bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ergonomics of Tactile and Haptic Interactions
Authors: Carter Jim , van Jan B.F.
Published: January 2012

The area of tactile and haptic interactions has produced a number of exemplar systems and an even greater number of research papers. The time has come to systematize the knowledge that has been gained in order to produce guidance. The Ergonomics of Tactile and Haptic Interactions symposium provides an analysis of some of the complexities of tactile/haptic interactions and provides a number of ergonomic insights on how they should be designed and evaluated. Papers in this symposium present a model for analyzing and designing the complexities of tactile/haptic interactions, a research-based understanding of and guidance on the many dimensions of tactile/haptic encoding, application-based guidance on designing and utilizing tactile/haptic interaction techniques, and insights on how international standards are providing a compendium of ergonomic guidance in designing and evaluating tactile/haptic interactions.
Assisting Interruption Recovery in Supervisory Control of Multiple Uavs
Authors: Scott Stacey D. , Mercier Stephane , Cummings M. L. , Wang Enlie
Published: January 2012

Performance degradation due to interruptions is a critical issue, particularly when people are supervising highly autonomous systems in time and safety critical environments. Previous research in the development of automated support to help supervisory control operators resume task activities after an interruption has had limited success. This paper describes two new interruption recovery approaches that attempt to mitigate the disadvantages of previous approaches. In particular, this paper describes the design and initial investigation of a prototype assistive interface developed to support interruption recovery for supervisory control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These two ‘replay’-type interruption recovery approaches enable increased user-control of the event discovery process and provide event ‘bookmarks’ to highlight emergent system events. The findings from this initial study provide several recommendations for the future design of interruption assistance tools for human supervisory control tasks.
The Effects of use on Acceptance and Trust in Voice Authentication Technology
Authors: Turner Carl W. , Safar Jennifer A. , Ramaswamy Karthik
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to determine the effects of repeated usage on consumers' acceptance of voice authentication technology. Nineteen participants registered a voiceprint and then authenticated using their voice before completing five typical banking tasks using a functional speech-enabled Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Participants answered questionnaires regarding their attitudes toward voice authentication and biometrics at three points: (1) prior to using the system, (2) after registration, and (3) following completion of all banking tasks. Participants' preferences for voice authentication over user IDs and passwords increased pre-test to post-test. Multiple regression analysis revealed that their willingness to use the speech system was predicted by their trust in the system and by the quality of the system's voice. A second multiple regression analysis showed that satisfaction with the quality of the information provided by the system predicted participants' trust in the system. This paper discusses the importance of system trust in evaluating voice authentication technology.
Investigation of Confirmation Strategies for Speech Recognition Applications
Authors: Kotan Cheryl , Lewis James R.
Published: January 2012

Guidelines for speech user interfaces generally promote the use of delayed confirmation in speech recognition applications that require users to provide multiple elements of information. In our initial investigation of a simple delayed confirmation method, we discovered a significant design flaw (requiring users to review a fairly large amount of correct input multiple times when asked to correct two errors). To avoid this flaw, we designed two new methods. In one (Serial Collection/Correction), users named an item that needed correction, then made that correction before naming the next item to change. In the other (Batch Collection/Correction), users named all items that needed correction first, then changed the named items in sequence. An experiment comparing the methods indicated no significant difference in user preference, but significantly fewer memory errors occurred when using the Serial Collection/Correction method. Thus, we recommend the use of the Serial Collection/Correction method. We also recommend including an option to replay the information if a user has remembered the need to change an additional item, but does not remember which item to change.
A 3D Body Scan Method to Measure Postural Deformations in Flexible Material Chair Backs
Authors: Agarwal Anshu , Hedge Alan
Published: January 2012

A 3D whole-body laser scanning method was used to evaluate the deformations of flexible material chair backs. Twenty-four Ss of different gender and body sizes sat in each of two ergonomic chairs (B, G). 3D images were analyzed for volumetric deformations. The chair back was divided into an upper region (from the lumbar through the thoracic to the shoulders), and a lower region (the lumbar/lower back area). When Ss sat with their back leaning against the chair back the upper region deformation was comparable for chair G (984.9 cm3) and for chair B (952.1 cm3). The lower region deformation, however, was significantly greater (p = 0.000) for chair G (393.3 cm3) compared to chair B (268.7 cm3). There were no significant differences in ratings of chair comfort.
Using a Wheelchair Seating System to Measure Postural Effects on User Comfort and Typing Performance
Authors: Haynes Scott , Grubbs R.L. , Endicott Sarah , Williams Karen , Williams Mike
Published: January 2012

