bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Perceived Harm Underlie Effects of Vehicle Size on Overtaking Judgments during Driving?
Authors: Levulis Samuel J. , DeLucia Patricia R. , Yang James , Nelson Vivian
Published: September 2018

Previous research found that participants accepted more gaps during overtaking (in a driving simulator) when the oncoming vehicle was a motorcycle compared with larger vehicles (Levulis, DeLucia & Jupe, 2015). Results were due to the size of the vehicle independently of the type of the vehicle, and represented shifts in response bias instead of sensitivity. The implication is that drivers may perceive motorcycles as being farther away or travelling more slowly than larger vehicles due to their relatively small sizes, contributing to crashes that result from right-of-way violations (Hurt, Ouellet, & Thom, 1981; Pai, 2011). However, in Levulis et al. (2015) vehicle size was correlated with the perceived threat of collision and associated harm posed by the oncoming vehicle (collision with larger vehicles is more harmful than with smaller vehicles). To eliminate this confound, a driving simulator was used to examine whether overtaking judgments are influenced by the size of an oncoming vehicle even when threat of (simulated) collision is removed. The size-arrival effect occurred nevertheless, suggesting that participants relied on perceived distance and speed rather than perceived harm. Countermeasures to misjudgments of gaps during overtaking should include driver-assistance technologies and driver education.
Understanding Attitudes Towards Self-Driving Vehicles: Quantitative Analysis of Qualitative Data
Authors: Lee John D. , Kolodge Kristin
Published: September 2018

Self-driving vehicles represent potentially transformative technology. But achieving this potential depends on people’s attitudes towards this technology and willingness to use it. Ratings from surveys estimate acceptance, and open-ended comments provide an opportunity to understand the “why” behind the ratings. One way to understand the content of open-ended comments is through computer-based text analytics. A recent survey of 8,571 nationally representative drivers in J.D. Power’s 2017 U.S. Tech Choice StudySM included a rating of willingness to use self-driving vehicles and an associated open-ended response. We present a quantitative analysis of these qualitative, open-ended responses that uses structural topic modeling to reveal the basis of the respondents’ attitudes. Drivers’ attitude towards self-driving vehicles was quite negative: only 11% stated they “definitely would” trust self-driving technology, whereas 35% stated they “definitely would not.” The structural topic modeling identified 10-topics, such as “Many unknowns” and “Don’t trust” that help explain these negative attitudes.
Examining the Impact of Training and Feedback on Visualization-Supported Decision Making under Uncertainty
Authors: Song Jihye , Newton Olivia B. , Fiore Stephen M. , Coad Jonathan , Clark Jared , Pittman Corey , LaViola Joseph J.
Published: September 2018

Empirical evaluations of uncertainty visualizations often employ complex experimental tasks to ensure ecological validity. However, if training for such tasks is not sufficient for naïve participants, differences in performance could be due to the visualizations or to differences in task comprehension, making interpretation of findings problematic. Research has begun to assess how training is related to performance on decision-making tasks using uncertainty visualizations. This study continues this line of research by investigating how training, in general, and feedback, in particular, affect performance on a simulated resource allocation task. Additionally, we examined how this alters metacognition and workload to produce differences in cognitive efficiency. Our results suggest that, on a complex decision-making task, training plays a critical role in performance with respect to accuracy, subjective workload, and cognitive efficiency. This study has implications for improving research on complex decision making, and for designing more efficacious training interventions to assess uncertainty visualizations.
Development of a Signal Detection-Based Task for Research on Distributed Human-Robot Teaming within Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: Vasquez Gabrielle , Bendell Rhyse , Talone Andrew , Jentsch Florian
Published: September 2018

The purpose of this paper is to describe the design and validation of a dynamic signal detection-based task experienced within immersive virtual reality (IVR). The task will be used as a primary task for investigating the workload introduced by interface devices used for human-robot team communications. Participants play the role of a Soldier performing a Cordon and Search operation monitoring an environment for threats. The task differs from traditional signal detection tasks in that it is continuous, dynamic, and signal stimuli move through participants’ field of view. Implementation of the task within simulation allows for direct control, measurement, and manipulation of multiple parameters that influence performance metrics, task difficulty, and participant workload. Lessons learned during the design and development of the task are shared to guide other researchers intending to implement a signal detection-based task within IVR.
Evaluation and Benefits of Head-Mounted Display Systems for HRI Research
Authors: Bendell Rhyse , Vasquez Gabrielle , Talone Andrew B. , Jentsch Florian
Published: September 2018

