bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting Pilot Performance in Off-Nominal Conditions: A Meta-Analysis and Model Validation
Authors: Wickens Christopher D. , Hooey Becky L. , Gore Brian F. , Sebok Angelia , Koenecke Corey , Salud Ellen
Published: January 2012

Pilot response to off-nominal (very rare) events represents a critical component to understanding the safety of next generation airspace technology and procedures. We describe a meta-analysis designed to integrate the existing data regarding pilot accuracy of detecting rare, unexpected events such as runway incursions in realistic flight simulations. Thirty-five studies were identified and pilot responses were categorized by expectancy, event location, and whether the pilot was flying with a highway-in-the-sky display. All three dichotomies produced large, significant effects on event miss rate. A model of human attention and noticing, N-SEEV, was then used to predict event noticing performance as a function of event salience and expectancy, and retinal eccentricity. Eccentricity is predicted from steady state scanning by the SEEV model of attention allocation. The model was used to predict miss rates for the expectancy, location and highway-in-the-sky (HITS) effects identified in the meta-analysis. The correlation between model-predicted results and data from the meta-analysis was 0.72.
Towards Information Coordination and Reduced Team Size in Space Flight Mission Operations
Authors: Onken Jeffrey D. , Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: January 2012

Teamwork and task coordination is essential in spaceflight mission operations for organizations such as NASA. However, future operational requirements in the Constellation Program suggest a need to reduce fulltime mission operations staffing. Technology to achieve these goals must focus on supporting operator teamwork and team coordination, helping increase knowledge sharing between flight controllers. Several problems will be faced in the transition to a smaller flight controller team size. Many of these problems can be mitigated by augmenting flight data and controller training by adding context, integration, aggregation, and projection of vehicle state and trend data. Increased sharing of context and operational horizons of flight data can more effectively support flight controllers during sensemaking, decision making, and coordination and handoff tasks.
More than a Servant: Self-Reported Willingness of Younger and Older Adults to having a Robot perform Interactive and Critical Tasks in the Home
Authors: Ezer Neta , Fisk Arthur D. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

Many companies are developing robots for the home, including robots specifically for older adults. There is little understanding, however, about the types and characteristics of tasks that younger and older individuals would be willing to let a robot perform. In a mailed questionnaire, participants were asked to indicate their willingness to have a robot perform each of 15 robot tasks that required different levels of interaction with the human owner and different levels of task criticality. The responses of 117 older adults (aged 65–86) and 60 younger adults (aged 18–25) were analyzed. The results indicated that respondents of both groups were more willing to have robots perform infrequent, albeit important, tasks that required little interaction with the human compared to service-type tasks with more required interaction; they were least willing to have a robot perform non-critical tasks requiring extensive interaction between robot and human. Older adults reported more willingness than younger adults in having a robot perform critical tasks in their home. The results suggest that both younger and older individuals are more interested in the benefits that a robot can provide than in their interactive abilities.
Effect of Level of Automation on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Routing Task
Authors: Calhoun Gloria L. , Draper Mark H. , Ruff Heath A.
Published: January 2012

Supervisory control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) raises many issues concerning the balance of system autonomy with human interaction for optimal operator situation awareness and system performance. A UAV simulation environment designed to manipulate the application of automation was used to evaluate participants' performance on routing tasks under three levels of automation. Trials also involved completion of several mission-related secondary tasks as participants supervised either one or three UAVs. Both objective and subjective data were collected. The results showed that participants took longer to complete the routing task when automation was high due to the time they spent verifying the accuracy of the imperfect decision aid. These results show the importance of designing an interface that provides an efficient means of interacting with the automation and communicates the automation's rationale, especially under high automation levels.
A Reexamination of the Mediating Effect of Trust among Alarm Systems' Characteristics and Human Compliance and Reliance
Authors: Bustamante Ernesto A.
Published: January 2012

The most widely accepted view regarding the relationship among the characteristics of alarm systems and human compliance with and reliance on such systems is that trust plays a critical mediating effect. Researchers have promoted this contention based on theoretical and empirical evidence. However, there are some limitations associated with the prior empirical work that researchers have used to support this contention. The purpose of this research was to present an approach that more adequately assesses the potential mediating effect of trust among systems' characteristics and human compliance and reliance by establishing temporal precedence in the measurement of trust, compliance, and reliance. Contrary to previous theory and empirical findings, the preliminary results from this approach suggest that trust does not serve as a mediating factor. These findings seem to suggest that although trust is related to human compliance and reliance, it is simply a result of systems' characteristics that may or may not have differential effects on human-automation interaction.
How is the Reliability of Automated Aids Determined Using System-Wide Trust?
Authors: Keller David , Rice Stephen
Published: January 2012

