bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Application of a Generation Method of Human Models for Ergonomic Product Design in Virtual Environment
Authors: Ryu Taebeum , Jung In-Jun , You Heecheon , Kim Kwang-Jae
Published: January 2012

A group of digital human models with various sizes which properly represents a population under consideration is needed in the design process of an ergonomic product in virtual environment. The present study proposes a two-step method which produces a representative group of human models in terms of stature and weight. The proposed method first generates a designated number of pairs of stature and weight within an accommodation range from the bivariate normal distribution of stature and weight of the target population. Then, from each pair of stature and weight, the method determines the sizes of body segments by using ‘hierarchical’ regression models and corresponding prediction distributions of individual values. The suggested method was applied to the 1988 US Army anthropometric survey data and implemented to a web-based system which generates a representative group of human models for the following parameters: nationality, gender, accommodation percentage, and number of human models.
The Mental Rotation Tutors: A Flexible, Computer-Based Tutoring Model for Intelligent Problem Selection
Authors: Romoser Matthew R. E. , Woolf Beverly P. , Bergeron Dan , Fisher Donald L.
Published: January 2012

The present research focuses on the development of an intelligent, computer-based tutoring model for selecting problems in domains where multiple skills are needed to solve a problem and the reasons for errors are not easily diagnosed. In this paper we report on the development and evaluation of the Mental Rotation Tutors and the intelligent models driving the problem selection engine or “domain reasoner”. The domain reasoner evaluated each student based upon seven different core skills and chose the next problem based upon the student's level of proficiency in all seven areas. Two versions of the tutor were developed. The first versions targeted improving the student's ability to infer what combination of rotations were required to go from one view to another. The second version targeted improving the student's ability to apply a provided set of rotations to an object and report the final orientation. The results of two successive experiments demonstrated that students with low spatial ability derived the most measurable benefit from interacting with the tutors. The tutors also successfully diagnosed students' skill levels and provided problems that were appropriate to each student's current level of proficiency.
Perceptions and Performance as Indicators of Universal Design's Claimed Benefits
Authors: Danford Gary Scott
Published: January 2012

This field research project examined the claim that universally designed environments are significantly more usable by all consumers than equivalent non-universally designed environments. To test that claim, the project developed and tested two universal design outcome measures that examined subjective and objective indicators of environments' usability. These measures were then applied in case studies of buildings currently in use that varied in their design features' acknowledgment of the seven Principles of Universal Design.
Survey of Opinions and Judgments on Load Carrying among Soldiers Engaged in Combat
Authors: Sampson James B. , Weismantel Julie T. , Dean Charles E. , DuPont Frederick J.
Published: January 2012

A questionnaire survey of opinions and judgments about load carrying techniques was distributed to soldiers operating in Afghanistan in 2003. The soldiers completed the surveys between combat missions. One hundred fifty three questionnaires were fully completed. The questionnaire was designed to determine preferences and understanding of load carrying relative to requirements for executing combat tasks. Questions were derived from statements about the biomechanics and comfort of load carrying during military movement. Results show that awareness of effective load carriage techniques is a function of military experience. Knowledge about how to carry loads was not uniform throughout those surveyed. Significantly different responses were obtained for soldiers with less than 4 years experience as compared to soldiers with 4 – 7 years and to those with more than 7 years of military experience. Findings suggest there may be a need for special training in load carriage early in the career of infantrymen.
Integrating Task Analysis in Software Usability Evaluation: A Case Study
Authors: Tang Zhihua , Zhang Jiajie , Johnson Todd R. , Bernstam Elmer , Tindall Douglas
Published: January 2012

This paper describes a task analysis approach to usability engineering a digital Emergency Medical Services system. In a hierarchical task analysis, we decomposed user's workflow into major tasks and examined the compatibility between software functionality and user's work process. In a cognitive task analysis, we built an expanded GOMS model to account for user interaction at the procedural level. The analyses revealed that the system's physical setup made it difficult to be integrated into user's primary patient care tasks and that the interface design put high demand on users' information processing resources at both the cognitive and perceptual-motor levels. These results complemented our previous work of heuristic evaluation of the same system but allowed us to examine software usability issues in a broader context as well as at a more fundamental level. The expanded GOMS analysis technique we introduced here is also useful in the revision of the software's user interface.
Head Accelerations Experienced during Everyday Activities and While Riding Roller Coasters
Authors: Arndt Steven R. , Cargill Robert S. , Hammoud P. E. Selim
Published: January 2012

