bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco-Design and Materials Selection for Street Furniture; A Necessarily Ergonomic Approach in Urban Design
Authors: de AssunçãO Braga , Câmara Jairo J. D.
Published: January 2012

This paper intends to show some urban design case studies developed during a two year master graduate research conducted by the first author, directed by the second author, in the research line of design and materials selection of the REDEMAT-UFOP/CETEC/UEMG. In dealing with street furniture design the research was faced basically with urban design matters, but the theme requires knowledge developed in other areas, such as industrial design and materials engineering. Because of the interdisciplinarity naturally present in this case the researchers came to ergonomics as the best organizing methodology to approach the issue established. Some of the conclusions in the main research work showed that in spite of the many complexities faced in such cases, the interdisciplinarity necessarily present and the whole complex issue of street furniture can best be dealt with if and when the ergonomic methodologies are employed. Because that's a simple methodology that can be easily understood and well employed by design professionals from different areas.
Ecotourism and Sustained Development as a Third World Country Best Choice for an Enterprise
Authors: de Souza Christianne Coelho , Fialho Francisco Antonio Pereira
Published: January 2012

This paper presents ecotourism as an alternative for nature preservation, and sustainable development in poor countries whose natural resources are the focus of interest of more powerful nations, In spite of a discourse favoring nature preservation, what we have is a NIMBY (not in my backyard) approach where poor countries are turned into garbage deposit for the rich ones.
ErgoKnowMe – Computer-Based Analyses and Management of Knowledge in the Assessment of Working Environments
Authors: Hackl-Gruber Walter , Morscher Marcel , Schwendenwein Gerald
Published: January 2012

Our client and partner, a public accident-insurance company (equivalent to the Worker's Compensation Insurance in the U.S.), has shifted their focus towards the consultation in the designing and redesigning of workplaces. Therefore, after conducting a series of careful analyses, we ascertained that a computer-based system would greatly assist these experts with their analyzing and consulting projects. This viable system, called “ErgoKnowMe”, was successfully tested both in the laboratory and in the field.
Environmental Conditions of the Work Organization for the Disabled People
Authors: Górska Ewa
Published: January 2012

A disabled person in a company is affected by a number of various environmental conditions. Among these the most important are such as organizational, technical, social, economic and, finally, legal working conditions. The standard and quality of the just mentioned conditions determine significantly the way in which a disabled person performs the assigned tasks and duties in the company and it also helps to create the individual sense of self-fulfillment and work satisfaction. What is more, at the same time the level of environmental conditions influences directly work efficiency and profits of the company. It must be clearly stated that working conditions do not appear immediately and spontaneously - they need careful planning and modern organization. This research paper presents the environmental conditions and discusses a model design of the work organization for the disabled people.
Incorporating Service Learning in an Introductory Human Factors Course
Authors: Klatsky Gary J.
Published: January 2012

The integration of service learning opportunities within an academic experience has enhanced the academic performance of the students and provided them with a sense of community and social involvement. The use of service learning was expanded by incorporating into a human factors course. Students evaluated the ergonomic design of elder care facilities in Oswego, NY. Through a literature review, interviews with residents and staff and their own evaluations, students assessed the ergonomics of two elder care facilities and presented their assessments to the facilities' administrators. All of the goals of the service learning component were met. Students were given a “real world” human factors problem to address, they provided information to the elder care facilities that will improve the quality of care provided to the residents, and the students developed a greater awareness of the needs of the elderly population.
Teaching Applied Experimental Psychology Using a Living Laboratory
Authors: Benne Marcie R. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

Five principles of high-performance skill training were integrated into our undergraduate engineering psychology/human factors laboratory. This was accomplished by applying what we refer to as a living laboratory concept. The living laboratory is a focused field experience that practices the skills of a human factors professional. The skills exercised by this living laboratory included information gathering, analyzing practical problems, generating solutions and communicating with clients. The students learned to utilize tools such as task analyses, function analyses, function allocations, traffic flow analyses, and questionnaires. Their project was to design an educational and user-friendly instructional system for a popular exhibit at a local zoo. The zoo's education staff played the role of the “client” for the students and required the students to report on their solutions in relation to the zoo's goals and the exhibit's purpose. These same general skills can transfer to other living laboratories. The advantages of the living laboratory model include the exercise of high performance skills along five criteria as suggested by training research.
Research Experience for Undergraduates – Motivating and Retaining Bright Engineering Students
Authors: Resnick Marc L. , Centeno Martha A. , Giachetti Ronald
Published: January 2012

