bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Hierarchical Taxonomy for Standardization of Microvascular Surgery
Authors: Yu Denny , Kasten Steve J. , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Although widely practiced in the medical field, the current “see one, do one, teach one” surgical training model introduces a wide variety of variation between surgeons. Without a standardized procedure, causes of medical errors and relationships between surgery and outcomes are hard to identify. The proposed study will utilize work method techniques to develop a hierarchical taxonomy of essential tasks which will help identify and measure the effects of surgical techniques on patient outcomes. Video data of microvascular anastomosis was recorded and task decomposition analysis was completed for two full procedures. The resulting analysis was used to create a hierarchical taxonomy describing the surgery in the varying granularity levels of job, task, subtask, element, and motion. The taxonomy can be effective in identifying technique and tools variations at different levels. Future work includes linking the surgery variables to outcome measures and creating protocols for training and evaluating students in surgery.
A Survey of Nurses Self-Reported Prospective Memory Tasks: What Must they Remember and What do they Forget?
Authors: Fink Nicole , Pak Richard , Bass Brock , Johnston Michael , Battisto Dina
Published: January 2012

Although a nurse's job is inundated with prospective memory (PM) demands, and studies show that PM failures are a key component of adverse medical events, only one study has examined prospective memory in nursing (Grundgeiger, Sanderson, MacDougall, & Venkatesh, 2009). The purpose of the current study was to complement existing research with self-reports from 25 nurses on the PM tasks they must remember and those they forget. Results revealed that nurses most frequently perform episodic tasks, and these tasks can be further classified to better explain when nursing PM demands arise and what the demands consist of. A more specific categorization of nursing PM tasks enables researchers to focus on specific design solutions. We provide examples of such re-design recommendations intended to alleviate PM demands.
Cracking the Bullwhip: Team Collaboration and Performance within a Simulated Supply Chain
Authors: Banbury Simon , Helman Shaun , Spearpoint James , Tremblay Sébastien
Published: January 2012

The current study explored the role of collaboration in team performance using a computer-based simulation of a supply chain called the Beer Game developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In SCM simulations, as in real life, a ‘bullwhip’ effect leads to a drop in profitability of the supply chain. The inclusion of Human Factors knowledge within the domain of SCM provides a rich source of understanding of bullwhip-related phenomena experienced by managers. In this paper we describe a technique called ‘Cognitive Network Tracing’ which is used to examine the processes by which supply chain members make decisions and engage in communication in such scenarios. We examined the influence of different levels of Situation Awareness (SA) information given to supply chain members, and the influence of individual- or team-focused instructions, on a variety of measures of performance, communication, and SA. Results showed that team-focused groups of participants achieved better supply chain management performance than individual-focused groups of participants, but only when they were given information about current demand level in the supply chain. It is concluded that “Management Flight Simulators”, such as the Beer Game, have validity as tools to examine team collaboration and performance in management scenarios.
Is Operators' Compliance with Alarm Systems a Product of Rational Consideration?
Authors: Wiczorek Rebecca , Manzey Dietrich
Published: January 2012

Most theories about operators' responses to alarm systems suggest that the operators' behavior is guided by their trust towards the system which in turn results from the subjective perception of system properties, namely the perceived reliability of the alarm system. However, some doubts about that assumption have arisen as recent research has not proven the mediating effect of trust. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between alarm system properties, trust, and behavior. The alarm reliability was varied while keeping the other system properties constant. It was found that participants' response-rates to alarms were predicted by their perceived alarm reliabilities. However, no mediation by trust could be established. These results suggest that operators' behavior is not always guided by their trust towards the system. Under specific circumstances their compliance rather depends on rational consideration regarding the most efficient strategy.
Tele-Operation Through Apertures: Mission Impassable or Mission Undrivable?
Authors: Schmidlin Elizabeth A. , Jones Keith S.
Published: January 2012

Previous research has shown that search and rescue robots get stuck. We ask why. Perhaps operators attempt to drive through apertures larger than the robot, but too small to be driven through unhindered. If this is the case, then operators should base their decisions to enter apertures on their ability to drive the robot instead of other physical dimensions. This assumes that operators are cognizant of their abilities to drive the robot through the aperture. To test this assumption, participants viewed an image transmitted from a camera mounted on a robot and drove towards apertures of varying width. Half of the participants judged whether the robot could pass through, half judged whether they could drive the robot through. Finally, all participants attempted to drive the robot through the aperture. Results indicated that pass-ability judgments were accurate, but drive-ability judgments were not. Implications for training and interface design are discussed.
Postural benefits for children and adults when using the mouse next to a small keyboard
Authors: Johnson Peter W. , Cui Ling
Published: January 2012

