bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Predictive Aid Usage on Controller Strategies & Mental Demand under Direct Routing
Authors: Nunes Ashley , Matthews Michael L.
Published: January 2012

The implementation of Free Flight, a strategic goal for improving air traffic capacity in the National Airspace System, has raised many concerns amongst controllers regarding safety. A principal concern is the inability of the controller to project future aircraft states due to increased levels of mental workload and breakdowns in situation awareness. This paper looks at a by-product of the Free Flight concept, namely Direct Routing. It proposes a modified interface, which is representative of a combined data-link and conflict detection aid that would help in giving predictability back to the controller. Results showed that the aid served to ameliorate the effects of high airspace load on mental demand under an analogue of Direct Routing conditions. The results also highlight how controller strategies can vary when dealing with a variety of requests for routing changes. The implications of these results are discussed.
Ecological Interface Design in Aviation Domains: Work Domain Analysis and Instrumentation Availability of the Harvard Aircraft
Authors: Nadimian Roshanak Moradi , Griffiths Scott , Burns Catherine M.
Published: January 2012

This paper applies Work Domain Analysis (WDA) to the aviation domain. We developed a two-dimensional work domain model of the Harvard aircraft as the primary phase of our Ecological Interface Design (EID) process. In contrast to previous work, we modelled the entire aircraft as the work domain. The work domain analysis was followed by an instrumentation availability analysis. We developed a model for the variables derived from the WDA to classify the state of those variables according to their availability and measurement. We also have the opportunity, in our future work, to flight test the ecological displays, something that has not occurred before.
The Effect of Visual Location on Cognitive Tunneling with Superimposed Hud Symbology
Authors: Dowell Susan R. , Foyle David C. , Hooey Becky L. , Williams Jennifer L.
Published: January 2012

Cognitive tunneling occurs when the pilot's attention becomes locked on non-conformal, superimposed head-up display (HUD) symbology, while neglecting to scan the out-the-window scene, as a result of locating the HUD symbology near (in visual angle) the outside scene information (Foyle, McCann, Sanford & Schwirzke, 1993). Previous studies have shown that cognitive tunneling could be eliminated by placing the HUD symbology at least 8 deg from the out-the-window path being tracked. Limitations to previous research have included experimental designs that tested participants in multiple HUD information locations without fostering an efficient eyescan strategy for any one HUD location. Experiment 1 dedicates a participant to a single HUD location with blocked presentation. The results indicate that cognitive tunneling is not only eliminated by placing HUD symbology greater than 8 deg, but path tracking performance improves with symbology placed in an upper location on the HUD. Experiment 2 shows that the resulting performance decrement when information is overlaying the path (0 deg) may be associated with symbology compellingness, regardless of symbology relevance to the task.
Imaging Systems in Search and Rescue: Implications for Geographic Orientation
Authors: Keillor Jocelyn , Hodges Karen J. , Perlin Michael , Ivanovic Nada , Hollands J.G.
Published: January 2012

Optical imaging systems have the potential to dramatically change the task of a search and rescue technician. An important difference between the traditional process of “looking out the window” and search conducted with the aid of an optical imaging system is that in the case of imaging systems the frame of reference for the viewed display is de-coupled from the technician's frame of reference. We examined the ability of a moving-map display that recorded the locations of designated targets to support geographic orientation in operators with and without knowledge of the modeled terrain. Participants who did not have knowledge of the terrain benefited from the moving map, as when it was present they were less likely to re-identify targets that they had already viewed, whereas those who were already familiar with the terrain model showed no benefit from this manipulation. Both groups had difficulty localizing targets on a map following flight, and the two groups did not differ in their ability to initially detect targets using the system.
The Impact of Organizational Structure and Labels on Web Usability for Older Adults
Authors: Sanchez Julian , Czaja Sara J.
Published: January 2012

One of the key aspects of the success of an e-commerce web site is the consistency between the design of the site and the expectations and knowledge of the user population. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of information organization and label quality on user performance and satisfaction. The study employed a two (information organization: goal-centered organization versus a product-centered organization) by three (label quality: high, medium, low) factorial design. Study participants included 60 persons aged 60+ years. Participants were required to find six products while shopping in a simulated health store web site. Results revealed that higher quality labels and goal-centered organization resulted in higher levels of performance and satisfaction. Data of this type can be used to help develop web design guidelines for older adults.
A Study of Interaction Devices and WWW User Interface Design for Older Adults
Authors: Rau Pei-Luen Patrick , Hsu Jia-Wen
Published: January 2012

