bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Landmark Size and Location in Way-finding and Spatial Cognition in Virtual Environments
Authors: Roberts Shelley
Published: January 2012

The current study explored the impact of global landmarks, landmarks that are visible from a distance, and local landmarks, ones that are only visible from a short distance. Participants searched for targets in a virtual cityscape including either global or local landmarks. Way-finding performance was measured in addition to spatial memory using sketch maps. The findings indicate precedence of global landmarks during way-finding; however the impact of local landmarks increased with experience. Map sketches indicated that the impact of global and local landmarks was dependent on their location within and around the virtual environment. Theoretically, the findings help distinguish between the visibility and location aspects of global and local landmarks. Practically, the findings can inform the design of virtual environments with consideration to user tasks and requirements.
Air Traffic Controller Workstation Enhancements for Managing High Traffic Levels and Delegated Aircraft Procedures
Authors: Zingale Carolina M. , Willems Ben , Ross Jennifer M.
Published: January 2012

The Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) is designed to transform the existing air traffic system and introduce new procedures to accommodate increased traffic levels. This simulation evaluated three potential procedures using two simulated en route controller workstation systems. The Baseline system modeled the workstation planned for use in the field after 2010. The Future En Route Workstation (FEWS) added features and functions to the Baseline system to further support the management of high traffic levels and procedure use. When using the FEWS system, the participants managed more aircraft, held traffic less, and reported lower workload than when using the Baseline system. When the participants worked with Area Navigation (RNAV) procedures that included both lateral and vertical conformance constraints, they managed more aircraft and issued fewer voice clearances than when they worked with RNAV procedures that included only lateral constraints. We did not find additional benefits for the other two delegated aircraft procedures.
NextGen: Under Construction Works in Progress to Enhance Aviation Operations
Authors: Picciano Paul , Alexander Amy L.
Published: January 2012

The limitations of the current National Airspace System (NAS) have necessitated the planning and development of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The core objectives of NextGen include increasing the safety and efficiency of air traffic management as well as expanding throughput at the nation's most congested airports. However, NextGen advances will also precipitate changes in the fundamental structure of air traffic operations, which could have profound effects on how humans, technology, and policy interact. Robust means for design and evaluation are needed to ensure success. Panel members will discuss current works in progress devised to facilitate NextGen objectives.
Controller Interventions to Mitigate Potential Air Traffic Conflicts
Authors: Surabattula Deepti , Kaplan Michael , Landry Steven J.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was conducted to obtain empirical evidence that controllers, in addition to detecting and resolving expected losses-of-separation, intervene to mitigate potential conflicts that would not result in a loss of separation assuming proper compliance by both pilots. Participant controllers controlled traffic that contained aircraft expected to lose separation as well as others that would not lose separation, but were configured in such a way that a loss of separation could occur quickly if one of the aircraft did not comply with their clearance. Binary logistic regressions performed on the aircraft that were subjected to control by the aircraft provides evidence that this mitigation set improves the predictive power of a model to identify aircraft to which the participants applied control. Moreover, a regression performed on the aircraft for whom controllers provided informative commands, particularly traffic identification calls, demonstrated differences between the loss-of-separation aircraft and the mitigation aircraft. The results have implications for understanding strategies used by air traffic controllers when deciding for what aircraft controllers will intervene.
Tower Controllers' Response Behavior to Runway Safety Alerts
Authors: Sanchez Julian , Smith Elida C.
Published: January 2012

As decision support tools to improve runway safety are introduced into Airport Traffic Control Towers, it is critical to understand their impact on controller performance. A Tower Human-In-The-Loop (HITL) simulation was conducted to evaluate the behavior of Local controllers in the presence of tower-based runway safety alerts. The results of this study suggest controllers like to gather as much information about the situation, within a reasonable amount of time (usually less than 5 seconds), before they initiate the action of issuing instructions to the aircraft involved in the emergency.
The Impact of Data Communications Messages in the Terminal Area on Flight Crew Workload and Eye Scanning
Authors: Comstock James R. , Baxley Brian T. , Norman Robert M. , Ellis Kyle K. E. , Adams Cathy A. , Latorella Kara A. , Lynn William A.
Published: January 2012

