bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Controls for Safe and Effective Manual Materials Handling
Authors: Kroemer K.H.E.
Published: July 2017

This paper combines the traditional engineering and managerial approach in materials transport with Ergonomics/Human Factors findings and principles. The transport of materials should be systematically and purposely designed to be automatically part of the process and, as such, not becoming a “handling problem”. If full automatism cannot be achieved, human controlled and operated equipment can be used. For its efficiency and safety, it must be carefully designed, selected, and operated according to human engineering principles. “Manual” materials “handling” is a last resort, indicating failure on the side of the engineer to assign a transport task to machines.
Scheduling Cycles of Work for Carrying under Heat Stress
Authors: Kamon E. , Krajewski Janet T. , Avellini Barbara
Published: July 2017

Five minutes of carrying loads uphill were assigned to three female and three male heat acclimated subjects. The carrying (75% [Formula: see text]), both of which were performed under warm-humid Tdb 36°C, Twb 31°C, and hot-dry Tdb 50°C, Twb 25°C, ambient conditions. Thirty minutes of rest were allowed after each 30 minutes of work. The resting conditions were either the same as those for the working periods or under neutral ambient conditions. Judged by the rise in HR and in Tre, and setting the limits of Tre to 38°C during the walking, the schedule was adequate only when resting was under the neutral ambient conditions, it was partially adequate for resting under the hot-dry ambient conditions, but completely inadequate for resting under the warm-humid conditions.
Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR): Has Operational Performance Measurement Entered a Golden Age?
Authors: Ciavarelli Anthony P. , Brictson Clyde A.
Published: July 2017

Three years of aircrew performance measurement related to air combat effectiveness using the Navy's Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR) are described. Performance assessment methods were based on air combat engagement outcomes (i. e. wins, losses, draws), weapon delivery accuracy measures, and metrics derived from antecedent events. When used in an operational setting, the aircrew assessment methods have been used to identify squadron performance differences, evaluate competitive exercises, and provide diagnostic training feedback to operational users. The use of continuously recorded quantitative measures from systems such as ACMR represents a ‘Golden Age’ in the performance measurement field. The availability of objective performance criteria promises to be of substantial benefit to both the operational user and the research community in such areas as pilot selection and training, fleet combat readiness and pilot workload and stress.
Psychological and Physiological Reactions Associated with Repetitive Tasks
Authors: Grandjean E.
Published: July 2017

The first part is a summarized report on experiments on repetitive serial reaction tasks. If the cognitive load of the repetitive task is low, a decrease of CFF and of the subjective activation level as well as an increase of the heart period variability can be observed. These symptoms of boredom are limited and changed if the repetitive tasks are associated with moderate or high cognitive loads. The second part is a summary of a survey on accounting machine operators. The results show an increasing incidence of localized fatigue symptoms with increasing ulnar deviation, or with greater angles in the elbows or the neck. It is evident that repetitive tasks are often associated with constrained body postures leading to localized fatigue symptoms.
“Natural” Associations between Symbols and Military Information
Authors: Moses Franklin L. , Maisano Richard E. , Bersh Philip
Published: July 2017

Symbol design ideas were sought by identifying associations of simple codes or geometric shapes with military concepts. One group of military enlisted personnel ranked concepts for their strength of association with different symbols. A second group of enlisted personnel had the reverse task. Results suggest that “natural” associations not dependent on special training can be found. The ranking method appears suitable for assessing the effectiveness of symbology.
Delineation as Road Signing: A Study of Visual Cues on Rural Roads at Night
Authors: Triggs T. J. , Harris W. G. , Fildes B. N.
Published: July 2017

Formal delineation schemes on rural roads need to supply several types of information to the driver under night conditions. He needs longer-term delineation information or reasonable preview in order to plan ahead on approach to curves. The experiment reported explored the effect of various delineation schemes, road contour, distance to the curve, and the curve direction of turn under two reaction time instructional conditions. The results demonstrated that road-side post delineation provides effective information of this type, while no benefit was found from edgelining. Right-hand curves were responded to faster and were more easily detected than left-handers.* Several interesting interactions were found between the factors studied.
Short-Term Memory for Verbal and Graphic Route Information
Authors: Wetherell Anthony
Published: July 2017