From 1997–2000, the National Science Foundation has funded a research program at Florida International University with the purpose of encouraging bright engineering undergraduates to pursue graduate degrees and careers in engineering. The program was initiated because of a realization that the first two years of the undergraduate curriculum is full of math-intensive courses that undergraduates find to be very difficult and often perceive them as irrelevant. As a result, many good students get disillusioned with engineering and transfer to other majors. Our hypothesis is that if they get involved in applied projects early in their academic programs and have a chance to participate in real engineering design, they will be motivated to complete their engineering degrees. The long term success of the REU program cannot be measured until the careers of these students are established. However, immediate results can be seen both quantitatively and anecdotally. At the completion of each academic year and summer session, participating students Fill out questionnaires about their experience in the program and their plans for the future. Their responses indicate a strong likelihood for retention in engineering. The students' actions also indicate success. Several of the students have pursued internships and other extra curricular activities in the subject areas of their projects, suggesting that they plan to pursue these areas further. Early participation in research projects clearly provides motivation for students.
Occupational Ergonomics Case Studies to Enhance Safety and Health Education
Authors: Bernard Tracey M.
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews the use of occupational case study projects to give graduate students in an Ergonomics and Biomechanics course hands-on practice in relevant skills translatable to their future profession. For the case study, student teams assess work (a job) to recommend control strategies through use of evaluation techniques such as: checklists, surveys, questionnaires, and anthropometric, biomechanical and psychophysical methods. Over forty studies have been performed by student teams over nine semesters. These have included evaluations of office ergonomics, hand-intensive assembly processes, grocery/department store cashiers, manual handling of drums, transfer of hospital patients, and maintenance/waste disposal crews. When presenting their work, students have stated they feel a sense of accomplishment at having completed a real-world, relevant, ergonomics project.
Analysis of the Changes in Activity in a School after Installing SGQ ISO 9000
Authors: Ferraz Fernando Toledo , Mahler Claudio Fernando
Published: January 2012

This paper is the result of a process of intervention in a special school for the mentally impaired. The team worked under the sponsorship of a state incentive program for disseminating quality in the Rio de Janeiro state organizations. The purpose of the intervention was to formalize administrative procedures and educational practices in the institution. After the school was awarded the ISO 9000 certificate, an assessment was made of the impact of this new system on the perceived workload and in the contents of the tasks performed by the people.

The methodology used consisted of assessing the contents of activities at times before and after the implementation of the SGQ. A questionnaire was also used to assess the perception of the employees on changes with regard to the clarity of their roles, perceived work load, level of interpersonal conflict and facility to perform routine activities.

The conclusions point to significant changes with regard to the clear understanding of the responsibilities and role of the employees. There seems to be no significant statistic changes regarding the workers' attitude towards the organization. The implementation of the SGQ, in its turn, does not seem to have significantly affected the levels of interpersonal conflict in the organization under study.
The Patient as an Organizational Agent in a Hospital
Authors: Vidal Mario Cesar , Drucker Luciana , da Silva Paulo Sergio Soares , Novo Jean Marcel Faria
Published: January 2012

The present paper derives from our experience with the qualifying program in Hospital Ergonomics. The subject we are pointing at is the rebuilding of this hospital system by joining efforts - Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital and the GENTE/COPPE. In the describing phase of the ergonomic intervention we've noticed the important role played by patients in the management of their medical dossier. This organizational phenomenon was not a simple dysfunction but a frequent informal procedure, an undesirable macroergonomic effect of the major organizational politics.
Human Factors and Ergonomics in the Planing of Production
Authors: Jensen Per Langaa
Published: January 2012

The integration of ergonomics in design and planing has always been an ambition within ergonomics, but experience show that it is an ideal difficult to bring into practice. Presently tools, methods and procedures are asked for. This paper argues - by presenting an overview of existing recommendations - that this is not actually what presently is needed especially not form research and development. It is suggested that a better understanding of change processes in organisations and especially of the role of the change agent is needed, and an understanding based on understanding organisations as political arenas is advocated.
Quality Institutionalization in a Public Service Organization: Management Implications Derived from the City of Vienna Study
Authors: Korunka Christian , Scharitzer Dieter
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of the implementation of quality-related changes (New Public Management, NPM) in a public service organization on perceived quality institutionalization, customer satisfaction and employees' strain and satisfaction.

The study was realized in a single-case longitudinal design. The case consists of a large municipal service organization responsible for the area's public housing system. Organizational changes include a comprehensive organizational restructuring process (including the opening of 10 customer service units), the development of a new, consequently customer-centered orientation, and a general process-and quality orientation. Measurements were taken in each of the service units before the organizational change, and in two stages of the change process.