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine how operators, if using a system-wide trust strategy, combine their experience with the multiple aids in order to determine the single reliability value for the entire system. This study tests two different hypotheses: additive vs. averaging. Background: Keller and Rice (accepted) showed that operators tend to use a system-wide trust strategy when using multiple automation aids instead of evaluating the reliability of each aid separately. Operators using system-wide trust may combine their experience with the aids using either an additive or an averaging method. Method: 48 participants monitored one or two gauges, each with an automated aid at different reliability levels, while engaged in a pursuit tracking task that simulated an unmanned aerial vehicle mission flight. Results: After accounting for increased difficulty of using two gauges vs. one gauge, the results showed that participants still performed worse when using two gauges vs. one gauge even though all the aids were the same reliability. Conclusion: The results revealed that the additive hypothesis best predicted the data. Application: This study points to a topic that designers and users of systems with multiple aids should carefully consider.
NeoCITIES Geo-tools: Assessing Impact of Perceptual Anchoring and Spatially Annotated Chat on Geo collaboration
Authors: Balakrishnan Bimal , Pfaff Mark , McNeese Michael D. , Adibhatla Varun
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the development and assessment of a scaled world simulation – NeoCITIES Geo-tools. The simulation and interface components were developed with the aim of improving team cognition, collaboration and performance by drawing on theoretical perspectives of visual analytics, perceptual anchoring and knowledge management. Qualitative evaluations of the simulation as well as quantitative evaluations of two key features – layer management tool and spatially annotated chat – are also discussed.
Reduced Processing Decision Support for Competent Firefighters
Authors: Perry Nathan , Wiggins Mark , Childs Merilyn , Fogarty Gerard
Published: January 2012

Decision support systems have been proposed as a means of extending the information processing capabilities of less experienced operators by reducing the amount of information to be processed at a given point in time. Conducted in a firefighting context, the current study examined whether the decision-making performance of inexperienced Incident Commanders could be improved with the use of three decision support systems that differed in their demands for information processing. Although the results revealed that the implementation of a reduced processing strategy was associated with a reduction in decision time, the decision accuracy of the inexperienced Incident Commanders did not approach the decision accuracy of the experienced Incident Commanders. The evidence suggests that experienced Incident Commanders were acquiring features that were more relevant to the decision-task. These results highlight some of the limitations to the implementation of decision support systems. Mechanisms may be needed to ensure that less experienced operators are processing relevant information when using reduced processing interfaces.
Design and development of a Transactive memory system prototype for geocollaborative crisis management
Authors: Adibhatla Varun , Shapiro Alice , McNeese Michael D. , Balakrishnan Bimal
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the design and prototypical development of a Transactive memory system to assist crisis management agencies and personnel who participate in effective geocollaborative crisis management. The design process is iterative in nature and begins with Daniel Wegner's Transactive memory theory, then extends it to better explain interoperability between multiple agencies. These theoretical extensions are directly applied to the design process which results in the development of a Transactive Memory System prototype. Qualitative evaluations of the prototype are discussed that inform specific design recommendations for the re-design of the prototype.
In Support of a Comprehension Based Model of Dynamic Environments
Authors: Jodlowski Mark T. , Bradshaw Gary L.
Published: January 2012

To examine the validity of a comprehension-based model of dynamic environments, we conducted an experiment that measured pilot encoding of flight information during video simulations of flight procedures and pilot situation awareness. Ten instrument-rated pilots provided verbal protocols while viewing various flight simulations. In addition, while the simulations were in progress, pilots answered questions about the current flight situation either immediately after a pause in the simulation or after a filled delay. A protocol analysis revealed that pilots utilize conversions of instrument values, schemas, and strategies to build and maintain situation awareness. Response accuracies in the delay vs. no delay condition did not differ significantly, however response latency was greater in the delay condition. Collectively these results support a comprehension-based model of dynamic environments. In addition, our findings suggest that pilot training can be improved by having pilots interpret instrument values to achieve a specific goal.
Effects of Telepresence Light Height and Ambient Light on Glare and Appearance
Authors: Beno James P.
Published: January 2012

This research investigated whether the amount of telepresence fill light required for a well-lit appearance was enough to cause discomfort glare. Thirty participants adjusted the output of two fill lights, one in front of them (focusing on discomfort), and one in front of the remote telepresence user (focusing on appearance). Ambient light levels (48–71 lux, 118–130 lux, 269–281 lux) and fill-light positions (top of display, 30.5 cm higher) were varied. For all conditions, the amount of light required to produce a pleasing portrayal was greater than the point of discomfort. The mean discomfort threshold was the same for all ambient light conditions (663.46 cd/m2, 8.44 lux at 2.44 m). The amount of light that produced a well-lit appearance was about the same for dim and moderate ambient light (3,348.65 cd/m2, 51.61 lux at 2.44 m), but lower for bright (1,204.47 cd/m2, 17.81 lux at 2.44 m). Raising the light did not affect discomfort, but did require more light for a well-lit portrayal. Technology providers should consider collocating the fill light with the display, limiting its luminance to 663.46 cd/m2 for low-light environments similar to this research, and raising or lowering that limit as the background luminance changes.
Understanding Aging in Place for Older Adults: A Needs Analysis
Authors: Fausset Cara Bailey , Mayer Andrew K. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

