bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing and Validating Measures of Team Knowledge
Authors: Cooke Nancy J. , Kiekel Preston A. , Helm Erin E.
Published: January 2012

Current measures of team knowledge are overly simplistic and fail to address some of the more interesting aspects of the construct. We present new methods and measures that address some of these shortcomings and apply them to eleven three-person teams who participated in ten missions of a synthetic team task involving uninhabited air vehicle operations. In addition to team knowledge, team performance and team process behaviors are also measured. Knowledge measures are compared and evaluated in terms of their ability to predict team performance and reflect skill acquisition. Measures of teamwork knowledge and the team situation model succeeded in reflecting knowledge changes with task acquisition. A taskwork relatedness ratings measure, taken at both the individual and team levels, along with the team situation model measure, were predictive of team performance. Specifically, high performing teams had more accurate situation models and more knowledge of the task from the perspective of other team members, as opposed to lower performing teams. Measures of knowledge at the team level provide information on the team cognition underlying team behavior and performance and have implications for the design of training programs and sociotechnical systems.
Using Eye-Tracking Video Data to Augment Knowledge Elicitation in Cognitive Task Analysis
Authors: Seagull F Jacob , Xiao Yan
Published: January 2012

Cognitive task analysis (CTA) is a process to determine cognitive activities required to accomplish a given task. Different methods have been proposed and advocated in performing CTA. In this paper, we report a pilot trial using eye-tracking data to facilitate CTA. A mobile eye-tracking device was used in surgical operating rooms to acquire eye-tracking data from an operator during a highly complex, taxing procedure: tracheal intubation. A desktop task analysis was performed to establish visual cues and their associated goals during tracheal intubation. Eye tracking data were reviewed by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) as memory recall cues. The advantage of such use of eye tracking data was that the SMEs did not have to provide frame-by-frame analysis of the fixations, since they provided speculation on fixations and mental processes, cued by the eye tracking data. Pilot trials showed the value of eye tracking data in CTA in terms of knowledge elicitation. Future exploration of such methodology is highly suggested given the increasing feasibility of deploying eye-tracking devices.
Putting Cognitive Work Analysis to Work in Industry Practice: Integration with ISO13407 on Human-Centered Design
Authors: Hori Shinichiro , Vicente Kim J. , Shimizu Yujiro , Takami Isao
Published: January 2012

This paper investigated how to conduct concrete design for industrial systems to conform to the recently-established Human-Centered Design standard ISO13407 (ISO). Referring to Sanderson et al.'s (1999) System Life Cycle (SLC) research, we adopted the Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) framework as one useful and concrete designing method for industrial systems design to conform to ISO. Based on this idea, we compared three approaches ISO, SLC, and CWA and surveyed the match between ISO and CWA. From this study, we learned that integrating this research would provide great benefits to expand and improve the ISO concept for industrial systems, to give SLC a concrete methodological perspective, and to facilitate CWA technology transfer to practical design. As a result of these benefits, designers for industrial systems can get more structured ways of conducting adequate designs to help workers adapt to any demands and also to conform to ISO. An industry case study with a design example of a pump plant system supported our ideas. Also, we could confirm that much of the required information for ISO could be extracted by CWA. Therefore, the CWA models would not only be useful tools for industrial system designers in all of the SLC stages, but they also would be helpful to make our designs conform with the ISO standard.
The Use of Ubiquitous Computing/Computational Neuroscience for Distributed Battlefield Management
Authors: McNeese Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Military missions are increasingly contingent upon the ‘emergent qualities’ of distributed cognition. Cognition is situated and shared across multiple agents, objects, and environments. The total information surround is evolutionary, chaotic, and presents workers with ill-defined dilemmas that proliferate across geopolitical boundaries under stressed conditions. Crew members are bombarded with multiple constraints as they encounter automation, situational awareness, and information warfare. To address these concerns the use of computational neuroscience/ubiquitous computing technologies are described. Ubiquitous computing means that computing elements are not integrated in a single workstation but are ubiquitous; they are distributed as everyday objects in an operative work environment. When complemented with evolutionary computing technology, computer structures (cellular thoughtonoma) are designed to ‘genetically evolve’ through natural selection to be ‘fit’ with environmental, technological, and worker demands. This paper discusses the symbiosis underlying thoughtonomous technologies and describes possibilities to radically redefine intelligent interaction and collaboration.
Recognition Primed Decision Making in E-Commerce
Authors: Resnick Marc
Published: January 2012

