bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Formation, Transitions, and Evolution of Small Religious Organizations
Authors: Jeavons Thomas H. , Cnaan Ram A.
Published: July 2017

The goal of this article is to identify and explore the patterns of formation and development ofsmallerreligiousnonprofitserviceorganizations-thosethatoftenbegininthebasements of some religious congregations-and to examine the transitions that they go through to become viable, self-sustaining entities. Based on a review of the available literature and extensive fieldwork, the authors propose insights into these issues as well as suggestions regarding when external intervention and support are worthwhile.
Social Media and Social Mobilisation in the Middle East: A Survey of Research on the Arab Spring
Authors: Smidi Adam , Shahin Saif
Published: July 2017

The role of the media, and especially the social media, in the Arab Spring has been extensively debated in academia. This study presents a survey of studies published in scholarly journals on the subject since 2011. We find that the bulk of the research contends that social media enabled or facilitated the protests by providing voice to people in societies with mostly government-controlled legacy media; helping people connect, mobilise and organise demonstrations; and broadcasting protests to the world at large and gaining global support. Some scholars, however, argue that social media played only a limited or secondary role, which ought to be viewed alongside other social, political, economic and historical factors. We also identify the spatial and temporal focus of the research and preferred theoretical and methodological approaches and draw attention to several blind spots that require further investigation.
Enhancing the effectiveness of the International Union for Health Promotion and Education to move health promotion forward
Authors: Mittelmark Maurice B. , Perry Martha W. , Wise Marilyn , Lamarre Marie-Claude , Jones Catherine M.
Published: July 2017

The success in recent years of many IUHPE initiatives provides cause for celebration, but also reminds us of the challenges that lie ahead. The Global Programme for Health Promotion Effectiveness provides a blueprint for how the IUHPE can effectively participate in, and lead, global networks for health. Health promotion research is well organized and productive in most of the Northern hemisphere, but important wells of health promotion knowledge in the Southern hemisphere are not widely-enough disseminated. The IUHPE needs to help liberate knowledge producers everywhere from unnecessary structures, and find innovative ways to illuminate knowledge for all to see. We have developed and proven the effectiveness of a range of technologies such as settings-based health promotion. However, the vast majority of communities are untouched, and the IUHPE needs to be a leader in finding ways to better disseminate effective health promotion practice. The IUHPE is a vigorous and effective advocate for health promotion training, practice and research. Now we need to expand our advocacy for equity in health, building on our effective work on social clauses in trade agreements and on tobacco control. (Promotion & Education, 2007, Supplement (2): pp 33-35).
Understanding Women's Work: Steps toward Transformation—an Introduction
Authors: Seifert Ana María , Messing Karen
Published: July 2017

A session at the 2005 Delhi Congress on Women, Work and Health was entitled “Social movements and research on women, work and health: How can researchers and community members work together on current problems?” and described researcher-worker collaboration to gain recognition for the constraints and requirements of women's jobs. Suffering in the workplace may appear to come primarily from such visible aggressors as toxins and heavy weights, but its ultimate cause is the powerlessness, isolation, and denigration that sap workers’ ability to fight back. Participatory research projects described here have promoted solidarity and encouraged the transformation of working conditions.
Effect of the Ace Inhibitor Ceronapril on Cerebral Blood flow in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Cutler Neal R , Sramek John J , Luna Azucena , Mena Ismael , Brass Eric P , Kurtz Neil M , Brennan John J , Dalmady-Israel Christina , Vanier Marie-Claude
Published: July 2017

Objective

To assess the effect of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ceronapril on cerebral blood flow (CBF) in patients with moderate hypertension.

Design

Patients received chlorthalidone 25 mg for 4 weeks, and if diastolic blood pressure remained in the range of 100–115 mm Hg, they were given titrated doses of ceronapril (10–40 mg/d based on blood pressure response) in addition to chlorthalidone for 9 weeks.

Setting

Outpatient research clinic.

Subjects

Eligible patients had moderate essential hypertension (diastolic blood pressure 100–115 mm Hg) assessed when the patients were receiving no medications. Thirteen patients were entered into the study; 1 withdrew for reasons unrelated to the study drug. Twelve patients (11 men, 1 woman; mean age 52 y) completed the study.

Intervention

Ceronapril, given with chlorthalidone.

Main Outcome Measures

CBF measurements were taken at the start and end of ceronapril therapy using intravenous 133Xe; blood pressures were determined weekly.

Results

Mean arterial blood pressure decreased from 130 ± 4 to 120 ±7 mm Hg after 4 weeks of chlorthalidone administration, and fell further to 108 ± 8 mm Hg after an additional 9 weeks of combined chlorthalidone-ceronapril therapy (p < 0.05). CBF fell from 44 ± 15 to 34 ± 5 mL/min/100 g during the 9 weeks of combined therapy (p = 0.05). No adverse effects consistent with decreased CBF were observed. The decrease in CBF was not linearly correlated with the change in systemic blood pressure, but was strongly correlated (r = –0.937; p < 0.001) with the initial CBF.

