bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain Machine Interfaces: Technology Status, Applications and the Way to the Future
Authors: van Jan B.F. , Duistermaat M. , Philippens I.H.C.H.M. , van Veen H.A.H.C. , Werkhoven P.J.
Published: January 2012

Brain Machine Interfaces (BMIs) enable direct communication between the brain or nervous system and a machine without involving the sensory-motor system. BMIs are an embryonic technology and remarkable accomplishments have recently been reported. BMIs have a high potential and possibly an enormous impact on society, and may evoke a revolution in the way we interact with computers. If we look at the Human Factors and Ergonomics community's position in the BMI field, we do not have a meaningful track record yet. However, the thesis of this paper is that we as a community are in a good position to (1) facilitate a broadening of the focus of BMIs from therapeutic applications to general use and (2) to realise a spin-in of BMI technology to domains such as Human Computer Interaction, supporting people with special needs, and training and simulation.
The Interdisciplinary Perspective of Humane Intelligence: A Revisitation, Twenty Years Hence
Authors: McNeese Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Our current research involving intelligent interfaces for crisis managers, intelligence analysts, and police operations can be traced to a seminal position first published twenty years ago entitled Humane Intelligence. This perspective captures an adaptive systems philosophy through a wholistic blending of human and artificial intelligence designed to function within information surrounds. The original paper was foundational for prescribing how human factors might influence artificial intelligence, specifically within the domain of fighter pilots performing tactical operations. This paper revisits this theoretical approach to intelligent systems by reviewing principles, attributes, and ideas using a contemporary lens of human factors and ergonomics culture. After reviewing basic-level concepts the paper presents examples of how humane intelligence has both evolved and influenced several lines of research including concept mapping ontologies, fuzzy cognitive models, affective computing, scaled world technology, and human-agent architectures.
Almost 50 Years of the University of Michigan Human Factors Engineering Summer Conference
Authors: Pew Richard W. , Green Paul A
Published: January 2012

In 1957 Paul Fitts and Daniel Howland offered a human factors summer course at Ohio State University. Fitts moved to Michigan in 1958, and the next year he offered essentially the same course in Ann Arbor. The course has been given every summer since then. An estimated 3500 students from a diverse set of industries and countries have completed one or two weeks of the course. The list of lecturers includes many of the leaders who have shaped the field of Human Factors Engineering (HFE), and the course has gradually morphed from focusing on operators working with traditional hardware systems first to users of interactive computer systems and now to complex systems that incorporate computers and people ubiquitously. This paper will trace this history and comment on a few of the inevitable anecdotes that go with 50 years of experience.
Incomplete Recuperation of WMSDs after an Office Ergonomic Intervention
Authors: Levitt Mariah K. , Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

Survey data on the effects of an office ergonomic intervention (negative-tilt keyboard tray, upper mouse platform, chair, and training) were analyzed. Baseline and one-year post-intervention data on work activities, individual factors and the frequency and severity of upper body work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) were compared. Results showed that post-intervention the sample prevalence of any upper body symptoms decreased from 73% to 47.3% and the upper body symptom mean severity score decreased by 30.7%. There was an 8% reduction in the frequency of symptoms for each body region for symptomatic workers. The ergonomic intervention resulted in significant improvements in comfort and in WMSDs, but for many workers MSD symptoms persisted above background levels, suggesting that other factors may be affecting symptom etiology.
Vibrotactile Feedback Enhances Force Perception in Minimally Invasive Surgery
Authors: Schoonmaker Ryan E. , Cao Caroline G.L.
Published: January 2012

Distorted force feedback in minimally invasive surgery causes the procedure to become more difficult for the surgeon. A simulated tissue probing task was desgined to test the hypothesis that vibrotactile feedback can enhance one's ability to differentiate tissue softness, and control the forces being applied to tissue. The two independent factors in the study were vibration feedback, consisting of four levels (continuous, fine-step, crude-step, and no vibration), and audibility, consisting of two levels (on and off). The results demonstrated that with the aide of vibration the absolute probing depth error was reduced (5.7mm – no vibration, 3.65mm — fine step), and the average maximum force applied was reduced (1.32 N — no vibration, 1.04 N — fine step). Additionally, the normalized time to detection (0.93s/s audible, 1.10s/s non-audible) and maximum force (1.16 N — non-audible, 1.08 N — audible) was reduced in the audible condition. These results indicate that vibrotactile stimulation is a viable substitute for force feedback in simulated minimally invasive surgery.
Patients as Partners in Treatment
Authors: Klein Helen Altman
Published: January 2012