Studies have shown that there are adverse performance and postural impacts when children use standard, adult-sized computer mice; however, the impact of children using adult-sized keyboards has been less rigorously evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there were any postural and performance differences when children and adults used the mouse next to a standard 104 key keyboard with a numeric keypad compared to a small, more compact keyboard without a numeric keypad. A total of 42 subjects, including 28 adults and 14 children between the ages 6–8 participated in the study. Subjects were asked to perform a series of standardized point-and-click tasks using a standard-sized mouse with both the standard and small keyboard. During mouse operation arm abduction and forearm rotation were measured using overhead photographs, and mouse performance was characterized by measuring movement times and the time it took to press-and-release (click) the left mouse button. Compared to the standard keyboard, both children and adults had less arm abduction (p < 0.10) and external rotation of the forearm (p < 0.05) when using the mouse next to the small keyboard. When comparing children to adults, children worked with significantly more arm abduction with both keyboards; however there were no significant differences between children and adults in internal and external rotation of the forearm. When comparing performance, children took almost twice as long to move the mouse between targets (p < 0.05) and were slightly faster when operating the mouse next to the small keyboard. In addition, compared to adults, it took children twice as long to press and release the mouse button. The study findings indicate that children would benefit from a postural standpoint if computer manufacturers sold, and schools and parents purchased, computers with smaller keyboards. The two-fold difference between children and adults in the time it took actuate the mouse button indicate that mouse button activation forces may need to be lower for children.
Grip Span and Aging: Does the Grip Strength-Span Relationship Change with Age?
Authors: Joines Sharon , Liu Siwen , Vercco Ashley
Published: January 2012

Grip strength has been well studied in conjunction with product and individual characteristics including age. Design characteristics for products targeted to older adults frequently include larger or chunkier handles or grips. To understand motivation for these design choices, this investigation assessed grip strength at 5 grip spans of 31 participants in two age groups. The downward shift in the grip strength/span curve can be attributed to the decrease in strength with age associated with loss of type II muscle fibers in all muscles (which was more pronounced for male participants). However, there was no shift in the grip strength/span curve peak to a wider grip. Thus the affinity for chunkier handles (increased volume, contact surface area, and grip span) and grip designs for older adults is not motivated by a shift in peak grip strength over the tested grip span.
Evaluating Hazard Symbols for the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Communication
Authors: Hesse Robert G. , Steele Nicholas H. , Kalsher Michael J. , Mont'alvao Claudia
Published: January 2012

Sweeping globalization has resulted in unparalleled economic growth, including increased international trade of hazardous chemicals. Fundamental differences between nations trading these materials, including language, literacy rates, cultural values, and technical and governmental infrastructures has created an urgent need for a common system of risk communication to reduce the occurrence of deaths and serious injuries that result from unintended chemical exposures. To accomplish this goal, the United Nations (UN) created the Globally Harmonized System for the Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) in 1992. Unfortunately, there was no requirement for testing of the GHS labeling components, including pictograms intended to depict specific hazards, before their deployment. In Experiment 1, twenty GHS hazard pictograms were subjected to comprehension testing in two non-student samples from the U.S. and Brazil, respectively. In Experiment 2, alternatives for five of the GHS pictograms that were least well understood were created and then re-tested for comprehension. Several of the new pictograms outperformed their “original” GHS counterparts in terms of comprehension and participant preference. Overall, the results of testing showed that only a small portion of the original GHS hazard pictograms reached acceptable levels of comprehension. Therefore, additional systematic work is needed to develop GHS pictogram alternatives that effectively convey safety hazards to a global audience.
Behavioral Compliance to In-Manual and On-Product Warnings
Authors: Smith Jeffrey J. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Warnings have several purposes, including the communication of hazard information and promotion of safe behavior. The present study examined how compliance is affected by viewing duration of product manual warnings and the presence and content of on-product warnings for a computer memory installation task involving an electrostatic discharge hazard. Analyses showed that both the presence of an ANSI-style label and longer manual exposure increased behavioral compliance. The additive effect of exposure time and label presence and content suggest that both previous exposure to warning information and effective on-product warning design benefit compliance.
Messages and Medical Behaviors: DTCA's Influence on Healthcare Consumer Thinking and Doing, and How We Can Help
Authors: Mayhorn Christopher B. , Goldsworthy Richard C.
Published: January 2012

