bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ride Motion on the Speed and Accuracy of In-Vehicle Pointing Tasks
Authors: Rider Kevin A. , Martin Bernard J.
Published: January 2012

Terrain-induced vibration of a moving vehicle adversely affects the ability to quickly and accurately perform in-vehicle pointing tasks by altering the planned fingertip trajectory. The relationship between movement speed and accuracy is a result of the combined use of visual and somatosensory feedbacks which are used to discern movement deviations and make necessary compensatory movements. Participants (N=20) performed three-dimensional rapid pointing tasks under stationary and ride motion conditions to three touchpanel displays. Ride motion contributed to increased reaction and movement times and increased endpoint variability. Trajectory deviations were correlated to the principal direction of vehicle acceleration. Reaches orthogonal to the dominant vehicle acceleration exhibited larger endpoint variability, and reaches to the elevated touchpanel resulted in the largest variability across all motion conditions. Principal axes of endpoint ellipses were along the on-axis and off-axis directions of fingertip movement.
Modeling the Effectiveness of Tools to Assist Sonar Operators
Authors: Matthews Michael L. , Bos Jeff , Crebolder Jacquelyn M. , McFadden Sharon
Published: January 2012

The task of building the underwater picture from sonar data is made complex by high volumes of noise and multiple data that arrive from a variety of acoustic sources detected at great distances by modern, sonar equipment. Typically, acoustic sources from ships have a complex spectrum consisting of several base frequency components and related harmonics. The task for operators is to analyse the data to determine if there is a pattern that represents the signature of a known source, thereby leading to identification of a vessel. Since the task can be highly labour intensive automated decision aids may be of value to the operator. This project addresses how to predict and optimise the impact of new technologies in system re-design by using a modeling/simulation approach to operator-system functionality. A generic sonar analysis process was simulated and the effectiveness of a decision aid evaluated. The improvement in performance predicted by the aid was then validated experimentally.
The Use of Massive Multi-Player Gaming Technology for Military Training: A Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Weil Shawn A. , Hussain Talib , Brunyé Tad , Sidman Jason , Spahr Lisa
Published: January 2012

Publicly available Massive Multi-Player Games (MMPG) allow multiple individuals to work together in simulated situations. To meet complex game objectives, users must exhibit high degrees of coordination. This is similar to the types of interactions required for effective coordination in military team environments, and this resemblance has not gone unnoticed. DARWARS is an initiative that aims to support a diverse array of distributed simulation-based military instruction, including those that allow large numbers of participants to interact in on-line virtual worlds. In effect, MMPGs are being considered as platforms for future training. In this paper, we describe a framework and evaluate a preliminary methodology for training teamwork skills (e.g., information exchange, teammate monitoring) in an MMPG environment. Data collected from a field exercise of 40 infantry soldiers suggests that MMPGs are capable of training teamwork skills in distributed environments. Based on the results of this exercise, we provide practice-oriented guidelines for using MMPGs as a training tool, and offer some suggestions for future research into effective performance measurement paradigms in this environment.
The Role of Individual Differences in Dynamic Team Performance
Authors: Brou Randy , Doane Stephanie , Bradshaw Gary , Giesen J. Martin , Jodlowski Mark
Published: January 2012

Teams often operate in dynamic task environments where the state of the world and the coordinative requirements for optimal performance change rapidly. To build effective teams, it is important to know what factors influence team performance. The present research investigates several factors that may influence team performance in dynamic environments. In this study, participants first completed a battery of cognitive and non-cognitive tests. Results of the tests were used to form three-person teams with varying levels of ability. Team performance was scored in 12 dynamic tasks. Individual differences in cognitive ability and personality characteristics were then used to predict team-level performance. Results indicate that two team member characteristics, cognitive ability and stress tolerance, are important to dynamic task performance, while other characteristics such as achievement motivation play roles in specific circumstances. Implications of these results are discussed
Mobile Wireless Technology for Individuals with Cognitive Impairments: Device Analysis and Customization
Authors: Haberman Vicki , Jones Michael L. , Mueller James L.
Published: January 2012

A compensatory aid is being developed to support community re-entry for persons with cognitive impairments resulting from acquired brain injuries (ABI). With mobile wireless technology as a design platform, research in computer science and rehabilitation engineering is integrated with industrial design to explore the central concern: the design of a user interface that is understandable and operable by individuals with significant cognitive impairments. Much of what is learned during this project is applicable to enhancing the usability of mobile wireless technologies for users without disabilities.
Accidental Inversion during Three-Dimensional Orientational Control
Authors: Diaz Derek D. , Sims Valerie K.
Published: January 2012

