bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders among Health Care Workers
Authors: Caillard J-F , Iwatsubo Y
Published: January 2012

Health professionals are among those workers with high prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal disorders (low back pain: around 50%; other sites: 20 to 50%). Work injuries due to falls and slips are also very frequent. For many years in many hospitals, prevention programmes are proposed to the staffs: training in patient handling, protective equipment, working condition improvement, return to work and rehabilitation process are the main subjects of such programmes. Nevertheless, there are few studies evaluating their results, and among them, little show long term improvement. Considering the importance of these diseases and their individual and economic impact, there is a need for comprehensive and participative prevention programmes taking into account psycho-social factors, work organisation and scientific evaluation.
Investigation on Risk and Damages of Muscoloscheletal Apparatus of Health Care Workers: A Case Study on 3800 Nurses
Authors: Battevi N. , Colombini D. , Ricci M.G. , Menoni O.
Published: January 2012

An investigation was carried out by teams from various centres coordinated by the EPM (Ergonomics of Posture and Movement) Research Unit on 54 different hospitals in various regions of northern and central Italy. The teams examined a total of 3800 health workers whose job involved manual handling of patients. Numerous meetings were held to ensure that the methods of assessing the exposure indexes and spinal impairment were identical in the various teams. The final data were processed centrally at the EPM Research Unit. Physical examination revealed that 8.4% of the workers had had at least one episode of acute low back pain in the previous 12 months: i.e., 4 times the values of the reference groups. The best association between index of exposure to manual patient handling and consequent injury was the association evaluated via the incidence rates of episodes of total low back pain.
Hoists: Selection Criteria and Standards
Authors: Panciera D. , Menoni O. , Ricci M.G. , Battevi N. , Occhipinti E.
Published: January 2012

A fundamental part of the prevention strategies aimed at reducing risk due to manual handling of patients is the use of appropriate aids. This paper defines the basic types of aids for hospital wards and also proposes a procedure for choice of the type of aid. The procedure uses a specific protocol and also analyses work organisation and the environmental features of the ward. The proposed criteria for choice concern at first place the fundamental requirements of the equipment: safety for operator and patient, simplicity of use and comfort for the patient. Secondly the basic determinants for the choice of the type of aid are the kind of disabled patient usually present in the ward, and the analysis of the movements done during patients handling.
The Design for Silent Interaction
Authors: Chen Chien-Hsiung
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an iterative interaction design process that can be used to facilitate the design of silent interaction. An innovative communication facilitator that can assist users who are hearing and/or speech impaired in interacting with other persons is used as an example to help explain how the interaction design concepts were incorporated into this iterative design process. The author hopes that by using this user-friendly communication facilitator, users who are hearing and/or speech impaired can interact with others in a more efficient and effective way.
The Anthropometry of the Fingers of Children
Authors: Porter Mic L.
Published: January 2012

The anthropometric data for the fingers of children available for use by Designers was, following an incident in a local school, found to be limited, over twenty years old and not from the UK population. This study sought to update that information. Data is presented for the overall hand length and the dimensions of the middle and index fingers for 351 children, between the ages of 6 months and 7 years.
Users' Hazard Perceptions of Warning Components: An Examination of Colors and Symbols
Authors: Smith-Jackson Tonya L. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

This study examined color and symbol hazard ratings among participants whose primary language was English and who were monolingual. Participants rated perceived hazards of ten ANSI safety colors and six symbols. RED, followed by YELLOW, BLACK, and ORANGE, were given the highest hazard ratings. The skull, prohibition (circle-slash), and the shock symbols produced the top three hazard ratings. The results of this study were compared to a previous study by Wogalter et al. (1997) which examined hazard ratings among participants whose primary language was Spanish. Comparisons supported general similarities between certain color and symbol hazard ratings among Spanish and English language users.
Evaluation of Usability in Home Appliances
Authors: de Melo Alessandra Fernandes , Gontijo Leila Amaral
Published: January 2012

The products used in domestic atmosphere have been absorbing the technological progresses continually, resulting in larger complexity in terms of its characteristics and functionality.

Basing on the ergonomics' vision and usability measures on projects of products a method of usability evaluation was developed, which hopes to point the items that are hindering the interface and to understand the difficulties found by the user.