Recently much attention has been paid to head accelerations experienced during roller coaster rides and their association with brain injuries (Smith and Meaney, 2002, Braksiek and Roberts, 2002). This paper provides a context for comparing head accelerations experienced on roller coasters to some activities of daily living (ADL) and other recreational activities. Historically, research dealing with head accelerations has come in two main areas. First, accelerations that are very short duration events occurring during direct or indirect head impacts. Second, longer duration accelerations that occur during events like flying an airplane. A third but much smaller set of data is available for events that fall between these two classic types of head acceleration. Simply reporting ”maximum g's” without a consideration of the duration, direction, or type of the acceleration does not provide an accurate description of the event, nor does it directly predict the likelihood of an injury. This paper presents results from a review of the literature and several studies conducted by the authors to compare the magnitudes and durations of head accelerations experienced during ADL and from riding a sample of roller coasters.
Printed Warning Statements and Signal Words on Intended Carefulness
Authors: Lim Raymond W. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Previous research on textual warnings has mainly focused on individual signal words, but much less research has concerned signal words in context within warnings. The current study investigated printed (visual) warnings statements that contained signal words paired with hazard and instruction statements. These statements have been previously used in research on voice (auditory) warnings by Barzegar and Wogalter (2000). The results showed that participants rated warning statements containing hazard and instruction information paired with the signal word ”DEADLY” significantly higher on intended carefulness than the same statements paired with the signal word ”DANGER.” Statements paired with a signal word were rated higher than statements without a signal word. Overall, the pattern of the ratings for the printed statements in this study concurs with that of Barzegar's and Wogalter (2000) voice warning data. Implications and suggestions to the design of effective warning statements are discussed.
An Electronic Instruction Manual and Checklist for Steam Boiler Start-Up
Authors: Tokuda Satoru , Rantanen Esa M. , de Sather Jessica C. M. Gonzalez
Published: January 2012

Development of an electronic user manual/checklist for a steam-generating power plant boiler start-up is described. Human factors guidelines for development of effective instructional materials were reviewed. Subject matter experts (experienced operators at the power plant) were used to gain requisite knowledge in the procedures and tasks involved in start-up of a steam boiler. Functions of the main components in the power plant and boilers were studied in relevant literature. The new manual/checklist includes description of the system components as part of operative actions and separate actions are arranged into categorical groups, each associated with informative headings. Flowcharts are used to guide users through complex procedures and pictures of critical plant components are provided. All sentences to explain actions are simple and have fewer than 20 words. Several operators have checked and proofread the new manual multiple times and agreed that its contents are accurate and error-free.
Using the Estimated Number of Drivers on the Roadway as an Exposure Measure to Evaluate Accident Risk
Authors: Sweeney Margaret M. , Giesbrecht Lee , Bose Jonaki
Published: January 2012

Young drivers have been identified as a group at high risk for fatigue-related accidents, particularly during the nighttime hours (Pack et al.). However, there is a probable relationship between nighttime fatigue-related accidents and the number of young drivers on the road during this same time period. This paper introduces a measure of exposure, the number of drivers on the road for a given hour, and evaluates its affect on fatal accident and fatigue-related fatal accident rates. Data from the National Household Travel Survey 2001 and the Fatality Analysis Reporting System are used. Overall, fatal accident and fatal fatigue-related accident rates are low but the increased risk of young drivers, particularly during the nighttime hours is highlighted.
Investigating the Effect of Performing Voice Recognition Tasks on the Detection of Forward and Peripheral Events
Authors: Schreiner Christopher , Blanco Myra , Hankey Jonathan M.
Published: January 2012

This research investigates the ability of a driver to detect forward and peripheral events while driving and interacting with a voice recognition system. Thirty-seven participants took part in a driving experiment on a closed highway. Participants performed phone dialing tasks using either a voice recognition system simulation or a manual cell phone while driving. Participants also monitored two lights: one mounted on the hood of the vehicle and one on the left side mirror. Participants were instructed to press a foot pedal when a light appeared (i.e., event). Data were collected on drivers' glance locations as well as their responses to events. Results suggested that voice recognition dialing generally resulted in better visual scanning of the environment and response time to events than manual dialing. In addition, for younger participants, performance using the voice recognition system was similar to baseline driving, while older participants showed performance decrements for all tasks relative to baseline driving.
The Human Challenges of Command and Control with Multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Hunn Bruce P.
Published: January 2012