Many people who experience chronic low back pain find that sitting upright for long periods of time can cause discomfort. For some, a measure of relief is achieved by lying down periodically throughout the work day. Devices exist that allow computer operators to work from a significantly reclined or supine posture. However, very little has been written to describe the impact of these alternate postures on typing performance and user comfort. The ability to move from an upright to a supine posture is also important for the health of many wheelchair users. Tilt and recline wheelchair seating systems are frequently used to address this need. This study used a modified tilt and recline wheelchair seating system to measure the impact of five different postures on typing performance and user comfort. Preliminary analyses indicate discomfort in upper extremities may cause significant differences in typing speed and user comfort in supine positions.
Making Faces: Exploring Perceptions of Personality Based on Emotional Expressions
Authors: Tidball Brian E. , Prabhala Sasanka , Gallimore Jennie J.
Published: January 2012

Researchers at Wright State University have been working on modeling computer agents with personality. Perception of personality between humans is based on many factors, one of which includes facial expression. Many researchers have explored the ability to recognize emotion in faces, while other research focuses on perception of personality based on faces (physiognomy). The purpose of this study combines these two areas of research to determine how participant's rate different personality dimensions based on emotional expression. Participants rated ten static computer faces on the 30 personality subtraits from the Big Five Factor model of personality. The results show that participants did rate personalities differently depending on the facial expression. Participants perceived similar personality traits between the two different faces that expressed the same emotion. Results will be discussed along with future research directions.
Instant Expertise for Novice Responders Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Authors: Picciano Paul M. , Drews Frank A.
Published: January 2012

More than 300,000 people die from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) annually in the United States. As professional responders such as EMTs make efforts to expedite their arrival, critical minutes pass jeopardizing the victim's health. Providing life-sustaining intervention in the first few minutes greatly contributes to healthier outcomes. Often, there are witnesses to SCA events that could respond immediately, but they are incapable of providing treatment. The just-in-time support (JITS) approach aims to assist novice operators in completing unpracticed tasks such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the moment of need. By providing naïve users plans, cues, and feedback, JITS systems facilitate goal accomplishment. The results of this work suggest a JITS device could empower novice responders with CPR capabilities. Widespread deployment of such a device could greatly decrease response time and save lives.
Protocol Violations during Medication Administration in Pediatrics
Authors: Alper Samuel J. , Karsh Ben-Tzion , Holden Richard J. , Scanlon Matthew C. , Patel Neal , Kaushal Rainu
Published: January 2012

The paper uses a new measure of protocol violations to explore the extent of violations in the medication administration process. 203 nurses in three units of a free-standing pediatric hospital were provided with a survey assessing violations in the medication administration process; 120 nurses responded for a response rate of 59%. Violation data were collected for three stages of the medication administration process: matching medications to the medication administration record, checking patient identification, and documenting administration. The percentage of nurses who reported violating protocol in the medication administration process ranged from 8.4% to 30.2% in routine situations, and from 32.2% to 53.0% in emergency situations. Violations in the medication administration process may lead to medication errors. To improve medication safety, efforts should be taken to discover the system deficiencies that produce such frequent violations. System redesign should then address these deficiencies.
Effects of Visualization Tools on Cardiac Telephone Consultation Processes
Authors: Enomoto Yukari , Burns Catherine M. , Momtahan Kathryn , Caves Whynne
Published: January 2012

An Ecological Interface Design approach was employed to analyze and extract information for a Decision Support System (DSS) for cardiac nurses' telephone consultation processes. Information visualization techniques were explored to overcome the complexity of the information space. Three visualization prototypes, Bar, Polar, and Clock Symptom Maps, were designed based on the Work Domain Analysis and the identified strategies from a Cognitive Work Analysis. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of these visualization tools using low-fidelity prototypes. Static images of patient symptom maps were used to mimic the final information space. Positive effects of the visualization tools were observed compared to a text list of presented problems, especially when the decision problems were more complex. The results are encouraging with regards to the integration of graphical symptom maps into DSSs.
Usability Evaluations as Part of the Procurement Process: Case Study of Hospital Point of Care Carts
Authors: Seto Emily , Chagpar Anjum , Roach Carol , MacDonald Andrew
Published: January 2012

Typical hospital procurement processes do not include a formal product evaluation beyond a short trial and soliciting of user preference. Usability evaluations can be an informative aid to determine the best match for a particular healthcare institution. The ergonomics of three short-listed point of care carts were evaluated by having hospital staff use the carts in realistic scenarios and environments. The carts' maneuverability, ease of recharging the point of care device, adequacy of space (storage and workspace), adjustability, keyboard/mouse position, suitability of use in the daily practice, and size were assessed. Usability testing of the point of care carts provided many insights into their strengths and weaknesses, such as whether or not they provided enough storage space for transporting medication to the patient bedside. The results of usability evaluations could be a critical factor in deciding which products can be successfully integrated into a particular healthcare institution.
Pinch Forces and Instrument Tip Forces during Periodontal Scaling
Authors: Dong Hui , Villanueva Alfredo , Rempel David
Published: January 2012