Conclusions

The decrease in mean arterial blood pressure was not associated with a decrease in CBF. Patients with high CBF may be predisposed to a decrease in CBF when treated with ceronapril and chlorthalidone.
Hypersensitivity Anaphylactoid Reaction to Pefloxacin in a Patient with Aids
Authors: Al-Hedaithy Mogbil A , Noreddin Ayman M , Mena Rafaela , Vanier Mare-Claude
Published: July 2017

Objective

To report a life-threatening anaphylactoid reaction to oral pefloxacin in a patient with AIDS and to review the pertinent literature.

Case Summary

A 32-year-old woman with AIDS developed an anaphylactoid reaction following a second exposure to oral pefloxacin. This reaction was characterized by severe hypotension, dizziness, itching, and fever.

Discussion

Fluoroquinolones are broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents. They are used frequently in patients with AIDS for numerous indications, including treatment of Mycobacterium avium complex. Pefloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone, was introduced in France in 1985. Since then, many patients with AIDS have been treated with this drug. Several cases of anaphylactoid reactions to ciprofloxacin have been documented in patients with HIV infection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of an anaphylactoid reaction to pefloxacin in a patient with AIDS.

Conclusions

There is a need for continued vigilance in the reporting of adverse drug reactions in patients with AIDS, especially with new drugs. Also, care must be taken in introducing drugs, including fluoroquinolones, to this patient population.
Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Gin Alfred S , Zhanel George G
Published: July 2017

Objective

To review vancomycin resistance in enterococci ( Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium) with respect to history, epidemiology, mechanism of resistance, and management.

Data Sources

A MEDLINE, IDIS, and current journal search of English-language articles on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) published between 1982 and 1994 was conducted.

Study Selection

Studies and reports pertaining to vancomycin-resistant E.faecalis and E. faecium were evaluated. Case reports, cohort, epidemiologic, in vitro and in vivo studies were evaluated.

Data Extraction

Reports in which vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations were 32 μg/mL or more were evaluated.

Data Synthesis

Large outbreaks of VRE infection have occurred as a result of nosocomial spread. Such outbreaks have required intensive infection control procedures to limit the spread of VRE. Vancomycin resistance in E. faecalis and E. faecium has been subdivided into phenotypes, VanA and VanB. The mechanism of vancomycin resistance is caused by the production of depsipeptide D-Ala-D-Lac, which replaces D-Ala-D-Ala in the peptidoglycan pathway, thereby preventing the binding of vancomycin to D-Ala-D-Ala in the peptidoglycan cell wall. The vanA gene is associated with a transpositional element (Tn1546) that can be transferred via conjugation while most data suggest that vanB has an endogenous origin. Education, aggressive infection control practices, surveillance programs, and appropriate use of vancomycin are necessary to respond to the VRE problem.

Conclusions

The prevalence of VRE has increased significantly in recent years and has become a worldwide problem. Several factors, such as prior exposure to vancomycin and antibiotics (e.g., cephalosporins, antianaerobic agents), physical location in the hospital, immunosuppression, prolonged hospital stay, and VRE gastrointestinal colonization are associated with VRE infection and colonization. Antibiotic treatment of serious VRE infection depends on the phenotype. Optimal treatment of the VanA phenotype is unknown; the VanB phenotype may be treated with teicoplanin and an aminoglycoside.
Reliability of the Foot Function Index: A Report of the AOFAS Outcomes Committee
Authors: Agel Julie , Beskin James L. , Brage Michael , Guyton Gregory P. , Kadel Nancy J. , Saltzman Charles L. , Sands Andrew K. , Sangeorzan Bruce J. , SooHoo Nelson F. , Stroud Chris C. , Thordarson David B.
Published: July 2017

Background: There currently is no widely used, validated, self-administered instrument for measuring musculoskeletal functional status in individuals with nonsystemic foot disorders. The purpose of this paper was to report on the assessment of reliability of one of these instruments. We wanted to determine if the Foot Function Index (FFI), which has been validated in rheumatoid patients without fixed foot deformity or prior foot surgery, would be reliable for a population of patients with foot complaints without systemic disease. Methods: Patients were recruited from five orthopaedic offices where the physicians were members of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Patients were asked to complete the FFI at the time of their initial office visit and then were givena second copy to complete and return by mail 1 week after their visit. Results: Ninety-six patients completed the first questionnaire, and 54 patients completed the second. Reliability in this population was acceptable with an average of 23.5% of the patients providing retest values within one point of the initial response and an average of 45.3% of the patients providing the same response, for a total of 68.8% of all respondents answering within one point between their initial and second questionnaire. In two of the three categories, there were frequent nonresponses or no applicable responses. Four questions, two in the pain section and two in the activity limitation section, generated 20% or more of the nonapplicable answers. Conclusions: The FFI appears to be a reasonable tool for low functioning individuals with foot disorders. It may not be appropriate for individuals who function at or above the level of independent activities of daily living.
Chronic Pain After Ankle Fracture: An Arthroscopic Assessment Case Series
Authors: Thomas Bijoy , Yeo Jason M. , Slater Gordon L.
Published: July 2017