The intent of this evaluation is to describe the unique benefits that may be provided to human robot interaction (HRI) researchers by the capabilities of commercially available binocular head-mounted displays (HMDs) and associated handheld controllers. Three popular HMDs (Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Google Daydream) were compared across eight factors: cost, head tracking fidelity, visual resolution, user mobility, hand tracking fidelity, number of input modes, adaptability of input, and provided tracking space. Each of these elements was considered in the context of their relevance to the field of HRI, and potential importance for conducting research in immersive virtual reality (IVR). A Pugh chart was developed to succinctly compare the pros and cons of each headset alongside a description of IVR tasks for HRI military research as well as examples taken from work currently being conducted in our lab.
Customizing Avatars and the Impact on One’s In-Person Life and Communications
Authors: Rice Valerie J.B. , Schroeder Paul J. , Boykin Gary L.
Published: September 2018

Teaching or conducting medically-related telehealth over a Virtual World involves the use of an avatar as a representation of oneself. In health care, one outcome of interest is whether an avatar’s physical similarity to the user impacts the user’s attachment to the avatar and consequential changes in their personal life and behaviors. The answers to such queries remain in debate. This paper addresses the following questions: 1) Do participants customize their avatars’ appearance, and if so, how much time do they spend and what aspects do they change? 2) Does personalizing one’s avatar, or having the avatar physically resemble the user, impact attachment to the avatar and feelings that the avatar is an accurate self-representation?, and 3) Does avatar personalization, self-resemblance, attachment and accuracy of self-representation predict the impact of VW participation on volunteers’ self-reported offline life and communications with friends and family? Results revealed that fifty percent of the volunteers altered their avatar, primarily their clothing. The physical similarity of one’s avatar to oneself predicted a positive impact on their offline life, and one’s level of attachment to his avatar predicted improved communications with friends and family. These results support findings that both physical similarity and attachment to one’s avatar are helpful in promoting positive off-line behavioral change.
Effect of Vehicle Control Format on Driver Performance and Attention Allocation under Adaptive Cruise Control
Authors: Deng Yulin , Kaber David
Published: September 2018

Nowadays many major automobile manufacturers have implemented multiple novel control formats along with traditional manual controls in their vehicle models, as revealed by a vehicle survey. This study conducted a driving simulator-based assessment of driver visual behavior and performance in use of different vehicle control interfaces, while using adaptive cruise control (ACC; i.e., an automated assistance system controlling longitudinal motion of the vehicle). Findings suggest that touch screen controls lead to greater visual workload and degraded secondary task performance. Study results also demonstrated that redundancy of control formats (the combination of touch screen and manual controls) degrades secondary task performance. Results of this research are expected to provide applicable guidance for in-vehicle control format design.
Inattentional Insensitivity as a Predictor of On-Task Performance and Performance in a Subsequent Task
Authors: Dattel Andrew R. , Teodorovic Simona , Pruksaritanon Saralee , Brooks John , Babin Andrey K. , Dong Ziyi , Shetty Priyanka
Published: September 2018

Thirty-three participants were recruited to test two conditions of inattentional insensitivity (IIS). IIS is the inability to recall a salient stimulus when performing a task in the same sensory modality. The two IIS conditions were visual (inattentional blindness) and tactile. Inattentional blindness was tested using a recently developed measure (an origami video). Task performance for both conditions, in addition to IIS were measured. Participants’ working memory (WM) were also tested. After being tested for IIS and WM, participants operated a driving simulator. Performance and situation awareness (SA) during the driving scenario were measured. Participants categorized as IIS performed worse for SA and performance in the subsequent driving task. However, it was found that participants categorized as IIS for the tactile condition performed better for the given tactile task. Further studies testing the relationship between IIS with SA and performance in safety critical situations are warranted. Additionally, the relationship between IIS with SA and performance may improve selection and training for safety critical and dynamic positions.
In the Tactile Discrimination of Compliance, Perceptual Cues in Addition to Contact Area Are Required
Authors: Xu Chang , Wang Yuxiang , Hauser Steven C. , Gerling Gregory J.
Published: September 2018

In our ability to discriminate compliant, or ‘soft,’ objects, we rely upon information acquired from interactions at the finger pad. We have yet to resolve the most pertinent perceptual cues. However, doing so is vital for building effective, dynamic displays. By introducing psychophysical illusions through spheres of various size and elasticity, we investigate the utility of contact area cues, thought to be key in encoding compliance. For both active and passive touch, we determine finger pad-to-stimulus contact areas, using an ink-based procedure, as well as discrimination thresholds. The findings indicate that in passive touch, participants cannot discriminate certain small compliant versus large stiff spheres, which generate similar contact areas. In active touch, however, participants easily discriminate these spheres, though contact areas remain similar. Supplementary cues based on stimulus rate and/or proprioception seem vital. One cue that does differ for illusion cases is finger displacement given a volitionally applied force.
Mentors, Mentees, and Building a Board of Directors: The Big Questions in Personal and Career Development through Mentorship
Authors: Mullins Kadie Hayward , Cuevas Haydee M.
Published: September 2018