As road systems become more tortuous, traffic signs giving the necessary short-distance route information become more complex, and place increasing demands on the drivers' short-term memory. An experiment designed initially to study drug effects on drivers' memory for route information revealed that unmedicated, control subjects were able to navigate short routes previously learned as lists of verbal directions, but were unable to navigate completely similar routes previously learned as maps. It was further found that verbal recall of maps, while not perfect, was better than recall by vehicle navigation whether the subject drove or was a passenger, and that the difficulty appeared to involve the spatial nature of maps compared with the “linear” nature of verbal directions. Results from laboratory studies suggest that the difficulty may be due partly to competition between the maps and the driving task for a spatial memory system, and partly to incompatibility between the subjective heading of the driver and the orientations of junctions as remembered and as seen.
Prediction and Quickening in Perspective Flight Displays for Curved Landing Approaches
Authors: Jensen Richard S.
Published: July 2017

In an empirical test of various predictor and quickened display algorithms eighteen professional pilot-subjects made four curved-path landing approaches in a Gat-2 simulator using each of 14 dynamically different display configurations in a within-subject design. Results indicate that second- and third-order predictor displays provide the best lateral performance. Intermediate levels of prediction and quickening provide best vertical control. Predictor-quickening algorithms of increasing computational order signficantly reduce aileron, rudder, and elevator control responses, reflecting successive reductions in cockpit workload. Whereas conventional crosspointer displays are not adequate for curved landing approaches, perspective displays with predictors and some vertical dimension quickening are highly effective.
Utilization of Energy Maneuverability Data in Improving In-Flight Performance and Performance in Air Combat Maneuvering
Authors: Moroney W. F. , Pruitt R. , Lau C.
Published: July 2017

Energy maneuverability (EM) has been defined as the ability to perform a change, or a combination of changes, in direction, altitude and airspeed expresssed in terms of energy and energy rate. This paper describes two situations in which EM data have been presented to pilots in an effort to improve their ability to maximize the performance capability of their aircraft.

In the first situation, EM information (in terms of “g” and calibrated airspeed, CAS) was presented in analog format on a helmet-mounted display (HMD). In preliminary testing, one USAF pilot was trained with the HMD, while another served as a control. Both pilots flew the T-38 through 12 EM related maneuvers. On a comparison flight (during which the display was not utilized) the HMD trained pilot outperformed his non-HMD trained counterpart. Additionally, after a one week interval both pilots reflew the flight test profile and the HMD trained pilot again out-performed the non-HMD trained pilot. Because of the surprising ease with which pilots could use the display, a comparison was also made between two pilots (who were trained with the display and had less than 100 flight hours in the T-38) and an instructor pilot with approximately 1000 hours in T-38s. On their second flight with the HMD, the subject pilots flew the required maneuvers as well as the more experienced pilot. On the basis of the above, it was concluded that the display could be used to present EM information to pilots in a usable fashion; however, more complete data are needed regarding utilizing the display with student pilots.

In the second situation, energy maneuverability data were again presented in an analog format (turn rate vs. CAS) as a debriefing aid for use on the Air Combat Maneuvering Range (ACMR). The ACMR gathers in-flight data from aircraft while they are engaged in air combat maneuvering. Upon returning from the ACMR aircrew are presented with 1) a pictorial display of the engagement, and 2) a digital printout of selected encounter parameters (e.g. velocity, “g”, altitude of each aircraft, range between aircraft). The display integrates these relevant energy maneuverability data into an analog format, thus providing an immediate comparison of the performance of each aircraft with respect to the maneuvering envelope of that aircraft and that of the opponent. The display also allows the aircrew to recognize very rapidly whether they are gaining or losing energy and the rate of gain or loss. It is expected that this new format 1) will provide a better means for pilots to determine how well they have maximized the performance of their aircraft, and 2) may serve as an aid in tactics development.
Operator Station Design System: A Computer Aided Design Approach to Work Station Layout
Authors: Lewis James L.
Published: July 2017

The Operator Station Design System is resident in NASA's Johnson Space Center Spacecraft Design Division Design Performance Laboratory. It includes stand-alone mini-computer hardware and Panel Layout Automated Interactive Design and Crew Station Assessment of Reach software. The data base consists of the Shuttle Transportation System Orbiter Crew Compartment (in part), the Orbiter payload bay and remote manipulator (in part), and various anthropometric populations. The system is utilized to provide panel layouts, assess reach and vision, determine interference and fit problems early in the design phase, study design applications as a function of anthropometric and mission requirements, and to accomplish conceptual design to support advanced study efforts.
The Allocation of Attentional Resources in a Dynamic Environment
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Tsang Pamela S. , Benel Russell A.
Published: July 2017

