bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Acoustic Turn-by-turn Navigation on Wayfinding
Authors: Fenech Elliot P. , Drews Frank A. , Bakdash Jonathan Z.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the impact of using an acoustic turn-by-turn navigation device on wayfinding. Participants used a driving simulator to traverse the same route twice. They either traveled both times without the guidance or used a turn-by-turn navigation on the first drive and then replicating the route from memory on the second drive. Wayfinding performance was assessed by using route travel time and an assessment of scene recognition Results show that using a turn-by-turn navigation system negates route learning and impairs scene recognition. These findings suggest that using a navigation system while driving creates inattention blindness, a failure to “see” elements in the environment.
Team Communication and Innovative Design Practices: The Effect of Team Adoption and Implementation of the Tablet PC
Authors: Goncher Andrea , Kothaneth Shreya , Johri Aditya
Published: January 2012

Today, designers have access to larger amounts of content information and consequently, groups of people working collaboratively can access and communicate information both synchronously and asynchronously. The role of pen-based technologies, and in particular, the tablet PC, has also played an increasingly important role in how designers communicate through external representations. By identifying the specific effects of the tablet PCs on team communication and matching design practices we investigate how technology and communication shape team design practices. It is also important to investigate the degree to which designers adopt and utilize these unique features of the technology. In addition, the impact of attitudes on usage is of important interest, due to its relationship with the adoption and implementation of tablet PC features. Under a previous project, students were assigned into teams based on prior experiences, and tasked with creating an innovative design solution for a client. This study will use the observational data collected from that project, coupled with researcher field notes, focus group interviews, and background questionnaires to investigate if the unique features of Tablet PCs shape team communication and corresponding design practices. In addition, I investigate whether teams' previous experience with technology has an effect on design practice. Initial results show teams who had previous experience with technology are more likely to use specific features of the tablet PC to facilitate communication compared to those with little prior experience in technology. Teams leverage the features of the tablet PC to assist in the design process produced the more innovative design solutions compared to those who use methods that are more traditional.
The Effect of In-Vehicle Warning Systems on Speed Compliance in Work Zones
Authors: Whitmire James , Morgan J.F. , Oron-Gilad Tal , Hancock P.A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of augmented in-vehicle information on driver behavior in work zones. In-vehicle information systems (IVISs) can increase driver awareness to an oncoming change in traffic flow and provide specific guidelines for driving speed requirements, for example. Three variations of IVISs were examined as the drivers entered a work zone in a simulated driving environment. The first was a control condition, which used only traditional signage and no IVIS. The second condition had the addition of visual in-vehicle warnings and the final condition the addition of auditory in-vehicle warnings. Results indicated that adding in-vehicle warnings did affect driver compliance to the work zone speed limit. Further, participants in the audio warning condition responded more quickly to the warning than in the visual condition. These were each respectively different from the drivers in the control condition. Conclusions and implications are discussed.
In-Vehicle Decision Support to Reduce Crashes at Rural Thru-Stop Intersections
Authors: Drew Daniel A. , Hayes Caroline C.
Published: January 2012

At rural thru-stop intersections a minor road controlled by a stop sign crosses a highway; such intersections present major safety challenges because it is easy for drivers attempting to cross or enter the highway to make judgment errors about safe gaps in highway traffic. New types of intelligent infrastructure hold the promise of improving safety; sensors can be placed in an intersection to detect the distance and speed of oncoming traffic and radio it to intelligent warning devices in the intersection or within a vehicle. Previous studies have investigated the efficacy of intelligent signs positioned in an intersection; however, intersection geometry can make it difficult to position signs so drivers can simultaneously watch both the sign and oncoming traffic. The goals of this work are to investigate the feasibility and future promise of warning systems inside the vehicle, where interfaces may be best placed, and what modes of information delivery are most effective (visual versus haptic). Haptic interfaces show promise because they are often effective at getting a driver's attention in noisy conditions without taking the driver's eyes off the road.
Bypassing the Bottleneck: The Advantage of Fingertip Shear Feedback for Navigational Cues
Authors: Medeiros-Ward Nathan , Cooper Joel M. , Doxon Andrew J. , Strayer David L. , Provancher William R.
Published: January 2012