This bases on the hypothesis that the consideration of usability approaches in consumption products favors the relationship consumer versus final product. And that interface problems in devices of information, command and control of consumption products can be reduced by means of the application of a study that tries to detect the usability needs and to transform it in suggestions for improvements in the product.
Aesthetics and Cultural Differences
Authors: Jordan Patrick W.
Published: January 2012

Hofstede (1994) outlines five dimensions upon which national cultures can be differentiated from each other. These dimensions are described. A study in which nations were clustered into cultural groups is reported. It is suggested that culture may be linked to aesthetic preference and that it is important to understand these links when designing products for global distribution. Research into cultural-aesthetic links is reported, along with a summary of links established to date. It is concluded that there is much research still to be done. This represents a major challenge which human factors as a profession must embrace if it is to move beyond usability and contribute to the creation of products which are a positive pleasure to own and use.
Does Fixation Interfere with Product Usability?
Authors: Standaert Achiel , Christiaans Henri
Published: January 2012

In operating unfamiliar products users often show fixation to certain action patterns even when it does not lead to any success. In fixation, users keep repeating non-working solutions and stick to an ineffective hypothesis. In this study the factors influencing fixation behaviour are examined. An experiment has been conducted in which three unfamiliar products and two familiar products had to be manipulated. The unfamiliar products were a can-opener, an overhead projector and a radio alarm clock. Subjects were selected from two age groups: 10 design students and 10 people between 45 and 65 years old, both males and females. The results show that fixation can exist on different levels: (1) on the level of the rules applied and (2) on a higher abstraction level dealing with the problem solving-strategy. Both user-related and product-related aspects influence the occurrence of fixation. It is concluded that designers should be aware of the fixation effects caused by interface errors and poor feedback. Designers should also realise that the type of problem (static versus dynamic problem; number of variables; the length of the use-sequence) has an impact on the way users deal with unfamiliar products.
The Ergonomics Society of Taiwan: The Past and the Future
Authors: Lee Tzai-Zang
Published: January 2012

Comparing to those well established ergonomic associations like Human Factors/Ergonomics Society (USA) and Ergonomics Society (UK), the Ergonomics Society of Taiwan is a relatively young and small society. This article looks at its history, organization, and activities as well as its strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), and suggests how to set its steps forward.
Architecture and Ergonomics
Authors: Charytonowicz Jerzy
Published: January 2012

As the subject of modern ergonomics is the adaptation of the entirety of the material surroundings to the needs and possibilities of man, who is himself recognized as an element of the ecosystem of nature, it modern ergonomics should envelope in practice, into its area of interest all spheres of man's life. The main features of ergonomics, i.e. its humanocentricity and interdisciplinary nature are also main features of the broad understanding of architecture. The history of civilization shows that for centuries before ergonomics appeared there had existed an architecture which was engaged in the problems of “hydraulics, the construction of clocks and of different machines” (Vitruvius, 1st century BC.). In the past, architecture was treated, because of its creative and aesthetic aspects, as the “mother of all arts” a feature which in consequence influenced its separation from reality and caused the phenomenon of the dehumanization of architecture observed since the 18th century. Our present needs and circumstance has lead to the creation within architecture of, amongst other things, an orientation towards a greater adaptability, both to the needs of all categories of mankind's efficiency and to the possibilities engendered by a more widely understood ecosystem of nature. Contemporary architecture has been becoming more of an “interdisciplinary engineering art” than a “fine art” and it is a form of the humanization of the technique and urbanized living environment. The similarity of the main fearures and aims of those activities which characterize both ergonomics and architecture justifies the need to include into the multidisciplinary circle of ergonomists also those architects who whilst creating the “material frameworks of man's life” still very often try “to create pure art” and forget about the “statistic man“. The results of architects' errors are felt for decades both by society and nature.
Summary of the Publishing Trends of the Journal of Human Factors from 1988-1997
Authors: Zavod Merrill , Hitt James M.
Published: January 2012

Continuing prior analysis to determine the characteristics of HFES publications, this paper provides a descriptive investigation of the articles contained within Human Factors, the official journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society between the years of 1988–1997. No attempt was made by the authors to determine the quality of the 511 articles included in the analysis but provided is a descriptive summary along the following characteristics: period of publication, year of publication, institution classification of lead author, affiliation of lead author, country from which lead author resides, and the topical area of the article. The results are compared to a similar analysis examining the same variables for the presentations at the HFES Annual Meeting for the same period (Hitt, 1998).
Haptic Reports of Angle Perception: A New Twist
Authors: Kass Steven J. , Hughes Sandy C. , Stanny Claudia J. , Behan Bernadette
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted to compare the accuracy of participants' visual-spatial judgments of the aspect angle of a simulated ship floating on water when estimates were made either verbally or haptically. It was expected that a haptic response would reduce errors caused by verbal mediation or the translation from visual perception to verbal response. Results indicated that haptic responses were more accurate, but only when a simple stimulus was viewed. Implications for improving accuracy when reporting visual-spatial information and for interface design, as well areas for future research, are discussed.
Databased Publishing of User-, Product- and Media-Specific Documentation
Authors: Zühlke Detlef , Reuther Achim
Published: January 2012