This paper, to accompany a discussion panel, describes a collaborative FAA and NASA research study to determine the effect Data Communications (Data Comm) messages have on flight crew workload and eye scanning behavior in busy terminal area operations. In the Next Generation Air Transportation System Concept of Operations, for the period 2017–2022, the FAA envisions Data Comm between controllers and the flight crew to become the primary means of communicating non-time critical information. Four research conditions were defined that span current day to future equipage levels (Voice with Paper map, Data Comm with Paper map, Data Comm with Moving Map Display with ownship position displayed, Data Comm with Moving Map, ownship and taxi route displayed), and were used to create arrival and departure scenarios at Boston Logan Airport. Preliminary results for workload, situation awareness, and pilot head-up time are presented here. Questionnaire data indicated that pilot acceptability, workload, and situation awareness ratings were favorable for all of the conditions tested. Pilots did indicate that there were times during final approach and landing when they would prefer not to hear the message chime, and would not be able to make a quick response due to high priority tasks in the cockpit.
Examination of Older Females' Grip Characteristics
Authors: Irwin C.B. , Kage C.C. , Gruben K.G. , Sesto M.E.
Published: January 2012

Loss of grip strength due to aging has been widely reported by researchers but other factors may also be influential in age-related hand function declines. For instance, older adults have demonstrated a propensity to orient fingertip forces in a manner different from younger adults. Additionally, a slowing in the maximal rate of force development due to aging has been found in muscle groups ranging from the biceps to the quadriceps. These grip characteristics may independently, or concurrently, affect hand function. Using the Multi-axis (MAP) dynamometer, we evaluated the ability of younger and older adult female participants to rapidly generate a maximal voluntary grip exertion. The maximum grip force, rate of force development (N/sec) and grip force vector orientation were measured. Older female participants had 69% the grip force, 62% the rate of force development, and had grip force vector orientations shifted 5.9 degrees as compared to younger female participants. The ability to use one's hands is critical for completing activities of daily living and retaining independence. The differences in grip characteristics measured in this study may improve our understanding of the loss of function in older adults' hands more than the decline in grip strength alone.
Impact of Health Knowledge on Older Adults' Comprehension of Multimedia Health Information
Authors: D'Andrea Laura , Morrow Dan , Stine-Morrow Elizabeth , Shake Matthew , Bertel Sven , Kopren Katie , Chin Jessie , Conner-Garcia Thembi , Graumlich James , Murray Michael
Published: January 2012

We studied hypertensive older adults' processing of multimedia (text and picture) displays of hypertension information, and how reading patterns related to hypertension knowledge and passage comprehension. Eye movements of 23 older adults were tracked as they studied 4 text-picture passages. Eye movements were analyzed during and after participants first read the passage. Compared to the less knowledgeable participants, more knowledgeable participants spent a greater proportion of time looking at the text than the pictures when first reading passages, but focused more on pictures than text afterwards. This pattern of fixation time was also associated with more accurate passage comprehension.
EEG Pattern Analysis for Physiological Indicators of Mental Fatigue in Simulated Air Traffic Control Tasks
Authors: Dasari Deepika , Crowe Chris , Ling Chen , Zhu Min , Ding Lei
Published: January 2012

Objective: This study was designed to identify potential neurophysiologic markers and patterns of mental fatigue among air traffic controllers in their work environment.Background: The monitoring of mental fatigue in air traffic controllers has been of interest as their tasks involve high cognitive workload and are also critical to the safety of the public.Method: High-density electroencephalogram (EEG) was used to record 2-hour long air traffic control studies in eleven participants. Participants were asked to perform realistic tasks in a simulation, to operate a virtual air traffic control system. Fourier Transforms were used to estimate EEG power spectrum, statistical tests were implemented to reveal EEG spatial pattern changes caused by the time-on-task. The concept of mental state transition was introduced to study the development of certain mental states which are related to the mental fatigue. Results: The observation of EEG spectral data over a period of time revealed statistically significant changes spatially localized to central and parietal cortices. Rhythmic EEG activity within theta, alpha, and beta bands indicates transitions among mental states, which appear to be promising indicators for the development of mental fatigue. Mental fatigue indicated by the transition of mental states was estimated to approximately 70 minutes after the time on task. Application: This study can build the foundation to develop promising technologies for real time monitoring of mental fatigue, which will increase public safety and proper human resource planning.
Evaluation of a Dry Electrode System for Electroencephalography: Applications for Psychophysiological Cognitive Workload Assessment
Authors: Estepp Justin R. , Monnin Jason W. , Christensen James C. , Wilson Glenn F.
Published: January 2012