Recognition-primed decision making has been used to describe the behavior of experts in naturalistic environments. A significant body of research has led to the conclusion that RPD models describe decision making in environments characterized by time pressure, competing and/or changing goals and uncertainty. This paper compares the results of several new studies that investigated decision making in the e-commerce environment to what would have been predicted by the RPD model. These environments share some of the characteristics with traditional RPD application areas, but have more variability in terms of the expertise of the decision maker. Results show that RPD models can be used to explain e-commerce behavior, but further research is necessary to draw confident conclusions.
Emergency Vehicles that Become Accident Statistics: Understanding and Limiting Accidents Involving Emergency Vehicles
Authors: Burke C. Shawn , Salas Eduardo , Kincaid J. Peter
Published: January 2012

Emergency vehicle accidents represent a nationwide problem for those involved in emergency services. These accidents result in tremendous monetary damage to vehicle equipment, as well as being costly in terms of personal injury, morale, and the public image of associated fire departments. As a preliminary investigation, researchers at a medium-sized southeastern university worked in conjunction with a local fire rescue department to explore the factors related to emergency vehicle accidents. The reported effort represents a field study where data were gathered through literature reviews, source documents, interviews, and naturalistic observation. Findings indicate a lack of mandated, standardized training and evaluation procedures, multiple stress factors within the operating environment, and little on-the-job driving experience as possible reasons for this high accident rate. This paper concludes with several recommendations in three major areas: policy changes, training, and public awareness.
Digitally Enhanced Situation Awareness: An Aid to Military Decision-Making
Authors: Holmquist John , Barnett John
Published: January 2012

In combat and tactical situations, situation awareness is a key factor in the quality of decisionmaking. Currently, the US Army is investigating using digital systems, such as computer networks, digital imagery, and GPS, to enhance situation awareness at all levels of command. This article illustrates how digital technology is currently being used to enhance decisionmaking at the unit level and provides suggestions for how further advancements can be made.
Intelligibility of Vocoded and Waveform Speech for Native and Non-Native Speakers of English
Authors: Nakata Akiko , Noel Ron W.
Published: January 2012

This study applied Signal Detection Theory investigating the inconsistent findings from previous studies of intelligibility of vocoded speech for native and non-native speakers of English. Also examined was the intelligibility of waveform speech (uncompressed, wave-formatted speech) in several recording levels. The intelligibility of vocoded speech was significantly worse than waveform speech, with intelligibilities significantly greater for native than non-native speakers. Mean difference of vocoded speech intelligibility between native and non-native speakers was not statistically greater than that of waveform speech, but there was a strong trend toward interaction. Under the limitation of a fixed transmission bandwidth, a doubled level of resolution (sound amplitude) produced a higher intelligibility than a doubled level of sampling rate (frequency range). The characteristics of waveform speech significantly affected intelligibility for non-native speakers, but not native speakers. Vocoders with a higher bit rate may be required for safety and reliability reasons if the end users include non-native speakers.
Some Appealing Applications of Interactive Voice Response
Authors: Boren Rebecca W. , Moor William C.
Published: January 2012

Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology has come a long way since it was first used for voice mail and automatic call directing. The most common input method is still a key press on a telephone keypad. Auditory interfaces are being used in a variety of applications many people might not have considered, including psychological screening and assessment, access to information about government services and matters, self-management of employee investments, and providing access to graphical user interfaces and scientific instruments to the visually impaired. With such widespread use of IVR technology, it makes sense to promote research into the development of better interfaces for auditory environments. Interactive Voice Response systems will continue to be used since not all applications of computer technology can support visual or graphical user interfaces, nor would visual interfaces be appropriate for all applications. The future will bring new applications of IVR incorporating speech input and the use of the Internet in interactive applications as an adjunct to phone-based interfaces. This paper concludes with a discussion of what makes a good IVR interface.
Information Architecture
Authors: Green Georgia K.
Published: January 2012

Information architecture is a newly (re-)discovered and quickly developing field that is much discussed within a wide variety of disciplines, but with little truly common in-depth understanding of its agreed scope and purpose. This panel provides multiple perspectives and levels of expertise on the topic and seeks to expose a wider human factors and ergonomics audience to this emergent and significant area of practice and research.
Exploring Effects of Speed and Font Size with RSVP
Authors: Russell Mark C. , Chaparro Barbara S.
Published: January 2012

As electronic devices such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), cellular phones and pagers become daily tools for viewing e-mail, news, and websites, the need for new methods of reading text on small screen interfaces increases. Recent studies have demonstrated Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) to be a viable method of presenting text on small screens. This study examined the effects of three font sizes (12, 20, & 28-point) and two presentation rates on reading comprehension of text presented in RSVP. Results showed significantly higher reading comprehension for text presented at 250 wpm compared to 650 wpm. No effect of font size was found for reading comprehension, but participants preferred the 20-point font size compared to the 12-point font size.
Effects of Scroll Bar Orientation and Item Justification When using List Boxes
Authors: Kellener Erik , Barnes G. Michael , Lingard Robert
Published: January 2012

