bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ergonomic Evaluation of a Hybrid Keyboard and Game Controller
Authors: Ting Albert , Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

A laboratory experiment with 20 Ss compared performance, posture, and discomfort ratings for typing and video-gaming tasks performed using either a prototype hybrid game controller and keyboard (AG), or a conventional keyboard and a conventional game controller. Posture was measured using wrist monitoring apparatus and video-motion analysis. Performance was measured by typing speed, accuracy, game scores and a dexterity task. Comfort was measured by questionnaire. Results showed that after an initial 15-minutes of use, Ss were able to type on the AG at 9.35 wpm with 92% accuracy of use, and performance on a video game and on a dexterity task were comparable. Subjects reported significantly greater right thumb and right and left pinky finger discomfort after the typing task using the AG, when compared to the other 4 tasks. For the gaming there was no significant difference between devices.
Generating Line-Oriented Flight Simulation Scenarios with the Rrloe Computerized Tool Set
Authors: Jentsch Florian , Bowers Clint , Berry Devon , Dougherty William , Hitt James M.
Published: January 2012

Line-Oriented Simulation (LOS) is a scenario-based training and evaluation methodology used at airlines to provide trainees with practice, to evaluate their performance, and to validate their proficiency. LOSs consist of realistic flight simulation scenarios from preflight check to after-landing shutdown that are highly scripted.

From 1997 on, the Federal Aviation Administration has supported the development of software for “Rapidly Reconfigurable Event Set-Based LOEs (RRLOE),” In this method, LOSs are created by combining phase-based event sets into a coherent and logical flight. The method is computerized, supports LOS development, and reduces the predictability of scenarios for the trainees. In 2000, the RRLOE software was distributed to airlines participating in the Advanced Qualification Program.

In this demonstration, we describe the challenge of automated scenario design further, and show how the RRLOE tool can assist those that develop scenario-based training.
The Nighttime Pedestrian Collision: Human Factors Issues and a Case Study
Authors: Mortimer Rudolf G.
Published: January 2012

Injuries to pedestrians in collisions with motor vehicles are a significant problem in traffic safety, accounting for about 13% of fatalities, with more than half occurring at night. There are many variables that affect the visibility of pedestrians in darkness such as: the reflectance of their clothing, their position on the roadway, atmospheric conditions, road characteristics, street lighting, motor vehicle headlamps and their aim and alignment; other ambient lighting and background conditions, glare of headlamps of oncoming traffic and from street lamps, the driving environment and activities and performance of the driver. These issues are discussed, the techniques used to make a human factors analysis are described and some are illustrated by a case study of a night, pedestrian collision on a rural road.
Supporting the Warning Designer: An Automotive Case Study
Authors: Dorris Alan L. , Dorris Nathan T.
Published: January 2012

Over the past quarter century, the Human Factors Engineering (HFE) literature on the design of warning labels and systems has proliferated to hundreds of articles. Some of these purport to provide guidance to designers of warnings. The list of variables investigated is long, however, the list of unqualified conclusions reached is brief. Over the same time span, the number of warnings issued by various sources has increased dramatically. One class of warning developers is governmental regulatory agencies who require those they regulate to issue precautionary information. The extent to which HFE input is reflected in these regulations is a function of the agency's receptiveness to such findings and the extent to which the available literature addresses real-world design problems. This paper examines warning system development by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in light of the available literature. Focusing upon the airbag and rollover warning requirements and utilizing the voluminous public record, the study concludes that the HFE literature inadequately addresses the actual needs of warning designers and that NHTSA has promulgated reasonable warning standards in spite of these deficiencies.
Individual Difference Effects on Training and Transfer of Visual Processing Strategy
Authors: Pratt James H. , Sohn Young Woo
Published: January 2012

The present study examined how training difficulty interacts with individual differences in visual processing strategy. Participants discriminated between random polygon stimuli that varied both in both complexity and similarity. Individual processing strategies were categorized into either “holistic” or “analytic” strategy types based on the discrimination latency as a function of polygon complexity. Training difficulty was defined by the similarity of the stimuli being discriminated. Both strategy groups discriminated between similar (“hard” training) or dissimilar stimuli (“easy” training) and then between novel polygons in a transfer stage. Results showed that individual differences in processing strategy interact with training difficulty to influence performance on transfer to novel stimuli. The effect of training on transfer performance was greater for the participants with a holistic strategy than for those with an analytic strategy. The implications for training and display design are discussed.
The Facilitative Effects of Diagrams on Scaffolding Knowledge Acquisition and Metacognition in Low Verbal Ability Learners
Authors: Cuevas Haydee M. , Fiore Stephen M. , Oser Randall L.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the differential benefit of diagrams as a learning aid for participants of differing ability levels. Diagrams facilitated the acquisition of conceptual knowledge but had no effect on declarative knowledge acquisition. Additionally, diagrams increased metacognitive accuracy. More importantly, the effect on knowledge acquisition and metacognitive accuracy was found to be strongest for participants with low verbal ability. Finally, incorporating diagrams into the training resulted in improved instructional efficiency (i.e., higher level of performance was achieved with less mental effort). Implications for incorporating findings on individual differences into training system design are discussed.
Force and Displacement Preferences for an Alternative Keyboard
Authors: Jentsch Florian , Hitt James M. , McAlindon Peter
Published: January 2012