This research investigates a type of operator error, referred to here as accidental inversion, which occurs during manipulation of the pitch and yaw of a real or simulated object in a three-dimensional environment. Specifically, we investigated whether accidental inversion is linked to a hypothetical individual difference variable referred to here as “axis-mapa“ expectation. Participants exhibited two distinct types of axis-map expectations to the exact same visual stimuli– matching and ambiguous. An important implication for person-machine systems is that one should expect naïve operators to already have a pre-conceived notion of how an interface for orientational control works and that different operators may have different, and possibly opposite, axis-map expectations
Prevalence and Mediating Factors of Post-Traumatic Stress in Professional Fire-Fighters
Authors: Watters Allison , Hamilton Kevin , Neary J. Patrick , Anderson Gregory
Published: January 2012

Previous studies on Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in fire-fighters have typically examined group responses to unusual and traumatic events. In this study, symptoms of PTS were observed in a group of urban Canadian firefighters during routine operations in the context of typical daily work. Participants completed a PTS questionnaire as well as a workplace health questionnaire which assessed environmental and contextual factors in addition to personal health. Elevated levels of PTS were observed in 18.1% of the 105 fire-fighters studied. Those who reported elevated symptoms also reported more concern for financial issues, more worries and more concern about needing physical exercise and support services. These results indicate that emergency response professionals such as fire-fighters can develop elevated levels of PTS in the context of routine work. The findings also suggest that the development of PTS involves a complex relationship between characteristics of stressors, work related variables and other contextual factors specific to the individuals affected. Complex models are needed to account for these types of interactions, particularly in chronically stressful occupational settings. Strategies for mitigating symptoms of PTS are discussed and suggestions for future research are offered
Recurrence of Occupational Low Back Disorders: The Influence of the Definition of Recurrence
Authors: Ferguson Sue A. , Marras William S. , Burr Deborah L.
Published: January 2012

Recurrent low back disorder rates vary from as low as 1% to as high as 82%. The sample population as well as definition of recurrence influence the rate of recurrence found in the literature. The objective of this study was to examine four definitions of recurrent low back disorders on the same population. Two hundred and six workers with manual material handling jobs who had reported work-related low back pain were monitored prospectively for recurrent low back disorders for 1-year. Recurrence of low back disorder was defined as 1) low back pain symptoms, 2) a visit to a medical provider (company or personal) for low back pain, 3) self-reported time off work due to low back pain, and 4) confirmed (by employer) lost time due to back pain. The recurrence rates were 58% for pain symptoms, 36% for seeking medical attention, 15% for lost time and 10% for confirmed lost time.
Validity of Functional Stability Limits as a Measure of Balance in Adults Ages 23–73
Authors: McDermott Kyle , Shaw Cory , Demchak Jason , Holbein-Jenny Mary Ann
Published: January 2012

Functional stability limits have been proposed as a psychometric indicator of balance ability that could be used to incorporate stability constraints into ergonomic task analyses. Decreased functional stability limits are assumed to indicate decreased balance ability. These stability limits have been quantified for a young adult population. However, their validity as a measure of balance ability has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the construct validity of functional stability limits as a measure of balance ability by quantifying the relationship between these stability limits and age and other more common measures of stability. As hypothesized, functional stability limits decreased with age, were positively related to performance on the Multi-Directional Reach Test, a valid indicator of fall risk for the elderly, and were negatively related to postural sway. However, the strength of these relationships was only moderate; continued analysis is exploring possible explanations for these results.
Effect of Localized Muscle Fatigue Induced at Different Joints on Postural Control
Authors: Singh Navrag B. , Nussbaum Maury A. , Lin Dingding , Madigan Michael L.
Published: January 2012

Localized muscle fatigue has been demonstrated to compromise postural control, yet potential differential effects of the site of fatigue have not been determined. In this study, the effects of short-term induced fatigue in four muscle groups (shoulder, torso, knee, and ankle) on standing sway were determined. Sixteen young participants were required to perform fatiguing sub-maximal isotonic exercises. Postural sway was recorded using a force plate before and after the exercises. Fatigue induced at the ankle and torso was found to have largest adverse effects on postural control. These results have implications for the control of fatigue-related falls and the design of future experiments.
Comparison of Spinal Loads in Kneeling and Standing Postures during Manual Materials Handling
Authors: Yang Gang , Splittstoesser Riley , Knapik Gregory , Trippany David , Korkmaz Sahika Vatan , Hoyle Jeffry , Lahoti Parul , Lavender Steven , Sommerich Caroline , Marras William
Published: January 2012