A goal of many older adults is to remain in their own homes as they age (Beyond 50.05 Survey, 2005). However, a detailed assessment is lacking of the needs of older adults as they age in place. Using focus groups, twenty-six independently living older adults (mean age 78.8 years) from the Atlanta metropolitan area were asked to describe the tasks they perform to maintain their homes, as well as any difficulties they have performing these tasks. Participants described performing a wide range of tasks and focused primarily on physical difficulties. However, participants also reported solutions to manage these difficulties that fell into three broad categories: “Cessation,” “Perseverance,” and “Compensation.” These categories represent classes of opportunities for interventions that may help older adults remain independent in their homes longer. By understanding the nature of home maintenance problems older adults encounter while aging in place, interventions and redesign efforts can be more effective. These data suggest that interventions should start with answering physical issues.
Improper construction results in dangerous stairs: Large top runs produce fall hazard
Authors: Johnson Daniel , Johnson Daniel A.
Published: January 2012

A tread (run) at the top of a stairway that is larger than the remaining treads produces a significant fall hazard. The user stepping down onto the first tread may expect subsequent treads to have the same dimension, and thus overstep the nosing on the next tread. This has led to serious falls. This condition, which may be due to inadequate planning when a stairway is attached to an upper landing, has been noted in both newer and older constructions.
Analyzing Pedestrian Traffic Behavior Using Video Footage, Zone of Comfort and Situation Awareness
Authors: Lee Hohyun , Strawderman Lesley , Usher John M.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents methods to quantify pedestrian traffic behavior. Video footage from a university building corridor was used to quantify pedestrian behavior. A coordinate conversion technique that maps images in the footage onto a real floor plan coordinate system was applied for image processing and data collection. This study has empirically examined pedestrians' preferred minimum distance to obstructions with respect to their changes in speed and trajectory. Subjective-observer rating of situation awareness (SA) was utilized to explain SA and related factors (speed and zone of comfort). Five elements of pedestrian SA are also discussed since they appear to be related to pedestrian navigation to achieve one's goal. The result of this study shows that speed of the pedestrian, zone of comfort, and SA score are closely related.
Quantitative Comparison of a Joystick and a Two-Switch Control Mode When Steering a Wheelchair through a Realistic Environment
Authors: Jipp Meike , Bartolein Christian , Badreddin Essameddin
Published: January 2012

The following paper investigates the efficiency and the usability of two ways of steering a powered wheelchair, i.e., the joystick and a two-switch control mode. To yield a high internal validity of the results and receive data, which can be used for benchmarking, a repeated measurement design has been chosen and 23 participants steered the wheelchair in both control modes through a predetermined course. The resulting data shows impressively the superiority of the joystick mode and demonstrates that research on assistive technologies should focus on reducing the space required for rotating, the time required to reach a certain goal position, the number of input commands required to execute a behavior and also the usability especially of the two-switch control. Herewith, the current paper complements the existing case study reports and questionnaire data as the applied experimental set-up allows for tracing back the revealed effects on the manipulation of the control mode.
Mattress Development through a Participatory Ergonomics Approach
Authors: Noro Kageyu , Sasaki Takayuki , Kaku Daisuke
Published: January 2012

The research literature provides little guidance for incorporating consumer input into the evaluation of mattress comfort. This paper describes the use of participatory ergonomics (PE) approaches to promote the comfort of flexible polyurethane foams mattresses. The following research and development effort was performed by an ergonomics research firm, retained by a Japanese-based materials manufacturer. The associated approaches were subsequently applied to a series of studies that aimed to evaluate the impact of urethane on mattress comfort. This paper describes the roles of each project partner, research and development stages and physical properties of trial products that are relevant to ergonomics.
Beyond the Hospital: Human Factors and Ergonomics Issues in the Ambulatory/Outpatient Care Setting
Authors: Alvarado Carla
Published: January 2012

While much is known about human factors and ergonomic (HFE) issues relevant to inpatient safety, less is known about the HFE issues relevant to ambulatory care safety. Panelists will present data from ambulatory patient safety studies of primary care, care transitions, ambulatory procedural units, and emergency departments and will then discuss the human factors and ergonomic concerns that uniquely or differently present in ambulatory settings.
Development of an Integrated Model for Pedicting Patient Compliance
Authors: Vaughn-Cooke Monifa
Published: January 2012

