bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scanning Patterns in Real-Time Flir Displays
Authors: Krebs Marjorie J.
Published: January 2012

Scanning behavior was investigated in a target acquisition task using video-taped forward looking infrared (FLIR) imagery. Comparisons in both target acquisition performance and scan patterns were made between trained FLIR operators and college students with no prior exposure to FLIR. For both groups the sequence of fixations and the distribution of fixation densities were different for each scene and dependent on its specific content. Subjects appeared to systematically explore areas within a scene in terms of some estimate of the probability of a target being present. The eye data may reflect group differences of two types. First, the priorities assigned by each group to various areas were apparently different and secondly, the FLIR operators apparently were able to make a “target, no target” decision more quickly at each fixation as reflected in the typically shorter fixation times.
Simulated Helo Ground Target Acquisition under Different Sun Angles and Ground Textures
Authors: Freitag M. , Hilgendorf R. L. , Searle R. G.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effect of sun angle and ground texture on tank target acquisition using a 1:1000 terrain table to simulate a pop-up maneuver. Using a three-by-two repeated measures design, three groups of ten subjects each were tested at one of three simulated sun angles (0, 90, and 180 degrees) and at two terrain textures (hilly and flat). Starting at a maximum simulated slant range of 8500 feet, slant range was reduced by 500 foot steps during successive 30-second trials until a correct target detection occurred. Although the main effects of sun angle and terrain texture on slant range and total search time were not significant, a highly reliable interaction between these variables was found. For the hilly portion of the terrain table, the 90-degree sun angle group had a significantly shorter slant range and required significantly more search time than the zero or 180-degree sun angle groups. This result is attributed to the interaction of large amounts and depths of shadows in hilly terrain and the difficulty of acquiring a tank target when its shadow is located at the side of the tank.
Sonar Operator Performance Considerations in Passive Sonar Systems
Authors: Hornick R. J. , Yamashita G. , Robinson J. E. , Winkler H. J.
Published: January 2012

Because of rapid developments in passive sonar technology, man-machine interface problems continue to demand human factors studies. This paper discusses display problems, operator variables, and research considerations. Data are presented from a recent study conducted by the authors comparing performance with photographic and static stimulus materials versus performance with dynamic CRT displays as the stimuli.
Where Have We Been and Where are We Going? A Founder's View from Britain and Australia
Authors: Welford A.T.
Published: January 2012

The origins of ergonomics in the collaboration of human scientists with engineers, and the formation of the Ergonomics Research Society and the International Ergonomics Association, are briefly surveyed. It is suggested that the success of the movement is due largely to its leading ideas: the concept of human capacity, both instantaneous and over periods of time, both in physical activity and mental information processing; the need to express human capacities and the demands of tasks in the same terms; and the operation of both capacities and demands in complex, dynamic systems. These ideas have had profound effects upon developments of theory within the human biological disciplines of anatomy, physiology and especially psychology, as well as on practical applications.

Membership of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand indicates a keen interest in ergonomics in Australia but with less orientation towards research than in Britain or the U.S.A. The reason appears to be an indirect result of the fact that Australia is a large country with a small population. Present developments suggest that emphasis on research may increase before very long.

As regards the future both in Australia and in other countries, there appears to be a need for consolidation of a body of proved examples of the effectiveness and value of ergonomic measures. This in turn indicates a need for improved methods of making field trials, the formulation of cost-benefit analyses which include both productivity and human values in a common metric, and the study of willingness as well as capacity. Some important lines for expansion of the ergonomic approach appear to lie in the treatment of social interaction in ergonomic terms. This leads not only to the concept of social skill, but has bearings upon several other areas of research. Examples briefly discussed are: environmental psychology, mental handicap, delinquency, vandalism, criminality, and certain current world problems of boredom and dissatisfaction with life.

Ergonomics, it is suggested, owes much of its past success to the quality of observation displayed by some of its pioneers, and a plea is made for the continued fostering of this quality.
Ergonomics in Japan: Where have we been, Where are we going?
Authors: Sugiyama Sadao
Published: January 2012

When we look at the course of development of world civilization, we can recognize that the speed of development has been becoming faster and faster. The author tries to mention the possible danger of this accelerated speed of change and to explain about Japan's high pitch development after the opening of her door to the western world about 100 years ago. He also explains about how human factors studies have been developing in Japan and its significance with regard to the social change. Concerning this rapidly changing world civilization, he discusses about the mission of human factors research in the future and about the ways to maintain humanity.
Cardio-Pulmonary Correlates of Subjective Fatigue
Authors: Dukes-Dobos F.N. , Wright G. , Carlson W.S. , Cohen H.H.
Published: January 2012