Kneeling in a restricted posture during manual materials handling has been associated with increased risk of low back pain. Little is known about the effect of kneeling posture on spinal loads. The purpose of this study was to compare differences in spinal loading between kneeling and standing postures for lifting tasks. Twelve subjects asymmetrically lifted luggage of three weights to three heights from floor while kneeling. Three subjects also performed the same tasks from waist height while standing. An adapted free-dynamic EMG-assisted biomechanical model was used to calculate spinal loads. Statistical analysis showed that there was no difference in compression between kneeling and standing (p=0.9605), but kneeling resulted in increased anterior-posterior and lateral shear forces on the lumbar spine (p =0.0002 and p<0.0001, respectively). Spinal loading changes while kneeling in a restricted posture may increase the risk of low back injury and must be considered in ergonomic job design.
Task-Based Measurement of Force in Automotive Assembly Using Worker Self-Assessment, Observational Analysis and Electromyography
Authors: Ebersole Marissa L. , Lau Michael H. , Armstrong Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Worker self-assessments of force and observational assessments are convenient and efficient ways of assessing force demands. Past studies have criticized the accuracy and reliability of these methods of assessment. This study related worker perceptions of peak hand force, observational ratings of peak hand force and peak finger flexor and extensor EMG to understand the reliability and accuracy of these subjective methods when used at a subtask level. Worker and observer ratings of force had moderate correlation (R2 = 0.49). While the correlation of these subjective ratings to peak subtask EMG values was poor at an aggregate level, the percent agreement showed that workers and observers were within 1 point on a 10-point scale at least 61% of the time. This suggests that certain types of tasks were more suited to comparisons with the finger flexor and extensor EMG than others, and further investigation of these relationships is required.
An Observational Tool to Assess Work Organizational Factors
Authors: Howard Ninica L.
Published: January 2012

In a large 5-year prospective study of work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs), conducted by the SHARP Program in Washington State, an observational tool was used to assess the organization of work in twelve worksites in the health care and manufacturing industries. The tool, a two-page checklist, assessed the physical, social and temporal aspects of the work, and the global and task level job content. A comparison between industry sectors found variability. Significant associations between industry sector and both structural restraints of the task activities (p<0.0001) and pacing determinant (p<0.0001) were found. Several work organizational factors were negatively correlated including labor skill level and pacing determinant (-0.51, p<0.0001). Other work organization factors were positively correlated such as social content and pacing determinant (0.62, p<0.0001). These data will be used to investigate the relationships between physical, psychosocial, work organizational and individual factors and the risk of UEMSDs.
Assessing Palmar and Pinch Forces in a Manufacturing Plant Using a Dynamic Pressure System
Authors: Barsness Karin N. , Anderson Nathan J. , Cassidy Paul E. , Wick Holly S.
Published: January 2012

For work tasks requiring hand force and repetitive motions, risk increases directly proportional to an increase in force and repetition. Data on hand force exertion is generally collected by estimation of these forces by using subjective measurements, EMG recordings, or strain gauges. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of a pressure pad system to quantify the ergonomic risk of a repetitive forceful manufacturing task. Effects of palmar and pinch forces and pressures associated with the current and proposed new work tasks were investigated by using a Novel Pliance dynamic pressure analysis system. Use of this system allowed the researchers to validate the reduction in forces associated with the tasks. This methodology has profound implications in that no compromise between internal and external validity is necessary, and allows quantification of ergonomic issues around forces, including tasks which requiring repetition and force exertions.
Demand Transitions and Tracking Performance Efficiency: Structural and Strategic Models
Authors: Ungar Nathaniel R. , Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Dember William N. , Thomas John K. , Finomore Victor S. , Shaw Tyler H.
Published: January 2012

A compensatory tracking task with hard and easy levels of difficulty was used to test resource depletion and effort regulation models of dual-to-single task transition effects. Both models were supported by the data. Consistent with a resource depletion view, participants who shared the difficult tracking task with a vigilance task during an induction phase, and then performed the tracking task alone during a transition phase, had greater levels of tracking error in both phases than those who were confronted only with the tracking task. By contrast, in accord with expectations derived from the effort regulation view, tracking error on the easy task was smaller during both phases of the study for participants who originally shared tracking with vigilance than for those confronted only with the tracking task. Evidently, task difficulty is a key factor in determining the domains in which these models apply.
Attention Performance after Exposure to Combined Noise and Whole-Body Vibration
Authors: Ljungberg Jessica , Neely Gregory
Published: January 2012

