bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An experimental database on the effects of single- and split injection strategies on spray formation and spark discharge in an optical direct-injection spark-ignition engine fuelled with gasoline, iso-octane and alcohols
Authors: Serras-Pereira Jose , Aleiferis Pavlos G , Richardson Dave
Published: October 2014

This article presents results from a comprehensive optical study of a direct-injection spark-ignition research engine running on gasoline, iso-octane, ethanol, n-butanol and E10 fuels injected from a multi-hole central vertically positioned injector. The analysis was based on images of spray development, spark discharge and combustion to understand the effects of early and late injection strategies on in-cylinder phenomena. Specifically, `single'-injection strategies from early to late intake stroke as well as multiple `split' injection events with triple pulses in the early intake stroke or double pulses in the intake stroke and late compression stroke were investigated. The engine was run at 1500 r/min at part- and full-load conditions (0.5 and 1.0 bar inlet plenum pressure, respectively). Engine coolant temperatures of 20°C–90°C were employed to understand how fuel volatility was related to the phenomena observed. The sprays were imaged over a series of cycles primarily by laser sheet illumination on one vertical and two horizontal planes to identify three-dimensional aspects of the spray's development and its interactions with the incoming flow, valves, piston and liner. There was a clear fuel-impingement trade-off between early and late injection timings. The spark discharge was also imaged with all injection strategies and clear differences were observed. Selective combustion imaging provided insights into the flame's growth and motion with early and double early–late split injection strategies. The double earlylate injection strategy demonstrated the potential for control of the mixture formation and flow field over the early flame development stage of combustion.
Hyperbaric oxygenation modulates vascular reactivity to angiotensin-(1-7) in diabetic rats: Potential role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids
Authors: Kibel Aleksandar , Novak Sanja , Cosic Anita , Mihaljevic Zrinka , Falck John R , Drenjancevic Ines
Published: October 2014

Previously, a facilitating effect of hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO2) on aortic ring responses to angiotensin-(1-7) in healthy rats was reported, with epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) possibly playing an important role. The aim of this study was to assess whether HBO2 exerts similar effects in diabetic rats and to further explore the role of specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in changes induced by HBO2. Aortic relaxation to angiotensin-(1-7) was significantly higher in HBO2 diabetic rats compared to control diabetic rats, while HBO2 had no effect on angiotensin II contraction. N-methylsulphonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl/hexanamide inhibited the facilitation of angiotensin-(1-7) responses in HBO2 rats, suggesting an important role of EETs in this modulation. mRNA expression of CYP2J3 and protein expression of CYP2C11 were significantly upregulated in HBO2 diabetic rats, whereas CYP4A1, CYP4A2 and CYP4A3 mRNA and CYP2J3 protein expression was similar between groups. Mean arterial pressure, ferric reducing ability of plasma and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances levels and serum angiotensin-(1-7) concentrations were not significantly changed.
Examination of Anthropometric Databases for Aircraft Design
Authors: Joslin Robert E.
Published: October 2014

Presently there is no prescribed anthropometric database provided or specified in the Federal Aviation Regulations, hence aircraft designs often utilize legacy anthropometric databases that may not reflect the target pilot population. This study was an information synthesis of anthropometric databases for aircraft design. The findings indicated that, although most current aviation designs have utilized legacy anthropometric data, there are a sufficient number of valid existing and emerging anthropometric databases that include body dimension measurements and weight/mass measurements compiled from data sets gathered either through large surveys, or statistically derived, that are representative of the target pilot population. Furthermore, new scanning technologies, along with more sophisticated statistical techniques for matching/forecasting target populations from legacy anthropometric databases, have enhanced the ability to effectively and efficiently gather these data on a periodic basis, hence anthropometric data that are not representative of the pilot population should no longer be accepted as a limitation in aircraft design. The one area that demands further study are current data for human-strength/control force measurements. Although there have been some recent small-scale surveys conducted to gather these data, there is a paucity of any current large-scale comprehensive human strength/control force data applicable to aircraft design.
Human Teaming Changes Driven by Expectations of a Synthetic Teammate
Authors: Demir Mustafa , Cooke Nancy J.
Published: October 2014

Current automation that behaves as a teammate may be rejected by human teammates due to a lack of hu-man-like mental models, a sense of self, essential communication and coordination abilities, and trustwor-thiness. This experiment was conducted with all-human teams to 1) establish baseline team performance and communication data for later comparison with human-synthetic teams and 2) to understand how human teammate behavior changes when human teammates believe they are interacting with a synthetic teammate. The teams that were told that the human Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) was synthetic liked the AVO more, perceived less workload, and gave the AVO more suggestions compared to teams told that the AVO was a remote human. These effects speak to human expectations regarding synthetic teammates or more general-ly, automation.
Survey of Operators’ Unmanned Aircraft Systems Experience
Authors: Yuan Xiaochen , Histon Jonathan M. , Waslander Steven
Published: October 2014