Patient non-compliance with treatment goals and medical guidance poses significant health risks for the patient and a financial burden on the health care system. The proposed compliance prediction process provides health care professionals with a patient-centric methodology to improve patient self-management. The Social Personal Organizational Technological (SPOT) Patient Compliance Model was developed to integrate the success-critical Performance Shaping Factors (PSF) of the patient compliance system. The SPOT Model will be built and validated in an empirical study to iteratively evaluate the dynamic relationship between compliance prognostics and treatment adherence. PSF risk severity states, determined from compliance stakeholder questionnaires, are input to an algorithm which predicts patient non-compliance probability. SPOT Model predictions can be utilized by providers to develop strategies to mitigate identified compliance risks. Potential benefits of utilizing SPOT Model predictions in treatment decisions include: 1) a reduction in chronic and acute conditions due to effective patient self-management and disease prevention and 2) a significant decrease in patient and health care system resources.
Synthetic Agents as Full-fledged Teammates
Authors: Myers Christopher W.
Published: January 2012

An important goal of training systems research is the ability to train teams to criterion while simultaneously minimizing training resources. One promising approach is to develop synthetic agents that act as full-fledged members of a team. Five experts will highlight successes, failures, and continuing challenges associated with the development, validation, and deployment of synthetic agents as full-fledged teammates. The panel will provide an intimate look “under the hood” of synthetic agents, describe what each has found useful for developing a synthetic teammate that “plays well with others,” and discuss the key roadblocks that must be overcome for the further inclusion of synthetic teammates within human training systems. The lessons learned from these panelists will be of value to those interested in cognitive engineering and human performance modeling.
Neurophysiologic Collaboration Patterns during Team Problem Solving
Authors: Stevens Ron , Berka Chris , Sprang Marcia
Published: January 2012

We have explored using neurophysiologic collaboration patterns as an approach for developing a deeper understanding of how teams collaborate when solving time-critical, complex real-world problems. Teams of three students solved substance abuse management simulations using IMMEX software while measures of mental workload (WL) and engagement (E) were generated by electroencephalography (EEG). Levels of high and low workload and engagement were identified for each member at each epoch statistically and the vectors consisting of these measures were clustered by self organizing artificial neural networks. The resulting cognitive teamwork patterns, termed neural synchronies, were different across six different teams. When the neural synchronies were compared across the team members of individual teams segments were identified where different synchronies were preferentially expressed. Some were expressed early in the collaboration when the team members were forming mental models of the problem, others were expressed later in the collaboration when the team members were sharing their mental models and converging on a solution. These studies indicate that non-random patterns of neurophysiologic synchronies can be observed across teams and members of a team when they are engaged in problem solving. This approach may provide an approach for monitoring the quality of team work during complex, real-world and possible one of a kind problem solving.
Is there a Lateral Transfer Distance that Minimizes Twisting and Lateral Bending Motions of the Spine?
Authors: Lavender Steven A. , Johnson Monica
Published: January 2012

Studies have shown that twisting and lateral bending postures and motions increase the risk of low back disorders in manual handling tasks (Marras et al., 1993; Punnet et al., 1991). These motions are often associated with asymmetric lifting. Thus, it has been hypothesized that one means for controlling these motions is through carefully designing the layout of the workplace. We hypothesized that spatially separating a lift's origin and destination to encourage stepping/turning of the body during a manual transfer task would reduce these motions. At the same time, however, the added distance may increase the tendency to reach, therein increasing the amount of forward bending, increases handling time, and may increase the physiologic cost. Thus, the objective of the current study was to determine if there is a separation distance between a lift's origin and destination during the lateral transfer of boxes that minimizes the lateral bending and twisting motions on the spine while not increasing the amount of forward bending due to reaching. The study was performed by having 29 male volunteers transfer boxes between two conveyors spaced .50, .75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50, and 1.75 meters apart. Transfers were performed using loads of 9.5 and 16.5 kg. Spine kinematic data were collected with a magnetic motion capture system. The data from the box pick up and the box placement were analyzed separately. The twisting motions associated with the box placement were significantly affected by the transport distance (p=.007). However, the twisting motion when pick up the box, while showing a trend toward less motion with a 1 meter transport distance was not significantly different across the transport distances (p=.15). The lateral bending motions, both during the box pick up and the box placement were significantly affected by the transfer distance (p<.05). Overall our findings suggest twisting and lateral motions would both be minimized when the transfer distances were between 1 and 1.25 meters.
Cart Pushing Capabilities for Males and Females: An Update
Authors: Ciriello Vincent M. , Maikala Rammohan V. , Dempsey Patrick G. , O'Brien Niall V.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this experiment was to compare the differences in maximum acceptable forces of a 7.6 m pushing task at a frequency of 1 min-1 between a high-inertia pushcart and our criterion magnetic particle brake treadmill push task (Snook and Ciriello, 1991). Thirty female and 22 male industrial workers performed both a pushcart and a treadmil pushing task in the context of four larger experiments. The results revealed that maximum acceptable sustained forces of pushing on the pushcart were essentially identical to our magnetic particle brake treadmill data whereas the maximal acceptable initial forces were 7% to 15% higher than the criterion for males and females respectively. These findings may indicate that adjustments to our maximum acceptable sustained force data may not be necessary, however, maximum acceptable initial forces may present conservative estimates.
Dynamic Modeling of Hand Push Force to Close a Disconnect Switch at Switching Stations and Substations
Authors: Saginus Kyle A. , Marklin Richard W. , Voglewede Phillip A.
Published: January 2012