The unmanned aerial vehicle represents a significant challenge to its operators since they are literally out of touch with the system they control. Operating from remote sites miles from the vehicle they control, they are isolated by space and time from a direct connection to the machine they operate. While the pilot of a manned aircraft can always receive some type of direct feedback from the machine they operate, even if they lose all their control and display systems, they can still perceive many qualities of that machine's system state merely from their senses. However, in contrast, the unmanned system is based solely on an electronic link connecting the operator to their vehicle. This paper will review the historical trends in remote vehicle operation and discuss state-of-the-art in remote control systems as they apply to single or multiple unmanned aerial vehicles.
Adaptive Information Fusion for Situation Awareness in the Cockpit
Authors: Waldron Samuel M. , Duggan Geoffrey B. , Patrick John , Banbury Simon , Howes Andrew
Published: January 2012

Evidence is provided pointing to potential caveats associated with the use of information fusion techniques in the cockpit. Six pilots each with a minimum of ten years flight experience completed a series of missions using a simulated future jet cockpit. Each trial required a pilot to guide their aircraft towards a fixed location. The pilot was required to estimate the position of this location both during and five minutes after the flight. Different types of fusion were manipulated with regard to the information presented on a touchscreen display — Fused, Fused Drill-Down, and UnFused. Data suggested that information fusion alone can have negative consequences for both task performance and subsequent recollection of information. It is argued that reductions in system transparency and transfer-appropriate processing may account for these findings.
An Examination of Situation Awareness and Confidence within a Distributed Multinational Coalition
Authors: Lichacz Frederick M. J.
Published: January 2012

A simulated conflict resolution scenario was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a new military force structure called Effects Based Operations (EBO). This paper reports on the ability of an instantiation of an EBO approach to facilitate team SA, and the calibration of confidence and SA among members of a multinational coalition during this simulation.
Effects of Information Source, Pedigree, and Reliability on Operators' Utilizaton of Diagnostic Advice
Authors: Madhavan Poornima , Wiegmann Douglas A.
Published: January 2012

Studies have demonstrated that humans appear to apply norms of humanhuman interaction to their interaction with machines. Yet, there exist subtle differences in peoples' perceptions of automated aids compared to humans. We examined factors differentiating human-human and human-automation interaction, wherein participants (n = 180) performed a luggage-screening task with the assistance of human or automated advisers that differed in pedigree (expert vs. novice) and reliability (high vs. low). Dependence on advice was assessed. Participants agreed more with an automated 'novice' than a human 'novice' suggesting a bias toward automation. Automation biases broke down when automated aids portrayed as 'experts' generated errors, leading to a drop in compliance and reliance on automation relative to humans. The results have implications for the development of theoretical and computational models of optimal user dependence on decision aids.
Terminal Radar Approach Control: Measures of Voice Communication System Performance
Authors: Prinzo O. Veronika
Published: January 2012

When the National Airspace System migrates from its current ground infrastructure and voice communications system to one that encompasses ground and satellite systems, digital data will be the principal communications medium. As technological advances lead to innovations in communications system development, those emerging systems will be evaluated against existing performance parameters. Baseline parameters were derived from waveform analysis performed on 8000 pilot and controller transmissions acquired from the five busiest TRACON facilities in the USA. The major findings were that communications occur quickly and with minimal silence between successive transmissions. Disruptions to efficient information transfer can result from blocked, stepped-on, and clipped transmissions — which occurred in 1.2% of the sampled transmissions. Even so, when transmissions were completely blocked an audible alarm (spoken word ‘blocked’ or heterodyning) typically alerted the controllers to their presence. Future systems developers may want to exploit and expand this capability to include stepped-on and clipped transmissions.
Evaluation of Mouse Pads Designed to Enhance Gaming Performance
Authors: Slocum Jeremy , Thompson Shelby , Chaparro Barbara
Published: January 2012

In recent years, competitive computer gaming has enjoyed a rise in popularity. Marketers of gaming accessories make claims as to how their product can improve user performance. An experiment was conducted examining three specialized mouse pads. Results indicated no performance difference between the specialized mouse pads, a traditional mouse pad and no mouse pad. No significant differences were found between each of the mousing surfaces based on kinematic data. The results suggest that manufacturers claim of increased performance can not be supported by empirical evidence.
Virtual Field Trips: Synthetic Experiences and Learning
Authors: Sanchez Alicia D. , Cuevas Haydee M. , Fiore Stephen M. , Cannon-Bowers Janis A.
Published: January 2012

Founded on the principles of experiential learning and anchored instruction, Virtual Field Trips utilize state-of-the art technologies to create immersive, multi-sensory, interactive experiences with real world environments. Virtual Field Trips are designed to be an integral part of a technology-enabled educational system to teach targeted material and motivate students.
Web-Based Distance Learning Technology: Does Appearance Matter?
Authors: Pomales-García Cristina , Liu Yili , Mendez David
Published: January 2012

