bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction Designs Impact on Knowledge Acquisition With Unmanned Aerial System Teams Performing Complex Tasks
Authors: Summers Baron C. , Hauser Herb
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this analysis was to investigate the effects of interaction design variations in an automated feedback system to impact knowledge acquisition. The context was a system developed for teams controlling remotely piloted unmanned aerial systems in a simulation training environment. Two groups were exposed to experimental feedback interactions which were developed from elements of engagement theory while the third group was exposed to traditional feedback interactions not aligned with engagement theory. Participants conducted a series of Close Air Support (CAS) missions of varying difficulty with knowledge acquisition measured both after initial and final missions. If the knowledge acquisition of team members could be impacted through different feedback interaction designs of the system, then a opportunity for advancing learning in training teams controlling unmanned aerial systems may result. An Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was the primary analysis performed to assess if there were differences in adjusted means after completion of the final mission controlling for initial differences in knowledge. There were no significant differences detected between experimental groups. Furthermore, a two way mixed ANCOVA was conducted to investigate if their was an interaction between different roles of team members and feedback designs but none was detected. The potential reasons why differences were not detected despite the engagement theory literature suggesting a different result are explored in the discussion.
The Effect of Cognitive Fatigue on Subjective Usability Scores
Authors: Robertson Ian , Kortum Philip
Published: October 2017

Cognitive fatigue is a known factor in errors and major accidents. What is unknown is the impact that cognitive fatigue might have on the subjective assessment of usability. If users are regularly cognitively depleted when using a given system, and fatigue makes a difference in their usability assessment, then a true measure of usability would be derived only by testing users in that fatigued state. In this study, forty-three participants voted using twelve prototype paper voting ballots. Half of the ballots were classified as being of low usability and the other half as having high usability. These ballots were randomly assigned and participants completed six ballots before a fatigue manipulation and six after the manipulation. Each ballot was rated by the user with the System Usability Scale (SUS), and pre- and post-fatigue means were compared. No significant main effect was found for fatigue and no interaction was present, although the data suggest the effect may have been masked due to the high variance in the usability of the systems assessed.
Comparison of the Effects of Software Zeroing on Performance While Using Two Sighting Technologies in a Marksmanship Simulator
Authors: Brown Stephanie A. T. , McNamara Jay A. , Mitchell K. Blake
Published: October 2017

This study was an equipment comparison and system process investigation. The primary goal was to determine if (1) the simulator system requires software zeroing prior to use for dynamic marksmanship events, and if (2) the M68 close combat optic (CCO) provides benefits for marksmanship performance over the iron sights when used in conjunction with the simulator system. Twenty-one male Soldiers participated in a two-phase marksmanship performance-testing event, using a weapon simulator and two sighting technologies. Accuracy, precision, and aiming time were used to measure performance. The results revealed that there is benefit to software zeroing only during a static single-target event with multiple shots over time. Zeroing provided no benefit across all measures during a more dynamic marksmanship event with limited shots required per target where speed took precedence over accuracy. Additionally, the CCO significantly improved accuracy and precision over the iron sights in both static and active events.
Assessing the Training Effectiveness of an Intelligent Tutoring System for Marksmanship Skills
Authors: Zotov Vlad , Jarmasz Jerzy , Ueno Ken , Kramkowski Eric
Published: October 2017

The development of embedded trainers and intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) may allow modern militaries to maintain high proficiency in marksmanship skills despite limitations on training personnel and resources. A system embedding an ITS in a future rifle concept was developed to examine the potential of such technologies. This system was based on two main concepts: 1) instance-based learning and practice that uses a Smart Sight System to present a perceptual cue adjusted for the target’s properties and environmental variables and 2) rule-based learning that relies on artificial intelligence algorithm that delivers training tips and feedback to participants.

The experimental task involved engaging moving targets on a virtual shooting range. Three types of training were compared: a control group that received no additional training, a standard Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) training group, and an advanced training group that received ITS training. The results showed that additional training—both CAF and ITS—improved shooting accuracy. The performance in the ITS condition was consistently better than in the Control group or in the CAF training group on selected measures of performance.
Examining the Effects of a Novel Training Paradigm for Vigilance on Mental Workload and Stress
Authors: Fraulini Nicholas W. , Fistel Alexa L. , Perez Monica A. , Perez Teresa L. , Szalma James L.
Published: October 2017