This symposium is motivated by the disparity between the careful and productive Human Factors research now devoted to hospitals and professional equipment on the one hand and the more limited attention given to the daunting challenges facing patients and potential patients outside the formal health care system. Patients must use health-screening resources; seek and understand medical advice; select, initiate, and adhere to health maintenance regimes; and follow home-based treatments often with little feedback or supervision. For chronic disorders, treatment demands can last a lifetime. For the elderly, age related barriers complicate interactions with professionals. This symposium shows how Human Factors is now helping people become more active and effective partners in detection, prevention, and treatment. The research presented will span varied disorders with strikingly different adherence and management demands. This technical, interface, and instructional complexity calls for a more integrated approach to supporting patients as they manage their health.
Human Factors Evaluation of Automatic External Defribillators in a Hospital Setting
Authors: Jessa Munira , Cafazzo Joseph , Chagpar Anjum , Cooper Richard , Wax Randy , Easty Tony
Published: January 2012

Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) can be used in hospitals to facilitate early defibrillation. We sought to find the features of a hospital AED that would be the most usable and thus provide straightforward and easily accessible resuscitation. Three different vendor AEDs were evaluated in a three-part human factors evaluation employing heuristic analysis, user testing, and failure modes and effects analysis. Through each analysis we identified the critical AED features of interest for in-hospital use. The highest-rated features were compiled and interpreted to determine the best AED features for in-hospital use. It is necessary to consider all aspects of medical device design in a practical sense to ensure the overall safety and efficacy of the device. Training may address some aspects of poor design, but cannot address unanticipated usability issues. Additionally, issues arising due to infrequent use of equipment can be evaluated using the training and evaluation methods employed in this study.
Briefing in the Operating Room — A Tool for Enhancing Coordination and Enriching Shared Knowledge Bases
Authors: Einav Yael , Gopher Daniel , Donchin Yoel
Published: January 2012

Surgical procedures are complex tasks performed by teams. Their success depends on individual competency and good team coordination. Performance on both individual and team level can greatly benefit from having a shared information basis of patient details, medical status, and planned surgical procedure. Team briefing prior to surgery may pave the way for developing a common reference and a more complete patient and surgery knowledge base. In addition to the obvious role of filling in missing information, broader and more complete knowledge bases can generate proper expectations, facilitate preplanning and improve members' decision making. We report preliminary results from an effort to develop an expanded briefing protocol, and its application in 78 gynecological operations. We compared the frequency of critical events in operations which utilized briefings, with 78 non-briefed operations. We revealed a significant decrease in the number of operations in which at least one team member manifested a lack of knowledge about the patient or the surgical procedure (e.g., allergies, side of operation, type of procedure). There was also a reduction of the number of events in which required equipment was missing or improperly assembled. These types of events increase the risk to the patient. Their reduction attests to the value of conducting briefings to improve team coordination and increase patient safety.
A Methodology to Identify Systemic Vulnerabilities to Human Error in the Operating Room
Authors: Funk Kenneth H. , Doolen Toni , Nicolalde Javier , Bauer James D. , Telasha David , Reeber Miriam
Published: January 2012

A methodology to identify systemic vulnerabilities to human error in surgical procedures was developed and applied to the initial stages of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A database of generic human tasks and errors was developed and applied to four task descriptions developed from an IDEF0 model of the process. Over 30 vulnerabilities to human error were identified and prioritized.
Building Predictive Human Performance Models of Skill Acquisition in a Data Entry Task
Authors: Fu Wai-Tat , Gonzalez Cleotilde , Healy Alice F. , Kole James A. , Bourne Lyle E.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents a predictive model of a simple, but important, data entry task. The task requires participants to perceive and encode information on the screen, locate the corresponding keys for the information on different layouts of the keyboard, and enter the information. Since data entry is a central component in most human-machine interaction, a predictive model of performance will provide useful information that informs interface design and effectiveness of training. We created a cognitive model of the data entry task based on the ACT-R 5.0 architecture. The same model provided good fits to three existing data sets, which demonstrated the effects of fatigue with prolonged work, repetition priming, depth of processing, and the suppression of subvocal rehearsal. The model also makes predictions on how performance deteriorates with different delays after training, how different amounts of rehearsal during training affect retention, and how re-training helps retention of skills.
Visual Model of Modulation Transfer Function for Assimilation Phenomenon by Gaussian Filter
Authors: Nonaka Takako , Matsuda Morimasa , Hase Tomohiro
Published: January 2012