Over the past several years, much attention has been given to repetitive strain injuries (RSI's) in the office environment. Perhaps the most common and widely publicized of these RSI's is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). CTS is an insidious, progressive RSI that affects millions of typists every year. The effects of CTS are far reaching. In the office, CTS reduces worker job satisfaction and productivity which may ultimately affect the company's bottom line. U.S. businesses spend in excess of $10 billion each year to combat the CTS problem. The AID-CTS keyboard (commercially referred to as the OrbiTouch by Keybowl, Inc.) is an alphanumeric input system that is developed to combat CTS and numerous other upper extremity disabilities. It is designed to offer all typists a more comfortable means of typing and navigation. The purpose of the current study was to determine what combination of dome force and dome displacement were most acceptable to the user. A study was conducted to evaluate different dome forces and different dome displacements using a variable force joystick to establish the most appropriate range of acceptable force and displacement characteristics. The study resulted in an optimum force and displacement that minimizes arm and wrist movements while maximizing user comfort.
Performance of an Artificial Neural Network Model in the Prediction of Lower Torso Muscle Recruitment Patterns
Authors: Perez Miguel A. , Nussbaum Maury
Published: January 2012

The prediction of muscle forces around the low back is a key aspect in the calculation of spinal loads. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are suited to handle this prediction problem, and have been employed in the past in similar efforts. This paper evaluates the performance of an ANN in predicting trunk muscle forces, whose values were estimated from measurements of myoelectric activity during various high-magnitude static trunk exertions. Sensitivity of the ANN to its two user-adjustable parameters, Muscle Self-Inhibition and Muscle Inhibition, is also evaluated. Results indicate moderate agreement between predicted forces and forces estimated from measured myoelectric activity (average R2s in the 0.50s), although some muscles were well predicted (R2s in the 0.80s). The model iterations resulting from variations in the ANN Inhibition parameters varied only slightly in terms of prediction performance levels, suggesting that this particular ANN model may be limited by other factors, including inter-individual differences in motor control strategies.
Analysis of a Self-Regulating Method for Determining Acceptable Finger Force Limits
Authors: Johnson Hope E. , Nussbaum Maury A.
Published: January 2012

In contrast to previous work using the psychophysical methodology, participants in the present work were instead asked to self-adjust and self-regulate their exertion level during simple finger exertions aimed at deriving maximum acceptable limits (MALs). Three methods to determine MALs from a sequence of exertions are described and compared. The effects of trial durations and intersession repeatability were also investigated. All analysis methods produced comparable MAL estimates, within 0.5 N. MALs obtained from the first 5 minutes of data were 2.2% higher than those from the entire 25-minute session, but this difference was not significant. Differences between sessions averaged 4%, which was not significant. The results suggest the self-regulating method can produce repeatable estimates of subjective finger force limits, that these limits are insensitive to the analysis method used for determination, and that it may be possible to obtain repeatable values with relatively brief experimental sessions.
Comparison of Traditional and Electromechanical Approaches for Structural Anthropometric Data Collection
Authors: Feathers David , Polzin Jana , Paquet Victor , Lenker James , Steinfeld Edward
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability of a new structural anthropometric measurement approach designed for those who may not have the capability to hold standardized postures. Forty-eight men and women participated in the study. Two trained researchers collected the anthropometric measurements. Twenty anthropometric dimensions were made while participants remained in a preferred or relaxed posture while seated in a wheelchair. In addition, measurements for six (6) anthropometric dimensions were repeated while participants assumed a standard seated anthropometric reference posture. Each researcher made two measurements with an electromechanical device and with an anthropometer or spreading caliper. Mean absolute differences and statistics of agreement between methods, researchers and trials were calculated for each of the anthropometric dimensions. The results of the study indicate that use of an electromechanical device may be a promising alternative to traditional methods of assessment.
Measurement System for Evaluating Dynamic Wrist Workloads and CTS Risk
Authors: Jang Hyunkook , Freivalds Andris
Published: January 2012