Pharmaceutical direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) has grown exponentially and is suggested to increase perceived medication needs and patient drug requests. However, its impact on healthcare consumer safety is not well-understood. This effort sought to examine DTCA healthcare consumer effects and their public health and practical implications. During spring 2008, 2767 individuals were asked, through public intercept interviews, about pharmaceutical DTCA: recalled products, exposure frequency, exposure medium, and impact on a range of health-related behaviors and beliefs. Consumers report inundation with DTCA, with 8 of 10 respondents indicating exposure to messaging within the past 30 days. Television was the medium with the most noted impressions; direct mail, the least (although still >35%). Most impressions reported were for Viagra and Claritin. One of four participants reported cognitive or behavioral changes as a result of viewing DTCA: advertisements prompted people to believe they had an illness/condition, to seek more information, to schedule provider visits, and to ask providers about symptoms or medications during regular visits. Moreover, almost 1 in 5 reported an increased willingness to share their prescription medication with others if they saw it in DTCA, indicating that DTCA exposure may increase this risky behavior. DTCA are nearly ubiquitous yet consumers remained attuned to the message content. The effects of DTCA are complex and range from beneficial (e.g., information-seeking) to detrimental (e.g. medication-sharing). Interestingly, participants do not readily differentiate prescription versus over-the-counter DTCA. Increased attention to understanding DTCA appears worthwhile, perhaps targeting provider awareness of message effect, further regulation and modification of DTCA messaging, and enhancing DTCA media literacy as a component of health literacy. Human factors professionals have the right toolset to play an active role in these efforts.
Debate: Is there Low Hanging Fruit in Healthcare Human Factors?
Authors: Seagull F. Jacob , Xiao Yan , Eibling David , Gorman Paul
Published: January 2012

Does Human Factors and Ergonomics have anything to contribute to patient safety and healthcare practices? Most people would say yes. However, there is great controversy as to the form the contribution can take. Can this contribution be made in the form of standards, recommended practices, and principles of human factors? Or must our contribution consist of the dedication of human factors professionals within the domain of healthcare? Some assert that healthcare is so complex that simple guidelines and best practices will not solve any significant problems; all worthwhile problems require the in-depth, sophisticated techniques performed by human factors professionals. This session will present a debate that examines these issues. The results of the debate may help focus healthcare human factors toward the most productive approaches for influencing healthcare and patient safety.
Capturing and Analyzing Visual Groupings of Multiple Moving Targets in an Aircraft Conflict Detection Task Using Eye Movements
Authors: Kang Ziho , Landry Steven J.
Published: January 2012

An eye movement study has been conducted to investigate if and how visual groupings are formed for an aircraft conflict detection task (ACDT) with multiple moving targets. We define visual grouping (VG) as a group of two or more targets in which a participant's eye movements have shown a greater number of transitions between or among the targets. In order to identify and compare the VGs, a short algorithm is proposed and evaluated. The experiment results reveal that VGs can be captured and clustered. Also, the clustered VGs are identical to the uncertain pair(s) of aircraft that may have loss of separation (LOS) under co-altitude. This study is one necessary step in performing further eye movement studies to better understand cognitive processes for a dynamic task, especially an ACDT.
A Heuristic Evaluation of Three Automated External Defibrillators
Authors: Percival Nicole Bryn , Mayer Andrew K. , Caird Jeff K.
Published: January 2012

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major cause of death in Canada and the leading cause of death in the United States and Europe with survival rates as low as 5%. Defibrillation is the key intervention for improving survival from SCA and can increase survival up to 75%. This has sparked the movement to increase public access to defibrillation by placing automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public areas such as universities, shopping centers, and athletic centers. The effectiveness of AEDs to revive those with SCA is dependent on the design of these devices. The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the design features that aid or hinder the effective and timely use of three commercially available AEDs using a heuristic evaluation; (2) to rank the three AEDs in terms of overall usability based on user comments and preference, and the severity of usability heuristic violations; and (3) develop design recommendations to guide the future design of AEDs. Results of the heuristic evaluation indicated that a number of design features influence the overall usability of AEDs, such as the orientation of electrode pads on the adhesive liner. In terms of overall usability, the Philips HeartStart OnSite AED ranked the highest, followed by the Zoll AED Plus, and the HeartSine Samaritan PAD. Recommendations for future AED design include: AEDs should have redundancy in their activation mechanism; pictorials should be minimalistic in design, numbers and location; storage of the electrode pads in a clearly labeled, easily accessible and prominent location; have clearly identifiable liners with labeling indicating the need for removal from the pads; and match the orientation of the electrode pads on the adhesive liner to the correct pad orientation on the patient's chest.
Collaborative Tools in a Simulated Patient-Provider Medication Scheduling Task
Authors: Waicekauskas Kevin T , Kannampallil Thomas G , Kopren Katie , Tan Pei-Hsiu , Fu Wai-Tat , Morrow Daniel G
Published: January 2012