Three experiments are reported in which subjects performed a primary task, whose difficulty varied quasi-randomly over time, concurrently with a secondary task, whose difficulty remained constant. Three models of resource allocation were described which varied in the degree of optimality with which operators can mobilize resources in response to the demand changes. These are quantified by linear time-series analysis. In experiment 1 employing two tracking tasks, allocation behavior was non-optimal, but indicated a trend toward optimality with practice. In experiment 2 when tracking difficulty was varied concurrently with a dynamic system monitoring task, behavior was somewhat optimal. In experiment 3 which again paired tracking and monitoring, but varied monitoring task demand, resource allocation was extremely non-optimal. Some reasons for this departure from optimality are considered.
Is Time-Sharing a General Capability?
Authors: Hawkins Harold L. , Rodriguez Elizabeth , Reicher Gerald M.
Published: July 2017

The time-sharing ability of 18 students was measured under 8 separate dual-task conditions. Three distinct task characteristics were systematically varied across conditions in an effort to manipulate the nature of the specific time-sharing demands imposed. Each condition contained two of these characteristics in common with 3 of the remaining 7 conditions, one of the characteristics in common with 3 others, and none in common with the last condition. Time-sharing efficiency correlated across conditions that impose similar processing demands on the individual, but not across conditions imposing relatively dissimilar demands. We conclude that time-sharing performance under present conditions is determined by several poorly correlated, task-specific subcapacities rather than by a single general ability.
Tracking Capacity Measured by Informational Statistics
Authors: Kvålseth Tarald O.
Published: July 2017

Information-theory statistics were used as performance measures during selfpaced pursuit tracking tasks with a time-discrete band-limited white Gaussian noise reference input and both time-discrete and time-continuous response signals. The experimental results from 64 subjects showed that the generated information rate increased exponentially with increasing input variance or input entropy. The spacing between successive input points had no general significant effects on the information rate. Discrete responses produced significantly higher information rates than continuous responses. The maximum information capacity was determined to be centered at about 10 bits/sec with asymptotes at about 11 bits/sec for discrete responses and 9 bits/sec for continuous responses.
A Quantitative Comparison of SSA Interviewing Activities with and without Computer Assistance
Authors: Hoecker Douglas G. , Pew Richard W.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the reported experiments was to learn the effects of different forms of computer assistance on the performance of field personnel of the Social Security Administration as they interview potential beneficiaries. Twenty-four subjects, twelve qualified in each of two interviewer positions, learned to operate different interfaces (labelled Systems W, P, and T) that simulated interaction with computer data-handling systems. They then conducted simulated interviews with each other, during which predefined categories of interviewer activity were sampled at 15-second intervals. Results showed that for the interviews simulated and regardless of the systems tested, computer-assisted interviews lasted more than 4 minutes longer on the average than did conventional paper-process interviews. This was a 97 per cent increase for two short interviews that averaged 4.7 minutes in the paper-process condition, and a 27 per cent increase for a moderately long interview that averaged 20.2 minutes in that condition. The additional time required for computer-assisted interviews was primarily due to two factors: (1) time spent waiting for a response from the terminal, and (2) more time being required for data entry (i.e., keyboarding) in the computer-assisted process than for its analog (i.e., writing plus handling) in the paper-forms process. These data point in some initial directions for optimizing person/machine system performance in this context, for example by controlling system response delays at different levels of interaction. Further, these data, in combination with other data developed by SSA, provide a means for attaching dollar values to particular system and interface configurations.
The Design and Evaluation of Complex Systems: Application to a Man-Machine Interface for Aerial Navigation
Authors: Beringer Dennis B.
Published: July 2017

Systematic and economic design and evaluation strategies were applied to a computer-generated 4-D aerial navigation system. During the evaluation each of 24 experienced instrument pilots received training in a PLATO-based digital flight simulator using either a keyboard entry/static map, keyboard entry/dynamic map, or touch entry/dynamic map system. Tasks performed during the execution of an area navigation course included continuous flight control, navigation data updating, digital data entry, and amended course plotting. Digital data entry training time was comparable for all three systems but the touch-map proved superior for the plotting tasks, greatly reducing training and task execution times while virtually eliminating errors. Subsequent performance evaluation showed that the touch-map reduced flight path tracking error, increased processing rates on a digit-cancelling secondary task, and increased the accuracy of manual plotting operations. It was concluded that a touch entry system could significantly reduce cockpit workload across a wide range of operational environments.
A Discussion of Philosophical Problems Which Impede Progress in Environmental Design and Research
Authors: Whiting Carol
Published: July 2017