This paper focuses on management implications based on the results of this study.
The Development and Application of an Instrument for Measurement of Quality Institutionalization
Authors: Sainfort Francois , Carayon Pascale , Smith Michael J. , Yen Ying-Jung , Lund John , Taveira Alvaro , James Craig , Hoonakker Peter , Korunka Christian
Published: January 2012

In this paper, a questionnaire survey aimed at measuring the institutionalization of Total Quality Management is presented. The core part of the questionnaire is a set of questions on Quality institutionalization that are based on the Malcolm Baldrige award criteria. Data was collected from 494 employees in two public sector organizations in the Midwest. Various analyses were conducted to examine the validity and reliability of the questions on Quality institutionalization. Factor analysis led to the creation of five scales of TQM institutionalization: leadership, human resources, quality processes and results, customer focus, and information and data analysis. Analyses demonstrated the good validity and reliability of the instrument for measuring TQM institutionalization.
System for Appraisal of Company Managerial Staff
Authors: Jasiak Aleksandra E. , Dahlke Grzegorz
Published: January 2012

The paper presents the concept of a computer-aided system for periodical evaluations of middle and top managers conceived as a universal human resource management tool.
Evaluation of a Novice Driver CD-Rom Based Training Program: A Simulator Study
Authors: Regan Michael. A. , Triggs Thomas J. , Godley Stuart T.
Published: January 2012

The Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) in Melbourne, Australia, recently completed research which culminated in the development of a CD ROM-based perceptual and cognitive skills training product for young novice car drivers. This paper describes the design of an experiment, using an advanced driving simulator located at MUARC, to evaluate the instructional effectiveness of the product.
Applying Digital Training Technologies to Shape User Representations
Authors: Lickteig Carl W.
Published: January 2012

Training methods are needed to apply the power of digital technology to shape user representations. This paper examines how digital training methods might shape users' mental representations to improve pattern and situation recognition skills. The methods described exploit the ability of digital technology to control information representations and training conditions. These methods may apply to numerous educational and training contexts. The method application examples illustrate how computers could help soldiers develop more meaningful battlefield representations.
Eye-Movements during Unit-Task Execution in a Complex Problem-Solving Situation
Authors: Sohn Myeong-Ho , Douglass Scott A. , Chen Mon-Chu , Anderson John R.
Published: January 2012

We have studied the performance of subjects as they acquired skill in the Georgia Tech Aegis Simulation Program (GT-ASP) with a particular focus on their eye movements. Our task analysis showed that the GT-ASP breaks down into the selection of unit tasks and the execution of these unit tasks. We focused on the Identification unit-task. Our results showed that most of the practice benefit in Identification came from increasing efficiency during cognitive process, in which people make inferences and decisions on the basis of the currently available information. We also analyzed eye fixations when people perform this unit-task. Participants showed different fixation patterns, depending on what portion of the unit-task was being executed. Fluency in a dynamic complex problem-solving seems to be achieved by efficiency in cognitive as well as perceptual processes.
Application of an Event-Based Situation Awareness Methodology: Measuring Situation Awareness in an Operational Context
Authors: Milham Laura M. , Barnett John S. , Oser Randall L.
Published: January 2012

The focus of the present paper is on the application of an event-based approach to the assessment of situational awareness (SA). Event-based approaches present measurement opportunities by systematically introducing exercise events or capitalizing on naturally occurring events in order to evaluate targeted competencies (such as behaviors related to SA). This approach works well for assessment of SA because events can be used to elicit behaviors that are often covert; monitoring the environment, for example. Typically, event-based approaches are applied in a laboratory setting, such as a flight simulator, where it is possible to control the introduction of events. In the present application, the event-based approach was applied to assess SA performance during dynamic flight events, where precise control could not be exerted. The ways in which the application was and was not successful, and ways in which this approach can be used to present training feedback are presented.
Corporate Initiatives in Ergonomics
Authors: Hägg Göran M
Published: January 2012

Some basic elements of corporate initiatives in ergonomics are reviewed. Different types of programs are identified such as interventions and continuous processes. Other elements are health surveillance, work station design and choice of tools, product design, quality aspects, participative aspects and education, training and information. The implementation of ergonomics programs vary substantially depending on type of company and company policies and organisation. It is concluded that ergonomics programs are beneficial in most enterprises. A participative approach as well as ergonomics expertise are crucial ingridients for a successful program. The most successful programs are integrated with the over all strategy of the enterprise.
Towards a Framework for Quality of Interactions between Humans, Technology and Organization
Authors: Eklund Jörgen
Published: January 2012