Background: The purpose of this study was to document findings of ankle arthroscopy in patients with residual complaints after an appropriately treated ankle fracture. Methods: Patients who had ankle arthroscopy at the Alpine Orthosports Clinic between 1998 and 2000 were identified by a retrospective review of the ankle arthroscopy database. Fifty patients were identified who had arthroscopy for complaints after ankle fracture. The mean duration from injury to arthroscopy was 20.5 ± 33.5 months, with a range of 2 to 184.6 months. Results: There were 37 isolated fractures and 13 combination fractures. The Danis-Weber classification was used for lateral malleolar fractures. There were five type A, 14 type B, and 11 type C lateral malleolar fractures. Results: Synovitis was present in 46 ankles and was located antero-laterally in 36. Synovitis was noted in 26 of the 30 ankles that had a lateral malleolar fracture. Arthrofibrosis was found in 20 ankles, with anterolateral joint involvement in 16. There was chondral damage noted in 45 ankles, 30 located on the talus and 15 on the tibia. Spurs were found in 15 ankles, and nine had loose bodies or debris. There were two postoperative complications: one patient had bleeding from a portal and the other had an area of paresthesia at the anterolateral portal site. Conclusion: Synovitis and chondral damage were more frequent than arthrofibrosis and spurs. Synovitis and arthrofibrosis were found most frequently in the anterolateral aspect of the joint. Also, the higher the lateral malleolar fracture was in relation to the syndesmosis, the higher was the occurrence of talar chondral damage.
Alternative to the Modified Jones Procedure: Outcomes of the Flexor Hallucis Longus (FHL) Tendon Transfer Procedure for Correction of Clawed Hallux
Authors: Kadel Nancy J. , Donaldson-Fletcher Emily A. , Hansen Sigvard T. , Sangeorzan Bruce J.
Published: July 2017

Background: The modified Jones procedure is the traditional operative procedure for correction of a clawed hallux, although the deformity may be caused by over-pull of one of three different muscles. In this study we present the radiographic and functional outcomes of flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer as treatment for clawed hallux. The transfer is performed by drawing two thirds of the FHL tendon up through a drill hole in the proximal phalanx and then suturing it medially back to the remaining third. Methods: We retrospectively identified 19 patients (22 feet) who had FHL tendon transfer for correction of clawed hallux over a period of 5 years. Followup was an average of 51.0 (range 6 to 74; ± 3.8) months after the procedure. Outcome and patient satisfaction were determined using the Long-Form Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) score. Patients were asked whether they were satisfied, somewhat satisfied, or dissatisfied with the overall outcome and were asked about shoewear limitations. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated in 15 patients (17 feet). We measured the hallux valgus and interphalangeal (IP) angles on the anteroposterior (AP) radiographs. On the lateral view we measured the angle of the IP joint, the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, and the talometatarsal angle. Statistical analysis was done using a repeated measures ANOVA ( p < 0.05). Results: On the lateral radiographs, the hallux IP joint angle ( p < 0.0012; n = 15) and hallux MTP joint angle ( p < 0.0265; n = 15) were significantly reduced postoperatively. On AP radiographs, the hallux valgus angle ( p < 0.0334) was significantly reduced; however, the IP angle and the talometatarsal angle were not significantly different after surgery. Patients had an average MFA score of 14.6 (±3.8 standard error, range 1 to 35; n = 19). Thirteen patients were fully satisfied and six were somewhat satisfied with the overall result of the surgery. Four patients thought that their hallux limited the types of shoes they could wear, while 15 did not. Conclusion: It has been shown that clawed hallux can result from excessive motor function in one of three muscles: FHL tendon, peroneus longus (PL), and extensor hallucis longus (EHL). This study suggests that transfer of part of the tendon of the FHL is an effective alternative operative procedure for correction of clawed hallux.
Outcome After Foot and Ankle Deformity Correction Using Circular External Fixation
Authors: Elomrani N.F. , Kasis A.G. , Tis J.E. , Saleh M.
Published: July 2017

