanced automation, distributed mission support, and effective human-robot teaming. We provide an overview of the developmental program of exploration, and the critical Human-Systems Integration (HSI) challenges associated with each of seven operational domains: mission control operations; self-sufficient spacecraft operations; extra-vehicular activity / teleoperations; training and on-board decision support; launch-site operations; HSI engineering support; and behavioral health and performance.
Applying Engineering Models of Human Behavior to Space Flight Performance
Authors: Vera Alonso H. , Lewis Richard
Published: January 2012

Most complex human-device interactions that arise in realistic applied settings are heterogeneous along several dimensions that significantly restrict the scope and effectiveness of traditional modeling tools. In particular, different subcomponents of the same overall task may vary significantly with respect to practice level and speed-accuracy tradeoffs. The goal of this paper is to lay out the path toward a set of technologies and underlying psychological theory that will permit rapid modeling of such heterogeneous tasks, and therefore rapid evaluation of proposed interface and task structure designs. It will be critical to make progress toward the goal in three specific ways: (1) Development of simple, high-level languages that permit the rapid specification of new tasks composed hierarchically from existing task and cognitive architectural building blocks; (2) Development of the technology and underlying psychological theory that will permit the system engineers to specify the degree of learning or skill associated with separate subcomponents of the overall task, and derive the behavioral consequences of those skill assumptions without simulating the learning process itself; and (3) Develop the technology and theory that will permit the system designers and engineers to specify speed-accuracy tradeoffs separately for subcomponents of the overall task, and derive the behavioral consequences of those assumptions in concert with the skill assumptions. The outcome of such efforts will support the development of modeling tools and design guidelines for mission systems based on common skill sets and allow prediction of learning and performance time for such systems. Directly supporting two central Human-Systems Integration themes, this paper will focus on modeling tools and models needed to support prediction of degrading human performance over the duration of reference missions toward informing the design of systems to mitigate these effects.
Establishing Human Performance Improvements and Economic Benefit for a Human-Centered Operator Interface: An Industrial Evaluation
Authors: Errington Jamie , Reising Dal Vernon C. , Bullemer Peter , DeMaere Tim , Coppard Dave , Doe Keath , Bloom Charles
Published: January 2012

A controlled comparison of a human-centered operator interface to that of a traditional distributed control system interface was conducted to establish the human performance improvement. Twenty-one professional petrochemical plant operators completed a series of matching process upset scenarios on their respective plants' high-fidelity training simulators. Each scenario contained an equipment or process failure previously experienced in the real plants. The results indicated that operators using the human-centered design completed scenarios an average of 7.5 minutes faster (41% improvement over the traditional interface), successfully dealt with failures in 96% of the cases (a 26% improvement), and recognized the presence of the failure before the first process alarm in 48% of the cases (a 38% improvement). These performance results were then used as input to a Monte Carlo simulation that estimated the economic benefit for the human-centered interface at $1,090,000 CAD per year for a plant of comparable size.
Integration of Human Factors and System Safety in the Development of the U.S. Army Tactical Fire Fighting Truck
Authors: Clark Robert D. , Bonney Sean
Published: January 2012

The Tactical Fire Fighting Truck (TFFT) is the U.S. Army replacement for the Military Adaptation of a Commercial Item (MACI) 2500L fire truck. The MACI 2500L is a commercial fire fighting vehicle adapted for tactical use. It lacks full cross country mobility, has a low reliability, insufficient water capacity, small crew capacity, and does not have a commonality of automotive parts with the rest of the Army's truck fleet. The TFFT is a modified Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck (HEMTT) M977 that provides improved mobility and reliability, a crew capacity of six, and has a reliable logistical support of parts because of the large number of HEMTTs in the Army inventory. The implementation of human factors engineering and system safety engineering during the acquisition process provided an improved and enhanced fire fighting system for the U.S Army.
Development of a User Interface and Automation Analysis Tool
Authors: Riley Victor , Reinach Stephen , Bruck Kurt , Raslear Thomas
Published: January 2012

We have developed a computer-based tool to help analysts who are not human factors experts identify potential human factors problems with new equipment designs. The analyst can upload a picture of the proposed or real user interface into the tool to serve as a guide for designating the locations, physical appearances, and functionality of displays and controls. Based on these attributes, the tool can suggest potential design problems to the analyst, such as controls whose motions violate cultural conventions or are inconsistent with other controls in the same interface, inconsistent assignment of functions to soft function keys, inappropriate use of color, unprotected controls with critical functions, and adjacent controls with mutually conflicting functions. The analyst can also define automation functions, allowing the tool to suggest cases where particular combinations of automated control may lead to operator loss of situation awareness. Finally, the tool allows the analyst to enter information for two systems or designs, and will compare the designs for inconsistencies that may lead to errors or response delays. We have developed the initial version of this tool for the Federal Railroad Administration for the evaluation of new railroad technologies.
Testing the Efficiency and Effectiveness of Soldier Performance Under Increasing Task Demand
Authors: Burke K.A. , Szalma J. , Oron-Gilad T. , Duley A. , Hancock P.A.
Published: January 2012

Combat is inherently a demanding situation which may increase stress, heighten arousal, and increase anxiety. The Processing Efficiency Theory (PET) was specifically developed to account for how anxiety influences performance. Therefore, the PET provides a potential theory to explain the positive and negative changes in performance in a combat environment. This study is the first attempt to examine PET in the military domain. Using the Small Arms Simulator Testbed (SAST), we investigated the relationship between processing efficiency and performance, considering mental workload, stress, and anxiety effects. Shooting performance effectiveness measures were target acquisition and friend/foe discrimination. Changes in processing efficiency were manipulated by varying degrees of working memory demand and sustained information transfer. The results indicated that shooting performance and processing efficiency, as well as mental workload demands, decreased as the global demand of both tasks increased. Further analyses for anxiety and stress and future directions are discussed.
The Investigation of Suitability of Aeronautical Decision-making Mnemonics in Tactical Environments
Authors: Li Wen-Chin
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the suitability of ADM mnemonics for training decision making in cadet pilots. Sixty instructor pilots and forty-seven cadet pilots in the Republic of China Air Force Academy participated. They assessed the suitability of five different ADM mnemonics (SHOR -Wohl, 1981; PASS -Maher, 1989; FOR-DEC -Hormann, 1995; SOAR -Oldaker, 1995; and DESIDE - Murray, 1997) in the 6 different basic types of decision-making situation described by Orasanu (1993). These included go/no go decisions; recognition-primed decisions; response selection decisions; resource management decisions; non-diagnostic procedural decisions, and problem-solving. The findings indicated that SHOR was regarded as the most suitable mnemonic for application in time-limited and critical, urgent situations and DESIDE was thought to be superior for knowledge-based decisions which needed more comprehensive consideration but were less time limited.