This study presents an evaluation of measurement system investigating the relationship between dynamic wrist workloads including posture, force and repetition, and median nerve function, hence, CTS risk. The performance of a biaxial electrogoniometer and force sensor for generating dynamic wrist workloads were evaluated with custom made calibration fixtures. The results for electrogoniometer measurement showed that non-repeatability and non-linearity were 4.0% and 1.6%, respectively, in the flexion/extension plane, and 3.3% and 0.9%, respectively, in the radial/ulnar plane. The non-repeatability and non-linearity for the force sensors were 14.3% and 1.6%, respectively. These results demonstrated that the electrogoniometer and force sensors are useful for future study. The performance of EMG machine for measuring nerve conduction was also examined and the results was consistent across day and trial. Further research is quantifying the relationship between dynamic wrist workloads with resultant changes in motor and sensory conduction function in the median nerve.
Reducing Back and Shoulder Injuries in the Nursing Home Industry
Authors: Silverstein Barbara , Rockefeller Kathleen , Howard Ninica , Kalat John
Published: January 2012

Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as low back pain, tendinitis, hand arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome, account for a major component of the cost of work-related illness and injury in the United States. The National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) musculoskeletal team identified intervention studies of engineering and work organizational improvements as a high priority in reducing the burden of WMSDs. In Washington State, direct workers compensation costs are more than $410 million per year. Nursing homes have high claims incidence of back and shoulder WMSDs, related primarily to resident handling activities. A cooperative industrywide “zerolift” initiative has resulted in significant reductions in back and shoulder WMSD claims and costs in the Washington State nursing home industry. Rates have decreased 19% in those nursing homes receiving workers compensation premium discounts for purchasing equipment compared to 3% reduction for those nursing homes without premium discounts. Payback on investment in “zerolift” programs appears to take 6–12 months.
The Use of Ergonomic Concerns Data as a Proactive Input to the Design of Workplace Tools
Authors: Mayfield Tom F. , Evans Susan M. , Joseph Bradley S. , Kilduff-Rich Helen R.
Published: January 2012

The Ford Motor Company has recorded over 5606 ergonomic concerns relating to job hazards through their automated evidence book ErgoRx. As part of a review of the ergonomics process in Ford, a study was carried out to look at the transfer of ergonomic information between division process engineers and plant ergonomics personnel. The study focused on ergonomics training and background knowledge, and Ford tools used to provide ergonomics information and the feedback processes. Issues on the effective feedback of ergonomics data early on in the design process are of particular interest in the light of the recent repeal of the OSHA Ergonomics regulation. Instead of using reportable ergonomics concerns to trigger remedial actions, concerns can be reduced by designing-out the features that cause the problems. Used in this way concerns data, as well as existing ergonomics tools, can be used as a cost effective, proactive input in new and redesign activities. This approach, used more widely, could be an effective way of removing objections to the imposition of a difficult to apply, and largely reactive ergonomics regulation.
New Tools for Vehicle Interior Design
Authors: Reed Matthew P. , Manary Miriam A. , Flannagan Carol A. C. , Schneider Lawrence W.
Published: January 2012

Research over the past decade has led to the development of a new, integrated suite of tools for vehicle interior design. These tools are based on posture and position data collected from hundreds of drivers and passengers in dozens of vehicles driven on-road, as well as data from laboratory studies with reconfigurable vehicle mockups. The tools include (1) a new H-point machine and associated CAD tool for use in seat design and vehicle package layout; (2) a model of driver-selected seat position; (3) a new eyellipse describing the distribution of driver and passenger eye locations; (4) three-dimensional contours describing occupant head locations; and (5) whole-body posture-prediction methods for use with human figure models. This paper describes these new tools in the context of the design and development of a passenger car interior.
Relative Placement of Benefit and Risk Information in Direct-to-Consumer Advertisements of Prescription Drugs on the World Wide Web
Authors: Hicks Kevin E. , Vigilante William J. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

This research was conducted to determine how risk information is presented within direct-to-consumer (DTC) drug advertisements on the World Wide Web (WWW). Twenty prescription drug manufacturers' web sites were examined with respect to risk and benefit information placement. Measured were (a) the number of clicks required to view the benefit and risk information from the home page, (b) the number of clicks to the risk information from the benefit information, (c) the number of clicks to the benefit information from the risk information, (d) and whether scrolling was required to view both benefit and risk information. Also measured were whether the benefit and risk information was on the same page and whether a separate file reader was needed to view the risk information. Results indicated that the risk information is more difficult to find on DTC prescription medication web site advertisements compared to benefits. More clicks from the home page were required to find the risk information than the benefits. Also, scrolling was required more often to find the risk information compared to the benefits. Implications of these results are discussed with respect to the equal balance of risk and benefit information that is required by U.S. Federal Regulations.
Using Graphs to Evaluate the Impact of Work Shifts: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Howarth Heidi D. , Tepas Donald I.
Published: January 2012