This paper describes an assimilation phenomenon on sample images and proposes an analytical model by Gaussian filter for this phenomenon. First, the frequency spectrum of a sample pattern is formulated by the discrete Fourier transform. Next, human visual characteristics are formulated by Gaussian band pass filter. Thirdly, the concept of a noise level is introduced. Then, the two-dimensional model of the relations is discussed qualitatively and quantitatively. Finally, the verification experiments by subjective evaluation and measuring the visual distance was conducted. The results of the proposed model are very similar to the results of subjective evaluation under the reasonable conditions; an attenuation coefficient of 200 and a cutoff frequency of 5 cycles/degree in the visual BPF model, and a noise level of −40 dB.
Intelligent Multimodal Signal Adaptation System (IMSAS)
Authors: Bzostek Julie , Small Ron , Bagnall Timothy , Walters Brett
Published: January 2012

As cockpits become more complex, pilots must monitor more data in the normal operation of an aircraft including the states of automated systems. Our objective was to demonstrate that pilots can achieve a greater level of situational awareness when key information is presented in an untaxed modality at the proper time. We modeled a portion of a flight and developed predictor values that we could use to calculate whether or not a pilot noticed an alert. We first recorded some baseline measures of these times, and then used MIDA (Multimodal Interface Design Advisor) to suggest optimal modalities for the signals. We then tested a proposed system that would anticipate a violation (i.e., an air speed violation) and present the appropriate signal with some lead-time. IMSAS (Intelligent Multimodal Signal Adaptation System) continuously assesses the cockpit environment, forecasts airspeed state into the future, and, if it recognizes a need to communicate to the pilot situational information, determines the proper modality in which to present a signal. This study showed an improvement in the reaction time to a signal of over 50% over the baseline. Although further research is needed, this study shows that IMSAS has the potential to improve pilots' response time to in-cockpit alerts such as airspeed violations.
Visualizing Operators' Cognitive Strategies in Multivariate Optimization
Authors: Bruni Sylvain , Marquez Jessica J. , Brzezinski Amy , Cummings M. L.
Published: January 2012

The proposed “Tracking Resource Allocation Cognitive Strategies” tool (TRACS) allows for post-hoc visualization of the cognitive steps exhibited by a human operator while interacting with a multivariate resource allocation decision-support interface. This tool was applied to both mission planning for multi-criteria resource allocation for military strikes, and also multi-variable geospatial path planning problems for astronaut moon traversals. Both domains involve a human operator interacting with an automated decision-support system in order to find a solution to a complex planning problem involving multivariate and constrained optimization for a cost function. With the help of TRACS, clear patterns of behavior were identified that could be correlated to performance in both applications.
Strategic Differences in Mental Rotation Tasks Based on Gaze Durations
Authors: Bao Shan , Boyle Linda Ng
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study is to investigate whether strategy differences in mental rotation performance can be explained using gaze durations collected from an eye tracker. To investigate this, 36 participants were administered an electronic version of the Purdue Spatial Visual Test: Rotation. Three questions (out of 30) were selected based on the overall response accuracy to represent an easy, moderately difficult, and difficult question. Participants were then segmented into two groups (high accuracy and low accuracy) based on test scores. Significant interaction effects between the groups and the five possible choices were observed for the gaze durations of each question (easy: F(4,170) = 9.05, p < 0.0001; moderately difficult: F(4,170) = 41.12, p < 0.0001; difficult: F(4,170) = 2.89, p< 0.05). The gaze durations of the high accuracy group were primarily skewed towards one of the five potential response choices suggesting a holistic approach. For the low accuracy group, an analytic approach appears likely with gaze durations more evenly distributed across all choices.
The Role of Individual Differences in Confidence and Response Bias
Authors: Kim Do Hyung , Lee Kyung Soo , Kim Kyeong Tae , Lee Su Ran , Rim Hye Bin , Shin Ji Seon , Sohn Young Woo
Published: January 2012

This research examined how individual differences in personality traits are related with confidence and response bias for situation awareness. Participants completed the big-five personality inventory, the Need for Closure scale inventory, and the unsafe attitude questionnaire followed by a flight situation awareness task designed to assess confidence level and response bias. The data obtained were then analyzed using the framework of Calibration and Signal Detection Theory. The results suggest that extraversion and emotional stability are positively correlated with overconfidence. In addition, extraversion, conscientiousness, and intellect are negatively correlated with response criteria. This suggests that those with lower levels of extraversion, conscientiousness, and intellect are likely to use more conservative response criteria. Our findings have a practical implication that student pilots' personality factors should be considered for effective pilot training.
Prediction of Lumbar Motion Segment Angles Using Trunk Angle and Antrhopometry
Authors: Splittstoesser Riley E.
Published: January 2012