Background: External fixation is the method of choice for correction of chronic severe foot and ankle deformities. We report our experience and outcomes of circular external fixation. Methods: Fifty-five patients (60 feet) were treated with circular external fixation. The mean age at surgery was 36 (range 16 to 65) years. The mean followup was 4.4 (range 1 to 10) years. The mean time spent in external fixation was 2.1 (range 1 to 12) months. Results: There were six excellent, 35 good, eight fair, and six poor results, five of which had below knee amputations. All the patients who had an amputation were treated for infected nonunion of the ankle. Conclusion: Circular external fixation was found to be an effective method for treating a variety of complex foot and ankle problems. The complications were more common in patients with infected nonunions.
Arthrogenic Muscle Inhibition in the Leg Muscles of Subjects Exhibiting Functional Ankle Instability
Authors: McVey Eric D. , Palmieri Riann M. , Docherty Carrie L. , Zinder Steven M. , Ingersoll Christopher D.
Published: July 2017

Background: Functional ankle instability or a subjective report of “giving way” at the ankle may be present in up to 40% of patients after a lateral ankle sprain. Damage to mechanoreceptors within the lateral ankle ligaments after injury is hypothesized to interrupt neurologic feedback mechanisms resulting in functional ankle instability. The altered input can lead to weakness of muscles surrounding a joint, or arthrogenic muscle inhibition. Arthrogenic muscle inhibition may be the underlying cause of functional ankle instability. Establishing the involvement of arthrogenic muscle inhibition in functional ankle instability is critical to understanding the underlying mechanisms or chronic ankle instability. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if arthrogenic muscle inhibition is present in the ankle joint musculature of patients exhibiting unilateral functional ankle instability. Methods: Twenty-nine subjects, 15 with unilateral functional ankle instability and 14 healthy control subjects, consented to participate. Bilateral soleus, peroneal, and tibialis anterior H-reflex and M-wave recruitment curves were obtained. Maximal H-reflex and maximal M-wave values were identified and the H:M ratios were calculated for data analysis. Separate 1 × 2 ANOVA were done for both the functional ankle instability and control groups to evaluate differences between limbs on the H:M ratios. Bonferroni multiple comparison procedures were used for post hoc comparisons ( p ≤ 0.05). Results: The soleus and peroneal H:M ratios for subjects with functional ankle instability were smaller in the injured limb when compared with the uninjured limb (p < 0.05). No limb difference was detected for the tibialis anterior H:M ratio in the functional ankle instability group ( p = 0.904). No side-to-side differences were detected for the H:M ratios in patients reporting no history of ankle injury ( p > 0.05). Conclusions: Depressed H:M ratios in the injured limb suggest that arthrogenic muscle inhibition is present in the ankle musculature of patients exhibiting functional ankle instability. Establishing and using therapeutic techniques to reverse arthrogenic muscle inhibition may reduce the incidence of functional ankle instability.
The Effects of Exhaustive Work on Choice Reaction Time Performance
Authors: Schutz Rodney K. , Smith Thomas F.
Published: July 2017

Reaction time and error rates on a simple reaction task and on a two-stage choice reaction task were measured. Performance was measured before, during and after exhaustive exercise. Nine exercise conditions were tested using a bicycle ergometer based on three pedal forces of 12.6, 21.1 and 29.5 pounds and three pedal rates of 30, 60 and 90 rpms. Exercise was continued until exhaustion or for 20 minutes. Eleven male subjects were randomly assigned to an eight man exercise group or a three-man control group. The study was conducted in three phases; an unlearned phase, a training phase and a fully learned phase.
Individual Differences in Timesharing Performance
Authors: Damos Diane L.
Published: July 2017

Individuals involved in training operators of complex systems have observed that trainees differ widely in the time they require to learn a multiple-task job and their terminal level of performance. Individual differences in performance under multiple-task conditions also have been noted to be larger than corresponding differences in single-task performance. These differences have been attributed to timesharing skills, skills required only in the multiple-task situation. Timesharing skills include such skills as parallel information processing, rapid intertask switching, and efficient response strategies.
Human Engineering Design Criteria—The Value of Obsolete Standards and Guides
Authors: Chaikin Gerald
Published: July 2017

Careful assessment of the origin and intent of design provisions can take on added importance in light of current policies within the Department of Defense regarding tailoring of specifications and standards and reduction of interpretation stringency where marginal benefits of a standard requirement cannot rationalize cost-effective application to system needs. This paper shows how tracing human engineering design criteria to determine validity and applicability, as developed from its sources, could become a useful technique and how the ancestors of current human engineering standards take on some value. The development of the current military standard for human engineering is also described.
Survey of Temporal Factors Affecting Visual Display Capabilities
Authors: Tynan Paul , Sekuler Robert
Published: July 2017

We conducted an extensive literature survey designed to produce a document that would analyze and summarize the role of temporal factors in display design. The survey revealed that there were no data available on several questions crucial to problems in human engineering. We suggest some lines of future research and possible changes in the Military Standard.
Estimating Percentiles of Nonnormal Anthropometric Populations Final Report
Authors: Martz H. F.
Published: July 2017

The most commonly used method for estimating percentiles of anthropometric populations is based on the assumption that the population is normally distributed. This assumption is approximately true for many such variables, e.g., hip breadth. On the other hand, numerous nonnormally distributed anthropometric populations are known to exist, e.g., grip strength. The question of how to estimate percentiles of nonnormal populations is addressed here.