The routine integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into controlled airspace is a pressing challenge around the world. In order to identify what information surveillance systems need to detect and display about the UAS, air traffic controllers and pilots were surveyed. Participants were asked a wide range of questions regarding their experience with UAS and information requirements under different conditions. This paper focuses on understanding operators’ previous experiences with UAS. Close to 60% of controllers and 42% of pilots reported having had some form of experience with UAS. Approximately the same proportion of controllers reported UAS operating in airspace designated for UAS operations as those reporting operations in low and high density regions of airspace and near standard flows in their airspace.
Breaking Down Barriers to UAS Integration
Authors: Shively Robert J.
Published: October 2014

This symposium brings together researchers from NASA, the FAA, DoD and academia who have been investigating human factors barriers to UAS integration into the NAS. Participants will describe NASA’s five year effort, work on defining minimum information elements for detect and avoid, acceptable levels of automation, acceptable time for UAS pilots to respond to ATC and DoD efforts on air born sense and avoid.
Human-Machine Interface Development for Common Airborne Sense and Avoid Program
Authors: Draper Mark H. , Pack Jessica S. , Darrah Sara J. , Moulton Sean N. , Calhoun Gloria L.
Published: October 2014

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are starting to access manned airspace today and this trend will grow substantially as the number of UAS and their associated missions expand. A key challenge to safely integrating UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS) is providing a reliable means for UAS to sense and avoid (SAA) other aircraft. The US Air Force is addressing this challenge through the Common Airborne Sense and Avoid (C-ABSAA) program. C-ABSAA is developing a sophisticated “sense-and-avoid” capability that will be integrated onboard larger UAS. This paper summarizes human factors activities associated with enabling this revolutionary capability. Existing knowledge was reviewed and crosschecked to formulate a first draft set of minimum information requirements for SAA tasks. A gap analysis spawned an intruder depiction study and an operator requirements survey. Finally, operator interface prototypes were designed to support: 1) a minimum information set for SAA, as well as 2) the availability of several advanced situation assessment and maneuver guidance aids. Through collaboration with NASA’s UAS in the NAS project, these concepts were incorporated into a UAS ground control station for formal evaluation through a high fidelity human-in-the-loop simulation.
NASA’s UAS Integration into the NAS
Authors: Fern Lisa , Rorie R. Conrad , Shively R. Jay
Published: October 2014

In 2011 the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) began a five-year Project to address the technical barriers related to routine access of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS). Planned in two phases, the goal of the first phase was to lay the foundations for the Project by identifying those barriers and key issues to be addressed to achieve integration. Phase 1 activities were completed two years into the five-year Project. The purpose of this paper is to review activities within the Human Systems Integration (HSI) subproject in Phase 1 toward its two objectives: 1) develop GCS guidelines for routine UAS access to the NAS, and 2) develop a prototype display suite within an existing Ground Control Station (GCS). The first objective directly addresses a critical barrier for UAS integration into the NAS – a lack of GCS design standards or requirements. First, the paper describes the initial development of a prototype GCS display suite and supporting simulation software capabilities. Then, three simulation experiments utilizing this simulation architecture are summarized. The first experiment sought to determine a baseline performance of UAS pilots operating in civil airspace under current instrument flight rules for manned aircraft. The second experiment examined the effect of currently employed UAS contingency procedures on Air Traffic Control (ATC) participants. The third experiment compared three GCS command and control interfaces on UAS pilot response times in compliance with ATC clearances. The authors discuss how the results of these and future simulation and flight-testing activities contribute to the development of GCS guidelines to support the safe integration of UAS into the NAS. Finally, the planned activities for Phase 2, including an integrated human-in-the-loop simulation and two flight tests are briefly described.
Measured Response for Multiple UAS in a Simulated NAS Environment
Authors: Vu Kim-Phuong L. , Morales Gregory , Chiappe Dan , Strybel Thomas Z. , Battiste Vernol , Shively Robert Jay
Published: October 2014