This study investigates the effects of interaction devices on performance of using WWW user interface for older users, and ways to design appropriate user interfaces to enhance browsing and searching performance for older users. Two experiments were designed and conducted to test two hypotheses, that for older novice users, browsing and searching performance and attitudes will be better with a direct manipulation devices rather than with indirect manipulation device. The results indicated that older users using touch screen were faster and less frustrated than older users using voice control and mouse. Moverover, older users using touch screen were faster and less frustrated than older users using voice control and mouse, and older users using mouse and keyboard were less frustrated than older users using voice control
A Study of Ergonomic Measurement Indices in Evaluating Human-Machine Interfaces
Authors: Lin Y. , Zhang W. J. , Watson L. G.
Published: January 2012

Measurement and evaluation of a human-machine interface is a difficult yet very important issue. The difficulty lies in that the issue is inherently a very subjective, and the importance is that the evaluation is part of design process for systems development. The purpose of evaluation is to see how an interface affects the operation of a human-machine control system in two aspects: the operator's mental workload and the performance in completing tasks. In this paper primarily the eye behaviors measure is discussed, together with some other measures, for evaluating two interface design frameworks: Ecological Interface Design (EID) and Function Behavior State (FBS). The measures we used cover both the measure for mental workload and the measure for performance. It is observed through the experiment that these measures vary in different degrees of sensitivity to the hypothesis under investigation and are sometimes in conflict. This has given a motivation for a further study on a new issue called ‘measure fusion’. This further study is briefly discussed.
Using Communications Analysis to Understand Team Development: An Example
Authors: Bowers Clint A. , Jentsch Florian
Published: January 2012

Team communication and coordination are thought to be key elements in understanding team performance. Almost every major theory and training program emphasizes these factors in attempting to improve team performance. However, the scientific literature regarding effective communication is actually quite sparse. In this paper, we discuss how the precision of analyzing communication frequency data might be improved by analyzing communication patterns. We conclude with an example from a recent study of communications to describe the development of newly-formed teams.
Using Cognitive Theory to Enhance Aviation Security X-Ray Screening
Authors: Maguire R L , McClumpha A J , Tatlock K B
Published: January 2012

A fundamental part of the aviation security process is ‘baggage screening’. Aviation security screeners are required to search for threat items within an X-ray image. The task is complex, demanding, involves perceptual and cognitive components and is vital to ensure the safety of the travelling public. QinetiQ CHS has undertaken a research programme, sponsored by Transport Security Division of the UK Department for Transport, to investigate the nature of screener expertise and to develop technologies that will support this expertise. This paper outlines recent findings and discusses support technologies that have been produced as a consequence of this research.
Computer-Aided Decision Support: Is it what the Army Needs?
Authors: Riley Jennifer M. , Endsley Mica R.
Published: January 2012

There has been a call for computer-aided decision support in Army and other military operations as a result of the increasing pace of current and future warfare. These tools are expected to speed up the critical thinking process, for example in battle planning and course of action analysis, by providing users with critical information and off-loading various cognitive tasks. There is a need, however, to determine the kinds of decision tools that are best suited to Army operational needs and to consider the potential implementation issues associated with application of automated tools to complex operations. A structured approach is needed to analyze Army operations and reveal the critical information needs associated with the various positions, and to determine what is appropriate in terms of decision aiding systems. Understanding information needs and adequately designing for human integration with decision tools will be important to successful overall system performance.
Differential Access Hypothesis: The Effects of Task and Informatior Type on the Validity of Knowledge Acquisition Methods
Authors: Cheatham Deane B. , Lane Sharolyn Converse
Published: January 2012

The types of knowledge captured using three knowledge acquisition (KA) methods, conceptual graphs, backward thinking, and sorting tasks, were examined. One hundred and forty-four participants were assigned to one of four conditions: (a) procedural-spatial, (b) procedural-verbal, (c) declarative-spatial, and (d) declarative-verbal. Participants in procedural conditions learned a virtual environment's layout before performing one of three KA tasks. Participants in declarative conditions received a tutorial about McCune-Albright Syndrome before completing a KA task. The procedural and declarative information was presented either spatially or verbally, depending on the condition. The predictive validity of each KA method for each information type (procedural vs. declarative), task type (i.e., spatial vs. verbal), and combinations of information and task types was evaluated by comparing the accuracy of the knowledge depicted by KA methods to various performance measures. Findings indicated that both task type and information type affect the validity of KA methods for capturing knowledge structures.
Eid and Analytic Redundancy: Reports from the Process
Authors: Sanderson Penelope , Reising Dal Vernon C
Published: January 2012