Whether you are aiming for career advancement, academic accomplishments, or a more engaged or balanced personal life, a team of quality mentors can help you achieve your goals. Increasingly, society has spoken to the value of finding a mentor though research suggests the majority of adults are not heeding these recommendations. Similarly, research tells us having more than one mentor, referred to by the authors as a personal board of directors, yields greater long-term outcomes. This paper will discuss what effective mentor-and mentee-ship relationships look like, how to identify potential mentors, and how to be a mentor to others. The aim of this paper is to empower readers with new personal insight and skills to establish mutually beneficial mentoring relationships, both in their personal and professional lives.
Learning to Use In-Vehicle Technologies: Consumer Preferences and Effects on Understanding
Authors: Abraham Hillary , Reimer Bryan , Mehler Bruce
Published: September 2018

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have the potential to increase driver safety. However, driver misuse or failure to use ADAS could mitigate potential benefits. Appropriate training is one established method for encouraging proper use of technology. An online survey of 2364 respondents revealed significant differences between utilized and preferred methods for learning to use technologies. Drivers who learned through their preferred methods reported higher understanding and use of in-vehicle systems. Providing readily available methods of learning that align with learning preferences may improve safe use of ADAS.
Effects of Time Pressure and Experience Level on Worker Perceived Workload: Implications for Procedural Designs in High-Risk Industrial Tasks
Authors: Mehta Ranjana , Thomas Sarah
Published: September 2018

One of the leading causes of incidents in high-risk industrial facilities, including offshore oil and gas rigs, is poor compliance with written procedures. For this study, 25 male participants performed one task under two different conditions: self-paced and with a time stressor. Participants were either considered to be novice or expert workers based on their years of experience with specific tasks. After completion of one task two separate times, each participant was instructed to fill out the NASA TLX in paper form. Compared to the novice group, the experienced group rated each of the six subscales significantly lower except for performance. Time pressure was self reportedly ranked higher than self-paced for novices, and they were ranked equally by experts. The findings suggest that one well written-procedure may not be adequate for both novice and experienced workers in either self-paced or time pressure situations because expert workers had a lower workload on task. Further research needs to be done to assess what each group of workers needs to be successful performing their job.
Characterizing the Required Friction during Ladder Climbing
Authors: Martin Ellen , Pliner Erika , Beschorner Kurt
Published: September 2018

This study developed a method to quantify required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during ladder climbing. This method was then used to assess the impact of ladder angle on slip risk. Just like in gait, we assert that slip risk during ladder climbing could be determined using RCOF. Subjects climbed a ladder positioned at three angles (90°, 82.75°, and 75.5°). Forces were measured using a force plate and then projected onto the orientation of the shoe-rung contact region to determine shear and normal forces. The maximum RCOF was determined from the force plate forces and shoe orientation with a set of criteria. The maximum RCOF for a ladder set at 90° and 82.75° was significantly larger than from the maximum RCOF for a ladder set at 75.5°. The maximum RCOF increased as the ladder became steeper, indicating climbers may be more susceptible to slipping while climbing a steeper ladder.
The Effect of a Powered Lower-Body Exoskeleton on Physical and Cognitive Warfighter Performance
Authors: Bequette Blake , Norton Adam , Jones Eric , Stirling Leia
Published: September 2018

This study analyzed the performance of twelve military members in a simulated, fatigue-inducing patrol task under three conditions: wearing a powered exoskeleton, wearing an unpowered exoskeleton, and without wearing an exoskeleton. While walking with weight at a prescribed pace over obstacles while following a confederate, participants were subject to a dual-task cognitive test in which they answered radio calls and visually scanned for lighted targets. Cognitive load was varied through a secondary radio task and measured with a visual reaction time test. Physical load and cognitive load were varied throughout the test. For this paper, the dependent measures of interest were reaction time for the visual task and lag time behind the confederate. Significant differences and interactions were found in the visual reaction time among the exoskeleton conditions, physical loads, and cognitive loads. Significant differences and interactions were also found for the lag time of the subject behind their prescribed pace, and the variability of this lag time. Both measures had significant interactions with subject. Future work should examine what design features of the exoskeleton and capability of the human are related to these variabilities. An understanding of subject variability can lead to improvements in integrated exoskeleton design.
Effects of Workload and Auditory Interruptions on Emergency Dispatching Performance
Authors: Kanaan Dina A. , Moacdieh Nadine M.
Published: September 2018