“ The best device is only as good as its user manual” (G. Pötter). This provocative argument describes the fact that nowadays it is almost impossible to manufacture machines which can be operated intuitively despite the existence of ergonomic operating systems. The available functions of the operating system exceed by far the number of functions which are necessary for the process control. Apart from monitoring the automatically controlled process the user is able to carry out additional tasks. In order to get an overview of the numerous functions and to operate the product in a correct and safe way an efficient user documentation adapted to the user's needs is required as a supplement to the ergonomic operating system.
Cultural Influence on Usability
Authors: De Souza Marilia , Dejean Pierre-Henri
Published: January 2012

The influence of culture on usability remains little known. Research in the area is recent and we observe confusion both in the observation and the categorisation of phenomena. Our objective is to contribute new elements to help to structure this subject of research. Our approach is interdisciplinary and reveals the complexity of the field. For the study of the influence of culture on usability we propose two types of analysis: the definition of the objects of research and the definition of the levels of observation.
A Picture of Bank Employees of Fortaleza: Health and Quality of Life
Authors: Maciel Regina Heloisa
Published: January 2012

708 bank employees of Fortaleza, CE were interviewed about their work conditions, work related stress, health and pain complaints. The results showed a high level of stress and health complaints. These can be explained by the changes banks jobs have undergo due to automation and the decrease in the number of employees.
A Reasonable Prescriptive Exercise Program for Health Care Maintenance
Authors: Kawakami M. , Yamashita A. , Ohkubo T. , Sanbayashi Y.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a proposal for designing a prescriptive exercise program of health care maintenance based on the experimental approach. The method of research was to measure and record an each subject's physical abilities and the heart rate on the constant load by the running on a treadmill on experiment I and II. This program was chosen for its public familiarity and the ease with which it can be learned. The evaluation index used in the experiment was obtained by measuring Sub-maximal Heart Rate (HRmax) and Relative Metabolic Rate (RMR) of young subjects. The results provide a formula for estimating heart rate based on RMR, and effectiveness of the formula was then verified.
Analysis of Work Accidents and Professional Diseases in Rio Grande Do Sul State Construction Industry
Authors: de Guimarães Lia Buarque Macedo , Costella Marcelo F. , Cremonini Ruy A.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a statistic survey on work accidents and professional diseases in Rio Grande do Sul state's construction industry. Data for years 1996 and 1997 were obtained from CAT, an official compulsory form used to communicate work accidents and professional diseases in Brazil. This survey analyzed the statistics of the work profile, the accident timing distribution and the accidents causes and injuries. Data were analyzed in a database specially designed for this survey with a graphic interface that makes consultation easier. The results point out that construction enterprises need to consider the use of safer technology, better management and work organization. The most important conclusion is that employees are not as careless as is usually affirmed. The results and conclusions about main work accident causes can be used to guide public and private health and safety programs, in order to reduce both number and severity of accidents.
Push an Pull Forces in the Building and Construction Industry
Authors: Frings-Dresen Monique H.W. , Windhorst Judith , Hoozemans Marco J.M. , van der Beek Allard J. , van der Molen Henk F.
Published: January 2012

Push and pull activities are increasing in the building and construction industry. These activities can be assumed as one of the risk factors for the development of low back and upper extremity complaints. For a risk evaluation, besides the frequency and the duration of the activities, information concerning push and pull forces are necessary. The aim of this study was to assess the external forces during common push and pull activities at construction sites. In total 115 male construction workers were involved. The force measurements were executed during the daily tasks and activities at the workplace with a digital force gauge. The exerted forces during a lot of activities were high. The magnitude of the forces gave reason to preventive interventions from a health point of view.
Lap Held Infants on Commercial Air Carriers: Do the Current Regulations Increase or Decrease the Safety Risks?
Authors: von Thaden Terry L.
Published: January 2012

In our nation's skies Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) allow infants less than two years of age to be “lap held,” occupying the same seat as their adult traveling companion. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that people (over age 2), animals and objects be secured during ground movement, takeoff, landing and turbulence, yet it does not require this for infants under age two. Once over age two a child must occupy his own seat in a FAA approved Child Restraint Device (CRD). Since first allowing the use of CRDs in 1982, FAR part 121.311 has been changed numerous times to represent the FAA's policy over the years. In May 1996, 121.311 was changed to disallow previously approved restraint devices (e.g. belly belt, booster seats, and harness devices) on US air carriers segments of flight other than enroute. This paper investigates the current regulations, presenting data on the relative dangers of restrained and unrestrained infants in air and automotive incidents/accidents. Comparative analysis of these data show that leaving infants unrestrained poses a serious threat to the infants themselves and other occupants, and delineates the types and possibilities of these dangers in relation to incident types. In lieu of Federal Regulations, recommendations for airlines are suggested.
Use of Syringes and Transfer Devices in a Pharmacy Department
Authors: Hide Sophie , Haslegrave Christine M. , Morris Wendy , Adisesh Anil
Published: January 2012