Medication adherence is an essential activity for successful self-care, particularly for older adults who take multiple medications. Adherence depends on understanding how to take medication, which in turn depends on effective communication with providers. Unfortunately, physician and patient communication is often substandard and ineffective. Furthermore, successful adherence is often tied to supporting the patient's prospective memory by integrating medication taking with a daily routine. We have developed a paper-based tool (MedTable) for supporting provider-patient collaborative planning about taking medication, which has improved performance in a simulated medication scheduling task. The tool is used as an external workspace that reduces cognitive demands while also facilitating collaboration in a planning task. In the current study, the MedTable was redesigned and an electronic version was also developed. Both tools were compared to a less structured paper tool similar to medication reconciliation cards used in many health care settings (Medcard). 144 community dwelling older adults (aged 60 and over) participated in pairs in a simulated patient-provider medication scheduling task. Each pair solved four medication scheduling problems (2 simple and 2 complex) using one of the three tools (MedTable, e-MedTable, Medcard). Although all three tools supported highly accurate solutions, the MedTable produced significantly more accurate schedules than the Medcard (there were no tool differences in solution time). Moreover, participants rated workload associated with problem solving as lower for the two structured tools compared to the Medcard. The MedTable was also rated more usable than the non-structured aid. Finally, there was no evidence that older adults had difficulty using the computer-based tool, which suggests that a computer-based tool could be an effective intervention for improving provider-patient collaboration.
An Eye Movement Analysis of Evolving User Preferences during Internet Search
Authors: Liechty Molly M. , Madhavan Poornima
Published: January 2012

Using an eye tracker we examined decision making processes during a simulated real estate internet search. Specifically, we studied discrepancies between “stated preferences”, or preferences that are revealed through verbalizations or answers on a questionnaire, and “revealed preferences”, or preferences that become apparent from an actual decision or choice. Participants viewed photographs of homes, similar to those seen on actual real estate websites. Average dwell time, fixation duration/counts, and saccade counts/amplitudes were compared to their stated preferences on home survey questionnaires and assessed by gender. This information was used to determine if discrepancies exist between stated and revealed preferences, what qualities on the website drew the homebuyer's attention, how this may differ by gender, and ways in which these websites can more effectively be designed. In addition, we examined the effect of negative externalities, or physical properties that may affect an individual's internet search decisions. We manually altered several homes to reveal Level 1 externalities (or, properties that can easily be changed) such as pink paint on the wall, and Level 2 externalities (or, properties that cannot easily be changed) such as power lines in front of the house. Results revealed that men demonstrated a more aggressive search pattern than women, and the men had a greater number of saccades with shorter saccade amplitudes for each of the web pages seen. Dwell time, fixation duration, and fixation count were also found to change when participants were shown a home with the presence of a Level 1 (pink paint) or Level 2 (power line) externality, depending on gender. Data also suggested that a discrepancy exists between stated and revealed preferences. While a participant stated that they greatly disliked a room on the home specific survey, their dwell times, fixation durations, and fixation counts did not significantly decrease. These findings have implications for web design.
Physiological Reactivity to Graded Levels of Cognitive Workload across Three Age Groups: An On-Road Evaluation
Authors: Mehler Bruce , Reimer Bryan , Coughlin Joseph F.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the sensitivity of two physiological measures to the demand of structured cognitive tasks representing low, moderate and relatively high levels of secondary cognitive workload during actual highway driving. In a sample of 108 relatively healthy drivers, balanced by gender, and drawn from three age groups (20–29, 40–49, and 60–69), both heart rate and skin conductance were found to increase in a statistically significant and relatively linear fashion across 4 levels of workload. Issues associated with the study of sensitivity, task engagement and age are considered.
Driving Performance and Driver Workload at High Speeds: Results from On-Road and Test Track Studies
Authors: Chrysler Susan T. , Funkhouser Dillon , Fitzpatrick Kay , Brewer Marcus
Published: January 2012

As roadway agencies consider allowing higher speed limits, they must consider if assumptions about human performance built into roadway design formulas hold true at higher operating speeds. This paper presents a study of 14 drivers who drove both an open-road section and a test track course. The open-road route presented a natural experiment because it contained a long Interstate Highway section split roughly equally between sections with posted speed limits of 70 mph and 80 mph. On the test track, drivers were asked to maintain speeds of 60 and 85 mph for each of three nine-mile laps in which various in-vehicle tasks and a car following task were introduced in order to assess the effect of vehicle speed on driving performance. Subjective workload estimates were used for the test track tasks in addition to driving performance data. The results showed no major differences in driving performance across the different speeds tested.
Using Capacity Analysis to Evaluate the Effect of MP3 Player Usage on Driver Behavior
Authors: Roberts Shannon C. , Lee John D. , Hoffman Joshua D.
Published: January 2012

Objective: To develop measures of driver interaction with in-vehicle devices through capacity analysis.