We outline the relation of the concept of analytic redundancy to Cognitive Work Analysis and to Ecological Interface Design. Analytic redundancy refers to different ways that system inputs can be related to system outputs so as to retain system objectives, whether for inferring state or exercising control. We extend previous treatments on the concept of analytic redundancy and stress the importance of finding a strong representational formalism if a human operator supported by an EID interface is to provide analytic redundancy and be capable of “finishing the design”. While increasingly straightforward in the visual domain, there are still challenges in the auditory domain.
Work Centered Design of a Usaf Mission Planning System
Authors: Lintern Gavan , Miller Diane , Baker Keith
Published: January 2012

In large-scale socio-technical systems such as military command and control, operators must work with complex and dynamic information from many diverse sources. For this project, we used the Cognitive Work Analysis and Ecological Interface Design frameworks to design a virtual workspace for the USAF work domain of Special Assignment Airlift Mission planning. Based on information made available through the analysis, we developed a workspace prototype in which multiple View-Ports house distinct functional requirements and in which options are made available to link various View-Port functionalities in the mission planning process. In this paper we illustrate how we bridged the gap between analysis and design by developing a link from the analytic products of our Cognitive Work Analysis to the design of the ecological workspace.
Empirical Evaluation of an Industrial Application of Ecological Interface Design
Authors: Jamieson Greg A.
Published: January 2012

Abnormal events in production plants cost the petrochemical industry billions of dollars annually. In part, these events are difficult to deal with because current interfaces do not adequately inform operators about the state of the process. Ecological human-machine interfaces aim to provide information about higher-level process functions. Several laboratory simulator studies have shown that, in comparison with contemporary process interfaces, ecological interfaces can lead to faster fault detection, better root-cause diagnosis, and more effective control responses. However, an empirical evaluation of these findings for professional operators in more realistic plant settings has been absent from the literature. In this study, two ecological interfaces were created for a representative petrochemical refining process. One was a traditional ecological interface based on a system-based analysis and the other was an ecological interface augmented with additional task-based information. Professional operators used the novel interfaces in an industrial simulator to monitor for, diagnose, and respond to several types of process events. In comparison to operators using the current process interface, participants in both ecological interface conditions showed better control performance, while the participants using the augmented ecological interface provided more accurate fault diagnoses than either of the other two groups. The results shed light on practical implications for the use of ecological interfaces in the process industries.
High-Fidelity or Low-Fidelity, Paper or Computer? Choosing Attributes when Testing Web Prototypes
Authors: Walker Miriam , Takayama Leila , Landay James A.
Published: January 2012

Interface designs are currently tested in a mixture of fidelities and media. So far, there is insufficient research to indicate what level of fidelity and media will produce the best feedback from users. This experiment compared user testing with low- and high-fidelity prototypes in both computer and paper media. Task-based user tests of sketched (low-fidelity) and HTML (high-fidelity) website prototypes were conducted in each medium, separating the testing medium from other factors of prototype fidelity. We found that low- and high-fidelity prototypes are equally good at uncovering usability issues. Usability testing results were also found to be independent of medium, despite differences in interaction style. Designers should choose whichever medium and level of fidelity suit their practical needs and design goals, as discussed in this paper.
Land Warrior: Effects of Size of Keyboard on Speed and Accuracy of Data Entry
Authors: Collins Christopher A. , Howe Darin G. , Matthews Michael D.
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Army is implementing the Land Warrior (LW) system for use by individual infantry soldiers and their leaders. Among its many features, this system includes a wearable computer that allows soldiers and their leaders to communicate digitally. The principle method of data entry for this system is through a miniature keyboard that attaches to the user's forearm. The current experiment compared data entry speed and accuracy with the small (16 cm × 8 cm) LW (version 0.6) keyboard and a standard sized (45.5 cm × 17 cm) keyboard, with either one or two-handed data entry. The participants were 32 U.S. Military Academy cadets enrolled in a general psychology course. For speed data, there were significant main effects for both keyboard size and hands, and a significant interaction between the two variables. For accuracy measures, a significant main effect for hands was found. in general, participants were faster with the large keyboard, and more accurate with one hand, regardless of size of keyboard. Practical implications for LW implementation are discussed.
Reading from a Palm Pilot& Trade Using Rsvp
Authors: Russell Mark C. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

This study examines the feasibility of using the text presentation method known as Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) as a means of optimizing reading on small screen interfaces. Participants read text on a hand-held device in both the page-like format and at various presentation rates in RSVP. Reading comprehension, user satisfaction, and format preference were examined as dependent variables. Results showed: (1) there were significant differences in comprehension between the RSVP presented at 250 wpm and the higher speeds of 450 and 650 wpm; but (2) there was no significant difference in comprehension scores between the RSVP at 250 wpm and the page condition. Participants were able to comprehend text presented via RSVP at 250 wpm and the page format equally well. Despite this comparable performance between these formats, participants were generally less satisfied with the RSVP, and preferred 250 and 450 wpm presentation rates significantly more than 650 wpm.
On the Reading of Product Owner's Manuals: Perceptions and Product Complexity
Authors: Mehlenbacher Brad , Wogalter Michael S. , Laughery Kenneth R.
Published: January 2012