This research examines the impact of several aesthetic/appearance characteristics of web-based distance learning environments on information recall and perceived content difficulty. Six webbased instructional modules were used, which consisted of fragments of different lectures, each containing a different topic and ranging between three to six minutes in length. The results show that appearance/aesthetic judgments do matter and they offer additional insights into the effectiveness of instructional methods beyond traditional performance measures. In this study the appearance/aesthetic judgments changed as participants were exposed to a series of modules over time in a way that is different from the corresponding performance changes. The integration of aesthetic/appearance judgments in the evaluation of web-based distance learning technology gives us valuable insights to deepen our understanding of what characteristics of the technology make it more appealing and successful.
Sitting or Standing for Computer Work — Does a Negative-Tilt Keyboard Tray Make a Difference?
Authors: Hedge Alan , Jagdeo Jason , Agarwal Anshu , Rockey-Harris Kate
Published: January 2012

The effects of using an electric height-adjustable worksurface, with and without the addition of a negative-tilt keyboard tray, on wrist posture, comfort, typing performance and body movements was studied. Eighteen subjects experienced four test conditions: typing while sitting with the keyboard on a flat surface or negative tilt keyboard tray, and standing with the keyboard on a flat surface or negative tilt keyboard tray. Results show that the most neutral typing wrist posture (least wrist extension) was maintained when sitting rather than standing. There was a slight wrist posture benefit with the negative tilt tray for both sitting and standing. Sitting with a negative-tilt tray was the most comfortable condition. Sitting was more comfortable than standing. No performance differences between conditions were found. When sitting there was more foot movement than when standing. When standing there was more weight shifting than when sitting.
Effects of Reducing Enclosure on Perceptions of Occupancy Quality, Job Satisfaction, and Job Performance in Open-Plan Offices
Authors: Brand Jay L. , Smith Thomas J.
Published: January 2012

Results from two field studies are reported: a quasi-experiment of changing from 60—64 inch to 36—42 inch partition heights at a multi-national corporation, and a comparison of two office areas at a global manufacturer. In the first study, both control and experimental participants endured moving, but only the experimental group experienced any change in partition height. A quantitative, subjective survey provided work environment ratings before, immediately after, and six months after the change. The results show that in general, this was a negative change for users, although some non-significant trends suggested that-defined at the group level-one or two outcomes may have been positive. Using a much more extensive instrument, the second study found several differences in occupant ratings of workplace design as a function of differences in the physical environments. A framework is outlined for interpreting these results in terms of individual (i.e., privacy) and group (i.e., communication) needs.
Beyond Requirements: Improving Software Tools for Intelligence Analysts
Authors: Geitz Sarah , Moon Brian , D'Amico Anita , Hoffman Robert R. , Page Rob
Published: January 2012

The goal of this panel is to discuss critical human factors concerns in the development of software for intelligence analysts. The panel presentations are designed to provide a high level overview of the software development process, the intelligence analysis process, and the challenges encountered in both obtaining user feedback. Presentations will examine a variety of issues including the analysis of imagery, text, information assurance, data fusion, visualization models and in establishing situational awareness, as well as empowering analysts with open source software.

The panel discussion will focus on extracting generic processes that can be applied to obtaining more accurate software metrics, requirements and solutions from a world where certain topics cannot be discussed. Methods and metaphors for better describing to individuals working outside of the classified world the context a within which a tool will be used, may be touched upon, as well as identifying ways of overcoming both internal and external politics. Human factors concerns may also be addressed, such as evaluating how trust affects the feedback received from individual analysts and communication and interaction within and between groups of analysts. Identifying and overcoming potential perceptual problems in the software development process will also be discussed.

The anticipated outcome of the panel will be to target individual processes, techniques and technologies that can be applied to obtaining requirements to support cognitive processes, which can in turn be applied developing software tools that better fit the needs intelligence analysts.
Spatial Orientation Using Echolocation — Characterising Signals for Downconversion
Authors: Davies T. Claire , Pinder Shane D.
Published: January 2012