Electric utility switching stations and substations in the U.S. typically have hundreds of disconnect switches in outdoor yards that are manually closed and opened. For safety reasons, these switches are usually located at least 10 ft above the ground and require specialized methods to open and close the switch. The most common manual method to open or close a disconnect switch is through the use of an insulated pole that ranges from 6 to 20 ft long. Due to the shear number of required independent tasks (workers may have to open or close 100 disconnect within 30 min), the manual opening and closing of disconnect switches is physically demanding and presents risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly to the upper extremities. The purpose of this study was to model the hand push force exerted by the worker on the insulated pole to close a disconnect switch. A force gauge was attached to the end of the insulated stick while a worker closed a switch. An average of 510 lbs of peak reaction force was measured when the switch was closed. Digital video revealed the average time interval for the worker to push the stick was 210 ms, from the time the motion was started to the time the switch was completely closed. Modeling in Siemens NX6.0 with ADAMS showed that a constant input force of 24 lbs on the stick was required by the worker to generate a peak reaction force of 510 lbs. Because most of the peak reaction force is transmitted to the upper extremities of the worker, these tasks expose the workers to MSDs. This type of dynamic analysis can be applied to many tasks that require a worker to use motion to exert a high peak reaction force. Furthermore, this method can enable researchers to assess the forces applied by a worker throughout the duration of a task, rather than just at the endpoint, which may provide more insight into which part(s) of a task present the greater risk of MSDs.
Inter-Rater Reliability of the Mouse-Personal Computer Style Instrument (M-PeCS)
Authors: Lee David L. , Dennerlein Jack T. , Baker Nancy A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to test the inter-rater reliability of an observational instrument, the Mouse-Personal Computer Style instrument (M-PeCS), which assesses the stereotypical postures and movements of the upper body and upper extremity associated with computer mouse use. Two trained raters independently rated the video clips of 10 computer users completing three mouse tasks (pointing, steering, and dragging) for a total of 30 video clips to determine the inter-rater reliability. All but two items on the M-PeCS had good to excellent reliability (ICC=0.75 to 1.00). These results suggest that most items on the M-PeCS can be used to reliably document computer mouse use style between trained raters. Potential applications of this study include identifying and quantifying the exposure to postural risk factors that may contribute to hand and forearm musculoskeletal pain associated with intensive computer mouse use.
Do Stabilizing Forearm Braces Affect Elbow and Spine Posture during Wheelbarrow Pushing Tasks?
Authors: Burnett David R. , Yalla Sai V. , Campbell-Kyureghyan Naira H.
Published: January 2012

The majority of the current research associated with pushing and pulling has involved evaluation of manual carts and multi-wheeled containers, but one manual material handling technique that has received limited attention is wheelbarrows. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of stabilizer braces on the quantifiable measures of postures of the spine and elbow during wheelbarrow pushing tasks, and to assess users' perceptions regarding the usefulness and effectiveness of the braces. Nine male subjects participated in the study. Subjects pushed the wheelbarrow on a concrete sidewalk of varying inclination (level, uphill, downhill). Trials were performed with and without the use of a customized set of stabilizing forearm braces. The use of stabilizing forearm braces had significant effects on average elbow flexion during uphill pushing trials and average sagittal trunk flexion during downhill pushing trials. The findings indicate that the braces improve the ergonomics of wheelbarrow pushing in some situations and further research is indicated to investigate other biomechanical measures.
To Touch or Not to Touch: A Brief Guide for Designing or Selecting Touch Screen Computers and Touch Software for Consumer Use
Authors: Russell Deborah C. , Bryan Rex
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a summary of consumer research and insights conducted regarding PC + touch screen user interaction. More specifically, this paper discusses some insights and lessons learned to help designers and developers or buyers interested in using touch screen technology for consumer computers with screens 12“ or greater. Ultimately, hardware and software are equally important for delivering a compelling touch screen experience, and this paper briefly addresses both aspects.
An evaluation of icon, tone and speech cues for detecting anomalies and auditory communications for onboard military vehicle displays
Authors: Wei Cheng Li , Kenny Chua Wei Liang
Published: January 2012