List boxes are a common user interface component in graphical user interfaces. In practice, most list boxes use right-oriented scroll bars to control left-justified text items. A two-way interaction hypothesis favoring the use of a scroll bar orientation consistent with list box item justification was examined for speed of use and user preference in two experiments. A two-way interaction was obtained in both experiments. Item selection was faster with a scroll bar orientation consistent with list item justification. Subjects preferred right-oriented scroll bars with right-oriented text items. There was no difference in preference between right and left-oriented scroll bars for left-justified text items. These results support a design principle of locality for user interface controls and controlled objects.
Choosing Input Field Formats for Use by Sales Personnel
Authors: Zavod Merrill J. , Fulop Ann C.
Published: January 2012

Two input fields for customer information, date of birth and state of residence, used by sales personnel (i.e., customer representatives) were examined. For date of birth, a single text box, a set of three separated text boxes, and a set of three dropdown lists were compared. For the state field, a text box for state abbreviations, a dropdown list containing state abbreviations, and a dropdown list containing full names of the states were compared. For date of birth, no differences in error rates were found, but both text box formats resulted in faster completion times than the dropdown format. For state, the abbreviation text box resulted in shorter completion times than either dropdown format. While no difference in error rates was found when the actual state to be input was “easy” or familiar to the participant, the full name dropdown list did result in lower error rates than the two text box formats when the state was “difficult” or unfamiliar.
A Usability Test for the Operating Manual of Braidmagic™
Authors: You Heecheon , Young Ronda , Zimmerman David , Ekrut Carrie , Kumar Anil , Lee Myun Woo
Published: January 2012

A usability test was conducted for an operating manual developed for the BraidMagic braiding machine. The manual consisted of five sections including (1) Safeguards, (2) Parts and Specifications, (3) Operating Instructions, (4) Maintenance, (5) Warranty and Service. For each section of the manual, various performance and preference measures were applied and opinions regarding likes, dislikes, and suggestions were surveyed. Five cosmetology students participated in this usability study, consisting of seven test modules. The manual received a high evaluation for satisfaction (overall mean = 4.6; range = 4.3 to 4.9) as measured on a 5-point Likert scale throughout the seven modules. Based on the usability test, recommendations were made for better usability of the manual. This study indicated that usability testing is an effective tool to identify potential usability problems in a systematic manner.
An Ergonomic Evaluation of Conventional Roll and Pre-Cut Commercial Tapes
Authors: Tarawneh I. S. , Liu I. S. , Dahai I. S. , Liew I. S. , Wai-Cheong I. S. , Bishu R. R.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to ergonomically evaluate the pre-cut tape as compared to the conventional roll tape. In order to achieve that purpose, a full-scale ergonomic evaluation was performed. A factorial experiment was performed with two tape types (pre-cut and conventional), two types of dispensers (portable and table dispensers), two dispenser positions (horizontal and vertical), and two types of taping orientation directions (horizontal and vertical). Thirty subjects representing three age groups (young, middle, and old) were chosen to participate in the study. Continuous recording of the hand deviation (ulnar and radial) and hand flexion extension angles using a Thought Technology goniometer and the Flex-comp software was performed during the course of the study. Also the time to finish the task of taping was recorded using the Flex-comp software. The study results showed that the mean deviation angle associated with the pre-cut tape is less than that of conventional roll tape. Also, it was found that the pre-cut tape appears to cause more wrist extension than the roll tape. Further, the pre-cut tape appears to have less variability in wrist motions indicated by lower standard deviation of both the flexion-extension, and radial-ulnar deviation. The pre-cut tape also involved lower magnitude of peak deviation and flexion angles. Finally, the time needed to complete the task of taping with the pre-cut tape was found to be shorter than that with the roll tape. Design implications of the findings are discussed.
Evaulation of Mattress for the Koreans
Authors: Park Se Jin , Lee Hyun-Ja , Hong Kyung Hi , Kim Jin Tae
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study is to find out the relations between the characteristic of mattress, anthropometric features, body pressure distribution, and spinal curvature and to examine the overall relations between the comfort and the features of mattress. In order to evaluate mattress comfort, subjective ratings were performed. For an objective evaluation, anthropometric features, plaster cast, spinal curvature and body contact pressure distribution were used. The spinal curvatures were compared using the plaster cast and 3D measurement. The individually favored mattresses were found by figuring out the spinal curvature most similar to the spinal curvature when standing by comparing with the spinal curvature on bed with the difference of firmness. Also, by the analysis of body contact pressure, there were significant differences between body pressure and comfort ratings. As the result of this research, we could found out the comfort mattress by spinal curvature and body pressure.
Designing and Implementing an Effective Setup Poster
Authors: Knutson James F. , Leapman Scott D. , Wells Emily J.
Published: January 2012