The prevalence of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), are elevated among dental practitioners, especially dental hygienists. An important risk factor for these disorders is forceful pinching; however, the pinch forces and instrument forces during scaling are unknown. Six dentists and 6 senior-year dental students were recruited to use a specially designed instrument while performing their usual dental scaling on patients. Thumb pinch force was measured by a pressure sensor, while the forces developed at the instrument tip were measured by a 6-axis load cell. Dental students applied greater mean peak pinch force (35.7 ± 3.8 N) compared to dentists (24.5 ± 4.1 N) (p = 0.001). The peak forces generated at the instrument tip were higher among the dentists. Increased experience in periodontal scaling leads to the application of less pinch force to accomplish scaling. Nonetheless, the applied peak pinch forces in both groups are high and pose a risk for the development of musculoskeletal disorder of the distal upper extremity.
Multidiscplinary Perspectives on Collaborative Care
Authors: Brown Jeffrey , Dominguez Cynthia , Stahl Gerry , Zipperer Lorri
Published: January 2012

The development of high functioning healthcare teams is advanced through facilitative leadership, the development of socialization strategies that embrace the importance of tacit as well as explicit knowledge, and relational environments that promote transparency and trust. This report is a summary of reflections on collaborative practice from an interdisciplinary analysis of collaborative practice by a team of medical and social scientists. These reflections follow, and augment, a previous report on this study, and are based on multi-site research that included field visits, simulation, observation, and interviews.
Implementation of a Patient Safety Collaborative Forum Facilitates Organizational Learning from Medical Error
Authors: Blike George , Campion Polly , Schlosser Evelyn
Published: January 2012

Societal awareness of medical errors has rapidly increased following the 1999 publication of the IOM report, To Err is Human (e.g., Kohn, Corrigan & Donaldson, 1999). This report encouraged hospitals to focus on patient safety as a central focus of quality improvement work and to develop proactive approaches to protect patients from medical error. Large hospitals often lack robust mechanisms for reliably identifying patient safety threats, developing effective countermeasures and broadly implementing those measures across the entire healthcare organization. The result is that patient safety activity is heterogeneous across a healthcare organization. Best practices regarding patient safety do not automatically spread horizontally in a hospital, but rather tend to remain isolated. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) is a large tertiary care facility and academic teaching hospital that self-identified this variation in patient safety processes as an organizational threat to patient safety. Internal reviews identified multiple examples of safety threats countered in one clinical unit, only to have an accident due to the same threat in a clinical unit physically proximate to the first. An Active Error Management (AEM) process utilized in the Department of Anesthesiology that was effective in supporting local learning was identified as a potential vehicle for organizational learning and horizontal spread of patient safety countermeasures. In this report we describe: a) the organizational intervention that was implemented - the Patient Safety Collaborative Forum (PSCF); b) the active error management process that was taught, modeled and coached via this vehicle for organizational learning; c) one example of organizational spread resulting from the PSCF; and finally d) a naturalistic experiment that compares best practice implementation among units that participated in the PSCF to those units that did not.
The Perception of Just Culture Across Disciplines in Healthcare
Authors: von Thaden Terry , Hoppes Michelle , Li Yongjuan , Johnson Nick , Schriver Angela
Published: January 2012

Recently, leading healthcare providers have adopted the principles of just culture to guide their organizations in learning from mistakes to ultimately improve patient safety. To do this, they have adopted an approach to foster active learning wherein members of an organization are encouraged to openly discuss errors without the fear of reprisals. This paper reports results from a just culture survey that was developed at the University of Illinois as part of a patient safety fellowship project. As part of a team, participating hospitals agreed to take part in the study and creation of a “just” culture of shared accountability. Overall results from the survey indicate a slightly positive perception of just culture, but detailed analysis revealed significant differences in the perception of a just culture across professions and departments.
Modeling the Task Environment: Act-R and the Lens Model
Authors: Miller Sarah , Kirlik Alex
Published: January 2012

Human factors requires modeling techniques that capture how cognition and behavior are sensitive to environmental design. As such, techniques such as Anderson's rational analysis and Brunswik's lens model framework should be of interest to human performance modelers because they provide ways to analyze tasks and behavior as adaptive to environmental structure. We briefly describe both techniques and contrast them in the context of modeling visual search behavior. We conclude that these techniques can provide complementary resources for human performance modeling in human factors.
Juggling Multiple Tasks: A Rational Analysis of Multitasking in a Synthetic Task Environment
Authors: Neth Hansjörg , Khemlani Sangeet S. , Oppermann Brittney , Gray Wayne D.
Published: January 2012