Individuals with visual impairments sometimes use echolocation for spatial orientation and obstacle detection. An advantage to echolocation is the ability to determine the location of obstacles without physical contact. Echolocation has essentially become obsolete with the increase in environmental noise. If echolocation could be performed at ultrasound and downconverted directly to the auditory domain, visually impaired travellers may be better able to spatially orient. As a first step in this project, we needed to determine auditory signals that could have the potential to allow us to extract meaningful spatial information from the environment. To do this, we evaluated different possible clicks for obstacle detection, examined the ability to determine wall distance with low and high frequency sounds, and finally we used low and high frequency sounds to quantify feedback echoes as a spatial environment changes. This preliminary work showed that echoes that are carried on a higher frequency carrier can be downconverted to produce similar signals to those produced when echoed in the auditory domain directly.
The Future of Medical Training and the Need for Human Factors
Authors: Scerbo Mark W.
Published: January 2012

Within the last five years, several events have taken place that will have a profound effect on the practice of medicine and patient safety. First, medical virtual reality simulators have been developed for training minimally invasive and other forms of surgical procedures. Second, evidence is beginning to show that surgeons who train with this technology are more skillful when they operate on genuine patients. Third, several regulatory agencies will soon begin to require this technology for training and certification. At present, most medical virtual reality simulators have been developed with little or no human factors involvement, but the need for human factors knowledge and expertise is paramount. In this paper, I describe what I perceive to be the top 10 areas where human factors professionals can contribute to the evolution and adoption of this new technology.
Counting on ACT-R to Represent Time
Authors: Cassenti Daniel N. , Reifers Andrew L.
Published: January 2012

Temporal issues consistently factor into decisions, yet surprisingly few research studies have explored how to model temporal cognition. We developed an Adaptive Control of Thought — Rational (ACT-R, e.g., Anderson & Lebiere, 1998) model to help account for how people estimate time, one of many issues in temporal cognition. According to the model, people adjust the lengths of words through abbreviation or extension and produce the words at a rate in tune with the rate of environmental events. This procedure allows an individual to synchronize with regular intervals of time in the environment and produce just-in-time responses to events. This type of approach incorporates a behavioral aspect to time estimation and an ACT-R model of temporal cognition that requires no changes to the architecture of ACT-R.
A Conceptual Framework for Dynamic Prioritization in Multiple-Task Scenarios
Authors: Zhang Guoxi , Feyen Robert G.
Published: January 2012

Prioritizing tasks appropriately is particularly critical when performing multiple tasks concurrently. Although necessary to achieve one's goals or avoid serious consequences, prioritization has not received much attention in the research literature, especially with respect to modeling human performance computationally. A conceptual framework that integrates several motivational theories, empirical studies, and neuroscience research is proposed to guide future studies of dynamic prioritization in multiple-goal contexts. Rooted in control theory, the proposed framework illustrates self-regulation processes in prioritizing tasks and explicitly shows important factors affecting the prioritization process so that empirical results can be integrated into the framework and future studies can be inferred. By illustrating information flow in the self-regulation processes and the brain structures associated with prioritization, the framework should help facilitate development of robust computational models of task prioritization.
Individual Difference Effects on Performance in a Complex, Multi-Decision-Making Environment
Authors: Pratt Elizabeth , Holzworth R. James
Published: January 2012

The present research examines the impact of cognitive style and short-term memory (STM) capacity on the computer interface usability of a pilot simulation. Participants screened for individual differences in cognitive style and STM capacity were randomly assigned to a training condition within the Multi-Attribute Task Battery (MAT; Arnegard & Comstock, 1991). Training conditions varied in automation settings (adaptive versus static). Participants transferred to a novel static condition. Between subjects independent variables were individual differences in STM capacity (high, low), cognitive style (analytic, holistic, quasi-rational), and training (static versus adaptive). Within subjects independent variables were training (four blocks) and transfer (four blocks) sessions. Dependent variables were accuracy and reaction time. Results suggest that individual differences in STM capacity and cognitive style are orthogonal constructs that interact to affect skill acquisition and strategy development for visual-spatial tasks. Implications related to computer interface design are discussed.
Viscoelastic Responses of the Lumbar Spine during Prolonged Stooping
Authors: Shin Gwanseob , Mirka Gary A. , Loboa Elizabeth G.
Published: January 2012