Despite simplified setup procedures, shape and color coded ports and connectors, setup wizards, and preloaded software, users still need a frame of reference for setting up electronic products. That frame of reference is usually the setup poster. Having designed, redesigned, evaluated and usability tested many setup posters over the past years, the Gateway Human Factors Engineering group has developed guidelines for creating setup posters that lead to task success. These guidelines have been validated in many usability tests, tech support call data and two field studies.
Why Does Dilbert, the Far Side, and other Cartoons Convey Essential Truths about Human Factors and Ergonomics?
Authors: Caird Jeff , Ward Nic , Scallen Steve , Davies Jan , Hancock Peter , Woods David
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this panel session is to explore how cartoons have been used to teach and discuss essential truths about human factors and ergonomics. Naturally, we hope to have fun too. Human factors and ergonomics is often much too serious. Educators and non-educators alike should enjoy the material. Numerous philosophical and practical issues are likely to emerge as the session evolves. The audience, we hope, will be an active participant in the laughter and discussion.

Each panelist has been invited to open their lecture files and share their favorite cartoons about a variety of topics such as office ergonomics (see, e.g., Dilbert), aviation displays and controls (see, e.g., the Far Side), industrial ergonomics, human-computer interaction, information design, human error, transportation human factors, medical systems, and so forth. Each panelist brings a unique research and experiential perspective to the panel. For example, a variety of nationalities including the U.K., Canada, Australia, and the U.S. are represented.

In addition, panelists will be invited to discuss a number of deeper issues. Are cartoons a useful teaching tool? Can a quiet class be roused from their slumber by the use of visual humor? Is there a best way to introduce or use a cartoon in a lecture? What copyright issues surround the use of cartoons for educational use? Why do we laugh (or cry) at cartoons that succinctly capture poor design in human factors and ergonomics? Can the sting of a poor design evaluation be moderated by the use of humor?
Effects of an Ergonomic Intervention on Musculoskeletal Discomfort among Office Workers
Authors: Rudakewych Mary , Valent-Weitz Lisa , Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

This study reports the effects of an ergonomic intervention in an office environment. Three hundred and fifty-six office workers received a negative-slope keyboard with upper mouse tray, an ergonomic chair, and ergonomics training. Before-and-after surveys were conducted to test the effectiveness of this ergonomic intervention. Results show that the ergonomic intervention reduced the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms by an average of 40%.
Advanced Workstation Concepts
Authors: Lueder R.
Published: January 2012

This panel will explore advanced furniture workstation concepts The panelist will include prominent workstation design researchers as well as ergonomists with experience in this topic. The panel will include discuss issues such as the conceptual basis for the Mind'Space design and the development of new technologies that integrate information input devices into malleable surfaces. Issues such as information walls and wearable computers will be discussed. The panel will also discuss information on the development of advanced workstations that may be better tailored to the changing work patterns of the US office workforce.
A Preliminary Usability Analysis of the CPSC Website
Authors: Purswell J.P. , Vithakamontri Apipat
Published: January 2012

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) communicates safety information to the public through a variety of means, including the Commission's website ( www.cpsc.gov ). There are a wide variety of resources available to website visitors including Commission press releases, child-related safety information and access to a library of CPSC related documents. In order to assess the ease of accessing information on the CPSC website, three tasks which required study participants to locate certain information on the website were defined. Five subjects were then recruited to perform the searching tasks. Narrative comments by the study participants as they performed the searches and the time taken to find the required information. The results indicate that technologically adept users can successfully locate specific information on the website with the search engine available at the time of the study, but the search engine protocol could be improved.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Pictorial-Only Warning on a Trolley Coupler
Authors: Vredenburgh Alison G. , Zackowitz Ilene B.
Published: January 2012

Warnings with pictorial symbols are often used because symbols tend to be attention getting. If a text message included in a warning detains readers in a hazardous location, this text message may keep readers in harm's way. Therefore, warnings comprised only of pictorials may be the best solution in some situations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a pictorial as the sole source of warning information. Eighty-five participants were asked about their comprehension of a warning symbol, both without and with contextual information. Results indicated that 96% of participants over 16 years old were able to comprehend the warning, which exceeds the ANSI standard of an 85% symbol comprehension rate.
The Ergonomics of Operator-Votomatic Interfaces: Dimples and Dangles are Equivalent Errors
Authors: Koch Mark , Gregory Wayne , Berkhout Jan
Published: January 2012