Advances in state-of-the-art dry electrode technology have led to the development of a novel dry electrode system for electroencephalography (QUASAR, Inc.; San Diego, California, USA). While basic systems-level testing and comparison of this dry electrode system to conventional wet electrode systems has proved to be very favorable, very limited data has been collected that demonstrates the ability of QUASAR's dry electrode system to replicate results produced in more applied, dynamic testing environments that may be used for human factors applications. In this study, QUASAR's dry electrode headset was used in combination with traditional wet electrodes to determine the ability of the dry electrode system to accurately differentiate between varying levels of cognitive workload. Results show that the accuracy in cognitive workload assessment obtained with wet electrodes is comparable to that obtained with the dry electrodes.
Theoretical Implications and Practical Applications of the a-b Signal Detection Theory Model for Human-Automation Interaction
Authors: Bustamante Ernesto A.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this research was threefold: 1) Present the a-b Signal Detection Theory (SDT) model as an alternative theoretical framework to overcome the limitations of traditional SDT, 2) Provide basic empirical support to validate the adequacy of the model, and 3) Show the potential generalizability of the model to different domain-specific areas within applied settings. The results from the basic empirical study suggest that the a-b SDT model provides a more accurate theoretical framework for examining the underlying processes involved in signal detection and decision making. Furthermore, the findings from the domain-specific study show the potential applicability and generalizability of the a-b SDT model for examining human-automation interaction. The end product of this work is particularly important for researchers and practitioners who are interested in applying a basic fundamental framework for examining how sensory, perceptual, and cognitive factors may affect humans' decision-making accuracy and response bias while interacting with automated systems in a wide range of applied settings.
Training Transfer Design Theories Revisited for Application to Virtual Environments
Authors: Sprouse Kim , Reinerman-Jones Lauren , Nicholson Denise
Published: January 2012

Training transfer, a dated issue, takes new perspective when considering designing a virtual environment (VE) best suited for application to the real-world. A review of three key design theories is provided. An outline follows of the basic components, limitations, and future directions for Identical Elements Theory, Principles Theory, and Near and Far Transfer Theory. Discussion surrounding theory applicability to a variety of fields including route mapping, medical, and pilot training encourages serious evaluation of the evidence supporting any one theory capable of accounting for all training transfer from VE systems and the probability of training capable of transferring for all fields.
Asynchronous Multimodal Communications about Shared Images: A Comparison between Microsoft's Powerpoint and CWS'S Pointntalk for Creating and using Directional Instructions
Authors: Merlo James L , Drake Nathaniel , Schmidt Benjamin J.
Published: January 2012

Ten West Point cadets between the ages of 18 and 24 were tested in their ability to build a complex structure using directions provided by either PointnTalk, a purpose built asynchronous multimodal communications tool developed by Collaborative Work Systems (CWS), Inc., or the well known Microsoft program PowerPoint. Cadets then used the opposite system, PointnTalk or PowerPoint respectively, to create their own presentation of an instructional dialogue directing someone how to complete the same complex structure. The results showed that PointnTalk instructions took longer to administer, but that the tool proved to be better at communicating higher level processes and produced superior performance in successful task completion of the participant built instructions. Results support multimodal communication theories and natural language communication strategies for effective asynchronous communication.
Assessing Mental Workload from Skin Conductance and Pupillometry using Wavelets and Genetic Programming
Authors: Lew Roger , Dyre Brian P. , Soule Terence , Ragsdale Stuart A. , Werner Steffen
Published: January 2012

An essential component of augmented cognition (AC) is developing robust methods of extracting reliable and meaningful information from physiological measures in real-time. To evaluate the potential of skin conductance (SC) and pupil diameter (PD) measures, we utilized a dual-axis pursuit tracking task where the control mappings repeatedly and abruptly rotated 90° throughout the trials to provide an immediate and obvious challenge to proper system control. Using these data, a model-building technique novel to these measures, genetic programming (GP) with scaled symbolic regression and Age Layered Populations (ALPS), was compared to traditional linear discriminant analysis (LDA) for predicting tracking error and control-mapping state. When compared with traditional linear modeling approaches, symbolic regression better predicted both tracking error and control mapping state. Furthermore, the estimates obtained from symbolic regression were less noisy and more robust.
How Does Day-to-Day Variability in Psychophysiological Data Affect Classifier Accuracy?
Authors: Wilson G. F. , Russell C. A. , Monnin J. W. , Estepp J. R. , Christensen J. C.
Published: January 2012

Combined psychophysiological measures have been used to determine mental workload in operators, but the day-to-day reliability of these measures has not been determined. Data were collected four times over a one month period. Two classifiers were trained with these data and their ability to correctly discriminate between two levels of task difficulty with new data was tested. Both classifiers very accurately discriminated between the two levels of task difficulty using data collected on the same day as the training data. However, the accuracy was considerably reduced when tested on data from days different from the training data. The implications for application of these procedures are discussed.
Decision Strategy Types and Situation-Contingent Selection Mechanisms: A Review and Some Field Data
Authors: Gasser Roland
Published: January 2012