This research focuses on the self-reported use of owner's manuals for automotive vehicles. The results indicate that owner's manuals are frequently not read. Nevertheless, people prefer owner's manuals to electronic presentations of the same product information. Implications for facilitating reader use of product documentation are discussed.
The Rate Tool: Multimedia Observation and Analysis of Teams
Authors: Guerlain Stephanie , Shin Thomas , Guo Hui , Adams Reid , Calland J. Forrest
Published: January 2012

We have developed a digital audiovisual recording and analysis system for studying team behavior. The system uses four computes to collect up to four video and eight audio signals. A separate software package is used to synchronize, view, analyze and score the audio/video streams.
Structural Knowledge Assessment with the Team Performance Lab's Knowledge Analysis Test Suite (TPL-KATS)
Authors: Hoeft Raegan M. , Jentsch Florian G. , Harper Michelle E. , Evans A. William , Berry Devon G. , Bowers Clint , Salas Eduardo
Published: January 2012

Card sorting and concept mapping are two popular techniques used for assessing structural knowledge. However, manual administration of these tasks has been cumbersome in the past. This demonstration serves as an introduction to the TPL-KATS – Card Sort and Concept Map software tool developed at the Team Performance Lab at the University of Central Florida. TPL-KATS is presented as a possible solution to the problems of manual administration. The software contains computerized versions of both techniques, with automatic administration and scoring capabilities. This demonstration provides an introduction to the card sort and concept map tasks, and describes the basic need for this software tool. A full description of TPL-KATS – Card Sort and Concept Map software is presented, along with a demonstration of its advantages over current techniques.
A Graduate Course in Human Factors and Aging: Engineering Gerontology
Authors: Ellis R. Darin
Published: January 2012

This paper discusses a graduate course that focuses on human factors engineering solutions for issues faced by older adults. The course has attracted students from a broad range of disciplines. The course content and format are discussed. Brief examples of student research projects are given. The ongoing challenges of teaching such as specific topic to such a diverse audience are discussed in closing.
Spotlight on Educating Our Future Professionals: What Human Factors and Ergonomics Means to Students
Authors: Cuevas Haydee M. , Hilscher Matthew
Published: January 2012

One of the primary goals for members of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society should be to increase student awareness of the opportunities found in the field of human factors/engineering psychology. By increasing awareness of our discipline, we can improve our chances of attracting bright, talented, and energetic students to the various undergraduate and graduate programs around the country, which can only serve to enrich our profession and benefit society. Toward this end, we asked students at different levels of education what human factors and ergonomics meant to them. First, we assessed the awareness of the concept ergonomics in college-bound high school seniors. Second, we surveyed undergraduate students about their awareness of human factors/engineering psychology as a viable major. Third, current human factors/engineering psychology undergraduate and graduate students were asked why they chose to pursue this field of study. Implications for promoting the discipline of human factors/engineering psychology are discussed.
Cognitive Work Analysis in Education and Training: Relating Pedagogical Methods to Course Objectives
Authors: Dainoff Marvin J. , Mark Leonard S. , Hall Carrie , Richardson Adam R.
Published: January 2012

A systematic research program is described that utilizes cognitive work analysis as an integrative framework within which pedagogical methods based on principles of cognitive science can be systematically harmonized with pedagogical objectives arising from the structure of course content. The test bed for the program was a course in introductory psychology. A work domain analysis was conducted which included both course content and pedagogical methodology. These analyses allowed a clear specification of learning objectives and a corresponding pedagogical to meet these objectives, along with a framework for employing appropriate technology and assessing effectiveness.
User-Centered Design of Distributed Meeting Environments: An Initial Study of Experienced and Naive Users
Authors: Grenville N. Delia , Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

In our study, a basic science approach was used to explore the constructs that defined the design of a distributed meeting space from the user's perspective. Although there is a body of literature in the group communication domain, the research in this multidisciplinary area has paid minimal attention to users' environmental preferences in the design of a meeting space. Fifty participants, half with experience and half without experience in distributed meetings, used foam-core components to create a design of their ideal distributed meeting space. Fourteen themes emerged from content analysis of responses to the post-task interview. These themes addressed the rationale participants used when creating their designs. There was a significant positive relationship between the experience level and the following design themes: visibility of displays, status, team collaboration, VTC (video teleonferencing) needs, and auditory clarity. There was also a significant positive correlation among the occurrences of several design themes.
De-Opportunizing Design and its Lessons for Building Security and Counterterrorism
Authors: Wise James A.
Published: January 2012