There are two long-standing problems which impede progress in environment-behavior research: 1)a singular theoretical foundation for investigations has not been developed; and 2)designers and researchers have difficulty “communicating” with one another. These problems are inter-related, and the latter is most likely a cause of the former. In this paper, it is suggested that a major cause of these difficulties is the existence of four different epistemologies: 1) empiricism; 2)rationalism; 3)structuralism; and 4) instrumentalism, as well as two separate problem solving approaches. Designers tend to utilize instnumentalism and/or rationalism (or even a hybrid, instrumental rationalism) and a synthetic problem-solving approach. Researchers, however, embrace an empirical or structuralist epistemology and an analytic problem-solving perspective. All of this results in an interdiscipline which is confused and confusing to its members! The problematic aspects of these philosophical preferences are described, and some examples of alternative, synthetic approaches are offered.
Human Factors Applications to the Design of Legal Offices
Authors: Wise James A. , Skirvin J. Weldon , Fey David , Valbert Edwin
Published: July 2017

A programming study was undertaken to examine diverse human factors considerations associated with a renovation design appraisal for a small public defender clinic. The study used a multimethod approach involving interviews, a questionnaire, and a participatory design session. Subsequently, the programming team was able to describe a variety of design implications arising from human functional concerns within the firm. These ranged from appropriate workplace arrangement of the legal secretary to the social/professional image of client accessed interview spaces.
Psychophysiological Effects of Paced and Self-Paced Work in Relation to Motivational, External and Internal Attentional Requirements of a Task
Authors: Sharit Joe , Salvendy Gavriel , Deisenroth Michael P.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a design by which psychophysiological and behavioral responses in laboratory-controlled paced/self-paced work are evaluated by manipulating both the attentional environment so that the task is either predominantly perceptual in nature (external attention) or, alternatively, characterized primarily by mental operations (internal attention) as well as the level of attention through the use of incentives in an attempt to identify and rationalize possible differences in paced/self-paced work. It is argued that when basic methodological issues intrinsic to psychophysiological and paced/self-paced studies in general are considered, along with an analysis in terms of both short-(trial-by-trial as well as trial components) term and long-term (entire task) psychophysiological and behavioral responses, the task of locating and evaluating stress within the paced/self-paced work environment becomes less elusive.

(b) Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Non-Work Related Movements in Machine Paced and in Self-Paced Work
Authors: Basila B. , Suominen S. , Salvendy G. , McCabe G.P.
Published: July 2017

In studying the non-work related movements (NRM) on 10 experienced industrial workers performing similar light repetitive work, the following is concluded:

1) on the average there is 54% more NRM in machine paced than in self-paced operations (1300 NRM for self-paced work compared to 2000 NRM per 8 hours for paced work), 2) the older workers have significantly less NRM than the younger workers, and 3) the NRM were most frequent in the upper than in the lower extremities.

These differences are discussed in terms of differences in task complexity and stringency of pacing.
Physiological Basis of Machine-Paced and Self-Paced Work
Authors: Salvendy Gavriel , Knight James L.
Published: July 2017

Currently, the majority of the machine-paced jobs in industry are manned by younger workers while older workers are predominantly working on self-paced work. Laboratory research suggests the hypothesis that the above policy of allocating people to jobs results in lower physiological efficiency of the human body than may be possible to achieve through new policies of job design and manpower allocation procedures. Hence, this study is proposed to test the above hypothesis in industrial work situations.

In a statistically balanced, designed experiment 33 female operators, representing the age range of 28 to 64 years, performed in industry the same task at both machine-paced and self-paced performance for a total duration of four weeks. During the period of this experimentation, data was collected and analyzed on physiological costs (sinus arrhythmia, mean heart rate, blood pressure and rate of breathing) associated with the machine-paced and self-paced operation.

Results are discussed for the following: (1) comparisons between the stress levels associated with machine-paced and self-paced work for the younger and the older subjects, and (2) changes, over the working day, in work capabilities of operators which significantly effect the stress levels in work situations. Methodologies are proposed, the implementation of which may result in reduction of stress at work.
Endurance and Rest for Work with Concentration and Attention
Authors: Konz Stephan
Published: July 2017

Although determination of the proper fatigue allowance is of interest, job design is more important so fatigue effects are reduced. Avoid paced work. Night work and repetitive work—especially for socially isolated workers—seems to cause fatigue. Short breaks often seems better than long breaks occasionally. Passive rest is not as good as working and active rest.
Assessing the Safety and Supportive Features of Home Environments for the Elderly
Authors: Wise James A. , Anderson Marilyn , Jones Melinda
Published: July 2017

This paper presents the rationale and format of two assessment inventories concerned with the safety and supportive features of elderly home environments. The first inventory deals with aspects internal to the dwelling, and the second considers the home in its neighborhood context. The purpose here is to assist individuals in evaluating the suitability of housing for either continuing or proposed elderly living. The inventories were designed to be used by individuals with no prior experience in evaluating housing. They are currently being field tested in two elderly assistance programs.
Effects of Drugs on Driving: Driving Simulator Tests of Diazepam and Secobarbital
Authors: Ziedman Kenneth , Smiley Alison , Moskowitz Herbert
Published: July 2017

