bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergent or Divergent Problem Space Search: The Effect of Problem Structure on Group Versus Individual Problem Solving
Authors: Fiore Stephen M. , Schooler Jonathan W.
Published: January 2012

Two laboratory experiments investigated whether group interaction hinders searching a problem space. The results from both studies show that individuals engage in a broader search of a problem space when it is either unconstrained or constrained but ill-structured. Conversely, when the problem is well-structured and has a constrained solution state, individuals and groups search that space equally well.
Designing a Pen-Based Data Collection Application for the Consumer Price Index: Lessons Learned
Authors: Fox Jean E.
Published: January 2012

The ever-increasing number and variety of mobile devices allow users to access information and online applications from remote locations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is taking advantage of these technologies to build a Computer-Assisted Data Collection (CADC) instrument for the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For the survey, BLS employees visit a total of 25,000 businesses each month to collect price information on approximately 85,000 items. Currently, they collect all the data on paper. In developing the instrument, we are following a user-centered design approach, which has enabled us to find and fix many usability problems early in development. We faced a variety of usability challenges, especially in designing the instrument to fit on the pen computer display. This paper describes some of the lessons we learned in converting our paper survey to CADC.
Measuring Pointing Times of a Non-visual Haptic Interface
Authors: Hrezo Gary W.
Published: January 2012

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of using haptics (force feedback of a manual joystick) in a non-visual computing environment. Sight impaired people could use haptic interfaces to facilitate the navigation of human computer interfaces which are, by their nature, graphically intensive. Subjects manipulated a force feedback joystick a random distance until over a vibrating target of random width. An inwards/outwards and right/left directional test was administrated. Movement times were found to be a linear function of the level of task difficulty as defined by Shannon's formation of Fitts law, log2 (D/W + 1). Two linear relationships were found. The first when the joystick traveled the smallest distance and the other with all other distances. Results indicate that haptics could be used to navigate graphical interfaces.
Enhancing the Accuracy of Customers' Product Usability Judgments: Lessons from Blind Evaluators
Authors: Gregory Lois , Carswell Melody , Stephens Eric , Waters Susan , Stevens Carl
Published: January 2012

Are the naive usability judgments of blind consumers more accurate than those of consumers without such impairments? Forty-one legally blind participants evaluated three user-product interfaces for three different products. The interface designs varied in terms of stimulus-response (s-r) compatibility and were associated with empirically-determined differences in accuracy, learnability, or response speed. Compared to the naive judgments collected by Payne (1995) from sighted participants, blind judges were reliably more accurate in their predictions of the relative performance efficiency of the various designs. We speculate that the superior judgments of blind participants may be due to their use of haptic and auditory evaluation strategies. In a follow-up study, normally-sighted participants were asked to evaluate the same products using either visual or nonvisual strategies. Judgments were most accurate, and similar to that of blind judges, when sighted judges performed the task nonvisually.
Voting Reform can Include Everyone: Average Citizens, the Aging Population, and People with Disabilities
Authors: Law Chris M. , Vanderheiden Gregg C.
Published: January 2012

“If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as the non-disabled, 7 million more votes would have been cast in the last presidential election” (National Organization on Disability, October 1999). When interface technologies and/or the voting process as a whole are not flexible enough to meet the needs of those with temporary or permanent disabilities, obtained through aging or otherwise, citizens may experience various problems which may affect or prevent their vote. The authors will be demonstrating a proposed cross-disability accessible interface approach for electronic voting machines. The approach uses private speech output and a simple 3-button interface to supplement a touchscreen or selection wheel.
Collaboration Effects on Distributed Student Team Performance
Authors: Reichert Megan E. , Williams Andrea L. , Harvey Craig M.
Published: January 2012

Face-to-face communication has long been considered the richest medium of communication and research has found that different mediums affect engineering design team interaction. However, the question left unanswered is how the reduction or elimination of face-to-face interaction impacts team performance. The purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate distance collaboration elements that impact student project team performance. Using students in a distance learning engineering course (E*Course) at Wright State University, traditional face-to-face teams and distributed teams were formed. Teams were required to complete a project with three main deliverables. Team management metrics were evaluated along with team performance. The coordination of work was found to be highly correlated with team performance for distributed teams. High performing distributed teams also had to work harder at organizing their work and adapting to their team members. None of the team management measures correlated with performance for traditional teams. These results have implications for the organization of work and team member agility as well as collaborative learning environments where distance students are integrated into the traditional classroom.
Bridging the Gap between Human Factors and Environmental Design: A Universal Bathroom Case Study
Authors: Mullick Abir
Published: January 2012