The U.S. Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act in 2012, which calls for a plan to integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS). For UAS to be allowed to operate in the NAS, they will be required to “act and respond as manned aircraft do.” FAA regulations require that pilots respond promptly to air traffic controller (ATCo) commands. However, they do not quantify what an acceptable latency is. We maintain that research needs to be carried out to identify an acceptable latency in UAS responding, known as the “measured response.” While the measured response can be broken down into several components, the present paper provides an overview of how latencies in verbal communication and command execution can impact Pilot-ATCo communications and acceptability ratings when single and multiple UAS are operating in a simulated NAS environment.
Research in Long Term Human Performance in Space
Authors: Miller Christopher A. , Miller Christopher A. , Fischer Ute , Smith-Jentsch Kim , Kozlowski Steve W. J. , Mosier Kathleen , Wu Peggy , Whitmore Mihriban
Published: October 2014

Team interactions, performance, and cohesion, as well as individual psychosocial states, are increasingly recognized and studied contributions to overall system performance, but few teams will ever live and work together as closely for as long as those supporting proposed deep space missions like those to Mars or the asteroids. Yet studying team dynamics and the factors which affect them during space exploration is extraordinarily challenging since no such team performance data yet exists. The members of this panel are participating in various NASA-sponsored research efforts to explore long duration team interactions in space exploration contexts. The lessons they are learning, as well as the techniques they are developing to study this challenging problem, will serve to inform not only human space exploration over the next few decades, but also team performance and relationships in a wide variety of earth-based domains in which humans must work with each other to accomplish demanding tasks over the long term and/or in Isolated, Confined, and Extreme (ICE) environments.
Air traffic controllers’ visual scanning, aircraft selection, and comparison strategies in support of conflict detection
Authors: Kang Ziho , Bass Ellen J. , Lee Douglas W.
Published: October 2014

When aircraft are not aligned into orderly streams, air traffic controllers (ATCs) will likely need to develop visual scanning strategies to enhance their conflict detection performance given their limited perceptual and cognitive resources. In this work, visual scanning, aircraft selection, and aircraft comparison are investigated. Twenty-five active professional ATCs detected conflicts in a simulated enroute environment. After the trials, the ATCs documented their visual search and conflict detection strategies. Analysis of the written information shows that the visual scanning methods can be classified into six categories (circular, linear, augmented, regional, density-based, and proximity-based). The aircraft selection methods fall into three categories (select aircraft that are at same altitude, at same altitude and converging, and at same altitude and in close proximity). The aircraft comparison methods fall into five categories (attend to altitude changes, speed (or speed differences), speed and angle/bearing, overtake, and projection). The proposed integrated process incorporates the categorizations by accommodating the visual scanning strategies into the overall process.
Design and Evaluation of the Closed Runway Operation Prevention Device
Authors: Kopald Hunter , Chen Shuo
Published: October 2014

The MITRE Corporation was asked by the Federal Aviation Administration to perform an initial operational feasibility analysis on a speech recognition-based concept called the Closed Runway Operation Prevention Device (CROPD). This paper describes the activities conducted as part of the design and evaluation of the CROPD and outlines how a human-centered perspective of the system and operational environment informs the specifications of user interface design and system functionality.
A Human Systems Integration Framework for Air Traffic Management System Design and Acquisition
Authors: Stelzer Emily M. , Kopald Hunter , Stanley Raymond M. , Gawron Valerie , Rammelsberg Kurt , Flynn Robert C.
Published: October 2014

The Federal Aviation Administration is working to modernize the systems used by air traffic controllers through the agency’s vision of the Next Generation Air Transportation System. These systems are acquired through the FAA’s Acquisition Management System (AMS) process. To date, human factors analysis is included in this process, though improvements can be made in the alignment of human systems integration principles with these systems engineering processes. This paper provides a recommended human systems integration framework to support air traffic management system design, and examines two potential cases in which the framework can be used to support the process.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Authors: Cooke Nancy J. , Bennett Winston , Dougherty John , Gawron Valerie , Neville Kelly , Rowe Leah , Shattuck Lawrence
Published: October 2014

For over a decade the human factors of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS, but also known as Unmanned Aerial Systems-UAS or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles –UAV) has been the continued focus of a community of scientists and engineers. Their efforts have been highlighted in various workshops, conferences and books and range from the design of effective ground control stations to crew coordination, spatial disorientation, supervisory control of multiple vehicles, soda straw views of camera feed, and training and selection. Much progress has been made. But new problems are surfacing of a different, more complex nature. Current pressing issues such as the integration of UAS in the national airspace, training and certification of civilian pilots, or exploitation of sensor data from these platforms and concomitant privacy concerns fall within the scope of the discipline of Human Systems Integration (HSI). This panel will highlight several human systems integrations issues surrounding RPAS and will engage the audience in discussion of those issues.
Considerations Toward a General Aviation Controller-Pilot Datalink Communication Display
Authors: Hubacek Christopher J. , Deaton John E.
Published: October 2014