Multiple resource models suggest that there will be less interference between tasks that do not share the same processing resources or modalities. Most in-vehicle navigational systems rely on some type of auditory modality, which can be problematic in situations with high levels of background noise or when one is engaged in a secondary auditory task, such as talking on a cell phone. The haptic or tactile sensory modality may be an effective alternative for presenting important navigational information in a vehicle. The current study compared the effectiveness of auditory vs. tactile navigational instructions to the operator of a moving vehicle. Tactile shear cues were provided to the participants' index fingers as they gripped the steering wheel. These tactile cues provided directional information that coincide with the direction of the applied skin displacement. In single task driving, participants made accurate lane changes in response to both auditory and tactile instructions. In dual-task driving, where participants conversed on a cell phone, participants were less accurate with auditory instructions than for tactile instructions. This suggests that in some instances, presenting information via the tactile modality may bypass the bottleneck described by multiple resource theories when there is competition for the same resources.
Do Responses Differ between Novice and Experienced Drivers when a Late Yellow Light Is Encountered?
Authors: Milloy Shaunna L. , Caird Jeff K. , Ohlhauser Amanda D. , Pearson Aimée M.
Published: January 2012

To understand why novice teenage drivers are overrepresented in fatal and injury crashes, a longitudinal simulator study examined the development of driver competence and hazard perception during the first six months post graduated licensure. The performance of 16 novice teenage drivers ( M = 16.2 years of age) was compared to a group of 15 experienced adult drivers ( M = 32.9) when a variety of maneuvers and hazards were encountered. Participants attended monthly simulator sessions over a period of six months. The results of the late yellow light event are presented. Drivers were either followed or not followed by another vehicle as they traveled through a number of intersections during the course of two experimental drives per session. The percentage of novice and experienced drivers who ran the late yellow light did not differ nor did approach speeds to the intersection, although several trends across sessions were consistent with increased novice driver risk taking or over-confidence. The presence of a following vehicle did not affect the decision to run the yellow light, but fewer novice drivers actively sampled the rearview mirror. Interestingly, novice drivers were significantly more likely to be caught in the intersection once the light turned red.
Effectiveness and Driver Acceptance of a Semi-Autonomous Forward Obstacle Collision Avoidance System
Authors: Itoh Makoto , Horikome Tatsuya , Inagaki Toshiyuki
Published: January 2012

This paper investigates effectiveness for improving safety and driver acceptance of a semi-autonomous forward obstacle collision avoidance system. This system intervenes into control only when a driver shows his or her intention to avoid an obstacle, but may turn the steering wheel by itself when necessary even if the driver hits the brake only. The results of a driving simulator experiment show that the number of collisions is reduced, and that the minimum value of the time to collision is enlarged even when an obstacle appears suddenly. That is, the system is proven to be effective for emergency avoidance of an obstacle. Moreover, analyses on subjective ratings on improvement of collision avoidance capability and appropriateness of the system's maneuver suggest that the drivers have accepted the semi-autonomous turning of the steering wheel by the system.
Conversation Impairs the Expression of Learned Sequence Information in a Simulated Driving Environment
Authors: Cooper Joel
Published: January 2012

Investigations of temporal sequence learning suggest that both learning and the expression of learning may be impaired by the performance of a secondary task. The generalizability of these findings to real-world applications is not, however, clear. Using a high-fidelity driving simulator, the current study investigated visual sequence learning in a practice/transfer design that manipulated secondary task requirements using a naturalistic conversation task. Consistent with previous research, results indicated that secondary task performance both reduced visual sequence learning and resulted in impairments to the expression of learning. These findings extend the theoretical account of dual-task impairment in complex environments by suggesting that task secondary task requirements can impair both the acquisition and retrieval of visual sequence memory.
Establishing Requirements for Human Factors Engineering and HSI: Why Do We Feel Like We're Banging Our Heads against a Wall?
Authors: Winters John , Fey Curtis , Simpkiss Bridget , Merriman Stephen , Stohr Eric , Pharmer James A.
Published: January 2012

Incorporation of human factors engineering (HFE) and human systems integration (HSI) concerns in the establishment of program and system requirements is crucial for developing effective systems and products. This panel will discuss challenges related to why requirements are difficult to define, when requirements should be inserted, and how practitioners can create requirements with the characteristics necessary to result in systems that meet their intended capabilities. The types of requirements to be addressed include system capability requirements describing the basic needs to be met, contractual requirements defining the work to be done, the specification tree defining the product or system to be acquired, and documents defining the number, skill mix, and training requirements for personnel to operate and support the system. While there are common themes across these types of requirements, their individual characteristics necessitate that they be dealt with in different ways. This panel will address the challenges associated with each type of requirement and ways in which HFE and HSI practitioners can overcome those challenges.
Winning the Usability War: A Long-Term Approach to Success in Rapid-Prototyping Environments
Authors: Adams Christi , Cole Darren , Hunn Bruce , Pierce Eric , Adams Christi , Weaver Melissa , Savage-Knepshield Pamela
Published: January 2012

