bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endocranial Morphology of the Extinct North American Lion (Panthera atrox)
Authors: Cuff Andrew R. , Stockey Christopher , Goswami Anjali
Published: January 2017

The extinct North American lion (Panthera atrox) is one of the largest felids (Mammalia, Carnivora) to have ever lived, and it is known from a plethora of incredibly well-preserved remains. Despite this abundance of material, there has been little research into its endocranial anatomy. CT scans of a skull of P. atrox from the Pleistocene La Brea Tar pits were used to generate the first virtual endocranium for this species and to elucidate previously unknown details of its brain size and gross structure, cranial nerves, and inner-ear morphology. Results show that its gross brain anatomy is broadly similar to that of other pantherines, although P. atrox displays less cephalic flexure than either extant lions or tigers, instead showing a brain shape that is reminiscent of earlier felids. Despite this unusual reduction in flexure, the estimated absolute brain size for this specimen is one of the largest reported for any felid, living or extinct. Its encephalization quotient (brain size as a fraction of the expected brain mass for a given body mass) is also larger than that of extant lions but similar to that of the other pantherines. The advent of CT scans has allowed nondestructive sampling of anatomy that cannot otherwise be studied in these extinct lions, leading to a more accurate reconstruction of endocranial morphology and its evolution.
The Limitation of Applying Heat to the External Lid Surface: A Case of Recalcitrant Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Kenrick Christen J. , Alloo Sabiha S.
Published: January 2017

The effects on the inner surface temperatures of the upper and lower eyelids of four commercial heat therapies were compared for an individual with recalcitrant meibomian gland dysfunction. Three therapies (Bruder mask, Blephasteam, and MiBoFlo) involved the application of heat to the external lid surface, and the fourth (LipiFlow) applied heat to the internal lid surface. Only LipiFlow was effective in elevating the inner surface temperatures to the reported 40°C therapeutic threshold for melting obstructed meibum.
Exercise Dynamics in Secondary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Bertrand Philippe B. , Schwammenthal Ehud , Levine Robert A. , Vandervoort Pieter M.
Published: January 2017

Secondary mitral valve regurgitation (MR) remains a challenging problem in the diagnostic workup and treatment of patients with heart failure. Although secondary MR is characteristically dynamic in nature and sensitive to changes in ventricular geometry and loading, current therapy is mainly focused on resting conditions. An exercise-induced increase in secondary MR, however, is associated with impaired exercise capacity and increased mortality. In an era where a multitude of percutaneous solutions are emerging for the treatment of patients with heart failure, it becomes important to address the dynamic component of secondary MR during exercise as well. A critical reappraisal of the underlying disease mechanisms, in particular the dynamic component during exercise, is of timely importance. This review summarizes the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the dynamic deterioration of secondary MR during exercise, its functional and prognostic impact, and the way current treatment options affect the dynamic lesion and exercise hemodynamics in general.
Pictorial keys to the sections, groups, and species of the Aedes (Finlaya) in the Afrotropical Region (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: HUANG YIAU-MIN , RUEDA LEOPOLDO M.
Published: January 2017

Eight species of the subgenus Finlaya Theobald, genus Aedes Meigen, in the Afrotropical Region are treated in pictorial keys based on diagnostic morphological features.  Images of the diagnostic morphological structures of the adult thorax, leg and wing are included.
Prediction of Energy Dissipation Rates for Aviation Turbulence. Part II: Nowcasting Convective and Nonconvective Turbulence
Authors: Pearson J. M. , Sharman R. D.
Published: January 2017

In addition to turbulence forecasts, which can be used for strategic planning for turbulence avoidance, short-term nowcasts can augment longer-term forecasts by providing much more timely and accurate turbulence locations for real-time tactical avoidance of turbulence hazards, especially those related to short-lived convection. This paper describes a turbulence-nowcasting algorithm that combines recent short-term turbulence forecasts with all currently available direct turbulence observations and inferences of turbulence from other sources. Building upon the need to provide forecasts that are aircraft independent, the nowcasts provide estimates of an atmospheric metric of turbulence, namely, the energy dissipation rate to the one-third power (EDR). Some observations directly provide EDR, such as in situ observations from select commercial aircraft and ground-based radar algorithm output, whereas others must be translated to EDR. A strategy is provided for mapping turbulence observations, such as pilot reports (PIREPs), and inferences from other relevant observational data sources, such as observed surface wind gusts, into EDR. These remapped observation values can then be combined with short-term turbulence forecasts and other convective diagnostics of turbulence to provide a turbulence nowcast of EDR in the national airspace. Case studies are provided to illustrate the algorithm procedure and benefits. The EDR nowcasts are compared with aircraft in situ EDR observations and PIREPs converted to EDR to obtain metrics of statistical performance. It is shown by one common performance metric, the area under the relative operating characteristic curve, that the turbulence nowcasts with assimilated observations considerably outperform the corresponding turbulence forecasts.
Formation and Maintenance of a Long-Lived Taiwan Rainband during 1–3 March 2003
Authors: Yu Cheng-Ku , Lin Che-Yu
Published: January 2017