Interruptions and workload can cause frustration and decrements in performance, which can be especially detrimental in complex domains such as emergency response. Moreover, interruptions and notifications in such domains may be presented across different modalities, such as vision and audition. In this study, we are specifically interested in evaluating the effects of workload and auditory interruptions on performance in emergency dispatching, a complex and dynamic environment in which an operator must make time- and safety-critical decisions based on information presented across different modalities. An experiment was conducted with 41 student participants using a simulated emergency dispatching task. Auditory interruptions simulating new emergencies were introduced within the main task, which is to monitor the status of different emergency aid vehicles. Different scenarios were tested where workload was varied between low and high. Results suggest degraded performance in both the primary and interruptive task in high workload. Results also suggest a better ability to process the visual primary task while auditory information was presented in low workload than in high workload. The results add to the literature on the effects of interruptions and workload in complex domains, and their implications for designing displays in such domains.
Informational Needs of Urinary Incontinent Patients on Online Peer Support Groups-A Pilot Study
Authors: Scharett Emma , Narasimha Shraddhaa , Madathil Kapil Chalil , Wilson Mackenzie Klein , Davis Nicole , Dye Cheryl
Published: September 2018

People suffering from Urinary Incontinence (UI) seek support and advice through online communities. The research team conducted a content analysis of nafc.org to investigate characteristics of information searched by users to analyze the effectiveness of this forum. Forty posts and the corresponding 249 responses were randomly selected and analyzed using a classification system derived by a research team from a nursing department in one of the universities in the southeastern region of the United States. The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) generated an average tone rating of 35.21 for question posts and 53.20 for response posts. The findings highlighted the user’s need to seek advice concerning symptoms of UI resulting in 72.5% of question posts in this category and the responders need to empathize with the initial poster by sharing their own experiences resulting in 41.76% of responses in this category. We plan to continue the study with the analysis of 200 questions and their corresponding responses to better explore the emotions and needs shared in the forum.
A Recognition Primed Decision Model for Public Consumption of Government Data
Authors: Zachary Drew A.
Published: September 2018

The U.S. Census Bureau (Census) collects and maintains data on the nation’s population, neighborhoods, and economy, and shares that information with the public digitally. To successfully provide value to the public, data platforms and the data itself must be constructed in a way that individuals can easily use and understand. However, like many data providers, Census introduces technical terminology that can complicate the user’s experience. This paper describes how such terms affect individuals’ ability to consume data, by applying a recognition primed decision making method. The data used come from 36 in-depth interviews and 1 focus group with data consumers. An empirical model of the recognition-primed decision process uncovered in the data is presented, also elucidating key variations in decision paths according to factors like technical training or experience. These findings illustrate that failing to present user-centered data can limit the ability of consumers to benefit from public information.
Quantifying the Effects of Multi-Tasking on Processing Efficiency
Authors: Fox Elizabeth L. , Houpt Joseph W.
Published: September 2018

The type and amount of task demands that humans must simultaneously process and respond to influences how efficient they are in completing the tasks. Capturing how and to what degree human efficiency changes in different task environments is crucial to inform an appropriate system design. An individual-based analytic approach is necessary to accurately capture performance changes and lend practical suggestions. We can provide designers with the amount and type of task demands that we expect a person to sustain adequate performance given their unique underlying cognitive properties. We develop a metric, multi-tasking throughput (MT), that provides the extent to which a person processes tasks more efficiently, the same, or less efficiently when required to complete several different types of tasks at once. This is a cognitive-based, standardized metric; meaning it yields the relative degree of change from a baseline model that is created to accommodate to unique individual differences, numbers of tasks, and task characteristics. We quantify MT by using transformations of RTs to predict the extent that external demands of multi-tasking exceeds what the cognitive system can accommodate to thereby hindering performance. We use a real world dual-task application to highlight the apparent differences in strategy and ability across individuals and alternative task environments.
Investigating Age-Related Differences in Spatial Presence in Virtual Reality
Authors: McGlynn Sean A. , Sundaresan Ranjani M. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: September 2018

Virtual reality (VR) has potential applications for promoting physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional well-being for users of all ages. The ability for individuals to develop a sense of being physically located in the virtual environment, referred to as spatial presence, is often an essential component of successful VR applications. Thus, it is necessary to understand the psychological aspects of the spatial presence process and identify methods of measuring presence formation and maintenance. This in-progress study addresses gaps in the spatial presence literature through an empirical evaluation of a conceptual model of spatial presence, which emphasizes users’ characteristics and abilities. Age will serve as a proxy for changes in a variety of presence-relevant cognitive and perceptual abilities. The results will have implications for the design of VR systems and applications and for selecting individuals best-suited for these applications.
Learning configural spatial knowledge from navigating in unstructured and unfamiliar virtual environments
Authors: May Robert B. , Colle Herbert A.
Published: September 2018