Cases from production as well as product use support that quality for the end customer can only be performed if there is quality in all processes and work activities leading to the delivery of the product or service. A conditional requirement is that these work activities are free from risks of accidents, health impairments and that they promote well-being for the employees. An integrated ergonomics and quality approach is therefore to focus the interactions that take place within the work activities, and between humans, technology, organization and environment. Finally, a framework is proposed for this. It supports a methodology to analyze the interactions that take place.
Macroergonomic Methods and Tools for Improved Performance and Well-Being: Symposium Overview
Authors: Kleiner Brian M.
Published: January 2012

A symposium, brings together some of the world's most respected researchers and practitioners to discuss the latest methods and tools of macroergonomics. Specific sessions include: Introduction to Macroergonomics; Knowledge and Service Work Environments; Impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); Industrial Environments and the Impact of Intelligent Manufacturing; Community and Public Environments; Hazardous Environments; Government (e.g. military) Environments and Healthcare Environments.
Constructing a Battlespace to Understand Macroergonomic Factors in Team Situation Awareness
Authors: Perusich Karl , McNeese Michael D.
Published: January 2012

As socio-technical systems increase the capability to acquire, analyze, and disseminate information, the concept of a multi-dimensional battlespace has been developed as a means to understand the ways a myriad of socio-cognitive / macroergonomic factors interact and impact the execution of a plan of action. Defined within this battlespace are various ways in which individual actors and teams of actors can access information and the impact their decisions will have on the overall evolved problem space. Although convenient for conceptualizing the many complexities and dimensionalities involved in the modern military decision making environment, a specific battlespace often lacks substance. Being aware of the dynamics and intricacies of the battlespace is a key determinant of whether team situation awareness is present, so without a contextual definition it has little value in understanding or improving the military decision making process. In this paper, the methods and results of constructing a battlespace using fuzzy cognitive maps will be described. The example was developed as part of a multi-team exercise that constructed rules of engagement for tasking various Air Force assets dealing with SCUD attacks in a hypothetical North Korean attack against South Korea.
Ergonomics and Workforce Vitality
Authors: Bariow Jessica , Getty Robert L.
Published: January 2012

Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems (LMTAS) has launched a Workforce Vitality program with the objective to spawn an environment where people believe they not only are empowered, but also have an obligation to speak up whenever they see something that needs to be changed or improved. Banners or slogans are not part of this program. It is a commitment to see a new way of doing business. Soon after the program was introduced, the highest percentage of suggestions was to have the work areas improved to meet ergonomic criteria. Once the employees and management saw the potential for ergonomics improvement to their work area, this requirement became equal with quality and productivity as an objective. This paper will review the LMTAS Workforce Vitality Program and draw parallels with ergonomic improvements. Such a comparison will show that the objectives of the Workforce Vitality program are complemented with ergonomics.
Representing Nursing Knowledge: Applications for Database Design
Authors: Jones Josette , Brennan Patricia F.
Published: January 2012

With the integration of health information available on the World Wide Web (WWW) in clinical practice, information management becomes more important than ever before. Although an on-line system could provide nurses with timely and convenient access to health information for discharge teaching, most nurses still rely on traditional practices such as written discharge notes and brochures. Nurses find the volume of information on the WWW overwhelming, the task of sorting out irrelevant and inaccurate information too difficult, and the time to search for information too long.

Professional use of these resources requires an alternative organization, such as data repositories (i.e. electronic databases.) These are organized collections of information resources with indexes that support precise and sensitive retrieval. The paper reflects on consideration that organizing and indexing of on-line health information resources for professional use has a pragmatic facet: meet actual and future needs and requests for information. Hence, an information resource should not only be analyzed in and of itself, but should also be analyzed from the point of view of what questions it may or may not answer in the future. To search effectively, both indexers and searchers must understand the language used to represent the documents. The concepts that nurses most likely will use to seek information are domain-specific and reflect their practice. Several nursing knowledge representation systems or terminology models sexist but the question arises as to whether their understanding and use makes them adequate representations for consistently effective searches. The paper also reports on the results of indexing Web Pages using a medical (including nursing) controlled vocabulary (MeSH).
How to Surpass Impossible Tasks in Work Life Transition
Authors: Launis Kirsti , Niemelä Anna-Liisa , Kantola Tarja
Published: January 2012