A commercial Votomatic machine was fitted on an instrumented platform and the forces associated with 277 stylus punches by 11 different subjects were tabulated. Subjects were instructed to use minimal force on some punches, so that the force needed to create partial outcomes (dimples, dangling and hanging chad configurations) could be documented. At low levels of stylus force, any of the intermediate outcomes were equally likely. Precise scoring of intermediate outcomes can give little indication of voter intent.
Identifying What Drivers Know about the Hazards of Air Bags to Children
Authors: Shaver Eric F. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of air bags is to prevent serious injury of occupants involved in vehicular accidents. Although lives have been saved by air bags, certain subpopulations have a greater risk for personal injury or death; namely, children and small-stature adults. The present research had two parts. The first was a survey in which participants were asked the minimum recommended age limit for children in the front seat according to the visor warning in vehicles with passenger-side air bags. The results indicated that on average minimum age reported by participants (M = 8.8 yrs, SD = 3.4) is significantly lower than the recommended age of 13, t(244) = −23.94, p < .0001. The second part was a field study that evaluated whether young children were (a) located in the front seat of vehicles equipped with passenger-side air bags, and (b) if the occupants of the vehicle wore their seat belts. The results indicate that 16% (n = 24) of the children being dropped off or picked up at an elementary school rode in the front seat of vehicles equipped with passenger-side air bags. Also, 11% (n = 16) of the drivers and 27% ( n = 56) of the children were not wearing seat belts. Implications of the study with respect to warnings are discussed.
The Implications of Goals and Experience for Driving Expertise
Authors: Hansberger Jeffrey T. , Holt Robert W.
Published: January 2012

Many questions remain unanswered concerning how individuals obtain and acquire expertise in dynamic task domains. This study investigates how the type of goals used in driving situations affect driving experience and expertise. Past research suggests that the quantity of experience alone is not sufficient to accurately predict driving expertise. It is hypothesized that the type of goals utilized during this experience influences driving expertise. The measures used to assess driving expertise uncovered four distinct facets of expertise, self-reported vehicle control and visual scan patterns, driving knowledge, and decision-making. Each of the driving expertise facets was found to possess a different relationship with experience and goal type. Most notable was the relationship of experience with driving knowledge, moderated by learning goal orientation. Further research could have implications for training in the driving domain as well as other dynamic task domains.
The Relationship between Video Game Characteristics and Player Ability
Authors: Cotton James , Mayes Daniel , Jentsch Florian , Sims Valerie
Published: January 2012

Video game production has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. While consumer demand for video games remains strong, an explanation for the demand is not so clear. It is likely, however, that a user's degree of “engagement” with the game is relevant. An Engagement Questionnaire (EQ) was recently introduced to capture those dimensions that determine a user's engagement while playing a video game. The goal was to develop a metric that could be applied to a broad range of games and players. The focus of the present study was to determine to what extent there were systematic differences between gamers of high-and low-ability with respect to the way they rated their most and least favorite video games. Specifically, we were interested in identifying whether ratings along the five factors of the EQ were related to self-reported video-game ability. The results of the analyses indicated that difference scores between favorite and least favorite games on four of the five factors predicted self-reported ability. The findings allow us to define more clearly what high- and low-ability gamers think is important in video games.
Reposition Sense of Lumbar Posture as a Function of Torso Angle and Target Lordosis
Authors: Wilson Sara E. , Granata Kevin P.
Published: January 2012

Risk of low back disorders (LBD) is related to spinal posture with greater risk reported in flexed and asymmetric trunk positions. Spinal posture, including trunk position and lumbar lordosis, influences spinal load and stability. Hence, the ability to accurately sense and control spinal curvature may be an important factor in the control LBD risk. Current measurement demonstrated error in spinal reposition sense was increased in flexed trunk positions but was not found to change significantly with trunk asymmetry. Reposition sense error was also found to be reduced in more kyphotic flexed postures (relative to more lordotic flexed postures) possibly due to position sense feedback from ligamentous strain. This research suggests that it may be difficult to control spinal curvature in flexed positions, leading to an increased risk of injury. Fully flexed, kyphotic postures (“stooped postures”) have an improved reposition sensitivity, making this posture easier to control. However these postures may be more susceptible to viscoelastic strain and injury of the ligamentous tissue.
Simulation of Simultaneous Muscle Strength and Balance Constraints during One and Two Handed Lifting
Authors: Chaffin Don B. , Woolley Charles B.
Published: January 2012

