bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Decision Support Interface for Surface Domain Air Traffic Controllers
Authors: Martin Lynne , Verma Savita , Ballinger Deborah , Cheng Victor
Published: January 2012

The effects of advanced automation tools on the air traffic control tower environment were assessed through a real-time simulation study. One focus of the study was the impact that advanced tools would have on controllers' roles and work patterns. Participants controlled simulated traffic during 45-minute scenarios, and reported their perceived workload and experience of using a prototype automation tool. Perceived workload was significantly reduced in the advanced automation conditions, more so as the automation assumed more functions. Participants interacted a great deal with the automation in these conditions, a notable proportion of which was interface management. Despite generally liking the tool, controllers reported the automation had assumed all of their role's decision-making responsibilities and left them with mechanical tasks. It is concluded that a more artful allocation of functions is required if controllers are to be engaged in their task when using advanced automation tools.
Operators' Time Perception Under Stress
Authors: Nayeem Razia V. , Oron-Gilad Tal , Hancock P.A.
Published: January 2012

Time perception is extremely important to the understanding, design and use of complex military systems. This experiment focused on differences in time estimation, navigation performance, and monitoring tasks. In a between-subjects experiment, participants navigated through a ground scenario while monitoring a screen and listening to white noise at either 55dBA or 85dBA. Performance data was collected throughout the task for both the navigation and monitoring tasks. Participants also completed the NASA-TLX and the DSSQ-S. Statistical analyses showed that the noise condition did not significantly affect workload, monitoring abilities, task completion and time estimates for the dual task. However, the noise did affect subjective state questionnaires. These results suggest that the dual task was not demanding enough and the stress was not adequate to push participants out of the comfort range and experience a performance decrement.
Friend/Foe Identification and Shooting Performance: Effects of Prior Task Loading and Time Pressure
Authors: Burke Kelly A. , Oron-Gilad Tal , Conway Gareth , Hancock Peter A.
Published: January 2012

The current dismounted soldier and the soldier of the future will be “loaded” with more information processing tasks while they perform shooting tasks. It is conceivable that some increased level of cognitive tasking may be performed simultaneously with required shooting tasks. The current was conducted in a high fidelity mixed reality simulation environment SAST-II. The study was designed to examine the ability of the soldier to perform friend-foe target discrimination and shooting accuracy, with varying target exposure times, friendly target signatures, and varying cognitive load demands. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the memory recall task during shooting and non-shooting conditions. Furthermore, results showed that workload increased as a function of task demand, with associated decreases in shooting performance.
Effects of Cumulative Sleep Loss and Two Nights' Recovery Sleep on Multiple-Task Performance
Authors: Haavisto Marja-Leena , Virkkala Jussi , Härmä Mikko , Müller Kiti , Porkka-Heiskanen Tarja , Sallinen Mikael
Published: January 2012

The present study investigated the effects of five days' cumulative sleep restriction and two nights' recovery sleep on multiple-task performance and subjective sleepiness in a controlled laboratory environment. A total of 21 volunteers participated, thirteen in the experimental group and eight in the control group. Compared to the control group, the sleepiness of the sleep-loss group gradually increased over the five days, but returned to the baseline level after an eight hour recovery sleep period. Multiple-task performance declined selectively in the memory, arithmetic and auditory subtasks, while visual monitoring results were not affected. After the eight hour recovery period, the performance of the sleep-restricted participants in the auditory subtask remained low, although the individuals themselves no longer reported sleepiness. Performance in the rest of the tasks returned to the baseline level. Thus the partial cumulative sleep loss selectively impaired cognitive performance in subtasks of a multiple-task environment, which simulated many ordinary working environments. This may be due to the slowing of the cognitive processing during sleep restriction, as well as decline in attention control.
Adapting Situational Awareness Measures for Hydropower Display Evaluations
Authors: Li X. , Sanderson P , Memisevic R , Wong W
Published: January 2012

This study used Situation Awareness (SA) as a measure to evaluate two new functional displays supplementing existing monitor displays in a large hydropower system control room. Because it was impractical to use traditional SA measures this paper proposes a novel SA measurement framework, in which controllers' SA levels are derived from their in-the-loop utterance and viewing patterns, their context-specific reports of the situations, and their overall SA reflections. Results indicate that the SA measures not only support and complement one another, but also are consistent with performance results. This study offers a novel approach of using convergent lines of evidence to assess SA in the situations that involve a whole control room or command centre or in situations constrained by time and resources.
Framing Effects: Implications in Complex Problem Solving Tasks
Authors: Bhandarkar Damodar
Published: January 2012