Recent broad concerns for “Homeland Security” have renewed the field of ‘hard’ security design and directly resistant design strategies for buildings. However, there is an associated field of research and practice on ‘soft security’ design, which is equally applicable and less impacting on the general user populace. This approach works on the general principle of ‘de-opportunizing’, which examines the explicit control loops that a malefactor must engage with the setting in order to carry out their intentions. Then explicit interventions are designed into settings in order to disable or frustrate such needed controls. The result is enhanced security without regular users being inconvenienced or often even noticing the interventions. This paper reviews the applications of such de-opportunizing environmental design to thwart vandalism, burglaries, bank robberies and physical and sexual assaults, and extends it to counterterrorist situations using Perceptual Control Theory, which provides the theoretical basis for its use.
Towards a Taxonomy of Human Factors Research: A Multi-Dimensional Approach
Authors: Chow Renée , Christoffersen Klaus , Guerra Oscar
Published: January 2012

This paper proposes an overarching structure for describing and organizing the content of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) research. Instead of a uni-dimensional, topic-based approach to classification, instances of research are classified according to five dimensions: domain, phenomenon/task, intervention, method and theory/concepts. A small study was conducted to explore the utility of the proposed taxonomy using a data set of 55 journal papers and three different coders. This study generated preliminary support for the general utility of a multi-dimensional taxonomy for HF/E and for the specific utility of the proposed dimensions. Most importantly, this study identified difficulties associated with the development and application of such a taxonomy to inform future development and evaluation efforts.
Contributors to Human Errors and Breaches in National Security Applications
Authors: Pond Daniel J. , Houghton F. Kay , Gilmore Walter E.
Published: January 2012

Los Alamos National Laboratory has recognized that security infractions are often the consequence of various types of human errors (e.g., mistakes, lapses, slips) and/or breaches (i.e., deliberate deviations from policies or required procedures with no intention to bring about an adverse security consequence) and therefore has established an error reduction program based in part on the techniques used to mitigate hazard and accident potentials. One cornerstone of this program, definition of the situational and personal factors that increase the likelihood of employee errors and breaches, is detailed here. This information can be used retrospectively (as in accident investigations) to support and guide inquiries into security incidents or prospectively (as in hazard assessments) to guide efforts to reduce the likelihood of error/incident occurrence. Both approaches provide the foundation for targeted interventions to reduce the influence of these factors and for the formation of subsequent “lessons learned.” Overall security is enhanced not only by reducing the inadvertent releases of classified information but also by reducing the security and safeguards resources devoted to them, thereby allowing these resources to be concentrated on acts of malevolence.
Validation and Field Testing of an Ergonomic Computer Use Checklist and Guidebook
Authors: Janowitz Ira , Stern Arlie , Morelli Don , Vollowitz Eileen , Hudes Mark , Rempel David
Published: January 2012

The authors developed a validated office ergonomics checklist that focused on outcomes instead of workstation features. The workstation is evaluated primarily through observed working postures and movement patterns while the subject performs their usual tasks. A guidebook for the improvement of computer workstations is keyed to the checklist, to lead the user in reducing risk factors and improving workstation ergonomics. The checklist was first validated in a field test with three expert evaluators. The checklist and guidebook were later tested with a large employer and used as a self-evaluation instrument, by a co-worker, and by an Ergonomics Coordinator with training and experience. Workstations were evaluated by an independent ergonomist before and after interventions were made. Results indicated that the checklist and guidebook were effective in making significant improvements in workstation conditions when administered by an Ergonomics Coordinator, but not when used as a self-assessment or by an untrained co-worker.
Inter-Rater Reliability for Hand Activity Level (HAL) and Force Metrics
Authors: Ebersole Marissa L. , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Observational rating methods are used frequently in ergonomic job analysis because they are less costly and time consuming than other methods. The ACGIH recently published a threshold limit value (TLV) for repetitive work. This TLV suggests the use of one such observational method developed by Latko et al. (1997) for rating Hand Activity Level (HAL) and peak force. One criticism of Latko's method is the unknown reliability and consistency of the raters during the analysis process. Latko suggests the use of two or more trained observers to increase this consistency. This study analyzed 410 jobs at an automotive assembly plant using 2 observers recording initial and final ratings. A weighted kappa was calculated for the HAL and peak force before and after discussion. Before discussion, HAL reliability was rated as moderate and peak force as fair. After discussion, both HAL and peak force kappa values were rated as good.
Relative Contribution of Workplace Factors and Individual Characteristics in the Development of Spine Loads
Authors: Davis K.G. , Marras W.S. , Waters T.R.
Published: January 2012