This user-centered design project highlights the importance of human factors in product development. It introduces two adjustable bathrooms, Movable Fixtures Bathroom and Movable Panels Bathroom, which resulted from this research and design project. Unlike existing bathrooms, which are designed primarily for independent users, these bathrooms consider the needs of the human life cycle and address dependent use and care-providing alongside independent use in the bathroom. These bathrooms reflect the social and inclusive philosophy of universal design and they have the potential to unify diverse population groups so no one user is excluded by their design.
Pain and Suffering Awards for Consumer Product Accidents: Effects of Suggesting Day-Rate Information
Authors: Laughery Kenneth R. , Paige Danielle , Bean Richard N. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Studies of juror decisions regarding pain and suffering awards in product liability litigation tend to show substantial variability across participants. A possible explanation is that jurors do not have a useful metric for assessing pain and suffering. A study was conducted to explore effects of providing day-rate suggestions on such decisions. Day rate refers to giving information about remaining life expectancy in days and suggesting a value to assign per day. Four scenarios describing product-related accidents were presented to 134 participants. Seven day-rate conditions were employed for each scenario: a no day-rate control; five day rates consisting of $1, $50, $100, $200 and $1000; and a multiple day rate condition that described four alternative rates. Results showed a significant day-rate effect, with higher rates resulting in higher awards. Variability of awards was greater in the no day-rate condition than in day-rate conditions with similar award levels. This finding is consistent with the notion that jurors are susceptible to monetary award suggestions. Implications for “biases” in pain and suffering award decisions are discussed.
Redesigning Prescription Medication Labeling for an Anglo-Hispanic Elderly Population Using Human Factors
Authors: Contreras Luis Rene , Pennathur Arunkumar , Ortega Mercedes , Teresa Salcido
Published: January 2012

The objective of this project was to redesign prescription medication labeling in order to reduce drug-related misuse and non-compliance of an elderly Anglo-Hispanic population. A study on the arrangement of variables and text changes that integrate a label has conducted. Two labels were developed to test and compare against two commonly found labels used by local pharmacies. Testing consisted of surveys conducted at local senior citizen centers questioning several aspects of the labels such as letter size and spacing, line medication name, etc. A total of 95 elderly subjects participated in the study. The results of the survey suggest that the ergonomically designed labels were preferred to the current pharmacy labels. The survey participants preferred the larger font type and the layouts of the prototype labels.
Digital Human Models: What is Available and Which one to Choose
Authors: van der Meulen Peter A. , van der Pruett Casey J.
Published: January 2012

In many of today's companies, most of the design process is conducted in a digital Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) environment. Thus, the obvious and most efficient way to incorporate ergonomics into the design process is using digital anthropometry data and analysis tools. Digital human models are software programs that allow designers to visualize, simulate and evaluate interactions between users and products using digital data. With computer technology rapidly advancing and computer prices dropping, digital human modeling technology will soon be available to a large part of the design and engineering community. This paper intends to provide decision makers with information and guidelines to help decide if a digital human modeling program is a useful asset to their suite of design tools. Additionally, this paper will help guide the decision maker through the process of selecting the most appropriate digital human modeling program, by providing important selection criteria of technical, procedural and strategic nature.
Effects of Information on Risk Perception regarding the Use of Booster Seats
Authors: Stevens Suzanne L. , Dingus Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

Motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death and injury for children of all ages in the U.S., despite improved crashworthiness of vehicles and more effective restraint systems. Children who are too large for child safety seats (a child restraint system for children birth to 4 years old) are often restrained improperly or not at all. For effective protection, these children should be restrained in a booster seat (child safety seat for children 4–8 years of age) used with vehicle lap/shoulder belts. For this reason, the use and correct use of occupant protection for 4–8 year old children needs attention.

A field study with 64 participants was conducted using pre- and post-intervention questionnaires to test the hypotheses that informational pamphlets will induce an increase in risk perception regarding the use of booster seats. Analyses indicated that an informational pamphlet intervention increased risk perception.
The Effect of Misuse of Child Restraint Systems in Accidents
Authors: Sweeney Margaret M. , Weinstein Elaine B. , Roberts Vernon
Published: January 2012