An experimental study with 24 male subjects between 21 and 30 years (X= 25, SD= 2.4) was conducted. The objective was to investigate post-exposure effects in attention performance after exposure to noise, a whole-body vibration, both factors combined and a control condition. Another aim was to explore if participants would have more degraded performance after exposure to the combined condition compared to just one single stimuli. Both the noise (78 dB(A)) and vibration stimuli (1.1 m/s2 r.m.s) was similar to those that are typically for a forest machine. Results showed no combined effects but an after-effect was detected generated by the vibration exposure. The participants had performed significantly poorer in the attention task after exposure to vibration exposure compared to no exposure at all. While not reaching a statistically significant level, even the performance in the other experimental conditions was poorer than in the control condition.
Evaluation of a Collaborative Movement Task in a Distributed Three-Dimensional Virtual Environment
Authors: Mateo Julio C. , Cowgill Jeffrey L. , Moore Thomas J. , Gilkey Robert H. , Simpson Brian D. , Weisenberger Janet M. , Manning Joseph T.
Published: January 2012

A task designed to estimate the impact of communication channel performance on individual and collaborative human performance in distributed, shared, virtual environments was evaluated. The 'Fitts-like' task required participants to press buttons as fast as they could in a three-dimensional virtual workspace. In addition, in the collaborative task the 2 participants were required to press the buttons simultaneously. The size of the buttons, the distance between buttons, and the delay between movement and visual feedback were manipulated. The results were well described by Fitts' law. Movement Time increased with increases in Index of Difficulty and delay. The Index of Performance decreased with delay and was lower in the collaborative task. Overall, orderly changes in

performance were observed with manipulation of task parameters, suggesting

that future studies to examine more complicated manipulations of network

performance and multisensory displays are appropriate.
The Opto-Kinetic Cervical Reflex Observed in Pilots Viewing a Synthetic Vision Display and Electronic Attitude Indicator
Authors: Faust John Carl , Doherty Shawn M.
Published: January 2012

Prior research indicates that during roll maneuvers in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) pilots exhibit the opto-kinetic cervical reflex (OKCR), an instinctive postural response that humans use to maintain awareness of their spatial orientation. This simulator study was conducted to see if a moving-horizon attitude indicator (AI), electronic attitude indicator (EAI), or Synthetic Vision System (SVS) would elicit the OKCR. The current research found evidence of the OKCR in pilots who viewed both an SVS display and an EAI. Pilots viewing a standard moving-horizon AI produced very little OKCR response.
The Effects of Active Head Rotation on the Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex during Visual Pursuit of a Target Displayed on the Integrated Helmet and Display Sight Subsystem
Authors: Bailey William R.
Published: January 2012

Military helicopter pilots are relying more on night vision devices as the number of night operations continues to increase. However, previous studies have indicated that night vision devices do not provide adequate peripheral orientation and motion cues. This study aimed to develop a new technique for examining sustained reductions in the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) as a means of improving motion discrimination among pilots that use night vision devices. Nine participants performed a series of active head rotation tasks designed to establish a baseline VOR measurement in the control condition, and to suppress the VOR in the experimental condition. The results of the active head rotation tasks revealed that the VOR was not significantly reduced in the experimental condition. Future research will be aimed at altering the task duration and stimuli to determine whether active head rotation is capable of reducing the VOR.
Effects of Optical Flow and Discrete Warnings on Deceleration Detection during Car Following
Authors: DeLucia Patricia R. , Tharanathan Anand
Published: January 2012

Tau specifies time-to-contact between a driver and a lead car, and is potentially useful to prevent rear-end collisions. However, studies suggest that time-to-contact judgments are based on multiple information sources and that effective information varies with distance. We focused on three questions: Does a driver's response to a lead car's deceleration occur when the car's optical size, expansion rate, or tau reaches a “critical” value? Does effective information differ for near and far lead cars? Is a driver's response affected by discrete warnings (brake lights and auditory warnings) that occur independently of optical flow information? Results suggested that responses were not based on a critical value of the optical parameters considered here, and were affected by discrete warnings. Further, effective information varied with the distance and deceleration rate of the lead car. Results were consistent with prior proposals that advanced brake warning systems and collision-avoidance warning systems can reduce the incidence of rear-end collisions. Future studies of this kind will help to improve the design of collision-avoidance systems and to reduce rear-end collisions.
Communications in Severe Low-Frequency Noise: An Investigation of Microphone Type and Speech Level on Intelligibility and Attenuation
Authors: Urquhart Ryan L. , Casali John G.
Published: January 2012