In the change process the workers feel motivated and satisfied, but they also experience significant stress, fatigue and feelings of incompetence related to the transitions. Most of the stress, fatigue and feelings of incompetence related to transitions at work seem to derive from tasks which, in spite of training programs, are experienced as impossible double bindings by the workers. Our ethnographic observations and interviews in four different organizations showed that impossible tasks were common, especially in situations of change. In our study, we have identified, documented and analyzed in detail the most salient impossible tasks in the various work activities in different types of change processes. Between May and August 1999 we have had five different interventions with five work units (in four organizations). In these processes the work units had first analysed the impossible tasks they had encountered. The analysis phase includes the near history of the work unit and its activity, and more real life data concerning the impossible task. The impossible task has then been overcome by systematic interventions in real life situations. The analysis and data has been sent to the planners and managers, and dialogues have been started with them. At the end of the projects, the work unit will evaluate the results they have obtained and the development and learning process they have gone through. In the analysis of the process we have used the theoretical tools of Cultural Historical Activity Theory.
On-the-Job Mentoring in a Machine Shop: An Important But Imperfect Experience for Apprentices
Authors: Chatigny C. , Cloutier E. , Lefebvre S.
Published: January 2012

An exploratory study carried out by researchers in anthropology, workplace health and safety and ergonomics raised questions about the dynamics of knowledge construction in connection with age, experience, culture and work organization. In a machine shop participating in an on-the-job mentoring program, it was observed that official mentors play a secondary role compared to other workers, and that several factors influence mentoring relationships.
Macroergonomic Analysis of Work Systems Design in the 21st Century
Authors: Imada Andy , Kleiner Brian M. , Nagamachi Mitsuo , Luczak Holger , Palacios Noe , Tomasini Arno , Imada Andrew S.
Published: January 2012

This panel will focus upon work systems design from a macroergonomic perspective. The panel will investigate the future of work systems from the viewpoint of: (1) an activity performed by; (2) humans with particular characteristics; (3) in a context. The researchers and practitioners on the panel have focused on one or more of these dimensions of work design/redesign, product design or organizational design. The design of 21st Century systems must take this broader perspective. In the same way, this panel mirrors the diversity of backgrounds, cultures and contexts for future work systems.
External Forces on the Work System: A Framework for Human Factors Implications
Authors: Drury Colin G.
Published: January 2012

Human factors/ergonomics only occasionally addresses its own future, but business and political forces are changing so rapidly that we must do so now. Globalization of business, made possible by information technology and political desire, is affecting many aspects of our profession, from increased work pace to re-location of jobs. These changes in turn impact human factors issues as diverse as errors in human computer interaction and the incidence of musculo-skeletal disorders. This paper presents a framework for considering the impact of these changes on the practice of human factors/ergonomics so that we may plan for the future rather than be overwhelmed by it.
E-Commerce and its Impact on Future HCI Work
Authors: Vora Pawan R.
Published: January 2012

Increasing focus on e-commerce will change the way we look at human-computer interface design. In particular, we will need to be more customer-centric – in addition to being user-centric – and incorporate both usability and business objectives in our designs. Our designs will need to consider the end-to-end customer experience rather than focusing simply on the functional objectives of the application itself. The customer experience itself will determine how the users/customers view the company itself in terms of a viable and trustworthy brand on an off the Internet. To achieve these goals, we will need to address some fundamental issues related to the ART ( Access, Relationship, and Trust) of designing interfaces. Although our profession is well suited for this role because of our user-centric roots, the onus will be on us to step up to the challenge and own the end-to-end customer experience.
Design of Education and Training in the 21st Century
Authors: Eberts Ray
Published: January 2012

This panel of experts will discuss the changes that are occurring in education and training. Several factors are fueling this change: aging populations, technology changes in the workplace, and the technology available to deliver educational material to students without regard to time or location. Many commercial enterprises are positioning themselves to capture the educational market. This discussion will address the human factors challenges in designing educational products for these new markets.
To Automate or Not to Automate!
Authors: Wieringa Peter A.
Published: January 2012

Systems are becoming more complex due to various technological developments (such as information and communication technology) and constraints (environmental, social and financial etc.). The first opens the possibility to make links to new domains (e.g. between product quality and profits or financial markets). The constraints encourage the introduction of automated systems designed to keep the process within a certain working range. Both, the technological developments and new constraints, increase the complexity of the system. We investigated the effect of the degree of automation and the effect of the degree of complexity on system and operator performance in various independent experiments. Definitions for the degree of complexity and automation are given and objective and subjective measures for these degrees were applied. The results suggest that an increase in the degree of automation above a certain threshold is not resulting in a proportional increase in system performance. In fact the results indicate that a further increase in the degree of automation is counter effective because it decreases the operator performance during abnormal operations and fault diagnosis. This is due to a loss of situation awareness and internal representation during normal operation before the fault is introduced. Other experiments done in our laboratory show that the operator perceived task complexity reaches its maximum when the operator is controlling in the order of 20 linked sub-systems under normal conditions. We will show that these observations are not only important for operator task allocation and workload assessment but also for the development of alarm handling strategies.
Development of Highway-in-the-Sky Displays for Flight-Path Guidance: History, Performance Results, Guidelines
Authors: Beringer Dennis B.
Published: January 2012