This paper addresses the complex issues affecting the postures people choose to use when attempting moderate load lifting exertions. In essence, lifting exertions are known to require a person to utilize muscle strength capabilities at each joint while also maintaining balance. As loads in the hand are located further away from the person both muscle and balance requirements increase. By setting population limits to accommodate both a 90%tile muscle strength capability and a functional balance capability within the University of Michigan's 3D Static Strength Prediction Program, it was possible to run a set of trials which demonstrate the importance of both constraints when lifting loads in one and both hands placed at different horizontal distances away from the body. A small study showing the effects of one handed bracing was also performed. Results indicate that subtle changes in body postures and or hand bracing can affect the maximum distance a moderate load can be lifted. This demonstrates the general nature of the biomechanical strength and balance problems associated with the horizontal location of a moderate load, even when one handed bracing is possible.
The Effect of Mild Trunk Flexion on Musculoskeletal Stress during Light Assembly Work
Authors: Nirmale Ranjit , Paquet Victor
Published: January 2012

The major objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of mild trunk flexion on localized muscle discomfort in a realistic light assembly task. Secondary objectives included evaluating two instruments commonly used to measure muscular discomfort, determining the level of erector spinae muscle activity during mild trunk flexion, and determining how well low back discomfort predicted loss of torso extension muscle strength. Participants performed a light assembly tasks for 20 minutes while in mild trunk flexion for periods of either 30 or 60 seconds, followed by recovery periods, in which participants stood erect, for periods of either 15, 30, 60 or 120 seconds. Duration of recovery period had a statistically significant effect on localized muscle discomfort of the lower back, upper back and shoulders. Duration of trunk flexion and recovery time had an interactive effect on loss of torso extension strength. Differences in performance between the two discomfort ratings scales were found.
Interaction of Physical and Mental Workplace Stressors: Their Impact on Spinal Loads
Authors: Davis K.G.
Published: January 2012

For the first time, this study investigated how individuals react to both physical and mental workplace factors and how these reactions impact the loads on the spine. Thirty males and thirty females performed asymmetric lifting tasks at two different lift rates (2 and 8 lifts/min) and accompanied by two levels of mental concentration demands (none and keyboard entry task). Three-dimensional spinal loads were found to be greater for the faster lift rate and highest when mental concentration accompanied the fastest lift rate. Individuals responded to increases in lifting rates and mental demands by altering their trunk and hip motions as well as produced greater muscle coactivity. Thus, how an individual performs a particular lifting tasks is dependent upon both the physical requirements of the job but also the mental aspects. Workplace stressors that have the ability to influence the time pressures on the individuals have the potential to significantly influence the biomechanical responses and ultimately the loads on the spine.
The National Occupational Research Agenda for Musculoskeletal Disorders: An Overview
Authors: Waters Thomas R.
Published: January 2012

A report by a working group under the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) outlines areas of new research that will have the greatest impact for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the next decade. The report is based on input by more than 200 representatives from industry, labor, and other sectors. According to the report, surveillance research is needed to identify trends, develop strategies for preventing injuries, and evaluate the effectiveness of those strategies. Etiologic and medical research is needed to identify risk factors for job-related musculoskeletal disorders, including biomechanical factors such as intensity and frequency of exposure, work-organization factors, and personal variables such as an individual's size, strength, and history of injury. Intervention research is needed to evaluate new and existing strategies for preventing or reducing the incidence, severity, and disability associated with job-related musculoskeletal disorders. The report also provides information about how to improve the research process. The report, titled “Research Topics for the Next Decade: A Report by the NORA Musculoskeletal Disorders Team,” [DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2001–117] is available from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Relationships between Upper Limb Loading, Physical Findings, and Discomfort Associated with Keyboard Use
Authors: Lowe Brian D. , Moore J. Steven , Swanson Naomi , Perez Lisa , Alderson Margit
Published: January 2012

This paper presents findings of a preliminary investigation of the relationship between upper limb muscle loading, reported discomfort, and clinical findings associated with keyboard use. Surface electromyography (SEMG) was recorded bilaterally from the digit flexors (FDS), digit extensors (EDC), and m. trapezius of 52 employees of a large insurance company during their normal work activities involving keyboarding. Normalized SEMG amplitude served as a measure of loading on the relevant muscle groups. Physical examinations were conducted on these employees within 14 days of the EMG recording session, as was the administration of a discomfort questionnaire. The EMG measures of upper limb muscle loading did not predict MSD cases as well as the presence of current symptoms for forearm extensor cases (OR = 9.66), the duration of symptoms for neck/shoulder cases (OR = 2.5), or the intensity of symptoms for forearm flexor cases (OR = 3.72). However, the prediction of forearm extensor case status was improved by including the median EDC normalized EMG (OR = 1.39). The prediction of forearm flexor and neck/shoulder cases was not appreciably improved by including the FDS and trapezius EMG loading variables.
Electromyographic Analysis of Cashiers in Seated and Standing Postures in a Store Environment
Authors: Psihogios Jennie P. , Jones Mary R.
Published: January 2012