Although child restraint systems (CRS) have improved the transportation of young children, approximately 85 percent of CRS are improperly used (National Safe Kids, 1999). This accident-based study was conducted to examine how CRS and seat belts are misused, what is the effect of that misuse, and how caregivers learn about proper usage of CRS. Data from 194 children involved in accidents showed that more than two-thirds were not in the appropriate restraint for their age, height, and weight; over half were improperly restrained in a CRS; and about one-quarter used seatbelts improperly. Over half of the caregivers who read the CRS manual used the CRS improperly. The data also show that regardless of whether the restraint was used properly or improperly, most of the children sustained no or minor injuries. Measures to improve child restraint and seatbelt use include educational outreach, improvements in CRS and automobile design and State legislative initiatives.
Assessment of Motivational States in Performance Environments
Authors: Matthews Gerald , Campbell Sian E. , Falconer Shona
Published: January 2012

The development of a new measure of operator motivational state is described, within the framework of a model of subjective stress that distinguishes Task Engagement, Distress and Worry as fundamental aspects of state (Matthews et al., 1999). Previous work on task motivation suggests that strivings for success should be distinguished from interest in the task. Factor analysis of items representing these constructs in a sample of 880 supported the development of reliable, psychometrically distinct scales for Success and Interest Motivation. Both dimensions relate to Task Engagement, but Success Motivation, perhaps surprisingly, is also associated with negative emotions and self-beliefs. The two scales showed different patterns of dependence on task factors. They were also distinguished by differing associations with workload and coping measures, although both related to higher effort and use of task-focused coping. It is concluded that the scales are promising for use in human factors research that addresses the need to structure tasks for greater operator interest and engagement.
Controlling for Individual Differences in a Dual-Task Setting: Equating the Baselines of Single Task Performance
Authors: Chase Bradley , Irwin-Chase Holly M. , Sonico Jaclyn T.
Published: January 2012

Individual differences in human performance is an issue that confounds many studies and has not been properly controlled in the ergonomics/human factors literature. This paper examines the concept of individual differences in performance primarily from the perspective of cognitive performance. A study was designed to test the effect of a secondary visual task on a primary visual task. In one condition, participants performed the dual task, while assigning no weight to the secondary task. In the second condition, the primary task was performed simultaneously with the secondary task. The effect of the added workload was measured via the effect on primary task performance. In the baseline portion of the task participants had their baseline (80–90% accuracy) of performance collected by adjusting the stimulus duration. The individual participant stimulus duration was then used as the experimental stimulus duration and the effect of secondary task performance on primary task performance was measured.
Is Spatial-Visualization Ability a Stronger Predictor of Performance for Males than for Females on Computer-Based Tasks?
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth D. , Lorenz Bernd
Published: January 2012

In research on cognitive issues in automation, spatial visualization ability (SVA) was investigated as a mediator of performance. Prior to performing the experimental task in a simulation environment, 83 undergraduate psychology students completed an on-line version of a test of SVA. The two basic experimental conditions were “monitoring” and “on-call.” In the monitoring condition, participants monitored status messages and responded to system alerts. In the on-call condition, participants performed an unrelated task in between responding to alerts. Dependent measures included decision accuracy. A correlational analysis of SVA scores with decision accuracy found a higher correlation for men than for women. Further analysis indicated that SVA was not a significantly stronger predictor of performance for men than it was for women in the simulated environment. With a larger sample size, however, differential prediction is likely. If confirmed, this finding has implications for the use of SVA in personnel selection. Textual and tabular alternatives to graphical displays may be helpful to low-SVA users.
Verbal Estimation of Peak Force
Authors: Marshall Matthew M. , Armstrong Thomas J. , Ebersole Marissa L.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the precision and accuracy with which individuals could estimate the magnitude of submaximal, upper extremity forceful exertions over a range of tasks typical of occupational/industrial settings. Without training, the average estimation errors were 15.3, 23.2, and 11.8%Max for low, medium, and high levels of force, respectively. When subjects were first exposed to a single, maximum exertion, these error levels improved to 9.8, 14.3, and 10.6%Max. When exposed to two additional benchmarks of 25% and 75%Max, error improved further to 6.8, 11.8, and 9.4%Max.
The Influence of Head, Forearm and Back Support on Myoelectric Activity, Performance and Subjective Comfort during a VDT Task
Authors: Monroe Michael J. , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Mirka Gary A.
Published: January 2012

VDT work consists of static muscle activity in the arms, neck, shoulders and back to keep the head and hands in a mostly fixed working position. The aim of this study was to investigate alternative VDT workstation configurations that may reduce the muscle force of these static contractions by providing support to the head/neck, arm and back regions of the body. Effects of an inclined chair back with headrest and a chair mounted split keyboard (CMSK) were investigated. For a typing task, combining a CMSK with the headrest and inclined chair back resulted in significantly lower muscle activity in the neck (>35% reduction) and shoulders (>64% reduction), compared to utilizing a straight keyboard in a more upright posture without a headrest. No significant difference in typing accuracy existed between the configurations; however, productivity was reduced with the CMSK. Potential applications for alternative VDT work postures are discussed.
Assessing the Relationship between Cognitive Load and Cervicobrachial Muscle Response during a Typing Task
Authors: Leyman Elke L. C. , Mirka Gary A. , Kaber David B. , Sommerich Carolyn M.
Published: January 2012