In decision-making literature, framing effects have been studied in a wide number of task and context conditions. In much of these studies, there is strong support that decision framing can result in inconsistent behavior among individuals. While much of the literature has been in static, one-time tasks, there is a dearth of studies in decision framing in complex problem solving tasks. This dearth in part can be attributed to an assumption that operators in complex environments are often well trained in decision-making routines, and as such, may not be vulnerable to framing effects. However, what is still unclear is whether trained operators are resistant to the effects of framing when they operate under non-routine conditions, and more importantly, what relation, information processing changes caused due to framing may have on the task performance of operators. The study reported here was conducted to answer these two questions. The outcome of this work is expected to have both theoretical and practical implication towards understanding individual's adaptive behavior and design of real time complex systems.
Testing a Novel Auditory Interface Display to Enable Visually Impaired Travelers to Use Sonar Mobility Devices Effectively
Authors: Davies T. Claire , Burns Catherine M. , Pinder Shane D.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses the pilot testing of an auditory interface designed to increase navigational ability of visually impaired individuals. Sonar devices have been developed to increase preview distances, but these have gained limited acceptance as they lack an easily interpreted interface. This paper presents usability testing of an auditory prototype interface developed using the work domain analysis of ecological interface design (EID). An interface design that provides the user with sufficient preview to avoid obstacles may offer more environmental information than the single tones of the current designs.
Formalizing Display Development in Ecological Interface Design: The form Comparison Matrix
Authors: Kilgore Ryan M.
Published: January 2012

Combined, the Ecological Interface Design (EID) and Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) frameworks foster the development of complex system interfaces that capitalize on human perceptive capabilities to support skill-, rule- and knowledge-based control behavior. While numerous examples of compelling ecological display designs exist, many practitioners have experienced difficulty in transforming the nested behavior-shaping constraints identified by CWA into novel EID display forms. We introduce the Form Comparison Matrix (FCM) as a tool to further structure EID design efforts by leveraging the outputs of CWA activities. Drawing upon the familiar DURESS mass balance display form as an example, we discuss typical challenges of ecological display development and present a practical application of the FCM to support evaluation of competing ecological design alternatives. This article is intended to stimulate discussion of methods and tools for further formalizing EID processes and to serve as a methodological example for future EID practitioners.
Weather Systems: A New Metaphor for Intelligence Analysis
Authors: Ayoub Phillip J. , Petrick Irene J. , McNeese Michael D.
Published: January 2012

With the recent catastrophic outcomes in U.S. intelligence capabilities we suggest that current design metaphors are inadequate to address the changing reality of U.S. intelligence needs. In-depth interviews and concept mapping efforts with intelligence analysts suggest that the intelligence domain be characterized as a distributed cognitive work system. Current mechanical or information processing metaphors that encourage techno-centric system design solutions neglect the emergent, pluralistic and distributed nature of information that supports situational awareness and decision making in the intelligence domain. Instead, we suggest that weather systems are a more appropriate metaphor for understanding the cognitive activity of intelligence analysts and to guide the design of cognitive aides, information sharing and knowledge management systems, and data processing tools used to support intelligence work.
Judging Sufficiency: How Professional Intelligence Analysts Assess Analytical Rigor
Authors: Zelik Daniel J. , Patterson Emily S. , Woods David D.
Published: January 2012

This study examines how professional intelligence analysts judge the rigor behind an analysis. The study investigates the challenges that inhibit the understanding of rigor in intelligence analysis and explores cues used by analysts to identify analytic rigor—or lack of rigor. Nine professional intelligence analysts participated in a modified elicitation by critiquing method study, embedded in a scenario walkthrough. Findings from the study indicate that, while professional intelligence analysts can make perceptive assessments about the quality of an analysis process based on product quality, these perceptions are apt to change with insight into the analytic process.
Decision Making in Naval Aviation: Contextual Factors Influencing Cue and Factor Saliency
Authors: Denihan Melissa B.
Published: January 2012

Aeronautical decision making research has focused almost exclusively on general and commercial aviation - with little attention given to the military aviation domain. This research has also been limited by its lack of realism and/or inability to probe aviators for additional clarifying information relevant to their decisions. This study addresses these shortcomings by using in-depth interviews of critical incidents guided by the critical decision method to gain a deeper understanding of the decision making process of experienced naval aviators during novel or unexpected situations in flight. Through this method, two contextual factors in the military aviation environment not previously addressed were identified: (a) the purpose of the flight; and (b) the flight operation environment. These two factors were found to influence each other in addition to impacting the saliency of certain cues and factors for the aviators. Implications for military aviator training and other domains of aviation are discussed.
The Effects of Direct Pilot Warnings on the Prevention of Runway Incursions
Authors: McGarry Kathleen , Moertl Peter
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a human-in-the-loop simulation evaluating the effectiveness of integrated ground-based warning systems for improved runway safety. The evaluated warning systems contained technologies to enhance pilot awareness, as well as warn pilots about runway safety risks. Pilots experienced simulation scenarios with warning systems that provided either visual or audio warnings about surface traffic. In addition, pilots experienced simulation scenarios in a baseline condition, with no warnings. The ground-based warnings consisted of airport surface lights including Runway Entrance Lights, Take-off Hold Lights, Arrival Warning Lights, and an Auditory Arrival Runway Incursion Alerting System. Eye tracking was used to examine where pilots focused their attention when they are taxiing, departing, and arriving. Results indicate significant safety benefits of ground-based pilot warnings by reducing the likelihood of runway safety incidents.
Four Responses to Warning Systems: A Case Study of Clinical Reminders
Authors: Vashitz Geva
Published: January 2012

