bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Level of Problem Description on Problem Discovery Rates: Two Case Studies
Authors: Lewis James R.
Published: January 2012

The primary purpose of this analysis was to investigate the effect of changing the level of description of usability problems on the estimate of the problem discovery rate ( p). A secondary purpose was to describe a method for using p to estimate the number of problems remaining available for discovery given the constraints associated with a particular participant population, application, and set of tasks. The level of problem description influenced estimates of p, and the direction of influence was predictable, with higher levels of description producing higher estimates of p. Practitioners need a level of description that flows easily into recommendations for redesigning products, but to keep usability studies as efficient as possible, practitioners also need to seek a level of description that takes advantage of common patterns in observed usability problems. Managing this tradeoff is only one of the challenges of usability evaluation, but it is an important one.
Supporting the Navy Sailor through Console Design
Authors: Weaver Melissa , Burton Nancy , Hall Katie , Smith Jeanette
Published: January 2012

A two-year effort to include Human Systems Integration (HSI) in the design of a new console culminated in a final summative evaluation. The HSI team conducted the assessment on the new console developed for the CVN 77 Aircraft Carrier-Tactical Support Center. The evaluation compared the Engineering Development Model (EDM) prototype against the baseline Tactical Advanced Computer Four (TAC-4) console it was designed to replace. Overall, the results demonstrated a performance improvement with statistically significant tasks having faster average completion times on the EDM. There was also overwhelming subjective data in favor of the EDM, with 100% ∗∗∗of participants preferring it over the TAC-4. There were no ∗∗∗“show-stopper” issues uncovered; however, there was a potential safety concern that was resolved prior to production. Recommendations were also provided for console upgrades as part of a planned technology refresh.
Evaluation of a Tactile Navigation Cueing System and Real-Time Assessment of Cognitive State
Authors: Dorneich Michael C. , Ververs Patricia May , Whitlow Stephen D. , Mathan Santosh
Published: January 2012

This paper details an evaluation of a tactile cueing system that was created to enhance the navigation of a complex route. The complexity of the task along with simultaneously challenging cognitive tasks also enabled the real-time assessment of cognitive state in various task load conditions. Honeywell has been working with the US Army's Future Force Warrior program to develop adaptive systems that will effectively manage the available cognitive resources used for information processing by the dismounted Soldier in highly dynamic, information rich environments. The appropriate allocation of cognitive resources is key to managing multiple tasks, focusing on the most important ones, and maintaining overall situation awareness. Non-visual navigation support would offload a typically visual task, such as viewing a paper map or computer-based map display, to a sensory channel that is underutilized, tactile sensation. Both benefits and costs to this type of automation support are explored in detail, where the evaluation supports the premise that strong automated support should only be used in high workload situations where the benefits outweigh the costs.
An Example of Objective Warfighter Performance Measurement: The Joint Distributed Free-Play Event
Authors: Fielder James , Baker Katrina , Winters Jay
Published: January 2012

The U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) conducted a Joint Distributed Free-Play Event (JDFE) during the period 22 August through 1 September 2005. The primary goal of the JDFE was to demonstrate a proof of concept using Human Systems Integration testing and analytical techniques in a free-play field event. Nine unique vignettes were conducted which provided different decision-making points, tailored the battlefield information available, and centered on a Joint Personnel Recovery mission that highlighted efforts to rescue a downed pilot. The friendly forces engaged in free-play activities while enemy forces and battlefield civilians followed scripted activities. Areas of study included audio-visual documentation of the event and stress and situational awareness characterization of the participants. Physiological data, including heart rate and core body temperature, and a real time casualty assessment were collected along with Warfighter fit and comfort ratings of test instrumentation.
Evaluation of Symptoms and Effects of Virtual Reality Based Flight Simulation and Enhanced Sensitivity of Postural Stability Measueres
Authors: Oskarsson Per-Anders , Nählinder Staffan
Published: January 2012

In order to investigate level of experienced sickness symptoms in a VR based air combat simulator, a combined methodology was used. Before, during, and after simulation the participants repeatedly answered a VR sickness symptoms questionnaire (VRSQ). In addition, before and after simulation their postural stability was measured. In order to investigate if measurements of postural stability can be made more sensitive to changes in postural stability, during the measurements a sideways rolling wide angular visual flow was presented to half of the participants. Only low levels of VR-sickness symptoms and effects on postural stability were found. However, headache caused by the Head Mounted Display was a major concern for most participants. The presentation of a visual flow during the measurements of postural stability led to generally higher levels of postural instability, but did not increase the sensitivity of the measurements.
A Survey of Mobile Phone Use in Older Adults
Authors: Lee Young Seok
Published: January 2012