Workers in office environments often have to deal with high cognitive workload due to the coordination of multiple work tasks. The objective of this research was to use a dual-task paradigm to examine the impact of cognitive load in office-type tasks on the cervicobrachial muscle activity response and performance. Cognitive load was manipulated by presenting subjects with examples of the three different types of cognitive tasks described in Rasmussen's (1983) taxonomy, including skill-, rule-, and knowledge-based tasks while they performed a secondary typing task. Performance in the secondary task, cervicobrachial muscle activity, and subjective measures of perceived stress and mental workload were the dependent measures. Results showed a significant effect of the different cognitive tasks. The cognitive task causing the highest level of subjective workload also produced 66.67% higher muscle activity in the right trapezius, and 8.33% and 10.53% higher activity in the left and right cervical erector spinae, respectively, in comparison to muscle activity associated with the cognitive task causing the lowest perceived workload. With respect to performance, a 29.8% decrease was observed in typing productivity when the rule-based task was completed as compared to typing with no additional cognitive load.
A Study on Approach Speeds of the Hands under Metal Press Machine Operation
Authors: Katoh Zojiro , Fukuta Yasuaki , Nakashima Yoshio , Takeuchi Yoshinori , Takamatsu Mamoru , Yoshihara Shin
Published: January 2012

The study described herein entailed measuring approach speed of the hands under simulated press machining conditions using two types of safety devices. A total of eight subjects were used in the experiment: four males in their twenties and four males in their fifties. Hand speed was faster for the photoelectric safety device (PSDI) than for safety devices activated using both hands (TWO) for both subject groups, in excess of 1.6 m/sec. The study showed that safety devices capable of automatic detection such as PSDI safety device more effectively ensure safety and work efficiency than the TWO type.
Forearm Torque Strength and Endurance for Elbow and Forearm Angles
Authors: O'Sullivan Leonard W. , Gallwey Timothy J.
Published: January 2012

This study investigated the effect of elbow and forearm rotation angle on forearm torque strength and endurance. Twenty-four male subjects participated in the study. The results revealed that supination torques were stronger overall with a mean maximum value of 16.2 Nm recorded for the forearm 75% prone. Maximum pronation torque was recorded as 13.5 Nm for a neutral forearm with the elbow flexed 45°. Endurance times were longer for supination torques with the elbow flexed 135° and 90° but reduced below the times of pronation for the elbow fully extended. Supination torque endurance times were affected more by elbow and forearm angles than were pronation torque endurance times.
Analysis of Driver-Vehicle Interface Using Three-Dimensional Coordinates
Authors: Chung Sung-Jae , Park Min-Yong
Published: January 2012

This research suggested a method of analyzing how the driver's anthropometric data would best be accommodated by a specific driver-vehicle interface. Three-dimensional manikins with 18 links were developed using US 95th percentile male and 5th percentile female's anthropometric data. In addition, an adjustable seating buck was constructed to control seven package variables. The levels of each package variables were determined according to the interior dimensions of mid-size passenger vehicles. After the manikins were situated on each derivable driving environment of the seating buck's package variable levels, 3-D cartesian coordinate values were collected from the manikin's articular points by using a coordinate measuring machine. The data were then converted into joint angles of manikins for suggesting suitable driving environments by considering appropriate driving postures.
In Formation Seeking on the WWW: Task Interest and Search Strategies
Authors: Thatcher Andrew
Published: January 2012

Observational, log-file and retrospective verbal protocol data were collected from eighty subjects while they were engaged in two directed search tasks and two general-purpose browsing tasks. In each of these two task types, directed task and general-purpose task, one task was chosen by the subject (subject interest) and one task was chosen by the researcher (subject non-interest). This data was used to determine whether search strategies differed according to the interests of the subject and whether any differences in search strategies were consistent across task types. Results indicate that there are consistent differences on task performance and search strategies between subject interest and non-interest tasks and between general-purpose browsing and directed search tasks. These results are discussed in terms of currently evolving Web information seeking models.
Design Improvements through User Testing
Authors: Tan Wei-Siong , Liu Dahai , Bishu R. R. , Muralidhar A , Meyer J
Published: January 2012