When scheduling work times, detailed information is often not considered regarding the shiftwork history of a worker. Instead, available workers may be chosen according to factors such as seniority and/or work hours over the previous day or two. This can be a dangerous practice, as it may result in irregular, erratic, and unpredictable shift schedules that can lead to serious health and safety consequences for the worker and the public. The current research addressed these concerns by asking judges to consider both the acute and chronic impact of work schedules. Individuals evaluated graphical representations of 30 days of freight train engineer schedules for their impact on worker well-being. While judges' evaluations were in agreement with each other, their judgments were not related to engineer mood estimates of their own well-being. It is, of course, possible that predictions of well-being would be more accurate if the judges were provided with additional specific information about each worker.
Facilitation of Anesthetic Administration during Simulated Surgeries with a Drug Display
Authors: Albert Robert W. , Drews Frank A. , Syroid Noah D. , Strayer David L. , Agutter James , Westenskow Dwayne R. , Loeb Robert G. , Weinger Matthew B.
Published: January 2012

Monitors that show intravenous (IV) drug concentrations currently do not exist. However, using real-time displays of intravenous anesthetic concentrations and effects could significantly enhance intraoperative clinical decision-making. Pharmacokinetic models are available to estimate past, present and future drug concentrations in the brain, and pharmacodynamic models are available to predict the drug's associated physiological effects. An interdisciplinary research team developed a new graphic display incorporating these models to show the predicted concentrations and effects of anesthetic drugs in real-time. To evaluate the effectiveness of the display on the management of anesthesia, 15 anesthesiologists participated in a computer-based simulation study. Anesthesiologists maintained drug concentrations closer to an optimal target level when they used the prototype anesthesia drug display. Participants also reported lower levels of workload with the display and rated the display as a useful addition to anesthesia monitoring.
Evaluating a Graphical Cardiovascular Display for Anesthesia
Authors: Drews Frank A. , Agutter Jim , Syroid Noah D. , Albert Robert W. , Westenskow Dwayne R. , Strayer David L.
Published: January 2012

A multi-disciplinary team developed a graphical/object-based cardiovascular display to support anesthesiologist's decision-making in the operating room. The process of designing the display incorporated central findings from the areas of naturalistic decision-making and medical cognition and used rapid iterative prototyping. To evaluate their performance when using the cardiovascular display, 20 anesthesiologists participated in a study in a high fidelity simulator (METI). Half the subjects used the cardiovascular display, the other half received the same information presented in a numeric format. The anesthesiologists treated two critical events in two simulated patients. In one case the patient suffered from anaphylactic shock, in the other case, severe blood loss and myocardial infarction occurred. Measurements were taken for detection, diagnosis, and treatment time. The cardiovascular display improved performance across these different indicators when anesthesiologists were dealing with a cardiovascular event.
Driving with a Head-Slaved Camera System
Authors: Oving Arjen B. , van Erp Jan B.F.
Published: January 2012

In a field experiment, we tested the effectiveness of a head-slaved camera system for driving an armoured vehicle under armour. This system consists of a helmet-mounted display (HMD), a headtracker, and a motion platform with two cameras. Subjects performed several driving tasks on paved and in rough terrain, in four conditions: direct view, periscope view, the head-slaved system with normal camera lenses, and with wide-angle lenses. The results showed that performance with direct view was always best, while no benefits of the wide-angle system were revealed. Driving on paved terrain with the HMD system resulted in better longitudinal and lateral vehicle control than with the periscopes for some tasks, although some negative aspects were also observed. This latter finding can be attributed largely to inexperience with the HMD system. Faster track completion times with the HMD system (normal lenses) than with periscope view were observed for driving off the road. These results show that a head-slaved camera system can be an alternative for the periscope system. However, during the first part of the experiment (paved terrain), three of the seven drivers reported symptoms of motion sickness and subsequently stopped with the experiment.
Sustained Visual Attention during Simultaneous and Successive Vigilance Tasks
Authors: Desmond P.A. , Matthews G. , Bush J.
Published: January 2012

A study of sustained visual attention during simultaneous and successive vigilance task paradigms is reported. 50 participants completed a simultaneous sensory vigilance task with a low event rate, and 50 different participants completed a successive sensory vigilance task with a low event rate. In the simultaneous task participants were presented with pairs of digit-like stimuli on a PC monitor display, and were asked to detect when one of the stimuli was slightly smaller than the other stimulus. In the successive task version participants were required to compare the size of the currently viewed digit pair with the previously presented stimuli, requiring use of memory to detect the target. All participants completed a variety of subjective measures of stress states before and after the vigilance task. The results indicated that the vigilance decrement was greater for sensory simultaneous than for sensory successive tasks. Practical implications of the study are discussed.
Obtaining Objective Measurements of Operator Performance with Auditory Alarms
Authors: Neubauer Andrew G. , Lanier Richard
Published: January 2012