This paper addresses theoretical aspects of human responses to warning systems and applies them to the responses to a clinical reminder system. The literature on warnings describes a number of responses, such as compliance and reliance, automation bias, and the “cry-wolf” effect. This paper suggests two complementary responses to compliance and reliance, named spillover and reactance, which can be placed within the framework of operators' responses to warning systems, and which altogether describe a complete set of possible responses to cues from warning systems. This set of responses is demonstrated on the example of a clinical reminder system, which mails reminders to primary care physicians regarding patients who require secondary prevention of clinical arteriosclerosis. The results mainly show evidence for compliance. Some theoretical conclusions are drawn.
A Case Study in Canine-Human Factors: A Remote Scent Sampler for Landmine Detection
Authors: Helton William S. , Begoske Shane , Pastel Robert , Tan Jindong
Published: January 2012

Helton (2005b) proposed that Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E) professionals share a common interest with animal behavioral scientists in the study of working non-human animals, in particular, working dogs. Helton, moreover, suggests that HF/E could contribute to the understanding of working dog behavior and, perhaps, in the long run assist in the design of canine working conditions and assistive technologies. Continuing this line of reasoning, the present study presents a case where HF/E provides a theoretical rationale of a recent technological development in canine ergonomics and the design of a new technology for a Canine-Human-Machine system.
Can an Elderly Stereotype Prime Degrade Performance on a Simulated Surgical Task?
Authors: Ott Tammy E.
Published: January 2012

Automaticity literature has clearly demonstrated that the mere activation of stereotypes can have a negative impact on a perceiver's own behavior. If this finding transfers to the context of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), it is important to be aware of these effects and fully understand the implications. The current study looks at the possibility that the behavioral effects of automatic stereotype activation could occur during MIS. Specifically, will an elderly prime result in slower performance? Participants that received the elderly prime were slower and had more errors when completing trials after the prime than participants that received the young prime. These results suggest that surgical performance may be affected by stereotypes and the increased error rates found in the elderly population may not be due solely to the complexity of their care.
Coordination patterns and clinical performance levels in the management of a simulated anesthetic crisis
Authors: Manser T. , Harrison T. K. , Howard S. K. , Gaba D. M.
Published: January 2012

Many critical situations in health care correspond to difficulties in teamwork, communication, and coordination. This study aimed at describing differences in coordination processes of high and low performing crews during a simulated anesthetic crisis. We coded the coordination process of 24 anesthesia crews during a simulated crisis scenario using a predefined set of observation categories. We compared the coordination patterns of crews with different clinical performance levels (CPL). During the actual crisis, several differences can be noted in the coordination processes of crews with different CPLs. For example, higher performing crews seem to have a more centralized coordination structure and spent less time on task management. This study provides empirical insights into the relationship of coordination patterns and CPLs during a simulated anesthetic crisis. A more comprehensive study including different types of crisis situations will support the development of specific coordination trainings to further improve performance.
Development of Team Coordination and Performance Measures in a Trauma Setting
Authors: Marshall Stuart , Miller Anne , Xiao Yan
Published: January 2012

The paucity of reliable measures of team coordination and performance significantly obstructs the assessment of the effects of any technology on teams to improve decision making in health care. A pilot study was conducted to determine if measures of coordination and performance could be developed for teams involved in trauma resuscitation. A video assisted review of cases enabled evaluation of the use of the tools. Descriptors of coordination were derived from Klein's five-stage model of team coordination. A scoring system of team performance was developed from the University of Maryland Team Observable Performance Metric (UMTOP). After some modification both coordination and performance could be described. However, four defined stages of resuscitation were observed which greatly improved coding. More rigorous assessments of these tools will be required before firm conclusions can be drawn about the effects of a decision support tool recently introduced into the environment.
Just-in-time Training for Medical Emergencies: Computer versus Paper Checklists for a Tracheal Intubation Task
Authors: Seagull F. Jacob , Ho Danny , Radcliffe James , Xiao Yan , Hu Peter , Mackenzie Colin F.
Published: January 2012