Syringes and transfer (or reconstitution) devices are two of the tools used in hospital pharmacy departments during the preparation of medications and nutritional products. The techniques involved when using them were observed and recorded on video, and several of the tasks were then simulated to measure the force exertions required. The forces were found to be high, demanding a considerable proportion of maximum strength in thumb presses, palmar grips and thumb and two finger pinch grips. The use of these tools also involved awkward postures of the wrist and fingers and it is recommended that their design be reviewed.
Perceptions of the Role of Ergonomics in Healthcare Facilities Design
Authors: Villeneuve Jocelyn
Published: January 2012

For at least a decade, many more interventions and researches have been made in ergonomics and healthcare facilities design, especially in French-speaking countries (France and French-Canada). The relation with users and professionals in the field taught us a point of view about their perception of the role of ergonomics. Here is briefly what they think about this question.
Ergonomics in the Box Mobile Containers as Medical Workplaces at an International Airport
Authors: Held Jürgen , Krueger Helmut
Published: January 2012

The management of catastrophes with a high number of seriously injured people requires a point of first medical treatment in the midst area of damage. The Firebrigade and Rescue Paramedic Team at the international airport Zurich in Switzerland is therefore developing two mobile containers as medical workplaces. It was found by the task and posture analysis, that the norm of minimum workspace dimensions for ambulances is not a practicable guideline for an ergonomic design of the container interior. The basic idea of the new concept is a turnable operating table, that guarantees an easy transfer and is furthermore a flexible solution for two different work situations, depending on the number of persons in the Paramedic Team. The project is relevant to understand and to use the catalytic impact of an ergonomic survey in design processes which different participated professions.
Methodology of Metacognition Assessment in Ergonomics
Authors: Huet Nathalie , Veyrac Helene
Published: January 2012

In order to provide a frame for helping ergonomists in evaluating metacognition, two different methods are presented: “independent measures” of task execution related to metacognitive knowledge about the operator's cognitive limits and “dependent measures” of task execution including monitoring and control processes.
Personality, Stress, and Performance for Army Recruiters
Authors: Mullins Linda L. , Fatkin Linda T.
Published: January 2012

Recent research conducted with Army Recruiters has classified recruiting as a high-risk occupation that includes consistently high levels of stress. Some recruiters seem to possess stress-resilient characteristics while others are more vulnerable to the effects of stress. The objective of the present study was to empirically identify recruiter characteristics that contribute to recruiter stress and performance.

Participants for the study included 145 recruiters. The Zuckerman Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire III-Revised was used as a measure of personality. The Multiple Affect Adjective CheckList - Revised, Subjective Stress Scale, and Specific Rating of Events Scale were administered as state measures of stress. A performance percentage was calculated for each recruiter by dividing the number of individuals recruited by the number of recruits required to meet their mission.

A cluster analysis was performed using the subscale measures of the ZKPQ resulting in a four-cluster solution: High Impulsivity-High Neuroticism, Low Impulsivity-High Neuroticism, Low Impulsivity-Low Neuroticism, and High Impulsivity-Low Neuroticism. Separate ANOVAs were computed between clusters for recruiter performance and stress measures. Generally the results from this research indicate individuals in the high Neuroticism groups perceive higher levels of stress. Differences in personality did not result in performance differences.
Cognitive Workload while Driving and Talking on a Cellular Phone or to a Passenger
Authors: Waugh John D. , Glumm Monica M. , Kilduff Patricia W. , Tauson Richard A. , Smyth Christopher C. , Pillalamarri Ramakrishna S.
Published: January 2012

Twelve adults experienced in using cellular telephones participated in an investigation of driving and performing a communication task. They navigated a closed serpentine driving course, requiring constant driving activity. Their communication task was responding to a verbal cognitive test battery administered by the passenger or via cellular telephone. The test battery consisted of sentence remembering with read-back and verbal puzzle solving. Baseline treatments were navigating the course without communication and responding to the test battery while parked. Subjects were prompted to report their current level of workload, using the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT), throughout their tasks. Driving speeds were significantly lower when using the phone than they were with the passenger speaking, but the analysis did not reveal a difference in perceived workload between these conditions. Workload ratings were lower in the drive-only condition than they were when the driver used the phone.
Comparison of Hand Dimensions among Various Nationalities
Authors: Imrhan Sheik N.
Published: January 2012