Mobile phone adoption by older adults is radically increasing. As a part of multiple empirical studies to improve older adults' experiences with mobile phones, a survey was conducted to investigate a number of specific aspects of mobile phone use in the older adult population including motives of ownership, usage patterns, preferences on mobile phone features, and perceived usability of their own phones. A total of 154 older adults from 20 states of the United States who owned a mobile phone participated in this study. Results indicated that participants used a few basic features of mobile phones since they used them mainly for personal communication and safety reasons. Overall, participants perceived that their current phones offered marginal “ease of use”, but they found most usability problems with understanding error messages, inputting text, and understanding user manuals. The majority of older adults (over 50%) desired a phone with basic features that include making /receiving a call, phonebook, emergency call, voice message checking, speed dial, ringer change, and clock. However, effects of age and gender were found on mobile phone usage patterns and design preferences, which suggest a need of focusing on diverse groups within the older adult population.
Pre-Exertion Perceptions of Musculoskeletal Overexertion Injury Risk: An Assessment of Age, Gender, Anthropometric, and Lifting Task Factors
Authors: Wiker Steven F. , Baggio Viviana
Published: January 2012

Manual materials handling safety training programs typically encourage workers to make judgments regarding manual material handling risk prior to making attempts to perform the task. The objectives of this effort were to determine if: a) perceptions of MMH tasks are consistent with consensus-based lifting hazards, and b) judgments are materially affected by observer age and or gender. Photographs of orthogonally varied levels of horizontal and vertical origin and final position of a 20 Kg box lift at 0.2, 2 and 5 lifts per minute were presented to 50 males and 50 females who were distributed among age decades between 20 and 70 years. Subjects were asked to rate their perceived risk of musculoskeletal injury using magnitude estimation methods. Results showed that subjects, regardless of age, were unable to spatially perceive consensus-based biomechanical indexes of musculoskeletal hazard; this finding held regardless of age group, gender, stature, body mass, prior safe lifting practices training, or history of low back injury.
In-Flight Planning and Intelligent Pilot Aids for Emergencies and Non-Nominal Flight Conditions Using Automatically Generated Flight Plans
Authors: Kalambi Vittesh V. , Pritchett Amy R. , Bruneau Daniel P. J. , Endsley Mica R. , Kaber David B.
Published: January 2012

The following study examined pilots' performance on in-flight planning tasks in non-nominal and emergency conditions using autoflight systems capable of automatically generating a flight plan. The findings revealed that autoflight systems did not significantly impact replanning, while the scenarios did significantly affect the primary performance measures of distance flown and time of flight. Additionally, pilots selected the most direct route when possible and did not distinguish between emergency and non-nominal flight conditions. Pilots also favored use of the automatically generated flight plans. We conclude that: 1) automatic flight path generation benefits in-flight replanning primarily by reducing workload in emergencies; and 2) such a system will require real time access to environmental information, including traffic, weather and terrain, be considered simultaneously.
Cognitive Task Analysis of Future Air Traffic Control Concepts: The TCAS Downlink Scenario
Authors: Hilburn Brian
Published: January 2012

Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) is a flightdeck-based technology aimed at helping aircraft avoid proximate traffic. TCAS information has traditionally not been presented to the air traffic controller. A 2002 German midair collision was triggered, in part, by incompatible air traffic control (ATC) and TCAS clearances. Largely in response to this accident, attention has focused in recent years on the potential benefits of “downlinking” to the controller TCAS Resolution Advisories (RAs) in near real time. Such presentations, it is thought, could benefit situation awareness and joint decision making between controller and pilot.

A cognitive task analysis (CTA) was recently conducted into the present-day and future RA Downlink (RAD) operational concepts. On the basis of functional task description and cognitive walkthroughs, CTA assessed the impact of various specific non-nominal events (e.g. pilot reports RA, but does not initiate an evasive maneuver). Finally, a set of cognitive elements and potential error mechanisms was identified.
Creating effective collaboration tools: Lessons from the Multi-center Traffic Management Advisor
Authors: Landry Steven J. , Levin Kerry , Rowe Dennis , Nickelson Monicarol
Published: January 2012

The emphasis on network-centric operations for the next generation air traffic system presages an important opportunity for collaborative work. However, there is no clear design guidance for collaborative work across such a large and complex network of users and operators. In this paper we will describe the Multicenter Traffic Management Advisor, a system which can enable collaboration on regional air traffic problems. We will describe specific findings regarding collaborative work from a four-year testing period with six separate air traffic facilities, including a design feature we believe was crucial for improving collaborative work. This work has important implications regarding the future collaborative environment of the U.S. air traffic system as well as for collaborative work across large, complex organizations.
Psychophysiological Correlates of Shifting between Levels of Automation
Authors: Nocera Francesco Di , Camilli Marco , Terenzi Michela
Published: January 2012

