bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Alignment: Its Continued Relevance
Authors: Rao Rama
Published: July 2017

The concept of non-alignment, as it is understood by the vast majority of people who wish to live in peace with their neighbours and the world at large, originated in India in the pre-Independence era. Indian national leaders had visualised that the Second World War would end Western colonialism in Asia and Africa and that India would regain its independence after two centuries of alien domination and exploitation. They had rightly judged that the Second World War, despite its ideological overtones of democracies versus dictatorships, was essentially a war initiated by one group of powers to regain, and of the other to retain their colonies. Whatever the precise shape of the post-War world, Indian national leaders were clear in their minds that their most important tasks on regaining independence would be to improve the economic condition of the mass of our people, secure social justice, and provide for minimum public health and educational needs. That after four decades of prodigious effort and expense, we seem to be standing still like the proverbial toiler trying to ascend a treadmill, is a different issue. The fact remains that Indian leaders, aware of the paramount and urgent need for improving the lot of the common man, wanted to be left alone to attend to their problems. They wanted no part in Great Power rivalries. They also saw the need, in the larger interests of all and especially of the poor and newly liberated countries, for the latter to recognise the virtues of non-alignment as well as its practical utility in a world torn by strife. The argument that the larger the body of non-aligned countries, the larger the area of peace and to that extent, the less the arena of conflict is irrefutable. Basically the concept of non-alignment is sound. It was very relevant when the idea first took shape in India and remains equally relevant and valid today.
Indian Foreign Policy: A Geo-Political Perspective
Authors: Kohli Manorama
Published: July 2017

Two of the most important geographical characteristics of India which are also the most critical both from the point of view of security and development are indeed the Himalayas in the north and the Indian Ocean in the South Strategically speaking they are perhaps the most enduring of all the determinants of our foreign policy, less susceptible to change by the physical phenomenon, but holding a great deal of political importance in the moulding of our strategic environment.

Both of them have given India a distinct geographical and cultural identity through the ages and this has not been altered substantially even after the partition of 1947. The Indo-centric character of the region persists even after the emergence of a sovereign Pakistan and independent Bangaladesh.

This however does not mean that both these regions have played an identical role in the formulation of our foreign policy perceptions or have been the focal centres of foreign policy planning. What is common about both these regions in the context of foreign policy is that the geo-political significance of both was not fully recognised and there was a certain amount of neglect or complacency which the policy makers exhibited, in the initiat stages after independence at any rate.
Education on the Menopause for Nurses
Authors: Brockie Janet , Abernethy Kathy , Hillard Amanda , Hirons Ruth , Hughes Elisabeth
Published: July 2017

Despite their key role, few nurses receive specialist training in the management of menopausal women. Both community and hospital based nurses could have an effective impact. Nurses can provide information about the menopause and treatment options and support and supervise women starting and continuing therapy. Some of the training courses and literature available to UK nurses are detailed in this review. Future perspectives are discussed.
The Genetics of Osteoporosis
Authors: Qureshi Aamir , Ralston Stuart
Published: July 2017

Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Studies in twins and in normal families indicate bone mineral density and the susceptibility to fracture is under strong genetic control. The genes responsible are incompletely defined but current evidence suggests that several genes, each with small effects, are responsible, rather than a few genes with large effects. Most research on the genetics of osteoporosis has used the candidate gene approach whereby polymorphisms of candidate genes are related to bone mass in population studies and case-control studies. Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene (VDR) have been related to bone mass in some populations with effects that seem to be modified by calcium and vitamin D intake, although in other studies no association has been found. Polymorphisms of the oestrogen receptor gene have also been associated with bone mass and it has been suggested that these may interact with VDR polymorphisms to identify a subgroup of individuals at high risk of osteoporosis. Another polymorphism, which affects a regulatory site in the collagen type 1 alpha I (COLIA1) gene, has also been defined which seems to predict the presence of osteoporotic fractures, independent of bone mass, raising the possibility that this polymorphism could help identify individuals at risk of fracture. Much work remains to be done to clarify the molecular basis for genetic regulation of bone mass and to identify other genes which contribute. As these studies progress, it is likely that our understanding of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis shall improve and that genetic screening tests for osteoporotic risk will be developed to help target individuals at high risk of osteoporosis for preventative therapy.
Melatonin: Its Physiological Effects and Clinical Applications
Authors: Burgess Helen J , Dawson Drew
Published: July 2017