Twenty four dimensions of the right hand were measured in a sample of fifty female Indians. The means were compared with those of similar measurements in females from Hong Kong, Japan, U.K., and U.S.A. (Air Force and Vietnamese sub-populations), published in the literature. The results indicated that most hand dimensions in Indians were significantly smaller than those of Hong Kong, U.S. Airforce, and U.K. females. Vietnamese Americans and Japanese showed the least differences from Indians. Differences were greater for finger depths and breadths than lengths. These results have important implications for machine and access space design.
Ergonomic Issues for Classroom Computing
Authors: Hedge Alan , Barrero Marisol , Maxwell Lorraine
Published: January 2012

The use of computers in schools and the classroom continues to grow. When schools invest in computers, they pay attention to the network infrastructure, the technology and software, but typically the ergonomic design of student workstations is ignored. The comfort and safety of adult computer users in workplace settings has received a great deal of attention in the past decade. Recent research indicates that the comfort and safety of child computer users may be at risk given the configuration of the majority of the workstations at which computers are used. The paper will review the latest research on ergonomics issues associated with classroom computer use, outline some of the potential risks and discuss the general issue of appropriate ergonomic design of computer workstations for school-aged children.
Do Finger Amputations Reduce Performance when Reaching and Operating Control Devices?: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Pennathur Arunkumar , Mital Anil , Contreras Luis Rene
Published: January 2012

This paper reports results of a study to determine if finger amputations (most pervasive upper extremity injury in the U.S.) result in significant work performance deterioration. An experiment was designed with and without simulated finger amputations (as the two conditions). Experimental variables included 5 types of control devices, vertical height of control location, angle of control location in the vertical plane, and subjects' torso being restrained or unrestrained. Different anthropometric measurements were recorded with and without the simulated disability. If a subject was able to reach the control, the time taken to activate the control was recorded. An ANOVA indicated that subjects took significantly longer (p > 0.001), as much as 14 % longer, to activate controls in the presence of the simulated disability. The restraint did not significantly alter performance provided the subject was able to reach the control. The type of control and the height of the location of the control significantly affected work performance.
Prioritization of Risk for Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Office Workplace
Authors: Fraser Margo , McInnis Jeff , Shirey Mark
Published: January 2012

In the process for evaluation of workstations, a preliminary step that is often required is to prioritize jobs in terms of risk for development of musculoskeletal disorders. This may involve a review of existing injury/illness data, and/or use of a short checklist or questionnaire. In response to a need to prioritize a large number of office jobs in a major chemical company, a method for categorizing the jobs into very high, high, moderate and low exposure groups for further evaluation was developed. A short yes/no checklist containing questions that are easy to understand by the users and are related to physical ergonomics hazards in the office environment formed the basis of the method. Each question was assigned a value on a scale of 1 to 10 in terms of relative risk, based on findings in the literature and practical experience. A consensus was reached by the three authors in assigning this value. Total scores for each of the computer and desk work sections of the checklist are determined and combined with information on total exposure and continuous exposure over the workday to calculate the final exposure group.
Meaning Constitution Analysis — MCA a Software for Studying What People Really Think and Feel
Authors: Sages Roger , Johansson Curt R
Published: January 2012

The individual constitutes meaning in and through his daily life activities. A careful analysis of meaning, as it is constituted by the individual, can give us indications for possible generalizations and formulations of typologies and classifications above the individual level. The concept of the individual is in this way of the highest scientific value, being the sole valid basis for all efforts of scientific conceptualizations. To affirm that meaning is individually constituted as a product of subjectivity, is also to affirm the necessity of reaching it with and through the concerned individual's own terms and expressions. This is accomplished by the MCA software.
Establishing a Human Factors Career in the New Millennium: Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Authors: Shapiro Ronald G. , Andre Anthony D. , Lund Arnold M. , Fox Jean E. , Watts-Perotti Jennifer , Fadden Steve
Published: January 2012

Welcome to the seventh annual Human Factors and Ergonomics Society career panel. This year, each panelist was asked to answer six questions related to careers now and in the future. Topics selected include: working environment, becoming a professional, skills and experiences.
The Ergonomic Observer: A New Flexible Interface Technique for Online Work and Teamwork Analysis
Authors: Held Jürgen , Krueger Helmut
Published: January 2012