Designing interaction interfaces for web sites is very much like designing any other user interface (UI), with the same principles and processes being applied. Well-designed sites are easy to use, and provide a rewarding experience for the user, and a profitable interaction for the organization that owns the site. The main objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of usability evaluation as a important part of the design process, with redesign being based not just on changing business requirements, but also on the findings of a structured user experience evaluation carried out prior to the redesign. This study evaluated a preliminary version of a commercial website that provided information, reviews and rating to its members on various consumer products. The evaluators recommended design changes, and helped implement the revised version of the site, and re-evaluated the new site using a consistent evaluation methodology. The evaluation procedure consisted of representative subjects performing a usability evaluation on the existing version of the site, using typical use scenarios developed in collaboration with the design team and client team, After the redesign, these test scenarios were tested in a follow-up study on the new site. The results showed a significant reduction in the problems, both in the severity level and in number of occurrences between initial version and final version. There was a significant reduction in performance time as well. This study conclusively demonstrates that the use of usability evaluation as a design improvement tool, results in significantly improved design.
People's Beliefs about the Internet: Surveying the Positive and Negative Aspects
Authors: Wiebe Eric N. , Shaver Eric F. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

The explosion of the Internet – and the World Wide Web (WWW) in particular – has led to the distribution of information to a much more diverse and unspecified audience. Human factors professionals have a stake in the design of these Internet-based tools and the delivery of information over them. An initial survey distributed to a large diverse population asked respondents to provide positive and negative aspects about the WWW and related Internet communication technologies. The responses (n = 380) were grouped according to general positive and negative categories. Most of the categories paralleled each other on the negative and positive side. Access to information and security dominated both the positive and negative. A second survey had respondents rate 26 positive and negative items based on aspects identified in the first survey. The responses (n = 219) supported the larger categories identified in the first survey and revealed differences in attitude towards the Internet based on age, gender, and student status. These issues, plus others mentioned in the responses, are ones that human factors professionals are in a position to address.
Design Considerations for Web-Based Applications
Authors: Wroblewski Luke , Rantanen Esa M.
Published: January 2012

The rapid growth of weblications—application-oriented software delivered as a service over the Web—has revealed a lack of effective guidelines for their design and implementation. Existing Web usability guidelines hinder weblication usability since they are primarily based on interactions within a browsing metaphor. Interface design guidelines for client applications, on the other hand, do not address the conventions of Web users, limitations of the Web environment, nor the new possibilities inherent in the Web. This paper outlines a set of guidelines for weblication interfaces, which fuse translated client-application guidelines and re-purposed Web usability guidelines together to form a solid foundation for weblication interface design. The goal of these recommendations is to address the issues associated with weblication interface design and to present an overall method for thinking about them, emphasizing an understanding of how and why this approach should be adopted.
Recall and Recognition of Static vs. Animated Banner Advertisements
Authors: Bayles Michelle E. , Chaparro Barbara
Published: January 2012

The most common medium for advertising on the World Wide Web (WWW) is through the use of banners. This study investigated recall and recognition of animated and static online banner advertisements. It was found that regardless of a banner's animation state, fewer than half the participants were able to recall the presence of an ad. Overall recall was lower than recognition, however, participants unable to successfully recall the ads were still able to effectively recognize them. Results also suggest that the use of animation may enhance user memory of banner advertisements.
Effects of Information Layout on Reading Speed: Differences between Paper and Monitor Presentation
Authors: Zaphiris Panayiotis , Kurniawan H.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the results of an experiment measuring the difference of reading speed and preference when reading on paper or screen. Extending previous experiments on the topic of reading speed measurements, which usually concentrate in specific age groups, in this experiment, forty two participants from across the adult life span took part in reading on computer screen or on paper. Results are in agreement with previous studies, which showed that reading from paper is significantly faster (around 10-30%) than reading from screen. No significant differences in terms of reading speed and preference among the three information layouts (one-column, two-column and three-column formats) used in this experiment were found.
Measurement of Task Performance Times and Ease of Use: Comparison of Various Menu Structures and Depth on the Web
Authors: Tsunoda Tomoyuki , Yamaoka Toshiki , Yamashita Kiyomi , Matsunobe Takuo , Hashiya Yuji , Nishiyama Yasufumi , Takahasi Kyoko
Published: January 2012