Thirty males and thirty females performed lifting tasks while being exposed to varying levels of physical (box weight, task asymmetry), psychosocial (social support and mental concentration), and combination (lift rate, box placement) workplace factors. The study investigated the impact of these variables as well as individual factors (gender, personality) on trunk kinematics and kinetics, muscle activity, and the three-dimensional spinal loads. The study results indicate box weight, placement control, individual's anthropometry, and to a lesser extent gender and personality directly impact the loads on the spine as well as the trunk kinematics, kinetics, and muscle activity. Both the physical and mental aspects of the workplace must then be considered when developing ergonomic interventions.
A Survey of Desktop and Notebook Computer Use by Professionals
Authors: Sommerich Carolyn M.
Published: January 2012

Over the last quarter century, extensive research concerning work-related musculoskeletal discomfort has been conducted in the area of desktop computer (DPC) use, among professionals and clerical workers. Notebook style computers (NPC) are increasing in popularity and use, often replacing DPCs, yet limited information is available on workers' experience with NPCs. Results are presented from a survey that explored work-related use of desktop and notebook computers by professionals (n=335). Associations were found between musculoskeletal discomfort and work patterns and methods, including work-break patterns, notebook configuration, and notebook transportation mode.

Laptop Computer usage and OSHA's lie Program, Memorandum from Byron R. Chadwick, Regional Administrator – VIII to Roger A. Clark, Director, Directorate of Compliance Programs and Leo G. Carey, Director, Directorate of Field Programs, http://gabby.osha-slc.gov/OshDoc/Interp_data/INTERP_19940104.html
Effect of Having A-Priori Knowledge of the Floor's Contaminant Condition on the Biomechanics of Slips
Authors: Cham Rakié , Moyer Brian , Redfern Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Injuries and deaths are often the result of slips/falls. The perceived danger of slipping affects gait biomechanics. This paper investigated the effect of having a-priori knowledge of the floor's contaminant condition on the biomechanics of slips. Five healthy young male subjects donned a safety harness and walked across a walkway, while ground reaction forces and whole body motion were recorded bilaterally at 60 Hz. Slips on soapy floors occurred under 3 “knowledge” conditions: (1) unexpected slips, (2) slips when uncertain of the contaminant condition, and (3) slips when walking onto known contaminated floors. in (2) and (3), i.e. anticipation of slippery surfaces, subjects generated proactive reactions (reduced stance duration and foot angle at heel contact as well as greater hip flexion) compared to unexpected conditions in (1). Those reactions reduced slip potential but also minimized gait disturbances (reduced slip distance and sliding velocity of the heel) when a slip occurred.
A New Model of how People Investigate Incidents
Authors: Drury C. G. , Woodcock K. , Richards I. , Sarac A. , Shyhalla K.
Published: January 2012

We used a simulation methodology to provide a direct measurement of how incidents and accidents are investigated. Thirty-seven aviation maintenance personnel with incident investigation experience investigated are six incident scenarios that we developed from actual maintenance incidents. Using a methodology developed by Woodcock and Smiley (1999), participants were given a brief incident description and had to question the experimenter to determine how the incident happened. We counted the number and types of information requests, and recorded their sequence. Based on the sequence data we propose a five-stage model of incident investigation. An initial trigger initiates an interactive data collection/data analysis period, starting by determining spatial and temporal boundaries then investigating in a somewhat sequential manner. A stopping rule is used to determine when to stop investigating and begin the final reporting stage. The number of facts considered grows during the investigation stage, but then decreases at the reporting stage. Thus, basing recommendations on the reports of incidents may not consider all causal factors.
An Ergonomic Evaluation and Redesign of Office Workstations to Decrease Reported Musculoskeletal Discomfort Using an Internet-Based Office Erognomics Program
Authors: McGlothlin J.D. , Lee R.C.
Published: January 2012

An ergonomic evaluation of 100 office spaces at a Midwest chemical manufacturing plant in the United States was conducted from May through October 2001. An internet-based office ergonomics program was used to find discrepancies between the recommended and actual measurements taken of employee workstations at the time of the assessments; to make appropriate adjustments; to purchase ergonomic equipment and furniture (when simple adjustments could not be made); and to administer musculoskeletal discomfort surveys. Thirty-three employees were selected for follow-up assessments at least one week after all adjustments were made, using the same procedure as the first assessments. These workers were chosen based on severity of reported discomfort ratings, greatest need for workstation changes (i.e., actual versus recommended workstation measurements), and amount of new furniture received or equipment installed. of these 33 participants 28 were able to complete the post assessment. A comparison of the two assessments showed that more than 54% of the employees reported reduced musculoskeletal discomfort after adjustments were made and ergonomic furniture was added to their workstation.
An Ergonomic Analysis of Scale-Pits
Authors: Mortimer Cleve , McCauIey-Bell Pamela
Published: January 2012