Traditional event recording means to predefine and memorise function keys or abbreviations codes. Those tools doesn't fulfil the Ergonomic Dialogue Design Criteria, especially the self-descriptiveness, individualisation and learnability. Using such devices to analyse and improve Man-Machine systems is paradox. The FIT-System (Flexible Interface Technique) — a new method to record observational data — can improve this (figure 1)
International HCI-Standards on Keyboards and other Input Devices
Authors: Çakir Ahmet E.
Published: January 2012

ISO 9241 “Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminal (VDTs)” is a series of 17 standards which deals with various aspects of working with computers. Its parts 4 and 9 contain provisions on the design of input devices. Part 4 is dedicated to keyboards of conventional kind with a linear layout. Novel designs or improvements of existing devices may be tested with the alternative test method. Part 9 of ISO 9241 deals with the rest of input devices. It comprises basic principles for the design of input devices as generic goals, general design requirements and recommendations for all devices and specific requirements for specific devices. The standard specifies so-called task primitives which allow to measure the usability of a device and to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of its use as well as the satisfaction of the users' requirements.
Analysis of Different Decision Models in the Verification of the Dialogue Principle ‘Error Tolerance’ as Specified in ISO 9241-10
Authors: Meyer Inga , Nachreiner Friedhelm
Published: January 2012

Based on the design recommendations concerning error tolerance in ISO 9241-10 a check list for compliance testing of existing software products was developed. Problems of compliance testing seem to be of special importance, since ISO 9241-10 itself states nothing about conformity testing and therefore different models of evaluating individual criteria as well as for combining different criteria are conceivable, which might lead to different results concerning compliance with the specifications of this standard. Thus a study was conducted to see how far different decision models of criterion compliance and for the combination of criteria lead to different results concerning conformity with the provisions of this standard.
Information Science and the Strategic Knowledge Management: Complementarily and Dependence
Authors: Triska Ricardo , dos Santos Neri
Published: January 2012

This paper intends to discuss the concepts of knowledge, information and data and their use on a Competitive Intelligence process. An information concept is presented and the information science influences on the way that it has been used, as so data gathering as internal expert service process support. A relationship between the Competitive Intelligence process approach and the use of the established resources for information process using electronic media is displayed. There is a difference among data, information and knowledge taking the reader up to the Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management concepts found at current literature over this subject. A user connection to knowledge is described in order to make a distinction between the knowledge universe and the user universe, taking the recorded knowledge as a “bridge” connecting both universes. The knowledge universe access way is taken by the language that is in use, while at user universe is represented by the retrieval system that is adopted. A discussion over the frontiers and aspects of each universe is held, as well as the condition for inter-relationship, resulting in an idealistic representation for the user and knowledge relationship. Finally, this paper presents a few points that illustrate the Information Science contributions for the Knowledge Management process.
Automatic Registration of OWAS Postures from Video Film
Authors: PhD Pinzke S.
Published: January 2012

The aim of this paper is to contribute to the development of a system for automatic registration of working postures from video film according to the OWAS method. The automatic system provides several advantages as compared with traditional manual systems. For the operator, it is a less demanding task and the analyses are more comprehensive. The system is a marker-less method based on image analysis and computer vision. Routines are developed both for separating the subject from its background and for relating the shapes of the extracted subject to OWAS postures. Several type of filters are used for the segmentation process and length and angle calculations on different segments of the extracted figure are executed to determine the corresponding OWAS posture. The determined angles can be used as input in biomechanical programs for calculating forces and load moments. Another approach for the development of the automatic system is to use neural network and feature matching. For that approach a neutral network is taught to relate postures of a subject to postures in the OWAS system.
Glasses Mounted Display Baseline Test: Comparing the GMD to Traditional Displays
Authors: Kancler David E. , Quill Laurie L. , Revels Allen R.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this test was to compare the performance of the Glasses-Mounted Display (GMD) with a standard desktop monitor. Although standard computers and their displays, such as a notebook computer with a liquid-crystal display (LCD), are appropriate for many applications outside the office, certain factors, such as increased mobility or hands-free requirements, can impede the usability of standard computers. The GMD provides a potential solution to the display requirements associated with these unique situations. The current study used three independent variables to test this: 1) Display (GMD vs. Laptop computer LCD), 2) Data Source (an internal location on the display vs. from a separate, external CRT), and 3) Trial (six total trials). Results were mixed; although the interaction of Display x Data Source indicated the GMD may be useful in applications that involve visual attention switching. Subjective feedback indicated a greater familiarity and comfort level with a laptop computer and its LCD display. However, subjects also recognized the GMD's potential use for tasks involving confined areas, hands-busy operation, and tasks requiring continual switching of attention between the GMD and task environment.
Test and Evaluation: The Changing Nature of our Scientific Knowledge
Authors: Cameron Joyce A.
Published: January 2012