This study proposed the design of a graphic user interface by which pilots will be able to receive and send text messages through the on-board avionics equipment. Although the technology exists in select commercial applications, it has yet to be implemented in General Aviation (GA) operations. Because GA avionics capabilities are not as extensive as those in commercial operations, certain features required simplification or exclusion from the development consideration. The first task involved gathering user needs data from a sample of pilots through the use of an online survey. The survey provided data for user display design preferences and projected comfort of using controller-pilot datalink communication (CPDLC) methodologies in certain phases of flight. The study culminated with the development and initial usability evaluation of an interactive wireframe model. After navigating through each of seven scenarios, participants completed the After Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ) to provide feedback on the perceived ease of use and time to complete a task. At the conclusion of all scenarios, the participants completed the System Usability Scale (SUS), providing additional insight to aspects of the user experience (UX).
An Eye-tracking Study of Information Sampling and Decision-making Under Stress
Authors: Stankovic Aleksandra , Aitken Michael R.F. , Clark Luke
Published: October 2014

The objective of this study was to probe the cognitive processing of cockpit warning displays in emergency situations by assessing the effects of acute stress on information sampling and decision-making using eye tracking equipment. A novel image-matching computer task based on the Matching Familiar Figures Task (MFFT) was designed to provide a measure of cognitive impulsivity. The stress induction procedure involved a challenging manual response task coupled with unpredictable and uncontrollable bursts of loud, aversive noise, and a matched neutral control task. Healthy participants (n=40) completed the task under two conditions: neutral and stress. Participants under stress made more image matching errors and visually sampled less in terms of both saccade count and dwell time on the MFFT, and made a greater number of responses without having first sampled all information areas displayed on the screen at least once (‘premature closure’). The findings of this study may have useful implications for the design of visual information displays across a variety of industries, particularly aviation.
Transportation in an Age-Diverse Society
Authors: Lewis Bridget A. , Baldwin Carryl L. , Chrysler Susan T. , Foley James P. , Hancock Peter A. , Klauer Sheila G.
Published: October 2014

In our rapidly diversifying society the needs of sometimes vastly different populations must be considered. The current population is made up of a greater number of older adults, “Baby Boomers” and younger adults “Millenials” than the current middle aged-adult population. These two generations have consistently forced change on many fronts, and will continue to do so, particularly in the area of transportation. This panel is intended to address transportation research and design needs in our ever-diversifying society, from driver-interface (DVI) design to public transportation needs, from increased safety systems to the integration of technology for our navigation of various forms of transportation. Specifically, needs that might require researchers to consider the design of systems to address the sometimes conflicting abilities, desires, cultural and demographic factors, and personal goals related to age groups separated by anywhere from 20 to 60 years in age. Panelists included have a broad range of expertise working with technology, transportation, and both older and younger adult population groups.
Designing Aging-In-Place Technologies to Reflect the Lifestyles and Precious Artifacts of Urban and Rural Older Adults
Authors: White Ginger , Evans Robyn , Connelly Kay , Caine Kelly
Published: October 2014

Technology has the potential to support aging in place to enable older adults of all backgrounds to live with dignity and autonomy in their own home for as long as they wish. However, perceptions, needs, and prototype technologies are often studied using convenience samples of older adults comprised of mid to high socioeconomic status (SES) individuals. Such populations do not represent the individuals who may benefit most from aging in place technologies, namely low-SES older adults. In this paper, we present findings from nine 8-hour long contextual observations of low-SES older adults living in rural and urban settings. We organize our findings and implications around the themes of SES status, daily routines and home characteristics. We highlight differences and similarities between rural and urban low-SES populations and discuss implications for design including designing for connection including creating “heirloom technologies”, and designing for lifestyle including space, time, family and supporting rituals.
Intentional and Unintentional Medication Nonadherence – Comparing Older and Younger Adults
Authors: Ng Jamie , Moon Seung Ki , Park Taezoon , Tan Wah-Pheow
Published: October 2014

Medication is often prescribed for the management of chronic diseases. However, studies have shown that a substantial proportion of patients do not adhere to the medication regime as prescribed by their doctors. In the recent years, medication-taking behaviors have been considered from a reasoned decision-making perspective, where medication nonadherence is categorized into unintentional (due to suboptimal cognitive performance) or intentional (due to doubts about the necessity of the medication) factors. To better understand the factors leading to medication nonadherence, we surveyed 347 participants to understand their medication adherence behavior, reasons for nonadherence, medication management strategies and interests in medication knowledge. We compared between older and younger adults and found significant differences in their attitudes towards medication adherence. Younger adults were found to be less adherent, with higher reports of unintentional medication nonadherence, than older adults; while pillbox use was not found to be associated with age nor adherence level.
Understanding Care Coordination for Chronically ill Patients
Authors: Kianfar Sarah , Carayon Pascale , Hundt Ann Schoofs , Hoonakker Peter
Published: October 2014