Objective: To develop a simple method for dynamically assessing lumbar motion segment angles that accounts for individual variability and remains inexpensive to apply. Background: Current biomechanical models do not dynamically assess motion segment angles. This results in inaccurate separation of overall spinal load into shear and compression. Methods: Twenty-nine males performed sagittally symmetric exertions. Anthropometry and sensor data were input into a geometric model to compute L5/S1 through T12/L1 motion segments angles. Linear regression equations were developed using anthropometry and trunk angle. These equations were applied to an independent set of four subjects with known angles. The trunk angle used here was compared to a commonly used trunk angle measure for widespread usability. Results: The L5/S1 through L2/L3 models are predictive of motion segment angles. Conclusions: Motion segment models developed here require simple, inexpensive measurements of torso angle and anthropometry. They are easy to use and applicable in clinical, research and industrial situations.
The Effects of a Stooped Work Task on the Muscle Activity and Kinematics of the Lower Back
Authors: Miller Brandon J. , Fathallah Fadi A.
Published: January 2012

Working in a stooped posture is an important risk factor for low back disorders (LBDs) that requires special focus. Spinal flexion increases the loading on the passive tissues of the lumbar spine compared to neutral postures, yet sustained or repeated flexion reduces the load bearing capability of these tissues. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of performing a stooped work task on the passive tissues of the low back. Passive tissue response is assessed by measuring trunk sagittal range of motion and the occurrence of the flexion-relaxation (F-R) phenomenon at specific times during the work period. Fourteen subjects (10 female and 4 male) were instrumented with a portable data collection system while performing the stooped work task of fresh-market tomato harvest for one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon. Results indicate significant changes in the trunk and lumbar sagittal range of motion and F-R after only 11 minutes of stooped work, with few changes for durations up to 55 minutes of work. The potential benefits of short, frequent rest breaks on recovery of passive tissue response are also demonstrated. The data collection device developed for this study allows for further investigation of the effects of stooped work on the lower back, which could lead to improved interventions to reduce LBD risk.
Measuring Computer Style: The Frequency and Distribution of Computer Keyboard Behaviors
Authors: Baker Nancy A. , Redfern Mark S.
Published: January 2012

Although computer use is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders, there is currently no valid and reliable method to measure computer keyboarding style in the workplace. This paper provides the frequencies and distribution of items of the Keyboard Personal Computer Style instrument (K-PeCS), a 20 item criterion-based observational instrument that can be used in the workplace to document computer keyboard workstyle. The K-PeCS was used to rate the computer keyboarding style of 21 computer users in their workplace. The resulting frequency and distribution suggest that the K-PeCS documents a variety of postures and behaviors that occur during computer keyboarding tasks, and that the criterion selected are reasonably well-distributed amongst this sample of computer keyboard users. The K-PeCS, therefore, is adequately capturing the varied aspects of computer keyboarding style.
Three-Dimensional Variability of Static Anthropometric Dimensions: Considering Anatomy, Behavior and Process
Authors: Feathers David J. , Paquet Victor L.
Published: January 2012

Capturing anatomical landmarks using an electromechanical measurement system shares facets of traditional anthropometry (palpation/haptic inspection, visual inspection). Electromechanical measurement systems, however, capture discrete anatomical landmarks used to create multiple anthropometric dimensions. This study investigated measurer variation for the multi-modal task of capturing static, three-dimensional landmarks. Two trained measurers used an electromechanical system to repeatedly render five upper extremity landmarks on a healthy adult, braced in a static position. ANOVA showed significant differences across measurers (p < 0.01) in each coordinate axis (X, Y, Z) for three landmarks. Post-hoc dimensioning of Bi-Humeral Epicondylar breadth and Radiale-Radial Styloid length utilized these landmark data as endpoints in linear dimensions. ANOVA showed significant results for measurer for Bi-Humeral Epicondylar breadth (p < 0.01). This study details measurer variation for the task of rendering three-dimensional landmarks and the impact this variation has on the creation of linear dimensions. Studying the landmark digitization variation will aid in the reduction of linear dimension variation, enable effective training, and help mitigate the impact of differential search strategies used to capture digitized landmarks in three-dimensions.
Quality and Ergonomics a Panel Discussion
Authors: Riley M. W. , Bishu Ram
Published: January 2012

The primary objective of this panel is to bring together professionals in the intersecting area of quality and Ergonomics, highlight the current state of research in this topic, and get some directions for future work. Ergonomics and Quality have a natural marriage that can be of mutual benefit to both the areas. Human centered concepts such as motivation, and empowerment are some of the building blocks of TQM, while improving all aspects of human work life quality is the basis for ergonomics. This is all the more important in contemporary economy from two perspectives. Service has become a major player these days and there is human involvement at every aspect of service. Secondly, manufacturing is proceeding towards more and more miniaturization, the result is that every quality function needs human components in its dispensing. This panel will address all these issues. Dr. Carayon will present an overview; dr. Karwowski will talk about traditional manufacturing; Dr. Henriksen will talk about health care; Dr. Garamopadhyay will talk about training, while Dr. Bishu will talk about micro manufacturing.
Ergonomic Evaluation of Manual Weeding Practice and Development of an Ergonomic Solution
Authors: Ramahi Amjad A. , Fathallah Fadi A.
Published: January 2012