A panel of experienced usability professionals discusses the challenges of working in a rapid-prototyping environment and lessons learned during the system development of a wide range of military equipment. The panelists will provide examples, “war stories” and recommendations for implementing a variety of methods and approaches that foster collaboration among design team members as well as the creation of usable designs that meet targeted end-users' needs. Discussion topics will include: prioritizing design options effectively, cultivating multidisciplinary working relationships, selecting usability methods that work best, building strategies to address human system integration requirements for different milestones, and taking advantage of spiral development in a rapid-prototyping environment. The panel discussions will reveal key success factors and insights that are generalizable across a wide array of product domains and businesses.
How Would You Test This? Third Annual Test and Evaluation Works-in-Progress Forum
Authors: Grier Rebecca A. , Bahr Gisela Susanne
Published: January 2012

Test and Evaluation (T & E) professionals share one thing in common: a keen interest in continually improving the methodology they apply to human factors/ergonomics testing and evaluation of products and processes. Due to practical constraints of the HFES annual meeting submission process, presenters of traditional format papers and posters receive retrospective feedback on their work – work that was completed at least one year ago! Meeting face-to-face at the annual HFES meeting would seem the perfect opportunity for T & E professionals to provide advanced input to one another regarding works in progress. The purpose of this alternate format session is to promote a lively exchange of ideas that may result in enhancements to Human Factors/Ergonomics (HF/E) T & E works in progress. Three contributors will each present an overview of a planned but unfinished project that can still be modified prior to execution. Following each presentation, audience members can propose modifications to enhance the work. The technical input received by contributors should prove highly beneficial as they go on to complete their work after the HFES annual meeting and the feedback shared may be of value to all attendees. The session was first offered at HFES 2008 and was a success.
Training Requirements of a Video Game-Based Cognitive Intervention for Older Adults: Lessons Learned
Authors: Whitlock Laura A. , McLaughlin Anne Collins , Allaire Jason C.
Published: January 2012

To examine the potential benefits of a complex online video game as a cognitive intervention for older adults, participants first had to be able to engage in gameplay. This necessitated the development of a training and support program for a complex computer task, with the unusual aim of maximizing mental effort. The goal of the training program was to equip participants to handle the challenges of the game while keeping them near the limits of their ability while playing. The training program was multi-modal and encompassed both in-person and remote methods. Successes and failures are discussed.
Biostereometrics–The Spatial and Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Body form and Function
Authors: Herron R. E.
Published: January 2012

The fact that the human body form is irregular and three-dimensional calls for a revision of the mathematical strategy which underlies modern anthropometry. Traditional linear anthropometric methods are inadequate for many modern research and clinical needs, where comprehensive three-dimensional (or four-dimensional, when the dimension of time is included) information is required. Recent developments in stereometric sensing technology and computer processing have opened up new opportunities to implement stereometric strategies in such areas as traffic safety engineering, consumer product design, fitting of artificial limbs, clothing evaluation and cockpit geometry among others.

It is important to understand that the mathematical strategy which underlies biostereometrics– the spatial and spatio-temporal analysis of biological form and function based on principles of analytic geometry–is the main focus of attention in this work; the development and refinement of different stereometric sensors, though essential, is a secondary concern. Already a wide variety of stereometric sensing technology is available and no doubt further methods will be developed as specific needs are better defined. The presentation will include illustrations from over thirty projects carried out during the last six years.
Plans: Human Factors in the Design of a Computer Programming Language
Authors: Ramsey H. Rudy
Published: January 2012

Conventional computer programming languages have proven inadequate for use in the solution of complex resource allocation and scheduling problems. A new programming language, PLANS, is described. The emphasis in the design of PLANS is not on specialized scheduling commands, but on provision of appropriate basic data structures for scheduling problems. A method of language specification is described which provides rigorous functional definition while allowing an extremely clean interface between the language functional design process (in which human factors personnel might participate most actively) and the implementation process.
Basic Attention Measures as Predictors of Success in Flight Training
Authors: North Robert A. , Gopher Daniel
Published: January 2012

A two-stage study was conducted to assess the potential of a new methodological technique for measuring individual differences in basic attention capabilities and the validity of these differences in predicting success in flight training. A performance testing system included a digit-processing reaction-time task and a one-dimensional compensatory tracking task. Comparisons were made between separate and concurrent performances of these tasks, and simultaneous performances also included comparisons involving changes in task priorities. Results indicating consistent individual differences in basic attention capabilities suggest several dimensions for their description. A preliminary validation study compared scores for a group of 11 flight instructors and with a group of 32 student pilots. In addition, the student sample was dichotomized based on performance in training. There were reliable differences for both groups on combined task performance efficiency.
The Effects of Ethyl Alcohol on a Driver's Driving Skill, Visual Perception, Risk Acceptance, Choice Reaction Times and Information Processing Rates
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T.
Published: January 2012