Melatonin is a hormone primarily released at night-time from the pineal gland in mammals. The increase in endogenous melatonin levels is closely associated with many physiological changes. In many cases, similar physiological changes have been found when synthetic exogenous melatonin has been administered to humans. However, the precise nature of melatonin's physiological role and its mechanism of action remain unclear. This review presents a summary of some of the current known physiological effects of melatonin, with a particular focus on the effects in humans. These effects are introduced from an evolutionary perspective. A working hypothesis as to how the diverse physiological effects of melatonin may be produced is also presented, followed by a summary of current knowledge of the toxicology of melatonin. The potential clinical applications of melatonin are also discussed.
The Saint Venant Solutions of Multi-layered Composite Plates
Authors: Zhong Wanxie , Yao Weian
Published: July 2017

This paper considers the exact Saint Venant solutions of the multi-layered composite plates, with the new methodology for theory of elasticity, which is based on the mixed variable method of the Hamiltonian system. The composite plate is composed of arbitrary number of layers of orthotropic materials. Via the method of separation of variables, the Saint Venant solutions are composed of all the corresponding Jordan normal solutions of the degenerated eigenvalue zero. These Jordan form solutions can be obtained through the integration of polynomials. The present paper gives new methodology for the solution of multi-layered plates.
Development of Proposed European Design Rules for Buckling of Axially Compressed Cylinders
Authors: Rotter J. Michael
Published: July 2017

Thin axially compressed cylinders are used in a wide range of civil engineering shell structures: towers, chimneys, tanks and silos. Design standards throughout in the world differ considerably in their strength predictions, and all are based on empirical lower bounds to laboratory test results. The chief reason for the scatter in strength assessments is the sensitivity to geometric imperfections, which naturally vary from one laboratory to another and according to the method of fabrication. This paper sets out some of the development behind the new proposed rules for the European standard on Strength and Stability of Shells. These rules cover cylinder buckling under axial compression alone, and the strength of internally pressurised cylinders. The design strengths are related to recent calculated buckling strengths, and an attempt is made to indicate the appropriate relationship between design assumed imperfections and tolerances during construction.
Models for the Flexural Peeling of Angle Plates Adhesively Bonded to R-C Beams
Authors: Nguyen N.T. , Oehlers D.J. , Bradford M.A.
Published: July 2017

The strength and stiffness of existing reinforced concrete beams may be enhanced by adhesively bonding angle section members to the soffit/side edges of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. This retrofitting is extremely important in improving the seismic performance of under reinforced RC beams which may suffer ductility problems in earthquakes, or whose strength has deteriorated due to unfavourable environmental factors. This paper develops generic mathematical models for simulating the debonding of angle plates glued to the edges of RC beams as a result of flexural peeling. It is shown that to achieve an accurate model the derivations are quite complex, but the experimental calibration renders the presentation of the model in a simple format. The models have been validated with experimental results.
Shear Lag Effect in Single Plane Cable-Stayed Bridge
Authors: Chang Shih Toh , Zhang Qiwei , Zhang Shiduo
Published: July 2017

The shear lag effect in thin-walled trapezoidal box sections with inclined stiffeners within the cell is analyzed using the principle of minimum potential energy. Due to the combined action of axial force and moment in a cable-stayed bridge, the normal stress in the pylon is given by [Formula: see text]. The coefficient of shear lag can be written as [Formula: see text], where σ is the actual stress taking shear deformation of slabs into account and [Formula: see text] is the stress evaluated by elementary beam theory. In this paper, the longitudinal displacement under axial force is assumed to vary parabolically transversely across the section. Due to moment, a quartic variation is adopted. Two sets of differential equations with boundary conditions are theoretically derived. An example is illustrated by theoretical analysis and test results.
Seismic Analysis of Suspension Bridge Superstructures
Authors: Qin Quan , Luo Ying , Sun Hao
Published: July 2017