Lynch’s (1960) description of the importance of districts for spatial memory was used as a basis for looking at the contributions of semantic meaning and physical structure to learning configural spatial knowledge about an unfamiliar virtual environment. According to Lynch, meaningful grouping, not just geometric structure should facilitate spatial learning, perhaps also assisted by structure. In a virtual environment consisting of four rooms/quadrants, both the presence or absence of walls and the semantic organization of the landmark objects (grouped versus distributed category members) were factorially combined. Both object locations and navigation paths were randomly determined. Angular error was reduced by the presence of walls and by the grouping of category members in rooms/quadrants, particularly when walls were present. Performance was better than chance even when object categories were distributed evenly throughout the environment and walls were not present. The theoretical and practical implications of these results were described.
How to Improve General Aviation Weather Training: Challenges and Recommendations for Designing Computer-Based Simulation Weather Training Scenarios
Authors: Berendschot Quirijn , Ortiz Yolanda , Blickensderfer Beth , Simonson Richard , DeFilippis Nicholas
Published: September 2018

General Aviation (GA) accounts for most of the weather-related accidents in the United States. This may be due to several factors, such as inadequate weather knowledge and a lack of exposure to meteorological conditions. Currently, GA pilots are taught the theory on how to interpret weather charts and avoid weather systems; however, they receive little to no practice in such conditions. While simulation technology may be the solution, current GA flight training scenarios do not incorporate the effects of weather on simulated flight performance. Furthermore, these scenarios are designed for use on advanced simulators which GA pilots may not have access to. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of desktop simulation technology to provide GA pilots the opportunity to practice encounters of various meteorological conditions, such as low ceilings and visibility. This paper will also provide recommendations for developing such computer-based weather training scenarios.
Bayesian Model of Operator Challenges in Maritime Pilotage
Authors: Ernstsen  , Musharraf  , Nazir
Published: September 2018

Maritime pilotage operations are required for many vessels in their early and final parts of their voyages. The pilotage operations are meant to increase safety and efficiency for sailing in challenging areas which local maritime pilots have expert knowledge of. Regardless, several accidents involving pilotage operations have occurred (e.g. Federal Kivalina, Godafoss, and Crete Cement accidents), suggesting necessary further research and understanding of the full extent of the associated operational challenges. In the current study, we empirically investigated and identified 15 challenges associated with a Norwegian pilotage operation using interviews and content analysis. The 15 challenges are quantified and integrated into a conceptual Bayesian Network model for helping to identify the probability of the crew to face complications during the pilotage. This modeling of navigational challenges in maritime operations can infer and pinpoint areas of improvement. Finally, we discuss the results and implications.
Development and Usability Testing of a Novel Parking Assist System that Aids Other Drivers While Parking
Authors: Mims Lauren , Brooks Johnell , Beckman Mitch , Schwambach Breno , Knizek Robert , Uppalapati Dheemanth , Jenkins Casey , Venhovens Paul , Melnrick Ken , Karg Jochen , Weber Julian , Schulte Joerg
Published: September 2018

Current parking assist systems are designed to aid the driver. This paper presents a new concept for a parking assist system that was designed to help other drivers. Sixteen participants participated in this usability study to evaluate the intuitiveness of the parking assist concept. The results showed that all of the participants understood the purpose of the system without any explanation. Participants provided valuable suggestions for future iterations. The majority of the participants would like to have this type of parking assist system on their own vehicle and would want to use it while parking. Future efforts are suggested prior to incorporating this concept on a production vehicle.
Influence of Taillight Brightness on the Ability to Recognize Closing Speed, Closing Distance, and Closing vs. Separating
Authors: Dinakar Swaroop , Muttart Jeffrey W. , Garrison Teena , Gernhard Suntasy , Marr Jim
Published: September 2018

Rear-end crashes contribute to a large percentage of fatal collisions in the United States. However, every rear-end collision cannot be classified as a single type of crash. Some crashes may be caused due to human error while some crashes may be attributed to a human inability to recognize closing speed well. Observers were shown two 4-second video clips of a commercial vehicle closing on a slow-moving vehicle on an unlit highway. The lead vehicle was depicted at distances of 91m (300 ft), 128m (420 ft) and 152m (500 ft). Closing speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) and 105 km/h (65 mph) were depicted. The taillights on the lead vehicle were randomly shown as bright, or 80% dimmer which is typical of older taillights or aged retroreflective materials. Results showed that observers’ ability to recognize closing from separating worsened with increased distance, dimmer taillights and lower closing speeds. Observers perceived brighter taillights to be closer. Also, at greater distances, observers did not recognize closing speeds as well.
Use Cases for Assessing, Testing, and Validating the Human Machine Interface of Automated Driving Systems
Authors: Naujoks Frederik , Hergeth Sebastian , Wiedemann Katharina , Schömig Nadja , Keinath Andreas
Published: September 2018