Decision research has revealed a variety of adaptive strategies that experts use when making decisions; however, there is no widely accepted model of how experienced decision makers choose such a strategy to solve a particular decision problem. Within most decision-making models that include a selection mechanism, decision strategies are selected according to cost-benefit trade-offs. These models assume that the selection is based on an evaluation of the subjectively expected utility of a correct decision and the effort the decision maker is willing to make in the situation at hand. In opposition, there are research findings showing that proficient decision makers mainly seem to select strategies based on recognition of the decision situation and a history of successful applications of a certain strategy. In this context I discuss findings from a field study in production planning and scheduling that are contrary to predictions from cost-benefit models. In accordance with recent scholarly work on routine decisions, I suggest that decision-strategy selection mechanisms based on recognition are a valid theoretical background for the design of future decision support systems. Accordingly, the cognitive engineering focus would shift from accuracy maximization and effort reduction to situational differentiation and strategy learning.
Assessing the Effects of Humanoid Robot Features on Patient Emotion during a Medicine Delivery Task
Authors: Swangnetr Manida , Zhu Biwen , Taylor Kinley B. , Kaber David B.
Published: January 2012

Human perceptions of the “humanness” of robots have been found to be influenced by face, voice and interactivity features. These features have been studied individually in a human robot interaction (HRI) and facial features appear to be strongest in promoting positive human emotions. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of combined humanoid robot features on human emotions during a medicine delivery task. Seven robot prototypes with various combinations of face, voice and interactivity features were developed and classified in terms of levels of humanness. A “Wizard of Oz” experiment was conducted in which 32 subjects received and accepted a simulated bag of medicine from each of the robot prototypes. Both subjective (arousal and valence ratings) and physiological (HR and GSR) measures were collected as indicators of participant emotional states. Results revealed robot configurations with higher levels of humanness promoted positive emotions. Arousal and valence ratings and the HR response had utility for predicting emotions. We also found that additional humanoid features lead to higher GSR ratings, but the trend was not strictly linear with the pre-defined level of robot humanness.
Opportunities in IT Support of Workflow & Information Flow in the Emergency Department Digital Imaging Process
Authors: Fairbanks RJ , Guarrera TK , Bisantz AB , Venturino M , Westesson PL
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study is to examine workflow and information flow in the emergency department (ED) digital imaging process to identify features of an optimized system. Radiological imaging (x-rays, CT scans, etc) is unique in the ED setting, as the need for fast turn-around time and interactive communication between radiologists and emergency physicians is different than that of most other healthcare settings. The information technology systems which are used by both radiologists and emergency physicians to support these processes have been designed with a focus on the routine workflow of radiologists. We report the results of 14 hours of naturalistic observations of the use of digital imaging systems by a total of 22 ED and radiology staff. A hierarchical task analysis and an information process diagram are presented, and disparate theories that groups in the system have about other groups were discovered, particularly in the communication of clinical information.
A Learning Process: Old Strategies, New Tools
Authors: Robinson Tom , Burns Catherine
Published: January 2012

In this paper we look at a study that examines how expert problem solving behavior changes when computer software, specifically the math software package Maple, is used to help in the problem solving process. We examine two theoretical frameworks, naturalistic decision making and distributed cognition, that help us draw out conclusions from our observations of the participants' behavior. Our study involved the observation and recording of problem solving sessions where the participants were sometimes provided with software to assist with the problem solving. We observed that the high level strategies that the participants used when the software was available were often the same as when the software was not available. This led us to the conclusion that encouraging new users of the software to continue to use their old problem solving strategies while learning the software is a valid way of managing cognitive load during the learning process while not impeding the new users from learning to use the software efficiently and effectively.
Designing Interfaces that Encourage a More Effortful Cognitive Strategy
Authors: Morgan Phillip L. , Patrick John
Published: January 2012

Typically, interface design attempts to minimize cognitive load by providing immediately accessible task-relevant information. However, this may have the unintended consequence of encouraging display-based strategies that minimize the degree of cognitive processing; a claim made by the soft constraints hypothesis (Gray, Sims, Fu, & Schoelles, 2006). Increasing information access cost (IAC) induces a more memory-based strategy, and has been shown to improve performance following interruption in a visuospatial copying task (Morgan, Patrick, Waldron, King, & Patrick, 2009). An experiment investigates whether the positive effect of increased IAC on interrupted performance extends to a problem solving task. A mouse movement and time delay to access information provoked a strategy that facilitated resumption and continuation of problem solving from memory, improved problem solving efficiency, and added no extra time cost to problem completion. The findings highlight the value of considering design solutions in light of the importance of different task performance criteria.
Automated Aid Evaluation for Transitioning UAS Camera Views
Authors: Calhoun Gloria , Warfield Lamar , Wright Nicholas , Spriggs Sarah , Ruff Heath
Published: January 2012