Care coordination is important for chronically ill patients who need assistance from a variety of care professionals, and often transition through different care settings. This paper provides an overview of coordination and its implications for the care of chronically ill patients. Using 12 interviews of different healthcare professionals involved in coordinating care of chronically ill patients, we provide examples of care coordination situations (e.g., patient discharged home with home health services) and identify coordination activities (e.g., communication for arranging resources, building relationships to facilitate information exchange, monitoring patients to plan follow up care) performed by different healthcare professionals.
Facilitators and Barriers to Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in the Redesign of the Family-Centered Rounds Process
Authors: Xie Anping , Carayon Pascale , Cartmill Randi , Li Yaqiong , Cox Elizabeth D. , Kelly Michelle M.
Published: October 2014

A human factors approach to healthcare system redesign emphasizes the involvement of multiple stakeholders in the process. This study identifies work system factors facilitating and hindering the collaboration of multiple stakeholders in a healthcare system redesign project. We interviewed 10 stakeholders participating in the redesign of the family-centered rounds process in a pediatric hospital, and conducted qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts using the work system model of Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989). Various facilitators and barriers to stakeholder collaboration in healthcare system redesign were identified, such as personal characteristics, team characteristics, organizational structure and culture. Results of this study can be used to improve the process used to redesign healthcare work systems and processes that involve multiple stakeholders.
Age-related Differences in Attentional Failures during Driving
Authors: Choi HeeSun , Feng Jing
Published: October 2014

Older drivers experience increasing risks of vehicle crashes. This increase in crash risks has been associated with age-related declines in attention. To assess attentional failures during driving, we develop a self-report measure, the Attentional Failures during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ). In this paper, we describe the development of the questionnaire and our preliminary effort to examine its reliability and validity via an online survey. The results demonstrated a high level of internal consistency of the questionnaire. In addition, we found that self-reported attentional failures during driving are not only associated with self-reported attentional and cognitive failures during other daily activities, but also related to unsafe driving behaviors and self-efficacy in driving. Our results also showed significant age-related differences in the AFDQ score: old-old drivers (age 75+) reported a higher level of attentional failures during driving than middle-aged drivers (age 25-64) and young-old drivers (age 65-74). These preliminary results indicate the potential use of AFDQ as a measure of attentional performance during driving for older drivers.
Workload from Nuclear Power Plant Task Types Across Repeated Sessions
Authors: Leis Rebecca , Reinerman-Jones Lauren , Mercado Joseph , Barber Daniel , Sollins Brandon
Published: October 2014

Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) operators complete multiple types of tasks within Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs). Due to the potential serious consequences of committing an error, it is important to determine if the workload (WL) demands operators encounter are at acceptable levels. This study investigates whether there are workload differences are distinct between task types and if there is a difference between each task type over multiple sessions in a simulated environment. Previous research supports that EEG, ECG, and the NASA-TLX are sensitive to changes in WL. The present preliminary experiment sought to investigate WL changes for experienced participants over a number of sessions and task types. During each session, participants completed tasks derived from a combination of EOPs and subject matter expert input that consisted of checking, detection, and response implementation task types. WL changes were measured through EEG, ECG, and NASA-TLX responses. The results indicate that WL differences were found among the different task types, but not sessions. The implications for these findings are discussed in detail.
Cognitive State Assessment
Authors: Sciarini Lee W. , Grubb Jefferson D. , Fatolitis Philip G.
Published: October 2014

This effort investigated the ability of a neurophysiological measure to detect changes in workload during a task which is sensitive to cognitive function. A growing collection of research suggests that physiological measures such as EEG can be used to inform the adaptation of systems. However, it has been proposed that such measures often provide a gross interpretation of cognitive workload during complex tasks and are not sensitive to differences in specific cognitive function. To understand the utility of neurophysiological measures for human-machine interaction, we must know if these measures are sensitive to tasks which are sensitive to changes in cognitive function. To begin to answer this question, we investigated the sensitivity of Advanced Brain Monitoring’s EEG-based measures to changes in workload experienced during a Stroop task. Results indicated that ABM’s workload measure can detect changes associated with the attentional demands and cognitive processes linked to the ability to inhibit word naming during tasks involving semantic interference. This indicates that changes in workload associated with the ability to inhibit competing cognitive processes can be identified using neurophysiological workload measures.
The Effects of Workload Transitions in a Multitasking Environment
Authors: Bowers Margaret A. , Christensen James C. , Eggemeier F. Thomas
Published: October 2014