Twelve subjects (20–37 years old) were tested in the laboratory and eleven out of these were also tested in a car in the field, first under a no alcohol condition and then under an alcohol condition (approximately 0.10% BAC). In the laboratory the subjects simple and choice reaction times for two uncertainty modes were measured and their information processing rates (3 bits unsertainty) were determined. In the field the subjects driving skill for driving through a gap with 20 inches total clearance at 20 MPH was measured, as well as their static visual perceptual capabilities and risk acceptance decisions for a 46 feet viewing distance using psychophysical experimental methods. Based upon the driving skill measure (standard deviation of centerline deviations in the gap), the mean of the psychometric visual gap perception function and the mean of the psychometric gap risk acceptance function, the “Safety Distance” and the “Driver Safety Index” (DSI) were obtained.

Based upon a statistical analysis of the data we may conclude first that the effects of alcohol (approximately 0.10% BAC) vary widely from one subject to another (slighthly improved performance to highly impaired performance) and that the changes in the group averages of the means and standard deviations of the psychometric visual perception and risk acceptance functions, the driving skill distributions, the “Safety Distances” and the DSI's for the subjects (although all changes in the group averages are in the expected direction) are statistically not significant (α = .05).

Second, the group average of the means of the choice reaction times for the subjects increased by 5% under the alcohol condition (statistically significant, α = .05), but more important the group average of the standard deviations of the choice reaction times for the subjects increased by 23% (statistically significant, α = .05). The group average of the information processing rates for the subjects decreased by 3% (statistically not significant, α = .05) under the alcohol condition.

A system model in which the system demands on the driver are represented in terms of choice reaction times is used to demonstrate that the increase in performance variability (expressed by the standard deviation of choice reaction times) under the influence of alcohol provides a much better explanation for the higher accident involvement than the historically most frequently used rather small increase in average performance (expressed by the mean of choice reaction times).
Space Utilization and Architectural Planning in a Drug Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Bender Henry , Rowland George , Koenig Ileen , Draghi Denise
Published: January 2012

Human Factors Environmental Design suggestions were made for a proposed experimental commuting/residential educational drug rehabilitation facility being developed for the State of New Jersey. Within the constraints imposed by the necessity to use an existing structure and having only limited modification opportunities imposed by financial, architectural and community circumstances, it was concluded that the methodologies used in the aerospace industry and in architectural psychological studies were applicable to the planning and design study described in this paper. Additionally, many of the postulates developed and used in the design of environments for confined or restricted individuals are also applicable to such a specialized facility.
Human Factors and Environmental Design in Military Food Service Facilities; a Survey Approach
Authors: Symington Lawrence E , Meiselman Herbert L
Published: January 2012

More than 2000 enlisted military personnel from three Air Force bases and one Army post were surveyed in order to elicit customer opinions about human factors and environmental design considerations in the food service facilities. It was discovered that speed of service, which includes both delay at a headcount signature station and in the serving line itself, was a major problem. Other problem areas were military atmosphere present, temperature, noise, crowding, and decor. The relevance of consumer opinion survey information in channeling human factors and environmental design efforts is emphasized.
The Effect of Scene Rotation on Target Acquisition
Authors: Freitag Melvin
Published: January 2012

Studies were performed to determine the effects of scene rotation on target acquisition performance. Video tapes of simulated straight approaches to surface vehicular targets were made at constant offset, altitude, and speed using a terrain table (600:1) and a gimbal mounted TV camera. Detection and (separate) recognition tests were then made under load (button-pushing) and no-load conditions. No differences in detection slant range and erroneous detections were found between the rotated (roll-pitch) and non-rotated (yaw-pitch gimbal order) conditions or between the load/no-load conditions. Statistically significant differences were found between the recognition ranges and error scores for gimbal order but again not between load/no-load conditions. It was concluded that the sensor line of sight should be stabilized or derolled if maximum recognition performance is to be realized using airborne electro-optical systems in ground target acquisition.
Color and Texture Differences in Embedded Target Visual Search Situations
Authors: Bloomfield John R. , Marmurek Harvey H. , Traub Bruce G.
Published: January 2012

This study provides a direct investigation of embedded target visual search situations. The relationships between measures of visual search performance, peripheral visual acuity and ratings of discriminability were determined. The embedded target displays were constructed using a color and a monochrome texture background. They were used in a rating study, in which the production magnitude rating method was used, and in visual search and peripheral acuity experiments. In the first of these, 28 observers rated the discriminability of five color targets from the color background, and of four black and white targets from the monochrome background. There were two visual search experiments. Five observers searched the color background for the color targets, and six searched the monochrome background for the black and white targets. In both experiments, after practice, there were sixty search trials per observer per target. The extent into the periphery, that the five color targets could be seen when the color display was exposed for 0. 3 seconds, was measured for the five observers used in the color search task. The same measurement was made with the black and white stimulus materials for four of the six observers used with the monochrome task.