Background: Common measures of driver behavior focus on the mean values of measures that do not consider temporal distribution of attention. Capacity analysis can quantify the temporal profile of a drivers' capacity and the resulting task efficiency.

Methods: Fifty participants performed search tasks on either an MP3 player or its aftermarket controller in a medium-fidelity driving simulator. A capacity analysis used a hazard function to describe tasks according to their probability of completion.

Results: Capacity coefficients, calculated as the ratio of two integrated hazard functions, were not constant over time indicating that the probability of task completion is dynamic and must be described with more than a measure of the central tendency of distribution, such as mean task completion time.

Conclusion: Along with other commonly used driving performance metrics, capacity analysis can reveal task completion dynamics that are often neglected with reaction time measures, providing insight into how drivers direct their attention away from the road to complete secondary tasks.
Effects of a Network-Centric Multi-Modal Communication Tool on a Communication Monitoring task
Authors: Finomore Victor , Popik Dianne , Castle Courtney , Dallman Ron
Published: January 2012

Even with advanced collaborative technology, communication remains a critical component to mission success. With the shift towards network-centric warfare, standard radio communication needs to meet the needs of today's warfighter. A net-centric communication management suite called Multi-Modal Communication (MMC) had been developed. This integrated system captures, displays, records, and archives radio and text-based communication to better equip the warfighters. This study examined the performance associated with monitoring communication channels, with access to different tools. Operators monitored and responded to the occurrence of critical phrases presented during a 27-min communication-monitoring task. Communication performance was analyzed in regard to message detection, response accuracy, and time. Data showed that MMC provides a balance between the speed of radio listening and the accuracy and data-capturing capabilities of chat displays. MMC can be a beneficial tool to operators in its ability to increase intelligibly, while providing a persistent, searchable display that reduces perceived mental workload.
Evaluation of 2D and 3D Displays to Validate the Integration of Human Performance Analysis Methods into Submarine Acquisitions
Authors: Durkee Kevin , Paley Michael , Kudzma Kathy , Reiners Dirk
Published: January 2012

When deciding to incorporate advanced display hardware into Navy submarines, acquisition personnel must consider its physical form and fit. Human performance concerns are often neglected, however, since no such methodology exists within this process. In this effort, we developed a toolkit to enable basic, low-resource human performance screenings of display hardware and to integrate results into acquisition decisions. As a test case, we applied the toolkit toward three display types being considered for Navy submarines: standard 2D, high-fidelity autostereoscopic 3D, and low-fidelity autostereoscopic 3D. Using minimal resources, the toolkit produced useful results that would enable acquisition personnel to gain insight into potential human performance advantages and risks that would otherwise not be considered at the acquisition stage of system development. An overview of the test case results is presented.
Field Evaluation of Advanced Training Technologies in Terminal Air Traffic Control
Authors: Weiland Monica Z.
Published: January 2012

Currently, the FAA performs site-specific training for Terminal Air Traffic Control students at facilities using mainly non-automated methods of training. While higher fidelity simulation is used, much of the training occurs in classrooms and with instructors during on-the-job training, making it resource intensive and non-standardized. Innovative approaches to controller training need to be developed to improve efficiency, quality, and standardization across facilities, particularly as the air traffic system evolves towards the next generation (NextGen) of automation (FAA, 2009a). The MITRE Corporation's Center for Advanced Aviation System Development (CAASD) is developing the Terminal Trainer Prototype, a web-based airspace training system that incorporates state-of-the art training and data-driven technology using templates for multimedia tutorials, serious games, simulations, and interactive discovery learning tools. This prototype has been undergoing field evaluation since September 2008, first at the Miami TRACON facility site, and now continuing at Potomac Consolidated TRACON. This paper describes the prototype and discusses the results of field evaluations performed to date.
Capturing Insights to Reduce Future Warfighter Fatalities
Authors: Plank Tristan , Scheff Scott , Sebok Angelia
Published: January 2012