Agricultural workers performing manual weeding are exposed to high risks of musculoskeletal disorders to the lower back. Hand weeding exposes workers to sustained static loading to spinal soft tissues, which can lead to the initiation of a cycle of inflammatory response. Assessment of injury risks and investigation of current and new methods of manual weeding are the focus of this study. Nine subjects (7 males and 2 females) participated in this study. Trunk kinematics were monitored while workers performed four weeding tasks using different methods; long- and short-handled weeding (hoe and weed Puller), hand weeding, and a newly developed “Eater”. The Eater consists of two conveyor belts working simultaneously in an intermesh design to simulate the pulling and grabbing action of the hands. Hoe weeding is considered a less hazardous alternative to hand weeding with regards to back injuries but, our results showed otherwise. The worker's sagittal position with the hoe weeding was not significantly different from the short-handled tool. Also, workers weeding with the hoe displayed the highest trunk velocities. On the other hand, the Eater showed promising results by significantly reducing biomechanical risk factors. However, productivity results are not as promising.
Effect of Rater Background on Objectivity of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment
Authors: Hixson Virginia J.
Published: January 2012

Insufficient evidence of reliability testing of work-related assessments is a major concern in the field of ergonomics. Objectivity, the ability of a scale or test to be used by raters to come to the same conclusion when examining the same thing, is one type of reliability. This paper presents a detailed exploration of the objectivity of a postural rating scale, the RULA, or Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (McAtamney & Corlett, 1993). Four video tasks were presented to 3 groups of raters. Variables examined were rater years of experience in movement observation, rater experience using the RULA, and rater training in use of the RULA. Objectivity was not identified in any variable. Main effects were present for all variables. Based on the rater sample and the data collected, the RULA cannot be considered an objective tool for communicating or comparing information between raters.
A Multilevel Navigation Aid for Hierarchical Structures: An Innovation Case Study and Empirical Evaluation
Authors: Gardner Douglas L. , Thomas Robin D. , Jones Peter
Published: January 2012

The paper presents a novel user interface (Gardner, et al., 2005) designed by LexisNexis® to assist researchers navigating large hierarchical structures. This navigation tool allows users of large hierarchies (e.g., tables of contents or file directories) to select an item (node) in the structure and expand (or collapse) it across multiple levels with a single selection. User evaluation was conducted with no participants training or prior use, finding the interface effective for complex navigation. Nearly a third (of 18) immediately displayed and selected hi***erarchy levels with no hesitation, even when expanding an entire table of contents section to its lowest level. While these participants were those most experienced with large documents, several less-experienced participants used the interface easily once prompted. While the remainder experienced some difficulties with initial interaction, these were related to context, domain experience, and prior habit rather than tool usability.
Macroergonomic Principles of Automated Performance Measurement
Authors: Dunsker Eric
Published: January 2012

Retail associate productivity has increased dramatically over the last 15 years with the use of ever more sophisticated scanners and point of sale (POS) terminals. Data warehouses enable businesses to store remarkable detail about each transaction. Analyses of these data tend to focus on the items sold and money collected. However, if these systems also collect timestamp data of important events during transactions retailers would then have the basis for measuring associate activity.

This paper discusses the macroergonomic principles that must guide the design of cashier performance measurement systems in the retail setting. Following these guidelines leads not only to increased manager effectiveness, but also to more accurate measurement of activity. It can also improve associates morale and the likelihood of incenting desirable and productive behaviors. These principles are generalizable to other domains in which automated performance measurement takes place.
Usability and Probabilistic Modeling for Information Sharing in Distributed Communities
Authors: Ghosh Sudip K. , Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes work done in developing realistic simulations of information sharing in distributed expert communities. Instead of a rule-based rational behavior approach, we take a probabilistic modeling approach for studying group performance and time-constrained, socially-mediated tasks. Four simulation modules for advising, sharing, solving and learning had been proposed and are in development. This work presents research done using an online blog to gather supporting usability data for the second module. This is put in context of earlier work suggesting use of the above simulation modules. We present data from two studies suggesting the importance of social interaction in distributed expert communities. The results presents make a strong case for using the proposed simulation modules as a design and usability tool.
A New Approach to the Measurement of Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Hoonakker P. , Simmons S. , Carayon P. , Warren R.
Published: January 2012