Vigilance research often utilizes training to prepare observers for the monotony associated with these types of tasks. Although performance benefits have been shown previously for training, little evidence exists for the subjective effects training for vigilance can impose. The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of two types of training, practice and knowledge of results (KR), on observers’ perceived levels of mental workload and stress. The study makes use of the NASA-TLX and Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ) to measure these effects. The results indicate that observers benefit subjectively from both types of training, but in potentially different manners. We discuss the differences in the effects on mental workload and stress, as well as the potential impact on training for vigilance in the future.
Comparison of a Head-Mounted Display and Flat Screen Display during a Micro-UAV Target Detection Task
Authors: Brooks James , Lodge Riley , White Daniel
Published: October 2017

The use of micro-unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in military operations is rapidly increasing. However, limitations in the design of their human-machine interfaces (HMI) can limit their effectiveness. We propose that presenting the HMI of a micro-UAV through a head-mounted display (HMD) device is a viable alternative to using a flat screen display, however, factors such as simulator sickness and discomfort may reduce their usability. The present experiment compared participants’ target detection performance, usability ratings, and levels of simulator sickness when using either a HMD or a flat screen display in a micro-UAV simulation. Overall, there was no significant difference in performance between the two display conditions. However, participants reported significantly higher levels of mental workload, physical discomfort, and simulator sickness when using the HMD. Further, previous experience with virtual reality devices or video games did not reduce the levels of mental workload or simulator sickness experienced during the task. The results demonstrate that, at present, HMDs may not be suitable display devices for performing visual search tasks whilst flying micro-UAVs in urban environments.
Motivational Correlates of Vigilance Task Engagement
Authors: Neigel Alexis R. , Claypoole Victoria L. , Waldorf Kristen M. , Dever Daryn A. , Szalma James L.
Published: October 2017

There is relatively little research on the intersection of state and trait motivation measures and vigilance task engagement. The present research demonstrates and catalogs the correlation between several measures of self-reported motivation and task engagement factors on the short- and long-form versions of the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ; Matthews et al., 2002; Matthews, 2016). Data was collected from 200 participants across three vigilance studies. Evidence from correlational analyses indicated that state intrinsic motivation, trait achievement motivation, and trait self-esteem are related to perceived task engagement at both pre- and post-task. This research demonstrates that individual differences in state and trait motivation are important to consider in the measurement of vigilance task engagement and stressrelated task performance.
Rear interaction zones of 140 smartphone models vs. ergonomic recommendation
Authors: Lee Songil , Kyung* Gyouhyung
Published: October 2017

Rear interaction is a new interaction method adopted by many recent smartphone models. This study compared the rear interaction zones of 140 smartphone models with Lee et al. (2016)’s recommendation, and examined the effects of smartphone width and height on the location of rear interaction zone. The mean center (X, Y) of the rear interaction zones of these smartphone models was (0.5, 111.6), while the center of the recommended zone was (11.5, 94.5). The mean (SD) distance (D) between the center of rear interaction zone of each model and the recommended center was 21.0 (4.8). The significant interaction effect of width × height on the location of the rear interaction zone indicated that larger models had higher rear interaction zones. Using the K-Means clustering method, the smartphone models were divided into three groups – Small (PS), Medium (PM), and Large (PL). The XY ranges of the rear interaction zones were (-6–16, 78–132) for PS, (-7–16, 99–134) for PM, and (-6–6, 91–140) for PL. The mean center of each smartphone group’s interaction zones was deviated from the center of the recommended zone by 18.4mm for PS, 22.7mm for PM, and 24.7mm for PL. Only seven out of the 140 models provided a rear interaction zone that was partially overlapped with the recommended zone. It is recommended to lower the rear interaction zones provided by the current smartphone models regardless of their size in order to enhance hand comfort during rear interactions.
Analysis of Grip Posture for Ergonomic Smartphone Interface Design
Authors: Choi Younggeun , Jung Hayoung , Park Jangwoon , You Heecheon
Published: October 2017

Grip posture needs to be considered to ergonomic smartphone interface design for better usability in terms of controllability, user performance, and stability. The present study is intended to objectively classify grip postures of smartphone when users conduct tasks with hard keys. Forty five smartphone users conducted tasks with nine smartphone mock-ups in different sizes. Two cameras were located above and under a smartphone mock-up and recorded synchronized videos of grip postures. The grip postures of smartphone were classified by counting the number of fingers at each side of smartphone. Three dominant grip postures of smartphone were identified in the experiment: (1) 3-finger left, 1-finger right, and 1-finger back support (70.0%), (2) 4-finger left and 1-finger right (13.3%), and (3) 3-finger left, 1-finger right, and 1-finger top (12.0%). Device size, hand width, and hand length were found significantly influential to grip posture. The grip postures identified in the present study would be of use in ergonomic smartphone interface design.
Identifying the boundaries of screen edge and screen corner gestures based on thumb and index finger interactions on a small touch screen
Authors: Cho Jay , Sung Kiseok
Published: October 2017