Taiwan rainbands (TRs), defined here as convective lines, which form off the mountainous eastern coast of Taiwan under weakly synoptically forced weather conditions, are a well-known mesoscale phenomenon, but their formative processes remain the subject of debate. This study uses surface and radar observations within the coastal zone of eastern Taiwan and NCEP reanalysis data to document a long-lived TR with a lifetime of ~36 h during 1–3 March 2003 to advance the current general understanding of mechanisms responsible for the TR’s formation and maintenance. Detailed analyses indicate that the rainband was initiated by convergence that was produced as low-level environmental northeasterly/easterly onshore flow encountered topographically blocked northerlies that developed nearshore. The northerly blocked flow was observed to weaken and subsequently dissipate because of changing synoptic pressure patterns that caused prevailing southeasterlies/southerlies at low levels. However, colder nearshore air that resulted from the combined effects of orographic blocking, the evaporation of the TR’s precipitation, and radiative cooling over coastal land continued to persist and acted to provide a continuing source of lifting for the subsequent maintenance of moist convection. Temporal variations in the precipitation intensity of the studied TR were also shown to be consistent with the theoretical prediction of the interaction between the cold pool and ambient vertical shear. This study suggests that multiple precipitation mechanisms, which involve interactions of diurnally, topographically, and convectively generated circulations along the mountainous coast, may operate and contribute to the longevity of a TR event under suitable circumstances, such as the rapidly evolving synoptic flow observed in the present case.
An Analytical Framework for Understanding Tropical Meridional Modes
Authors: Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Vimont Daniel J.
Published: January 2017

A theoretical framework is developed for understanding the transient growth and propagation characteristics of thermodynamically coupled, meridional mode–like structures in the tropics. The model consists of a Gill–Matsuno-type steady atmosphere under the long-wave approximation coupled via a wind–evaporation–sea surface temperature (WES) feedback to a “slab” ocean model. When projected onto meridional basis functions for the atmosphere the system simplifies to a nonnormal set of equations that describes the evolution of individual sea surface temperature (SST) modes, with clean separation between equatorially symmetric and antisymmetric modes. The following major findings result from analysis of the system: 1) a transient growth process exists whereby specific SST modes propagate toward lower-order modes at the expense of the higher-order modes; 2) the same dynamical mechanisms govern the evolution of symmetric and antisymmetric SST modes except for the lowest-order wavenumber, where for symmetric structures the atmospheric Kelvin wave plays a critically different role in enhancing decay; and 3) the WES feedback is positive for all modes (with a maximum for the most equatorially confined antisymmetric structure) except for the most equatorially confined symmetric mode where the Kelvin wave generates a negative WES feedback. Taken together, these findings explain why equatorially antisymmetric “dipole”-like structures may dominate thermodynamically coupled ocean–atmosphere variability in the tropics. The role of nonnormality and the role of realistic mean states in meridional mode variability are discussed.
Job security provisions and work hours
Authors: Noelke Clemens , Beckfield Jason
Published: January 2017

This study explores the impact of job security provisions on workplace absence and overtime work. We hypothesize that job security provisions give individuals bargaining power to resolve work hour conflicts in their favour, but they may also create incentives for shirking. To examine the impact of job security provisions empirically, we implement a quasi-experimental research design based on a British job security provisions reform that extended dismissal protection among low-tenure workers. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the reform increased absence rates due to workers taking more sickness absence and vacation days and reduced overtime work. Regarding the underlying mechanism, we obtain suggestive but limited evidence that the observed effects were driven both by reduced presenteeism and increased shirking.
‘But when I tell them about heroes, then they listen’
Authors: Frisk Kristian
Published: January 2017

This paper explores the rise of the soldier hero in Denmark. From the analysis of prime ministers’ New Year Addresses between 1940 and 2015, it is evident that the heroification of Danish soldiers has been linked to the elevation of professionalism, self-motivation, individual responsibility, and global outlook as civic virtues since the 1990s. Utilising the concept of a survival unit developed by Norbert Elias, it argues that this elevation is a result of the gradual emergence of ‘competition state’ and ‘security state’ strategies for protecting the Danish welfare state in the wake of growing international interdependency. On this basis, the paper seeks to contribute to the literature on the social construction of heroes within a theoretical perspective that takes the dynamic relations between states into account, and to explain why specific notions of a hero develop.
Familiarity as a tool of populism
Authors: Ylä-Anttila Tuukka
Published: January 2017