Much of the scale industry involves weighing large amounts of a product. The main method is the truck or railroad scale. These require pits to hold the lever systems necessary to weigh the truck or railroad car. However, these pits are designed with no thought for the safety of the technicians who maintain the scales. in this paper, four problems with current pit design were examined using data on the physical dimensions and the types of injuries possible. Three experiments were conducted to examine the risks of falling due to loss of balance, problems caused by moving around in the pit, and the effect of poor lighting. Using this data, suggestions are made to improve the safety of the scale pits for the technicians who work in them.
Effects of Balance Training on Postural Stability
Authors: Schmit Jennifer M. , Rejacques Deanna I. , Riley Michael A.
Published: January 2012

The present study is designed to address the relationship between postural sway and balance training. We compared postural sway in a group of trained dancers to a group of physically fit, untrained participants (control group) in order to assess enhanced postural control with balance training, particularly under challenging balance conditions. We varied the difficulty of postural control by using two surface conditions (rigid surface, foam surface) and two visual conditions (eyes open, eyes closed), factorially combined. The data were evaluated using 1-between (group) × 2-within (vision and surface) analyses of variance (ANOVA). The three dependent variables were the standard deviation of the COP time series in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) axes, and the COP path length. Significant main effects were found for surface and vision and the surface*vision interaction in all conditions. Significant group differences were found in the AP and ML axes. The results of this study indicate that balance training enhances the control of posture. Thus, it may be useful to provide balance training to workers who must operate under conditions that threaten balance.
The Effects of Web Search Engine Query Ambiguity and Results Sorting Method on User Performance and Preference
Authors: Aurelio David N. , Mourant Ronald R.
Published: January 2012

Users of Web search engines report two main problems: an insufficient number of relevant results and the mixing of relevant results with irrelevant results. Therefore, this research investigates the effects of query ambiguity and three forms of sorting search results on user performance and preference. Forty-eight Web search engine users evaluated three forms of sorting results. For each task, the query was a single term that had one, two, or three meanings. The results indicated that the preferred results sorting method was affected by the page number of the correct results. When the correct results were all located on the same page (i.e., the first page), the participants preferred the Ranking, Disambiguating, and Categories methods when the query term had one, two and three meanings, respectively. When the correct results were not on the first page, the test participants preferred the Categories sorting method for all number of query meanings.
Usability Issues in Advanced Distributed Learning Applications: What are the Implications for Learning?
Authors: Holness David O. , Pharmer James A. , Buff Wendi L.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the results of data collection that occurred during the alternative format session presented to the 45th annual meeting of HFES. During the session, six participants were briefed on fuzzy logic as an alternative to regression for analyzing policy-capturing data and on usability issues associated with Advanced Distance Learning (ADL) applications. Participants then rated the extent to which usability violations impacted learning in three different ADL environments. After the conference, the validity of the regression and fuzzy models were assessed across the three ADL applications. In addition, exploratory analyses were performed in order to gain insight into the relative impact of usability principles on learning in ADL applications. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the predictive validities of either modeling technique across the ADL applications. In addition, judgements of which usability violations had a more negative impact on learning did depend on the type of ADL application
Participatory Ergonomics and Macroergonomic Organizational Questionnaire Surveys
Authors: Carayon Pascale , Hoonakker Peter , Haims Maria C.
Published: January 2012

In this paper we describe a participatory ergonomics framework and we show how macroergonomic organizational questionnaire surveys can be used within this framework to support and sustain worker participation in the identification of ergonomic problems and solutions and the implementation of change. An example is presented of how the participatory ergonomics conceptual framework is implemented in a work organization intervention study.
Repeating Human Performance Themes in Five Health Care Adverse Events
Authors: Patterson Emily S. , Render Marta L. , Ebright Patricia R.
Published: January 2012

Public dread following well-publicized accidents energized the desire to learn from adverse events in health care. This paper summarizes an attempt to partner medical and human factors expertise to identify repeating human performance themes across adverse events. An interdisciplinary team interviewed 30 health care personnel from multiple facilities about five complex medical incidents. Ninety human performance themes were examined for each incident. Of these, ten human performance themes were identified to be salient in at least three of the incidents. Although none of these themes directly point to solutions, they increase our understanding of recurring themes across medical cases and can point to similar themes, and how they have been addressed, in other high-consequence, complex, socio-technical domains, such as aviation.
A Team Performance Data Collection and Analysis System
Authors: Guerlain Stephanie , Shin Thomas , Guo Hui , Adams Reid , Calland J. Forrest
Published: January 2012