Tardast (Shakeri 2003; Shakeri & Funk, in press) is a new and intriguing paradigm to investigate human multitasking behavior, complex system management, and supervisory control. We present a replication and extension of the original Tardast study that assesses operators' learning curve and explains gains in performance in terms of increased sensitivity to task parameters and a superior ability of better operators to prioritize tasks. We then compare human performance profiles to various artificial software agents that provide benchmarks of optimal and baseline performance and illustrate the outcomes of simple heuristic strategies. Whereas it is not surprising that human operators fail to achieve an ideal criterion of performance, we demonstrate that humans also fall short of a principally achievable standard. Despite significant improvements with practice, Tardast operators exhibit stable sub-optimal performance in their time-to-task allocations.
Design of a Cognitive Model-Based Decision Support Tool for Anesthesiology Crisis Management
Authors: Segall N. , Kaber D.B.
Published: January 2012

A decision support tool was developed for use by anesthesia providers in crisis situations. The tool alerts anesthetists to a developing crisis, manifested by changes in patient physiological variables, and provides them with a list of preventive measures for dealing with the crisis. A novel approach to the design of the tool was defined, including: (1) performing a hierarchical task analysis to identify anesthetist procedures in detecting, diagnosing and treating a critical incident; (2) carrying out a cognitive task analysis to elicit goals, decisions, and information requirements of anesthetists during crisis management procedures; (3) coding of natural language information recorded in the task analyses in a computational GOMS (goals, operators, methods, selection rules) cognitive model; and (4) prototyping an interface to present output from the cognitive model using ecological interface design principles. A preliminary validation of the tool and interface was performed with anesthesiology and usability experts.
Diversity of Factors That are the Best Predictors of Individual Performance
Authors: Gielo-Perczak Krystyna , Karwowski Waldemar
Published: January 2012

A goal of this session is to generate an environment that promotes the exchange of ideas between biomechanics, cognitive engineering and performance as an integration of the individual differences within human capabilities. The identification of the source of the individual differences in performance through different approaches will be presented.

The discussion begins with a question why recognizing individual differences in human capabilities and limitations is necessary. Then the discussion turns to biomechanical predictors of human strength performance. The first predictor will be related to the muscles and their EMG responses as the effect of individual differences. The second and third predictor of human physical strength will be the bone geometries and ligaments. All occupational activities are carried out within some psychosocial environment. The last panelist will draw attention to the data set of variables, characterizing individual differences in performance taking into account personality, visual and cognitive performance, and training.
Learning to Discriminate Terrorists: The Effects of Emotional Intelligence and Emotive Cues
Authors: Fellner Angela N. , Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Zeidner Moshe , Roberts Richard D.
Published: January 2012

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the presumed ability to successfully understand and manage emotion. EI may affect the ability of security personnel to gauge the relevance of emotional cues in determining whether a suspect is a terrorist. 180 participants decided whether “virtual reality” animated characters were to be designated as terrorists, in a discrimination-learning paradigm. Three types of identifying cue (positive or negative facial emotion, and an emotion-neutral cue) were manipulated, and the number of errors was recorded, over 100 trials. EI, personality, and general cognitive ability were assessed pre-task. Subjective state was assessed pre- and post-task. Results showed faster learning with emotive cues. EI and personality failed to predict performance; but EI predicted subjective state, which predicted rate of learning with emotive cues. Practical techniques for support of security personnel should focus on how subjective states may impact attention to potentially relevant cues to the status of a suspect.
Non-Invasive Evaluation of the Effect of Stooped Posture on Spinal Intervertebral Discs Using MRI
Authors: Reiter David A. , Fathallah Fadi A. , Walton Jeffrey H.
Published: January 2012

Due to a need of more descriptive exposure assessment of stooped work as it pertains to low back pain and low back disorders, a new evaluation tool has been developed for non-invasive evaluation of the spinal intervertebral disc. This evaluation tool uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in combination with custom analysis software to measure deformation and compare spatial changes in quantitative MR information (i.e., proton density and relaxation constant T2) in intervertebral discs in response to various long duration load exposures. In vitro loading was performed on porcine cervical spine segments to simulate prolonged stooped posture and erect posture. The image analysis tool provides a means of quantitatively comparing the tissue response of these two different loading conditions. The results suggest prolonged stooped posture has a noticeable impact on disc height and disc hydration compared to static erect posture. The results also provide compelling support for the use of such an approach in evaluation of short and long term load exposures in vivo as they influence mechanical and biochemical health of the intervertebral disc.
Aging Effect on Initial Postural Responses of Unperturbed Foot to Unexpected Slips
Authors: Liu Jian , Lockhart Thurmon E.
Published: January 2012