For the color stimulus materials, a set of simple relationships were found to describe the measures obtained in all three experimental areas. The results with the monochrome texture material did not fit the same equations so well. The equations were based on those developed by Howarth and Bloomfield (1969; Bloomfield and Howarth, 1969) for search situations involving targets that were confused with other nontarget objects. For the color display, the relationships between mean search time ( ), peripheral visual acuity (θ) and rated discriminability (D), could be summarized as follows:

This is an encouraging finding. It leads one to hope that predictive procedures developed from these simple relationships can be applied in a wide range of complex search situations.
The Effect of Knowledge of Lateral G Performance on Driving through Curves
Authors: Ritchie Malcolm L. , Howard John M.
Published: January 2012

9 students in a course on driving behavior drove an instrumented auto through a 110 mile course through Ohio rural roads. They had studied reports of previous experiments on this course involving measures of forward velocity and lateral acceleration. They knew previous performance data and breakaway limits for the vehicle. During the experimental session each student was informed of his lateral G performance for each curve.

When compared with previous experiments using the same course and car, these subjects produced much higher lateral accelerations.
An Investigation of the Effects of Reinforced Stimuli on Driver Brake Reaction
Authors: Plummer Ralph W. , Armstrong Wayne D. , King Ellis L.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was to investigate what effect added light and sound stimuli, placed inside an automobile, would have on a driver's braking performance. The research was designed to determine whether a driver's brake reaction time could be decreased by reinforced stimuli and, if so, which type of the stimuli tested would be most significant in improving a driver's reactions.

The research was conducted on an open section of interstate highway under normal driving conditions. Two vehicles were used in the tests. The subjects' test vehicle was equipped with a light and sound stimulus attached to the dashboard. The subjects in this second vehicle were instructed to respond immediately to the activation of the lead vehicle's brake lights by depressing the brake pedal of their vehicle. In addition, the subjects were instructed to immediately respond to the activation of the light and/or sound stimulus by depressing the brake pedal. Each time the brake lights of the lead car were activated one of three conditions would occur: 1) neither the sound nor light stimulus in the subject's vehicle would activate, 2) either the light or sound stimulus would activate, or 3) both the light and sound stimulus would activate, in addition to the brake lights of the lead car. The reinforced stimuli inside the subject's vehicle could only be activated by the activation of the lead car's brake lights. The reaction times needed for the subject to respond to these stimuli were recorded.

The test subjects were separated into two age groups: under thirtyfive years old and over thirty-five years old. An analysis of variance showed that the age of the subject, the difference between subjects, and the type of stimulus were significant in influencing the brake reaction times. The sound stimulus caused the most significant decrease in brake reaction times.
Effects of Occupational Exposure to Inorganic Lead on Neuromuscular Functioning
Authors: Repko John D. , Nicholson John A. , Morgan Ben B.
Published: January 2012

In an investigation of the behavioral effects of Occupational Exposure to lead, nineteen measures of neuromuscular performance and five measures of the body burden of lead were obtained from 316 experimental and 112 control subjects. The experimental subjects were volunteers from among workers exposed to inorganic lead at their jobs in three storage (lead-acid) battery manufacturing companies; the controls were volunteers from companies involved in other various types of light manufacturing. The relationships among the measures of neuromuscular functioning and body burden of lead were determined through the use of correlation and multiple-regression analyses. The results of these analyses suggest that functional capacity decreased in terms of tremor and eye-hand coordination but increased in terms of muscular strength. In addition, the data suggest that these changes occur on the preferred side and at blood-lead levels between 70 and 79 micrograms per cent.
Counteracting Psychological Fatigue Effects by Stimulus Change
Authors: Bennett Corwin A. , Marcellus Frederick S. , Reynolds James F.
Published: January 2012