Populist argumentation claims to represent ‘the people’ against ‘the elite’, appealing to emotions and reacting to a sense of crisis. By analysing a public debate in Finland in which populist arguments appropriate a culturally shared, familiar experience – that of singing Suvivirsi, the Summer Hymn – I argue that evoking familiarity is an effective way of ‘doing populism’. Analysing media texts from 2002 to 2014 and a questionnaire to political candidates in 2011, and using Laurent Thévenot’s sociology of engagements, the article shows that appeals to the familiarity of the hymn are particularly compatible with the populist valorization of the experience of the common people. Familiarity thus constitutes a central tool in the toolkit of populism. Remembering the shared experience of singing the hymn bonds the assumed ‘people’ together and gives an emotional charge to populist arguments. By drawing on pragmatist political sociology and analysing politics ‘in action’ in everyday disputes, the paper makes a novel contribution to the scholarship of populism.
Finland's Security Policy in the 1970's: Background and Perspectives
Authors: Pajunen Aimo
Published: January 2017

The author traces the development of Finland's security policy through the 1960's and the beginning of the 1970's.

Finland's foreign policy activity has inreased beginning with membership in the United Nations Security Council. The preparations for the European Security Conference have given Finland the opportunity of working positively for European security. The Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union was renewed in 1970 for a further twenty years.

Trade policy has created certain problems for Finland. A free trade agreement with the EEC has been initialled but not yet signed. The Parliamentary Defence Committee presented its conclusions in 1971, and defence policy has become the subject of greater interest for all political parties.
Sweden's Security Policy
Authors: Andrén Nils
Published: January 2017

Since the beginning of the Cold War, Sweden's security policy has been based on the principle of non-alignment between great power blocs in order to remain neutral in case of war. This basic principle is of major importance to Sweden's behaviour on the three major arenas of her foreign policy — global, European, and Nordic. In this paper the development of Sweden's present foreign policy is outlined, and the significance of a viable national defence as a corollary to non-alignment and neutrality is analysed together with the problems arising out of the inherent tension between an isolated security policy and an outward-oriented, extremely open economic policy.
Capacity Building as the New Engine of Growth for Indian Exporters
Authors: Arora Soma , Mittal Sanjiv
Published: January 2017

Internationalization amongst Indian companies has always been a macroeconomic issue reflecting size and quantum of growth rather than quality and firm level competencies. This has eventually led to a history of thirty years of growth in international trade without maturity in the process of internationalization. Internationally, however, the degree and maturity of internationalization has always been a progressive topic of research impacting national and firm level policy making. This became the focal point of this study. A large part of this blame was shared by policy-makers as lack of planned capacity building. Hence it becomes imperative to derive a set of business variables related to capacity building which can foresee and impact the process of internationalization. A detailed study of sectors of export prominence in India like – drugs & pharmaceuticals, apparel, information technology, metals & metallurgy revealed the lowest degree of internationalization and unplanned capacity building prominent within the apparel sector. The dismantling of the MFA and implementation of ATC under WTO since 1995, should have witnessed capacity building of highest order in this sector to face the world markets post 2005. The severe lack of firm level competencies in the textile and clothing sector has led to loss in cost effectiveness and negligent presence in overseas markets. These and other factors determined the primary research issue as exploring the path to a mature international presence against a backdrop of planned capacity building. The research methodology consisted of an exploratory research design with use of statistical techniques like Factor Analysis to help in identification of factors which can directly impact effective capacity building. This business model would later be tested on an apparel exporting company for its efficacy as a case study in the sequel to this paper.
Export Determinants of Total Leather and Leather Products – Regional Analysis
Authors: Beyene Hailay Gebretinsae
Published: January 2017

This study differs in the period of study and the coverage of terms. The study covers the period before reform from 1980-81 to 1990-91 and, after the reform from 1991-92 to 2004-05, which is an extension of the previous studies, and the whole period from 1980-81 to 2004-05. Regarding the coverage of terms, it focuses on several key factors in analyzing determinants of India's export of leather and leather products, empirically through the application of regression, to economic regions, viz. High Income OECD Countries, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Other High Income Countries, and East Asia and the Pacific regions. World demand significantly affects total exports of leather and leather products to all the economic regions except Europe and Central Asia, and South Asia. The variables, domestic demand, export promotion policy, India's relative price, the import of leather, allied products and machinery, assume significant importance to select regions. The influence of post-reform period significantly differs from pre-reform and is favourable in the case of export to Middle East and North Africa; and South Asia.
An Annotated Bibliography of Bibliographies Pertinent to the Design and Use of Machines by Human Operators
Authors: Allen Patricia S. , Saul Ezra V.
Published: January 2017