Due to the increasing complexity and number of additional features now found in smartphones, it is important for smartphone designers to provide users an efficient way to access these features. This study examines the potential of performing gestures that start at the screen corners (rather than the middle of the edges), by drawing the trajectories and identifying the boundaries of screen edge and screen corner gestures based on the thumb and index finger interactions. Eleven participants were required to perform screen edge and screen corner gestures using their thumb with one hand or index finger while holding the device with their other hand. Kernel density estimations were plotted based on interaction method and gesture. Paired t-tests showed that screen corners will not interfere with the commonly used screen edge gestures and could be a viable region for a new set of gestures. A primary contribution of this study is to present a baseline for screen corner gesture design guidelines.
Redesign process of a semi-powered patient transfer device
Authors: Park Jeongmin , Hong Hyun-hwa , Kim Eunji , Shin Gwanseob
Published: October 2017

Intra-facility patient transfer poses substantial risks of patient falls and care-giver’s musculoskeletal injuries. Several patient lifters and aid devices have been introduced but they have not been widely used due to their bulky size and slow operation. A prototype of new patient transfer aid device has been developed to help care-givers transfer patients safely and more efficiently than conventional manual transferring or the use of powered patient lifters. This study was aimed to explain how the new patient transfer aid device has been developed, evaluated and redesigned to improve its safety, functionality and usability. Both laboratory experiment using a quantitative assessment method and field user research by interview and shadowing have been conducted to evaluate ergonomic advantages and to identify usability issues when transferring patients using the new aid device. Then, the initial prototype has been redesigned to address the issues and improve overall usability.
Iterative Implementation of a Remote Cardiac Patient Monitoring Device using Qualitative Analysis and Human Factors Engineering
Authors: Lowndes Bethany R , Finnie Dawn , Hathaway Julie , Ridgeway Jennifer L. , Vickers-Douglas Kristin , Bruce Charles , Hallbeck M. Susan
Published: October 2017

Remote monitoring has the potential to improve patient care and satisfaction while reducing the cost of care and burden on the healthcare system for Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) and Atrial Fibrillation (AF) patients. However, the device must be convenient and easy for the population to use correctly. In this study, human factors and qualitative researchers evaluated the use of a remote cardiac monitoring device during a clinical trial with 74 CHF and AF patients. Human factors usability concerns centered on device use and the information presented in the manual. The key themes identified during the qualitative analysis were related to patient education. These findings were incorporated into device design, user manual, or education material updates. This study illustrates how these methods can infuse patient experience into device design to inform continued quality improvement and usability refinement specifically in devices to aid CHF and AF patients without added burden.
Integrating Human-Centered Design and the Agile Development Process for Safety and Mission Critical System Development
Authors: Sebok Angelia , Walters Brett , Plott Christopher
Published: October 2017

The Agile software development process offers many potential benefits, including a design approach that allows frequent customer input, rapid development of functionality, and the ability to identify and resolve potential misunderstandings in design requirements. This process has generally been highly successful and offered many benefits to the software development industry. It is being adopted by an ever-increasing number of industries and used for applications beyond software development, including hard ware development, training materials, and marketing materials, to name a few examples. This paper describes a project to examine the integration of Human-Centered Design principles with the Agile process, and evaluate the appropriateness of this integrated process for safety and mission critical systems design.
Are Human Factors Students Prepared for Careers in User Experience Research? A Survey of Predicted and Actual Skill Utilization
Authors: Gonzalez Christian A. , Smith Melissa A. , Youmans Robert J.
Published: October 2017

User Experience Research (UXR) is a growing field and an attractive option for HF students post-graduation. However, previous research has shown that HF students do not feel prepared for careers in UXR. The goal of this work was to gather information about student expectations about what they imagine that they might actually spend time doing if they were to become a UXR professional, and then to compare those expectations to reality, i.e., how UXR professionals actually spend their time. Survey results revealed some differences between student estimates and professional reports of skill frequency, and an overestimate the frequency with which students would utilize UXR skills in general. As a result, students lack discrimination to identify which skills are actually most important, i.e. delivering research communications and interviewing. Implications for students and recommendations for future training programs are discussed.
Effects of Alarm System Error Bias and Reliability on Performance Measures in a Multitasking Environment: Are False Alarms Really Worse than Misses?
Authors: Chancey Eric T. , Yamani Yusuke , Brill J. Christopher , Bliss James P.
Published: October 2017