Five kinds of product search HTML pages - a four-level hierarchy (3 times 3 × 3 times 3), a three-level hierarchy (9 times 3 × 3), a two-level hierarchy (27 times 3), a one-level hierarchy (81 times 1), and a frame structure (9times3×3) - were prepared. Two kinds of task, a simple task and a complex task, were prepared. For the most complex task, a total of 22 clicks were required to complete the task. Then the subjects were asked to search for products over the Internet. They were also asked to evaluate ease of use of the web pages. A total of 89 subjects accessed the experimental pages. The access log was later statistically analyzed. The results were very productive. In most advanced research up to now it has been shown that reducing the number of hierarchies and increasing the amount of information in one screen can reduce the task performance time. Our test results have also shown that this is what happens when a complex task is performed. However, a different conclusion is drawn when a simple task is performed. When a simple task is performed, there were no significant differences in the search time required, whether there were 81 products included in one screen (81 times 1), or in a four-level hierarchy (3 times 3 × 3 times 3). In this case, more people evaluated the four-level hierarchy as being easier to use than a one-level hierarchy. In this study it was found that task performance times and ease of use depend on task complexity and they were not always directly related.
Impact on Learning and Satisfaction of Web-Based Learning Systems: A Comparison of Linear vs. Hypermedia Presentations
Authors: Caldeira Pedro Z.
Published: January 2012

The main goal of this study is to compare the impact of different information presentation systems on deep and surface learning and on satisfaction. Three computer information systems were developed: one linear only containing text (the less dynamic and less interactive of the three); a second one similar to the first one but containing both text and images (more dynamic than the first one); and a third one non-linear — hypermedia with a web-like interface — containing text and images (the more dynamic and interactive). Three university students groups learned the same information displayed by these three systems and the results show, first, that the less dynamic and interactive information presentation system provided higher results on surface learning; second, none of the systems provided good results on deep learning (because of the information fragmentation or lack of global coherence) and; third, the more dynamic and interactive system provided higher levels of satisfaction.
Ergonomic Aspects of Different Handles for Minimally Invasive Surgery - An Emg Based Study
Authors: Matern U. , Giebmeyer C. , Bergmann R. , Waller P. , Faist M.
Published: January 2012

Various studies have been performed to test different instrument handles in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Although criteria for ergonomic handles have been suggested, to date it remains unresolved which handle design is best suited to various needs. The comparison of electromyogram (EMG) activities in different muscles provides information about the force developed by each muscle and allows to assess its contribution to a functional movement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different types of handles for a simple grasping maneuver with respect to the force required in the main forearm muscles. Four different types of handles (axial handle, ring handle, shank handle, Hirschberg handle) were tested by 12 volunteers while manipulating a 0.1 N micro switch in a standard arm position. To test the handle with forces used during surgical procedures measurements were repeated with a 2.5 N micro switch. During the test the EMG activity of five forearm muscles was recorded and normalized with respect to the maximum voluntary activity of the respective muscle. The axial handle required significantly more EMG activity than the remaining handles in four of the five muscles tested. Similar results were obtained for both micro switches used but EMG activity increased with the switch force applied. The surgeon requires significantly more EMG activity and thus muscle strength when using the axial handle compared to the remaining handles. With the functional model of the Hirschberg and the ring handle the task can be performed with lower activity.
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Advertising of Prescription Medications on the World Wide Web: Assessing the Communication of Risks
Authors: Vigilante William J. , Wogalter Michael S.
Published: January 2012

Recently, drug manufacturers have been increasingly marketing their prescription medications using Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) advertisements. The current study examines the effects of integrating and separating the risks and benefits within a prescription medication DTC web site advertisement. The study also examined the effects of presenting the risk and benefits at different levels of a web site. Two different drug web sites and two different task types (general browsing and item search) were used. Risk recall, recognition, time-on-task, click rate, and task success were measured. Results from the current study indicated that risk information was found faster, with less clicks, and remembered more often when placed on a second level page linked from the home page. However, the risk information was more difficult to find when it was placed on a fourth level page without a link on the home page. The pattern of effects with the two tasks was similar. No significant differences were found between the two drugs. A set of guidelines is provided for the development of DTC prescription drug web sites based on the results. It is beneficial (a) to present separate risk and benefit information sections and (b) to place risk and benefit information in the top section of the home page or to prominently place a link to the risk information on the home page.
Intelligibility of Sonifications for Respiratory Monitoring in Anesthesia
Authors: Watson Marcus , Sanderson Penelope M.
Published: January 2012