Responding to medical emergencies quickly and effectively is essential. In remote or hostile environments, fully trained medical personnel are not always available, so clear and effective guidance is required. This paper reports a comparison of paper-based and computer-based checklists for just-in-time training for medical emergencies. In a between-subjects experiment, untrained participants carried out an emergency airway management task on a patient simulator either using a paper-based checklist with text and still images or using a computer-based checklist that included identical text plus video clips. Participants using the computer-based checklist performed significantly faster and more proficiently than those using the paper checklist. Subjective usability and preference measures were also superior for computer checklist. The results suggest the clear superiority of the computer-based checklist for untrained responders. We discuss which aspects of the computer-based checklist may contribute to its superiority.
Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Predict Violations in the Medication Use Process
Authors: Alper Samuel J. , Holden Richard J. , Scanlon Matthew C. , Kaushal Rainu , Shalaby Theresa M. , Karsh Ben-Tzion
Published: January 2012

Violations present a path to medical injury that has, thus far, been largely unexplored. This paper focuses on violations of three medication administration protocols and tests the hypothesis that if current processes for completing these tasks are neither easy nor useful, or if there is dissatisfaction with the tasks, then violations will be more likely. Survey data were collected from 199 nurses in the pediatric intensive care units, hematology-oncology-transplant units, and medical-surgical units at two pediatric hospitals. The results of the logistic regressions did not support the hypothesis, though several significant predictors of violations were found. The predictors of violations, possible reasons the hypotheses were not supported, and considerations for measuring violations are discussed.
The What and how of Medical Device Design Validation: A Human Factors Methodology
Authors: Kossack Merrick F. , Gellatly Andrew W.
Published: January 2012

To meet the FDA's Quality System Regulation, medical device manufacturers must include design validation as part of their design and development activities. However, the regulation does not specify which product requirements must be validated or what methods satisfy a proper design validation process. This paper outlines an approach that device manufacturers can follow to determine which product requirements should undergo design validation testing and what types of testing methods should be used.
Nursing Workload and its Effect on Patient and Employee Safety
Authors: Holden Richard J. , Alper Samuel J. , Escoto Kamisha Hamilton , Kaushal Rainu , Murkowski Kathleen , Patel Neal , Scanlon Matthew , Karsh Ben-Tzion
Published: January 2012

A well accepted human factors concept is that poorly designed work systems can produce workload levels that pose a threat to safety and performance. The purpose of this study was to assess a systems model of workload and safety developed for nursing/healthcare. Using survey data from six nursing units in two pediatric hospitals, the study measured the relationship between self-reported workload at the unit, job, and task levels on the one hand and job dissatisfaction, burnout, and medication error likelihood on the other. Multiple linear and logistic regression revealed that staffing adequacy and medication administration workload strongly predicted the above patient and employee safety outcomes. Design priorities and strategies for future research are discussed, including the need for multiple-level approaches.
An exploratory study of the effect of domain knowledge on internet search behavior: The case of diabetes
Authors: Gugerty Leo , Billman Dorrit , Pirolli Peter , Elliott Ame
Published: January 2012

This study investigated how domain knowledge, about diabetes, influences the process and outcome of answering complex questions using the internet. The internet has become an important source of knowledge for people seeking health information about diseases. People with chronic diseases often need a great deal of information for self-management and have emerging needs for new information. Participants in our exploratory study were 8 people with diabetes and 2 without. An initial interview identified individuals with high versus low knowledge about diabetes. We then traced the activity of individuals as they used the internet to answer questions about diabetes. Questions were designed to be difficult, require reasoning, and lack a single, integrated source with a packaged answer. Here we report on case analyses of one individual with high and one with low domain knowledge. Domain knowledge influenced activity in multiple respects, including initial orienting to the task and supplying facts needed in inference chains.
Predicting Situation Awareness from Team Communications
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl A. , Foltz Peter , Franzke Marita , Cuevas Haydee M. , Rosenstein Mark , Costello Anthony M.
Published: January 2012

Given the importance of Situation Awareness (SA) in military operations, there is a critical need for a realtime, unobtrusive tool that objectively and reliably measures warfighters' SA in both training and operations. Just as the requirement for improved access to SA measures has become vital, it is now commonplace for military team communications to be mediated by technology, hence easily captured and available for analysis. We believe that team communications can be used to derive SA measures. To address this issue, we are developing the Automated Communications Analysis of Situation Awareness (ACASA) system. ACASA combines the explanatory capacity of the SA construct with the predictive and computational power of TeamPrints, to assess team and shared SA as well as other cognitive processes. TeamPrints is a system that combines computational linguistics and machine learning techniques coupled with Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) to analyze team communication. In this paper, we present the findings from an exploratory evaluation of how well TeamPrints predicts SA from the team communications arising during a military training exercise.
Modeling of Situation Awareness Supported by Advanced Flight Deck Displays
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Sebok Angelia , Bagnall Timothy , Kamienski Jill
Published: January 2012