Psychological fatigue effects, while they presumably result from some changes in the central nervous system, may best be defined today as performance loss over time when respiratory, circulatory and musculature disfunctioning are not involved. Most research recently on psychological fatigue has been under the rubric of “vigilence” where the worker is generally passive. Much procedural work (repetitive with low energy expenditure) involves activity which over a period of time may have fatigue performance effects as well as being boring. Two experiments were carried out on thirty and twenty subjects performing arithmetic for three hours. In one study three groups of matched subjects had no rest periods, passive rest or active rest periods. Active rest was superior to the other conditions. In the other study no rest was used, but one of two groups of matched subjects was rotated to a non-arithmetic clerical task briefly. This change-of-task produced reduced fatigue effects.
Evaluation of Localized Muscle Fatigue Using Power Spectral Density Analysis of the Electromyogram
Authors: LaFevers Earl V.
Published: January 2012

Surface electromyograms (EMGs) taken from three upper torso muscles during a push-pull task were analyzed by a power spectral density technique to determine the operational feasibility of the technique for identifying changes in the EMGs resulting from muscular fatigue. The EMGs were taken from four subjects under two conditions (1) in shirtsleeves and (2) in a pressurized space suit. This study confirmed that frequency analysis of dynamic muscle activity is capable of providing reliable data for many industrial applications where fatigue may be of practical interest. The results showed significant effects of the pressurized space suit on the pattern of shirtsleeve fatigue responses of the muscles. The data also revealed (1) reliable differences between muscles in fatigue-induced responses to various locations in the reach envelope at which the subjects were required to perform the push-pull exercise and (2) the differential sensitivity of muscles to the various reach positions in terms of fatigue-related shifts in EMG power.
Paths of Movement of Body Members in Aircraft Cockpits
Authors: Deivanayagam S. , Ayoub M. M. , Kennedy Kenneth W.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes an effort to study the simultaneous motion trajectories of a large number of human body landmarks of a pilot during upper limb motions typical of those necessary to fly an aircraft. The objective is to gather engineering anthropometric data necessary, from a human engineering point of view, in the design of aircraft cockpits and other similar manned work stations. Twenty subjects participated in an experiment conducted to record the movements. A photographic procedure combining slow speed motion picture and interrupted light photography was employed to record the movements. This paper describes the procedure and also presents a set of typical paths of movement obtained through such recording. Also mentioned are some of the preliminary findings regarding the motion characteristics of parts of the human body.
Design of Handtools
Authors: Konz Stephan
Published: January 2012

Information from a variety of sources is consolidated into eight principles. Each principle is explained and illustrated to aid designers as well as permit users to evaluate designs. The general principles are: 1. Use special-purpose tools, 2. Design tools to be used by either hand, and 3. Power with motors more than muscles. The principles concerning grips are: 4. Use a power grip for power; use a precision grip for precision, 5. Make the grip the proper thickness, shape and length, and 6. Design the grip surface to be compressible, non-conductive and smooth. The grip and tool geometry principles are: 7. Consider the angles of the forearm, grip and tool, and 8. Use the appropriate muscle group.
Human Factors Design of Writing Instruments for Children: The Effects of Pen Size Variations
Authors: Kao Henry S. R.
Published: January 2012

Human factors research in handwriting and pen design has received attention only recently. This paper reports a study on the effects of pen size variations on the writing performance of boys and girls at age 10. Three pen sizes with shank diameters of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch were compared. Results indicate a performance superiority of boys over girls using these pens. The thick pen was found to be most effective for the boys in the study. No difference was found between the three pens for girls. The need for human factors research in writing instrument design for school age children of both sexes and other population groups is discussed.
Techniques for Reviewing Military Standards/Specifications
Authors: Moroney William F. , Bittner Alvah C. , Holshouser Edward L.
Published: January 2012

An effort was undertaken to assess the validity of the design criteria currently specified in selected standards. The effort was concentrated on the criteria contained in the Human Engineering Design Criteria for Military Systems Equipment and Facilities (MIL-STD 1472), which is mandatory for use by all Departments and agencies of the Department of Defense. Both psychologists and engineers reviewed individual statements on several levels including:

1) Intelligibility, 2) Consistency with other statements contained within the standard, 3) Consistency with a referenced specification, standard, or other design references, 4) Quality of the statement – Can the statement be attributed to a reference document? If so, does that source agree with that particular statement or has the statement been cited inappropriately or out of context?

The quality of the statement was determined by comparing the statement with data contained in a wide variety of handbooks and design guides including: Human Factors Engineering Guide to Equipment Design, Bioastronautics Data Book, NASA NSFC-STD 267A, etc. Also, selected sections were compared with current research as well as reviews of the literature. A record was kept of those statements which could be attributed to a source; those which could not and those which, while they could be attributed to a source, were suspect. Where it was possible to present the data in a tabular or graphic form, the data were reformated.