In many studies, a standardized symptoms checklist is used to measure work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Most questionnaires include measures of prevalence, severity and frequency, but little is known about how to combine these measures. One approach for combining various measures of prevalence, frequency and severity is Latent Class Analysis (LCA) that allows for the assessment of the structure of the relationships among the various aspects of reported symptoms. In this paper we explore the use of Latent Class Analysis to analyze the relation between job characteristics and musculoskeletal disorders in the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) data 1992–2004.
Congruency between Visual and Auditory Displays on Spatial Tasks Using Different Reference Frames
Authors: Pavlovic Nada J. , Keillor Jocelyn , Chignell Mark H. , Hollands Justin G.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effectiveness of spatial auditory cues for tasks using different reference frames, and examined how congruency between auditory and visual displays affected performance. Performance with three types of auditory cues (egocentric, exocentric and non-spatial) was compared on three spatial tasks: target search, target localization and target recall. There was a clear effect of reference frame congruency between auditory and visual displays on target search and target localization tasks. Interestingly, even incongruent auditory cues improved performance relative to non-spatial control conditions. In addition, egocentric auditory cues facilitated performance more than exocentric cues on incongruent trials. The findings have important implications for display design in work environments that involve diverse spatial tasks and displays that use different reference frames.
Effects of Spatial Intelligence and Gender on Wayfinding Strategy and Performance
Authors: Hurts C.M.M.
Published: January 2012

In a wayfinding field study the effects of spatial intelligence and gender on wayfinding strategy and the amount of configurational wayfinding knowledge were investigated. This was done in an attempt to shed some additional light on the mixed evidence regarding the precise role of these factors yielded by previous studies. Subjects were asked to describe a route in a familiar city using landmark-based directions and route-based directions (e.g., go-left, go-straight). Configurational knowledge was measured by having subjects position a number of well-known buildings on a schematic map of the same city. Familiarity with the city was used in the analyses as a covariate. Results show that men tend to report more route-based directions, relative to landmark-based directions, than women do. Men also have better configurational knowledge. These effects could not be attributed to the person's score on a spatial intelligence test and the person's familiarity with the city. However, spatial intelligence was not related to the type of wayfinding directions preferred (landmark-based or route-based), nor to the quality of configurational knowledge. Practical and theoretical implications are indicated.
The Effect of a Speech Discrimination Task on Navigation in a Virtual Environment
Authors: Walker Bruce N. , Lindsay Jeffrey
Published: January 2012

If the input from the visual system is unavailable (e.g., damage to the optic nerves or smoke in a burning building), navigating and avoiding obstacles becomes very challenging. It is therefore desirable to develop a navigation aide for use where visual input has become unavailable. There is a small body of research concerning such navigation aides and their efficacy. However, many issues that may have serious human factors repercussions for such a system are unexplored. This study was conducted in order to examine the effect of an attentionally demanding distractor task on wayfinding performance with an audio only navigation aide, in this case the System for Wearable Audio Navigation (SWAN). A difficult secondary speech task reduced efficiency in navigation, as users switched attentional resources to the speech task. Practical applications are discussed.
Binaural Audio Symbology for Urgency Displays
Authors: Ericson Mark A.
Published: January 2012

Five experiments were conducted to study the acoustic attributes that enable the accurate identification and localization of rudimentary spatial warning sounds. In each experiment, two sounds were played simultaneously over loudspeakers at various azimuths and elevations. The stimuli consisted of pure tone complexes with a 13 kHz bandwidth. The fundamental frequencies, the amplitude modulation rate of the complex, the harmonicity of the carrier and modulation frequencies, and the coherence of the carrier and modulation phase were varied in the experiments. The combination of all the cues provided the best localization and identification performance. When and only when all cues were used, the subjects were able to accurately localize and identify the target sound.
The Elevation Illusion in Virtual Audio
Authors: Folds Dennis J.
Published: January 2012

Virtual audio involves headphone presentation of sound that appears to originate from an external location. Perception of elevation is known to be less accurate for virtual audio than for real sources. Anecdotal evidence suggests that at least some listeners have a pronounced tendency to consistently perceive the virtual audio as elevated higher than intended. The present study was conducted to investigate and compare errors in perception of elevation for virtual and real sources. Eight subjects listened to sounds presented through loudspeakers (behind an acoustic curtain) and through headphones (as virtual sources), and reported their perceived elevation for each sound. Five elevations were used (two above, two below, and one at ear level). The results show near perfect performance for perception of elevation for the loudspeaker condition. Perception of elevation was far less accurate for the virtual sources, and some subjects consistently perceived virtual sources higher than intended.
Effects of Motion on the Perception of Static Features in a Display
Authors: Gillan Douglas J. , Gillan Connor T.
Published: January 2012