Reflecting the increasing demand for harmonization of human machine interfaces (HMI) of automated vehicles, different taxonomies of use cases for investigating automated driving systems (ADS) have been proposed. Existing taxonomies tend to serve specific purposes such as categorizing transitions between automation modes; however, they cannot be generalized to different systems or combinations of systems. In particular, there is no exhaustive set of use cases that allows entities to assess and validate the HMI of a given ADS that takes into account all possible system modes and transitions. The present paper describes a newly developed framework based on combinatorics of SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) automation levels that incorporates a comprehensive taxonomy of use cases required for the assessment and validation of ADS HMIs. This forms a much-needed basis for test methods required to verify whether an HMI meets minimum requirements such as those outlined in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Federal Automated Vehicles policy.
The Sooner the Better: Drivers’ Reactions to Two-Step Take-Over Requests in Highly Automated Driving
Authors: Epple Sandra , Roche Fabienne , Brandenburg Stefan
Published: September 2018

Driving behavior after take-over requests (TORs) is one of the most popular subjects in human factors re-search on highly automated driving. Many studies utilized one-step TOR procedures to prompt drivers to resume vehicle control. The present paper examines driver behavior when experiencing a two-step TOR procedure in different modalities. A two-step TOR gives drivers a choice to resume vehicle controls be-tween a warning (first step) and an alarm (second step). Our findings indicate that a substantial number of drivers resumes vehicle controls after the second step, resulting in a higher number of crashes. More generally, criticality of the driving situation increases with increasing reaction times. Driving and interview data suggest that step two of the TOR should be presented earlier. Alternatively, a multi-step TOR could be used to increase drivers’ situational awareness. Auditory TORs are associated with shorter reaction times than visual-auditory TORs. Implications on TOR design are discussed.
Drivers’ Perceptions of Functionality Implied by Terms Used to Describe Automation in Vehicles
Authors: Nees Michael A.
Published: September 2018

The expectations induced by the labels used to describe vehicle automation are important to understand, because research has shown that expectations can affect trust in automation even before a person uses the system for the first time. An online sample of drivers rated the perceived division of driving responsibilities implied by common terms used to describe automation. Ratings of 13 terms were made on a scale from 1 (“human driver is entirely responsible”) to 7 (“vehicle is entirely responsible”) for three driving tasks (steering, accelerating/braking, and monitoring). In several instances, the functionality implied by automation terms did not match the technical definitions of the terms and/or the actual capabilities of the automated vehicle functions currently described by the terms. These exploratory findings may spur and guide future research on this under-examined topic.
The Relationship Between Rhythm Variation and Distance Perception in Auditory In-Vehicle Interfaces
Authors: Quaresma Manuela , Motta Isabela , Araújo Manuella , Cirino Gonçalves Rafael
Published: September 2018

The increasing use of smartphones in parallel to driving presents great risks to drivers, who split their attention from the road to inside the vehicle. It is arguably, then, that sound may be an efficient alternative to communicating information of in-vehicle interfaces to drivers. This paper presents a study that aimed to investigate the relationship between rhythm variation in earcons and drivers’ perception of distance, as well as the impact of previous experience with in-vehicles’ auditory interfaces on the perception of this relation. The results showed that participants can establish a consistent and direct relationship between rhythm variation and distance and that participants with previous experience with auditory interfaces presented smaller mean perceived distances than inexperienced participants when exposed to alarms with the same rhythms.
Analysis of Gaze Behavior to Measure Cognitive Distraction in Real-World Driving
Authors: Yang Shiyan , Kuo Jonny , Lenné Michael G.
Published: September 2018

Cognitive distraction can impair drivers’ situation awareness and control performance in driving. An on-road study was conducted to examine the efficacy in the detection of driver cognitive distraction based on the driver monitoring system developed by Seeing Machines. Participants completed a 25-km test drive on the local public roads whilst engaging in a series of secondary tasks that were designed to trigger different types of cognitive distraction, such as conversation, comprehension, N-back, and route-planning tasks. The findings showed that percent road center (PRC), one of the promising gaze metrics, increased significantly with cognitive distraction when compared to baseline, but failed to distinguish between different forms of cognitive distraction Moreover, PRC’s sensitivity to cognitive distraction was found to be affected by the chosen radius of road center area. These findings of driver cognitive distraction measurement provide data-driven suggestions for the development of real-time driver monitoring systems in the wild.
The Effects of Distraction on Anticipatory Driving
Authors: He Dengbo , Donmez Birsen
Published: September 2018