Severe (114 dBA) low-frequency-biased noise, characteristic of military tracked vehicles, was used to examine the speech intelligibility and cognitive effects of at-ear noise reductions provided by contrasting microphone technologies. Using two communications microphones (hereafter, “CommMicl and CommMic2”) intended for U.S. Army tank crew members, participants underwent Modified Rhyme intelligibility tests and Complex Cognitive Assessment Battery (CCAB) tests simultaneously in the noise environment while immersed in loading tasks. Results indicated that CommMic2 reduced the noise level at the ear by about 2 dB more than CommMicl. However, CommMicl yielded significantly better speech intelligibility at a 96 dB speech level. CCAB performance showed an increasing trend with higher speech levels for both communication microphones, but only significantly so for CommMicl. Speech level and communication microphone type did not have an effect on perceived mental workload.
The Effect of Within Stimulus Presentation in Implicit Sequence Learning
Authors: Nichols Timothy A. , Fisk Arthur D. , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

The tacit and incidental acquisition of sequential information can occur in tasks from air-traffic control to crossing the streets in a crowded metropolis. The present study investigated how implicit sequence learning occurs when attention is divided amongst tasks. Our conceptualization of implicit sequence learning is that dual task interference arises from multiple control processes in the secondary task. This fits with findings that implicit learning remains intact when a within stimulus dual task is employed, where the stimulus for both tasks is incorporated within a single stimulus. However, a direct comparison with the standard dual task condition has not been presented. This comparison revealed another possible explanation for dual task interference in implicit sequence learning, that longer inter-trial intervals, a function of the within stimulus methodology, result in better performance and implicit learning. The data suggest that implicit learning and overall performance in a task that contains an incidental, consistent structure is optimized when stimuli are contained within a single stimulus.
Privacy Perceptions of an Aware Home with Visual Sensing Devices
Authors: Caine Kelly E. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

Homes that can collaborate with their residents rather than simply provide shelter are becoming a reality. These homes such as Georgia Tech's “Aware Home” can potentially provide support to residents. Older adults in particular may benefit from the supports provided by these Aware Homes if they utilize the technologies they offer. The purpose of this study is to explore the privacy concerns that older adults may have about a home equipped with a visual sensing device. Using a structured interview approach we propose to investigate how variables such as the type of images the home captures and the physical and mental health of the residents of the home may affect privacy concerns. Findings from scenario-based structured interviews will be used to better understand the characteristics of these variables and how they relate to privacy concerns about visual sensing devices. Such data are critical for a model of home-based privacy concerns, for better design of home based visual sensing systems, and for providing information about sensing systems so that individuals may make informed choices concerning what devices to have in their homes.
Exploring the Role of Shared Mental Models for Implicit Coordination in Teams
Authors: Hoeft Raegan M. , Jentsch Florian , Smith-Jentsch Kimberly , Bowers Clint
Published: January 2012

Previous research has suggested that when high-performing teams are experiencing increased workload, they will adaptively shift from explicit to more implicit forms of coordination. This is thought to occur because the team members have shared mental models (SMMs) which allow them to anticipate one another's needs. However, it is currently not known how SMMs are related to implicit coordination. Much of the research on SMMs had focused on the actual level of sharedness and, to some degree, on the accuracy of each team member's model. However, to our knowledge, none has investigated the relationship between SMMs and implicit coordination. Furthermore, one line of research that has received very little attention is the notion of perceptions of sharedness. Must team members have an accurate perception of how well they share mental models in order to exploit them via implicit coordination? The purpose of this paper is to explore these fundamental questions that drive the process of implicit coordination.
Intersection Behavior of Novice Teen Drivers and Experienced Adult Drivers
Authors: Olsen Erik C. B. , Simons-Morton Bruce G. , Lee Suzanne E. , Neale Vicki L.
Published: January 2012

Most unintentional deaths among 16-17 year olds are due to motor vehicle crashes; crash rates for teens are highest for novice teen drivers during the first six months and 1,000 miles after licensure. To date, no on-road research efforts have documented the initial deficits in driving skills for novice teen drivers and improvements with experience. In addition, few efforts have investigated the effects of in-vehicle tasks on driving performance for teens. To address this shortcoming, the performance of novice teen (licensed <1 month) and experienced adult drivers was investigated on a test track. Results for intersection tasks revealed that adults were more likely to stop for an amber light activated at various distances. When performing a cellular phone task while approaching an intersection, adults were more likely to notice and stop for the red light, and teens who did notice the red light were indecisive about how to respond.
An Empirical Investigation of a Dynamic Brake Light Concept for Reduction of Rear-End Collision Accidents during Emergency Braking
Authors: Li Zhonghai , Milgram Paul
Published: January 2012