The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects on performance and workload of the shifting between levels of automation: from manual to automatic (forward shift) and from automatic to manual (backward shift). Three levels of difficulty of the Tetris game were implemented as task load conditions. Two versions of the game were also implemented: automated and manual. The automated version provided the participants a projection of the falling block on the lowest layer for making its placement easier. Results showed that the commonsense consideration that only shifts toward a lower level of automation should reflect poor performance and higher workload is unsupported. Forward shifts may affect performance as well, particularly when workload is moderate.
Driver Support Functions Under Resource-Limited Situations
Authors: Inagaki T. , Itoh M. , Nagai Y.
Published: January 2012

What type of support should be given to an automobile driver when it is determined, via some monitoring method, that the driver's situation awareness may not be appropriate to a given traffic condition? With a driving simulator, the following three conditions were compared: (a) Warning type support in which an auditory warning is given to the driver to enhance situation awareness, (b) action type support in which an autonomous safety control action is executed to avoid an accident, and (c) the no-aid baseline condition. Although the both types of driver support are effective, the warning type support sometimes fail to assure safety, which suggests a limitation of the human locus of control assumption. Efficacy of the action type support can also be degraded due to a characteristic of human reasoning under uncertainty. This paper discusses viewpoints needed in the design of systems for supporting drivers in resource-limited situations.
Does the Difficulty of an Interruption Affect our Ability to Resume?
Authors: Cades David M. , Davis Deborah A. Boehm , Trafton J. Gregory , Monk Christopher A.
Published: January 2012

Research has shown that different types of interruptions can affect their disruptiveness. However, it is unclear how different features of the interrupting task determine its disruptive effects. Specifically, some theories predict that the difficulty of an interruption does not contribute to the disruptive effects of that interruption alone. Disruptive effects can be mediated by the extent to which the interrupting task interferes with the ability to rehearse during the interruption. In this experiment participants performed a single primary task with three interruptions of different difficulty. We found that interruptions were more disruptive when the task minimized the participant's ability to rehearse (as measured by the number of mental operators required to perform the task) and not just when they were more difficult. These results suggest that the ability to rehearse during an interruption is critical in facilitating resumption of a primary task.
Measuring Spatial Knowledge: Effects of the Relation between Acquisition and Testing
Authors: Troberg Erik , Gillan Douglas J.
Published: January 2012

Performance in human-robot interaction is related to the operator's mental map of the space in which the robot travels. Accordingly, accurate assessment of mental maps will be important for the design of human-robot interfaces. The present research used a factorial design experiment to examine two methods for acquiring spatial knowledge (reading a map vs. navigating in the space), three methods of testing spatial knowledge (drawing a map, navigating through the space, and estimating point-to-point distances. The results showed that performance in the navigation test was influenced by factors unrelated to the navigated distance, whereas map drawing especially was closely related to the actual distance. Map drawing resulted in a stronger relation between map distance and actual distance in the map training condition than in the navigation training condition. The results are interpreted in terms of transfer appropriate processing, and are applied to human-robot interface design.
Assessing the Impact of Computerization on Work Practice: Information Technology in Emergency Departments
Authors: Pennathur Priyadarshini R. , Bisantz Ann M. , Fairbanks Rollin J. , Perry Shawna J. , Zwemer Frank , Wears Robert L.
Published: January 2012

Typical hospital emergency departments (ED) use patient status boards as information tracking devices for providing safe care by supporting shared memory, latent processes, collaboration, shared cognition, communication and coordination. Traditionally, status boards are large, manually updated dry erase “whiteboards.” Though electronic patient tracking technologies are fast replacing manual status boards, significant questions remain regarding the design of these technologies and the manner in which they impact ED work. This paper describes part of a study which is documenting the transition from a manual status board to electronic technology in two different emergency departments. The impact of technology implementation on existing work practices, and insights on design of information technology for safety critical healthcare system are described.
Memorability of Alphanumeric and Composite Scene Authentication (CSA) Passcodes Over Extended Retention Intervals
Authors: Johnson Korey , Werner Steffen
Published: January 2012