The anticipation of future events in traffic can allow potential gains in recognition and response times. Anticipatory actions (i.e., actions in preparation for a potential upcoming conflict) have been found to be more prevalent among experienced drivers in a driving simulator study where driving was the sole task. The influence of secondary tasks on anticipatory driving has not yet been investigated, despite the prevalence and negative effects of distraction widely documented in the literature. A driving simulator experiment was conducted with 16 experienced and 16 novice drivers to address this gap with half of the participants provided with a self-paced visual-manual secondary task. More anticipatory actions were observed among experienced drivers in general compared to novices; experienced drivers also exhibited more efficient visual scanning behaviors. Secondary task engagement reduced anticipatory actions for both experienced and novice drivers.
Investigating Attorney Trust in Machine-enabled Legal Research: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Lowry Katherine M , Kamp Elaine , Fallon Corey K , McGhee Riley
Published: September 2018

ROSS is a new legal research tool leveraging artificial intelligence. This tool is somewhat unique both in terms of its interface and underlying functionality. ROSS’s deviation from more traditional systems may have an impact on the adoption of this new technology. The researchers in the current study conducted a mixed methods evaluation of ROSS to assess user experience and likelihood of adoption with a particular emphasis on evaluating user trust in the technology. The researchers conducted simulation interviews with eleven experienced bankruptcy attorneys. In addition, a human-computer trust survey was administered to assess user trust in the technology at various time points throughout the study. This quantitative survey measured both cognitive and affect-based trust and revealed a substantial increase in trust with exposure to the system. Participants were particularly impressed with attributes of the system that are believed to form the cognitive basis of trust, such as the tool’s reliability and understandability. Despite these positive findings, our qualitative assessment of experiential trust was mixed and most users concluded that they would not use ROSS as their primary research tool. This decision may be attributed to a lack of faith in the technology and concerns related to ROSS’s usability. The simulations were conducted between February and April of 2017. It should be noted that ROSS has been updated since this time and certain findings may no longer be representative of the current platform.
Evaluation of Graphical Weather Product Interpretation: Implications for Overlaying Weather Product Design
Authors: DeFilippis Nicholas , King Jayde , Guinn Thomas , Ortiz Yolanda , Berendschot Quirijn , Cole Amber , Blickensderfer Beth
Published: September 2018

The majority of Aviation Weather-related accidents occur in the General Aviation (GA) community. In order to improve pilot safety, the FAA and Aviation Weather Center are working towards developing tools which have an improved level of effectiveness. Unfortunately, shortcomings in the interpretability of these tools can lead to further dangerous situations. The new Graphical Forecast for Aviation (GFA) tool is an unfortunate example. The GFA is composed of three previously existing weather displays: Radar, Satellite, and Station Plots. This study assessed and compared pilots’ interpretation of the three displays to assess interpretability. Certified pilots (n = 283) completed a set of weather product interpretation questions. Between and within groups analyses were run to determine the effect of Certificate and/or Rating on product score. Results indicated that pilots have a low-performance in the interpretation of Radar, Satellite and Station Plot products and, in turn, will likely score low with the GFA. Training and usability improvements are also discussed.
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Variability in the Assessment of Perceived Comfort During Clothing and Individual Equipment Evaluations
Authors: Brown Stephanie A. T. , DeSimone Linda , Garlie Todd N. , Mitchell K. Blake
Published: September 2018

Assessing comfort of personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing and individual equipment (CIE) is challenging due to the variety of factors that influence perceived comfort. Comfort constructs are not standardized across domain areas and are inconsistently used. This research looks at the use of four different scales of comfort during a helmet product assessment, finding inconsistencies in responsiveness across the construct types. As compared to a visual analog scale (VAS), a 7-pt Likert scale with negative responses on the left and positive on the right, can potentially skew responses in the negative manner. Similarly, when presented with a discomfort-only scale as compared to a comfort-discomfort continuum, responses appear to be skewed in the negative direction as well. In an effort to promote standardization and consistency of use, particularly in PPE and military CIE product evaluations, it is recommended that additional exploration and cross-validation of comfort scales in practice be undertaken.
Human Factors and Video Game Research: A Discussion Panel
Authors: Foroughi Cyrus K. , Ambinder Mike , Armijo Adam , Kozachuk James , Woo Hyun
Published: September 2018