When suspect or apparently data-less areas were uncovered, a three pronged literature review was undertaken. The three prongs included:

1) Determining what was available in the literature. 2) Presenting literature findings in a report format and if possible in a graphic format (matrix, figure, nomograph) emphasizing trade-off possibilities. 3) Identifying what was missing, what needed to be done, and how it should be done.

The study described above is part of an on-going effort sponsored by the Naval Air Systems Command. It is expected that both in-house and contractor efforts in this area will be continued and will ultimately result in improved design criteria.
Force Exertion during Lifting with Light Loads
Authors: Perkins Ronald , Konz Stephan
Published: January 2012

A single male subject lifted a tote box 12 times at each of 24 conditions while standing on a force platform. The 24 conditions were 6 combinations of initial and final position (floor to 12,24 and 36 in. shelf, floor plus 12 in. to 24 and 36 in. shelf, and floor plus 24 in. to 36 in. shelf) x 2 box weights (11 and 22 lbs.) and 2 distances of the box from the body center of gravity (16 and 20 in.).

Averaged over all 24 conditions, peak vertical force was 46 lbs., frontal force was 6 lbs., lateral force was 2 lbs., somersault torque was 417 in.-lbs., cartwheel torque was 75 in.-lbs., twist torque was 59 in.-lbs. and peak box acceleration was .3 g.

For lifting with light loads, object weight has much less effect on stress than might be expected. Peak forces occurred in the .5 sec. before and after grasping the box. In fact, peak stress occurred before the box was grasped in 66% of the lifts.
Trends in Commercial Training
Authors: Copeland Robert D.
Published: January 2012

A joint Navy and Marine Corps study examined the possibility of achieving training cost reductions with no degradation to training effectiveness through utilization of commercial sponsored training. The study identified management trends, innovations in training technology and cost data of thirty corporations and over seventy-five non-federal post-secondary schools. The latter included area vocational schools and junior/community colleges. The study was limited to entry skills in the Navy and Marine Corps that are comparable to skills taught by civilian sources. An analysis was performed to determine the economic feasibility of utilizing commercial sources for military training. Potential alternatives were evaluated in terms of relatively long-term commitments vs short-term commitments. Short-term commitments focus on the utilization of existing excess capacity and often this capacity can be utilized for military training at relatively nominal cost. A great deal of capacity which is of a transitory nature was found in a number of facilities and the potential appears to exist for significant savings in a number of skill areas. The study found that in the past decade, large corporations' training trends include: (1) centralized management; (2) centralized course development; (3) centralized training facilities; (4) compression of training time to meet terminal objectives; (5) cost effective training programs; and (6) application of innovations in training technology. The study further found that non-federal post-secondary schools are: (1) designing programs to meet specific skills required by industry; (2) providing students modern facilities; (3) applying new training technology; and (4) responding to pipeline training requirements. Based on recommendations, the concept of using commercial sources for select entry skill training is now being implemented on a limited scale by various components of the Armed Forces.
The Human Dimensions of Water-Resources Planning
Authors: Harris Douglas H.
Published: January 2012

A framework was developed for incorporating human factors (those which concern human well-being and quality of human life) along with technical and economic factors into the water-resources planning-decision process. Initially, 388 water-resources concepts from the human domain were collected, screened, and grouped to define 42 different factors. Then, from ratings of similarity-dissimilarity by 300 raters, a matrix was generated of mean distances between all 861 possible factor pairs; the matrix was analyzed by computer-based multidimensional scaling techniques to determine the underlying dimensional structure. Finally, using procedures that paralleled those for determining factor similarity-dissimilarity, a value reflecting social importance was developed for each of the 42 factors and for the 5 basic dimensions which emerged from the multidimensional analysis. These values were found to cover a wide range; however, values for the same factors and dimensions were found to be nearly identical among different sub-groups of people, even those with potentially divergent viewpoints, such as behavioral scientists and water-works professionals.
The Effects of Verbal Interference on Psychomotor Performance under Dual Task Conditions
Authors: Helm Wade R. , Fishburne Robert P. , Waag Wayne L.
Published: January 2012

Two experiments were performed in order to determine S's maximum information processing capacity under dual task conditions and to provide emperical evidence regarding the localization of the divided attention effect. The measurement of psychomotor performance (primary task) was obtained by using the Response Analysis Tester (RATER). Verbal interference (secondary task) was composed of three tasks requiring varying degrees of monitoring, short term memory and long term memory. The results suggest performance on the primary task to deteriorate as a joint function of both primary and secondary task processing loads. These data provide support to the locus of interference to be within the control processing (memory-dependent) and to response selection stages of the processing system. The possibility of a limited dual channel capacity is discussed.
The Measurement of Attention Capacity through Concurrent Task Performance with Individual Difficulty Levels and Shifting Priorities
Authors: Gopher Daniel , North Robert A.
Published: January 2012