Current authentication strategies seek to increase security by requiring users to create more secure alphanumeric passwords. Unfortunately, the inverse relationship between alphanumeric password security and memorability prevents users from being able to create a password that is both secure and memorable. Graphical user authentication mechanisms have been explored as a means to maintain security while enhancing memorability of passcodes. Current approaches often use unrelated picture sets from which participants have to remember a subset, with mixed results. The study outlined in this paper seeks to further validate the Composite Scene Authentication (CSA) graphical passcode mechanism (Johnson & Werner, 2006). Extending retention intervals and increasing the variability of stimuli clearly demonstrated the superiority of CSA over alphanumerical passwords. In addition, we manipulated the mode of presentation (serial vs. composite) to assess the memorability of stimuli presented in different temporal formats. In the current study CSA passcodes consisting of nine categorical dimensions were compared to nine character alphanumeric passwords. Participants showed a strong advantage in passcode retention of graphical passcodes for both modes of presentation. This effect grew larger with increasing retention intervals. At the longest retention interval (6 weeks), only 10 (12%) participants were able to produce their alphanumerical password vs. 50 (60%) participants who were still able to produce the correct graphical passcode.
The Effect of Automated Telephone Menu Structure on User Frustration and Performance
Authors: Dyck Jennifer L. , Emo Amanda K. , Panepinto Marie P. , Wojcik Thaddeus
Published: January 2012

Two experiments examined the effect of a wide, deep, or balanced telephone menu on task accuracy, task completion time, and user attitude. The wide menu had 8 choices at 2 levels, the deep menu had 2 choices at 6 levels, and the balanced menu had 4 choices at 3 levels. Experiment 1 results indicated no effect of menu structure on task accuracy. Experiment 2 results indicated longer task completion time for the deep menu as compared to the wide and balanced menus. Variability among task completion time for the wide menu, however, indicated an advantage for the balanced menu. User attitude did not vary with the menu structure, but was related to the number of calls needed to complete the tasks, such that the more calls that were needed, the more negatively the telephone menu was viewed.
A Case Study on Use of Personas in Design and Development of an Audit Management System
Authors: Dharwada Pallavi , Greenstein Joel S. , Gramopadhye Anand K. , Davis Steve J.
Published: January 2012

With the ROI of persona methods still being arguable, it is important to understand how personas can be utilized in user interface design. The extensive methods proposed by Pruitt and Adlin (2006), throw light on several ways to use persona methods in user interface design lifecycle and also propose mitigations to several risk factors that can be encountered in this process. However, there is very little research presenting case studies on an entire design lifecycle that utilizes personas. This paper presents design, development and evaluation of a web-based audit management system in aircraft maintenance domain with emphasis on the persona creation process, the design approach followed, and the user testing results obtained. The experiences of a design team novice to personas will be discussed.
Digital Photo Kiosk Evaluation
Authors: Solomon Jacob , Drews Frank A.
Published: January 2012

Self-service modules have become an integral part of the economy throughout the world, replacing expensive human operators in many settings. However, usability issues continue to diminish the economic value of these modules. This experiment demonstrates how the application of sound usability principles can be applied to self-service settings to increase the usability of self-service modules. The study compared the usability of two versions of a self-service digital photo kiosk. In one version we replicated a kiosk presently in use and broadly available. The other version of the software incorporated several design principles, such as the use of a metaphor, intended to increase usability and learnability, more specifically to allow for easier navigation. Participant's performance in completing tasks was measured as a function of speed, accuracy, and the need for human assistance. The results demonstrate that incorporating usability principles can improve usability of self-service modules.
Demonstration of Training and Process Support Capabilities for Bridging the Gap between Systems Engineering and Cognitive Engineering
Authors: Holbrook Jon , Stelzer Emily Muthard , Darowski Adam , Horn Zachary , Grier Rebecca , Wiese Emily , Paley Michael , Martin Edward
Published: January 2012

The systems engineering and cognitive engineering communities both offer processes and methods that must be jointly used to design tools and technologies that can effectively and efficiently support task performance. Unfortunately, these groups have not effectively integrated their approaches. To begin to bridge the gap between systems engineers and cognitive engineers, we have developed The Resource for Applied Cognitive Engineering and Systems Engineering (TRACE-SE). TRACE-SE is a web-based tool designed for both cognitive and systems engineers to provide the information needed to create and support awareness and understanding of the processes and methods used by both the cognitive and systems engineering communities and to facilitate communication between these two groups. Using the TRACE-SE tool, both communities will better understand how to use their respective processes in order to develop systems that support superior decision making, improved safety, and greater operator productivity.
UPDATE: A Usability Analysis Method and Tool
Authors: Grier Rebecca A. , Colonna-Romano John , Spitz Gabriel , Freeman Jared
Published: January 2012