The effects of secobarbital and diazepam on performance in a closed-loop driving simulator are described. The simulator used computer-generated-imagery techniques to generate a roadway scene. Tasks included lane and speed maintenance, car following, curve following, route sign recognition, car passing and emergency decision making. Both diazepam and secobarbital were found to affect mean lane position, variability of lane position and velocity, and room to spare in an emergency stop situation.
Subjective Visual Differences between Geometrically Similar High- and Low-Accident Rural Roadway Curves
Authors: Boone Mark P.
Published: July 2017

This study investigated differences in drivers' visual perceptions of geometrically similar high- and low-accident curves on rural roads. Driving experience and the ability to recognize high-accident curves were found to be correlated. Driver, vehicle, and environmental characteristics are examined and used to develop an accident causation model based on the theory of signal detection.
Validation of an in Flight Performance Measurement Methodology: F-4 Ground Attack Training Evaluation
Authors: Pierce Byron J. , DeMaio Joseph , Yates David
Published: July 2017

Validity and applicability were assessed for a performance measurement methodology developed to evaluate airborne performance on conventional weapon delivery maneuvers. The methodology provides an analysis of pilot performance using a stage-by-stage rating technique. Pilots assigned to an F-4 training squadron served as subjects. Results demonstrated that instructor pilot ratings of the individual stages of the delivery yield a reliable indicator of the quality of performance on that pass. The data address issues regarding which stages of the maneuver were most difficult, which improved most over training, and to what extent this improvement affected performance on the entire delivery.
“Hard Copy and Cathode Ray Tube Visual Performance—Are There Differences?”
Authors: Mourant Ronald R. , Lakshmanan Raman , Herman Michael
Published: July 2017

The difference between image quality of hard copy (printed) material and cathode ray tube (CRT) terminal screens are that CRT characters are relatively blurred and that they have small area flicker. The relatively blurred CRT characters may result in continuous action of the eye lens to achieve proper focus. The small area flicker also results in the nerve receptors of the eyes constantly adjusting to the varying light level. Thus, the visual mechanism may be stressed more resulting in visual discomfort and fatigue.
Visual Target Acquisition in the Presence of Complex Backgrounds
Authors: Berkhout Jan , Phillips Jeffrey , Breidenbach Steven
Published: July 2017

The perception of simple visual targets superimposed on complex background images was studied. Background images interfered with target perception. At the periphery of the visual field, edge sharpness and relative motion within complex backgrounds determined the degree of interference. Increasing age of the subjects was associated with an increase in such interference. A correlation between target perception and self-reported vehicle accident history was observed.
An Application of Manned Simulation in Crew Station Conceptual Development
Authors: Fitzgerald Joe A. , Wise John A. , Rutkowski Robert E. , Biolchini Paul D.
Published: July 2017

The McDonnell Aircraft Company's Manned Air Combat Simulator is being used in the early design and evaluation phases of an advanced real-time reconnaissance aircraft. The cockpit arrangement and control logic have been implemented in the engineering development simulator. To date there have been two formal human factors evaluations of the system under simulated operational conditions. This presentation outlines the procedures used, the results, and their impact upon the design.
Tactile Directories of Building Interiors as Orienting and Way-Finding Aids for the Visually Impaired: A Prototype
Authors: Brecht Mark , Preiser Wolfgang F. E.
Published: July 2017

A tactile map/directory designed to provide the visually impaired with directional and orienting information about the interior of a complex building was tested for efficiency of use by sighted, partially-sighted, and non-sighted individuals. Preliminary evaluations suggest that simpler, more schematic maps may be more effective as way-finding aids than was the detailed, more architecturally-true map tested. Tactile discriminability of symbols used to represent various interior building features was also compared in order to specify a highly discriminable symbol set.
Bivariate Response Distributions in Visual Detection and Discrimination
Authors: Olzak Lynn A.
Published: July 2017

Two patterns can sometimes be discriminated from one another better than they are detected. A Signal Detection analysis of the information used to perform these psychophysical judgments suggests that properties exist in the visual system which favor the ability to discriminate over the ability to detect. Two candidate properties are inhibition and/or correlated noise between tuned spatial frequency analyzers. The extent to which such processes occur is reflected by the parameters defining sensory response distributions in a Signal Detection model of pattern perception. A method by which these parameters can be estimated is described, and several alternative response spaces are discussed.
Team Training (T2) for Operators of Air Force Command, Control, and Communications (C3) Systems
Authors: Denson Roland W. , Baum David R.
Published: July 2017