Three experiments explored the effectiveness of continuous auditory displays, or “sonifications”, for conveying information about an anesthetized patient's respiratory state. Experiment 1 established an-effective respiratory sonification. Experiment 2 showed an effect of expertise in using respiratory sonfication and revealed that some apparent differences in sonification effectiveness could be accounted for by response bias. Experiment 3 showed that sonification helps anesthetists maintain high levels of awareness of patient state and at the same time perform other tasks more effectively than when relying upon visual monitoring of patient state. In summary, sonification of patient physiology beyond traditional pulse oximetry appears a viable and useful adjunct when monitoring patient state.
Modeling the Appearance of Fluorescent Colors
Authors: Schieber Frank
Published: January 2012

The advent of improved durability pigments has resulted in the increased use of fluorescent colored materials in safety and warning applications (e.g., high-priority traffic signs; safety vests). Yet, little is known about the relationship between the visual effectiveness of fluorescent colored materials and their photometric properties. Archival data sets were reanalyzed to assess the appropriateness of an elegant psychophysical model of the appearance of fluorescent colors first introduced by Schultze (1953). The results indicated that the expression Y/MacAdam Limit (x,y) provided an excellent prediction of the suprathreshold appearance of fluorescent color (x,y); where (x,y) represented the color of the test stimulus in 1931 CIE chromaticity coordinates. These findings have important implications for design using fluorescent colors and may also contribute significantly to our understanding of related color phenomena.
Evaluation of Protective Eyewear Coverage
Authors: DeVilbiss Carita A. , McLin Leon N.
Published: January 2012

In the development of protective eyewear for military operations, conflicting constraints impact design considerations. Since protection is a key parameter, it is important to be able to quantify the impact of different levels of coverage of the visual field. The objective of this project was to merge two different techniques — (a) methodology to verify visual field coverage and (b) ray trace model for pupil accessibility — to produce a coverage metric to represent retinal accessibility to damage from lasers. Data were collected from nine subjects and a computer model was used to determine the proportion of incident rays that could access the pupil. Overall, the combined result provides an efficient methodology to assist when design trade-offs are required in the evaluation of protective spectacles. This technique can be used to quantify the amount of coverage and assign a conservative level of risk to the areas of the visual field that remain uncovered.
An Empirical Evaluation of Interfaces for Army Tactical Operations
Authors: Talcott Christopher , Martinez Silas , Bennett Kevin B. , Stansifer Craig , Shattuck Lawrence
Published: January 2012

Timely and accurate decisions in the Army domain are directly linked to the commander's ability to assess the battlefield. We reviewed both existing and proposed Army interfaces and applied a Cognitive Systems Engineering (CSE) approach to the development of an alternative interface: the RAPTOR interface (Representation Aiding Portrayal of Tactical Operations Resources). This interface and a version of the Army's recently-implemented digital interface (the Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below — FBCB2) were evaluated using a simulated offensive scenario and domain experts from an active Army unit. The results indicate that the RAPTOR interface produced significantly better performance for quantitative, categorical and needs assessments. It is concluded that the RAPTOR interface summarizes critical information for Army units at all levels and makes this information easily accessible through effective graphical formats and interaction style.
Perceived Size in Virtual Environments: The Role of Pictorial Depth Cues
Authors: Raddatz Kimberly , Uhlarik John , Jordan Kevin
Published: January 2012

Virtual two-dimensional environments attempt to represent accurate spatial information by employing redundant sources of information (e.g., linear perspective, foreshortening, aspect ratio, texture gradient, interposition, and height relative to the horizon). Under certain conditions, size constancy maintains in these displays. However, more understanding is needed about the differential effects of these cues and how they combine to support size constancy. Experiment I explored the role of linear perspective and foreshortening on size constancy by having observers make height and width judgments of objects on a receding flat “perspective” surface in which one, both, or neither cue was present. Experiment II explored the role of several different combinations of pictorial depth cues on size constancy. Overall, height judgments were more accurate than width judgments. Foreshortening was identified as an especially important cue for maintaining size constancy. However, increasing the number of pictorial depth cues present did not necessarily correspond with more veridical size perception.
Effect of Color Coding on Misperception of Heading from Superimposed Optic Flow
Authors: Kludt Kelli T. , Dyre Brian P.
Published: January 2012

If dynamic sensor imagery is overlaid on the view seen through the windscreen using a HUD, and if the sensor is misaligned with the pilot's eye, the resulting motion transparency can lead to systematic errors in perceiving the direction of heading. We examined whether coding misaligned, dynamic imagery in distinct colors aids pre-attentive segregation of transparent optical flow, thus eliminating errors in heading perception. Observers were shown displays overlaying radially expanding optic flow patterns with foci of expansion (FOEs) separated along the horizontal meridian and indicated the perceived direction of the FOE of one flow pattern by moving an on-screen cross-hair. We found significant repulsion errors when the angular separation between the FOEs exceeded four degrees. Further, coding the flow patterns in distinct colors did not eliminate the repulsion errors. Distinctive color coding alone appears to be insufficient for overcoming errors in heading perception induced by motion transparency.
Postural Control Supports Visual Perceptual but not Cognitive Performance
Authors: Hove Philip , Watson Melissa , Stoffregen Thomas A.
Published: January 2012