At present there exists no commercially available product capable of capturing and broadcasting multimedia audiovisual data from teams performing high-risk work. We have developed such a recording and analysis system for the purpose of studying team behavior, which we currently use to observe and record up to 8 people working as a co-located team in a hospital operating room. The system has four data collection computers, each recording one video stream and up to 2 audio feeds. A separate software package is used to synchronize and view the audio/video streams together on a fifth computer. This software has several annotation and scoring features which can be used either for data analysis or for team debriefing purposes. Although currently being used for patient safety research in the operating room, this system could also be adapted to collect and analyze team behavior in other domains, even for participants who are distributed.
Human Factors Research in Patient Safety: A Candid Assessment
Authors: Henriksen Kerm , Bogner Marilyn Sue , Carayon Pascale , Cook Richard I. , Weinger Matthew B. , Xiao Yan
Published: January 2012

Five panelists, playing active research roles in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's patient safety research initiative, present their views on challenges to human factors research for enhancing patient safety. Bogner advocates a systems structure for linking the findings of various research projects so that the missing pieces of the patient safety puzzle can serve as fruitful targets for subsequent research. Carayon adopts a macroergonomic framework for designing interventions to clinical work systems while Cook focuses on the complexity that underlies configurable clinical devices. With respect to anesthesia and critical care, Weinger cites the successful use of task analysis, workload assessment, and video analysis, yet notes challenges regarding concerns about patient privacy, disruption of patient care, and cultural barriers. Xiao cites impressive HF/E work on team coordination and performance shaping factors and sees the need for greater use of video and information technology to improve institutional learning and coordination of patient care.
Usability of Emergency Medical Devices: Assessment and Design Implications
Authors: Fisher Jennifer , Loring Beth
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study was to assess the usability of portable electronic emergency medical equipment. The study consisted of field interviews conducted with emergency medical workers, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and firefighters. We sampled a varied population, including workers from urban and suburban areas as well as private and public organizations. Equipment manufacturers can use the results of this study to enhance the usability, efficiency, and acceptability of future emergency medical devices.
Emergency Physician to Admitting Physician Handovers: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Matthews Amy L. , Harvey Craig M. , Schuster Richard J. , Durso Francis T.
Published: January 2012

Current emphasis on the number of deaths due to medical errors has pushed the patient safety issue to the forefront at many medical institutions. The Institute of Medicine's recommendation for improved coordination and collaboration between physicians, as well as the paucity of related literature, has led the authors to explore the nature of the handover between emergency department and admitting physicians.

Research was conducted at two Ohio hospitals to document the phases and issues found in emergency department (ED) handovers. The phases for ED handovers were similar to those found in shift changes in other types of industries (e.g., paper mill, air traffic control) with minor variations in the order of the phases. Three areas were identified where potential errors could occur including the spoken communication between physicians, selection of diagnostic tests based on the specific admitting physician, and the use of surrogates by the admitting physician. Physicians identified the level of trust in ED resident physicians, incomplete handovers between ED physicians at their shift change, differences in exams and treatment plans based on admitting physician, and notification of possible admission prior to receiving results for exams as potential problem areas.

The findings of this research illustrate the need for future research into physician communication. These studies have tremendous opportunity to enable the Institute of Medicine's goal of improving communication between physicians for better patient care and outcomes.
Combining Experts and Video Clips: Ergonomic Analysis for Safer Medical-Instrument Trays
Authors: Seagull F. Jacob , Mackenzie Colin , Bogner Marilyn Sue , Sidhu Anju , Davis Ross , Xiao Yan
Published: January 2012

Identifying systems problems is essential in improving patient safety. The field of human factors has established many methodologies for identifying and resolving systems problems. In this paper, we use the case of instrument trays for chest-tube placement to illustrate a human factors methodology in identifying systems problems. A questionnaire was developed to solicit problems associated with chest-tube trays. Reported problems included accidental injuries to operators, such as needle sticks. Short video clips from 49 chest-tube placements were shown to subject matter experts, who also filled in a questionnaire about their opinions on chest-tube trays. Three types of problems were identified with chest-tube trays that may lead to injuries to the operator and/or harm to the patient: the position, constellation, and content of the chest-tube tray. Using expert reviews of video clips helped identify systems problems associated with instrument trays. We believe that videos can complement the current design practices of expert consensus.