Displays that use motion typically contain both dynamic and static features. We hypothesized that, relative to a no motion condition, representational momentum (the forward displacement of the representation of a moving object) might influence the perception of static distance between two objects when the objects had just moved away from each other or just moved toward each other. Two experiments tested the hypothesis by manipulating the end distances between two moving dots and the type of motion (Motion Away, Motion Towards, No Motion). In Experiment 1, the distance that the dots moved was the same for all six end distances, whereas in Experiment 2, the distance moved was proportional to the end distance. Participants estimated the distance at the end of the motion on every trial. The results of both experiments showed that the Motion Away produced greater estimates of distance than the other conditions. This effect was most pronounced at the longest end distances in Experiment 2. The results suggest designers should be cautious in using motion in displays for tasks that involve estimates of static distance.
Exploring Eye Tracking Measures to Understand Operator Performance
Authors: Chang Dervon , Fuchs Sven , Milham Laura , Bell-Carroll Meredith , Stanney Kay
Published: January 2012

Eye tracker technology is a growing and viable source for more sensitive, unobtrusive, and objective measures of operator performance and cognitive state. Several eye movement metrics have been validated in the empirical literature, but caution is advised when linking low level eye movements (e.g., fixations) to high level cognitive constructs (e.g., workload). Valid analysis of eye movement data is vulnerable to output interpretation, metric granularity, and incomplete views of operator performance. To address these issues, more research is needed to exploit contextual information from other performance measures, identify metric deficiencies, and develop useful composite measures. Individual eye movement metrics alone provide an insufficient picture of operator cognition and performance, but when purposefully combined with other metrics (e.g., other physiological sensor data), offer a more comprehensive look at operator performance. Understanding why operator errors occur can help researchers identify information-processing bottlenecks, possibly allowing designers to find ways to improve performance.
Fluorescent Colored Stimuli Automatically Attract Visual Attention: An Eye Movement Study
Authors: Schieber Frank , Willan Nick , Schlorholtz Ben
Published: January 2012

Fluorescent colored materials possess qualities that can lead to enhanced visibility and safety. However, little is known about the mechanisms that mediate this enhanced visual conspicuity. Previous studies using visual search paradigms suggest that the enhanced conspicuity of fluorescent colors stems from top-down attentional mechanisms; and, offer no support for the claim that fluorescent colored stimuli can automatically attract visual attention in a strictly bottom-up fashion. As an alternative to visual search techniques, the present study investigated eye movement behavior to ascertain whether an unexpected presentation of a fluorescent colored stimulus would be likely to capture initial visual fixations to the onset of a multi-stimulus array. Results of the study indicate that, compared to non-fluorescent colored stimuli, the fluorescent colored target was much more likely to elicit initial fixations. Contrary to previous studies, these findings support the claim that fluorescent colors can automatically attract visual attention via bottom-up mechanisms.
Terrain Orientation Theory for a Visual Approach to Landing
Authors: Gibb Randy , Gray Rob
Published: January 2012

Terrain Orientation Theory for the visual guidance of an approach and landing is based on glide path perception dependent upon the orientation of the landing surface due to global and local features. Numerous studies have attempted to determine the primary cues used to visually guide an aircraft to landing during rich viewing conditions and during black hole or featureless terrain conditions. Research has focused on the runway and the horizon. No one model or theory however has yet to capture all aspects of the perceptual approach to landing process. Previous studies have implied the role of surface orientation and terrain but failed to manipulate conditions throughout the entire approach and landing to account for robust conclusions.
The Effects of Transient Emotional State and Workload on Size Scaling in Perspective Displays
Authors: Tran Tuan Q. , Raddatz Kimberly R.
Published: January 2012

Previous research has been devoted to the study of perceptual (e.g., number of depth cues) and cognitive (e.g., instructional set) factors that influence veridical size perception in perspective displays. However, considering that perspective displays have utility in high workload environments that often induce high arousal (e.g., aircraft cockpits), the present study sought to examine the effect of observers' emotional state on the ability to perceive and judge veridical size. Within a dual-task paradigm, observers' ability to make accurate size judgments was examined under conditions of induced emotional state (positive, negative, neutral) and high and low workload. Results showed that participants in both positive and negative induced emotional states were slower to make accurate size judgments than those not under induced emotional arousal. Results suggest that emotional state is an important factor that influences visual performance on perspective displays and is worthy of further study.
Short Stress State Questionnaire: Relationships with Reading Comprehension and Land Navigation
Authors: Helton William S. , Garland Gregory
Published: January 2012

Stress is an important aspect of operational settings. This article presents the results of a study providing further validation evidence of a short multidimensional self-report measure of stress-state, the Short Stress State Questionnaire (SSSQ; Helton, 2004). We investigated stress changes in two settings. In the first setting, we explored the relationship between the SSSQ and reading comprehension. In the second setting, we explored the relationship between the SSSQ and a real world land navigation task - orienteering. Different task conditions elicited unique patterns of stress-state on the three factors of the SSSQ. Additionally, unique aspects of stress-state were predictive of performance on the two tasks. The 24-item SSSQ appears to be a useful measure of stress-state applicable in a wide variety of settings, including field settings.
The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Human Performance: A Meta-Analytic Examination
Authors: Conway G.E. , Szalma J.L. , Saxton B.M. , Ross J.M. , Hancock P.A.
Published: January 2012