There is considerable evidence that awkward postures of the low back are related to the incidence of low back disorders (LBDs), but the specific biomechanics/physiology of this link is not fully developed. This study combined empirical work with finite element analyses to explore this relationship. The empirical work focused on quantifying the time-dependent responses of the lumbar spine during a prolonged stooped posture by assessing the changes in the sagittal plane range of motion and the electromyographic activity of the back extensor musculature during and after prolonged stooping. Ten healthy participants performed a regimen of a 10 minute stooping period followed by a 10 minute upright standing recovery period, with an isokinetic lift at every 2.5 minutes. Results showed significant creep effects of the flexion angle and the increased activity of extensor muscles in stooping to compensate for the reduced extensor moment producing capability of the passive tissues. The 10 minute upright standing did not produce a full recovery of the lumbar spine tissues but a 30 second rest break in the middle of the stooping moderated these viscoelastic responses. A nonlinear viscoelastic 3D finite element (FE) model of the lumbar spine was developed to predict the responses of the passive and active tissues of the low back. Validation of the FE model by comparing its predicted results (range of motion, muscle activation levels, etc.) with experimental results indicated good agreement in terms of mechanical behaviors in stooping, confirming the capability of the FE model as a potential tool for risk assessment of the prolonged stooping tasks.
Biomechanics of a Micro-Slip
Authors: DiDomenico Angela , McGorry Raymond W. , Chang Chien-Chi
Published: January 2012

A study was conducted to investigate the differences in common biomechanical measures for slips not leading to falls, particularly micro-slips (heel displacement less than 30 mm). Thirty-one participants ranging in age from 18-67 years old performed walking trials at three gait speeds over three floor surfaces with substantially different coefficients of friction. The magnitude of heel displacement was significantly affected by floor surface and gait velocity. Trials were categorized by heel displacement (non-slip, micro-slip, slide) and then biomechanical measures were calculated. Findings of the present study indicated that biomechanical measures differed significantly for all three of the slip categories. Although micro-slips are not generally perceived by the individual, biomechanically they differ from normal walking and should be investigated further to understand the conditions that cause a fall to occur after a slip.
Teleportation and Navigation in a 3-D Web-Based Virtual Shopping Environment
Authors: Saffell Tiffany N. , Colle Herbert A.
Published: January 2012

Using teleportation via a map menu icon instead of navigation from store to store via hallways was investigated in a web shopping simulation. Participants shopped in a virtual shopping center, examining and learning about various items. The simulation used HTML web pages that simulated a 3-D virtual environment. Half of the participants traveled from store to store using a map icon, which accurately depicted the shopping center. Clicking on a store in the icon teleported the perspective viewpoint to its doorway. Participants' configural (survey) spatial knowledge was tested using both sketch maps and pointing. No navigation mode differences were found with pointing angular error or sketch map angular error. These results indicate that teleportation via an iconic map did not improve spatial knowledge acquisition. However, it also did not impair it, while making navigation easier.
Improving Situation Awareness through Cross-Training
Authors: Bolstad Cheryl A. , Cuevas Haydee M. , Costello Anthony M.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated how cross-training, particularly in a leadership role, may assist individuals in better understanding the task requirements of their fellow team members, and, thereby, increase their shared situation awareness. Data was collected from a training exercise at the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency. Participants were assigned to one of 4 teams (Navy, Army, Special Ops, or Joint Service) and completed a simulated exercise designed to mimic real life events in a recovery center. Each player was rotated though the various positions and teams such that everyone had a chance to be a team director (lead person) and a team member in each of the 4 teams. Situation awareness was measured during the exercise using the SAGAT technique. Overall, results suggest that cross-training may lead to improved situation awareness. Participants, on average, exhibited greater situation awareness following experience in the director role than prior to director experience.
Simulation Based Training for the Future Force Warrior
Authors: Warwick Walter , Archer Rick , Brockett Alan , McDermott Patty
Published: January 2012

In this paper we describe techniques we have adopted to develop a computer-based, outcome-driven simulator to train digital information skills for small unit leaders of the Army's Future Force Warrior program. We begin by contrasting attempts to engender “virtual realism” in simulation based training against attempts to engender cognitive realism by way of the branching storylines at the heart of an outcome-driven simulation. We next present an example of how such an approach might be applied to train digital information skills before turning to a more general discussion of the problems that such an approach entail—namely, crafting an engaging story while minimizing the combinatorial explosion in a branching storyline. We describe how we have dealt with these problems both by streamlining storylines and by decoupling student input from the branching process. Finally, we allude to a software tool we have created that allows the training developer to author and execute such outcome-driven simulations.
Collaborative Virtual Environment to Simulate on-the-Job Aircraft Inspection Training Aided by Hand Pointing
Authors: Sadasivan S. , Rele R. , Greenstein J. S. , Gramopadhye A. K. , Masters J. , Duchowski A. T.
Published: January 2012