Molich, Ede Kaasgaard, and Karyukin (2004) reported that usability test reports are inconsistent both within and between usability organizations. Some of these inconsistencies are due to the nature of the reporting. UPDATE (Usability Problem Data Analysis Technology), is an innovative new tool that enables usability analysts to follow a systematic process to generate usability recommendations for the system under test. The tool supports traceability from recommendations back through usability problems and analyst observations to specific moments in video of the test session. UPDATE uses a novel usability taxonomy (called the UDS, Usability Design Space) to support consistent diagnosis and reporting of usability problems.
A Virtual Operating Room for Context-Relevant Training
Authors: Scerbo Mark W. , Belfore Lee A. , Garcia Hector M. , Weireter Leonard J. , Jackson Michael W. , Nalu Amber , Baydogan Emre , Bliss James P. , Seevinck Jennifer
Published: January 2012

A fully immersive virtual environment simulating an operating room is described. The Virtual Operating Room (VOR) is a platform that integrates procedural medical simulators into a coherent, context-relevant training environment. Trainees interact with a surgical team comprised of real and/or virtual team members (e.g., attending surgeon, anesthesiologist, scrub technician, and circulating nurse). All characters are defined by their procedural knowledge and personality. The interface capitalizes on natural interactions and is largely driven by voice recognition and text-to-speech software. A custom designed controller manages the VOR functionality, rendering platform, speech recognition, and text-to-speech generation modules. The VOR allows instructors and researchers to simulate the physical and social context in which surgical procedures are performed. The VOR can be used to train surgical teams and address issues in judgment, decision making, team dynamics, and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, the VOR allows medical teams to train the way they operate without putting patients at risk.
Occupancy Quality Predictors of Office Worker Perceptions of Job Productivity
Authors: Smith Thomas J. , Orfield Steven J.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes use of a perceptual response survey instrument to assess the degree to which rankings by office workers of different key attributes of occupancy quality predict worker perceptions of their on-the-job productivity. Data were collected from a total of 434 workers employed in 10 different office sites. Results show that perceived levels of productivity are significantly correlated with rankings of perceived overall physical work environment and job quality. The correlation between perceived levels of productivity and perceived overall organization quality is marginally significant. No significant correlations are observed between perceived levels of productivity with rankings of perceived overall compensation, work station, and employment quality. The results should benefit employer decision-making regarding human factors/ergonomic (HF/E) interventions to improve office worker productivity.
Emphasis Terms for Warning Directives on Compliance Intent
Authors: Kim Soyun , Cowley Jennifer , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Instructions on how to avoid hazards are an important aspect of warnings. Because message brevity is beneficial for effectiveness, the wording ought to be useful in motivating compliance. Participants ( N=132) evaluated 37 single and two-word emphasis phrases (e.g., “critical” or “absolutely crucial”) that could be added to a directive (or instructions) statement to indicate the degree of compliance necessity. Manipulated were one or two-word (phrase) emphasis terms (e.g., “critical,” “must,” and “absolutely critical”). Participants rated the compliance intent for each of these. Results showed a wide range of ratings across word/phrase conditions (from “extremely critical” and “urgent” as the highest to “optional” as the lowest). Linear (additive) and non linear effects were yielded by the pattern of means for word/phrase combinations. “Federal Law” was one of the highest rated items confirming similar previous findings. Implications are discussed including the potential for matching terms with hazard levels.
Human Redundancy in Automation Monitoring: Effects of Social Loafing and Social Compensation
Authors: Domeinski Juliane , Wagner Ruth , Schöbel Markus , Manzey Dietrich
Published: January 2012

The present study addresses effects of social loafing and social compensation in automation monitoring. Thirty-six participants performed a multi-task, consisting of three sub-tasks which simulate work demands of operators in a chemical plant. One of the tasks involved the monitoring of an automated process. Participants were randomly assigned to three different groups: (1) “Non-Redundant”: participants worked on all tasks alone. (2) “Redundant”: participants were informed that a second crewmember would work in parallel on the monitoring task. (3) “Informed-Redundant”: like the “redundant” condition with the additional information that the crewmate's monitoring performance might be low. Results provide evidence of social loafing and social compensation effects in automation monitoring. Participants in the “redundant” condition cross-checked the automation significantly less than participants in the other groups. This result suggests that human redundancy might not always be the best solution to enhance safety, but might even lead to riskier operator behavior.
Reliability versus Resilience: What Does Healthcare Need?
Authors: Nemeth Christopher , Cook Richard
Published: January 2012