A field study was conducted at a European retailer in order to investigate the effects of sitting and standing on muscle activity of cashiers throughout the workday. Electromyography (EMG) data were collected from the neck/shoulders, lower back, and lower leg muscles as cashiers worked at either a standing or seated checkstand for a 4 hour work shift. A trend towards higher muscle activity was observed in the neck/shoulders in the seated checkout compared to the standing checkout, while muscle activity was mixed in the low back. Lower leg activity was higher when standing compared to sitting, however the percent maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) for the leg muscles was very low (less than 2% of MVC). These field results showed similar trends to previously reported laboratory results (Lehman et al., 2001). Cashiers preferred to alternate working posture between sitting and standing.
Developing Ergonomic Controls in the Construction Industry for Regulatory Compliance
Authors: Spielholz Peregrin , Davis Gary
Published: January 2012

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries enacted an Ergonomics Rule in May, 2000. The rule requires that companies evaluate “caution zone” jobs and reduce specific risk factor levels found to be above a “hazard” level. At least half of the highest risk industries for musculoskeletal injuries are in construction. This has led to the development of cooperative ergonomics projects with roofing, drywalling, mason, mechanical and general contractors. The results of these projects provide a foundation describing what compliance with the Washington rule will look like in these industries. Construction environments present many challenges but this work has demonstrated that feasible and low-cost solutions are available to reduce risk factors below the regulatory level requiring intervention. Examples of “hazard-level tasks” and risk factor reduction in roofing, mechanical contracting and drywalling are presented.
Proof That Ergonomics Works: Combined Results of over 100 Independent Ergonomic Intervention Studies
Authors: Hamrick Christopher A.
Published: January 2012

In an innovative effort to reduce the incidence and severity of cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) claims in Ohio, the BWC has established the CTD Safety Grants program. Employers can receive funds to incorporate ergonomic principles into their workplace. In return, the employers receiving grants provide data to BWC regarding the effectiveness of their interventions. A risk factor checklist was used to rate 306 tasks before and after ergonomic interventions. Also, CTD incidence rates, lost days rates, and turnover rates were measured before and after ergonomic interventions at 126 companies. The data indicate a reduction in risk factor scores of 41.7% (p<0.0001) and a reduction in lost day rates of 42.3% (p<0.005) after implementing ergonomic interventions. These data suggest that engineering controls designed to reduce or eliminate worker exposure to CTD risk factors will reduce the number and severity of CTDs.
Differences between User-Centered and Company-Centered Perspectives in the Design of Ecommerce Web Sites
Authors: Sanchez Julian , Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

Usability professionals have espoused the use of user-centered design since the field's inception. In the area of web site design, user-centered methods have been used to develop a site's information architecture, screen design, and other factors. However, there is a lack of quantitative data that specifies the expected benefits of using user-centered design methods. This study contrasts two site development processes, one which uses basic user-centered methods to develop the organization and labeling system of an ecommerce web site, and one which uses company-centered methods. The user-centered method used card sorts to organize the site's products and user-defined labels for each product category. The company-centered method used vendor and product categories to organize the contents and benchmarking for the labels. There are significant differences between the sites, with almost nothing in common. This paper will provide an analysis of these differences and present implications for site design.
Situational Awareness Measure for Internet Environments (SAMIE)
Authors: Morris Christina S. , Shirkey Edwin C. , Tarr Ronald W. , Hamel Cheryl J.
Published: January 2012

Recent trends in designing self-report measures of Internet usability are emphasizing more diagnostic capabilities. Diagnostic usability evaluations are, in a sense, hierarchical in that they have the ability to determine lower level sources that contribute to traditional (higher-level) usability concepts/scales (i.e. ease of use, adaptability, control). Based on hundreds of empirically developed usability guidelines, we demonstrate one of the higher-level components of Internet usability, “situational awareness (SA)”, and its conceptual diagnostic sources via a prototypical model. It is of interest to note that research has shown that users of Internet environments lack a major component of SA, “site orientation” (knowledge of where they are in the site structure) and generally disregard it while exploring a site or performing a task. It is suggested that determining the sources of SA will lead to enhanced usability, task performance, and user satisfaction. A prototype self-report measure of SA in Internet environments (SAMIE) was developed.
Office Seating Behaviors an Investigation of Posture, Task, and Job Type
Authors: Dowell William R. , Yuan Fei , Green Brian H.
Published: January 2012