Consideration of every aspects of body motion that may contribute to balance recovery after unexpected slips is regarded to be fundamental for thorough understanding of slips and falls mechanism. The objective of current study was to assess the aging effect on the initial postural responses of the unperturbed foot after slip initiation. Totally 20 young and 23 old adults participated in a laboratory study, in which slippery surface was induced without their awareness. Unperturbed foot reaction time, contact velocity, and initial BoS (base of support) were quantified kinematically from motion analysis data after slip start. Apparent toe-touch strategy by unperturbed foot was found to be employed by most individuals. Initial contact dynamics was not found to be affected by either aging or slip outcome. The fact that all the individuals without using toe-touch strategy fell demonstrated the clear importance of unperturbed foot responses to avoid fall accidents.
Human Factors on the Web: Past, Present, and Visions of the Future
Authors: Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

The Internet has had a tremendous effect on the personal, professional and civic lives of populations around the world. Companies that rely on the Internet for a large portion of their business now make up a majority of the major stock indexes; E-commerce is a growing segment of retail; governments are migrating a large part of their services online; online social networking has become a major part of our interpersonal relationships; and even many religions and social service organizations are creating vast quantities of web content. To mark the 50th Anniversary of the HFES Annual Meeting, this panel presented a historical view of how human factors has influenced the evolution of the Internet and how the Internet has influenced the practice of Human Factors. Panelists were selected based on their unique and diverse experiences in the field. Panelists focused on the history, current practice, and future visions of the interrelationship of human factors and the Internet. After brief introductions, panelists fielded thought provoking questions from the moderator and the audience.
Importance of Usability Considerations to Purchase Intention on E-Commerce Website with Different User Groups
Authors: Ling Chen , Salvendy Gavriel , University Purdue
Published: January 2012

E-Commerce sales grow with unprecedented speed these years. The success of the E-Commerce website can be directly affected by its usability. A survey study was conducted to investigate the effect of 19 usability considerations on user's purchase intention with E-Commerce websites. Responses from 300 web users were obtained and analyzed. Factor analysis reveals that users' purchase intention on E-Commerce website is affected, in descending importance by the following five usability factors: trustworthiness, information access cost, shopping support, ease of comprehension, and hedonic quality. Some interesting differences among user groups of different gender, age, and ethnic background were also revealed, which can be used to guide design efforts for websites targeting special user groups.
Formative Evaluation of a Rapid Universal Safety and Health (RUSH) System for Construction
Authors: Kleiner Brian M. , Smith-Jackson Tonya , Haro Elizabet
Published: January 2012

Rapid construction projects and processes will become increasingly important in the aftermath of natural and/or unnatural disasters. For use in expedited projects (as well as traditional projects), a Rapid Universal Safety and Health system (RUSH) was designed, developed and deployed. For its inaugural application, the RUSH was applied to a 106 hour residential construction project. This paper presents the formative evaluation based upon on-site data collection and a survey instruments administered just after the project to trades, managers and safety team members. No major incidents were recorded. The results will be discussed in terms of the observational and survey results.
Using 3D Audio Guidance to Locate Indoor Static Objects
Authors: Sandberg Samuel , Håkansson Calle , Elmqvist Niklas , Tsigas Philippas , Chen Fang
Published: January 2012

Is 3D audio an interesting technology for displaying navigational information in an indoor environment? This study found no significant differences between map- and 3D audio navigation.

The user tasks tested involved finding objects in a real office environment. In order to conduct the study, a custom-made 3D audio system was built based on a public-domain HRTF-library to playback 3D sound beacons through a pair of earphones. Our results indicate that 3D audio is indeed a qualified candidate for navigation systems, and may be especially suitable for environments or individuals where vision is obstructed, insufficient, or unavailable. The study also suggests that special cues should be added to the pure spatial information to emphasize important information.
Active Regulation of Speed during a Simulated Low-Altitude Flight Task
Authors: Bennett April M. , Flach John M. , McEwen Tim R. , Russell Sheldon M.
Published: January 2012