This bibliography in the human factors field is based on the collection at Tufts University. A total of 117 references are given and discussed.
Monitoring of Complex Visual Displays— II. Effects of Visual Load and Response Complexity on Human Vigilance
Authors: Adams Jack A. , Stenson Herbert H. , Humes John M.
Published: January 2017

A vigilance experiment was performed on the characteristics of visual monitoring behavior in complex tasks like those found in modern semi-automatic systems. The activationist hypothesis, which contends that human alertness is a function of stimulation level, served as framework for the experiment. Under investigation were sources of environmental and response-produced stimulation that might he related to hitman alertness. A. simulated semi-automatic air defense surveillance task was used. Environmental stimulation was manipulated by requiring six or thirty-six visual stimulus sources to be monitored for a 3-hr observation period. Response-produced stimulation was a function of response complexity. No vigilance decrement was found for per cent of signals correctly detected. Response latency declined significantly, but slightly, for groups that had simple response conditions but not for groups with complex response requirements. Results were discussed in terms of issues in operationally defining sources of stimulation for the activationist hypothesis, and the cautions that must be observed in generalising from the simple tasks of most vigilance experiments to the complex tasks of semi-automatic systems.
The Effects of Cockpit Vertical Accelerations on a Simple Piloted Tracking Task
Authors: Besco Robert O.
Published: January 2017

This report presents the results of an experimental simulation study of the effects of vertical accelerations on the ability of pilots to track a simple, one dimensional random signal on the “Pilot Operated Dynamic Flight Simulator” of the Columbus Division of NAA. It was concluded that pilots could track significantly better with simple aircraft response motion cues. However, when gusts and turbulence were added to the cockpit motion, pilot performance was significantly degraded.
The Measurement of Man-Machine Systems under Field Operational Conditions
Authors: Meister David
Published: January 2017

The requirements for and special problems involved in human factors field testing are described. With one exception field testing is simply an extension of laboratory testing to the operational-use environment. The exception is the inability to control and test individual variables. The purpose of field testing is to verify that the system performs according to specification. This can be accomplished by comparing field performance with the system description or “template”.
Visual Estimates of Airplane Speed
Authors: Brown Robert H.
Published: January 2017

A comparison of field and laboratory studies shows that the variability of visual estimates of airplane speed made by ground observers increases in direct proportion to the mean estimate in the same manner as does the variability of estimates made for quite different moving objects at close range in the laboratory. Since the standard deviation may be used as a measure of sensitivity to differences in speed, it follows that an observer discriminates a constant percentage difference throughout the range of aircraft speeds studied. This rule also seems to be applicable to certain aspects of automobile driving and to tracking of targets on a cathode-ray tube.
A Component-Type General-Purpose Teaching Machine of Optimum Capability for Curriculum Development
Authors: Silvern Leonard C.
Published: January 2017

Each of the teaching machine curriculums developed, so far, embody only one of the several schools of psychological methodology currently known to the practitioner. It is held that machine design is one factor which acts as a constraint. The general teaching machine environment in terms of a man-machine relationship is defined and ten different modes of the “ learner-teaching machine” relationship are delineated. A. typical aural-visual teaching machine for curriculum research purposes is graphically described along with information relating to magnetic tape multi-channel assignments and a punched paper tape scoring device.
Estimation of Visually Perceived Closure Rates
Authors: Baker Charles A. , Steedman William C.
Published: January 2017

The ability of subjects to estimate the relative distance travelled by a luminous object approaching on a collision course and viewed in an otherwise stimulus free field has been investigated. This research stems from an analysis of visual skills anticipated for certain manned space vehicle operations. The stimulus object at onset bad an angular subtense of 4, 12, or 36' of arc. It approached at two velocities from five starting distances, thus yielding a total of 30 experimental conditions. The subjects' task was to indicate when the stimulus object bad traversed one-half of the original distance. Large constant and variable errors were evident in the estimates of subjects with no training at the task. Subjects provided with training, through knowledge of results after each estimate, demonstrated a considerable reduction in both constant and variable errors. After training, subjects were able to estimate when the object had reached the half-way point with an accuracy such that 50 per cent of the half-way estimates fell within a range equal to 5 per cent of the initial observation distance.
Relative Controllability of Dissimilar Cars
Authors: Olson Paul L. , Wachsler Robert A.
Published: January 2017

Using two driving tasks, two different tars were compared for handling ease. In one task, test drivers were able to track a tightly winding course more accurately with the smaller of the two vehicles. In the other task, there were no differences between the two cars as measured by the time required to complete a parallel parking maneuver. To see if the driver reference point differed from car to car another test was run to find the point of minimum variance on the long axis of two quite different vehicles. This point of minimum variance, as measured from the driver's position, was found to be almost identical in each car.
Task Demands Analysis
Authors: Armsby Donald H.
Published: January 2017