Control applications involving multiple Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) will often require the operator to switch attention between UASs and their respective camera views. An automated aid that transitions between camera views is under evaluation. Instead of discretely switching from the camera view for one UAS to the camera view for another, a transition format is presented. With this format, the camera imagery seamlessly fades into a synthetic imagery correlate of the real video image and then uses a “fly-out, fly-in” metaphor over several seconds, finishing with a transition back from synthetic to real video imagery at the new camera viewpoint. The results from the present simulation evaluation provide support that an automated camera view transition aid can improve task performance and situation awareness. Moreover, the results show potential benefits of allowing an operator to decide where and when the fly-in segment starts.
Information Source, Sequential Revision of Belief, and the Order Effect
Authors: Entin Elliot E. , Serfaty Daniel
Published: January 2012

The sequential revision of beliefs gives rise to a phenomenon referred to as the order effect due to two heuristics, anchoring and adjustment and contrast and inertia, as decision makers strive to incorporate confirming and disconfirming evidence. We hypothesized that the sources of new information would impact the order-effect. Results showed that confirming information from intelligence officers (experts) had a stronger effect on belief adjustment than information from a trusted friend, whereas disconfirming information from a trustworthy friend had a stronger impact than information from intelligence officers. A rationale for the differential effect of information source is discussed.
Passing The Baton: An Experimental Study of Shift Handover
Authors: Parke Bonny , Hobbs Alan , Kanki Barbara
Published: January 2012

Shift handovers occur in many safety-critical environments, including aviation maintenance, medicine, air traffic control, and mission control for space shuttle and space station operations. Shift handovers are associated with increased risk of communication failures and human error. In dynamic industries, errors and accidents occur disproportionately after shift handover. Typical shift handovers involve transferring information from an outgoing shift to an incoming shift via written logs, or in some cases, face-to-face briefings. The current study explores the possibility of improving written communication with the support modalities of audio and video recordings, as well as face-to-face briefings. Fifty participants participated in an experimental task which mimicked some of the critical challenges involved in transferring information between shifts in industrial settings. All three support modalities—face-to-face, video, and audio recordings, reduced task errors significantly over written communication alone. The support modality most preferred by participants was face-to-face communication; the least preferred was written communication alone.
Hold the Phone: Automating Telephone Coordination in Traffic Flow Management
Authors: Brickman Bart , Yuditsky Tanya
Published: January 2012

Air Traffic Flow Management is a complex, dynamic domain. Until recently, Federal Aviation Administration Traffic Managers were required to coordinate the implementation of traffic management initiatives through a series of telephone calls. In this paper we describe the development of an automated process, Electronic Coordination, to replace the majority of those calls. We adopted a user-centered multidisciplinary design team methodology to develop the concept and address design challenges. User validation and testing of the concept were integrated into the process and occurred iteratively throughout development. Post deployment user feedback and lessons learned are also discussed.
Ergonomic Comparison of Slanted and Vertical Computer Mouse Designs
Authors: Hedge Alan , Feathers David , Rollings Kimberly
Published: January 2012

The effect of using five different optical mice on cursor positioning task performance and on wrist posture was investigated. The 5 mouse designs included 1 conventional mouse, 2 angled mice and 2 vertical mice. Results showed that performance was significantly different for the 5 mice for the cursor point-and-click tasks and cursor dragging tasks. Task performance was slowest for the traditional mouse and fastest for the vertical mice. Wrist extension was lowest for the slanted mouse designs and highest for the vertical mice. The results show that performance and posture were affected in opposite ways by these different mouse designs, and that the design features that promote good performance may compromise good wrist posture and vice versa. Overall, an adjustable-size slanted mouse design may offer the best combination of neutral posture and performance.
Designing Flight Information Displays for Quick Information Access: A Case Study of an International Airport
Authors: Rodrigo Asanka S. , Goonetilleke Ravindra S.
Published: January 2012

Increased air travel has made the provision of the optimal amount of information to travelers a necessity. Flight information is shown on electronic or mechanical display boards, but finding the required information can take some time depending on the display layout and content. This paper investigates the information configuration for quick access of flight information. Seven potential grouping methods were tested. Search time depends on the layout of information (p < 0.001). Search was fastest when the information was arranged in the order of airline logo, airline name and arrival or departure time.
When a User Interface is Good Enough: User Ratings in UI Design
Authors: Fracker Martin L. , Heck Michal , Goeschel George
Published: January 2012

When is the usability of a new user interface design good enough to stop trying to improve it? To answer this question, we propose that usability ratings should be scaled in terms of specific usability criteria, and we evaluated this proposal in an iterative user interface design effort. We also tested our hypothesis that usability ratings arise from the interaction of three user interface dimensions: content, functionality, and layout. We found that scaling usability ratings in terms of specific requirements was effective in identifying when to stop iterating a design, and that ratings of the UI dimensions predicted the usability ratings.
Comparison of Date Entry Methods: An Update for the Internet Age
Authors: Tullis Tom , Siegel Marisa
Published: January 2012