Traditionally, human factors/ergonomics professionals, especially in the United States, use concepts and methods derived from engineering and experimental psychology, both of which are rooted in the conceptual framework of classical, seventeenth-century, Newtonian physics. As a result, our conceptual foundations emphasize reductionism and determinism. However, we need to update these conceptual foundations to reflect the reality of the science of today. Concepts such as holism demand re-thinking the structure of scientific knowledge; principles such as uncertainty have profound implications concerning observation and measurement; and principles such as complementarity require re-examination of the nature of scientific explanation.

Many variables of interest to Test and Evaluation (T&E) professionals can be investigated using concepts and methods derived from the physical sciences, the life sciences, and/or the human sciences. However, the science used will profoundly influence the available explanatory concepts and the resulting explanations. Thus, in addition to defining the questions to be asked, T&E professionals need also to consider the kind of science to be used in each investigation.
Testing a Framework for Reliable Classification of Usability Problems
Authors: Andre Terence S. , Belz Steven M. , McCrearys Faith A. , Hartson H. Rex
Published: January 2012

The User Action Framework (UAF) is a knowledge base of usability issues and concepts structured to provide a framework and method for classifying usability problems identified during usability evaluation. The UAF is essentially a hierarchical structure of usability attributes that users traverse as a decision structure, selecting the most appropriate classification category and sub-category at each level of the hierarchy. The cumulative set of category choices along the classification path is taken as a sequence of usability attributes that determines a complete classification description of the usability problem in question. The UAF itself has been the subject of usability evaluation and is the product of an extensive, iterative design process. In this paper we report on the reliability of the UAF by measuring the agreement of 10 experienced usability practitioners as they classify 15 different usability problems.
The Difference of Preference versus Performance can Differ for Concurrent versus Retrospective Ratings
Authors: Raghavan Srinivas , Perlman Gary
Published: January 2012

Several studies have found differences between subjective preference ratings and objective performance measures. Bailey [Bailey 93] summarizes several, and argues for separate treatment of these concepts. Our results in a multifactor multivariate experiment support Bailey's contention, but adds a new dimension of concern: the use of concurrent versus retrospective subjective ratings. The presentation here will focus on the relationship of performance and concurrent versus retrospective preference ratings. Retrospective ratings may represent users' lasting impressions of a system after a trial use, but may not be good predictors of performance. Concurrent ratings of confidence of accuracy were found, in this study, to be better predictors performance. We offer recommendations about how to make the best use of these different evaluation measures, particularly when they differ.
Point-of-Gaze Evaluation in Simulated ATC
Authors: David Hugh , Mollard Regis , Gabon Phillipe , Farbos Bruno
Published: January 2012

Eight Air Traffic Controllers carried out four TRACON II exercises using a graphic and a keyboard interface in low and high traffic. An iView head-mounted eye-tracking device was used. Electroencephalograms, (EEG), Electro-oculograms (EOG) and Electrocardiograms (EKG) were also measured, and on-line observations recorded using the Noldus Observer System. Subjective self-assessments, including the NASA-TLX (Task Load indeX) were employed. Significant events during the exercises were also identified for detailed analysis.
Measures of Data, Information, and Knowledge
Authors: Gawron Valerie J.
Published: January 2012

One of the greatest human factors challenges is the design of information technologies. Part of the challenge stems from the ever-increasing capabilities for displaying information. Part stems from the inability to measure the effectiveness of the technologies. Effectiveness is defined as transfer of information to or creation of knowledge in the user of the information technology. But what is information and what is knowledge and how are these measured? Meadow and Yuan (1997) provide the following general definitions: “data usually means a set of symbols with little or no meaning to the recipient. Information is a set of symbols that does have meaning or significance to their recipient. Knowledge is the accumulation and integration of information received and processed by a recipient” (p. 701). However, there are contending definitions for each of these concepts as well as additional concepts. These contending definitions were reviewed in this poster and composite definitions presented for data, information, knowledge, impact, and understanding.
Improving Customer Satisfaction of Smartcard System: Integration of Human Factors and Quality Function Deployment
Authors: Chan Alan H.S. , Wai S.H.
Published: January 2012