A new task-analysis method is presented which emphasizes definition of task terms, statement of task limits, and a means by which all tasks can be directly and objectively compared and evaluated as to their effectiveness.
Folk Norms and Biomechanics
Authors: Drillis Rudolfs J.
Published: January 2017

This paper describes some of the folk norms or so-called “rules of thumb” that governed the making of tools and implements up to middle of the nineteenth century. These norms were established on the bases of intuition or through a long process of development by trial and error. In many instances dimensions arrived at on the basis of these norms have agreed with those established as optimal by means of biomechanical analysis.
Effects of Wearing a Full-Pressure Suit on Manual Dexterity and Tool Manipulation
Authors: Pierce Bernard F.
Published: January 2017

The use of full-pressure suits for man-in-space activities will result in decrements in manual dexterity and force exertible for the wearer. A first step in the development of techniques to minimize these decrements in future suits is to determine their nature and magnitude in operational versions. The present study is concerned with the development of test procedures for the quantification of some aspects of manual dexterity force output decrements.
The Functional Anthropometry of Old Men
Authors: Damon Albert , Stoudt Howard W.
Published: January 2017

Means, standard deviations, and percentiles are presented for forty-seven functional measurements of 133 ambulatory Spanish-American War veterans with a mean age of 81.6 years and an age range from 72 to 91 years. Practical applications of the data are noted. As compared with younger men, the veterans were smaller, lighter, weaker, and had shorter reaches but deeper chests. Their skinfolds did not differ.
Determination of Body Segment Parameters
Authors: Contini Renato , Drillis Rudolfs J. , Bluestein Maurice
Published: January 2017

This paper describes methods presently being used by the Research Staff of New York University to evaluate the important parameters of human body segments: mass, volume, center of mass and mass moment of inertia. Previous studies in the field are reviewed with regard to data obtained and subjects used in the investigations. Sources of difficulty in the proper solution are discussed in order to formulate the best procedure, followed by a description of the techniques now being employed. The paper concludes with a look into future applications of body segment parameter data.
Response of the Seated Human Cadaver to Acceleration and Jerk with and without Seat Cushions
Authors: Hodgson Voigt R. , Lissner Herbert R. , Patrick Lawrence M.
Published: January 2017

Human cadavers were subjected to seat-to-head accelerations to a maximum acceleration and jerk (rate of change of acceleration) of 18 g and 2600 g/sec, respectively, with six different types of seat cushions. Strain gages were cemented to the vertebral column and accelerometers were attached to bone at several levels of the body. The object of the experiments was to observe the effects of varying magnitude of acceleration, jerk, and seat cushions on the strain and acceleration response of the cadaver. Results indicate that dynamic load factor (ratio of peak to mean response) increases with jerk at low jerk levels to a maximum and thereafter remains relatively independent of jerk; increases with mean or terminal acceleration in the range of these tests; and increases for all types of cushions used in these tests. Strains measured on the body of vertebrae, particularly in the lumbar region, correspond closely to body accelerations, but strains measured on the rear of vertebrae were not related to body accelerations.
Mechanical Characteristics of Skin and Cartilage
Authors: Kenedi R. M. , Gibson T. , Abrahams M.
Published: January 2017

Quantitative knowledge of the mechanical and structural characteristics of human tissue and its analytical interpretation are of considerable clinical significance. The paper presents typical results in relation to two tissues of the body: skin and rib cartilage. As regards the former, the tension necessary to produce blanching is discussed on the basis of measurements taken during operations, while in respect of the latter self-locked stresses evaluated in the laboratory on post-mortem material are presented.
Human Output Characteristics during Specific Task Performance in Reduced Traction Environments
Authors: Streimer Irving , Springer Wayne E. , Tardiff Charles A.
Published: January 2017

Alterations in the force and work producing characteristics of unbraced operators performing in reduced traction environments have been reported. Data descriptive of the capabilities and requirements of man in such environments would prove invaluable in designing future space systems. To facilitate the acquisition of such data, a study was executed which examined the effects of varying levels of instability upon the amplitude, rate and efficiency with which manual work was produced. Ten subjects exercised in a special suspensory system. Work output/metabolic input ratios were determined at varying levels of stability. Data were subjected to analyses via Duncan's Multiple correlation test. Significant increases, of up to 70 per cent in oxygen consumption per horsepower developed were found. The ratio increased in non-linear fashion as instability was increased. Decreases in output capability were also found.
Preferences among Geometric Forms
Authors: Tallarico Robert B. , Maisel Richard N.
Published: January 2017