Interest in workload transitions is centered on the hypothesis that transitions from one level of task difficulty to another may negatively impact performance on those tasks, and result in potentially critical impacts on professionals such as air traffic controllers and emergency medical staff. The current study sought to determine the effect of workload transitions on participants’ neurophysiological signals and performance. Participants completed trials in the Air Force Multi-Attribute Task Battery (AF-MATB; Miller, 2010), while Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrocardiography (ECG) and Electrooculogram (EOG) signals were recorded. All participants completed AF-MATB trials that delivered consistently low or high task difficulty, and trials that transitioned from an easy level to a difficult level and vice versa. Additionally, participants completed the NASA Task Load Index to assess subjective workload, and the shortened Dundee Stress State Questionnaire to measure subjective task-related stress during their testing sessions. Analyses of the performance data provide limited support for a negative impact of transitions from hard-to-easy, and the analysis of both the NASA Task Load Index and of the shortened Dundee State Questionnaire did not reveal any significant differences related to workload transitions. Analysis of the EEG data revealed that temporal gamma oscillations rapidly changed following a transition and settled after easy-to-hard changes in task difficulty, but settled more slowly after the task transitioned from hard-to-easy. Frontal theta oscillations, in contrast, exhibited consistently rapid settling which may indicate rapid changes in working memory utilization and conflict resolution (Gevins, et al., 1997). These EEG results suggest potential for further research.
Augmented Cognition using Real-time EEG-based Adaptive Strategies for Air Traffic Control
Authors: Abbass Hussein A. , Tang Jiangjun , Amin Rubai , Ellejmi Mohamed , Kirby Stephen
Published: October 2014

Future air traffic systems aim at increasing both the capacity and safety of the system, necessitating the development of new metrics and advisory tools for controllers’ workload in real-time. Psychophysiologi-cal data such as Electroencephalography (EEG) are used to contrast and validate subjective assessments and workload indices. EEG used within augmented cognition systems form situation awareness advisory tools that are able to provide real-time feedback to air-traffic control supervisors and planners. This aug-mented cognition system and experiments using the system with air traffic controllers are presented. Traf-fic indicators are used in conjunction with EEG-driven cognitive indicators to adapt the traffic in real-time through Computational Red Teaming (CRT) based adaptive control mechanisms. The metrics, measures, and adaptive control mechanisms are described and evaluated. The best mechanism to improve system ef-ficacy was found when the system allowed for real-time adaptation of traffic based on engagement met-rics driven from the EEG data.
Automation Complacency
Authors: Kidwell Brian D. , Miller William D. , Parasuraman Raja
Published: October 2014

Automation complacency has been considered by some to result from a state of mindlessness. An attentional framework offered by Parasuraman and Manzey (2010) has suggested that automation bias and complacency may be overlapping functions of the same central cognitive process, with attentional resources as the shared mechanism. Non-invasive brain stimulation methods present novel ways to manipulate attentional resources and influence operator allocation of attention. Study results indicate that positive stimulation affects complex task performance, although not necessarily evenly across task function. Stimulation effects on complacency potential may be modulated by an operator’s automation bias. This has broad implications for interface design, as well cognitive theory of human-automation interaction.
Submarine Navigation Team Resilience
Authors: Stevens Ronald , Galloway Trysha , Lamb Cynthia
Published: October 2014

Advances in the assessment of submarine piloting and navigation teams have created opportunities for linking behavioral observations of team performances with neurodynamic measures of team organization, synchrony and change. Submarine navigation teams (n=12) were fitted with EEG headsets and recorded while conducting required navigation simulations. In parallel, their performances were assessed for team resilience by two evaluators using a team process rubric adopted by the Submarine Force. EEG models of team synchrony were created symbolically which identified times when there was increased across-team cognitive organization induced by the simulation and / or interactions with other crew members. One set of these organizations was observed in the 10 Hz EEG frequency band and coincided with the periodic activity of updating the ship’s position (e.g. Rounds). There were also periods of increased team synchrony between 25-40 Hz which were present during some Rounds events but were more prominent with task changes or when the team was stressed. More resilient teams had fewer periods of team synchrony and these were of smaller magnitude than those found in less resilient teams. These results indicate that both routine and unexpected activities trigger increased neurophysiologic synchrony / coherence in teams and that periods of persistent synchrony may signal a team being challenged.
What Happens When You Can’t Press Pause? The Effect of Interruptions on Detecting Threats in A Simulated Closed-Circuit Television Surveillance Feed
Authors: Miller William D. , Boehm-Davis Deborah A. , Stanard Terry
Published: October 2014