Video games are extremely popular and many human factors practitioners are working on video game related research. The goals for this panel are 1) to discuss some of the human factors research being conducted in different domains, 2) to highlight some of the techniques that are and are not commonly used to do this research, 3) to highlight how individuals broke into their respective jobs/field, and 4) discuss ways new researchers can get involved in this field. Hopefully this information helps human factors practitioners learn more about this field and how to get involved in it.
Stress Inducing Demands in Virtual Environments
Authors: Finseth Tor , Barnett Neil , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Dorneich Michael C. , Keren Nir
Published: September 2018

This study investigated how simulated features in a virtual reality (VR) induce stress by means of user-focused demands in serious games. VR serious games have been used for therapeutic interventions, standardized stress tests, and occupational training. However, it is an open question how stress can be induced using serious games formal features, such as tasks/sensory modalities, music, pace of the game, and graphics. The Highrise VR standardized stress simulation was built to induce stress cohesively based on emotional, social, cognitive, and physical demands. The simulation induces stress by requiring coping with emotional demand (innate fear) of being at a simulated height, social demand of being evaluated by researchers, cognitive demand of a mental math task, and physical demand of balancing on a walking-plank. The stress response in participants was measured with two biomarkers: heart rate and salivary cortisol. Heart rate and salivary cortisol both showed significant and prolonged increases in response to the Highrise VR, suggesting that the task can successfully induce a stress response using game features. Among the participants, the response rate to the stressor was 77%, demonstrating a response rate on par with traditional standardized stress tests. Findings from this study warrant further investigation into how VR simulations induce stress for serious games and may add to a new body of literature that uses VR to investigate underlying mechanisms of physiological stress reactivity.
Effects of lumbar tissue viscoelastic changes on lumbar-pelvic motion pattern
Authors: Hu B.
Published: September 2018

Lumbar passive tissue elongation is a potential risk factor for the development of low back pain. In this study, we explored the effect of lumbar passive tissue elongation on lumbar-pelvic coordination pattern during trunk flexion/extension task. Thirteen participants performed 5 trials of trunk flexion/extension task both before and after a lumbar passive tissue elongation protocol. Trunk kinematics were recorded to calculate lumbar–pelvic continuous relative phase (CRP) and CRP variability. Results showed that passive tissue elongation significantly decreased the mean lumbar-pelvic CRP and CRP variability. Our results indicate that prolonged experienced lumbar passive tissue elongation should be avoided in an occupational environment.
Toward improving indoor magnetic field–based positioning system using pedestrian motion models
Authors: Shao Wenhua , Luo Haiyong , Zhao Fang , Crivello Antonino
Published: September 2018

Indoor magnetic field has attracted considerable attention in indoor location–based services, because of its pervasive and stable attributes. Generally, in order to harness the location features of the magnetic field, particle filters are introduced to simulate the possibilities of user locations. Real-time magnetic field fingerprints are matched with model fingerprints to adjust the location possibilities. However, the computation overheads of the magnetic matching are rather high, thus limiting their applications to mobile computing platforms and indoor location–based service providers that serve massive users. In order to reduce the computation overhead, the article presents a low-cost magnetic field fingerprint matching scheme. Based on the low-frequency features of the magnetic field, the scheme updates particle weights according to the mass center of the magnetic field deltas of pedestrian steps. The proposed low-cost scheme decreases the complexity of real-time fingerprints without harming the positioning performance. In order to further improve the positioning accuracy, not asking users to hold the smartphone in fixed attitudes, we also present a smartphone attitude detection method that enables the proposed scheme to automatically select proper fingerprints. Experiments convincingly reveal that the proposed scheme achieves about 1 m accuracy at 80% with low computation overheads.
The relationship among school contexts, principal time use, school climate, and student achievement
Authors: Huang Tiedan , Hochbein Craig , Simons Jordan
Published: September 2018

While the significance of principals’ roles is widely recognized, and the impactful behaviors of principals are empirically delineated, little is known about whether principals spend time in an impactful way, whether principals’ time use varies across different school contexts, or whether principals’ time use is related to critical school conditions and outcomes such as school climate and student outcomes. We made an attempt to respond to these questions by conducting a secondary analysis of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study data. We found that American middle school principals’ job continues to be administration-bound, spontaneous and fragmented. In general, American principals could be classified into two major clusters: Eclectic Principals versus Balanced Principals. Higher school poverty, higher concentration of English language learners and more urbanity were associated with a higher incidence of Eclectic Principals. Nevertheless, except for teacher engagement, schools led by different clusters of principals did not differ in terms of parent/student engagement or student behavior. Although schools led by Balanced Principals tend to outperform those led by Eclectic Principals, this achievement difference was not statistically significant at .05 level. With a large national representative sample, the study fills knowledge gaps associated with small samples and limited attention to situational determinants of principal leadership activity.