Reliable seismic design is necessary for long-span suspension bridges. The dynamic characteristics of long-span suspension bridges are very different from those of short-span bridges. Long-span suspension bridges have basic periods longer than 10 sec, and more than a hundred natural periods closely distributed in the range 0.3 to 5 sec. The present bridge seismic design code in China is not suitable for long-span suspension bridges. Taking the Tsing Ma bridge, Hong Kong, and the Humen bridge as examples, the paper discusses the effects on suspension bridge responses of the response spectrum segments longer than 5 sec, methods of combining the maximum modal responses, the numbers of modes included in mode combinations, the vertical components of earthquake ground acceleration recordings (accelerograms), and the time durations of accelerograms.
Heat Conduction in Ring-Stiffened Shells of Revolution — a Structural Mechanics Analogy
Authors: Guggenberger W.
Published: July 2017

The basic equations of stationary heat conduction in shells of revolution taking into account surface heat exchange at the boundary surfaces are derived and further specified for the practically important axisymmetric case. A structural mechanics analogy is then established to the problem of out-of-plane loading and deformation of a plane grillage structure, consisting of shear-flexible beams on continuous elastic foundation, with the axes given by the meridians of the shell parts. This analogy provides an elegant and easy way of qualitative and quantitative understanding of the complicated thermal states in these components which are usually unfamiliar to the practising civil engineer. General and some specific solutions of the basic equations for practically important types of ring stiffened shells are worked out and presented in diagram form. The analysis procedure is demonstrated by an illustrative example.
Applicability of Current ACI318 Wall Design Formula for High Strength Concrete Walls
Authors: Fragomeni S. , Mendis P.A.
Published: July 2017

This paper presents an overview of testing undertaken to determine the axial load capacity of normal and high strength concrete walls simply supported at top and bottom edges. The failure loads from testing are compared to results obtained using the simplified equation given in the American concrete code of practice, ACI318 (1995) and to an analytical method developed by the authors. The comparison indicates that modifications to the code wall design equation may be required when high strength concrete is used. Also, the more accurate analytical method was found to compare more favourably with the test results than the predictions from the code method.
A Review of Numerical Prediction Methods for Silo Wall Pressures
Authors: Chen J.F. , Rotter J.M. , Ooi J.Y.
Published: July 2017

Silo failures are relatively common in many countries and represent a source of significant economic loss. A better understanding of the properties of the stored materials and of their interaction with the structure is important for improved design. Numerical methods show great promise in the study of this interaction and considerable advances have been made in recent years. This paper presents a survey of the numerical methods used and summarises some recent studies of the pressure distributions in silos. Comparisons with existing theories are also made. Some implications for the structural design of silos of recent research on silo pressures are outlined.
Application and Development of Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes (CFST) in High Rise Buildings
Authors: Zhong Shan-Tong , Zhang Sumei
Published: July 2017

In recent years, theoretical research achievements in China have clearly showed the advantages of CFST members. Especially they have a better aseismic performance than steel structures. In addition, for high-rise buildings, the wall of the steel tubes used in CFST structures are much thinner plate than that of normal steel columns. Considering the shortage of thick steel plates in China, the structural erection and the amount of site welding, CFST structures provide a reasonable and convenient alternative for Chinese engineers. Since the early 1980s, Chinese engineers have been using CFST structures in practice. So far, CFST structures have been adopted in more than 15 high-rise buildings in China.
A Study of Localization Problems based on the Transition between Governing Equations
Authors: Chen Z. , Qian D. , Xin X.
Published: July 2017

The idea based on the transition between governing differential equations is used in this paper to study localization problems. First, the implication of moving jump forms of conservation laws is explored on the initiation and evolution of localization. It is shown that the jump conditions would result in the necessary condition for the loss of ellipticity if there is a jump in mass density. As a result, the initiation of localization might be identified via monitoring the transition between different types of governing differential equations, and the evolution of localization might be traced by using a moving material boundary without invoking higher order terms in space and/or time. One- and two-dimensional sample problems are then considered to demonstrate the proposed numerical procedure, with the use of local models, to simulate the evolution of localization under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Finally, conclusions and future work are given based on current research results. Key words: softening, localization, transition, discontinuity, ellipticity, hyperbolicity.
An Information Processing Approach to the Problem of Medication Noncompliance among Older Adults
Authors: Strawbridge Jill Annette
Published: July 2017