The present study investigated the effect of interruptions on the ability to detect and report threatening behaviors on 20-second clips of simulated low frame-rate closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage. Participants reviewed clips and were occasionally interrupted approximately halfway through and asked to complete a secondary task for 20 seconds. When the interruption expired, participants resumed viewing the clip, either from where the clip left off or from a later point in time. An analysis of the threats reported by participants revealed that after being interrupted, threats in clips that resumed exactly where they were interrupted were more likely to be detected. If the clip resumed at a later point in time, participants were less likely to recall the threats they had observed before the interruption. This finding highlights the particularly disruptive nature of interruptions in a naturalistic setting and necessitates further investigation into how these effects can be mitigated.
Staying in the Zone
Authors: Roberts Ruby C. , Flin Rhona , Cleland Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Situation Awareness (SA) issues are often identified as contributing factors to drilling incidents, most recently in the Deepwater Horizon blowout. Two studies aimed to identify the cognitive components required for offshore drillers to develop and maintain SA whilst controlling subsea hydrocarbon wells. In study one, critical incident interviews were conducted with 18 experienced drilling personnel. Transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis, producing a framework of cognitive processes that enable drillers to build up an understanding of what is happening in the well bore and surrounding environment, predicting how the situation may develop. In the second study, analysis of 24 hours of observations (in-vivo and video) from a high fidelity well control simulator suggest behaviors such as monitoring and crew sharing information contribute to the drillers’ SA. The findings highlight the importance of SA for safe and effective performance in drilling and are being used to develop a cognitive task analysis.
The Good Stranger Frame for Police and Military Activities
Authors: Klein Gary , Klein Helen Altman , Lande Brian , Borders Joseph , Whitaker James C.
Published: October 2014

We sought to understand how some police officers and military personnel are more effective than others at increasing civilian good will following encounters. Such officers can be termed “Good Strangers” (GSs). We conducted Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) interviews with 17 U.S. police officers and 24 warfighters (Marines and Army soldiers). The CTA interviews yielded a total of 92 incidents, which were used to identify critical skills for training warfighters to become GSs. These skills supported a professional identity as a GS – seeking opportunities to increase civilian trust in police/military. Increasing trust from civilians requires skills in gaining voluntary compliance, building rapport, de-escalating conflicts, trading-off risk versus trust building, and taking the perspective of civilians.
Characterization of Information Automation on the Flight Deck
Authors: Dudley Rachel , Dorneich Michael C. , Letsu-Dake Emmanuel , Rogers William , Whitlow Stephen D. , Dillard Michael , Nelson Erik
Published: October 2014

This paper summarizes the results of analyses to identify characteristics of flight deck information automation systems which can lead to potential human factors issues. Information automation systems are responsible for the collection, processing, analysis, and presentation of information to the flightcrew. Information automation systems can pose human factors issues and challenges particular to this type of automation. This paper presents a formal definition of information automation and identifies characteristics and associated human factors issues in the domain of aircraft flight deck systems. A method was developed to identify a set of consistent and independent characteristics of information automation. Characteristics, a set of properties or attributes which describe its operation or behavior, can be used to identify and assess potential human factors issues. This effort lays the groundwork for providing data to support the development of recommendations specific to different characteristics of information automation.
Using Cognitive Task Analysis to Investigate the Contribution of Informal Education to Developing Cyber Security Expertise
Authors: Champion Michael , Jariwala Shree , Ward Paul , Cooke Nancy J.
Published: October 2014

Current education systems must respond to meet the increasing need for cyber security and information technology (IT) professionals. However, little research has been conducted on understanding the development of expertise in cyber security and IT, the efficacy of current systems designed to accelerate expertise and/or train cyber security and IT professionals, and the perceived efficacy of these systems rated by the professionals themselves. Moreover, virtually no research exists with respect to the benefit of traditional (classroom-based) formal education compared to informal (self-taught) learning in these complex settings. This paper attempts to address these questions through the use of an online survey of professionals and a follow-up interview with professionals examining this question.
Discussion Panel
Authors: Roth Emilie M. , O’Hara John , Bisantz Ann , Endsley Mica R. , Hoffman Robert , Klein Gary , Militello Laura , Pfautz Jonathan D.
Published: October 2014

Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) has become part of the standard tool set of cognitive engineering. CTAs are routinely used to understand the cognitive and collaborative demands that contribute to performance problems, the basis of expertise, as well as the opportunities to improve performance through new forms of training, user interfaces, or decision aids. While the need to conduct CTAs has become well established, there is little in the way of available guidance with respect to ‘best practice’ for how to conduct a CTA or how to evaluate the quality of a CTA that has been conducted by others. This is an important gap as the range of consumers of CTAs is expanding to include program managers and regulators who may need to make decisions based on CTA findings. This panel brings together some of the leaders in development and application of CTA methods to address the question: Given the variety of methods available, and the lack of rigid guidance on how to perform a CTA, how does one judge the quality of a CTA?” The goal of the panel is to explore points of consensus with respect to ‘best practice’ in conducting and evaluating a CTA, in spite of differences in particular CTA methods, as well as to draw insights from unique and provocative perspectives.
Characterizing naval team readiness through social network analysis
Authors: Schraagen Jan Maarten , Post Wilfried
Published: October 2014

Characterizing a team’s level of readiness in an efficient and objective way is important for organizations such as the military. Current methods to characterize real-time team interaction know limitations that may be addressed by social network analysis techniques. The purpose of the current field study was to investigate the usefulness of these techniques by applying them to two naval teams, one more experienced than the other. We observed how these teams responded during an actual training exercise to a comparable scenario and recorded their communication processes. The descriptive, non-inferential, results showed that, at the network level, the more experienced team displayed higher levels of information sharing and team member participation compared to the less experienced team. At the actor level, the team coordinator played a much more central role in the more experienced team, whereas in the less experienced team this role was taken up by various other team members.
Towards a Team Mental Model of Collaborative Information Seeking during Team Decision-Making
Authors: McNeese Nathan J. , Reddy Madhu C. , Friedenberg Evan M.
Published: October 2014

Team decision-making (TDM) is composed of many activities. One important aspect of TDM is information seeking, particularly collaborative information seeking (CIS). Within CIS research, the role of team cognition and the development of team mental models (TMMs) have not been well-studied. In this paper, we examine the development of TMMs during CIS activities. Utilizing qualitative knowledge elicitation methods, we conducted an exploratory laboratory-based study of student teams working on CIS tasks. We report on how the teams describe TMM development, the teamwork and taskwork aspects of the TMM, and the attributes supporting TMM development. The results highlight that the process of TMM development during CIS is similar to TMM development research reported in other studies. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first research to attempt to understand the role of team cognition in CIS and describe the development of a TMM specific to CIS.
Human Trust in Other Humans, Automation, Robots, and Cognitive Agents
Authors: Parasuraman Raja , de Visser Ewart , Wiese Eva , Madhavan Poornima
Published: October 2014

Performance in many work environments depends on appropriate levels of trust being established between humans and their colleagues, as well as with various automated agents. Although there is a large literature on trust, it is diversified according to academic discipline, with little contact between or integration across disciplines. Empirical studies directly comparing and characterizing the similarities and differences between human-human and human-automation trust are relatively rare. Additionally, the neural mechanisms of trust have only been studied in the context of interpersonal trust and not human-automation trust. This panel represents an initial attempt to bridge these gaps. The panelists will discuss recent research aimed at characterizing human-human and human-agent trust in relation to one another and with respect to the underlying neural mechanisms. Finally, the panelists will discuss the design and training implications of these recent research findings.
Using iconic cues to recover from fixation on tablet devices in the cockpit
Authors: Loveday T. , Wiggins M. W.
Published: October 2014

Tablet devices are increasingly used as electronic flight bags in general aviation. However, there are risks associated with the use of such devices in the aviation context, particularly if the pilot becomes fixated and loses situation awareness. The present study investigated the effectiveness of presenting iconic cues and generic icons on a tablet device interface as a means of reengaging pilots with aircraft flight systems following a failure. The results indicated that the participants were faster to respond to simulated aircraft failures when icons were associated with the cause of the failure, and slower when they were associated with a related aircraft indicator or with a generic event. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Indication of Direction with Digital Map – Effects of Display Size and Time Constraints
Authors: Oskarsson Per-Anders , Svensson Jonathan , Johansson Björn J.E. , Hellgren Charlotte
Published: October 2014

Dismounted soldiers today use digital support for navigation and presentation of direction, and most likely such support will become standard equipment. Therefore, it is important to investigate how factors such as display size and performance time influence the ability to transform information on the map to positions in the terrain. An experiment was performed with two display sizes (3.5-inch and 9.7-inch). The participants’ task was to indicate direction to positions in the terrain represented by target symbols on a digital map with four different time limits (5s, 10s, 15s, and 20s). Participants with low spatial ability (measured by PTSOT) had lower precision with the small display, whereas participants with medium and high spatial ability performed equally well with both displays. When the time limit was shortened, task load increased, but performance was not affected. The results also confirm that important aspects of spatial ability can be discriminated by PTSOT.