Eighteen cardiorespiratory parameters were measured in a five-minute bicycle ergometer test applied before and after four hours of resting (control days) or four hours of treadmill walking at 40, 50, and 60% of the maximum aerobic capacity (exercise days) of four volunteer subjects. There was no significant difference between control and exercise days in 16 out of 18 responses when the mean differences between the results obtained in the “before” and “after” tests were compared. The two exceptions were resting and exercise heart rate at 50 and 60% of the maximum aerobic capacity. Consequently, nine parameters showing the largest changes on exercise days were selected for calculation of a cardiorespiratory variance score (CVS). Subjective feeling of fatigue quantitated by the feeling tone checklist of Pearson was significantly correlated with CVS. There was also a significant relationship between work strain and the CVS. These results suggests that the physiological manifestations of fatigue after strenuous work are not reflected in consistent changes of single parameters but rather in the composit deviation of several responses from the control level. Within equal CVS values, deviation of single parameters may vary day by day in the same individual at identical work loads indicative of instability of homeostatic control during fatigue.
The Application of Ergonomics to Improve the Individual-Fit Adjustment Features of Consumer Products
Authors: Grall Terrand B.
Published: January 2012

The advantages and problems arising out of the need for incorporating a full range of adjustability in certain consumer products, in order to fit the majority of potential user groups is disclosed. In particular, the importance of providing not only a full range of fit adjustment, but adjustment feedback to assure that the individual correctly adjusts and makes adjustments that will be ergonomically advantageous to them is discussed. Many products are currently being designed with one or more individual adjustment controls that can be used to alter a products fit. The major question is how to assure that these adjustments are or will be properly used and or even used at all. The main variable factors and essentials involved in designing into consumer products individual-fit guides are outlined. Recommendations are given to help manufacturers, designers, and ergonomists to improve consumer products by assuring that individuals will not only have the option to adjust a products fit but will also have the built in guides or feedback to assure them that they have made the best combination of adjustments for their particular body size with respect to their task.
Product Safety and Product Performance Research at the National Bureau of Standards
Authors: Fechter John V.
Published: January 2012

In 1974, the National Bureau of Standards established a Center for Consumer Product Technology to conduct product safety and product performance research. The Center's Human Factors Section operates a laboratory which is used for consumer product studies. While much of the Laboratory's equipment and instrumentation is fairly typical of other human factors laboratories, its configuration and application at NBS is unique. A study of cooking ranges is presented to illustrate how the facility is being used.
Computerized Accommodated Percentage Evaluation: Review and Prospectus
Authors: Bittner Alvah C.
Published: January 2012

This report reviews about a dozen past and current research efforts employing Monte Carlo “computerized accommodated percentage evaluation” (CAPE) models. The CAPE class of models estimate the effects of imposed limits of the accommodated proportion of a population. Most extensively use in studies of aircraft cockpit and related workplace design, the model has been applied to other areas as well. Four validation studies, five completed application investigations, and three on-going application efforts are described. Prospects for future applications are also briefly discussed.
Color Coding of Information on Electronic Displays
Authors: Haeusing Michael
Published: January 2012

The effectiveness of human information processing depends largely on information coding. This paper reports an experiment on color codes suitable for use on electronic raster-scan displays (color TV-monitors). The experiment was designed to determine if results of color code experiments with surface and projected colors are also applicable to TV colors. The objectives were to select and optimize a multi-element color code suitable for TV displays that will permit each color to be correctly and reliably identified even when presented one at a time thereby requiring absolute judgements; and to determine the smallest TV symbol sizes which can be used with the color codes assuming that contrast ratio and luminance levels are within recommended ranges. For color symbols subtending a visual angle of 45′ or more and which were presented on the display screen one at a time 6 color regions could be found, that were judged correctly with a frequency of 90% or better. With symbols of less than 30′ of visual arc only 4 colors were reliably and correctly judged. It is possible that comparative judgement situations and training with the use of color codes could expand considerably the number of colors that could be used for coding purposes and also improve judgement reliability. Future research in this direction is recommended. Color regions from where coding colors should be selected, are shown by their representation in the CIE chromaticity plane. Some additional design recommendations for the use of color on raster-scan displays are provided.
Vibrational Analysis of the Human Hand
Authors: Suggs C.W. , Mishoe John Wayne
Published: January 2012

Investigation of hand-arm vibration by means of mechanical impedance techniques has provided objective evaluation of the observation that most of the higher frequency vibration inputs at the hand are not transmitted into the arm. This is reflected in the impedance curves which show two orders of magnitude decrease in apparent mass as frequency is increased from 50 Hz to 1000 Hz. The system may be modeled as damped spring-mass system containing three masses interconnected by springs and dampers.
A Comparison of Environmental and Display System Factors in Media Presentation Rooms
Authors: McVey G. F.
Published: January 2012