A two module computational model of situation awareness is presented. One module, characterizing stage 1 (noticing) SA is based on the SEEV model of selective attention in complex environments, and consists of components of Salience (capturing attention), Effort (inhibiting attention movement), Expectancy (for events along a channel) and Value (of attending those events). These are combined additively, and accurately predict visual scanning on the flight deck and in driving. The second module characterizing stage 2 (understanding) SA, results from the integration of noticed information, and its decay if unattended. We describe briefly the application and validation of the attention module to pilot scanning of the synthetic vision system display suite in aviation, and in more detail, the application to predicting differences in situation awareness supported by three formats of a wake vortex display, designed to alert aircraft pilots to dangers in the flight path ahead.
Individual Differences in Human Performance: Neural, Genetic, Cognitive, and Psychometric Approaches
Authors: Warm Chair: Joel
Published: January 2012

This panel discusses the potential of a multi-level approach to the study of individual differences to enhance both theory and practice in human factors. Neural, genetic, cognitive, and psychometric studies are presented, and each panelist describes research using two or more of these approaches. Panelists demonstrate how assessment of individual differences informs cognitive modeling and discuss the implications for selection, training, and the individuation of interface design are discussed.
Evaluation of Various Handle Grip Spans for Optimizing Finger Specific Force Based on the Users' Hand Sizes
Authors: Kong Yong-Ku , Lee Soo-Jin , Lowe Brian D. , Song Seongho
Published: January 2012

This study evaluated the effects of handle grip span and user's hand size on maximum grip strength and individual finger force using a computerized digital dynamometer with five various grip spans (45, 50, 55, 60, and 65mm). Forty-six males participated and were assigned into three hand size groups (small, middle, large) according to their hand lengths. Results showed that generally 55 and 50mm grip spans had the highest grip strength (433.6N and 430.8N, respectively), whereas 65mm grip span had the least grip strength. With respect to the interaction effect of grip span and hand size, small hand sized participants produced the highest grip forces at the 45mm grip span, followed by 50 and 55mm, middle hand size participants provided the highest grip force at the 55mm followed by 50 and 45mm, whereas large hand size participants exerted the highest grip force at the 55mm followed by 60mm. In the analysis of individual finger force, the middle finger force was the strongest and the highest contribution (37.5%) to the total finger force, followed by ring (28.7%), index (20.2%) and little (13.6%) fingers. In addition, it was noted that each finger had a different optimal grip span for exerting maximum force, resulting in a bowed contoured shaped handle (i.e., the grip span of the handle at the center is larger than that of the handle at the end) for two-handle hand tools.
Estimation of Grasp Envelope Using a 3-Dimensional Kinematic Model of the Hand
Authors: Choi Jaewon , Grieshaber D. Christian , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

A 3-dimensional kinematic model of the hand was developed. The model predicts hand posture using a simple contact algorithm, which detects a contact between hand segments and the object. Using the 3-dimensional kinematic model of the hand, we estimated grasp envelopes because the space requirement for a specific task is an important aspect to be considered in the task's design stage. For this purpose, two hose insertion methods – a straight method and a rotation method – were simulated. The simulation results were compared favorably with the experimental studies by the previous researches. The model can be used to estimate grasp envelopes for varying hand sizes, object sizes, object shapes, and grip types. The model gives useful and practical information about the grasp envelope to the engineers who design parts or work space.
Body-fixed Orientation Sensors for Trunk Motion Sensing
Authors: Miller Brandon J. , Fathallah Fadi A.
Published: January 2012

Awkward trunk postures and dynamic trunk movements are associated with increased risk of low back disorders (LBDs). Recent advancements in computing and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology have resulted in high precision, compact, and relatively inexpensive commercial orientation sensors that address the workplace usage limitations of the most common kinematics measurement methods (video analysis, magnetic field sensors, and electrogoniometers). The purpose of this study is to review the available body-fixed orientation sensing technology for its use in ergonomics research and practice. A laboratory study of a custom MEMS accelerometer-based inclinometer highlights issues of axial orientation, vibration, and non-gravitational acceleration that affect orientation results from basic inclinometers. Techniques are presented for correcting for such issues in advanced sensors using computational methods and combinations of MEMS accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or magnetometers. Body-fixed orientation sensors provide enhanced opportunities to identify and reduce harmful work postures that may reduce the prevalence and severity of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).
Differences between Lifting and Lowering Manual Material Handling Tasks in Distribution Centers
Authors: Ferguson Sue A. , Marras William S. , Lavender Steven A. , Splittstoesser Riley E. , Yang Gang , Schabo Peter A.
Published: January 2012