A preliminary experiment was conducted to investigate a cognitive processing explanation for prescription drug noncompliance among older adults. The experimental construct tested was that the dynamic underlying the misinterpretation of many medicine directives is directly related to the number of mental operations that each format requires in order to answer a specific question about dosage information. Reaction times and error rates were found to follow a pattern of results which supports the hypotheses for both older and younger adults. Increasing the number of mental operations was found to be most detrimental to the performance of adults age 75 years and older.
Visual Assessment vs. Statistical Goodness of Fit Tests for Identifying Parent Population
Authors: Berry Mari , Peacock Brian , Foote Bobbie , Leemis Lawrence
Published: July 2017

Statistical tests are used to identify the parent distribution corresponding to a data set. A human observer looking at a histogram can also identify a probability distribution that models the parent distribution. The accuracy of a human observer was compared to the chi-square test for discrete data and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and chi-square tests for continuous data. The human observer proved more accurate in identifying continuous distributions and the chi-square test proved to be superior in identifying discrete distributions. The effect of sample size and number of intervals in the histogram was included in the experimental design.
Instructional Use of Personal Computers in Human Factors Labs
Authors: Freivalds Andris , Goldberg Joseph H.
Published: July 2017

With the ubiquitousness of personal computers (PCs), it is only natural that they should be utilized in human factors laboratories not only for research data collection but also as an educational tool. With large engineering classes, most labs cannot afford to have multiple meters and instruments to service several identical laboratory stations simultaneously. Instead, it is extremely helpful to have several PCs with programs depicting basic human factors principles running simultaneously with the other stations. Thus, the PC programs are not intended to eliminate hands-on experimentation, but to help alleviate loading problems and provide useful educational principles.
Student-Initiated Human Factors Research at Michigan: A Guide for Research on a Shoestring
Authors: Sayer James R. , Green Paul
Published: July 2017

This paper describes how and why an undergraduate student might go about conducting an independent research project, citing a study conducted by the authors as an example. Specifically, this paper discusses the benefits of such an effort, how to find an advisor, what might be expected of a student, and how long it might take. For each of these issues, likely problems are discussed as well as possible solutions. Based upon their experience, the authors believe that the critical factors are the perseverance of the student and advisor, and the quality of the project planning.
An Alternative to Measuring Subjective Workload: Use of SWAT without the Card Sort
Authors: Biers David W. , McInerney Paul
Published: July 2017

One major drawback in some applications of the Subjective Workload Assessment Technique (SWAT) is the time required to administer the card sort. There are alternative methods of forming a workload composite from the SWAT instrument (i.e., a simple sum of the three scales or composite derived from multivariate statistics) which do not require the card sort. The present study compared the sensitivity of these alternative SWAT composite measures with the typical SWAT conjoint scaling metric which requires the card sort. A two group study was conducted in which subjects engaged in a continuous recognition task under twelve levels of task difficulty. One group (Pre-Task), performed the card sort prior to engaging in the task whereas in the other group (Post-Task) completed the card sort subsequent to task performance. Results indicated that placement of the card sort did not affect the task ratings on the three dimensions of SWAT nor did it affect the relative sensitivity of the three workload composites. All three composite measures were found equally sensitive to the task demands. These results indicate that the SWAT instrument can be used to effectively measure workload without having to perform the card sort.
Arousal Effects on Cognition: New Strategy Which Isolates Movement and Heart Rate Effects Inherent in Physical Work
Authors: Mihaly Tina
Published: July 2017