Several acoustic pulse parameters expected to affect the perceived urgency in auditory signals were investigated in a factorial experiment for objective measures of operator performance in a complex occupational environment. 18 experienced subjects, system console operators at Kennedy Space Center, participated in the experiment where the effects of manipulation of inter-pulse interval and pulse format were evaluated for self-reported workload ratings and objective effects in complex, multi-task performance. The results confirmed the prediction of inter-pulse interval effecting reaction times. Subjective workload ratings were equal for all format and interval combinations. Accuracy of primary task measures, in terms of erroneous operator actions, was also equal for all signal combinations. A secondary tracking task was imbedded in the evaluation for workload adjustment and resource allocation measurement. The performance on the secondary task was significantly influenced by signal design, and the objective performance measures countermand the predictions of perceived urgency effects based on previous studies. The study results are interpreted for development and design of a system of auditory alarms for the Checkout and Launch Control Systems at Kennedy Space Center.
Small Business Research & Development: Oxymoron or Golden Opportunity
Authors: Miller Christopher A. , Serfaty Daniel , Glenn Floyd , Endsley Mica , Laughery Ron
Published: January 2012

The chief question of this Professional Development panel will be whether or not the small business environment provides a good venue for pursuing a career in Human Factors research and development—or, perhaps more accurately, how it can be made to do so. The panelists will be recognized successes within the Human Factors community in terms of both their professional careers as small business owners or workers and in terms of their sustained ability to contribute valuable research to the more academic pursuit of Human Factors as a science. Panelists will be asked to tell their ‘story’—why and how they chose to go the small business route—and then will be asked to provide answers to a specific set of questions about the ability to do research in a small business venue. Audience participation will round out the session and should uncover additional insights on the ability to mix income with research in this setting.
The Effects of an Arm-Fire Mechanism on Operator Performance in a Simulated Crane Control Task
Authors: Fentress Dayne R. , Lanier Richard C. , Arndt Craig M.
Published: January 2012

Incidents involving overhead crane operations at Kennedy Space Center have resulted in a desire to investigate alternative crane control interfaces for potential improvements. This study examines one such interface, which integrates an arm-fire mechanism into an existing crane control console. Two mock crane console configurations were used in a counterbalanced, repeated-measure design to determine effects of the arm-fire on performance and workload ratings of experienced and inexperienced subjects. Addition of the arm-fire produced both positive and negative operational results. Use of the arm-fire mechanism increased operator reaction times, subjective workload ratings, and mean RMS error scores on a secondary tracking task. The arm-fire mechanism effectively mitigated incorrect inputs that could result in injuries or damaged hardware. The only reaction time increase deemed operationally significant was in emergency direction reversal situations. Study funded by NASA grant #NGT10-52621.
Safety Practices with Children in Autos: Observations of Inadequate Behaviors
Authors: Leonard S. David
Published: January 2012

The safety of children in automobile accidents is a national concern. The number of injuries and deaths occurring to young children in automobile accidents is considered to be excessive. Previous surveys have indicated that many individuals are not familiar with some of the procedures and devices associated with safety for young children in that they cannot describe the appropriate locations for children of various ages and sizes. The present study involved observations of children in vehicles as they approached elementary schools. The results of the observations indicate that the surveys are likely correct in showing poor understanding of the necessity for locating children safely and using safety devices appropriately. Further, the data indicate that some of the unsafe practices used with children are associated with parents or caregivers unsafe practices.
Capturing Fuzzy Judgments of Usability for Advanced Distance Learning Applications: An on-Site Experiment
Authors: Buff Wendi , Pharmer James , Bolton Amy , Holness David , Astwood Randy , Griffin Tyson , Campbell Gwendolyn
Published: January 2012