Researchers suggest signaling system false alarms damage human performance more than misses, yet the evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, we examined the effects of false alarm and miss rates on concurrent task and detection task performance. Method: Eighty-eight participants interacted with two primary flight simulation tasks and a secondary detection task, with the help of a signaling system that varied by error bias (false alarm-prone, miss-prone) and reliability (90%, 60%). Results: Higher reliability led to better detection task performance and the miss-prone group had higher dependence rates. Misses, however, negatively affected detection task performance more than false alarms and Bayes analyses indicated no differential effect of error type on primary task performance. Conclusion: The frequent alarms in the false alarm-prone group appeared to aid participants in switching from the primary to secondary detection task. Participants may have used the information acquisition function of the aid, but not the information analysis function.
Safety in a Transformational Era of Transportation
Authors: Homola Jeffrey , Dao Quang , Edwards Tamsyn
Published: October 2017

The area of transportation, in its many different forms, is currently in the midst of a radical transformation that will likely have lasting impact on such things as the way we drive, fly, or even have packages delivered. Advances in computation, analytics, and automation provide promise for a bright and more convenient future, but that promise is not without peril particularly when considering the changing role of the human operator and the potential impact to the public and safety. In this panel, we will discuss some of the known human factors and human systems integration (HSI) issues that are common across multiple transportation domains as well as emerging issues that are beginning to surface as industry continues to push the boundaries and explore possibilities. Panel members will be from a diverse background and will provide unique perspectives into human factors and HSI concerns with respect to safety in the transportation domains related to unmanned aircraft, air traffic control, automation and driving, as well as the underlying systems engineering process.
Horizontal Curve Driving Performance and Safety Affected by Road Geometry and Lead Vehicle
Authors: Jeong Heejin , Liu Yili
Published: October 2017

To help enhance safety and reduce crashes occurred on horizontal curved roads, it is important to understand their potential causes. The study reported in this paper aimed to examine the effects of road geometry (i.e., road curvature and curve direction) and lead vehicle on horizontal curve driving performance. Twenty-four participants performed two driving tasks (i.e., car-following and free- flow conditions) in simulated driving scenarios including curved roads in both right and left directions to measure their driving performance (e.g., speed, lane position, steering wheel angle, and time and distance headways). The results showed that road curvature affected driving performance, especially in mean speed, variability of lane-keeping performance, and headway. Moreover, the mean speed was affected by both road curvature and whether a lead vehicle existed. Findings from this study provide empirical data that can be used for driving safety on horizontal curved roads.
Human Factor Issues Associated with Lane Change Collision Avoidance Systems: Effects of Authority, Control, and Ability on Drivers’ Performance and Situation Awareness
Authors: Muslim Husam , Itoh Makoto
Published: October 2017

In order to improve road traffic safety, increasingly sophisticated and robust collision avoidance systems are being developed. When employed in safety-critical situations, however, the interaction between the human factors and these systems may increase the complexity of the task of driving. Due to these human factors, the ability of the driver to respond to various traffic dangers is considered to be a function of the level of automation, balance of control authority, and the innate ability of the driver. For the purpose of this study, a driving experiment was designed using two types of lane change collision avoidance systems. One was a haptic warning system that provides a steering force feedback to avoid hazardous lane change, and the other, a semi-autonomous system that provides an automatic action to prevent hazardous lane change. While drivers had the final authority over the haptic system, they were unable to override the automatic action. Both systems were examined in three conditions: i) hazard that can be detected only by the system, ii) hazard that can be detected only by the driver, and iii) combined hazards. The different support systems were applied to the different hazards resulting in significant differences in drivers’ reaction time and steering behavior. The drivers’ subjective post-hazard assessments were significantly affected by the type of encountered hazard.
Improving Machinery-Related Risk Identification and Estimation with Accident Reporting and Logical Analysis of Data
Authors: Jocelyn Sabrina , Ouali Mohamed-Salah , Chinniah Yuvin
Published: October 2017

Continually managing occupational risks is the cornerstone of any prevention program. ISO 12100:2010 defines risk in the field of safety of machinery as the combination of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm. The means available to help with risk identification present the hazards isolated from one another. Moreover, estimation of probability is a recurrent problem. To overcome these issues, this paper proposes a method using logical analysis of data to generate patterns from belt-conveyorrelated accident investigation reports. The patterns represent accident scenarios involving combinations of hazards and risk factors. The probabilities of the patterns are estimated to establish a hierarchy of prevention measures that will be part of a prevention action plan. Updating data from accident reports impacts risk estimation, thus entailing adjustment of the prevention action plan.
Experience Feedback on Implementing and Using Human-Robot Collaboration in the Workplace
Authors: Jocelyn Sabrina , Burlet-Vienney Damien , Giraud Laurent
Published: October 2017