An Air Force Human Resources Laboratory (AFHRL) program is described whose goal is to improve Air Force team training technologies in the area of tactical command, control, and communications. The first step in such a program was an in-house literature review of the variables that appear significant in team training. The second step describes a contracted effort to establish baseline data through interviews, observations, and data analysis. Preliminary indications are listed in the areas of problems that can be alleviated with existing technology, high potential payoff candidates for additional research, and the role of simulation capabilities in noted problem areas. Future AFHRL plans are included.
The Concept and Evaluation of the Human Resources Test and Evaluation System (HRTES)
Authors: Kaplan Jonathan D. , Crooks William H.
Published: July 2017

Meaningful operational testing requires: a test plan which will lead to the measurement of critical human performance in a methodologically sound manner; an evaluation of the acceptability of the resulting measured performance; and a diagnosis of the causes of inadequate human performance. The Human Resources Test and Evaluation System (HRTES) is a method for aiding test planners and evaluators in the production of test plans, evaluations, and diagnoses which include a consideration of human performance.

This paper consists of general descriptions of the problems of operational testing, the HRTES concepts for solving these problems, and the method for a formative evaluation of HRTES, itself.
The Psychophysics of Vigilance
Authors: Warm Joel S.
Published: July 2017

An important feature of research into the nature of vigilance has been the precise determination of stimulus conditions which influence performance. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical evaluation of these factors.
The Effects of Left Hand Fatigue on Right Hand Performance
Authors: Benton Marian E. , Bateman Robert P.
Published: July 2017

Twenty-five subjects performed tracking tasks with the right arm before and after cranking a bicycle ergometer with the left arm. Three experimental conditions consisted of cranking the ergo-meter for 60, 90, and 120 seconds. The results indicate there was a significant decrement in tracking performance the first ten seconds after each of the cranking periods. By thirty seconds after cranking, tracking performance returned to pre-cranking level for each of the conditions. The decrement was not attributable to heart rate or breathing rate increases which remained for periods of up to five minutes. The crossover fatigue effect warrants further study.
Reducing Warehousing Material Handling Strains
Authors: Lovested Gary E.
Published: July 2017

A study was undertaken to determine the effect from introducing redesigned wood pallet boxes in a warehousing operation would have on back strains. The new pallet boxes had been redesigned to provide warehouse pickers a better posture to lift parts out of pallet boxes when they were less than half full. A year after the introduction, the lifting strain incidence rate involving pallet boxes decreased 67.7%.
An Analysis of First Impression in the Reading of Electrical Schematic Diagrams
Authors: Burroughs Mark M. , Hoag Laverne L. , Dorris Alan L.
Published: July 2017

The initial impression of electronic troubleshooters of schematic diagrams was studied in a series of two experiments. In one experiment the time available to the subjects to view the information was restricted to 12 seconds and in the second experiment the subjects could look at the material as often and as long as they wished. The characteristics of the first element redrawn were: (1) the same elements were consistently selected, (2) the element was chunked with other elements, (3) the element was in a branch instead of a loop, (4) the element was along the exterior of the element and (5) the element was active more often than would be expected from the number of active elements in the circuit.
Computer Simulations for Fault Diagnosis Training: From Simulation to Live System Performance
Authors: Johnson William B. , Rouse William B.
Published: July 2017

Three methods of training for fault diagnosis were studied: traditional instruction, context-specific computer simulations, and context-free simulations. Each of thirty-six powerplant maintenance trainees were trained with one of these methods, and then, transferred to real aircraft powerplants and, later, to simulations of an auto-pilot system. For the aircraft powerplants, it was found that traditional instruction was only superior if explicit demonstrations were provided for the exact failures to be encountered. With respect to overall performance, context-free training did not produce improved performance on the unfamiliar auto-pilot system. Considering correlates of live system performance, it was found that performance in the context-free simulation was a good predictor, while performance in the context-specific simulations was by no means useful. Trainee Grade Point Averages and scores on traditional quizzes were also highly correlated with live system performance.
Report on Epri's Human Factor Evaluation of Nuclear and Fossil Fuel Facilities
Authors: Parsons Stuart O. , Seidenstein Sidney
Published: July 2017

During the past five years we have supported the Electric Power Research Institute of Palo Alto in the Human Factors evaluation of nuclear fossil fuel electric generation plants and transmission and distribution centers throughout the United States. This included interviewing operators and maintainers, reviewing incidents associated with human errors, physical measurement of environmental conditions, direct observations of operator behavior, checklist evaluations, critical incident data gathering and structured discussions with vendors and their engineering staffs.
Control Room Operating Procedures: Content and Format
Authors: Zach Sarah Elizabeth
Published: July 2017