A set of media presentation rooms were designed, built, and equipped according to well established and accepted environmental design and display system engineering principles. These new facilities and three other existing media presentation rooms were evaluated by 503 University students. Results indicated a significant preference for the environmentally coordinated media presentation rooms.
Physiological and Irritating Effects of Indoor Air Pollution due to Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Weber-Tschopp Annetta , Fischer Anton , Grandjean Etienne
Published: January 2012

Subjects were exposed in a climatic chamber during 28 min to cigarette smoke produced by a smoking machine. The concentrations of CO, NO, NO2, formaldehyde and acrolein were recorded. We measured eye blinking rate, FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in one sec), MMF (maximal mid-expiratory flow), irritating effects and annoyance. Irritation (eyes and nose), annoyance and blinking rate showed an increase in relation to the number of smoked cigarettes, i.e. to the concentration of pollutants. There was a correlation between blinking rate and eye irritation in the first half of exposure. Annoyance about air quality and the wish to open the windows or to leave the room proved to be a very susceptible criterion.
An Instrumented Vehicle for Highway Man-Machine-Environment System Evaluation
Authors: Pearson Richard G. , Williamson Glen A. , Stroh Raymond W. , Goodman Michael J.
Published: January 2012

A unique tool for driver, vehicle, and roadway evaluation studies is described. Integration of a vehicle lateral position tracking device with sophisticated instrumentation which measures driving behavior in the vehicle provides information relative to the dynamic interaction of vehicle and changing roadway. Lightness of weight, relatively low cost, portability, high sampling speed, and high resolution were design objectives met in system development. Computer software permits display of tranducer outputs over time on a graphics terminal, provides hard copy plots as well, and generates data for statistical comparisons and analysis.
Functional Anthropometry: The CC Method and its Application
Authors: Lange Wolfgang
Published: January 2012

Using Cartesian Coordinates a method was developed to determine the location of a point in space. This method allows the recording of three-dimensional relationships among anthropometric landmarks. The method facilitates the assessment of changes anthropometric dimensions brought about by actual working postures. “CC data” were recorded describing head positions and eye locations when subjects (n = 60) assumed various head postures while maintaining fixation of trunk, hands and feet. The results indicate the usefulness of the CC Measuring Method.
Human Engineering Design Deficiencies and Related Operator Errors in Naval Air Weapons Systems
Authors: Helm Wade R.
Published: January 2012

Engineering design deficiencies reported during Board of Inspection and Survey Trials involving the P-3 and S-3 aircraft were examined to determine deficiencies of a human engineering nature. The critical incident technique was used to catalogue, describe, and analyze these human engineering design deficiencies in both aircraft. From the 231 P-3 and 540 S-3 recorded deficiencies, 104 P-3 and 224 S-3 human engineering deficiencies emerged. These human engineering deficiencies were categorized according to (a) related system components, (b) design principle infractions, and (c) related operator errors. This categorization procedure provided a relative comparison of the most prevalent types of system component deficiencies, violations of human engineering design principles, and design induced operator errors. The system related deficiencies were sorted into 10 system component categories. Display and control components accounted for 78 percent and 75 percent of the P-3 and S-3 total human engineering design deficiencies, respectively. The results of this investigation suggest that, although the airframes of the two aircraft are dissimilar, there is a basic similarity in their number and types of human engineering design deficiencies. Also, design induced operator errors were different in relative frequency than was found by earlier investigators.
Sea Motion Simulation, Very Low Frequency Vibration, and Motion Sickness
Authors: McCauley Michael E.
Published: January 2012

The office of Naval Research/Human Factors Research (ONR/HFR) Motion Generator was designed with three degrees of freedom (heave, pitch, and roll) to simulate the motion of an air-sea craft in varying ocean conditions through Sea State 5. Recent upgrading of the device has provided the capability for simulating the motion of advanced design sea craft as well as certain aspects of vertical motion common to land, sea, and air vehicles. Since 1968, the simulator has been used for investigation of the following topics: (1) basic research to provide equations for the prediction of motion sickness incidence based on parameters of vertical linear oscillation, (2) crew performance during simulated motion of two types of proposed naval vessels, and (3) evaluation of the efficacy of antimotion sickness medications in alleviating the symptoms of motion sickness. This simulator provides the opportunity for future research on the effects of motion on physiological and psychological processes as well as task performance.
Yoked Design and Secondary Task in Adaptive Training
Authors: Johnson David F. , Haygood Robert C. , Olson William M.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes two methodological innovations in the study of adaptive training. The first is the use of a yoked design to insure that the average level of task difficulty for fixed-difficulty subjects is the same as the average level of difficulty reached by adaptive subjects. The second is the demonstration of the feasibility of using a secondary (subsidiary, non-loading) task to furnish the adaptive criterion for changing the difficulty level of the primary task. The results of two experiments are reported. Both experiments demonstrate the feasibility and utility of yoked design and adaptation on secondary task performance in adaptive training.
Flying Ability and Understanding of Vehicle Control Dynamics
Authors: De Maio Joe
Published: January 2012