A nonparametric percentile estimation method, based on the use of a kernel-type probability density function estimator, is presented. A “nonparametric” method is defined as a method that does not make or require any assumption about the statistical distribution of the underlying population. Thus, the method can be applied to any population of anthropometric data, regardless of the normality of the data. The method is simple to use; however, a single nonlinear equation must be numerically solved on a computer by any one of numerous well-documented nonlinear root finding methods.

Two examples are used to illustrate the method. In the first example, selected samples of size 50 of hip breadth data are randomly drawn from a population of size 2420 observations from the 1967 anthropometric survey of U.S. Air Force flying personnel. The proposed method is compared to the standard gaussian method. Since this population was selected as normally distributed, the standard method outperforms the proposed nonparametric method. In the case of grip-strength data, the proposed method yields more accurate estimates, in a mean squared error sense, of the upper percentiles of this population. For anthropometric distributions known to be nonnormal or where normality cannot be assumed, the proposed nonparametric method appears a method for consideration.
Relationship between Lifting Capacity and Injury in Occupations Requiring Lifting
Authors: Mital A. , Ayoub M. M. , Asfour S. S. , Bethea N. J.
Published: July 2017

There are several factors which affect the lifting capacity. These factors can be categorized under the following:

1. individual characteristics, 2. task variables, and 3. environmental conditions.

This paper presents the methods used to determine the lifting capacity for male and female industrial workers, as well as the models developed to predict this capacity under several conditions of the task variables (height level, frequency, and box size). Since overloading and underloading in manual materials handling is undesirable, field data were collected to investigate the effects of job demands on manual materials handling injuries.

As opposed to the physiological approach, no difference was found in the lifting capacity due to age. While both weight and work rate are important, work rate was a more effective and logical single measure of back injuries or stress than weight.
Locating and Reducing Cognitive Load in Paced and Unpaced Tasks
Authors: Knight James L. , Salvendy Gavriel , Endicott Gary , Basila Barbara , Sharit Joseph
Published: July 2017

Heart rate variability often decreases with increased cognitive load (Kalsbeek, 1971). Studies (Manenica, 1977) varying task pacing requirements unexpectedly revealed decreased SA in self-pacing (self-controlled intra-task event timing) compared to external-pacing (experimenter- or apparatus-controlled event timing). But why should self-pacing ever involve higher cognitive load? Since Ss must time events and otherwise monitor and structure their own performance in self- but not external-pacing, perhaps these responsibilities lead to higher cognitive load in self-pacing when work-rates are equated between self-and externally-paced conditions.

Two experiments were conducted to examine possible sources of cognitive load in self-pacing. In Experiment II, an attempt was made to reduce cognitive load by providing new sources of extrinsic feedback on a visual display. In both studies physical work load was held constant across experimental conditions.
ATC Simulations for the Implementation of Bilingual IFR Control in Canada
Authors: Stager Paul
Published: July 2017

Enroute and Terminal Control Area simulation exercises involving certified bilingual controllers from Montreal Center have been conducted in order to develop procedures for the implementation of bilingual IFR control in the Province of Quebec. The enroute phase of the program was designed to determine the effect of bilingual control on controller performance and the supplementary procedures required in both a radar and non-radar environment. The effects of traffic load, language, and type of sector on communication characteristics, controller errors, and control effectiveness were also observed. In the terminal control phase, the effect of varying work load as a function of the runway-in-use was also included in the analysis of arrival and departure control. Aircraft simulators integrated within the simulations, initially by voice-link and later by data-link, enabled representative pilots from professional aviation associations to evaluate the simulation exercises and the proposed bilingual system. Independent exercises investigated bilingual control procedures in situations of an exceptional nature in the terminal and enroute sectors.
Information Content and Task Performance: A Study of the Older Worker
Authors: Kochhar Dev S. , Ali Hatem M.
Published: July 2017

A study was conducted to investigate the variation in speed of performance and decision making ability with age. Twenty volunteers from local industry formed the subject group. Ten of these ranged in age from 52 to 63 years. The control group ranged in age from 18 to 29 years. The task performed involved decision making hand movement and positioning elements. Three levels of information load (2, 3 and 4 bits), four distances of move (7“, 10”, 13“ and 16”), and four levels of radial clearance (0.008“, 0.063”, 0.25“ and 0.75”) were taken as independent variables. The dependent variable, performance time, was composed of the decision and movement time components (DT and MT). In addition, heart rate was also monitored.