A field study was conducted of 40 office workers to determine if seating posture and task differ between job type. Participants were observed through videotape within their own workstations. Torso posture, upper extremity posture and task were coded using event-recording software. Each job type was observed for approximately 31 hours. The job types were categorized as administrative, customer service, executive and technical/professional. Behaviors were examined as frequency of occurrence, duration of occurrence, and percentage of the working hour that the behavior was held. Technical/professional workers spent a significantly greater (p<.05) percentage of the working hour with the mouse in their hand than the other job types. Customer service workers spent a greater (p<.01) percentage of the working hour reading the VDT and typing on their keyboard than the other job types. They also read the VDT more frequently (p<.01) than the other job types. In terms of postures, customer service workers sit with their arms in a neutral posture for a greater (p<.01) percentage of the working hour than the other job types.
Measuring Improvements Due to Business Process Redesign and Technology Integration: A Macroergonomic Approach
Authors: O'Neill Michael J. , Hart Yvonne , Wieringa Matthew
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a Case Study in which a “macroergonomic” approach (Hendrick and Kleiner, 2001) was used to redesign the process and implement technology in support of the process of implementing office space. A project involving a 25,000-square-foot renovation of existing space, with 120 workstations and 100 employees was used as the basis to test the redesigned process and technology implementation. We concurrently redesigned the personnel and technology subsystems (see DeGreene, 1973), as opposed to having a pre-defined technology application drive the solution (Hendrick, 1995). Using a participatory ergonomics approach, we involved the employees who would be affected by changes to their work process to understand and contribute to the re-design.

Through structured interviews, interactive discussions and observations, we redesigned the process from; design and layout of workstations through installation of furniture. Using business process modeling and simulation software, we modeled the “before” and “after” processes, and collected detailed measures of time and cost improvements. We found significant process performance improvements in Wait Time, Re-Work of Errors, and Cost reductions.
Implementation of New Technology
Authors: Jones Dennis R. , Smith Michael J.
Published: January 2012

New technology is dramatically changing the workplace in order to allow companies to increase efficiency, productivity, quality, safety, and overall profitability. An effective new technology implementation is necessary in order for companies to compete successfully in the global marketplace. Time and money wasted on unsuccessful and improper new technology implementation is counterproductive to the overall goal of improving the competitiveness and profitability of the company. Therefore this new technology challenges the current state of traditional implementation methods and techniques. To effectively utilize these new technologies it is best to consider all of the factors involved in the implementation process, such as: new technology characteristics, organization structure, task factors, and environmental characteristics, and most importantly the human elements involved. It is also recommended to utilize a cooperative approach to new technology implementation, which relies heavily on soliciting employee input and participation throughout the entire process. By taking a holistic “big picture” planned view of the situation; and being sensitive to the interactions that exist; it is hoped that the new technology can be implemented in the most effective way possible.
The Effect of a Standardized Data Collection form on the Examination and Diagnosis of Patients with Abdominal Pain
Authors: Guerlain Stephanie , LeBeau Kelsey , Thompson Matthew , Donnelly Craig , McClelland Hannah , Syverud Scott , Calland J. Forrest
Published: January 2012

Abdominal pain (AP) is one of the most common complaints of patients, accounting for about 5% of all cases seen in the Emergency Department. Yet, abdominal pain is frequently evaluated in an irregular and non-standard manner, even within individual institutions. Thus, we developed a form that prompted for AP-specific information and hypothesized that use of such a form would increase the quantity and quality of data collected. All 11 emergency medicine residents at our institution were enrolled as subjects during a single calendar month (January, 2001) and were asked to use the new AP form during the weeks 2 and 3 (weeks 1 and 4 were the control period). Results showed that the use of the AP form significantly increased the recording of information related to: history of present illness, past medical and social history, review of systems, and physical exam. Such a complete data set is useful for follow-on consultations with different physicians, and also allows for long-term retrospective analyses of the data. However, difficulties with the form included the recording of multiple chief complaints and difficulty of having physicians remember to use the new form.
The Role of Usability Testing in Healthcare Organizations
Authors: Gosbee John , Klancher Joe , Arnecke Bernadette , Wurster Heather , Scanlon Matthew
Published: January 2012

This panel will include practical examples of how physicians, nurses, and quality managers have utilized usability testing activities to help their healthcare organization. Some used it to provide crucial information to support procurement decisions. Others used data from usability testing to understand where to focus training and other implementation efforts. Usability testing helped some create teachable moments while imparting the concepts and framework of human factors engineering. Some panelists will talk about the aspects of healthcare organizational culture that stand in the way of implementing usability testing. All panelists will discuss the key decision makers in their health care organization who should be part of this important effort.