Research investigated the ability of pilots of differing experience and capability to make vehicle control decisions. Three groups of pilots and three groups of pilot trainees performed the Flight Decsion-making Assessment Task (FDAT). The FDAT is a micro-computer based, discrete-time vehicle control task. Differences in FDAT performance were found as a function of pilot capability. Results are discussed in terms of pilot capability and of decision factors involved in vehicle control.
Human Factors Problems in Heavy Manufacturing as Perceived by Manufacturing Engineers
Authors: Adams S. Keith
Published: January 2012

Most literature on the application of human factors engineering in industry has described problems from the viewpoint of the seller of human factors technology, that is, the human factors engineer. It is also important that the seller learn to identify human factors problems as perceived by the buyers, that is, those who design and operate production hardware and software systems. This paper describes the author's experience in teaching a graduate level course in human factors engineering to a group of 30 manufacturing engineers and soliciting their perceptions of human factors problems in manufacturing operations in the form of team reports. The results indicate a sample of the depth and scope of human factors problems in modern manufacturing. They also indicate directions and trends in the vast area of industrial application as related to heavy manufacturing.
Design Applications for Optimizing the Working Environment of the Software Employee: A Case Study
Authors: Seal Dennis J. , Sylvester Gordon E.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the conditions of a work environment that were related to job dissatisfaction among software personnel. A representative sample of 120 software employees were administered a questionnaire (including a Task Analysis Form and a Semantic Differential Scale) to determine the office conditions that were causing employee dissatisfaction. Each participant was also interviewed for approximately one hour.

Four major problem areas were identified. They were: (1) Lack of visual and audible privacy; (2) Poor aesthetics; (3) Insufficient storage facilities, and (4) Improper design of work desk area. Design recommendations were developed by Interior Designers, Human Factor Specialists and Architects. Prototype offices were installed to accommodate a full department of forty-one software employees. The daily tasks of the participants continued on a normal routine for an evaluation period of seven months. At the end of this time, all participants were interviewed and the responses from these interviews were compared to those of the old offices. Statistical differences were found in all areas, and levels of job satisfaction greatly improved. The results are reported and conclusions are made concerning work-space planning, job satisfaction and productivity levels.
Selecting a Color Monitor for an Interactive Graphics System used to Design Integrated Circuits
Authors: Le Cocq Andrew D.
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the analysis and evaluation procedures used to select a color monitor for an interactive graphics system that designs integrated circuits. The analysis had five steps. First, users of a current black-and-white system were surveyed to define their needs and desires for a next-generation color interactive graphics system. Second, the most important monitor specifications and corresponding display quality factors, relative to the needs of the users, were determined. Third, a comparative analysis of 13-inch (33.02-cm) and 19-inch (48.26-cm) monitors was used to determine which size best filled overall system and user needs. Fourth, several off-the-shelf, 19-inch, high-resolution monitors were evaluated and the two best candidates were chosen. Fifth and last, a side-by-side human factors analysis was conducted using the two chosen displays, and the final monitor was selected. This recommended monitor has been integrated into all new interactive graphics terminals used to design integrated circuits, and operators have found the multicolored, high-quality image an effective and efficient tool for use in the integrated circuit design process.
A Study of the Residual Physical Capabilities of Cerebral Palsied Individuals
Authors: Liles D. H. , Kapur Rajiv
Published: January 2012

This paper presents data describing the performance of the cerebral palsied population on a series of physical tests. The tests are designed to measure the kinds of abilities required of persons working in industry.
Relevance of Population Differences to Human Factors
Authors: Smith Wanda
Published: January 2012