A potential application of optical looming manipulation is investigated: a dynamic brake light concept for potentially reducing the frequency of rear-end collisions in automobile driving. In a low-fidelity driving simulator, forty participants were instructed to follow a leading vehicle (LV) and appropriately respond to braking of the LV, under three visibility conditions: day, night-time with headlights, and night-time without headlights. During some LV braking events, separation and size of the brake lights of the LV were imperceptibly expanded or contracted, at one of two levels, to simulate an effective virtual time shift in the headway of the LV. Results show that this concept was effective only for very poor visibility conditions: at night with no headlights, for which LV brake lights were most salient. Subjects generally braked sooner when confronting a LV with expanding brake lights, and later for contracting lights, in comparison with the no manipulation case.
Naturalistic Data Collection of Driver Performance in Familiar and Unfamiliar Vehicles
Authors: Lee Suzanne E. , Dingus Thomas A. , Klauer Sheila G. , Neale Vicki L. , Sudweeks Jeremy
Published: January 2012

The 100-Car Naturalistic Driving Study was the first large-scale instrumented vehicle study with no special driver instructions, unobtrusive data collection instrumentation, and no in-vehicle experimenter. The final data set includes approximately 2,000,000 vehicle miles, almost 43,000 hours of data, 241 primary and secondary drivers, 12 to 13 months of data collection for each vehicle, and data from a highly capable instrumentation system. In addition, 78 of 102 vehicles were privately owned and 22 were leased. After 12 months, leased vehicles were provided to 22 private vehicle drivers who then drove the leased vehicles for an additional four weeks. Driving performance for the same drivers in familiar and unfamiliar instrumented vehicles was then compared. Results provided evidence of increased relative risk for the same driver for weeks 1 through 4 of driving an unfamiliar leased vehicle as compared to the same period of driving their privately owned vehicle.
Human Factors for NASA's Space Exploration Vision the View from Inside
Authors: Woolford Barbara J.
Published: January 2012

People are the critical element in human space exploration. Future missions will be designed to optimize uniquely human capabilities: creativity, ingenuity, intuition, learning, problem-solving, flexibility and determination. Human factors' role is to extend human capability with hardware and software; to create environments that maintain mental, emotional and physical fitness; to select and train crews capable of thriving in risky, long-duration missions; and to increase astronaut safety and reduce mission risk. This symposium will explore the research and technology development in NASA's Human-System Integration program. First, we will describe the missions that lead up the manned exploration of Mars. Detailed technical descriptions of NASA's current research and gaps will address physical, cognitive, and behavioral health and performance issues. Finally, we will describe the reinvention of NASA-STD-3000, Human-System Integration Standards, the medium by which research results are imposed on the design and construction of spacecraft, software, and operations concepts.
Integration through Education: Teaching Human Factors in the Workforce
Authors: Melissa Nelda , Chavez Lisa , Winters John
Published: January 2012

Panelists from military, government, and industry areas were asked to discuss efforts to educate their respective workforces on Human Factors (HF) or Human Systems Integration (HSI). The efforts varied in terms of breadth (general to specific) and implementation (classroom or web-based). Still, some commonalities existed across training and education programs, including a focus on embedding HSI and human factors into the acquisition and design process and in presenting human factors as a risk mitigation method.
Developing an Interdisciplinary Language for Human-Agent Team Training Research
Authors: Fiore Stephen M. , Rosen Michael , Garfield Keith , Finkelstein Neal
Published: January 2012

In this paper we explore a set of constructs across three diverse disciplines that have addressed the topic of intelligent agents. We explore how Computer Science, Psychology, and Philosophy discuss certain concepts in either convergent or divergent ways. These concepts are analyzed through their etymology as well as by their present usage to illustrate how this use has developed and to outline the similarities and differences that have emerged. We first describe a set of the concepts/terms found within this literature and then describe the implications of this analysis for research in human-agent teams.
Evaluation of a Game-Based Trainer for Infantry Platoon Leader Decision Making
Authors: Christ Richard E. , Beal Scott A.
Published: January 2012

A training evaluation was performed for the Rapid Decision Trainer (RDT), a computerbased simulation developed for the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBC). The RDT lets each participant serve as a platoon leader while executing a simulated mission in preparation for a live-fire exercise. Nineteen participants were trained with the RDT in one large group and twenty were trained in two-man buddy-teams. After the RDT training, participants completed a questionnaire, participated in a live-fire exercise, and then completed a second questionnaire. Regardless of their training condition, the participants endorsed the use of the RDT for the IOBC. They indicated the RDT had training value, they were motivated and involved during training, and the realism of simulated battlefield was adequate. However, the participants also raised a number of issues that are described in the presentation and will be investigated in future training research for desktop simulations and game-based technologies.
Crew Resource Management Training and Young Driver Safety
Authors: Regan Michael , Salmon Paul , Mitsopoulos Eve , Anderson Janet , Edquist Jessica
Published: January 2012