Some of the unsolved problems in the application of secondary task techniques include: (a) the evaluation of relative changes in performance in dual task situations; (b) the prediction of possible interactions between different tasks and their components; and (c) the extent of voluntary control of capacity allocation. The present paper describes a three-phase experiment in which an effort was made to attack these problems by a new methodological approach. The three successive phases included separate performance of the experimental tasks (one dimensional compensatory tracking and a digit processing, reaction time task) with adaptive adjustment of difficulty, simultaneous performance of the tasks with equal task priorities, and simultaneous performance with several manipulations of the two task priorities. The results have demonstrated the usefulness of the general methodological approach for the assessment of capacity limitations as well as for the evaluation of possible interactions between tasks. With regard to the allocation of capacity, the experimental results proved that, in general, subjects were able to adjust their allocation of capacity to the various changes in task priorities.
A Manipulator System Designed for Free-Flying Teleoperator Spacecraft
Authors: Tewell J. R. , Spencer R. A. , Lazar J. J.
Published: January 2012

A preliminary design of a manipulator system, applicable to a Free-Flying Teleoperator Spececraft operating in conjunction with the Shuttle or Tug, is presented. The manipulator arm incorporates two 4-ft segments to the wrist with actuators located at the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The wrist provides three degrees-of-freedom through pitch, yaw and continuous roll joints. An interchangeable end effector provides multiple task performance and satellite worksite versatility. A tip force of 10 1bs and a torque of 15 ft-1bs is provided. Man-in-the-loop simulations, using both unilateral and bilateral control techniques, were conducted. Based upon the simulation, a new, but relatively simple, control technique was proposed for the manipulator system.
Women in Industrial Engineering: A View from the Bottom
Authors: Mysinger Deborah Smith
Published: January 2012

A women graduate student reports her experiences in the Masters Program in Industrial Engineering including the following: (1) Discrimination (not much), (2) Work and family problems, (3) Recruitment, (4) Job opportunities and (5) Recommendations for this program. She is a former mathematics student.
Color Research for Visual Displays
Authors: Christ Richard E.
Published: January 2012

The experimental literature on the effects of color on visual search and identification performance was reviewed. Forty-three studies published between 1952 and 1973 were located that gave results which could be used to determine the effectiveness of color codes relative to various types of achromatic codes. Quantitative analyses of these results indicated that color may be a very effective performance factor under some conditions, but that it can be detrimental under others. Tentative conclusions about the nature of these conditions were derived from the results. A guide for design decisions and an indication of knowledge gaps are also provided.
Skylab Extravehicular Activity
Authors: Schultz David C. , Millican R. Scott , Kain Robert R.
Published: January 2012

The use of extravehicular activity (EVA) techniques during Skylab for accomplishing major mission objectives and major and minor repair work outside the Skylab workshop is discussed. The basic feasibility of EVA was demonstrated during the Gemini Program. Extravehicular activity was again demonstrated on Apollo, and was used during the Apollo 15 to 17 missions to retrieve film from the cameras used to map the lunar surface. The techniques developed for these earlier extravehicular activities were used to the fullest possible extent during Skylab. Premission plans for Skylab EVA included six EVA periods for a total of 29 man-hours. The objective of the EVA was to retrieve the Apollo telescope mount film and several particle sample collectors. There were actually 10 EVA periods during Skylab that lasted 82.5 man-hours. Accomplishments included those planned before the mission; but, more important, the Skylab mission was saved by EVA. The life-giving solar wing was erected during Skylab 2, and the permanent solar shield was erected during Skylab 3. In addition, 18 extra mission objectives and 13 in-flight repair tasks were accomplished through EVA during the Skylab missions.
Human Factors in Agricultural Tractor Safety
Authors: Adams S. Keith , Boyd Morton M. , Buchele Wesley F.
Published: January 2012

Agriculture is the third most hazardous industry, following mining and construction. Some reasons for this relate to the nature of agricultural machines and the conditions under which they are operated. Only 5% of all U.S. workers were engaged in agriculture in 1973, but these accounted for 17% of all work related injuries. Farm machinery was involved in the greatest number of these accidents. The economic cost of farm accidents is rising rapidly.

Human factors engineering can be applied in the analysis of man/machine/environment/task relationships in agriculture. However, most conditions or assumptions applicable to industrial safety engineering do not apply in agricultural operations where variability, self-reliance, and self-management are the rule. This paper presents a survey of the current state of the art in applying human factors to agricultural tractors and explores some current research frontiers as well as some possibilities for future research.