The human inspector performing visual inspection of an aircraft is the backbone of the aircraft inspection process, a vital element in assuring safety and reliability of an air transportation system. Training is an effective strategy for improving their inspection performance. A drawback of present-day on-the-job (OJT) training provided to aircraft inspectors is the limited exposure to different defect types. Previous studies have shown offline feedback training using virtual reality (VR) simulators to be effective in improving visual inspection performance. This research aims at combining the advantages of VR technology that includes exposure to a wide variety of defects and the one-on-one tutoring approach of OJT by implementing a collaborative virtual training environment. In an immersive collaborative virtual environment (CVE), avatars are used to represent the co-participants. In a CVE, information of where the trainer is pointing can be provided to a trainee as visual deictic reference (VDR). This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulating on-the-job training in a CVE for aircraft inspection training, providing VDR slaved to a 3D mouse used by the trainer for pointing. The results of this study show that the training was effective in improving inspection performance.
Interference Timing and Acknowledgement Response with Voice and Datalink Atc Commands
Authors: Risser Matthew R. , Scerbo Mark W. , Baldwin Carryl L. , McNamara Danielle S.
Published: January 2012

Datalink is a text system used to send messages between ATC and pilots. There are concerns related to changes in information processing demands and responses associated with executing speech and text ATC commands. The timing of interference and the acknowledgement response on command execution performance were examined during the processing of simulated ATC commands. Verbal and central executive (CE) interference tasks were presented before or after the acknowledgement. Participants received both speech and text commands, responded by a verbal or manual acknowledgement, and set the controls in a flight simulator. Results demonstrated an advantage for a manual acknowledgement with longer messages. CE as opposed to verbal interference prior to an acknowledgement had a greater negative effect that was exacerbated in the text condition. The findings are interpreted within the context of a working memory and multiple-resource perspective and implications are discussed with regard to communication processes in aviation.
Anthropometric Standards on the Flight Deck: Origins of Control-Force-Exertion Limits and Comparisons with Recent Surveys of Human Performance Limitations
Authors: Beringer Dennis B.
Published: January 2012

Sections of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR 23.143 and 25.143) contain maximum limitations on the force that a pilot can be required to exert on manual controls. The origins of the data, used for testing and certification of aircraft, are unclear. Although some values were recently modified to be congruent with European standards, the continued applicability of these standards is questionable because of the lack of information regarding their origin, changing pilot demographics (a higher percentage of women pilots, an aging pilot population and suspected changes in the overall population), and changing aircraft-control environments. The criteria were compared with several later samples to determine what portion of the potential and actual pilot populations can meet the force-application requirements. Preliminary data reported for women pilots and nonpilots were compared with previously collected data on similar populations and with the standards.
Evaluation of an Advanced Fault Management System Display for Next Generation Crewed Space Vehicles
Authors: Hayashi Miwa , Huemer Valerie , Lachter Joel , Liston Dorion , Elkins Steve , Renema Fritz , Beutter Brent , McCandless Jeffrey W. , McCann Robert S. , Spirkovska Lilly
Published: January 2012

The next generation Crew Exploration Vehicle is planned to employ Integrated Systems Health Management (ISHM) technology to enhance crew safety and improve onboard operations. For example, the ISHM could assist crewmembers with real-time fault management operations by automatically identifying the root cause of complex system malfunctions. However, to implement such a system, several human-factors issues have to be addressed. For instance, human-machine functional allocations have to be made and supporting crew interfaces designed and evaluated. The paper describes a concept for crew-ISHM interactions called the Fault Management Support System (FAMSS) that addresses these human-factors issues. Simulator experiment results showed that a simulated FAMSS interface improved operators' situation awareness and fault-management performance while decreasing fault-management workload.
Situation Awareness and Driving Performance in a Simulated Navigation Task
Authors: Ma Ruiqi , Kaber David B.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effect of varying reliability of in-vehicle navigation aids on driver situation awareness (SA) and performance. Twenty participants drove a virtual car and navigated a large virtual suburb. Participants were required to follow traffic signs and navigation directions from one of two sources: a human aid via a cell phone or an automated aid presented on a laptop display. The aids operated under three different levels of reliability (100%, 80% and 60%). A control condition was also used in which each aid presented a telemarketing survey and participants navigated using a map. Results revealed perfect navigation information to improve driving performance and SA for strategic behaviors, as compared to unreliable information and the control condition. This work demonstrates in-vehicle automation may mediate linkages of levels of SA to specific driving behaviors and associated actions. This is represented through a transactional model of driver SA.
An Examination of Situation Awareness and Confidence within a Distributed Information Sharing Environment
Authors: Lichacz Frederick M. J.
Published: January 2012