With the increasing size of the workforce, the importance of population differences becomes exceedingly important. This panel discusses research completed on this subject. In particular, gender differences such as physiological and antropometric considerations are discussed in relation to jobs and job performance.
Preliminary Training Effectiveness Analysis of a Conceptual Weapon System
Authors: Christ Richard E.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the procedures used and the major findings of a study which analyzed potential training problems associated with a conceptual weapon system. The training analysis was conducted on five generic weapon system alternatives, virtually every type of fielded and developing system which could be related to the conceptual system. The methodologial approach was designed to provide converging evidence for the reliability and validity of the overall results from up to four independent sources of information and data analysis techniques. The four approaches addressed, respectively, personnel resource requirements, training resource requirements, behavioral requirements of hardware-driven tasks, and soldier perceptions of training adequacy. The results of these analyses led to the construction of matrices which permitted comparisons among the five generic systems. These comparisons led, in turn, to a set of recommendations, based on training considerations alone, for a preferred conceptual system alternative.
A Study of Direct Distance Estimations to Familiar Objects in Real-Space, Two-Dimensional, and Stereographic Displays
Authors: Lippert Thomas M. , Post David L. , Beaton Robert J.
Published: January 2012

Stereographic displays are being considered or are under development for a variety of military and civilian applications in which the visual simulation of depth is of prime importance. A study comparing direct distance estimations to familiar objects under impoverished stimulus conditions from a real-space setting and 2- and 3-dimensional rear-projected color photographic displays was conducted to determine their relative merits in providing absolute depth information. Results indicated similar utility among the displays employed for the experimental task. However, observers rated their confidence in making distance estimations highest for the stereographic display. Some theoretical implications and methodological problems are discussed.
Evaluation of CRT-Displayed Digital Imagery Using Subjective Scaling
Authors: Chao Betty P. , Beaton Robert J. , Snyder Harry L.
Published: January 2012

Rapid technological transition from analog images to digital images has necessitated the development of a research program for evaluating digital image quality. This paper investigated the perceived interpretability of static, digitized monochrome images displayed on CRTs. Quality judgments of two image degradations: blur and noise, were evaluated by a subjective scaling technique.

The digital images consisted of 10 scenes, each of which was degraded by 5 levels of blur and 5 levels of noise, yielding a set of 250 images. Fifteen Air Force photointerpreters participated in the study. The photointerpreters viewed the images on CRTs and rated the interpretability of each image on a 10-point NATO scale.

Analysis of the scaling values indicated that the blur, noise, and interaction effects were statistically significant. Perceived interpretability of the images decreased monotonically as the physical image degradation increased.

In a separate study, the photointerpreters extracted information from a selected subset of images. Correlation between the scaling values and the actual information extracted was high. This result suggests that information extraction performance can be accurately predicted from subjective quality judgments.

Comparisons between CRT-displayed imagery with film-based digital imagery showed no differences. Subjective quality judgments were similar for the two display formats.
Manual Dexterity Task Performance Efficiency in the Open Ocean Underwater Environment
Authors: Hancock P. A. , Milner E. K.
Published: January 2012

Six experienced male SCUBA divers performed a test of manual dexterity in the open ocean underwater environment. Each was timed on the assembly of ten bolt combinations at a shallow (4.6m) and deeper (15.3m) ocean depth. Performance efficiency, as measured by the time to complete the task, declined 25.8% at 4.6m and 36.8% at 15.3m underwater, when compared to equivalent dry land performance. The synthesis of results from the current study and data adduced from previous experimental work concerning manual dexterity underwater, suggests that percentage increase in task completion time is linearly related to the depth of ocean performance. This observation implicates the major role of physical factors in performance decrement with increasing depth and attributes a lesser influence to situational anxiety than has previously been apportioned. In addition, task skill level is identified as a potent interactive variant of performance underwater. The proposed function permits calculation of completion times of simple manual dexterity tasks over the range of ocean depths in which air breathing divers may operate. In consequence, it holds potential importance in setting temporal constraints on performance and safety standards for the submerged operator.
Effects of Task Structures on Attention Allocation Optimality
Authors: Tsang Pamela S.
Published: January 2012

The experiment reported examined the hypothesis that more optimal allocations would occur between time-shared tasks that place heavy demands on common processing resources (similar task structures) than tasks that utilize separate resources (dissimilar task structures). Two dual task configurations differing in their degree of demand for common resources were employed. The structurally similar pairs consisted of two compensatory tracking tasks whereas the dissimilar pair consisted of a tracking and a short term memory task. Demand for common resources was further manipulated by employing four combinations of different I/O modalities for the memory task. Relative use of the task-specific resources were manipulated through priority instructions and dynamic difficulty changes. Results generally support the hypothesis and suggest that certain dimensions that defined the resources (stages of processing, I/O modalities, and processing codes) assert greater influence on allocation optimality than others. Implications for decisions on multitask designs were speculated.
Ergonomic Basis of Disabling Injuries in Telephone Workers
Authors: Smith Thomas J. , Ginnold Richard , Brandl Walter
Published: January 2012