This study examined seven methods for date entry on the web, including text input, selection using dropdown menus or radio buttons, and combination approaches. The focus was on the entry of dates that may be many years in the past, such as a date of birth. A total of 776 participants, randomly assigned to one of the seven methods, each entered ten dates in an online study. Speed and accuracy were measured, and subjective ratings of task ease were collected. The methods with three separate text-entry fields for month, day, and year, either with or without auto-tab, were the fastest and received the highest task ease ratings. However, they also had the highest error rates. Three separate dropdowns for month, day, and year yielded the lowest error rate. The implications of these results for the design of web forms are discussed.
‘ECOVRD’ –A Tablet PC-Based Tool to Support Observational Studies
Authors: Fischer Ute , Jagdish Deepak , Attarwala Abbas
Published: January 2012

This paper introduces a new Tablet PC-based tool (called ‘ECOVRD,’ Event Coding and Visual Representation of Data) to facilitate real-time classification of live or video-recorded individual and team behavior. The tool is easy to use as its design exploits the possibilities that the touch-based interface of the tablet PC provides. ECOVRD is highly versatile: coding categories are user-defined and can capture instances of behavior or the duration of behavior. In addition, a note-pad feature enables users to enter observations as text. ECOVRD also includes a visualization module that provides users with graphic data summaries and basic statistics for immediate feedback. Thus, it will be useful both to the research community and in applied settings, for instance to support professional coaching or training. This paper discusses the salient design and interaction aspects of ECOVRD, and its improvements over existing systems.
NextSim: A Portable Human Factors Research Simulator for Future ATC Concepts
Authors: Durso Francis T. , Stearman Eric J. , Robertson Scott
Published: January 2012

In this demonstration, we report on the development of a low fidelity air traffic control simulator that allows researchers to investigate human factors issues related to various NextGen concepts, like flow corridors, continuous descent arrivals, and sky-based separation. NextSim also allows the researcher to collect a number of performance, workload, and situation awareness measures.
Learning by Doing: Understanding Skill Acquisition through Skill Acquisition
Authors: McLaughlin Anne Collins , Rogers Wendy A.
Published: January 2012

Learning-by-doing is a well-established pedagogical tool. This approach was incorporated into a semester-long course on skill acquisition. The primary goal for the course was to explore general issues in skill acquisition, transfer, and retention from both a methodological and a substantive perspective. Students read articles from the research literature on motor, perceptual, and cognitive skills; expertise, automaticity, and training. The research articles were selected to provide a foundation for theories of learning, models of skill acquisition, and controversies about optimal training methods. Each student also selected a skill to acquire during the semester and committed to practice 3–8 hours per week. This learning-by-doing aspect of the course included maintaining a journal, creating measures of their skill, participating in weekly discussions about their skill acquisition efforts, writing an integrative review paper about the domain of their skill, and demonstrating their improvement across the semester. The students reported that the course provided a valuable overview of skill acquisition in general and that their personal experiences augmented their learning. The purpose of this paper is to share our experiences with this successful pedagogical method with others interested in teaching courses on skill acquisition. Sample syllabi are available on request from either author.
Effects of Ramp Slope and Height on Usability and Physiology during Wheelchair Driving
Authors: Kim Chung Sik , Lee Donghun , Lee Jeehea , Kwon Sunghyuk , Chung Min K.
Published: January 2012

A ramp is the basic type of an assisting device for wheelchair users. Although the height of a ramp is an important design element, it has not been considered in prior studies. Therefore, in this study, the ramp slope and height are considered as independent variables. To analyze the effects of the slope and height, five levels of slope (1:6, 1:8, 1:10, 1:12 and 1:14) and three levels of height (15 cm, 30 cm and 45 cm) are considered. For the dependent variables, the total time and velocity were considered as performance measures, pulse rate changes and EMG signals of four related muscles (extensor carpi radialis, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid and posterior deltoid) were considered as physiology measures, and perceived discomfort while ascending and descending were considered as perceived discomfort measures. As a result, differences among performance, physiological characteristic and perceived discomfort for the five slopes increased as the height increased. Additionally, slope effects were minor when the height was low (15 cm). In summary, there was no significant difference between 1:10 and 1:12 (as suggested by ADAAG). In addition, slope effects were minor at a low height; thus, a slope of 1:8 can be recommended if the installation space for a gentler ramp is not sufficient.
The Relationship between Computer-Related Discomfort and Everyday Activities
Authors: Baker Nancy A.
Published: January 2012