With the rise of collaborative robotics, workers are exposed to new risks, not necessarily because of the creation of new hazards, but due to the duration of their exposure to some well-known hazards associated with robots in general (e.g., risk of collision). The total or partial absence of fences at all times allows collaborative robots and humans to share the same workspace even in production, which increases exposure to those risks. To manage the risks, designers follow inherently safe design requirements to make the robot safe for use. However, when the designer delivers the cobot to the user, there is still a residual risk that needs to be managed in the future workspace. This paper presents experience feedback on six cobotic applications in four companies. Observations revolving around residual risk management are presented. Based on the observations, preliminary recommendations are made to help stakeholders with the implementation and use of cobots.
Situation Awareness Offshore: Relevant Influencing Factors and Risks
Authors: Hoyle W. Sloane , Peres S. Camille
Published: October 2017

Offshore operations are an inherently hazardous activities that can result in catastrophic outcomes. The amalgamation of different hazards, constraints, and demands on offshore platforms can presents a substantial threat to the performance, productivity, and safety of workers. For most industrial accidents, there is a causal chain between human errors and organizational conditions. An investigation into the Macondo incident identified failures of situation awareness (SA) and risk perception as root causes of the disaster. Improving worker SA has become an important objective for the Oil and Gas industry. SA is a distinct, safety critical component for workers operating in complex, high-risk, and interactive work environments. Possession and maintenance of good quality SA is important for personnel whose work can be hazardous, complex, and pressured by time constraints. The drilling environment can change suddenly and for a drill crew, with an improper decision or inattention, the end result can be loss of life, severe injury, and cost millions of dollars in production loss. Offshore workers need to acquire and integrate information under operational conditions while contending with competing sources of information for their attention. SA can serve as a predictor of performance and has been particularly important where technical and situational complexity impacts the decision making efforts of the driller. A scoping literature review was conducted in order to identify how the influencing factors of elements of human factors on personnel and environmental safety, operational costs, and loss of time. Numerous databases were searched (e.g., EBSCOhost, Medline, PsychInfo, Science Direct) in combination other databases search using key terms: human factors or ergonomics and offshore with all of the following: drilling, production, fatigue, situation awareness, cognitive, oil and gas, as well as a search for human factors offshore and ergonomics offshore and human error offshore. Finally, our primary studies search was supplemented with a search of papers and abstracts within conferences. The fields of interest included stress, fatigue, interface design, human machine interaction, automation, safety culture and safety climate, risk perception and awareness. The purpose of this research was to present a summary of the current literature on the status of the oil and gas industry with regard to the adoption and integration of Human Factors methods, principles, and processes. Specific objectives were to summarize the state of the science regarding situation awareness for offshore operations, understand the importance of situation awareness for this environment, and determine key influencing factors that could affect drillers’ performance.
Who are Phishers luring?: A Demographic Analysis of Those Susceptible to Fake Emails
Authors: Sarno Dawn M. , Lewis Joanna E. , Bohil Corey J. , Shoss Mindy K. , Neider Mark B.
Published: October 2017

Previous research has identified several populations that are susceptible to inauthentic emails (e.g., spam). However, these studies utilize retrospective, self-report measures to assess email users’ interactions with limited sets of inauthentic emails. In order to fill this gap in the literature, the present study assessed participants’ likelihood to rate a wide variety of emails as spam, authentic, and dangerous. The results highlighted several key findings, 1) there were no gender differences for the email ratings, there were only differences in experience with email, 2) those who do not regularly email and read other electronic documents were more likely to rate emails as spam, possibly indicating an increase in false positives, and 3) the relationship between age and rating an email as spam indicates that younger users may be more susceptible to spam. Overall, the present study identified demographic characteristics that should be considered when training users to detect inauthentic emails.
Perceptions of Supervisors and Performance: A Thematic Analysis
Authors: Claypoole Victoria L. , Neigel Alexis R. , Szalma James L.
Published: October 2017