It was found that age was a significant determinant of performance time (p ≤ .01). The components of performance time, i.e., decision and movement times were both significantly higher for the older subjects as compared to the younger ones (p ≤ .01) reflecting the fact that there is some natural slowing of psychomotor function with age in such combined manual and decision tasks. The information load and the distance of move were significant determinants of decision time and also of movement time (p < 0.01). The clearance was a significant determinant of movement time (p < 0.01). The difference between the older subjects and the younger subjects in decision time increased with an increase in the information load. An analysis of the performance errors for the self paced task indicated that the slowing among the older subjects was not observed at the expense of accuracy. The study provided no evidence that age has an effect on heart rate variability under different levels of information load and task difficulty.
Human Factors and Safety in Nuclear Power Plant Control Rooms
Authors: Stiehl C. Christian , Pfauth Michael J.
Published: July 2017

The safety of nuclear power plants, particularly with regard to human factors concerns, has been the subject of several studies in the past few years. These studies have established the need for human factors research in nuclear power plants. Power plant operators and regulatory agencies have responded by funding further research and implementing safety programs that reflect human engineering principles. An example of an industry-sponsored research effort is reported. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the probable operator responses to a large earthquake in the vicinity of Pacific Gas and Electric's Diablo Canyon facility. As a result of this effort, several improvements were made in the control room and related facilities.
Instructional System Analysis Applied to Health and Safety Training in the Coal Industry
Authors: Menzer George W. , Curtin James G.
Published: July 2017

A comprehensive health and safety training program was developed for entry level underground and surface coal miners in West Virginia using the Instructional System Development approach. To develop this program a safety task analysis was first conducted of all entry miner tasks. In conjunction with the task analyses, an investigation of the educational level, learning ability, demographic characteristics and attitudes of the miners was made. Training objectives and test items were developed from the task analysis data. Instructional materials were developed based on the derived learning objectives and behavioral characteristics of the trainees. The programs were implemented into the State during 1977. Following the Implementation an extensive evaluation program was conducted. The program development process and the evaluation data are briefly described in this paper.
Memory Organization and Algorithmic Logic Segments of Computer Programs
Authors: Norcio Anthony F.
Published: July 2017

Investigations into human memory organization have shown that memory plays a key role in human problem solving and text processing. Memory organization of natural language processing has been shown to follow phrase structure segments of the language's grammar. Research has shown that the error frequency in memory recall experiments is significantly greater at phrase segment boundaries than within phrase structure units.
Perception of Graphic Displays of Space
Authors: Rosinski Richard R.
Published: July 2017

When graphic representations of spatial layout are viewed from geometrically incorrect station points, the virtual space is transformed or distorted. In order to assess the effects of such distortions on perceived space, observers were required to make direct scale judgments of surface orientations under seven degrees of optical magnification. It was found that magnification (minification) compresses (dilates) perceived space. The results suggest that accuracy of perception of spatial layout may be increased by manipulating virtual space.
Augmented Feedback in Adaptive Motor Skill Training
Authors: Cote David O. , Williges Beverly H. , Williges Robert C.
Published: July 2017

Two training models in motor learning and the effects of visually presented augmented feedback on training and transfer were examined in two studies using a two-dimensional pursuit tracking task. Training in both studies consisted of 3-min trials and continued until criterion performance was attained. The transfer task used in both studies consisted of one 7-min session in which tracking difficulty shifted each minute. In Study I, the combined effects of training type and augmented feedback on training time and transfer performance were examined. Twenty-four male college students were randomly assigned to one of four training conditions. These were: (1) fixed-difficulty with no augmented feedback, (2) fixed-difficulty with augmented feedback, (3) automatic adaptive with no augmented feedback, and (4) automatic adaptive with augmented feedback. In transfer, no feedback was given in all groups. No differences in training time were observed. However, subjects trained using the automatic adaptive model exhibited significantly less tracking error in transfer. In Study II, four automatic adaptive training conditions were used to examine possible interactions between the automatic adaptive training model and feedback cues in training and transfer. Six male college students were randomly assigned to each condition. Feedback in the four conditions was: (1) training-no feedback, transfer-no feedback, (2) training-feedback, transfer-no feedback, (3) training-no feedback, transfer-feedback, and (4) training-feedback, transfer-feedback. No reliable differences due to feedback occurred in training or transfer. The lack of reliable differences due to feedback in both studies is believed to be a result of an overload of the visual channel.
Human Behavior in Extreme Situations: Generalizations from a Review of the Disaster Literature
Authors: Levit Robert A.
Published: July 2017

The psycho-social and physical disruptions characterized as disasters occur quite frequently. Human factors professionals, like most individuals, tend not to think about disaster until it happens to them. The result is very little human factors research on topics pertinent to disaster management. Generalizations from the disaster literature are coupled with a review of exemplary human factors studies to explore some general principles of disaster management.
Application of a Performance Model to Assess Aviator Critical Incidence
Authors: Shannon Richard H.
Published: July 2017