Highway-in-the-sky and pathway-format displays have received considerable attention in the research community, and several applications have been examined for transport and attack aircraft. Only recently have these display formats received serious attention for use in General Aviation (GA), and several have been flown in GA aircraft, some without the benefit of rigorous human factors evaluations during the design phase. This paper addresses three areas of interest: First, the origins and subsequent development of pathway-style displays and related research; second, results of some recent studies in which format variations were compared for their efficacy, as indicated by both training and end performance data; and third, general guidelines that may be useful to both designers and certifiers. Recommendations are provided regarding pictorial formats, color, display field-of-view, command-guidance indicators, and need for auxiliary quantitative error indicators.
3-D Perspective Primary Flight Displays for Aircraft
Authors: Alter Keith W. , Barrows Andrew K. , Jennings Chad W. , Powell J. David
Published: January 2012

Using a 3-D perspective display, Stanford University has flown numerous approaches and missed approaches. The system has been flown extensively on a Beechcraft Queen Air in the working air traffic environment. Inflight evaluations included tunnel approaches overlaid on existing non-precision procedures, curved and segmented approaches, traffic patterns flown by instrument reference, and skywriting with GPS. Augmentations to the perspective flight display, including perspective terrain and dynamic terrain alerting, are viable and improve pilots' situational awareness.
Comparison of Two Situation Awareness Metrics: SAGAT and SA-SWORD
Authors: Snow Michael P. , Reising John M.
Published: January 2012

The role of situation awareness (SA) in aircrew safety and survivability continues to be of considerable interest to the aviation community. Various methods of measuring SA have been proposed. Among these are SAGAT and SA-SWORD. The former is an objective measure of SA, while the latter is based on operators' subjective comparisons. This paper reports the findings of a study that compared these two metrics in a simulated low-level ingress scenario. It was found that the type of SA metric used did not affect performance measures collected. While independent variables manipulated had large and statistically significant effects upon SA-SWORD data, this was not true for SAGAT data and the two SA measures were not significantly correlated. Advantages and disadvantages of the two techniques are discussed, and lessons learned from their application in this study are reported.
Cardiorespiratory Indices of Mental Workload during Simulated Air Traffic Control
Authors: Backs Richard W. , Navidzadeh H. Ted , Xu Xidong
Published: January 2012

27 university student participants (16 female) were trained on the TRACON video game and then practiced for 20 hrs. After practice, participants performed 3 mental workload conditions in a single session. Low, medium, and high mental workload scenarios were created by varying air traffic density: participants were required to handle 5, 10, or 15 aircraft within a scenario while cardiorespiratory, performance, and subjective mental workload data were collected. Heart rate change from baseline was faster during the high than during the low scenario. Pre-ejection period and high frequency heart rate variability indicated that the autonomic modes of control differed across scenarios: high and medium workload elicited significant reciprocally-coupled sympathetic activation and parasympathetic withdrawal, whereas low workload did not elicit significant change from baseline. Respiration rate change from baseline was faster during the high and medium scenarios than during the low scenario. Performance was significantly lower for the high than the low scenario. However, subjective workload increased significantly from the low to the medium to the high scenario.
Advanced Human-System Interfaces: Insight of a Validation Process in a Control Room of a Swiss Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Humbel Claudia , Tasset Daniel
Published: January 2012

For implementation of advanced human-system interfaces (HSIs) for the control room of the Swiss nuclear power plant Beznau, the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (HSK) requires an integrated system validation as part of the safety assessment. The validation was performed on a Westinghouse full-scope simulator with operating crews from the Beznau plant. Considering the expertise acquired by the Institute for Protection and Nuclear Safety (IPSN) in assessing the computerized control systems of the N-4 series, HSK asked IPSN for its support in assessing the HSIs. This paper deals with the methodological aspects, as well as with the results of the validation. Findings are related to issues such as situational awareness, workload, communication and management of the system failure, and raise some recommendations.
Measurement of Adaptation to an Unfamiliar ATC Interface
Authors: Cabon Phillipe , Farbos Bruno , David Hugh
Published: January 2012