Our objective is to introduce a new approach to extracting and representing decision-making policies, and apply this technique to usability judgments collected on-site for Advanced Distance Learning (ADL) applications. First, we will provide an overview of traditional policy capturing techniques and introduce fuzzy logic as a potentially powerful alternative. Next, we will ask attendees to judge the extent to which specific usability violations within a series of ADL interfaces will interfere with learning. We will end this session by presenting models of expert performance on this task (previously collected and analyzed). Judgment data collected on-site will later be modeled and the validity of two modeling approaches will be assessed via follow-up data collection. Finally, overall results will be sent to all participants. By using examples from ADL applications, we hope to also gain insight into the nature of the usability challenges facing practitioners within this emerging domain.
Cue Utilization and Situation Awareness during a Simulated Experience
Authors: Crooks C. L. , Hu Chang-Ya , Mahan Robert P.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study is to collect data on decision makers' use of environmental cues and situation awareness levels in a decision-making scenario. In a given situation, information cues are typically associated with implicit weight values that allow the decision maker to make sense of the current environment, as well as make judgments about a future event. There is some evidence that during situations in which cues may actually fluctuate in importance, decision makers may not assign cue weights accurately. It would follow that situation awareness may also be lower than when weights accurately reflect cue values present in the environment. The goal of this study was to explore whether there was a relationship between the patterns of cue utilization and levels of situation awareness in a dynamic computerized flight simulation, TIDE2. In addition, correlational analyses were conducted between measurements of cognitive style, situation awareness level measurements, and judgment accuracy. Evidence for these relationships was found.
Investigating Huds in Specialty Vehicles
Authors: Harder Kathleen A. , Bloomfield John R. , Chihak Benjamin J.
Published: January 2012

Currently, several technologies are being integrated into a single system that provides the driver of a specialty vehicle with a virtual representation of the view out the windshield via a Head Up Display. As part of the development of this system, we are exploring human factors issues in a series of alternating simulation experiments and field studies. Here, we discuss a simulation experiment and a field study. In the simulation experiment, we compared the effectiveness of lane departure warnings given in three modalities—visual, auditory, and tactile (via the driver's seat). In the field study, we used a snowplow equipped with a Head Up Display, a Differential Global Positioning System, and digital geo-spatial databases. The participants were snowplow operators. The sessions that they participated were treated as a knowledge acquisition sessions. The information obtained during in this field study feed back into the next simulation stage of the program.
Is Wider Better?: Enhancing Pavement Marking Visibility for Older Drivers
Authors: Ohme Phillip J. , Schnell Thomas
Published: January 2012

A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pavement marking edge line width (100 mm, 150 mm, 200 mm) and pavement marking material type (normal paint+beads, wet-weather tape, ceramic element) on forward detection distance when driving on a two-lane rural road under automobile low-beam illumination at night. The aim of the study was to generate a set of recommendations to improve nighttime driving conditions for old motorists, especially under wet weather conditions. Prior to the experiment, the markings were purposely worn in situ by traffic for one year to obtain realistic in-service retroreflectances. Fourteen participants, including 7 young drivers (range 19-26 years) and 7 old drivers (range 65-81 years), detected a 60 m gap in each pavement marking treatment under both dry and wet roadway conditions. The width of the edge lines showed no significant effect on detection distance, however, the material type significantly increased detection distance, especially under wet roadway conditions. These results suggest that enhanced pavement marking materials could be useful to improve pavement marking visibility and thus safety of the nighttime motorist, especially in high-risk areas such as extremely sharp curves or other situations where increased forward preview is needed to allow adequate driver reaction.
Risk and Driver Behavior with Adjustable Pedals
Authors: Young Douglas E. , Schmidt Richard A. , Ayres Thomas J. , Trachtman Doris
Published: January 2012

Recently, various automotive manufacturers have developed and installed adjustable pedal systems that allow the pedal package (accelerator, brake, and clutch) to be moved in unison toward or away from a driver's standard (and historically fixed) position. To determine if there was a possible danger associated with adjusting or manipulating the pedals while operating the vehicle, we engaged in two separate investigations. First, we evaluated the potential risk associated with adjusting or manipulating in-vehicle controls, such as tuning the radio or moving the seat position, for an estimate of how the operation of similar devices influences vehicle safety. Our analysis of accident data from North Carolina shows that about 60 accidents per year occur while drivers are adjusting a radio, with only a few annual accidents tied to other in-vehicle controls such as wipers, mirrors, and heaters. Based on these findings, accidents associated with pedal location adjustment are likely to be extremely rare. Second, we completed a fixed-base simulator study to evaluate how the manipulation of the adjustable pedal system influenced driver behavior and vehicle control. Changes in pedal position had no detectable influence on brake reaction times. Adjusting pedal position (on demand from the experimenter) had only a very small effect on measures of speed, lane position, and brake reaction time, in all cases within the range of effects found with operation of radios, cell phones, and seat controls. Findings from this aspect of our work add further confidence to the prediction of low accident risk for pedal location adjustment. Implications for driver behavior and vehicle safety are discussed.
An Evaluation of the Safety, Utility, and Reliability of Three-Dimensional Alarm Systems for Automotive Use
Authors: Bliss James P. , Acton Sarah A.
Published: January 2012