Computer use is a risk factor for musculoskeletal discomfort which is associated with reduced productivity and work performance. However, little is known about the effect of computer-related discomfort on the performance of daily activities. This paper describes the severity of discomfort and problems with daily activities and demonstrates the associations between discomfort and daily activities. 75 computer-users rated the severity of their computer-related discomfort and the severity of daily activity problems. Analysis suggested that while the majority of computer users experienced mild discomfort and no problems with daily activities, a minority experienced moderate to severe discomfort and problems. Multiple regression analyses indicated that severity of discomfort was associated with severity of problems and that the back and right arm/hand had the greatest frequency of associations with problems of daily activities. These results underline the toll that computer-related discomfort can have on all activities in a workers life.
Stick-and-fall: A previously unstudied type of fall
Authors: Nemire Kenneth , Thompson David A. , Cohen H. Harvey
Published: January 2012

A stick-and-fall event, previously unstudied, is described as a fall on a walkway with no apparent tripping hazard and characterized by the sole or heel of the swinging foot catching on the surface of a level walkway to cause the foot to “stick” to the surface and result in a possible stumble or fall. Four separate case studies are provided to describe example stick-and-fall events that resulted in litigation. Relevant walkway, shoe and pedestrian factors unique to stick-and-fall events are examined as well as factors that are shared with typical trip, slip and stumble events. Discussion includes potential for future research.
Blasphemy or Pragmatics? When NOT to Follow User-Centered Design Techniques
Authors: Andre Anthony D. , Elkerton Jay , Portigal Steve , Ratzlaff Cordell , Saffer Dan , Rosenberg Dan
Published: January 2012

This invited panel brings together several high-profile members of the HCI community for an exciting, if not controversial, discussion and debate. Each is well versed in the principles and best practices of user-centered design, user experience research, and design innovation. How do they respond to the emerging topic of when NOT to use conventional user-centered design techniques? Are those who suggest this just stirring up controversy? Or are there pragmatic business constraints that require us to sometimes divert from our established practices? Our panelists will address this provocative issue as well as other contemporary issues that are at the forefront of HCI. Come and join us for what is sure to be an educational and stimulating session that could change your future approach to user-centered design and user experience research.
Optimal Handle Size to Minimize Internal Impact of Flexor Tendons
Authors: Park Shi-Hyun , Hwang Jesun , Lowe Brian D. , Freivalds Andris
Published: January 2012

Failure to properly consider tendon and applied forces in designing a hand tool can have harmful effects on users. Previous study has indicated that flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon forces can be up to 3.7 times the external forces. These values are indirect estimates derived from biomechanical models developed for the hand. However, these include many assumptions and may not be accurate. Therefore, direct measurement of tendon forces using a cadaver model provided novel insights into measuring internal impact of flexor tendons generated by power grip motion and then determining optimal handle size reducing internal tendon loads. In the result, there was a negative relationship between handle diameter and grip force, which showed that the grip force decreased from 38.3 to 23.0 N, as the cylindrical handle diameter increased from 30 to 60 mm. Thus, the highest grip force was generated on the smallest handle size (30mm), and the lowest grip force was on the largest diameter handle (60mm). In terms of the ratio of the internal tendon force to the external grip force, the internal tendon load on the smallest handle size (30mm) was, for external grip force F, 4.2 F and the largest handle showed 7.0 F (i.e. seven times the applied external force). These relationships should be useful for the design of handles that require power grip motion. Consequently, this study provided novel insights into the direct measurement of internal impact of flexor tendons generated by power grip motion with handles.
Development of a Research Agenda at the Intersection of Industrial and Systems Engineering and Health Care: Implications for Human Factors and Ergonomics
Authors: Valdez Rupa Sheth , Ramly Edmond , Brennan Patricia Flatley
Published: January 2012

In September, 2009, AHRQ and NSF convened a workshop in which experts in the fields of industrial and systems engineering (ISyE) and health care explored critical areas of research at the intersection of both fields. The objectives were to 1) articulate a vision for an ideal health care delivery system, 2) determine why current efforts to apply ISyE knowledge to health care have not resulted in meaningful change, and 3) propose a research and action agenda that should be pursued to enable the field of ISyE to substantially contribute to the realization of an ideal health care delivery system. This paper presents the vision of the ideal health care delivery system and elements of the research agenda that are salient to the field of human factors and ergonomics (HFE). The ideal health care delivery system was defined as one that is new, patient-centered, and engineered. The research agenda emphasized knowledge innovation related to systems monitoring, modeling, and modification, but also included items related to transfer of existing ISyE knowledge and integration and prioritization of knowledge in both fields. Recognizing that human factors and ergonomics is much larger than ISyE, this paper is also presented to the HFES community to identify which other perspectives may need to be included.
Measuring Hospital Safety Culture: Testing the Hsopsc Scale
Authors: Sarac Cakil , Flin Rhona , Mearns Kathryn , Jackson Jeanette
Published: January 2012