Eight Air Traffic Controllers (four experienced practicing controllers and four trainee controllers) carried out four simulation exercises (one low, three high traffic load) using a TRACON II ATC Simulator during one afternoon, the morning being used for familiarization and initial training. Performance during each exercise was recorded. A self-assessment questionnaire for fatigue and a sample of saliva was taken for cortisol analysis before and after each experimental session. The NASA-TLX was completed after each exercise. Experienced controllers more affected by the task, and learned more efficiently. The methods under investigation are now being transferred to full-scale Real-Time simulations.
Can a Biocybernetic System be Used to Maintain Vigilance Performance?
Authors: LoVerde Jamie L. , Scerbo Mark W. , Freeman Fredrick G. , Mikulka Peter J.
Published: January 2012

The present study examined whether a biocybernetic system could moderate performance in a vigilance task. The system manipulated critical signal (CS) amplitude based on an engagement index derived from the operator's own EEG. Knowledge of results (KR) for missed signals was also provided. Results showed that the biocybernetic system did not appear to moderate vigilance performance. Participants detected fewer signals over the course of the session. KR did seem to increase engagement and some aspects of performance. Future research is needed to investigate the viability of a biocybernetic system for maintaining performance on extended tasks requiring few overt responses.
Attention Demand of IVIS Auditory Displays: An On-Road Study Under Freeway Environments
Authors: Llaneras Robert , Lerner Neil , Dingus Thomas , Moyer Joseph
Published: January 2012

An on-road field study was conducted to assess how attention demand changes as a function of auditory display characteristics. Two auditory message set characteristics were manipulated: speech rate (“normal” 125 wpm vs. “time-compressed” 225 wpm), and auditory format in which information was presented in either prose form where the content is embedded within declarative sentences (e.g., the Ramada has a vacancy and is 48 miles away), or in lists (Ramada, vacancy, 48 miles). Twenty-four subjects completed a two-hour drive using an instrumented vehicle in which they experienced auditory and visual displays on both freeway and parkways. Subjects used the information presented to them to complete a range of tasks such as selecting the quickest route to a destination, or navigating to avoid congestion. Primary measures included: minimum headway, speed variance, maximum steering wheel velocity, steering wheel variance, lane deviation, peak lateral acceleration, and subjective workload ratings. Auditory format and speech rate significantly affected vehicle steering (steering variability), speed (average, minimum, and variance), and headway (variance). Evidence suggests that accelerated speech displays (225 wpm) can be used without sacrificing driver comprehension or driving performance, and that auditory content communicated in list-type formats is equal to or better than full length prose messages in terms of driver performance and information processing.
Method for Evaluation of Driver Stress Resulting from Road Characteristics
Authors: Ackert Holger , Weisse Jochen , Kretschmer Bettina , Landau Kurt , Lippmann Michele , Frank Peter
Published: January 2012

The road characteristic is one important stress component for the driver and is influencing a reasonable number of accidents. In order to quantify the stress level resulting from road design (described by geometry, lane guidance devices and the surrounding area) a method to analyze and rate road sections was developed. For evaluation the results gained by using the developed investigation tool have been compared with test data describing driver behaviour on according road sections.
Driver Behaviour and Strain in Critical Situations Depending on Road Condition
Authors: Weisse Jochen , Landau Kurt , Klempau Frank , Breuer Bert , Mancosu Federico
Published: January 2012

To investigate driver behaviour and driver strain depending on road condition, a large number of driving tests has been performed on different test facilities in Europe. The results showed, that driver behaviour on dry and wet road is more or less similar while behaviour on icy road is completely different. Driver strain, both subjectively rated and objectively measured, shows no significant difference between the road conditions. Because persons do not choose a more defensive driving style, even though it should be the case due to the smaller friction level available, a special focus for tire development must be put on wet road.
Driver Misperception of Maneuver Opportunities and Requirements
Authors: Lerner Neil , Steinberg Geoffrey , Huey Richard , Hanscom Fred
Published: January 2012