Most experiments which have sought to determine the effects of arousal, exercise and/or physical work on psychomotor performance have been tainted by methodological problems. This paper presents a strategy that was developed to overcome one methodological shortcoming inherent in many such studies: the confounding of movement and heart rate. The technique involves administering mental tests during both movement and non-movement intervals, at pre-selected exercise states. Results of a validation experiment, in which 11 subjects performed numerous psychomotor tasks with and without movement at four work intensities (rest, 30% VO2max, 60% VO2max, and post-exercise) on two testing days indicate that this method was sufficiently sensitive to identify previously undetected effects, e.g., movement slows index finger tapping rate and may impair an individual's ability to stabilize speed-accuracy tradeoff strategies in serial choice reaction time tasks. Inverted-U effects were also found, replicating some previous investigations. The novel strategy detailed herein, which isolates the relative effects of movement and elevated heart rate, appears appropriate for use in studies aimed at quantifying the effects of exercise-induced arousal (via cycle ergometry) on mental performance before, during, and after exercise. This work has implications for improving research methodologies and predicting which sorts of everyday speeded mental tasks will be affected when one is simultaneously engaged in physical work.
Workload Assessment of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) System
Authors: Byers James C. , Bittner Alvah C. , Hill Susan G. , Zaklad Allen L. , Christ Richard E.
Published: July 2017

Four empirical operator workload (OWL) scales were applied to ground control operations of the Aquila RPV during a recent field test: NASA TLX, SWAT, Overall Workload (OW), and the Modified Cooper-Harper (MCH). Seventeen sets of individual assessments of mission segments were made by the four members of each of four crews and one replacement crewman. Jackknife factor analysis revealed the presence of only a single factor and indicated that the mean factor loadings formed a consistent ordering ( F(3,48) = 503.5, p < .00005): TLX (.910) > SWAT (.893) > OW (.869) > MCH (.833). ANOVAs also examined the effects of various variables on the composite workload factor scores; significant findings were found which reflected both upon the system and its test. These findings as well as informal lessons learned are discussed in the context of the development and validation of a methodology for assessing OWL.
Effects of “Workarounds” on Perceptions of Problem Importance during Operational Test
Authors: Courtright John F. , Acton William H. , Frazier Michael L. , Lane J. Walter
Published: July 2017

“Workarounds” are nonstandard procedures operators devise to compensate for system deficiencies. This study investigated the impact of workarounds on the perceived importance of problems discovered during operational test. Questionnaire data were collected for 73 reported design deficiencies to assess the existence and effectiveness of workarounds and the importance of the tasks they affected to mission success. Problems were viewed as more important when workarounds were ineffective or time consuming, and when the tasks affected were deemed critical to mission success. Implications for problem prioritization are discussed.
Task Familiarity Effects on Job Sample Performance
Authors: Weeden Kristina S. , Berry Virginia M. , Baker Herbert George
Published: July 2017

As part of the Navy Job Performance Measurement Program, the technical proficiency of first-term radioman (RM) personnel was measured using a multimethod approach, the most significant component of which was a hands-on, or job sample test. Because the RM job included large numbers of personnel assigned to both ships and shore installations, the performance of these two groups on the hands-on test was compared and related to achievement on the other measures. The data were analyzed using MANOVA to test the overall difference between the groups across 12 hands-on task tests, showing that the RMs assigned to ships performed significantly better than RMs assigned to shore installations. T-tests for each of the task tests showed that RMs assigned to ships performed significantly better than RMs assigned to shore installations on seven of the 12 task tests. Examination of personnel background questionnaire information revealed a significant difference in the work experience between the groups. Possible causes of the assignment effects are discussed.
Test and Evaluation of an Air Force Non-Developmental Item (NDI) Computer System
Authors: Simon Robert , Schmidt Martha A. , Courville Nancy
Published: July 2017

The Air Force is fielding a computer-based command and control system to support fighter base mission requirements. The acquisition strategy for this system was to purchase it as a Non-Developmental Item (NDI). Since the hardware and software were in the Air Force inventory, it was determined that system development was not necessary. Initial implementation and installation occurred without system-level specifications or performance requirements. This paper presents the results of a Human Factors Engineering evaluation of the system from three perspectives: an Expert's view, a Military Standard view, and a User's view. Two primary lessons resulted from the evaluation: First, the multi-perspective evaluation technique is valuable and highly recommended for use in other HFE evluations. Second, the purchase of NDI or commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) items should be viewed from the systems perspective, i.e., even though subsystems may be NDI, the system may be developmental.
Operational Reality and Human Factors Measurement
Authors: Meister David
Published: July 2017