Current control room operating procedures have been found to be inadequate both in terms of the amount of information they contain and in the way the information is presented. Operators do not feel that procedures aid their performance; rather they feel that procedures are a cumbersome irritation. In the wake of Three Mile Island, much emphasis is being placed on improving the hardware systems at nuclear plants. Attention must also be directed to the human side of the man-machine interface.
Modification of Driver Behavior by Use of Novel Roadway Delineation Systems
Authors: Hungerford John C. , Rockwell Thomas H.
Published: July 2017

The paper describes the results of a study that has as its major objective the modification of driver behavior on high accident horizontal curves through the use of novel delineation systems. Delineation systems are systems of roadway markers that provide the driver with information about the path and demands of the road. A delineation system includes the following elements: (1) delineator type, (2) delineator characteristics such as size, shape, color, message content, and type of reflective material, and (3) delineator system geometry which includes the number of delineators, height of placement, and lateral placement from the road's edge. An extremely large number of different delineation systems can be obtained by changing any of the elements of the delineation system. This research studied three types of delineators: (1) post delineators, (2) raised pavement markers, and (3) transverse stripe pavement markings. Several variations of delineator geometry and delineator characteristics were studied. The hypothesis that was tested was that delineators could be arranged into systems that induce perceptual illusions in drivers concerning a curve's speed and path requirements. The mismatch between actual demands and perceptual demands would result in reduced speeds and lateral placement variability.

The research consisted of several phases: (1) static and dynamic psychophysical laboratory testing in a simulated environment, (2) field testing using jury techniques, (3) field testing of road users, and (4) exploratory testing using an instrumented vehicle to collect eye movement and control data. Early phases of the research focused on reducing the large numbers of possible delineation systems to a candidate set of systems that could be evaluated in a field setting. Five different delineations systems were installed at different field sites and evaluated. The conclusion of the study was that delineation systems could be used to modify driver behavior on high accident rural curves in a positive way.
Problems Encountered in Determining an Eye Safety Standard for Daily Exposures to Optical Radiation
Authors: Smedley David C.
Published: July 2017

Existing eye safety standards are not suitable for specifying safety limits to which individuals are exposed on a daily basis. A possible approach to this problem is to relate safety limits to radiation doses found in nature. Although this method produces extremely conservative safety limits, it greatly reduces the possibility of temporary lesions encountered within existing guidelines.
Ergonomics in the British Coal Industry
Authors: Leamon T B
Published: July 2017

The National Coal Board established an Ergonomics Branch in the Institute of Occupational Medicine in 1975. The current Branch contains over twenty human-scientists and a full technical support facility.

The structure of the team, the relationship with the coal mining industry (including production, engineering and trades union aspects), and the programme are outlined.

A brief description of the role of the E.E.C. in the development of ergonomics in the coal and steel industries is included.
Human Factors Survey and Analysis of Electric Power Control Centers
Authors: Williams Allan R. , Seidenstein Sidney , Goddard Connie J.
Published: July 2017

An electric power system generally includes a number of generating plants, substations, and high voltage transmission lines, as well as thousands of circuit breakers, switches, transformers, and other components, all spread over hundreds or thousands of square miles. Two to five system operators work at dispatch centers and use modern, computerized systems for system monitoring, information display, and operation of the power system. This paper describes the functions performed at typical dispatch centers, as well as characteristic physical facilities, group displays, operator consoles, power system controls and displays, and CRT display formats and information coding techniques. Human factors problem areas which exist within electric power system control centers are pointed out.
Three Mile Island—A Year & a Half Later
Authors: Parr Donald E.
Published: July 2017

Following last year's Three Mile Island (TMI) Accident, there remains much concern about what is being done to prevent future incidents. With obvious emphasis on the major role played by human error, the human factors community, some members of the nuclear industry, and even the general public, saw possible implications for human factors applications in the nuclear power industry. What was needed was a rational definition of possible human performance contributions to the accident, a carefully thoughtout plan for both short and long term improvements, and then everyone pitching in to help make an already safe and efficient industry even better. A unique opportunity existed to emphasize human factors contributions to system performance while taking advantage of many applicable “lessons learned” in aerospace and the military. What occurred over the eighteen months since TMI was a mixture of confused responses rivaling Abbott& Costello's famed “Who's on first?!” routine. Human factors specialists, snake oil salesmen, and many inexperienced but eager individuals and companies rushed headlong into the nuclear age with threats, promises, and simple solutions to “save the industry.” However, even before TMI, some useful activities were underway and others have been planned and pursued since. This paper provides an overall summary of human factors related activities including industry planning, active contract activities, studies, research, and a comprehensive bibliography.
Application of a Predictive Coke Temperature Model to Heat Stress Experimentation
Authors: Schlegel Robert E.
Published: July 2017