A cross-sectional study was conducted to quantify the physical demands of manual material handling in distribution centers. One hundred and sixty-three workers were assessed wearing the moment monitor. The moment monitor measures static and dynamic mass of the boxes as well as the trunk kinematics and moment arms of each manual material handling exertion. The moment monitor analysis software distinguishes between lifting, lowering, pushing/pulling exertions. Paired comparison between lifting and lowering were performed on 163 workers. The results showed no differences in static mass or moment whereas the dynamic z force and dynamic moment were significantly greater for lifting. Trunk kinematic results showed greater sagittal velocity for lifting compared to lowering but greater lateral velocity for lowering compared to lifting.
Subjective Self-Ratings of Perceived Difficulty during Obstructed Manual Hose Insertion Tasks
Authors: Grieshaber D. Christian , Lau Michael H. , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Objective: A study was conducted to measure the effect that restricted hand access had on perceived difficulty ratings during simulated hose insertion tasks.

Background: Insertion tasks have been identified by workers as physically demanding. Spatial limitations around the flange may affect the ability of the workers to successfully perform the insertion task.

Methods: Six male and six female subjects pushed a rubber hose onto a stationary flange under conditions of limited hand access during simulated insertions.

Results: The highest difficulty ratings were recorded when an obstruction was lateral to the flange. The overall difficulty rating was positively correlated with posture and force ratings.

Conclusion: The location and number of obstructions is an important factor in how the subjects perceived the difficulty of the task.

Application: The results of this study can be applied to the future design of insertion-type tasks and methodologies for subjectively assessing hand clearance.
Assessing Information Alignment in Production Organizations
Authors: Palmer Ralph C.
Published: January 2012

Alignment is defined as the proper positioning or adjustment of resources in relation to each other. Organization alignment involves aligning many different levels of an organization and its business segments to allow more accurate predictability of organization performance. To align an organization requires consideration of many different levels of vertical and lateral alignment of processes, resources, and information. Alignment research involves interaction implications, level of coordination implications, and geographic implications as well as resource and information need, and resource and information generation. One of the challenges of alignment is directly connecting deficiencies to their underlying issues. This is due to the weak link between organization metrics of performance and alignment factors. This study discusses issues that alignment alleviates in reference to process efficiency, procedure errors, operator errors, knowledge loss, and forecasting.
Acceptability of a Wearable Vital Sign Detection System
Authors: Tharion William J. , Buller Mark J. , Karis Anthony J. , Mullen Stephen P.
Published: January 2012

This study assessed the human factors issues associated with wearing a Vital Sign Detection System (VSDS), a body worn physiological monitoring system. Experienced combat Soldiers ( n = 27) participated in a combat training exercise of ∼ 120 hr while wearing the VSDS. They were then given a questionnaire to assess comfort, physical impact on the body, and acceptability of the VSDS as well as questions on fit, impact on performance, and durability of the VSDS. Comfort was impacted the most by the VSDS when in the prone position, possibly affecting sleep, and prone position rifle shooting. Skin irritation or discomfort was reported in 85% of respondents. Sixty-two percent thought the VSDS was not acceptable to wear for ≥ 8 hr. Yet, at the same time, 92% of Soldiers approved of the concept for health monitoring, and 89% said they would wear the VSDS as is if it could help save their life. The VSDS needs to be modified to be more comfortable before it can be fielded for medical monitoring of Soldiers in the field.
Toward More Usable Pictorial Assembly Instructions for Children
Authors: Martin Cortney V.
Published: January 2012

Age-rating guidelines for construction toys are based on the physical characteristics of the toy and not necessarily the attributes of the accompanying instructions. Many construction toys are intended for children as young as six years old, but it is unclear how effectively they can use accompanying pictorial toy assembly instructions. This study examined the usability of four sets of toy instructions by K'NEX®, LEGO®, BIONICLE®, and Lincoln Log®, as used by six- and nine-year-old boys and girls. Significant usability problems impacting engagement and performance were evident including: color inaccuracies, cognitive overload, attention tunneling, bottom-to-top step sequencing, and complex graphic syntax. The research yielded design guidelines to enhance the effectiveness of pictorial assembly instructions for young children. It is important that instructions not discourage children from interacting with building and construction toys thus depriving them of important cognitive and motor development opportunities.
ANSI Z535.6 and Conspicuity: A Test of the New State of the Art Format for Instructions
Authors: Huntley-Fenner Gavin , Harley Erin , Trachtman Doris , Young Douglas
Published: January 2012