The method of paired comparisons was used to determine the aesthetic preferences of 100 college students for 13 common polygons and curved-line forms. An empirical order of preference among the forms was established, and a “straight p–z conversion” scaling procedure was employed for assigning relative distances between the forms. Approximately half of the 78 comparisons are significantly different (0.05 level) from selections based on chance. A highly significant rank-order correlation of 0.68 was found between the order of preference for men and women. From these results one may conclude that people have some definite aesthetic preferences among common geometric forms.
A Diagrammatic Classification of Man-Machine System Displays
Authors: Wierwille W. W.
Published: January 2017

A diagram is developed which classifies man–machine system displays according to their complexity. This diagram aids in gaining a better understanding of display concepts and in adding to our knowledge of display design. Displays are categorized as elementary, intermediate, or complex, depending upon the complexity of instrumentation required for implementation. The elementary group contains the pursuit and compensatory types while the complex group contains the new contact analog and situation types. In the intermediate group are new predictor types which are useful when controlling sluggish dynamics. Several general guidelines regarding the design of displays are obtained from the display diagram. These guidelines aid in selecting those displays which may be suitable for a given man–machine control-system problem, thereby reducing the amount of display experimentation that must be performed.
The Effect of Rule Flexibility on System Adaptation
Authors: Alexander Lawrence T. , Cooperband Alvin S.
Published: January 2017

A study was performed to test the effect of strict vs. flexible operating rules on a simulated terminal air traffic control system under a variety of traffic conditions with constant load. Twelve college students were trained in control procedures, were assigned to two crews, and operated the system in a sequence of 24 problem sessions in which the variables were arranged in factorial combination. Only the change to more flexible rules produced consistently significant performance changes. The differences in the way the two crews responded to the changes in the rules depended on the degree of crew cohesiveness. A theoretical formulation of system adaptation derived from earlier studies with an air defense system is discussed, and a new formulation is presented which is consistent with the findings in both the present and the earlier studies.
Computer-Based Methodology for System Development: Site Production and Reduction System
Authors: Grace G. L. , Newlands E.
Published: January 2017

A biological model, the nervous system, is applied to a man–machine system in order to stimulate interdisciplinary thought. Conceptual similarities between engineering, communication, and psychology are examined as they relate to the application of this model. If system designers incorporate afferent (Exercise) and efferent (Evaluation) subsystems so that feedback capability exists, system “learning” becomes feasible. This biological model is operational in the Site Production and Reduction System (SPARS), a computer system providing support for system training in the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) System. SPARS problem production (Exercise) and data reduction (Evaluation) capabilities are described and implications for future system technology are presented.
Subjective Information as a Function of Source Information
Authors: Teichner Warren H.
Published: January 2017

Three experiments are reported in which subjective information, defined as the amount of information in judgments of number and frequency of events, was studied, Results suggest different phenomena according to whether judgments are made relative to the display or to the source from which the display is a sample. The results also suggested a variety of other phenomena regarding the effects of number of events at a time, redundancy and the rate time of information presentation on subjective information.
Effects of Instructions on Wiring Task Accomplishment
Authors: Hilgendorf Robert L. , Ahlborn John F.
Published: January 2017

An attempt was made to determine the effects of different types of instruction on task accomplishment. Three groups of 19 subjects each were given a nonsense wiring task on an IBM machine control panel under three conditions of instruction: diagrammed instruction, diagrammed instructions with additional references on the control panel, and written instructions with the additional references on the control panel. It was found that the group using the diagrammed instructions with the additional references on the control panel had longer task accomplishment times than the other two groups. There were no significant differences among the three groups in errors committed.
Troubleshooting Performance as a Function of Presentation Technique and Equipment Characteristics
Authors: Atchley W. R. , Lehr Donald J.
Published: January 2017

Three techniques of presenting troubleshooting information were experimentally evaluated using a paper and pencil test to simulate equipment characteristics. Ss were 222 AF basic trainees. The results indicate that procedural instructions are significantly more efficient (p < 0.001) than standard schematics or data flow diagrams in terms of troubleshooting time and accuracy. The interactive effects of circuit type and circuit complexity were determinates of troubleshooting problem difficulty. As circuit complexity increases, so also does the efficiency of procedural instructions relative to the efficiency of standard schematics and data flow diagrams.
Binary Choice in a Dynamic Environment
Authors: Robinson Gordon H.
Published: January 2017

Subjects made binary choices of events which were generated by a time-varying process which varied in a random sequence of step changes. Sizes of step change and probability levels of the generators were studied. Subjects who knew the onset of a step change responded more rapidly and had a more optimal asymptotic choice frequency than subjects who did not. Matching behavior was not observed for most conditions.
Problems in Evaluating System Manning Requirements Estimates and Estimation Techniques
Authors: Gael Sidney
Published: January 2017