An interactive procedure for evaluating and maintaining an individual's core temperature at a predetermined level was developed and tested. The procedure involved the use of previously developed models for predicting core temperature changes during work and rest. Various levels of metabolic activity were used for rapid core temperature elevation and adjustments in dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity maintained the desired core temperature level. Evaluation of the procedure was made using five female subjects at four different levels of elevation. Results are presented which show the accuracy of the control.
Oil, Energy, and Human Factors
Authors: Alluisi Earl A.
Published: July 2017

Reviews the world and domestic petroleum pictures, then some of the more commonly proposed domestic solutions to the energy problem–increasing petroleum production or imports, conservation, and developing fuels from alternative sources. An example is developed in depth for the case of synthetic fuels from coal for transportation, to provide an indication of the magnitude of the problem. Implications for the human factors profession are drawn.
Subjective Scaling of Digital Imagery
Authors: Shedivy David I. , Snyder Harry L.
Published: July 2017

Hard-copy digital imagery was studied with respect to subjective image quality. Trained Air Force photo-interpreters judged the interpretability of 250 military images. The images varied in noise, blur, and scene content.

Other analyses performed on the data showed that at least 62 categories should be used to scale interpretability, the correlation between information extraction performance and scale values for digital imagery is high, and multidimensional scaling can be used with questionable utility in studying image quality.
Driver Eye Scanning of Warning Signs on Rural Highways
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T.
Published: July 2017

Eye scanning recordings were made for two drivers on a eight mile section of a rural hilly two-lane highway. Data was collected in both directions (total 66 warning signs). Nighttime data (with low beams) was also collected for one of the drivers. An instrumented vehicle with a corneal reflection technique television eye scanning recording system was used. Eye scanning behavior when approaching warning signs was analyzed for situations where there was no other traffic visible to the test driver. The results of this exploratory study suggest that: 1) drivers look practically at every warning sign, 2) drivers look on the average about 2.3 times at a warning sign, 3) the average first look distances for daytime and nighttime are about 450’ (137m) or about 7 seconds away from the warning signs, 4) the first look distances expressed as percentages of the maximum warning sign sight distances appear to be slightly larger for the nighttime condition than for the daytime condition (nighttime average 83%, daytime average 65%), 5) the fixation durations for looking at the warning signs during nighttime are considerably longer than during daytime (daytime average 0.45 seconds, nighttime average 0.75 seconds), and 6) different types of warning signs and warning sign arrangements appear to influence a driver's eye scanning behavior.
The Relationship between Processing Resource and Subjective Dimensions of Operator Workload
Authors: Derrick William L.
Published: July 2017

A multiple structure model of processing resources (Wickens, 1980) guided construction of tasks of differential resource demand that were both performed by subjects and rated according to workload similarity. Analysis of performance data generally supported model predictions. Multidimensional scaling analysis of the similarity data produced subjective dimensions of workload that were explained in terms of resource demand and task structure.
U.S. Bureau of Mines Training and Evaluation Research: Overview of the Present and the Future
Authors: Bernard Jeanne T.
Published: July 2017

In order to assist the mining community in its effort to reduce human-error type accidents, the Bureau of Mines has directed part of its training research efforts to the development of performance-based methods of evaluating employee training. Additional training research efforts have been in (1) developing a base of content material, (2) designing methods for structuring and evaluating health and safety training, and (3) the continuing investigation/application of current learning technology. The results of this ongoing research will significantly enhance the effectiveness of the training opportunities available to the mining population today.

This presentation will focus on the development of innovative training methodologies and evaluation techniques designed to assist the trainers in assessing and improving their health and safety and occupational training. A brief overview of current human factors (ergonomics) research will demonstrate the complementary objectives that ergonomics and training serve to enhance mine safety. A discussion of the systematic approach on the analysis and use of a needs-assessment, the specification of instructional objectives, the use of controlled training experiences (both classroom and on-the-job training) and the identification of a performance-criteria will be highlighted.

Once evaluation procedures are established, the resultant findings can be used to improve the training process. To better disseminate this resultant information to aid in upgrading miner training, it is imperative that data-collection methods and analysis procedures be improved for evaluating health and safety and occupational skills training. The Bureau's current efforts in developing such a management-information system for the collection and cataloging of human factors and training data, and the development of methods of evaluating and focusing health and safety investments at the mines will also be addressed.