ANSI Z535 provides guidance to manufacturers regarding the format and content of labels, signs, and other materials. In laboratory studies, elements of the standard appear to contribute to the visibility and comprehension of risk communications, but there is little real-world-based evidence that adherence to formatting guidelines reduces injuries. In the present study, we measured both real-world behavior and laboratory behavior using a within-subject design. Recall of, and compliance with, warnings as a function of increasing use of ANSI Z535.6 formatting was assessed. Additionally, self-reported compliance at home was compared to observed compliance behavior in the laboratory. ANSI formatting increased the likelihood that a warning was recognized. Rate of compliance was higher in the laboratory setting than self-reported at-home compliance. However, there was no evidence that compliance was impacted by the presence, absence or degree of ANSI Z535 formatting.
Evaluating Situation Awareness in Human-Robot Teams
Authors: de Visser E. , Parasuraman R. , Freedy A. , Freedy E. , Weltman G.
Published: January 2012

New methodologies and quantitative measurements for evaluating human-robot team performance must be developed to achieve effective coordination between teams of humans and unmanned vehicles. The Mixed Initiative Team Performance Assessment System (MITPAS) provides such a comprehensive measurement methodology. MITPAS consists of a methodology, tools and procedures to measure the performance of mixed manned and unmanned teams in both training and real world operational environments. This paper shows results of an initial experiment conducted to validate the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) methodology as part of the MITPAS tool and gain insight into the effect of robot competence on operator situation awareness as well as on overall human-robot team performance.
Teamwork on a cognitive task during a night of sleep deprivation and sustained operations
Authors: Vander Wood Melissa A. , O'Connell Kristina L. , Pilcher June J.
Published: January 2012

Research shows that sleep deprivation has a negative effect on performance on cognitive and vigilance tasks. However, little research has focused on the effects of sleep deprivation on team performance. This study examined the effect of sleep deprivation on a task requiring teamwork to maximize performance. Twenty-four college students remained awake for one night and completed a variety of tasks during each of four testing sessions. The Wombat, a complex cognitive task, required participants to work with a partner to maximize their overall scores. Results show that performance over the night increased while performance within each testing session decreased. This indicates that teamwork can help to improve performance over a night of sleep deprivation but does not entirely counteract the negative effects seen within the testing sessions. The current results suggest that team managers should be aware that teamwork may not counteract all negative effects of sleep deprivation on performance.
Perception of Robot Passability and Aperture Width during Direct Line of Sight and Teleoperation Conditions
Authors: Moore Kristin S. , Gomer Joshua A. , Butler Suzanne N. , Pagano Christopher C.
Published: January 2012

The current experiment examined the ability of participants to judge the passability of a robot through an aperture and to reproduce the width of the aperture in both Direct Line of Sight (DLS) and Teleoperation (TO) conditions. Previous research performed in our laboratory has shown that participants overestimate robot passability in teleoperation conditions (i.e. they state that the robot can pass when it cannot). The current study aimed to replicate past findings as well as to determine the cause of overestimation during TO. Twelve Clemson University undergraduate students participated in both the DLS and TO conditions. Similar to previous research, participants judged smaller apertures as passable in the TO condition compared to the DLS condition. Results showed that participants' reproductions of aperture sizes were overestimated, which likely leads to the overestimation of robot passability during TO. Participant estimations of aperture size and judgments of robot passability help to quantify the differences between direct line of sight and teleoperation conditions and these results will be useful in the training of operators for future teleoperation tasks.
Effects of Imperfect Automation and Task Load on Human Supervision of Multiple Uninhabited Vehicles
Authors: de Visser Ewart J. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: January 2012

Many current and emerging systems require human operators to supervise multiple uninhabited vehicles (UVs) with the support of automation. Automation is not 100% reliable; ergo it is important to understand the effects of automation imperfection on performance. This study investigated the effects of automation reliability on system performance with multiple UVs under different levels of task load. Twelve participants completed 12 “missions” supervising 3 (low load) or 6 (high load) UVs. Participants used one UV to conduct Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition. They were assisted with an automatic target recognition (ATR) system whose reliability was low, medium, or high. Overall system performance was higher than user or ATR performance alone. The gain in system performance with the ATR was particularly effective with medium and high automation reliability. Thus, human-robot teams can benefit from imperfect automation even under high workload conditions.
Recovery from Automation Error after Robot Neglect
Authors: Cassenti Daniel N.
Published: January 2012