Octopus card is an electronic travel ticket with built-in microchip jointly issued by five major public transportation companies in Hong Kong. It can be used for riding on six kinds of transportation vehicles, viz. Mass Transit Railway (MTR), Kowloon Canton Railway (KCR) East Rail, KCR Light Rail, Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB), Citybus, and Hong Kong & Yaumati Ferry (HYF). The system has been launched in Hong Kong since September 1997. At the launching phase of this system, some operational problems like wrong fare deduction, card damage, inaccurate display of remaining balance on buses with the use of Octopus card were observed and brought up in the public. This study aimed at finding out the ways of satisfying the customer needs with the use of the system with consideration of changing technology development. The work in this study included identification of the quality dimensions of using Octopus card, conducting questionnaires survey on the users, applying usability testing to evaluate the overall performance of Octopus card and employing Quality Function Deployment to translate the customer voices into technical specifications. With the results of this study, strategies for improving the performance of Octopus card were finally recommended.
Ergonomics in Large Machinery Design
Authors: McPhee Barbara
Published: January 2012

Until recently in Australia it has been difficult to convince machinery manufacturers that ergonomics was worthy of their attention and action.

Ergonomics evaluation of a range of machinery has been hampered by a lack of accessible, useable design criteria. Formal Standards, such as the Standard on Plant give guidelines on risk assessment but nothing specific in terms of ergonomics design guidelines. Most other Standards are out-of-date or are inconsistent with current practice in Australia. By necessity most occupational health and safety regulations and standards for heavy equipment define their design in terms of broad principles to reduce risks to health and safety.

To assist designers, purchasers and users of heavy machinery in the application of ergonomics principles it may be worth developing useability standards such as those used for computer systems. These may be applied to generate more specific design and performance specifications using the consultative risk assessment process.
Construction of a Knowledge Base for Ergonomic Design with Human Models
Authors: Jung Eui S. , Kang Dongseok
Published: January 2012

In order to economically evaluate products and workplaces from the early stage of design, it is essential to provide the designer with a variety of design and evaluation means. In Korea, incorporation of ergonomic design and evaluation into the computer-aided design process of product development in industry has been in great need. A number of ergonomic design models have been developed and are currently in use. Evaluation functions embedded in those models are, however, based mostly on predictive algorithms such as reach and visibility tests, whereas numerous ergonomic guidelines which constitute a major part of design knowledge have been rarely accommodated to such models. In this research, a knowledge base was constructed to expand the scope of ergonomic evaluation being made through those models. First, a new framework based on an object-oriented database for the model was suggested from the developer's standpoint. Second, the knowledge modeling was done based on the definition through the object-oriented database. Finally, the knowledge base was implemented in the prototype design model that enables to evaluate design alternatives, interactively. It is expected that the knowledge base proposed would lessen the burden of designers through efficient evaluations from the early stage of design.
Automated Extraction of Anthropometric Data from 3D Images
Authors: Paquette Steven , Brantley J. David , Corner Brian D. , Li Peng , Oliver Thomas
Published: January 2012

The use of 3D scanning systems for the capture and measurement of human body dimensions is becoming commonplace. While the ability of available scanning systems to record the surface anatomy of the human body is generally regarded as acceptable for most applications, effective use of the images to obtain anthropometric data requires specially developed data extraction software. However, for large data sets, extraction of useful information can be quite time consuming. A major benefit therefore is to possess an automated software program that quickly facilitates the extraction of reliable anthropometric data from 3D scanned images. In this paper the accuracy and variability of two fully automated data extraction systems (Cyberware WB-4 scanner with Natick-Scan software and Hamamatsu BL Scanner with accompanying software) are examined and compared with measurements obtained from traditional anthropometry. In order to remove many confounding variables that living humans introduce during the scanning process, a set of clothing dressforms was chosen as the focus of study. An analysis of the measurement data generally indicates that automated data extraction compares favorably with standard anthropometry for some measurements but requires additional refinement for others.
Prospect of the Next-Term Human Body Measurement in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Kazushige
Published: January 2012

Research Institute of Human Engineering for Quality Life (HQL) is planning to update the current human body measurement database by collecting new body measurement data, as well as it carries out the following development of measurement technology from 1999 to 2001.

I. Development of New 3-D Body Surface Measurement System (1999 ∼ 2001) a. Generation of the super accurate data and reduction of the measuring time b. Measurement of the invisible human body parts c. Extraction of anatomical landmarks II. Development of New Data Format for 3-D Human Body Shape (1999) The human body shape generated from image data has difficulty in comparing data and comprehending distribution. This project aims at conducting the research and development to make the scan result easier to analyze and utilize.
An Overwiew of Anthropometric Studies in Japan
Authors: Ashizawa Kumi
Published: January 2012

Among anthropometric studies on Japanese populations, I have chosen studies in which the data were obtained from a sufficiently large number of subjects to insure statistical validity, and offer some comments on each to make clear its status as a database.