System manning requirements information is desired prior to the time when it is scheduled to become available under the Personnel Subsystem concept. Rather than proceed from the conclusion that a new manning estimation method is needed to obtain manning information earlier, it is assumed that present methods can be used. Support for the assumption was to be obtained by validating manning requirements estimates for several systems, and assessing the adequacy of the estimation methods. Problems that arose in conducting the study are discussed. The shortcomings of the Mace B and the Bomarc manning requirements analyses are discussed along with the inappropriateness of system test data as criteria against which to evaluate manning estimates. The human factors system analysis approach, modified to account for pertinent quantitative data, is recommended for estimating manning requirements during the initial stage of system development.
The Effect of Flash Distribution and Illumination Level upon the Detection of Low Intensity Light Stimuli
Authors: Wienke Richard E.
Published: January 2017

The proportion of light flashes detected by naive subjects was determined as a function of two flash groupings and two levels of flash intensity. One flash grouping, the “massed” condition, consisted of two groups of six flashes. The flashes were presented at the rate of one flash per second with about 1° of arc separations. The groups were separated by approximately 90 sec of time and 90° of arc. The second, or “distributed” condition, of twelve flashes presented at the rate of one flash for each 10° of arc and 10 sec of time. The illuminance level of these two conditions was equivalent to 0.13 kmc. One group of subjects was run under the “distributed” condition when the illuminance was increased to 0.935 kmc. There was no significant difference in the proportions of subject detecting flashes where flash distribution was the independent variable. A greater proportion of flashes was seen under the “distributed” condition than under the “massed” condition. More subjects made detections when the stimulus was 0.935 kmc than when it was 0.13 kmc.
Improved Logistics Planning Through Mathematical Models
Authors: Moore Cordell B.
Published: January 2017

An integrated set of mathematical models has been developed for use in the identification and quantitative measurement of logistics problems, and the prediction of probable results of proposed changes or corrective actions. The models can be used individually or in various combinations. Used together, they provide the logistics planner with a means for making a complete analysis of requirements for logistics and operations during any phase of a weapon system program.
Data Processing—A Means toward Improved Product Support
Authors: Sinchak Jack
Published: January 2017

Increasing stature and recognition are being provided to logistic support activities by both government and industry. Within industry, the responsibility for support functions rests with the product support organization. This article discusses the growing role of data processing in contractor product support operations. It covers the responsibilities of various functional areas comprising the product support organization and briefly mentions examples of how data processing is being applied in several of these activities. The factors influencing the introduction of data processing into the product support field are also covered. Finally, the benefits achieved by the installation of machine-aided systems and the related impact on support performance are also emphasized.
Nuclear Power Plants and Maintainability
Authors: Mcginty F. C.
Published: January 2017

The expanding use of nuclear energy in the power generation field is such that the maintainability aspects of design and maintenance concepts will soon be of interest to an increasingly larger number of designers, logisticians and human factors engineers. This article presents a broad-brush treatment of the effect that radiations have on maintenance of nuclear power plants. It provides examples of how an acceptable degree of maintainability is achieved on a specific military nuclear power plant despite these deadly radiations. A brief glimpse at present developmental programs that will significantly improve the maintainability of nuclear power plants is presented.
Integrated Management in ICBM Base Activation
Authors: Lippy Lester J.
Published: January 2017

The period from 1954 to 1964 is often referred to as the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) era by the Air Force and Aerospace Industry. This decade covered the period of research, development, design, and test of ICBM's, their ground support equipment and the activation of strategically located bases with facilities, equipment and support services. During this period, the Atlas, Titan and Minuteman became operational. The management, organization, and responsibilities for the activation of a Titan II Operational Base (Davis-Monthan, Arizona) are herein described. Concurrency and specific examples of management actions in solving problems under field conditions to assure delivery of a complete Weapon System are explained.
Visual Fields of the Scuba Diver
Authors: Weltman Gershon , Christianson Raymond A. , Egstrom Glen H.
Published: January 2017

The restricted visual fields available to SCUBA divers were examined by means of an under-water perimetry apparatus. Measurements were obtained for three standard partial masks (covering only the eyes and nose), one atypical “wrap-round” partial mask, and one full-face mask. Data are presented along with some consideration of the interactions between mask design and visual field, and a brief resumé of procedural variables affecting human factors experimentation underwater.
A Comparison of Three Manual Methods of Inputting Navigational Data
Authors: Kolesnik Peter E. , Teel Kenneth S.
Published: January 2017