Observation is a common occurrence within the workplace, and can often manifest as either peer-to-peer monitoring or supervisor-to-peer monitoring. To date, there is a limited body of research that describes changes in performance due to either a positive or negative relationship between supervisors and employees. The present study reports qualitative data on supervisor-to-employee relationships and how the quality of the relationship can alter human performance. The results indicated that relationship with a supervisor was related to perceived performance under direct observation. Women were more likely to report a positive relationship with their supervisor, yet also indicated a negative emotion toward being monitored. These results are important in understanding how supervisor presence influences individual performance when completing job-specific tasks. The implications for future research are discussed.
Measuring Fatigue through Heart Rate Variability and Activity Recognition: A Scoping Literature Review of Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Gonzalez Karla , Sasangohar Farzan , Mehta Ranjana K. , Lawley Mark , Erraguntla Madhav
Published: October 2017

A scoping literature review was conducted to summarize the current research trends in fatigue identification with applications to human activity recognition through the use of diverse commercially available accelerometers. This paper also provides a brief overview of heart rate variability and its effect on fatigue. The linkage between recognizing an individual’s unique physical activities, and its possible feedback to manage fatigue levels were explored. Overall, triangulation of heart rate variability and accelerometer data show promise in identify chronic cognitive and physical fatigue levels.
Electrodermal Response and Automation Trust during Simulated Self-Driving Car Use
Authors: Morris Drew M. , Erno Jason M. , Pilcher June J.
Published: October 2017

The integration of self-driving vehicles may expose individuals with health concerns to undue amounts of stress. Psychophysiological indicators of stress were used to determine changes in tonic and phasic stress levels brought about by a high-fidelity autonomous vehicle simulation. Twenty-eight participants completed one manual driving task and two automated driving tasks. Participants reported their subjective level of trust in the automated systems using the Automation Trust Survey. Psychophysiological stress was indexed using skin conductance and trapezius muscle tension. Results indicate that users show more signs of physiological stress when the vehicle drives autonomously than when the users is in control. Results also indicate that users show an additional increase in stress when the user reports low trust in the autonomous vehicle. These findings suggest that health-care professionals and manufactures should be aware of additional stress associated with self-driving technology.
Influence of Task Knowledge and Display Features on Driver Attention to Cluttered Navigation Displays
Authors: Pankok Carl , Kaber David
Published: October 2017

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of display clutter on driver attention allocation for highand low-clutter in-vehicle navigation displays. Participants were asked to respond to navigation queries in a static, presentation-based experiment and a dynamic, driving simulator experiment. Results revealed differential associations between clutter and attention allocation such that stronger correlations were exhibited in the presentation-based experiment. Those measures of display clutter focusing on display features and data (i.e., bottom-up factors) had stronger correlations with attention allocation than measures focusing on user task knowledge or familiarity (i.e., top-down factors). The findings suggest that humans adjust search strategies to account for competing demands of multiple tasks in such a way that any effect of clutter on driver attention is minimized, and that bottom-up influences of clutter have a stronger association with driver attention allocation than top-down influences.
Understanding Older Adults’ Intentions to Use Healthcare Technologies: A Work in Progress
Authors: Harris Maurita T. , Blocker Kenny A. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to examine factors that influence older adults’ intentions to use healthcare technologies and how these factors may change based on the complexity of the technology. Older adults between 65-84 years old will be recruited for participation. Participants will complete questionnaires and a semi-structural interview to assess their intentions. The interview will involve the presentation of three different healthcare technologies (blood pressure monitor, electronic pillbox, and a multi-functional healthcare robot) that are at varied levels of complexity. During the presentation of these three healthcare technologies, the participants will be asked follow-up questions to better understand their intentions to use each of the healthcare technologies. A coding scheme will be developed to assess the participants interview responses through frequency data. Findings from the current study will provide insights about how people make initial intentional acceptance decisions and could inform how such technologies are introduced to older adults.
Efficacy of Using Heart Rate Measurements as an Indicator to Monitor Anxiety Disorders: A Scoping Literature Review
Authors: Khanade Kunal , Sasangohar Farzan
Published: October 2017

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent disorder affecting veterans, first responders, children and others who have experienced traumatic events. Heart rate measures like resting heart rates along with heart rate accelerations are important measures to monitor the changes in the state of PTSD and other related disorders. A scoping review was conducted to investigate the efficacy of using heart rate (HR) measurements as reliable indicator for assessment of PTSD and other anxiety-related disorders. Findings show that while Heart Rate Variability (HRV) may provide a more robust measurement of PTSD and other anxiety-related symptoms, heart rate accelerations in response to traumatic reminders are reliable indicators. Changes in resting or basal heart rates show promise in long-term monitoring of PTSD symptoms.
Emotional Factor Impacts on User Compliance with an Automated Advisor System
Authors: Althoff William , Sutherland Steven C. , Chambers Julie
Published: October 2017