As part of an organization's safety management strategy, it is important to assess the level of safety climate with a valid instrument. The aim of this study is to investigate the psychometric properties of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC) based on a sample of clinical staff from Scottish acute hospitals and to determine the suitability for Scottish healthcare setting. The data were collected from 1966 clinical staff (estimated 22% response rate) from one acute hospital from each of seven Scottish Health Boards. In order to test the psychometric properties of the questionnaire, a split-half cross-validation technique was used. The data were randomly split into two, and Exploratory (EFA) and Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were conducted on the calibration and validation data sets to investigate and check the original US model fit from a Scottish sample. EFA results showed a 10 factor optimal measurement model. The CFA were then performed to compare the model fit of two alternative models (10 factor alternative model vs. 12 factor original model). It was demonstrated that both factor structures performed equally well in a Scottish sample. Furthermore, reliability analyses of each component yielded satisfactory results. Therefore no modifications are required to the original 12 factor model which is suggested for use since it would allow researchers the possibility of cross-national comparisons.
Developing an Observational Tool for Reliably Identifying Work System Factors in the Operating Room that Impact Cardiac Surgical Care
Authors: Blocker Renaldo C. , Eggman Ashley , Zemple Robert , Chi-Tao Elise Wu , Wiegmann Douglas A.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study is to develop a reliable Tablet-PC based observational tool for identifying work systems factors that impact cardiac surgical care. Using the tool we observed 26 open heart surgeries over a five-month period. In thirteen of the 26 observations, both observers stood in the same location and in the other thirteen cases the observers stood in different locations within the operation room (OR). The surgical cases typically last five hours and were conducted in multiple operating rooms within the hospital and with mixed surgical teams. There was an average of 8.49 flow disruptions per hour related to work system factors with an average of 42.45 disruptions per case. Results revealed that inter-rater reliability in identifying work system factors that disrupted surgical flow was roughly 87% when observers were standing in the same location. However, when standing in different locations, the reliability decreased to an average of 75%.
Automation in Surgery: The Impact of Navigated-Control Assistance on the Performance, Workload and Situation Awareness of Surgeons
Authors: Luz Maria , Mueller Stefan , Strauss Gero , Dietz Andreas , Meixensberger Juergen , Manzey Dietrich
Published: January 2012

The present study investigates performance consequences of a new approach of automated support for surgeons. “Navigated-Control” (NC) represents an advancement of image-guided navigation that does not only support the surgeon in navigating through a patient's anatomy, but also can stop the surgical device if it comes too close to risk structures which need to be protected to ensure patient safety. It is explored, how NC affects different aspects of surgical outcome, workload and stress, and situation awareness. Fourteen advanced students of medicine performed a simulated Mastoidectomy with and without NC support. The results reveal that NC support can reduce both, the risk of intra-operative injuries, as well as the physiological stress level of surgeons. However, “cost effects” emerged with respect to subjective workload, and a reduced spare capacity compared to unsupported surgeries. These latter effects do not seem to be related to the principle of NC but technical constraints of current implementations.
Preventing Hospital Acquired Venous-Thromboembolism by Utilizing Clinical Pathway Methodology to Reduce Cognitive Errors
Authors: Rousek JB , Polich A , Masek CM , Knezevich JT , Etherton GM , Hallbeck MS
Published: January 2012

Hospital-acquired venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common and preventable adverse event with hospitalized patients described as being at 100 times greater risk than people in the community. The purpose of this study was to compare the ease-of-use and required cognitive effort during the use of two chemoprophylaxis assessment and assignment protocols to identify the protocol with the highest usability and effectiveness. The two compared protocols consisted of the current risk stratification (protocol R) and a proposed intent-to-treat method (protocol I). The purpose of the intent-to-treat protocol was to use clinical pathway methodology to reduce the amount of cognitive effort utilized by resident physicians during the treatment of VTE. Forty-one medicine residents participated in an online comparison of the two different protocols (R and I) for treating VTE prophylaxis using six unique patient scenarios. Statistical analyses found that protocol I (52.8 sec.) produced significantly faster mean scenario completion times than protocol R (79.6 sec.) along with significantly (33%) more correct chemoprophylaxis assignment outcomes over all six scenarios and scenario difficulty levels (easy, medium or hard). The results of this study indicate that protocol I enhances performance by reducing cognitive errors, completion time and unnecessary protocol steps by using the proposed clinical pathway methodology.