There is growing appreciation among human factors and safety specialists regarding the frequent link between ergonomic defects in job, workstation, and/or equipment design, and job-related accidents and injuries. With the objective of critically addressing this question, we analyzed the nature and cause of disabling injuries suffered by employees of a large northwest telephone company over the period 5/74 through 6/81. The data base consists of disabling injury claims accepted by the Oregon Workers Compensation Department. A total of 395 claims over the 86 month period were analyzed. We judged that the injury source designations were specific enough to enable us to provisionally categorize the injuries into three major groups: (1) probable ergonomic cause (manual materials handling); (2) possible ergonomic cause (falls, free bodily motion); and non-ergonomic cause (all other injury sources). Under this categorization, 26.1% of the disabling injuries had probable, 49.4% possible, and 24.5% no ergonomic cause. Free bodily motion and falls each accounted for 25% of all injuries, with lifting (14%) the third most common source of injury. Muscular strain from all sources was the most frequent type of injury, representing 59% of all injuries. The body part most frequently affected was the back (39% of total injuries; 50% of all strains). The results suggest that ergonomic factors may play a significant if not dominant role in disabling injuries suffered by telephone workers, with muscular strain, particularly to the back, being the most prevalent type of injury.
Design Criteria for Safer Manual Lifting by Men and Women
Authors: Letbetter Dudley G.
Published: January 2012

Simplified design criteria are provided for two-handed, manual lifting by standing men and women, without selective assignment of personnel to specific material handling tasks. Based on a 1981 NIOSH report, application of these criteria requires no knowledge of human anatomy, anthropometry, biomechanics, psychophysics, muscle fatigue, cardiovascular capacity, or metabolic endurance. A person who can read and use simple graphs can quickly determine the maximum weight of a lifted object. The information needed is the horizontal grasp distance and the initial grasp height and lift distance of the object, plus the frequency and duration of lifting.
An Analysis of Residential Table Accidents
Authors: Carey Patricia R. , McLeod William Peter
Published: January 2012

The Second National Symposium on Human Factors in Consumer Products (Tufts University, May, 1980) included a paper by Colin Drury and Michael Brill concerning a technique of hazard analysis which they referred to as the “Scenario.” The present study reports an application of this technique to the number one furniture hazard in residential interiors: The Table. Prior to this investigation, the table seems to have received little in the way of systematic study.

Additionally, an analysis of the Scenario technique itself was performed. This examination showed that several alternative methods developed by the authors yielded richer, more varied, and perhaps, accurate information. This analysis calls into question the advisability of relying on the Scenario technique as the sole method of hazard analysis. The methodology for these alternative analytical forms is presented.
The Seated Man. Theories and Realities
Authors: Mandal A. C.
Published: January 2012

Modern furniture in schools, factories and offices is constructed in such a way that no one can use it properly. Each day people sit for many hours hunched over their tables in postures extremely harmful to the back.

A considerably better sitting posture can be obtained if the table is constructed higher and if it is tilted about 10°. In this way a book or item is brought closer and is at a better angle to the eye. The worst bending of the neck is thus avoided. Furthermore, the seat can, with advantage, be tilted 20° forward to reduce the flexion of the lumbar region. By both these means the extra 30° flexion, which is the most strenuous part of the flexion, is avoided.
A Methodological Investigation of Subject Input/Output Related Error during Vibration
Authors: Woldstad Jeffery C. , Bittner Alvah C. , Guignard John C.
Published: January 2012

An auditory-input/keypad-output system was evaluated for use as a performance test system that would be independent of artifactual vibrational decrement. Six young Navy volunteers were administered a non-cognitive Auditory Response Task Before, During, and After whole-body sinusoidal vibration. Two were tested at each of three vibration conditions (8 Hz/0.21 gzrms, 16 Hz/0.43 gzrms, and 32 Hz/0.85 gzrms). Results showed no direct decrement due to vibration, but a moderately significant subjects-within-conditions by frequency interaction. This interaction, paired with subjective measures taken during experimentation, pointed to a deficit in the keypad output system. It was concluded that the system was not satisfactory for future experimentation and recommended that a modified input system be developed. It is noted that purely cognitive effects of vibration have not been identified in the body of previous research.
An Analysis of Isometric and Isokinetic Spinal Lifting Motions
Authors: Marras William S.
Published: January 2012