As roadways become more congested, automobile manufacturers are designing collision avoidance warning systems to increase safety; yet, there has been little investigation of alarm reliability and spatial signal location. This study focused on measuring driving and alarm reaction performances to spatial and console emitted alarms of various reliability levels. Seventy participants operated a driving simulator while being presented with alarms. From previous research (Breznitz 1983; Bliss 1993), it was expected that drivers would perform better following reliable alarms than unreliable alarms. It was also expected that drivers would perform better following spatial alarms than central alarms. Results indicated that drivers avoided collisions better following spatial alarms, but made more appropriate driving reactions following console-generated alarms. Alarm response frequency and driving reaction appropriateness was higher for reliable alarms. These results suggest that alarm designers should strive to maximize alarm reliability, and that spatial alarms may potentially reduce collision rates.
Investigation of Factors Affecting Driver Performance Using Adverse Condition Warning Systems
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Bisantz Ann M. , Singh Tarunraj
Published: January 2012

This study addresses issues concerning the design of adverse condition warning systems (ACWS). An ACWS was designed to sense when a car was likely to skid. Through the use of a virtual-driving environment, two important design considerations, alerting system sensitivity (low and high) and type of auditory alarm signal (Binary ON/OFF and Graded) were analyzed and compared with a no-alarm control group. Dependent measures reflecting driver performance and response to the alarm signal were analyzed to understand the effect of different system configurations. Additionally, participants' trust in the alerting system under different configurations was measured to reveal user acceptance in these systems.

Participants had fewest skids in the low sensitivity and graded alarm signal condition compared to other alerting system configurations and the no-alarm condition. Participants in the graded signal condition also had a greater degree of lateral control over the vehicle. Additionally, trust was found to be the lower for the high vs. low sensitivity alarm condition, indicating a reduction in trust when the alerting system activated more often (at a lower threshold) perhaps because participants' did not feel the system was accurately reflecting a dangerous condition. Over sessions, positive feelings of trust tended to increase, while negative feelings decreased, as expected given increased experience with the system. This research emphasizes the fact that while ACWS can provide an advantage in terms of vehicle control, characteristics of both the alerting signal, and system configuration must be considered to insure successful outcomes.
Validity of the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ)
Authors: Boles David B. , Adair Lindsey P.
Published: January 2012

The Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ) is an easily administered 17-item measure for subjective workload assessment that aims to provide high diagnosticity by identifying the load on specific resources. Here validity data from two experiments are reported. Experiment 1 employs two computer-based games and finds that workload as assessed by the MRQ correlates significantly with ratings of overall workload, and with a composite of time demand, mental demand, and stress demand ratings. Because these are important dimensions of other well-accepted workload instruments (i.e., OW, NASA-TLX, and SWAT), the results support the construct validity of the MRQ. Experiment 2 assesses interference between pairings of four laboratory-based tasks, and finds that MRQ-based similarity indices significantly predict the degree of interference between tasks. This outcome supports the criterion validity of the MRQ.
Learner Support to Foster Self-Explanation in the Context of Advanced Distributed Learning
Authors: Schaafstal Alma M. , Campbell Gwendolyn E.
Published: January 2012

Several studies suggest that group-oriented, collaborative activities can have a positive impact on individual learning. The effect of collaborative activities on learning appears to be the result of several underlying mechanisms. In this research we focus on a mechanism that has shown to be a powerful cognitive mechanism for learning, and which occurs quite naturally in peer learning situations: self-explanation. The question is whether we can design learner support tools that help learners to self-explain. If this kind of learner support helps to improve training and performance, it can be implemented in an ADL-environment, e.g. through the implementation of a ‘Learning Companion’. The results show that this is indeed possible: students who have been trained with a learner support tool designed to elicit self-explanations do better and are more efficient than students who were not trained with such a tool, even after the support has been taken away.
Use of Incremental Adaptation and Habituation Regimens for Mitigating Optokinetic Side Effects
Authors: Graeber David A.
Published: January 2012

The use of incremental and repeated exposures regimens have been put forth as effective means to mitigating visually induced motion sickness based on the Dual Process Theory (DPT) (Groves & Thompson, 1970) of neural plasticity. In essence, DPT suggests that by incrementing stimulus intensity the depression opponent process should exert greater control over the net outcome (e.g. motion sickness) than the sensitization opponent process, thereby minimizing side effects. This conceptual model was tested by empirically validating the effectiveness of adaptation, incremental adaptation, habituation, and incremental habituation regimens to mitigate side effects arising from exposure to an optokinetic drum. Forty college students from the University of Central Florida participated in the experiment and were randomly assigned to a treatment with efforts taken to balance for gender and motion sickness susceptibility. Results indicated that overall, the application of an incremental regimen is effective in reducing side effects (e.g. malaise and dropout rates) when compared to a non-incremented regimen, whether it be a one time or repeated exposure. Furthermore, application of the Motion History Questionnaire (MHQ) (Graybiel & Kennedy, 1965) to identify high and low motion sickness susceptible individuals proved effective. Finally, gender differences were not found in this experiment as a result of balancing susceptibility within the gender subject variable.
Learning to Reason about Rotational Motions in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Dawson Thomas E. , Pani John R.
Published: January 2012