Misperceptions of the time available or time required for various driving maneuvers under a range of conditions were studied. In the laboratory experiment, research participants viewed video scenes of a wide variety of situations and made judgments about when some event would occur (e.g., approaching vehicle reaches them) or when some maneuver would be completed (e.g., own vehicle clears roadway when making a crossing maneuver). Participants' judgments were compared with objectively determined values. A parallel on-road experiment, using similar procedures and a subset of the laboratory situations, was used to validate and benchmark the laboratory findings. The study found a general tendency for people to underestimate the time required for a maneuver. This misjudgment is safety-critical, because it may lead to decisions to accept maneuver opportunities that actually afford a smaller margin of error than the driver perceives. Such misestimates were particularly common for judgments of the time to achieve the prevailing traffic speed during turning or merging maneuvers, and for the time until one's vehicle reaches an intersection ahead. For judgments of the time available for a maneuver, people more frequently felt they had less time than they actually did, so would be less likely to attempt a maneuver. However, even for time available judgments, there were meaningful numbers of safety-critical errors. Some situations emerged as particularly meriting consideration for safety countermeasures. These included: (1) approach to signalized intersections; (2) turns onto higher-speed roadways; (3) freeway merges; (4) passing; and (5) headway maintenance. A number of promising countermeasure ideas addressing these issues were developed and recommended for formal evaluation.
Driver Fatigue and Accidents - Can Visual Sensitivity Predict Drivers Ability to Drive Safely ?
Authors: Alm Håkan
Published: January 2012

The aim of the study was to investigate whether visual sensitivity, defined as the ability to quickly detect and react to a visual stimulus, could be used to predict drivers ability to drive safely. Ten sleep-deprived and ten alert subjects drove for two hours on a simulation of a motorway, in an advanced driving simulator, and were exposed to a number of critical traffic situations. The results showed that visual sensitivity could predict about 50 % of the subjects' variation in lateral position. Implications for the design of a driver support system, based on measurement of visual sensitivity, are discussed.
Methodology for Evaluating a Simulator's Capability to Support Assessment of Mariner Proficiency
Authors: Raby Mireille , Forsythe Alice M. , Smith Myriam W. , McCallum Marvin C.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this project was to develop a structured process for evaluating the capability of simulators to support mariner performance assessment. In this approach, simulator evaluation objectives and criteria are based on performance-based mariner assessment requirements. The approach produces a simulator evaluation protocol that addresses four areas of simulator capability: (1) providing flexible exercise programming to the assessor; (2) replicating the characteristics of actual equipment; (3) simulating the operational conditions required to demonstrate the desired mariner performance; and (4) supporting thorough debriefing of the assessment candidate. A case study showed that our evaluation process was feasible. The process proved to be both sensitive and valuable in differentiating the capabilities of two simulators used to support mariner assessment objectives. This approach can be generalized to the evaluation of simulators of equipment used in other industries.
Defining the Interface for a Snowplow Lane Tracking Device Using a Systems-Based Approach
Authors: Raby Mireille , McGehee Daniel V. , Lee John D. , Nourse Gary E.
Published: January 2012

This paper summarizes a systems-based approach to the design of an operator interface for a “Magnetic Lateral Guidance and Warning System” for snowplow operations. The premise behind this interface is that providing continuous and accurate lane position information to complement existing roadway cues may increase driver situation awareness, and potentially reduce crash involvement. An extensive survey returned by over 1000 snowplow operators from Minnesota and Iowa identified operational issues critical to low-visibility operations. Survey findings and ride-along interviews supported an Operator Function Model - Cognitive Task Analysis (OFM-COG). The OFM-COG describes operational constraints and links them to the cognitive limits of drivers in order to identify critical functionality and preliminary design criteria. Findings suggest that the interface be designed as an “aid,‘ rather than as a “primary’ display, to complement existing roadway cues. The visual display should be augmented with haptic cues such as directional seat vibration and peripheral visual, and all alarms should have adjustable thresholds. A prototype user interface is presented.
Sabiá, Opera and Aria Projects; Three Brazilian Experiences to Integrate Ergonomics and Design in Car Concepts
Authors: Câmara Jairo J. D. , Silva Arnaldo C. , Botelho Róber D. , Carvalho Adriano S.
Published: January 2012

Usability and style in better automobiles have been pressing needs for greater investments from car industries, styling centers and research centers on transportation design. Since 1993 the CPqD-ED/UEMG (Center for Research and Development in Design and Ergonomics in the School of Design of the State University of Minas Gerais) has been accumulating extensive quality experiences in the development of concept cars. The main philosophy is to merge design with ecology and usability in the interaction of the user with the product in the environment where it's destined to.
Information Management and Human Factors for Multiple its Systems
Authors: Atsumi Bunji , Akamatsu Motoyuki , Ito Hajime
Published: January 2012

This paper describes frameworks for the information management system from multiple ITS and non-ITS systems from the view of human interface and human information processing. This message management system will prioritize the information message, allocate the information item to different types of display device, and determine the presentation style and the timing for the message presentation.