This study examined active regulation of speed during a low-altitude flight task as a function of global optical flow rate, speed, and the presence or absence of a concurrent altitude disturbance. The results showed that altitude clearly had an impact on speed control. Control of speed was much more difficult when altitude disturbances were present. Even in the no altitude disturbance conditions, performance tended to be best at lower altitudes. Consistent with previous research, the results suggest that speed and altitude changes have additive effects on speed judgments. This is inconsistent with the simple global optical flow rate hypothesis that had suggested multiplicative effects. However, it is consistent with the general notion that judgments of self motion are based on properties of optical flow fields (i.e. angles and angular rates) that depend on distance and motion relative to textured surfaces.
Effects of Sensory Modality on Vigilance Performance and Cerebral Hemovelocity
Authors: Shaw Tyler H. , Warm Joel S. , Matthews Gerald , Riley Michael , Weiler Ernest M. , Dember William N. , Tripp Lloyd , Finomore Victor , Hollander Todd D.
Published: January 2012

Using Transcranial Doppler sonography, cerebral blood flow velocity (hemovelocity, CBFV) was recorded from the middle cerebral arteries during the performance of 40-min auditory and visual vigilance tasks. Reductions in stimulus duration were the critical signals for detection in both tasks, which were equated for stimulus salience and discrimination difficulty. Signal detection responses (correct detections and false alarms) and CBFV declined linearly over time in both modalities. In addition, the overall level of CBFV and the temporal decline in this measure were greater in the right than the left cerebral hemisphere. The results support the view that a right hemispheric system is involved in the functional control of vigilance and that this system operates in a similar manner in the auditory and visual channels.
Trends in Consumer Product Warnings Found in Voluntary Standards
Authors: Wood Christine , Sala Joseph B. , Sanders Katherine , Cassidy Paul
Published: January 2012

Consumer products available today in the United States often have safety information on and accompanying them. This practice is far more common now than earlier in the 20th century. In this paper, the evolution of the use of warnings with consumer products is examined as they appeared in voluntary standards provided by one national standard making body, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM had been developing consensus voluntary standards since 1898, but it was not until the 1970s that it first focused on consumer products. Over the next three decades there were increases in the number and type of consumer products included. Further, for any given product, the amount of safety information frequently increased with subsequent revisions of a standard. These trends in warnings generally parallel the patterns observed with federally mandated warnings for consumer products.
The Legibility of Cleartype Fonts
Authors: Chaparro Barbara S. , Shaikh A. Dawn , Chaparro Alex
Published: January 2012

This article introduces six new ClearType fonts (Cambria, Constantia, Corbel, Candara, Calibri, and Consolas) developed by Microsoft. Legibility of the font lowercase letters, digits, and symbols was compared to two traditional fonts, Times New Roman and Verdana. Results show that the legibility, as measured by the number of correct identifications of briefly presented characters, was highest for the new fonts Consolas and Cambria, and lowest for Candara and Corbel. Old style numerals, such as 0,1, and 2, used in Constantia, Candara, and Corbel resulted in confusion with the letters o, 1, and z. Several symbols in Times New Roman were confused with both letters and other symbols.
Crewmember Trust in the Trident Submarine Internal Communication Subsystems during Normal and Emergency Operating Conditions
Authors: Mihalecz Michael C. , William R. Bailey , Bustamante Ernesto A.
Published: January 2012

Submarine internal communications subsystems vary widely in their design and capabilities. As a result, submarine crews may feel that internal communications differ in reliability and place associated levels of trust in them, especially during emergency operating conditions. We examined a US Navy Trident submarine crew as they used the internal communications subsystems during a four-day period at sea. The results showed that crewmembers' level of trust in the submarine's internal communications subsystems was significantly reduced during emergency operating conditions. Specifically, we noted that the submarine's wire free communication system as well as its sound powered phone systems received the lowest trust ratings. Interviews conducted with the crewmembers revealed several problems associated with these types of communication subsystems. The most often cited problems included poor durability, maintainability, effective range, battery life, freedom of movement, and sound quality. Designers should address these problems to improve crewmembers' reliability and trust in future internal communication systems.
A Novel Approach to Bridging the GAP between Cognitive Engineers and Software System Engineers
Authors: Fouse Adam , Pfautz Jonathan
Published: January 2012

To aid the development and deployment of complex software systems, techniques are needed to ensure effective communication between human factors and cognitive engineers, the software system engineers, and other stakeholders (e.g., users of the system under development, project managers). In this paper, we present a novel approach to addressing this need. Our approach is based on the view that systems development is a holistic process and that human factors and cognitive engineering can best be integrated as a component of that process, rather than explicitly altering the systems engineering process to incorporate human factors and cognitive engineering. We describe this approach in more detail, and present a tool that embodies this approach by facilitating communication among stakeholders by leveraging existing software tools used in systems development.
A Theoretical Framework of a Bionomic Approach to Improve Individual and Organizational Outcomes
Authors: Jones Lauriann M. , Mouloua Mustapha
Published: January 2012