Mission demands and environments have forced soldiers to operate within the safety of their own vehicles. Technological inserts would have to be incorporated so that situation awareness of solders is not compromised. As a result, soldiers have to process large amount of information displayed on multiple screens and operate hardware devices simultaneously. Since visual displays will be the main source of information, there might be information overload due to this large onslaught of visual information. It is postulated that auditory displays can supplement the visual displays by providing information or for alert cueing. Audio cues can take the form of speech and non-speech (tones, icons). Hence, an experiment was designed to determine which type of auditory cues will help in the detection of anomalies and attention to auditory communications for users operating in a visually and aurally flooded environment. From the experiments, auditory icons were found to be superior.
Analysis of Subjective Body Discomfort Ratings during Simulated Prolonged Driving Tasks: What Measures are most Effective?
Authors: Ahmed Shaheen , Babski-Reeves Kari
Published: January 2012

Subjective discomfort ratings are a common assessment technique in human factors and ergonomics, and there exist a number of different methods for analyzing ratings (e.g., mean, median, maximum rating, etc.). The objective of this research was to evaluate multiple methods for analyzing body discomfort ratings. Perceived discomfort of eight participants was measured across ten body parts (buttock, left buttock, right buttock, lower back, upper back, neck, shoulder, eye, thigh and whole body) during 2-hour simulated driving tasks at 3 backrest angles (105°, 120°, 135°). Discomfort ratings were collected every 15 minutes using a modified Borg CR-scale. The time weighted discomfort (TWD) average of was found to be more sensitive to backrest angle changes than other measures considered. In addition, factor analysis revealed different methods provided different groupings of body parts, and the method selected for analyzing subjective discomfort ratings should be selected based on the objective of the study.
Study of rule related behavioural migrations in an anesthesiology department
Authors: Vacher Anthony , de Maurice Guillaume Saint , Stainmesse Emanuelle , Amamou Nassera , Fornette Marie-Pierre , Amalberti René , Auroy Yves
Published: January 2012

In anesthesiology, rules, recommendations and protocols are used to coordinate behaviour in order to improve patient safety. In systems which have reached a high level of safety, migration is defined as a daily deviation of practices leading to a space of action which is different from the one defined by the rule. Our study assesses variation of behaviour before and after the introduction of a new safety rule in an anesthesiologist's team. The rule introduced by the chief of department makes it compulsory to plan and write the procedure during the pre-anaesthetic visit (day before surgery). Assessments of state before the rule, and of its implementation (immediately after introduction, 6 months later, 12 months later) were made from the anaesthetic files (n=907). Anaesthetists were blind to the study. Items linked to the rule are the inscription of the type of anaesthesia, hypnotic, opioid, muscle relaxant, hypnotic for maintenance, ways of controlling the upper airway and tube size, in the case of general anaesthesia. This study showed an erosion of the implementation six months later, with statistical significance at 12 months (p<.05). In a multivariate analysis, the factors related to a bad implementation of the rule are linked to circumstances (emergency, first anaesthesia of the day) and with the participants themselves (rule related behaviour, workload).
A Mental Workload Study on the 2d and 3d Viewing Conditions of the da Vinci Surgical Robot
Authors: Klein Martina I. , Lio Cindy H. , Grant Russel , Carswell C. Meldoy , Strup Stephen
Published: January 2012

Fifteen medical students performed a standard training task using the da Vinci Surgical robot's 2d and 3d viewing conditions. Measures of mental workload associated with both viewing conditions were assessed using a secondary interval production task as well as the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and the Multiple Resources Questionnaire (MRQ). The Results of the NASA-TLX indicated that the 3d viewing condition results in lower scores of mental workload when compared to the 2d condition. The MRQ data provided diagnostic information regarding which information processing pools were stressed in both the 2d and 3d viewing conditions.
Verbal Time Production as a Secondary Task: Which Metrics and Target Intervals are Most Sensitive to Workload for Fine Motor Laparoscopic Training Tasks?
Authors: Grant Russell C. , Carswell C. Melody , Lio Cindy H. , Seales Brent , Clarke Duncan
Published: January 2012