In the present paper, the relationship between situation awareness (SA) and confidence was examined within a distributed information-sharing environment using both extant SA methodologies to study the relationship between SA and confidence and psychophysical methodologies (e.g., calibration and resolution) that examine the relationship between decision-making and confidence. The results of this study suggest that the use of calibration and resolution techniques offer a fruitful avenue for expanding our understanding of the relationship between SA and confidence and ultimately the relationship between SA and performance.
National Patterns of Teamwork during an Emergency Management Simulation
Authors: Lindgren Ida , Smith Kip
Published: January 2012

As a means to facilitate coordination of international relief teams during sudden onset disasters, the UN has formed a structure called the On Site Operations Coordination Center (OSOCC). The main objective of the OSOCC is to help local authorities re-establish control in the affected area. As with any command and control operation where people from different parts of the world are involved, multiculturalism can become an issue. Differences in values, norms and attitudes can create problems in communication, planning and execution of the operation. We use the C3Fire microworld and the Schwartz Value Survey as our main instruments to study cultural influences on command and control decision making in simulated OSOCC. The C3Fire microworld has been used extensively in empirical research on command and control. Results show that culturally-driven differences in planning and allocation of roles/responsibilities can pose potential barriers to efficient decision making in command and control.
20+ Applications in 8 Weeks: Lessons from Large-Scale “Checkpoint” Usability Testing
Authors: Yee Wendy , Buttimer Jessica , Pathak Neha
Published: January 2012

In 2005, User Centric was asked by a large technology organization to test over 20 different prototype software applications in face-to-face usability testing during a single 8-week period. We share our experiences and strategies for addressing the logistical challenges so that other usability practitioners can learn about approaches that worked. Challenges included low-incidence recruitment, short window for test preparation, domain-specific applications, moderator fatigue, report creation overlapping with testing, and high-volume production of detailed reports. We provide specific recommendations for staging large-scale checkpoint usability tests and identify which approaches worked especially well in a second round of testing.
A New Approach to Evaluating the Intelligibility and Naturalness of Shadowed Speech
Authors: Sadowski Wallace J.
Published: January 2012

Verbal shadowing refers to a task whereby a person, while listening to a continuous message, repeats the message aloud word for word. Some research suggested that shadowed speech is distorted and unnatural, while others have reported shadowed speech as clearly intelligible and containing prosodic contour. This research used a different approach to investigate the naturalness and intelligibility of shadowed speech. Another goal of this research was to determine whether shadowed speech is sufficiently similar to read speech, regarding intelligibility and naturalness, such that it might be acceptable for training speech recognition systems. This paper focuses on the subjective evaluation of shadowed and read speech to quantifiably measure the perceived differences. The results indicated that humans can detect statistically significant differences between read and shadowed speech; however, the magnitude of the differences may not be sufficient to deter its use for training speech recognition systems.
Evaluating the Use of Flowsheets in Pediatric Intensive Care to Inform Design
Authors: Bauer David T. , Guerlain Stephanie A. , Brown Patrick J.
Published: January 2012

Flowsheets are central artifacts of information collection and exchange to support the monitoring and diagnosis of patient status in the pediatric intensive care unit. This study used field observations to examine the design and use of flowsheets. Strengths of the current paper document include portability, bundling of related data, and allowing for notes and annotations. However, the static nature of the paper document requires that users manually calculate and carry over important trends and relationships. Spatial constraints of the paper document make it necessary to squeeze data into a small space with data sometimes being difficult to read. Electronic flowsheets have the potential to overcome these limitations and introduce new features, but depending on their design, may eliminate the strengths of the original system. Studying actual practices in the work environment yielded insight into the use of the document to inform the design of an electronic flowsheet system.
Facilitating at-Home Colorectal Screening: The Effect of Cognitive and Motivational Instruction Features on User Perceptions and Intentions
Authors: Feufel Markus A. , Schneider Tamera R. , Berkel Hans J.
Published: January 2012

Fecal Occult Blood Tests (FOBT), which screen for colorectal disease, like other medical at-home testing procedures require users to follow complex instructions that need to be executed carefully for valid results. If instructions are difficult to understand, they may hamper health behavior engagement. This paper describes two experiments that tested the influence of human factors engineering guidelines and motivational instruction features on user perceptions and intentions. Results show that instructional features influenced both user perceptions and intentions. In Experiment 1 the motivational enhancement increased intentions for screening among college students. In Experiment 2, which included the targeted FOBT population (adults over 50), the combination of human factors guidelines and motivational features maximally increased requests for FOBT screening kits. By improving these features we may be able to facilitate FOBT screening and increase compliance rates.