Social norms and emotional instincts such as “women and children first” have historically guided judgement and decision making processes in crisis situations. This study simulated emotionally charged, environmental factors (school zones) and an expert drone system in a search and rescue scenario to identify patterns of automation utilization. Participants played a mixed design experimental video game, Search and Rescue, where they had to send search and rescue efforts to various zones (Residential, Industrial, School, and Business) in a city devastated by an earthquake. Participants were randomly assigned an automated advisor system, which varied in accuracy, that made recommendations regarding where to send search and rescue teams. Early in the task, participants were more likely to send rescue efforts to school zones, but were not as likely to do so later in the task, suggesting a practice effect. Factors regarding advisor system utilization and application are discussed.
The Development of a Coding Scheme to Examine Technology Use in Diabetes Self-Management
Authors: Endres Daniel , Whitlock Laura A.
Published: October 2017

Technology has become increasingly prevalent in people’s daily lives. Use of the internet is a good example of this, with more people in the United States using the internet than ever before (Pew Research Center, 2017a). Internet-mediated interactions with other users is also popular, and includes the use of social media and internet discussion forums. The analysis of these online interactions can represent a useful source of information to better understand human behavior. A well-developed coding scheme can allow researchers to analyze this internet forum data to address important research questions. For example, one could examine problems experienced by users while using glucometers to measure their blood sugar, or the costs and benefits perceived by users deciding to adopt an insulin pump. We present the development of a coding scheme to analyze internet forum discussions on the use of technology for diabetes self-management. Unique advantages and limitations of this type of data source are discussed along with future directions for the deployment of this coding scheme.
Usability Assessment of a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) mHealth App
Authors: Rodriguez-Paras Carolina , Sasangohar Farzan
Published: October 2017

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental health disorder that can affect those who have experienced a traumatic event. Despite the availability of different treatment options for PTSD, there are several barriers that prevent some patients from receiving treatment. To overcome these barriers, mobile health (mHealth) apps have been developed to allow access to therapeutic and self-assessment tools outside the clinic. Our review of literature shows that the three mostly used apps (PTSD Coach, PE Coach, and CPT Coach) are not empirically evaluated and very little information is available for the process used in design and development of these tools. This paper documents a usability study of the most popular PTSD mHealth app; PTSD Coach. Findings indicate that the learning component of the app provides useful information, the assessment is effective in keeping track of the symptoms, and that some of the tools provided can help mitigate some of the symptoms. However, the color scheme, lack of personalization options, and lack of clarity on the mitigation techniques was deemed to affect usability.
Determining Practice Effects on a Cognitive Flexibility Assessment
Authors: Dang Jasmine S. , Figueroa Ivonne J. , Helton William S.
Published: October 2017

The Youmans Cognitive Flexibility Assessment (YCFA) was created as an easy-to-administer and entertaining assessment of cognitive flexibility. Although a validation and reliability study of the YCFA was conducted, practice effects were not assessed. This present study aims to uncover whether practice effects occur for the YCFA. Thirty-six undergraduate university students completed four rounds of the YCFA (six trials per round). Practice effects occurred in the first and second rounds, but task performance stabilized after the third round. Implications are discussed.
Learning in Simulated Environments: A Comparison to Learning in a Physical Environments Using Video Data Analysis
Authors: Alfred Myrtede , Lee Moris , Neyens David M. , Gramopadhye Anand K.
Published: October 2017

Few studies that have evaluated the efficacy of learning in simulated environments have also examined differences in the processes that learners in the simulated environments employed to arrive at the outcomes being measured. In this video analysis study, the researchers sought to understand whether there were differences in the construction process used by participants who learned to construct circuits using a 2D simulation, a 3D simulation, or a physical breadboard and whether these differences subsequently impacted several learning outcomes. The researchers systematically reviewed 30 videos (10 videos per condition) of participants’ circuit construction to identify variations in their comprehension level and their construction procedures. The study found differences in the construction process, odds of successful construction, and construction time for participants in the three conditions that could be attributed to differences in fidelity. These findings provide valuable insights about how learning in simulated environments impact proficiency and learning and can help improve the design of simulated learning environments.
Training Related Risk Factors of Firefighters
Authors: Salar Menekse , Capanoglu M. Fehmi , Sherman Alexander , Sesek Richard F. , Davis Jerry
Published: October 2017