Previous research by the author had developed nine regression equations to assess student aviator performance at various stages of naval air training. The predictor variables were twelve factors based on error behavior in the first stage of training (primary phase). The purpose of the present research was to extend this model by longitudinally assessing the same 78 pilots into the fleet. Mishap safety records of these pilots were investigated. Of this sample, 20 were observed having an incident anywhere from three months to six years after the primary training phase. Discriminate analysis was performed using a two group separation into critical and non-critical performers. The predictor variables were the same twelve factors and nine stage grades used during model development. A chi-square test was performed on the 2×2 table of predicted versus actual critical/non-critical behavior. The value was highly significant (x2 = 12.0, p <.001) with 58 hits, 20 misses and a phi correlation of .394. A paradoxical trend was indicated by the data: those individuals with high grades and low errors were the ones having the major share of mishaps, while the reverse was true of the non-critical performers.
Factors That Affect Display Size Criteria in a Cockpit Display System
Authors: Barnes Michael J.
Published: July 2017

The first simulation experiment used a saturated partial factorial design (Simon, 1973) to screen for the most important factors from 10 candidates identified in a literature review (Barnes, 1976). The results of the second experiment were used to generate regression models which predicted detection performance in terms of display size, number of targets, target/background contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and target configuration. Further analysis was done to investigate subject differences using d' and β measures from signal detection theory. Differences in decision criterion (β) were nearly as important as differences in sensory processing sensitivity (d') as an explanation for subject performance.
Human Factors in the Design of Effective Product Warnings
Authors: Dorris Alan L. , Purswell Jerry L.
Published: July 2017

Warning messages for product use are important for the safety of the user and to fulfill the legal duty to warn on the part of the manufacturer. A number of issues related to the design of such warnings have been neglected by human factors specialists. The studies that have been done have been primarily for private companies or in conjunction with litigation after an accident has occurred. Thus, little is available in the open literature.

This paper points out some related behavioral work which has been published and outlines the problems associated with designing effective product warnings. Suggestions are made for further research.
Design Factors in the Use of Isolated Word Recognition for Speech Therapy
Authors: Joost Michael G. , Petry Frederick E.
Published: July 2017

Recent advances In technology have presented tremendous potential for providing assistance to individuals suffering from a variety of disabilities. At the Computer Speech Research laboratory, low-cost microcomputers and vocal input/output devices are being utilized to deal with several aspects of these problems. This paper discusses an application in which computer speech input is used to provide training assistance in the speech therapy environment. Results of a pilot utilizing discriminant analysis techniques are presented and discussed.
The Use of Color-Coded Symbols in a Highly Dense Situation Display
Authors: Kopala Carole Jean
Published: July 2017

The effectiveness of redundant color-coding for displays used by highly-loaded operators performing a series of complex tasks has never been clearly demonstrated. Pilot flight performance and threat recognition performance using two coding conditions for a threat display were compared in a simulated mission. One coding condition consisted of shape-coded symbols, the other of symbols that were both color- and shape-coded. Redundant color-coding was found to significantly reduce both response time and error rate.
Standardization of Geometric Radar Symbology: Stereotyped Meanings and Paper-and-Pencil Testing
Authors: Carter Richard J.
Published: July 2017

The initial studies that have been conducted to derive a standard set of geometric symbols for application to future radar assisted air defense systems are presented. Experiment I was aimed at determining whether or not particular shapes exist in our population as stereotypes for the meanings friendly, hostile, and unknown. The second step in the research was directed towards finding a set of symbols which can be easily discriminated and quickly reacted to in a paper-and-pencil mode.
Development of Performance Evaluation Tests for Environmental Research (PETER): Arithmetic Computation
Authors: Seales D. M. , Kennedy R. S. , Bittner A. C.
Published: July 2017

A paper-and-pencil test of simple arithmetic ability was found to be exceptionally well suited for inclusion in a battery of Performance Evaluation Tests for Environmental Research (PETER). Mean performance stabilized after nine days of baseline testing. Variance was constant throughout fifteen days of baseline testing. “Task definition” was high, and “differential stability” was present from the outset. Subjects apparently came to this test with well established differential levels of arithmetic ability.
Deriving Building Design Strategies Based on Occupant Thermal Comfort Using the Thermal Simulation Computer Program UWENSOL
Authors: Heerwagen D.R. , Emery A.F. , Kippenhan C.J. , Varey G.B.
Published: July 2017

The development of a simulation computer program for predicting occupant thermal comfort in new buildings is described. The assessment of comfort is performed using the Fanger algorithm and scales—the Predicted Mean Vote and the Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied. A case study demonstrating the use of this design aid is presented, and discussion is offered regarding field tests concerning the Fanger model as previously reported by Howell and Kennedy.
Spherical Harmonics: A New Method for Estimating Maximum Reach Distance
Authors: Boydstun L.E. , Armstrong T.J. , Bookstein F.L. , Kessel D.
Published: July 2017