System performance in healthcare pivots on the ability to match demand for care with the resources that are needed to provide it. High reliability is desirable in organizations that perform inherently hazardous, highly technical tasks. However, healthcare's high variability, diversity, partition between workers and managers, and production pressure make it difficult to employ essential aspects of high reliability organizations (HROs) such as redundancy and extensive training. A different approach is needed to understand the nature of healthcare systems and their ability to perform and survive under duress; in other words, to be resilient. The recent evolution of resilience engineering affords the opportunity to configure healthcare systems so that they are adaptable and can foresee challenges that threaten their mission. Information technology (IT) in particular can enable healthcare, as a service sector, to adapt successfully, as long as it is based on cognitive systems engineering approaches to achieve resilient performance.
Development of an Instrument for Assessing Trauma Team Performance
Authors: Haake Barbara Kuenzle , Xiao Yan , Mackenzie Colin , Seagull F. Jacob , Grissom Thomas , Sisley Amy , Dutton Richard
Published: January 2012

Teamwork training is critical for patient safety and has been advocated for widespread application in many settings. A key challenge for evaluating teamwork training is measurement. Despite much effort, the team performance instruments reported thus far suffer from a variety shortcomings that prevent their wide application in assessing teams in real settings. Based on review of video recorded trauma team activities in real patient care, a multi-disciplinary research team developed an instrument based on observable behaviors (UMTOP). A set of video clips were reviewed by 6 subject matter experts who were requested to provide “descriptors” about the observed team activities. The 167 collated descriptors were combined to a reduced list, which was then sent to the subject matter experts for revision. The revised list was then categorized into 5 areas of team performance (task and clinical performance, leadership organization, teamwork organization, social environment, sterile precaution). UMTOP was developed to be a tradeoff among four criteria: ease of use, reliability, usefulness for team performance feedback, and speed of scoring. An initial assessment of reliability was conducted with surgeon and nursing reviewers.
Team coordination in an Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Miller Anne , Scheinkestel Carlos , Joseph Michelle
Published: January 2012

Researchers have the need for improved coordination and continuity of care in health-care environments, but little research has been undertaken to better understand how coordination occurs and how it might be improved. Using Klein's (2001) phases of coordination this exploratory study provides a profile of the contributions of role-based communications to team coordination in an Intensive Care Unit. All communication events for five patients for five consecutive days were logged and analysed using a hierarchical loglinear analysis. Nurses to nurse communications were found to focus mainly on the planning phase of coordination of short-term time horizons. Doctor to doctor communication events were characterized as formal and involved the planning and direction phases of team coordination and informal nurse to doctor communication events focused on planning and team assessment phases of coordination. Further analysis is required to determine how these contributions interact and what the vulnerabilities might be.
Extending clinical information systems design in the ICU
Authors: Miller Anne , Steele Cathie , Scheinkestel Carlos
Published: January 2012

Miller and Sanderson (2003b) presented promising results for a prototype clinical information design developed according to Ecological Interface Design principles, but the size of the prototype made it impractical for onscreen display. This paper replicates the previous study using an onscreen presentation of the original EID divided according to functional systems. As in the original study, nurses' ability to detect patient change events was enhanced using the onscreen EID. However, there are differences between doctors' performance using the original and using the onscreen EID. Unlike the original participants, doctors were better able to agree about physiological systems failure, but also unlike the original participants, showed no significant differences in their ability to agree about the patients' current diagnostic state using the onscreen EID or conventional charts. This later ability is clinically more important. It was concluded that while dividing the original EID had no appreciable effect on nurses and enhanced some abilities among doctors, this was at the expense of more clinically significant abilities. It may be necessary to rethink the appropriateness of limited real-estate, office style computer terminals in intensive care units.
Modeling Human Performance with Environmental Stressors: A Case Study of the Effect of Vehicle Motion
Authors: Wojciechowski Josephine Q.
Published: January 2012

Human performance modeling tools are used to predict mission performance as a function of human performance. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has developed a human performance modeling tool, the Improved Performance Research Integration Tool (IMPRINT), for investigation of the impact on a Soldier's performance when the Soldier subjected to environmental stressors such as heat and cold. IMPRINT has the capability to create user-defined stressors to study the stressors' effect on human performance and therefore system performance. This case study used data from literature to create a user-defined stressor in IMPRINT to predict the effect of riding in a moving vehicle on task time and performance. This capability can provide useful information to system designers.
Predicting Cognitive Vigilance Performance from Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Task Engagement
Authors: Reinerman Lauren E. , Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Langheim Lisa K.
Published: January 2012