Although time production is frequently used as a secondary task, research has not thoroughly investigated whether the length of the to-be-produced interval or the metric used to summarize productions affects sensitivity to mental workload. Fourteen participants produced four target intervals (6, 11, 16, or 21 s) while performing a surgical training task that required putting small beads into a cup (easy) or onto a peg (difficult). Intervals were summarized into two metrics of central tendency and four metrics of dispersion previously used in the literature. Results indicate that metrics of central tendency and shorter target intervals are more sensitive to mental workload.
The Influence of Spatial Ability on Multimedia Learning
Authors: Kline Keith A. , Catrambone Richard
Published: January 2012

Multimedia instructions, in which information is presented in multiple formats, afford better learning than instructions presented in a single format. Multimedia formatting is either multimodal, using audition (e.g., spoken words) and vision (e.g., pictures), or unimodal, using text and pictures. Spatial ability has been found to moderate the multimodal multimedia effect, but not the unimodal effect with visual materials. In the current study, participants received unimodal lessons about three physical systems in textual or pictorial-and-textual format. The multimedia effect was greater for participants who performed well on a cube rotation task. A second measure of spatial ability, the surface development task, did not interact significantly with instructional format. We discuss the factors that might lead to a discrepancy between the two measures of spatial ability in predicting the effects of instructional format. Results suggest that high spatial ability learners, in particular, benefit from the addition of pictures to textual instructions (the unimodal multimedia effect).
Effect of Electric Utility Lineman Gloves on Strength and Efficiency
Authors: Yalamarty Aishwarya , Jampana Varun V , Campbell-Kyureghyan Naira H. , Cooper Karen
Published: January 2012

Electric utility linemen work on high voltage wires under varying weather conditions and with severe time constraints. Standard safety procedure requires linemen to wear up to three layers of gloves; an insulating rubber glove, a protective leather glove, and an optional outer glove. The inherit design of gloves, as shown in literature, restricts the range of motion and reduces the grip strength of the user. This study examines the effect of glove usage on grip and pinch strength and the ability of the user to perform simple functional tasks. The results show a significant decrease in grip strength and the time required to complete tasks due to glove usage. The gloves, although providing protection from high voltage, may result in increased duration of exposure to higher exerted forces to complete the same tasks as without gloves.
Effects of Sharing Control of Unmanned Vehicles on Backup Behavior and Workload in Distributed Operator Teams
Authors: Fincannon Thomas D. , Evans A William , Jentsch Florian , Phillips Elizabeth , Keebler Joseph
Published: January 2012

This study examined the effects of sharing vehicle control on workload and support behaviors with teams using multiple unmanned systems. The design of systems control was manipulated such that teammates could only control their own vehicle or share control of their vehicle with a teammate. Process variables focused on requests for navigational support from an unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) operator and the support that was provided by the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operator. The primary outcome of interest was workload, as measured by the NASA TLX. Results indicated that there was an interaction between the design manipulation and UGV requests for support in the prediction of support that was provided by an UAV operator, where support was only provided when teams did not share control of their teammate's vehicle. The sharing of control and provision of navigation support both increased workload for the UAV operator.
Auditory Visualization of Landmine Detector Sensor Data
Authors: Davis Bradley M. , Winchester Woodrow W. , Zedlitz Jason D.
Published: January 2012

A desktop computer based simulation of landmine detection was constructed to evaluate a series of visualizations that graphically display landmine detector auditory output. Data were collected from eighteen student participants regarding the perceptual matching of the visualizations to the pitch and volume of the auditory output, as well as the ability to recall the visualizations after one week. Results indicated a high level of mental recall of the visualizations, but did not reveal a distinct perceptual matching. Recommendations are made for visualization refinement and reevaluation.
Text Messaging versus Talking on a Cell Phone: A Comparison of their Effects on Driving Performance
Authors: Libby David , Chaparro Alex
Published: January 2012

This study compared the effects of texting to other modes of responding on driving performance. While driving a simulator participants were instructed to categorize words appearing on billboards as a state (e.g., Maine), fruit (e.g., kiwi) or drink (e.g., Pepsi). The word categories were reported by texting, phoning in or identifying them aloud. There was significant effect of response mode on measures of driving performance. Drivers in the texting condition had significantly slower reaction times to peripheral letter targets, drove more slowly, exhibited greater variance in their lane position and took their eyes off of the road more often than in either the cell phone condition or the verbal condition. Drivers in the cell phone condition often performed more poorly than in the verbal response condition.
The Role of Emotion Recognition from Non-Verbal Behaviour in Detection of Concealed Firearm Carrying
Authors: Blechko A. , Darker I.T. , Gale A.G.
Published: January 2012