Low back pain is a condition which, at some time, affects over half of the world's population and is also the number one cause of physical limitation for persons under 45 years of age. The etiology of most low back pain largely is unknown. However, it is known that after injury the biomechanics of the back change drastically. The present study investigates the ability of normal men and women to move and exert force with the back (as is done during lifting). Twenty men and women were monitered as they attempted to exert maximal force with the back under isometric and isokinetic conditions. The back angle and velocity of movement were controlled while torque, intra-abdominal pressure and the electromyographic activity of the ten trunk muscles monitored. The relationship between isometric and isokinetic exertions was determined as well as the interactive contribution of muscle forces and abdominal pressure to spinal loading. These results suggest new manual material handling implications as well as a new method for employee screening.
Expressions of Color Contrast as Equivalent Achromatic Contrast
Authors: Post David L. , Costanza Edward B. , Lippert Thomas M.
Published: January 2012

Designers of color displays have no simple means to relate suprathreshold color contrast to performance because few of the requisite experiments have been performed. This situation might be alleviated if there were some means to re-express color contrast in terms of an equivalent achromatic contrast, because this would make relevant the extensive literature relating the latter to performance. A pair of experiments was conducted to explore and compare the relationships between color contrast, as represented by three uniform color spaces, and achromatic contrast. The results suggest that a satisfactory transformation can be derived, although additional research will be needed to accomplish this.
Gender Differences in Response to Ambient Color, Task Complexity and Presence of Evaluative Others
Authors: Pond Daniel J.
Published: January 2012

Sixty-four male and thirty-two female subjects each performed a CRT pursuit tracking task in one of the eight conditions created by combinations of task difficulty (simple versus complex), evaluative audience presence versus absence, and wall color (red versus green). Females recorded significantly higher error scores, were less aroused and more sensitive to ambient color than were their male counterparts. Further, audience presence was found to enhance male and impair female tracking performance. Results suggest that differentials in subject motivation may have affected the present research.
Tactical Ground Attack: On the Transfer of Training from Flight Simulator to Operational Red Flag Range Exercise
Authors: Hughes Ronald , Brooks Rebecca , Graham Douglas , Sheen Ray , Dickens Tom
Published: January 2012

A-10 pilots who rehearsed surface attack skills under high threat conditions in a flight simulator survived a significantly higher proportion of total RED FLAG missions than did pilots who did not receive the simulator training. These data support the notion that simulator training may have a significant influence upon aircrew survivability in high density ground threat environments.
An Individual Differences Approach to SWAT Scale Development
Authors: Reid Gary B. , Eggemeier F. Thomas , Nygren Thomas E.
Published: January 2012

A refinement to the scale development phase of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) provides for forming scales for homogeneous subject groups. Groups are formed by determining which of the three dimensions, time load, mental effort load or stress load subjects judge to be the most important contributor to workload. The group scales are then transformed into a SWAT scale that ranges from 0 for the lowest defined workload condition to 100 for the highest workload condition. This procedure should increase the precision of workload measurement while minimizing the effects of individual subject ranking errors.
Standardized Tests for the Evaluation and Classification of Workload Metrics
Authors: Shingledecker Clark A. , Crabtree Mark S. , Acton William H.
Published: January 2012

Although a variety of metrics are available for workload assessment, little research has been conducted to construct guidelines for optimally matching them to individual workload questions or test environments. In an effort to remedy this problem, AFAMRL is currently developing a standardized methodology which will be used to evaluate candidate workload measures on several theoretical and pragmatic criteria. The central feature of this methodology is a set of representative loading tasks. This paper outlines the analyses that were conducted to screen potential components of the Criterion Task Set (CTS) and describes the tasks which were selected to produce demands on a number of functional dimensions of information processing.
Comparison of US and UK Practices and Philosophies for Nuclear Plant Control Room Design
Authors: Ainsworth Les
Published: January 2012

The American and British nuclear power programmes have in the past taken divergent routes, with the Americans choosing pressurized water reactors, whilst the British have opted for gas cooling. Although the technology and plant design for these two systems encompasses many fundamental differences, some of which have ramifications for the controllers, the basic task of monitoring and controlling a reactor holds many similarities in both countries. It is therefore instructive to compare and contrast the approaches which have been taken to human factors in nuclear power plant control room design on both sides of the Atlantic.
Response Times of Nuclear Power Plant Operations: Comparison of Field and Simulator Data
Authors: Beare A. N. , Dorris R. E. , Kozinsky E. J.
Published: January 2012