Compared to other age groups, young novice drivers have a higher risk of being involved in road crashes. Recent research has indicated that, depending on certain passenger and driver characteristics, passengers can have either a positive or negative influence on driver behaviour and also that the principles of Crew Resource Management (CRM) training might be beneficial in addressing some of the problems associated with young driver behaviour when in the presence of passengers. This paper describes a program of research that was undertaken in order to investigate the potential application of CRM training principles within young driver training programs in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), a jurisdiction located in South-East Australia. The findings indicate that the application of CRM principles within young driver training is a viable concept to pursue, and that such interventions have the potential to significantly enhance the positive, and reduce the negative effects of passengers on young driver behaviour. In conclusion to this research, a set of recommendations for the development of an ACT-based trial young driver CRM training program are proposed, and recommendations for further research regarding CRM and driver training are discussed.
Transfer of Adaptation in Virtual Environments
Authors: Mouloua Mustapha , Smither Janan , Kennedy Robert C. , Kennedy Robert S. , Compton Daniel E. , Drexler Julie M.
Published: January 2012

The goal of this research was to investigate the reflexivity of the crossover effect−i.e. does adaptation on VE and OKN devices occur, and, if so, does transfer of this training occur in both directions (VE to OKN as well as OKN to VE). Forty participants were randomly assigned to either an OKN or a VE training condition. In the OKN condition, participants trained on the OKN device for four days, and were then tested on the VE and OKN devices on day five. In the VE condition however, they trained on the VE device for four days and were then tested on the VE and OKN devices on day five. The results indicated a 14.6% drop in DLQ scores and a 48.12% drop in SSQ scores for the OKN group. Similarly, a 21.28% drop in DLQ scores and a 23.64% drop in SSQ scores was obtained for the VE group. These results suggest that transfer of training occurred for both VE and OKN environments. Finally, these patterns of results are consistent and point to the importance of specific pre-adaptation training environments that would promote transfer to other motion sickness platforms. These findings have implications for training on different platforms.
Using Airport Layout Information to Improve Automatic Speech Recognition for Digitizing Taxi Instructions
Authors: Roefs Fenne , Theunissen Erik , Jinkins Richard , Collins Rockwell , Rapids Cedar , Moncur Brian
Published: January 2012

During taxiing, an Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) showing airport and route-data can support pilots. In the present study, the possibility of using a Voice Recognition System (VRS) to enable pilots to enter route instructions, for usage in situations where digital data link is not available, was investigated. The potential of techniques that utilize information on airport layout to detect and correct voice recognition errors was explored. Experiment I investigated the accuracy rates that can be achieved with the basic VRS. Although high, the resulting accuracy was insufficient, for safety reasons as well as user-acceptance of the system. A configurable system that interprets user utterances based on possible taxi routes on the airport, was designed and implemented. Experiment II explored the potential improvement of the different configuration options on error detection and correction performance. With one of the configurations, an increase of 42% in overall recognition rates was achieved.
Sleep, Sleepiness, Fatigue, and Vigilance in a Day and Night Inspection Task
Authors: Drury Colin G. , Green Brian D. , Chen Jingnong , Henry Elizabeth L.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was performed to test the effects of fatigue factors on performance and stress in a high fidelity simulation of a fluorescent penetrant inspection of aircraft turbine engine blades. Five factors predicted to be potentially related to inspection fatigue were tested in a mixed experimental design using 80 participants recruited from the local community. Many main effects and interactions were significant in performance analyses, although the vigilance decrement was not a strong effect in this task. Particular significant effects are shown, plus an analysis of probability of detection as a function of crack size and contrast, relating this study to the literature on non-destructive inspection reliability.
Design Guidance for Emergency and Abnormal Checklists in Aviation
Authors: Burian Barbara K.
Published: January 2012

It can be extremely challenging to develop effective checklists for use by flight crews during emergency and abnormal situations. Relatively little guidance is available from the human factors community and developers generally use aircraft system requirements, historical precedent, and their own best judgment to guide their design decisions. Through work at the NASA Ames Research Center, a model of emergency and abnormal checklist design, content, and use has been developed. This comprehensive model identifies all aspects that need to be considered and brings attention to some that are often unappreciated in emergency and abnormal checklist design (e.g., human performance limitations under stress).
Aging and Visual Attention: The Effect of Perceptual Load on Dual-Task Performance
Authors: Pak Richard , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