Responses to a brief six-min screening battery involving high-workload tracking, verbal working memory, and line discrimination tasks were used to predict subsequent performance on a 36-min cognitive vigilance task. Two predictors of interest were subjective state, as indexed by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ), and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), measured via transcranial Doppler ultrasonography. The results testify to the importance of assessing task-induced responses for predicting cognitive vigilance performance. They also indicate that forecasting vigilance performance is a complex endeavor requiring a set of multidimensional predictors. Specifically, higher post-battery task engagement scores on the DSSQ in this study and higher levels of CBFV during performance of the screening battery predicted more correct detections on the subsequent vigilance task. These findings are interpreted in the light of the resource-workload model of vigilance, and their practical significance is discussed.
The Association between Computer Typing Style and Typing Speeds
Authors: Baker Nancy A. , Redfern Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Typing styles vary among keyboard users; however few studies have investigated the association between typing style and typing speed. The purpose of this paper is to describe the differences in typing speed between typists who rarely assume extreme postures of the wrist, hands, and fingers with typists who often assume extreme postures. The paper also examines the association between other typing behaviors, such as using a wrist support, and typing speed. Forty computer users were videotaped while typing a standardized text. Their typing postures were rated using the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS). One-way ANOVA's were used to compare typing speed between the rating levels of several items on the K-PeCS. Results suggest that those who frequently isolate their 5th digit are significantly faster than those who always isolate their 5th digit. Subjects who “float” their wrists, translate their wrist/hands, do not change pro-nation angles, use moderate to high force, and use more digits appear to type faster than those who do not.
Estimation of Muscle Contraction Forces and Joint Reaction Forces at the Low Back and Shoulder during Drywall Installation
Authors: Yuan Lu , Buchholz Bryan , Punnett Laura , Kriebel David
Published: January 2012

Construction workers performing drywall installation are exposed to a variety of ergonomic hazards, including heavy material handling, repetitive motions and awkward postures. The rates of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders among drywall installers are very high, especially at the low back and shoulder. The unique characteristics of the work environment in the construction industry do not allow for applying objective ergonomic assessment instruments. Thus, biomechanical models and computer simulations were combined for a more comprehensive evaluation of ergonomic hazards. Utilizing Monte-Carlo simulation to generate the input for biomechanical models based on information from PATH (Posture, Activity, Tools, and Handling), a work-sampling based approach, the present study estimated the required muscle contraction forces and joint reaction forces at the low back and shoulder during a simulated 8-hour drywall installation workday. The results of this study also provided a database for future evaluations of ergonomic interventions on drywall installation work.
Middle School Students' Notebook Computer Use
Authors: Jacobs Karen , Runge Kathryn
Published: January 2012

This pilot study investigated how middle school students use notebook computers in their daily activities, their knowledge and beliefs about ergonomics, the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal discomfort in notebook computer use and if the use of peripherals, a participatory ergonomics approach or goal setting is effective in promoting “healthy computing” and reducing self-reported computer-related musculoskeletal discomfort. One hundred and twenty four students were recruited from three middle schools in Maine to participate in the study for three months. Pilot results suggest that over 26% of the students self-report musculoskeletal discomfort with notebook computer use. Students who self-reported general discomfort typed significantly faster as compared to students who typed at a slower average weekly rate. Participatory ergonomics training that involved the participants in planning, developing, and implementing ergonomic solutions to notebook computer workstations and the use of peripherals, i.e., keyboard and mouse significantly improved students' “healthy computing” as compared to the control group.
Understanding Impacts of Technology, Process Changes, and Organizational Controls to Improve the Cost of Cash in Retail Stores
Authors: Hoffman Mark , Cash Charles
Published: January 2012

The emergence of self checkout systems and transaction kiosks present an opportunity for retailers to redesign the cash management process and identify more efficient and automated solutions to improve performances within each step of the system. International and domestic retail companies from various industry segments are taking different views of opportunities to reduce the cost of cash. A socio-technical systems approach provides a foundation for anchoring predictions in process improvements and task automation and a context to identify impacts of step improvements in the Cash Flow Process. This paper provides an overview of a framework, findings from cash office operations studies of domestic and international retailers, and performance benchmarks for repetitive tasks of till balancing and till re-sets to help evaluate proposed changes in store cash office operations.
Evaluation of a Hand-Held Neutron Detector for Usability, Design and Comfort
Authors: Castillejos Pamela , Hallbeck M. Susan
Published: January 2012

Seven male first responders were surveyed about the usability, design, and comfort of a hand-held commercially available neutron detector. The primary goal of the questionnaire was to identify the positive and negative features, and evaluate what could be enhanced on new detectors. Some of the negative features found on the detector were that it was heavy, unbalanced, too big, and difficult to handle while wearing gloves. The first responders couldn't use the controls well while wearing gloves and the force required for the use of the controls is too hard. Using the recommendations given by the first responders, a future hand-held neutron detector will be designed and studies will be conducted after constructing several different physical prototypes.
Comprehension Testing of Product Safety Symbols: Lessons Learned
Authors: Wisniewski Elaine C. , Isaacson Judith J. , Hall Steven M.
Published: January 2012