Virtual Reality (VR) technology was used to examine learning for reasoning about object rotation. A desktop VR system displayed satellite dishes attached to shafts. For each trial, one of four types of rotation was possible: dish aligned to vertical shaft, dish oblique to vertical shaft, dish aligned to oblique shaft, and dish oblique to oblique shaft. Certain of these rotational motions are very difficult for most people to reason about accurately. Participants' task was to predict the outcomes of rotations by orienting an arrow in the direction the dish would face if it rotated as indicated. Feedback and opportunities to control and observe the rotations in VR were provided. Results showed a gradual but substantial improvement in predicting the outcomes of the initially more difficult rotations. That is, participants were able to master very difficult spatial reasoning using VR technology. This may have implications for the many human-system interfaces that train people to develop complex skills.
Personality and Team Performance in Distributed Virtual Environments
Authors: Kring Jason P. , Commarford Patrick M. , Singer Michael J.
Published: January 2012

Researchers have correlated personality with team performance in aviation, business, the military, and other domains. The present study expanded this line of research to evaluate personality and team performance in a series of virtual environment (VE) scenarios. Teams of 2 participants completed multiple missions, patterned after anti-terrorist training for police and military, over 2 days. Team personality compositions (average levels and diversity), based on the five factor model (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness), were compared for high- and low- performing teams. Results supported the hypothesis that high-performing teams would exhibit higher mean levels of extraversion than low-performing teams, but did not support predictions related to neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and team personality diversity. Findings have implications for future VE team training and distributed simulations.
Integrating Critical Information on Flight Deck Displays
Authors: Ververs Patricia May , Dorneich Michael C. , Good Michael D. , Downs Joshua Lee
Published: January 2012

Honeywell Laboratories has developed a concept for integrating multiple sources of data concerning information outside the aircraft. The concept, ANCOA (Alerting and Notification for Conditions Outside the Aircraft), was conceived as means for reducing error conflicts and establishing a clear prioritization among currently independent and disparate alerting systems for hazards external to the aircraft (e.g., TCAS, EGPWS). This paper documents an empirical evaluation of ANCOA by 12 professional pilots. The concept was evaluated in Honeywell Laboratories' Flight Simulation Laboratory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two core ANCOA features were manipulated and compared. The first was the integration of information by comparing ANCOA's integrated, overlaid features to a traditional display layout where the information was available on separate displays. The second variable was the categorization for incoming alerts (traffic, terrain, weather, scheduling constraints) by comparing alerts sorted by category to those without a category differentiation. Data support the integration of currently disparate systems onto a single display with performance requiring fewer pilot inputs and yielding lower workload scores. Categorization had little influence on pilot performance.
General Aviation Pilot Training for Situation Awareness: An Evaluation
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl A. , Endsley Mica R. , Howell Cass D. , Costello Anthony M.
Published: January 2012

This study reports on efforts to improve situation awareness in general aviation (GA) pilots. Several training modules for enhancing skills that underlie the development of good SA were created and evaluated in a study with GA pilots. This paper describes the testing for two modules: contingency planning and preflight planning. These modules were developed to train higher order cognitive skills used in SA formation. Student pilots from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University participated in the study. The results from this test provide some evidence of a relationship between the two training modules and improvements in SA.
Joint Shipboard Helicopter Operations: Human Factors Issues and Challenges
Authors: Ruffner John W. , Padukewicz John E. , Meier John D.
Published: January 2012

As part of the US military's Joint Force initiative, non-Navy helicopters are increasingly required to conduct operations on Navy ships. Consequently, shipboard helicopter interoperability has become a requirement for all the military forces. Key shipboard helicopter operations include: landings and takeoffs, launch and recovery support activities, ordnance handling, refueling, and external load operations. These operations involve a variety of helicopter types from the different services on all aviation-capable Navy ships, in different sea states, and under changing visibility and environmental conditions. The requirement for shipboard helicopter interoperability involves several unique human factors issues and poses many challenges. In this paper, we discuss the major issues and challenges as they relate to three broad categories: procedures, training, and compatibility. We identify areas where human factors specialists can make significant contributions to improve the effectiveness and safety of shipboard helicopter operations. In addition, we identify opportunities for future research.