This report presents preliminary comparisons of field and simulator performance data for nuclear power plant operators. The performance measure used was the time for operators to initiate the first correct manual action in response to an abnormal or emergency event. Response times (RTs) for experienced operators in the simulator were generally shorter and less variable than in the field data. Two classes of events were distinguished, step events which occur suddenly and ramp events which develop more slowly. For all events, the range of RTs was very large, with the 95th percentile RT averaging 5 times the 50th percentile RT. Both the 50th percentile RT and the range were much larger for ramp than for step events in the field, but not in the simulator. To date, simulator events have not modeled the wide variety of circumstances in which field events are embedded, and which are thought to be responsible for the extreme variability of RTs for field events.
Product Design Needs for the Elderly Consumer
Authors: Rohles Frederick H. , Kreifeldt John , Duncan Jerry , Dickerson Ben , Small Arnold
Published: January 2012

The slowing down of general bodily functioning and the dulling of the sensory and motor processes that accompany aging, dictate the need for designing special equipment so that the elderly citizen can function effectively and independently as a member of society. Examples may be found in labeling, devices to help in opening jars and medicine bottles, counter-balanced doors, special “helps” for bathroom activities, and warning devices for the hearing impaired. This forum will serve to identify special product needs for the elderly consumer by bringing together members of the technical groups on consumer products, aging, and safety. Moreover, the methodologies used by these three groups will be discussed in light of the elderly consumer with special emphasis being directed towards the modifications and synthesis needed in these methodologies to obtain the required information.
HFS Job Description Survey: Job Dimensions, Satisfaction, and Motivation
Authors: Sanders Mark S.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the findings of a nationwide survey of members, fellows, and associates of the Human Factors Society. The survey contained the short form of the Job Diagnostic Survey which measures objective characteristics of jobs, particularly the degree to which jobs are designed to inhance motivation, and job satisfaction. Compared to a Professional-Technical nationwide normative sample, human factors professionals are more satisfied with their jobs and their jobs contain higher levels of motivating characteristics. Results are discussed by highest degree obtained and type of organization.
Editing with Contextual and Screen-Oriented Cursors
Authors: Hicks Kenyon I. , Keller Arthur
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a study which was done during development of the word processing application of the System/23 Datamaster system to evaluate the use of contextual and screen-oriented cursor designs. Subjects were required to add and replace characters in existing text and add characters to the ends of lines and pages.

Results of this study indicate that the screen-oriented cursor design is a better interface for first-time users. All subjects using this design interface performed faster, made fewer assistance calls and committed fewer errors. Further, the untrained subjects using the screen-oriented cursor performed better than the trained subjects who used the contextual cursor.
A Handbook of Human Performance
Authors: Letbetter Dudley G.
Published: January 2012

A ten-step approach for developing a comprehensive but concise, design-oriented handbook of human performance is proposed, with emphasis on the first two steps. The ten steps are:

1. Identify and define classes and subclasses of human performance. 2. Develop a concise format for abstracting information for each lowest level subclass. 3. Establish the need for a handbook. 4. Prepare an abstract for each literature source covering a lowest level subclass. 5. Develop a concise format, including design recommendations, for summarizing each lowest level subclass. 6. Prepare a summary, including design recommendations, for each lowest level subclass. 7. Collate summaries and abstracts. 8. Prepare table of contents and index. 9. Publish handbook. 10. Distribute handbook.

For Step 1, a functional rather than traditional approach is presented. Classes of human performance are identified and defined in terms of basic functions suitable for all applications. Five major functions are identified, subdivided and defined. The five major functions are:

R. Receiving information: Receiving all information, except receiving communicated information, which is a subclass of communicating, the second major function. Receiving information includes perception of all natural-environmental and artificially-displayed information (other than perception of directly - or indirectly - communicated information), and input loading and interacting, which also are considerations in communicating. C. Communicating: All exchanging of information between humans by a system or systems of symbols, signs and/or behavior. Communicating consists of emitting and receiving communicated information: oral or non-oral, direct or indirect, unaided or aided, and voluntary or involuntary. P. Processing information: Operating on and treating received information; basic handling of perceived information. Processing information includes storing and retrieving information (recognizing, recalling, reproducing), acquiring and using concepts (acquiring, symbolizing, defining), altering information (calculating and computing, logical and mathematical transforming, encoding and decoding), reasoning (intuiting, inductive and deductive explicit reasoning), imagining (anticipatory, creative, fanciful). M. Managing personal performance: Guiding and directing one's own performance. The “executive” function, which is concerned with carrying into effect and integrating the four other major functions. Managing personal performance includes valuing, making decisions, and initiating and sustaining personal performance. A. Acting: Carrying into effect; changing system physical states. The fifth major function covers producing physical effects. The means is exerting force within oneself and/or on other objects; the direct or indirect result or output is work. Acting includes direct acting (e.g., manually lifting an object) and indirect acting (e.g., operating the controls of an overhead crane lifting an object).