The ability to use information that is not directly in front of us (information located in the periphery) is important in many aspects of everyday life (e.g., using a computer, driving). It may be critical that a person be able to effectively use the information in the periphery. The current study examined how age-related changes in perceptual processing capacity and display-related variations in perceptual load affected the spatial distribution of visual attention. The results suggest that displays that make high demands on perceptual processing capacity reduce the functional field of view in older adults. Younger adults, however, were unaffected by the perceptual load manipulation. The primary practical implication is that displays that are intended to be used by older adults should not make high demands on their limited perceptual processing capacity.
Work-Centered Design and Evaluation of a C2 Visualization Aid
Authors: Roth Emilie , Stilson Mona , Scott Ronald , Whitaker Randall , Kazmierczak Tom , Thomas-Meyers Gina , Wampler Jeffrey
Published: January 2012

Command and Control (C2) operators increasingly need to assimilate large amounts of near-real time data distributed across multiple sources to identify, interpret, and mentally fuse the information necessary to accomplish their work. We have been developing and applying work-centered design and evaluation methodologies to design advanced visualization and support tools intended to more effectively support C2 cognitive and collaborative work. The paper reports the results of a work-centered evaluation assessing the usability and usefulness of an innovative work-centered visualization aid (a graphic mission timeline display) we developed to support mission replanning during execution in a C2 airlift service. The evaluation compared performance with the work-centered visualization to performance using the existing information technology system. The work-centered visualization produced statistically significant improvement in task completion time, errors, workload and situation awareness. The results point to the value of taking a work-centered analysis and design approach.
Towards a Sensitive Measure of Situation Awareness in Adaptively Automated Systems
Authors: McClernon Christopher K. , Kaber David B. , Perry Carlene M. , Segall Noa
Published: January 2012

The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) as an indicator of automation state changes in adaptive automation (AA) of a complex, dynamic control task. An air traffic control (ATC)-related simulation was developed to present automation of four different information processing (IP) functions, including information acquisition, information analysis, decision making, and action implementation, as well as to simulate a completely manual control condition. Eight participants operated the ATC simulation under the five conditions. SAGAT data revealed only a general effect of automated versus manual control, but no significant effects of the modes of AA on SA. These results suggested that SAGAT was not a sensitive measure in the ATC-related task. Consequently, a modified SAGAT measure is proposed with relevance weighting of environmental stimuli to promote sensitivity and reliability of measurement of SA in the target domain.
Efficacy and Acceptance of Driver Support Under Possible Mismatches between Driver's Intent and Traffic Conditions
Authors: Inagaki T. , Itoh M. , Nagai Y.
Published: January 2012

This paper tries to answer the following question: What type of support should be given to an automobile driver when it is determined, via some method to monitor the driver's behavior and the traffic environment, that the driver's intent may not be appropriate to a traffic condition? With a medium fidelity, moving-based driving simulator, three conditions were compared: (a) Warning type support in which an auditory warning is given to the driver to enhance his/her situation recognition, (b) action type support in which an autonomous safety control action is executed to avoid an accident, and (c) the baseline condition in which no driver support is given. Results were: (1) Either type of driver support was effective in accident prevention. (2) Acceptance of driver support functions varied context dependently. (3) Participants accepted a system-initiated automation invocation as long as no automation surprises were possible to occur.
Using Models to Explore Air Traffic Controller Workload
Authors: Martin Lynne , Kozon Thomas , Verma Savita , Lozito Sandra
Published: January 2012

When a new system, concept, or tool is proposed in the aviation domain, one concern is the impact that it will have on operator workload. As an experience, workload is difficult to measure in a way that will allow comparison of proposed systems with those already in existence. Chatterji and Sridhar (2001) suggested a method by which airspace parameters can be translated into workload ratings, using a neural network. This approach was employed, and modified to accept input from a non-real time airspace simulation model. The following sections describe the method and pilot test comparing a future airspace concept with a current day baseline in terms of workload levels. The results presented describe a preliminary analysis from using these models with the data from two non-real time model runs.
The Implications of Crossmodal Links in Attention for the Design of Multimodal Interfaces: A Driving Simulation Study
Authors: Ferris Thomas , Penfold Robert , Hameed Shameem , Sarter Nadine
Published: January 2012

The design of multimodal interfaces rarely takes into consideration recent data suggesting the existence of considerable crossmodal spatial and temporal links in attention. This can be partly explained by the fact that crossmodal links have been studied almost exclusively in spartan laboratory settings with simple cues and tasks. As a result, it is not clear whether they scale to more complex settings. To examine this question, participants in this experiment drove a simulated military vehicle and were periodically presented with lateralized visual indications marking locations of roadside mines and safe areas of travel. Valid and invalid auditory and tactile cues preceded these indications at varying stimulus-onset asynchronies. The findings confirm that the location and timing of crossmodal cue combinations affect response time and accuracy in complex domains as well. In particular, presentation of crossmodal cues at SOAs below 500ms and tactile cuing resulted in lower accuracy and longer response times.