Whole-body vibration exerts a substantive influence in many work environments. The primary objective of the present paper was to ascertain the effect of whole-body vibration and identify those moderating variables that influence the degree to which human performance is affected. A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted which quantified the existing research evidence. Following a screening process of the collected literature, a total of 224 papers and reports were identified for analysis. From these papers, 115 effect sizes were derived from 13 experiments which survived the screening procedure. Results indicate that vibration acts to degrade the majority of goal-related activities, especially those that rely on visual perception and fine motor control. Gaps in the extant research literature are identified and suggestions offered with regard to a more theoretically-driven approach to testing stressor effects on human performance.
Using Discrete Event Simulation to Assess Human Lifting and Assembly of Vehicle Armor
Authors: Plott Beth
Published: January 2012

The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program goal is to develop the next generation of vehicles and networks for the Army. Eight configurations of Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV) are being designed as part of this effort. Requirements state that each MGV must weight less than 20 Tons to be C-130 transportable. To achieve this weight limitation the armor will be removed before flight. The armor will be flown in on a separate aircraft and installed at the destination. A specific challenge for the manufacturer of the MGVs is determining how best to utilize human resources in the installation process. This poster will describe the use of discrete event simulation to develop a human performance model that helps determine an optimal combination of manpower, armor panels, and installation equipment. Four different “up-armor” scenarios were simulated each with different manpower, number of armor pieces, size of armor pieces, and material handling equipment requirements.
Cultural Evolution in Team Problem Solving
Authors: Rosen Michael A. , Fiore Stephen M. , Salas Eduardo
Published: January 2012

This paper uses a framework developed from memetics—a theoretical perspective on cultural evolution—as the basis for investigating aspects of team problem solving. Specifically, the roles of shared mental models, team situational awareness, and team problem models in the problem identification and conceptualization stages of team problem solving are explored from a cultural evolutionary perspective. Results of this analysis indicate that cultural evolutionary perspectives are useful in interpreting developmental aspects of team problem solving skills and adaptations of team level knowledge to task and environmental constraints.
Fifty Years of Warning Researchers
Authors: Ayres T. J.
Published: January 2012

This paper attempts to trace the history of empirical research on warning labels and signs, with particular emphasis on work within the HFES. Observations are made about the focus and methods that have been used, highlighting considerable progress as well as continuing problems. The approach typically taken in work presented to the HFES is compared with safety communication research reported in other disciplines, and suggestions are made for future directions.
Realistic Capacity Limits for Marine Passenger Safety: Adult Body Weight Distributions in the United States
Authors: Gordon Claire C.
Published: January 2012

Transportation and lift systems usually incorporate maximum capacity specifications for design, testing, and operation. Whether maximum capacity is specified directly in kilograms, or indirectly as maximum number of adults, user safety depends on accurate and logical relationships between system specifications and the upper limits of body weight distributions in the user population. This study utilizes recent data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and bootstrap methodology to establish meaningful weight capacity limits for small (10 person) marine craft, concluding that the average adult weight of 75 kg used to establish capacity limits for small marine craft in several ISO standards is far too low to represent contemporary US adults. This study indicates that a randomly selected group of 10 adult males will exceed the 750 kg capacity 97.6% of the time, and a group of 5 adult males and 5 adult females will exceed the 750 kg capacity 80.1% of the time. In fact, this study suggests that a design and testing assumption of 97.5 kg per adult (975 kg for 10 people) is needed to ensure that groups of 10 adult males (the worst case for small craft design) are within capacity limits 95% of the time.
Usability Evaluation of Digital Flipviewer® Online Flipbooks
Authors: Hull Spring S. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

The rise in onscreen reading has created a need for software products that allow users to comfortably view documents onscreen. Two studies were conducted to examine the usability of E-BookTM Systems Digital FlipViewer® software that enables users to read FlipBooks, interactive three-dimensional books with pages that ‘flip’ or turn onscreen. Study 1 evaluated user performance on completing eleven tasks with the FlipViewer® using a magazine format. Study 2 evaluated user performance of finding courses using a FlipBook format of a university's schedule of courses. Results from Study 1 revealed participants had difficulty using the unique features of FlipViewer®, but overall, were satisfied with their experience viewing a document in this format. Results of Study 2 showed participants completed tasks quicker using the FlipBook format of the university course schedule when compared to a website format.