Until recently, there has been a widely-held belief that if an infantryman survives the first few combat encounters or firefights of a deployment, the Soldier is likely to survive the full tour of duty. Though it has been discussed anecdotally that military units tend to suffer higher casualty rates in their first engagements with the enemy, the “first five firefights” belief has not been validated. In this study, we examined the “first five firefights” concept to evaluate if Soldiers have an increased chance of becoming a fatality during their early days of deployment. By gathering and analyzing Soldier fatality data, conducting interviews with Soldiers, and evaluating human performance models of common fatality scenarios, we found the “first five” concept to be untrue. Rather, we identified that Soldiers are particularly vulnerable to becoming a fatality within the first three months of deployment. Soldiers also experience a period of increased vulnerability at mid-deployment and again near the end of the deployment. These vulnerabilities, explored through interviews with Soldiers, have implications for changes in training, tactics, techniques, and procedures in today's military.
Pictorial Mnemonic-Based Tools for Procedural Training: Application to the Battlefield First-Aid Domain
Authors: Kilgore Ryan M. , Godwin J. Alex
Published: January 2012

Pictorial mnemonic devices represent a promising approach to improving the efficiency and efficacy of procedural training in comparison to traditional, text-based materials. In this paper, we described the application of pictorial mnemonic-based approaches to the development of procedural training materials for battlefield first aid. This effort builds upon prior work both by addressing a novel training domain and by presenting a method for leveraging the spatial layout of task symbols within the mnemonic devices to convey branching and conditional task flows for complex procedures. Examples from the novel task symbology and pictorial mnemonic set developed under this effort are presented, and potential applications of these training tools are described. This work sets the stage for follow-on efforts to evaluate the performance benefits of pictorial mnemonic-based materials in support of first-aid training. We believe these examples will aid practitioners to develop pictorial mnemonic training materials for other complex procedural skill domains.
Tuning Trust Using Cognitive Cues for Better Human-Machine Collaboration
Authors: Cai Hua , Lin Yingzi
Published: January 2012

In human-machine collaborative systems, human operators usually disuse, misuse, or abuse the assistance from machines. They distrust the systems with poor reliability and may be over-dependent on the highly reliable systems. Human's trust of the assistance of machines currently seems trapped in a dilemma. It prevents achieving harmonious human-machine collaboration. Considering the characteristics of human cognitive process, this paper suggests providing extra cognitive cues to help operators to tune their trust and decision making. The cues are expressed through variable multi-modal human-machine interfaces and serve as intelligent machines' human-like self-confidence, or confidence, in short. To test this approach, a car-following driving experiment was conducted to investigate drivers' perception of unreliable visual/auditory assistance. Experimental results showed that communication of confidence significantly ( α = 0.05) affected human drivers' cognitive processing, especially for decision-making—oriented auditory assistance. Human drivers felt the machines were more trustworthy and useful when they showed variable self-confidence. Meanwhile, a rise in trust did not significantly induce a fall in self-reliance and over-dependence on the machines. Variable self-confidence continuously reminded human drivers that the assistance was not always reliable and they should maintain sufficient awareness of their situation. Using these extra cognitive cues, human operators are more comfortable to tune their trust in real-time situations and to build better human-machine collaboration relationships.
Information Display Speed and Noise in the Design of Computer Terminals
Authors: Baron Robert , Duffy William J.
Published: January 2012

The variety of computer terminals is growing rapidly. Research on variables likely to have the greatest effect on operator-terminal interaction is needed to guide terminal design. Effective information on display rates for the most common tasks performed at a terminal (e.g. program debugging, typing) have not been reported in the literature. This paper investigates the variables of terminal types, display speed and display noise since these determine to a large extent the cost of terminals. The results show a strong effect due to display speed with virtually no effect due to display noise and terminal type. Operator response speed for the debugging task increased up to a speed of about 60 CPS with no further advantage gained at higher speeds (up to 240 CPS).
Development of a Training Model for Naval Flight Students
Authors: Shannon Richard H.
Published: January 2012

The present research effort was directed toward the development of a part-whole flight training model by separating the maneuvers in pre-solo training into component parts by: 1) developing highly detailed descriptions of all maneuvers in pre-solo training; 2) isolating those critical errors within each of the maneuvers; 3) performing two commonality analyses on the maneuvers (one based on similar flight tasks and the other on similar flight errors); and 4) developing inflight/simulator scenarios which could be used to impact upon both flight tasks and pilot errors. The results of this investigation seem to indicate that the scenarios involving continuous control of the aircraft during basic climbs, descents, turns, and straight and level flight and the two discrete task sequences during dirty configuration entry and preparation for break/break turn could impact greatly upon the initial skill requirements needed inflight training.
Perception, Decision Making, and Skill in Relation to a Boating Operator's Performance
Authors: Stiehl C. Christian , Miller James M.
Published: January 2012