The perception and control of body sway may be regarded as a task that utilizes central cognitive resources. For example, the integration of multisensory perceptual stimulation, which is required for postural control, may draw on central processing capacity (e.g., Lajoie, Teasdale, Bard, & Fleury, 1996). Our research originates from a different hypothesis. We have argued that there may be functional relations between body motion and visual performance, such that controlled changes in body sway could be used to facilitate performance of visual tasks (Stoffregen, Smart, Bardy, & Pagulayan, 1999). This study looks at postural sway during performance of visual and cognitive tasks. The visual task was a signal detection task where critical signals were identified and the cognitive task was mental arithmetic. The two tasks were equated in terms of difficulty using the NASA task load index, a measure of mental workload. Postural sway was reduced in the visual, but not the arithmetic conditions, suggesting that sway was influenced by the perceptual demands of the signal detection task, rather than by overall processing load, per se.
Letter Legibility for Signs and Other Large Format Applications
Authors: Garvey Philip M. , Zineddin Abdulilah Z. , Pietrucha Martin T.
Published: January 2012

Numerous studies have evaluated the legibility of various fonts displayed in small print. There has also been a great deal of research into the legibility and recognition of standard highway sign alphabets. There has, however been no attempt to empirically determine large format distance legibility for the growing number of fonts currently available to non-transportation sign manufacturers. The present study systematically evaluated the letter legibility of a set of fonts that are consistent with commercial (e.g., storefront), industrial, transit, and highway signage. The fonts were evaluated in a laboratory setting. Individual test charts were designed for each of the fonts based on the standard Snellen distance visual acuity chart. Recognition acuity thresholds for each of the fonts yielded the minimum visual angle of letter height necessary for their resolution. The relative legibility of each font is discussed, as is the effect of font choice on sign size, and theoretical issues related to critical detail for letter recognition acuity.
Responsibility Allocation for Workplace Accidents
Authors: Zackowitz Ilene B.
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to investigate responsibility allocation for workplace accidents. Both situational factors (safety climate, task familiarity, presence of warnings and perceived risk) and individual difference variables (locus of control and participant supervisor status) were studied because both characteristics of the observer and the situation moderate individual interpretations regarding the cause of accidents. Work scenarios were developed to manipulate two levels of the situational factors. The Adult Nowicki-Strickland Internal-External Scale was used to assess participant locus of control orientation. Participants (n=320) were employed individuals from San Diego County. Significantly more responsibility was allocated to the employer when safety climate was perceived to be weak. There were significant interactions of locus of control with both perceived risk and task familiarity. Results indicate that employees in organizations with strong safety climates are more likely to take personal ownership of their tasks and feel personally responsible for outcomes.
Formatting Print on OTC Drug Labels to Benefit Seniors' Knowledge Acquisition Performance
Authors: Wogalter Michael S. , Vigilante William J.
Published: January 2012

This research examines consumers' ability to acquire information from a simulated OTC medication bottle. Twelve otherwise identical OTC drug bottles were compared that had back labels which varied in (a) print size, (b) amount of white space between text, and (c) label design (standard vs. extended/pull-out). A no back label condition served as a control. Seniors (mean age = 78 years, SD = 7.4) and undergraduate students were given one of the 12 bottles and asked to perform one of two information acquisition tasks: (a) they examined the bottle for 3 minutes and then completed a questionnaire with the bottle was absent or (b) they answered the same questionnaire while the bottle was present. The undergraduates' performance in both information acquisition tasks was significantly better than the seniors for all label conditions except the control condition where both groups' low performance did not differ. Seniors' performance was significantly better in the medium and large print conditions than in the small print. Seniors' performance in the small print conditions did not differ from the control condition. Undergraduates showed no performance differences among the different small print conditions. No substantial effects of white space were found. For both participant groups, performance was better when the questionnaire was present compared to absent (i.e., recall from memory). While undergraduates' knowledge acquisition was unaffected by print size, the seniors performance was aided by the extended/pull-out label which allowed the use of medium and large print. Given that seniors comprise a large and increasing proportion of the population and they use more OTC medications compared to other age groups, extended label designs allowing larger print should be used.