Human Factors often attempts to combat the effects of stress on human productivity through such tools as, automation, ergonomics, and training in the workplace but traditional human factors routes may not always be sufficient. Some organizations (e.g., military and civilian) may always suffer some degree of stress which may inadvertently disturb personal individual outcomes and resultant organizational outcomes, traditionally of macroergonomic concern. Positive bionomic effects on humans are well documented in other fields and being introduced here for consideration as a viable resource, possibly supplement, to traditional human factors/macroergonomic tools. Two models of this bionomic theory for human factors applications are presented for improving individual and organizational, physical, psychological, and social outcomes.
Subjective Perceptions toward Selected Power Nutrunner Torque Reactions
Authors: Lin Jia-Hua , McGorry Raymond W.
Published: January 2012

Power hand tools have the potential to produce reaction forces that may be associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs). The reaction forces affect the subjective ratings of perceived exertions associated with tool operations. This paper addresses how operators perceived power nutrunner torque reactions. Two work configurations using pistol grip and right angle tools were tested in the laboratory. Twenty male participants operated four automatic shutoff pneumatic nutrunners on two different task joints using various postures. Handle displacement and the grip force for each torque reaction was monitored. Subjective ratings of discomfort and acceptance toward the given reaction were recorded. The results show that discomfort and acceptance for torque reactions were significantly affected by grip force but not by handle displacement. Odds ratios using grip force as a predictor were calculated. This study can helping setting physical exposure limits encountered in power nutrunner operations.
A Framework for Evaluation of University Human Factors Curricula
Authors: Rantanen Esa M. , Vlach Peter M.
Published: January 2012

Curriculum reviews are performed to provide grounds for adjustments necessary due to changes in student enrollment, teaching faculty, and goals and objectives of programs that have a substantial human factors component. This task is arguably quite difficult due to the very broad spectrum of the human factors discipline and lack of widely accepted standards or criteria for education in human factors. This paper describes a framework for review of undergraduate human factors curricula using the program at the University of Illinois as an example. The framework was implemented as a hierarchical relational database with a web interface. Populated with either existing curriculum or desired courses to be developed it allows for rapid analysis of overlap between individual courses, missing important human factors topics, and determination prerequisite knowledge for these, and a rigorous and formal way of keeping human factors curricula aligned with explicitly stated goals for the programs.
Learning to Fly Glass Cockpits Requires a New Cognitive Model
Authors: Hamblin Christopher J. , Gilmore Candace , Chaparro Alex
Published: January 2012

The advent of computer-based avionics in piston-powered and light jet aircraft is arguably the most significant change to occur in recent general aviation history. Lessons learned from the airlines' incorporation of glass cockpits suggest that pilots require new knowledge and skills to safely transition into these airplanes. This study used Pathfinder associative networks to evaluate the structural knowledge of flight instructors approved to provide instruction in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). The goal was to determine if the structural knowledge obtained by pilots operating TAA represent information that is incorporated into existing cognitive models or if the knowledge and skills are distinct, requiring the creation of a new model. The results show that TAAs require pilots to learn distinct new skills and that their experience with traditional avionics plays a very small role in their successful transition into TAA aircraft.
Assessing Interference from Mental Workload Using a Naturalistic Simulated Driving Task: A Pilot Study
Authors: Horrey William J. , Simons Daniel J. , Buschmann Evan G. , Zinter Kevin M.
Published: January 2012

Previous work has shown that drivers engaged in concurrent cognitive tasks exhibit some adaptive behaviors to enhance safety, such as increasing their headway distance, despite the fact that other aspects of safety might be compromised. However, these studies often test steady-state behaviors (e.g., car-following) that might not be representative of traffic situations in which drivers' goals and intentions are constantly changing (i.e., involving tactical vehicle control). In two simulator experiments, we examined the impact of mental workload on drivers engaged in a “naturalistic” tactical driving task. In Experiment 1, we explored the safety margins (distances) that drivers maintain between themselves and vehicles around them when completing a passing maneuver. In Experiment 2, we examined safety margins and performance under less constrained, yet more realistic and dynamic conditions. In both experiments, we found no evidence that drivers adjust their safety margins to account for the additional demands of performing a cognitive task. The implications for steady-state experimental scenarios versus more dynamic ones are discussed.
Identifying the Driving Factors that Affect Judgments of Head-on Collisions
Authors: DeLucia Patricia R. , Mork Kerstan S.
Published: January 2012