Basic human characteristics are applied to understanding the design and operation of boats. In particular, the processes of perception, skill, judgment and decision making are analyzed in the boating environment. Emphasis is given to (1) errors and hazards that are likely to result in the boating environment (both stressor-induced and others), and (2) areas where research is needed to determine the role of these human factors in boating. From our present state of knowledge, we can conclude that the human operator needs to be studied to determine the minimum safe levels of performance in each of these areas in the boating task. The proposed methodology involves field investigations with accident victims and constructing real-world test courses to gain data. Quantitative determinations of the safe levels of performance could allow the establishment of the necessary educational or regulatory procedures to assure these performance levels.
Identifying Human Factors Causes from Boating Accident Data
Authors: Miller James M.
Published: January 2012

From the analyses of 5,044 boating accidents in 1972, profiles of accidents involving the 1,320 Drownings, 120 Other Deaths, Damage and Injury categories were tabularized to show typical patterns of the respective accident categories. The most significant finding was the high percent of drowning fatalities in boats. About 70% of the Drownings and 30% of the Other Deaths occurred in boats under 16 feet; and most of them had little or no engine power. In the 16–26 foot range, about 50% of the Other Deaths and 50% of the Damage occurred. Two areas of needed research are implied here. First, the sensory related capabilities of people to maintain balance in small boats has been apparently grossly overestimated. Second, in the larger boats there is the problem of collisions with people and objects which lead to the higher Damage and Other Death data results. Visibility, handling skills, decision making and vigilance are areas which would seem to be potentially linked to these losses. Research topics in these areas are suggested as being necessary to provide information needed for future standards, better engineering design practices and operator education classes.
Keyword Visual Display Enhancement on Computer Printouts by Overprinting
Authors: Higginbotham Thomas F.
Published: January 2012

A simple system of overprinting for keyword visual display enhancement was demonstrated where large volumes of data and text made it impractical to inspect every item. The advantages of this system were shown to be simplicity and cheapness combined with ease of programming.
How Engineering Psychologists Can Improve Night Driving Safety: Automobile Headlighting Research
Authors: Mortimer Rudolf G. , Becker Judith M. , Olson Paul L.
Published: January 2012

Vehicle headlamps do not provide adequate seeing distances in night driving conditions in which fixed (street) lighting is not provided. This may partly account for the greater accident rate at night than in daytime. Therefore, there is a need for improved vehicle headlighting.

This paper describes an integrated approach toward the investigation of various problems that detract from the effectiveness of current headlighting and the development of experimental and analytical procedures that can be used to develop improved vehicle headlighting systems.

Studies were conducted of a number of factors which affect the aim of headlamps, including the ability of persons in the service trade to aim lamps, the effectiveness of factory aim, the effects of vehicle service and of vehicle loading on headlamp aim. In this way the major factors that contribute to poor aiming of headlamps were discerned.

Since numerous testing procedures are currently being used to evaluate the effectiveness of headlamp beams which make it difficult to generalize findings from one procedure to another, effort was devoted toward the development of an acceptable field testing method. A dynamic field test method, using driver subjects, was devised, including the development of suitable vision targets. Test-retest reliability of the approach was about 0.97. The procedure was used to determine visibility distances, in night driving, for various headlamp beams, as well as to provide basic data for the development of an analytical model to predict seeing distances.

An analytical model was developed and verified against the field test data, and found to provide a valid means of predicting seeing distances in a variety of test conditions, including different headlamp beams. The use of the model is illustrated by showing the effects of the aim of headlamps, as well as comparisons between different meeting beams, including comparisons between the present U.S. and European beams and a proposed mid beam.

It is found that the mid beam concept will provide increased seeing distances for drivers in the lane being traveled and to the right of the lane when meeting another vehicle on a two-lane road and on divided highways. A procedure for the development of an appropriate control/display configuration for switching between low, mid and high beams is also described.

It is believed that the use of these tools will assist lighting engineers in the development of improved vehicle headlighting systems.
Relationship between Predicted Stress and Measured Attentional Demand in a Simulated Driving Task
Authors: McDonald L. Bruce , Ellis Newton C.
Published: January 2012

The need exists for a method whereby a highway designer can determine, during the design stage, whether a highway design will demand so much of a driver's attention that he is left with insufficient time to look for and avoid accidents. Several methods exist for predicting how busy a subject will be under given circumstances. However, no direct comparisons between predicted stress and measured percent occupied have been attempted. In order to determine this relationship, various levels of difficulty of a tracking task and of a word-reading task were presented to 15 subjects. The stress for each difficulty level was predicted and attentional demand was measured directly. The relationship between predicted stress and percent occupied was found not to agree with the relationship commonly assumed in the literature on workload.
Human Factors Analysis of Modular Furniture Systems
Authors: LeCocq Andrew D.
Published: January 2012