This study evaluated the effectiveness of three simple manual methods of entering navigational data on cards which might subsequently be used to enter the same data into a computer. Results indicated that use of either a stylus punch or mark sense method required less time and resulted in fewer errors than did use of a hand punch method. No significant differences were found between the stylus punch and mark sense methods in either speed or accuracy of performance. The stylus punch method is recommended over the mark sense, particularly for airborne use, because it requires less elaborate data processing equipment. Furthermore, data from this and previous studies suggest that use of the stylus punch is preferable to use of thumbwheels or pushbuttons.
A Psychophysiological Study of Compensatory Tracking on a Digital Display
Authors: Benson Alan J. , Huddleston Jo H. F. , Rolfe John M.
Published: January 2017

Comparable performance on a compensatory tracking task was achieved with a purely digital altimeter display and with a combined digital and scale-and-pointer display. Performance of a subsidiary, light responding, task was degraded significantly when the digital task was employed. In the presence of the subsidiary task a larger change was recorded in a number of physiological variables (heart rate, muscle activity, skin resistance and respiration) with the digital than with the counter-pointer display. Thus, both performance and physiological measures indicated that parity of performance on the primary task was achieved by increased 'effort' when using the digital display.
Design of Controls Using Force as a Criterion
Authors: Konz Stephan A. , Day Robert A.
Published: January 2017

A force platform was used to study the effect of varying the height and handle orientation of a push-pull task. Each of the ten subjects performed the task at knee, hip, waist, chest, and eye heights and at each of the heights the handle was oriented in five different positions. Even though the force required for the task itself did not vary, changing the height of the handle forced each subject to exert a force to maintain his own body position. This force exerted by the subject was minimized when the handle was at chest height. The only previous studies on optimum work heights have concerned work surface location. Since their usual recommendations are to place a work surface below rather than above the elbow, it seems additional experimentation is desirable.
Intersensory Comparisons of Reaction Time Using an Electro-Pulse Tactile Stimulus
Authors: Swink Jay R.
Published: January 2017

The literature on cutaneous communication suggests that a square wave electro-pulse may be a more effective tactile stimulus for cross modality comparisons of reaction times than more traditional stimuli. It was hypothesized that the electro-pulse would give faster reaction times than either light or sound, when presented independently or in simultaneous combinations with the other stimuli. Mean reaction times of 10 male subjects, analysis of variance and mean separation test all indicated that the electro-pulse resulted in faster reaction times and less variability of responses than the other stimuli in both single and combined presentations. The hypotheses were supported and an ordering of reaction times was statistically established as following from the hypotheses. Pooling of stimuli effectiveness was offered as an explanation for the rapid reaction times of combined stimuli.
Linear Programming Applied to Optimization of Instrument Panel and Workplace Layout
Authors: Freund Louis E. , Sadosky Thomas L.
Published: January 2017

This paper investigates the application of several linear programming algorithms to the problems of workplace and instrument panel design. The various approaches described depend primarily upon the type of problem constructed; that is, upon the structure of constraints and available information. Two types of optimization functions are described, one based upon the distance between available positions and the second based on minimum eye travel. One formulation incorporates the probability of transition between any pair of available positions as a design parameter. The results indicate that solution of these problems is possible by several algorithms, primarily the transportation algorithm and the assignment algorithm. A solution using Simplex was attempted for one type of design and the constraint structure proved to be complex.
The Relationship of Near-Vision Peripheral Acuity and Far-Vision Search Performance
Authors: Johnston Dorothy M.
Published: January 2017

Thirty-five subjects who did not wear glasses or contact lenses and with foveal acuity of 20/30 or better monocular and binocular far and near vision were given a near-vision peripheral acuity test and a farvision search task. The results, which showed a low correlation between near-vision peripheral acuity and far-vision search performance, are consistent with Giese's findings of low correlations between near and far foveal acuity.
Using the Null Hypothesis in Human Engineering Evaluations2
Authors: Ellis Newton C.
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this paper is to make practical suggestions regarding the appropriate use and interpretation of the null hypothesis (He) in human engineering research. The coverage of this topic, as presented herein, is neither meant to be restrictive nor exhaustive, but it does represent a simple and concise treatment of a very real methodological problem. The paper itself is offered as a single collective source of several research arguments underlying using and interpreting Ho as an experimental hypothesis.
Methodology in the Assessment of Complex Performance: Introduction
Authors: Chiles W. Dean
Published: January 2017

This paper provides the background for the following papers with respect to the general purposes and objectives of the conference of which those papers were a part. The basic point of departure of the conference was the measurement of performance that could be considered to be relevant to the requirements placed on the human operator by operational systems. The primary points for consideration related to practical research design requirements such as validity and reliability.