Head-on collisions result in a substantial number of fatalities. They occur more frequently on rural roads than urban roads, and more frequently on straight roads than curved roads. We investigated the effects of several factors on judgments about head-on collisions. Scenes depicted self-motion on a collision course with a car in the opposing lane. The scene ended before the collision occurred. Participants predicted whether a collision would occur. Results indicated that judgments were affected by the presence or absence of a centerline that divided the road, by the speed and distance of the oncoming car, and by how long the oncoming car was presented. The pattern of results suggests that head-on collisions on rural roads may decrease when a centerline is present, and when speed limits are reduced. However, collision-warning systems may be needed to reduce head-on collisions on roads with relatively high speed limits, especially during driver-distractions.
Effect of Learning English as a Second Language on the Comprehension of Synthetic Speech in Ambient Noise
Authors: Huang Kristen S.
Published: January 2012

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect that learning English as a second language has on the comprehension of passages of synthetic speech in English in two listening environments: quiet and ambient noise. Participants were native speakers of English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Results indicated that participants had more difficulty comprehending the passages in ambient noise, but no significant comprehension differences were found attributable to the factor of native language.
Usability Study of the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) for Child Restraint Systems (CRS) in School Buses and Passenger Vehicles
Authors: Scipione Andrea , Armstrong Joe , Lai Gerald , Salway Alice , Kumagai Jason , Rudin-Brown Christina
Published: January 2012

There have been no usability studies assessing the new Child Restraint System (CRS) Universal Anchorage System (UAS) since the system's implementation in Canada in 2002. A Within-Subjects design research study involving forty-eight participants was conducted to evaluate how effectively users installed CRSs within a vehicle and a school bus when using different Lower Anchorage Connector (LAC) and Top Tether designs. The research indicates that users are not familiar with the UAS, and that safe installation of CRSs when using the UAS is not intuitive, resulting in significant installation safety errors. Furthermore, CRS users do not understand the severity of their installation errors, and the impact these errors have on compromising child safety. Industry and Regulators must increase UAS awareness, to inform users of the new UAS design and its components, and how the UAS impacts correct and safe CRS installation.
Linguistic Geometry: A Gaming Approach to Training Combat Strategies
Authors: Kass Steven J. , Bjorklund Brittany , Harrison Donald , Castaneda Michael , Yakhnis Vladimir , Stilman Boris , Umanskiy Oleg
Published: January 2012

Linguistic Geometry (LG) is a mathematical theory that captures the decision making processes similar to those of the great chess masters. In the current demonstration LG is applied to a military combat game that allows users to test their strategies against an intelligent simulated force while receiving feedback regarding the accomplishment of the task and amount of resources spent. Additionally, a usability study was conducted on LG-based software (LG-PROTECTOR) indicating that the software was easy to learn and remember and has an interface conducive to training. The next generation of LG software (LG-EXPERT) is currently under development to provide increased capabilities that will help train users to “Think Like A Commander” as they practice rules of engagement and learn effective courses of action. Additional training implications are discussed.
Development of a Virtual Terrorist
Authors: Meador Douglas P. , McClure Robert S. , Brett Bryan E.
Published: January 2012

National homeland security organizations are charged with developing the capabilities necessary to combat terrorist activities. This task includes evaluating technologies designed to train security personnel and test counter-terrorism systems. In support of this goal, SAIC has prototyped a simulation framework that leverages the technology of the Combat Automation Requirements Testbed (CART) program with commercially available software that renders 3-D players in a simulation of terrorist activities. Called Virtual Terrorist, an autonomous agent was developed to behave intelligently according to information about the environment in which it operates and the terrorist/insurgent mission to be accomplished. This paper discusses the structure of the HPM and its integration into a virtual environment.
Adapting Common Popular Games to a Human Factors/Ergonomics Course
Authors: Wortham Tracey B.
Published: January 2012

Introducing fun and humor into the learning environment may have benefits such as increasing student attentiveness and understanding of the course material, lowering tension and boosting student morale. How to introduce humor into a course can be a problem for those educators who feel that they are not natural comedians. One potential solution is to engage students with fun, course relevant games. This paper describes how common popular games have been adapted for use in a human factors and ergonomics (HFE) course. Games that have been adapted include a scavenger hunt, Pictionary, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Cranium and Jeopardy. The adapted games are: a Student Preparedness Scavenger Hunt, HFE Pictionary, Who Wants to Be an Ergonomist, HFE Cranium and HFE Jeopardy. The HFE learning objectives, game rules, sample tasks/questions and scoring recommendations are provided.
Performance-Based Evaluation of Two Photo-Organization Interfaces
Authors: Iden Rebecca , Mook Abigail C. , Pak Richard
Published: January 2012

Over the past few decades, computers have been used to organize information. New organizational software allows users to classify information into taxonomies or to organize material by linking each item with other items. These methods of organization reflect trends in information processing theories of how the human mind encodes, organizes and retrieves information. The current research study aims to examine the impact of information organization methods on organization and retrieval efficiency as well as on aspects of user workload and preference.