Firefighters have among the most physically and psychologically challenging jobs in the world, incurring more than 80,000 (NFPA, 2014) injuries each year. Firefighter training is crucial, as higher knowledge and experience levels are inversely proportional to their risk of injury or work-related illness (Gonzalez, 2002). However, a paradox is created in that the training itself is the third highest cause of firefighter injury (Burgess, 2014). Therefore, enhancing training safety is paramount to creating a safer overall work environment for firefighters. This study focuses on a particularly hazardous aspect of training; crawling. A crawling simulator used by the Opelika and Auburn Fire Departments was built into the back of a trailer and is located in Lee County, Alabama. A system safety analysis was performed incorporating the use of tools including a preliminary hazard list (PHL), preliminary hazard analysis (PHA), risk assessment matrix, fault tree analysis (FTA), and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). Several hazards were identified and assessed. Recommendations for abating these hazards are offered, specifically for hazards resulting from the lack of an evacuation plan and absence of an occupant monitoring system.
An Ergonomic Analysis of Stress Caused by Maintenance and Material Loading in FDM-Based 3D Printing
Authors: Meyers Matthew , Blickensderfer Elizabeth
Published: October 2017

The primary goal when designing fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers is functionality. While this is not inherently bad, the large number of subsystems involved in the design process causes the safety of the user and the usability of the device itself to be one of the last aspects considered. As a result, using commercial 3D printers in any capacity can be a challenge; this is especially true when troubleshooting them. The poor design of these printers from an ergonomic viewpoint requires that users apply large amounts of force while maintaining off-nominal postures, which can have long lasting consequences if not resolved. This report aimed to alleviate some of these stressors by conducting an ergonomic and biomechanical analysis of specific tasks involved with using and troubleshooting FDM printers. The specific tasks covered in this analysis include the loading and locking in place of the filament, the manual leveling of the bed height, and the removal of jammed filament from the extruder. A comprehensive analysis of these tasks provides insight as to which design alternatives would be best suited to solving the problems addressed in this report.
Approaches for loss of vigilance in vehicle automation: a meta-analytical study
Authors: Gonçalves Rafael Cirino , Quaresma Manuela , Rodrigues Claudia Mont’Alvão
Published: October 2017

The phenomenon of behavioral adaptation induced by continuous use of vehicular automation is a very intriguing subject for researchers in the field of Human-Automation Interaction. Some authors believe that better tailoring of system design to driver needs and to the task requirements can improve human performance and mitigate the process of loss of vigilance. Nevertheless, the literature on this subject is far from reaching a consensus, so that the causal or aggravating factors for such process are not yet fully known. Based on this issue, the goal of this study was to list the most prevalent factors in the literature for the loss of driver’s vigilance capabilities during the use of autonomous vehicles (HAVs - Highly Automated Vehicles). To achieve the proposed goal, a meta-analytical study was conducted from a systematic literature review, followed by statistical significance tests. The results reinforce the idea that elements for communication and control of attention stimuli directed to the driver are of paramount importance for the occurrence of the studied phenomenon, so, we suggest further deeper studies on particular HMI application for HAVs.
The Conclusion of a Driving Study About Warnings Depends upon How Response Time is Defined
Authors: Liu Ke , Green Paul
Published: October 2017

Response time, a common measure of driving performance, is not defined consistently in the research literature, making it difficult to compare studies. To determine if the definition mattered, an experiment was conducted. Sixteen subjects drove on simulated expressway while following a lead vehicle and responded to forward collision warnings associated with the lead vehicle braking and cut-ins (46 total encounters, 4 potential collisions). Six response time types were defined per SAE J2944 by their start (e.g., vehicle movement, warning onset) and end points (e.g., brake pedal contact). Mean times for the warning/no warning response time combinations explored varied from 1.19 to 8.87 s. For this data set, response times that began with the warning presentation and ended with an intermediate-final response (e.g., accelerator release (option A) and maximum jerk (option B)) identified significant warning/no warning differences (p=0.044) but were insensitive to encounter differences (p=0.952), so that definition is preferred.
Age Effects on Drivers’ Physiological Response to Workload
Authors: Rodriguez-Paras Carolina , Susindar Sahinya , Lee Seulchan , Ferris Thomas K.
Published: October 2017

Driving a vehicle requires performing a combination of cognitive, visual, and manual tasks, which depend on the sensory and cognitive resources allocated to the task. Physiological measures, such as heart rate measures, can be used to objectively detect when driving task demands approach and exceed a driver’s available resources, at which point there are also performance effects. As humans gain task experience and automatize aspects of it, fewer resources are demanded, which is reflected in physiological measures. However, physiological response also changes with age. This study sought to explore physiological response to different imposed workloads as a function of age and task experience. Results indicate that older drivers showed significantly increased low frequency and decreased high frequency spectral components of heart rate variability under secondary task loads. These findings raise new questions of how age should be considered when using physiological indicators to infer cognitive loading.