Traditional methodology for estimating maximum reach distances has relied primarily on regression analysis or visual data smoothing. This paper evaluates alternative maximum reach estimation techniques including splines, periodic splines, and spherical harmonics. The results indicate that spherical harmonics are most suited for reach estimation due to the spherical nature of the data. A spherical harmonic maximum reach model is developed based on R2 and standard error values and residual plots. Three dimensional computer plots of the residuals provide a clear picture of potential model biases. Model parameters are obtained for 5th, 50th, and 95th percentiles for individuals and populations in the constrained-back seating posture.
Environmental Stressors as Causal Factors for Driver Fatigue
Authors: Romansky Michael L. , Plummer Ralph W. , Neumann Edward S.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the investigation was to evaluate the relative effects of a moderate or suboptimal level of environmental heat and noise stress on individuals by utilizing performance and nonperformance parameters.

Twenty-five male undergraduate and graduate students attending West Virginia University volunteered as subjects for this laboratory study. Each subject was isolated in a specially constructed chamber. Heat and noise were designated as the two independent variables used in the investigation. The effects of both variables on five dependent measures were evaluated for a nonstress condition and for a stress condition. Four physiological variables, which included heart rate, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid level were used to assess the level of psychophysiological arousal or activation attributed to the heat and noise stress. Task performance was measured in the form of reaction time to a visual stimulus.

The data analyses revealed the influential effects of the two environmental test conditions. Relative to the nonstress condition, values for heart rate, heart rate variability, galvanic skin response, and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid level were significantly greater for the stress condition. Continuous exposure to the stress condition precipitated an increase in the level of psychophysiological arousal. Reaction times to the visual display were significantly greater for the stress condition than for the nonstress condition. The decrement in task performance occurred cumulatively over the duration of the experiment.
Development and Application of a Task Taxonomy for Tactical Flying
Authors: Meyer Robert P. , Laveson Jack I. , Pape Gary L. , Edwards Bernell J.
Published: July 2017

The data base for this taxonomy was obtained from the task analysis of sixteen basic fighter maneuvers. The next step was the development of nine classification rules designed to process these analyses into usable data for the taxonomic system.

The taxonomic system allowed the task and skill information within the structure to be sorted, organized, and compared in a variety of combinations which can be useful to the training specialist. The taxonomic system thus permitted a number of applications. Basic skill comparisons were made across tasks and permitted the identification of skill criticality for specific training objectives. The frequency, complexity, and sequencing of specific skills required for various selected maneuvers were also compared and common elements identified. The system was also used to analyze the skills within a given group of tasks in order to design a single standard task which would contain a high percentage of skills identical to those of a given task group.
The Effect of Image Quality on Search for Static and Dynamic Targets: MTFA-Performance Correlations
Authors: Gutmann James C. , Snyder Harry L. , Farley Willard W. , Evans John E.
Published: July 2017

This report contains the results of two experiments which investigated the effects of the quality of a televised image on eye movements and search-related measures. The first experimental search task involved having subjects perform an air-to-ground search during a simulated flight. The quality of the image presented was varied by either passing, low-pass filtering, or attenuating the video signal and by adding electrical white noise to the video signal. Low to moderate correlations between modulation transfer function area (MTFA) and performance measures generally indicated that as MTFA increases performance improves and fixation durations decrease. The search task of the second experiment consisted of having the subjects search for a designated letter or numeral across a televised picture of randomly positioned letters and numerals. The quality of the picture was varied by either passing, low-pass filtering, high-pass filtering, or attenuating the video signal and by adding electrical white noise to the video signal. Correlations between MTFA and performance measures indicated that increases in MTFA lead to decreases in search time and decreases in fixation duration.
Driver Visibility Quality: An Electro-Optical Device for In-Vehicle Measurement of MTF (Contrast-Transmittance) through Windshields, Mirrors, and other Glazing Systems
Authors: Merritt John O. , Seltzer Merlyn L. , Sanderson Glenn A. , Newton Robert E.
Published: July 2017

An electro-optical Visibility Quality Meter (VQM) has been developed to provide quantitative measurements of MTF (modulation transfer function, an index of contrast reduction as a function of target size). VQM meter data showed excellent agreement with human visual tests under a variety of visibility degradations (windshield fogging, icing, dust and road film, interior reflections, glare, etc.). Since many of the driver's visual tasks involve visual targets which are relatively large but low in contrast, visibility is often limited by contrast threshold rather than by resolution threshold. The VQM provides a practical and simple means for establishing and monitoring standards of driver visibility quality in automotive glazing systems. A final report for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (contract DOT-HS-6–01426) provides details of the contruction of the VQM, the optical properties of the test samples, the correlations between meter data and human visual data, and the implications of this research for minimum visibility standards and driver vision screening programs.