This paper will discuss a human factors analysis performed at Texas Instruments on two modular funlture systems. These systems are a relatively new approach to the interior arrangement of work space and incorporate movable wall sections as well as modular drawers and files. The human factors effort concentrated on actual mock-up evaluations and analysis of flexibility and installation procedures. The mock-up evaluation criteria included anthropometric considerations and the location of various types of storage. The flexibility criteria included ease of movement of such items as drawers and book shelves. The detailed installation procedure was also analyzed relative to ease of handling, interface hardware and safety considerations. This human factors effort resulted in specific recommendations for further extensive evaluation and testing, within our facility, of the deficiencies identified in the final human factors evaluation report.
Navigation and Flight Proficiency under Nap of the Earth Conditions as a Function of Aviator Training and Experience
Authors: Fineberg Michael L.
Published: January 2012

Fourteen Army rotary wing aviators with varying levels of flight experience flew simulated operational missions in a UH-IH aircraft to determine their proficiency in Nap-of-the-Earth (NOE) navigation and aircraft handling. The mission was to navigate a specified route starting from an initial point (IP) and identify all landing zones (LZ) while staying within 250 meters of the course line. The mean objective Mission Success Score for all pilots tested was .57. This score is a measure constructed to differentially weight then integrate four other performance measures. The component measures are failures to find LZ and IP and two types of course maintenance errors. The probability of finding the IP and all subsequent LZ's was .76 and .69 respectively. Those pilots given additional terrain analysis training, as part of the study, appeared to perform their mission more effectively, in terms of all criteria, than the group which did not receive this training. Pilots with greater flight experience performed slightly less effectively than pilots who were less experienced but were recent graduates of the Aviation School. Based on the results of this study, improvements in work methods and training are suggested.
Teleoperator Spacecraft Control Station Configuration Development
Authors: Spencer Richard A. , Tewell J. Robert
Published: January 2012

An integrated control and display station configuration concept for operating a remote teleoperator spacecraft was developed and analyzed to provide the man/system interface design criteria necessary to identify potential Shuttle program compatibilities and impacts. While this evaluation was part of a program for free-flyer/tug remote control technology, it seems that the results may be applicable to the crew workstations associated with many of the proposed Shuttle program spacecraft. The primary objective involved deriving the relative proportions of a dedicated free-flying teleoperator (FFTO) system workstation. All FFTO subsystem were considered, with primary emphasis on the visual and manipulator systems. The control and display hardware associated with these systems was identified and mounted on a dedicated manipulator control panel. Man-in-the-loop simulations showed that manipulator operators with little training could perform simple satellite servicing tasks with relative ease.
Human Factors Engineering Test and Evaluation Technology
Authors: Holshouser Edward L.
Published: January 2012

Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 5000.1 of 13 July 1971 provides direction for Test and Evaluation (T&E) of major weapon systems. In addition, there are Navy unique T&E requirements which must be satisfied. A Human Factors Engineering (HFE) test and evaluation concept has been proposed for implementation by the Naval Air Systems Command. The proposed T&E concept will make explicit the interface among the test and evaluation activities so that the role of HFE can be realistically implemented and managed during system acquisition. The HFE T&E concept will specifically address the developmental and operational tests designed to provide HFE data for answering the Defense System Acquisition Review Council (DSARC) milestones for evolving systems. The concept also features a HFE information system which will serve as a focal point and feedback network for use by personnel needing information or data on some element in the evaluation of a particular weapon system.
Incorporating Knowledge that Data will be Missed in the Design of Human Factors Experiments
Authors: Herrin Gary D.
Published: January 2012

Experiments with humans invariably have missing data; i.e., equipment fails, subjects may become ill, the weather turns unseasonable. This prior knowledge is seldom incorporated explicitly into the design of experiments.

This paper examines the influence of missing data on the quality of empirical research. A simple approximation function for the expected information content of an experiment is presented. Decision rules for choosing between complete randomization and blocking of subjects are presented. The results are applied to a sequential study of carbon monoxide and alcohol effects on drivers.
Electromyography in Dynamic Muscular Loading
Authors: Khalil T.M. , Otero J.E.
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses two experiments conducted to determine some of the various effects of dynamic muscular loading upon the Total Integrated Muscular Activity (TIMA). Parameters of interest are power, time, rate, and task. In one experiment the dynamic loading of muscles was applied through a cranking operation and in another experiment it was applied through a continuous push-up task. Power, time and rate had a significant effect upon TIMA. The conditions under which TIMA is minimized were determined for the two experiments.