Standards and existing literature provide guidance regarding methodologies for symbol comprehension testing, but practical guidance for the practitioner conducting this type of testing is scarce. This paper shares observations and experiences gained over the course of multiple symbol testing projects. Specifically, the paper addresses pros and cons of written vs. oral questionnaire administration and resulting comprehension scores, sample size and the concept of “statistical equivalence” to ANSI Z535.3 criteria, various participant recruitment methods and interview locations, and the importance of explaining the context in which a symbol appears. The lessons learned and tips provided in this paper begin to fill the information gaps that practitioners encounter when making numerous design, methodological, and practical decisions required for safety symbol comprehension studies.
Do Looks Really Matter? The Effect of 3-Dimensional Product Representations on the Customers' Buying Decision in Electronic Commerce
Authors: Ozok A. Ant , Komlodi Anita
Published: January 2012

This study aimed at determining the effects of three-dimensional product representations on e-commerce shoppers' purchasing decisions. An experiment was designed and conducted with twenty graduate student electronic shoppers. Three representation types were used: 2-Dimensional (2D), 3-Dimensional Low-Interaction (3DL), and 3-Dimensional High-Interaction (3DH) product representations. A reliable survey with 0.89 Cronbach's Alpha coefficient was presented to participants after they completed product viewing tasks on each product representation type. Results indicated that as interactivity significantly increased with three-dimensional representation types, participants became more likely to purchase a product with three-dimensional representations. Participants were also more satisfied with three-dimensional representations of the products, and their satisfaction level and likelihood to purchase a product were more closely related in three-dimensional representations. Future studies can explore product-specific representation and purchasing decision issues, as well as cost and connection speed issues relating to three-dimensional images.
Information Availability and Team Performance: A Network-Centric Supply Chain Simulation
Authors: Bennett April M. , Nelson W. Todd , Galster Scott M. , Dukes Allen W. , Brown Rebecca D. , Schwartz Daniel H.
Published: January 2012

Future concepts of operations purport that sophisticated information technology will significantly enhance mission effectiveness through two fundamental aspects: “speed of command” and “self synchronization.” On one hand, unlimited availability of information may serve to enhance the overall awareness of individuals and teams. On the other hand, unrestricted information push may serve to distract, overwhelm, and overload individuals and teams, thereby compromising their situation awareness and decision-making effectiveness. The question remains, how much information is enough? The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of information availability on decision-making by utilizing a four-person supply chain management simulation. View of information and communication were manipulated to constrain information availability. Results indicated better performance for conditions with more information availability, including unrestricted information push. Overall, these results illustrated the importance of capabilities such as anticipation and redundancy, which seem to be vital to collaborative tasks.
Development and Evaluation of Safety Symbols for Landscaping Products
Authors: Wisniewski Elaine C. , Isaacson Judith J. , Hall Steven M.
Published: January 2012

This project involved developing symbols to replace existing text-based warnings provided on 10 different types of landscaping products. Using symbols would eliminate the need to translate and print the text in multiple languages, reducing the amount of non-applicable information and reducing the space necessary to print the safety information on the product. ANSI Z535.3–2002, ISO 9186–2001, and ISO 3864–2002 were considered in the design, development, and testing of the symbols, including the use of acceptance criteria for open-ended comprehension testing of 85 percent correct responses with a maximum of 5 percent critical confusions (assuming a sample of 50 respondents). Seven hundred and nine participants represented three different spoken languages. Sixty-one symbols and symbol sets were developed and tested; all except three symbols (gas/oil mixture, use identical replacement parts, brushcutter accessories) passed the ANSI Z535.3 acceptance criteria for comprehension. The process of developing symbols for various types of hazards across products is discussed as are challenges associated with conforming to recommendations and requirements of multiple, sometimes conflicting standards.
Reflective Trim on Clothing: Desirability Indicated by Purchase Preference
Authors: Costello Theresa M. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians result in 1.8 deaths per 100,000 population annually in the U.S. Most of these fatalities are attributed to pedestrians not being seen in time for the driver to avoid a collision, particularly under poor visibility conditions. Previous research shows that reflective clothing worn at night can substantially increase pedestrians' visual conspicuity to drivers. The purpose of the present research was to examine people's desire for reflective trim on their clothing. Findings of strong desirability for reflective trim could prompt its incorporation into garments available to the public, and thus, potentially decrease pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents. The present study measured the extent to which people are willing to pay extra or less for clothing with reflective material compared to the same items without reflective material. People reported they are willing to pay more for reflective material on sports-related, children's and inclement-weather clothing. Implications for safety and future research are discussed.