Automation is a robot's ability to control itself without operator intervention. Advances in automation have resulted in a phenomenon called robot neglect (Crandall & Goodrich, 2003) in which a robot operator infrequently attends to an automated robot. Robot neglect becomes a problem when automation fails and the robot operator is not attending to the robot. This work outlines a set of guidelines for aiding an operator faced with robot neglect followed by automation failure. The guidelines focus on how video replay of the incidents leading up to the failure may help the operator overcome inattention and regain situation awareness. Complications with this approach in past research are addressed.
Development of Air Traffic Control Measures Database
Authors: Rantanen Esa M. , Vlach Peter M.
Published: January 2012

Availability of measures that would predict controller success in his or her task and the impact of changing procedures and advancing technology on the system as a whole is imperative to the success of modernization of air traffic control (ATC) systems worldwide. This paper describes a database that is populated by the results of previous reviews of ATC research literature, organized according to a novel ATC measures taxonomy, and made accessible via the World Wide Web and a purpose-built web interface. The database will also facilitate continual updates, allowing for growth and relevance of its contents into the foreseeable future.
Reexamining Synthetic Speech: Intelligibility and the Effects of Age, Task, and Speech Type on Recall
Authors: Hardee Jefferson B. , Mayhorn Christopher B.
Published: January 2012

Synthetic speech is a technology that can be utilized to convey information and aid people in their tasks. Older adults in particular are a population that may be able to benefit from synthetic speech, and they are a population that has been investigated in a limited capacity. The current researchers intended to elucidate lingering conflicts in previous research on the intelligibility and recall of word and stories in synthetic speech for older and younger adults and how that compared to similar conditions in natural speech. Twenty-four older and 24 younger adults completed intelligibility and recall tasks with word lists and stories. Results indicated that older adults had a more difficult time with all speech, natural speech was easier to understand and remember than synthetic speech, and stories were easier to recall than words. Results also indicated that older adults had a more difficult time understanding synthetic words as compared to natural words than younger adults. In addition, older adults improved differentially with the recall of stories as opposed to words when compared to the younger adult group. Potential directions for synthetic speech software design and future research are discussed.
The Effect of Simultaneous Grip on Wrist Flexion/Extension Strength
Authors: Seo Na Jin , Armstrong Thomas J. , Dannecker Kathryn L.
Published: January 2012

This study quantifies the effect of a simultaneous grip on wrist strength. It was hypothesized that wrist flexion strength increases with an increasing grip and wrist extension strength decreases with an increasing grip. Twelve subjects performed maximum wrist flexion and extension exertions with a different level of simultaneous grip – minimum, preferred, and maximum. Wrist flexion strength increased 34% and wrist extension strength decreased 10% from minimum to maximum grip. This shows that measure of wrist strength for assessing strength capabilities or the efficacy of hand surgeries or rehabilitation programs requires control of finger flexor activities to ensure consistent and relevant results. When opening a bottle in an outward direction (right hand thread), wrist extension strength may be significantly limited by a simultaneous grip due to muscle antagonism. When twisting a fragile or uncomfortable object, reduced finger flexor activities can limit wrist flexion strength.
Limitations of Postural Stability Ratings
Authors: DiDomenico Angela , Gielo-Perczak Krystyna , McGorry Raymond W. , Chang Chien-Chi
Published: January 2012

A substantial number of injuries and fatalities within occupational environments are due to falls, the majority of which are believed to be a result of loss of balance. The construction industry has been identified as one of the most hazardous industries and falls from height are a leading cause of fatalities in construction operations. This study investigated the effects of beam condition, foot placement and load on objective and subjective assessment of postural stability. Twenty-three male participants completed all conditions with the effect of beam condition significantly affecting both objective and subjective measures of stability (ANOVA, α = 0.05). While not significantly affecting postural sway, the load conditions significantly affected the stability ratings. Correlations between the objective and subjective measures were very weak (–0.219 < r < 0.01) with the strongest correlation between mean velocity and the stability ratings. Subjective perceptions of postural stability should be used with caution, particularly in more realistic task environments with less variability in difficulty levels.
The Biomechanical and Physiological link between Archery Techniques and Performance
Authors: Stone Richard T.
Published: January 2012

In this study, biomechanical and physiological analyses (via electromyography (EMG)) were used to predict the accuracy of non-archers. This study was designed to provide evidence that biomechanical strain and associated muscular fatigue will result in unnecessary muscular activation that can be reduced by technique selection. Correct selection can result in increased non-archer accuracy. To accomplish this, a group of sixteen participants were given basic training using two string grip positions and four standard stance postures. The participant(s) performance (measured in FITA score) were recorded and analyzed. It was determined that the less physically straining techniques would result in higher subject performance. Hence, physiological and biomechanical techniques can be used to accurately make predictions (pertaining to grip type and archer stance) on non-archer performance. Specifically, selection of the thumb grip (least straining) and the even stance (least straining) were found to result in the highest initial performance.