Individuals can detect the mood of people shown in image sequences on the basis of non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body movements. Carrying firearms is known to elicit certain emotional states in their carrier. In relation to the CCTV surveillance task the present study investigated whether observers are able to perceive differences in the emotional states and non-verbal behaviour of people who are, and who are not, carrying concealed firearms, as judged through monitoring video footage. The results showed that the observers were able to differentiate between the two video clip types by attributing different moods to the surveillance targets who were correctly judged to have higher levels of dysphoria whilst concealing a firearm than whilst concealing an innocuous object. Furthermore, certain visual cues were found to be related to the performance of the observers. These results are discussed with regard to future research on this issue.
Iterative Qualitative Research Used to Inform and Validate the Design of a Commercial Floor Finish Applicator
Authors: Conner Craig P.
Published: January 2012

An iterative, user-centered product development process was employed in the design of a floor finish applicator specifically intended for the cramped spaces of healthcare, educational, and retail environments. The inclusion of representative users in the process reduced the risk that the emergent design would not adequately address their needs. Prior to creating a fully-functional prototype, individuals with commercial floor care experience were asked to simulate use during a series of qualitative research studies conducted using mockups and form study models. The fidelity of the models was selected on the basis of what design questions needed to be answered at various points in the development process. By tailoring these physical artifacts so that they addressed only certain features at a time, it was possible to more quickly converge to an appropriate design solution. The emergent design dispenses finish from a 2.5 liter replaceable reservoir, purposefully positioned on its contoured shaft to afford balance and control. Unlike the traditional mop and bucket, which requires training and experience to produce a durable and uniform coat of finish, this applicator naturally promotes the proper body movements without any prior training.
EMG and Heart Rate Used to Validate Ergonomic Benefits of a Bent-Handled Floor Finish Applicator
Authors: Conner Craig P. , Irwin Curt B.
Published: January 2012

Prior to releasing the design of a new bent-handled floor finish applicator for full-scale production, its manufacturer commissioned a quantitative research study to validate its intended ergonomic benefits. Unlike the traditional braided mop and bucket, this new design dispensed finish from a 2.5 liter replaceable reservoir purposefully positioned on a bent handle to afford balance and control. Electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR), timed activity analysis, and subjective self-report measures were used to quantify the design's physiological impact, both actual and perceived, on 6 representative users. The new bent-handled design was compared to three other commercially available applicator systems: a traditional mop and bucket commonly used in the United States, a flat mop preferred in Europe and Asia, and a commercially available backpack system. Compared to the traditional mop and bucket, the average combined set-up, finish application, and clean-up of the bent-handled applicator cumulatively required 36% less forearm flexor effort, 35% less deltoid effort, 23% less trapezius effort, and 36% less erector spinae effort. The bent-handled applicator required 18% less forearm flexor effort, 54% less deltoid effort, 40% less trapezius effort, and 49% less erector spinae effort when compared to the European flat mop. Compared to a backpack system, the bent-handled applicator required 10% more forearm flexor effort, 2% less deltoid effort, 8% less trapezius effort, and 8% more erector spinae effort. Taking into account both heart rate (beats per minute) and duration (min) over the set-up, finish application, and clean-up, the bent-handled applicator required 23% fewer average heart beats than the mop and bucket, 32% fewer than a flat mop, and 0.5% more than a backpack system. These statistically significant findings validated the subjective measures, indicating that this new bent-handled design decreases effort and increases comfort.
Emotrace: Tracing Emotions through Human-System Interaction
Authors: Lottridge Danielle , Chignell Mark
Published: January 2012

Emotional reactions are a key part of user experience. This research examines capture of continuous, quantitative, affective self-reports as a complement to existing methods of evaluating human-system or product interaction. Emotrace is a novel method of measuring emotional responses on the two dimensions of valence and arousal. A pilot study was conducted to inform the design of three emotrace prototypes. This was followed by an experiment where 12 participants watched short videos to elicit emotions, with four self-report conditions (one-slider, two-slider, a touchscreen and no reporting) and physiological capture (heart rate variability and skin conductance). The tools were found to be valid, as ratings reflected the emotion content of the videos. The sliders were found to be more reliable when compared to the touchscreen. We conclude with preliminary recommendations concerning the use of emotrace measurement of emotional user experience to complement current methods of user-interaction evaluation.
Human Reliability Analysis for Control Room Upgrades
Authors: Boring Ronald Laurids , Oxstrand Johanna , Hildebrandt Michael
Published: January 2012

This paper presents work in progress on a project to develop a process for integrating human reliability analysis (HRA) into the control room design process used in nuclear power plant modernization and upgrade projects. Human factors, human reliability analysis, probabilistic risk assessment, and design experts at a Swedish nuclear power plant were interviewed, resulting in six principles for the use of HRA in design. These principles are: (i) early implementation, (ii) tailored methods, (iii) scalable methods, (iv) better use of qualitative information, (v) HRA design criteria, and (vi) better HRA sensitivity to human-machine interface issues. Future efforts will center on adapting HRA techniques to meet these principles and implementing HRA as part of a plant upgrade process.