This paper attempts to develop a theoretical foundation specifically for human factors measurement. The notion is advanced that reality for the discipline is the operational system. This has significant implications for human factors research.
A Systematic Method for the Selection of Independent Variables in the Investigation of Complex Systems
Authors: Merkle P. Jay , Beaudet Douglas B. , Williges Robert C. , Herlong David W. , Williges Beverly H.
Published: July 2017

This paper describes a systematic methodology for selecting independent variables to be considered in large-scale research problems. Five specific procedures including brainstorming, prototype interface representation, feasibility/relevance analyses, structured literature reviews, and user subjective ratings are evaluated and incorporated into an integrated strategy. This methodology is demonstrated in the context of designing the user interface for a telephone-based information inquiry system. The procedure was successful in reducing an initial set of 95 independent variables to a subset of 19 factors that warrant subsequent detailed analysis. These results are discussed in terms of a comprehensive sequential research methodology useful for investigating human factors problems.
Performance Based Design of Training Programs with Moment to Moment Performance Measures
Authors: Connelly Edward
Published: July 2017

Task performance can directly impact on unit/system effectiveness and also indirectly by limiting the performance of other tasks. When assessing the impact of candidate systems designs, training programs, changes in doctrine, MOS staffing etc., the total impact of task performance must be known. A method for calculating the total impact i.e., both direct and indirect effects, is described here in terms of the unit/system/task relationship.

A Moment-to-Moment (MTM) performance measure provides an assessment of the performance of each system task during a mission. The assessment is the total (direct and indirect) impact of task performance on unit/system effectiveness, based on the unit/system measure of effectiveness (MOE). The task performance assessment is calculated by taking into account the performance coupling of each task with those of other tasks. With a MTM measure, task performance is assessed according to its total impact on unit/system effectiveness and not by considering the task to be performed in isolation. The MTM measure can be used to accomplish the following: select tasks for training, establish task performance measures and levels of acceptable performance; evaluate proposed training programs, equipment designs, and procedures; and design system test and evaluation strategies. The paper describes the method of developing MTM measures as applied to measures for maneuvering units.
Developing Embedded Training (ET) Design and Integration Concepts for the All Source Analysis System/Enemy Situation Correlation Element (ASAS/ENSCE)
Authors: Evans Debra C.
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the lessons learned from applying embedded training guidelines currently under development to a testbed system. The testbed system was the All Source Analysis System/Enemy Situation Correlation Element (ASAS/ENSCE). ASAS/ENSCE is an emerging computer-based information system. The major result of this effort was the modification of the ET guidelines to better support embedded training development.
Determining Transfer of Training Using Curve Fitting
Authors: Damos Diane L.
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the measurement of learning and transfer using a curve-fitting technique discussed in a 1985 Human Factors article by Spears. The data were collected during an experiment that determined if rotation skills could become automated with practice and if the skills could transfer between stimuli. The dependent variables of interest were the slope and intercept of the regression equation relating correct reaction time and degrees of rotation. Curve fitting was accomplished using a common statistical package, BMDP, and an IBM-XT. The curve-fitting technique showed large initial transfer of training on several variables that did not affect the asymptotic level of performance. In contrast standard transfer of training calculations indicated small positive transfer.
A Computer Keyboard Key Feel Study in Performance and Preference
Authors: Akagi Kenichi
Published: July 2017

A study was conducted to compare user preference and performance of four keyboards having different key force and travel characteristics. Two keyboards had linear spring key action, one with low (key force) resistance (42.5 grams) and one with high resistance (70.9 grams). The other two keyboards had tactile (snap) action, one with low resistance (35.5 grams) and one with high resistance (70.9 grams). All four keyboards were manufactured by the same company, and were visually identical in size, layout, color, etc. There was no difference in typing sound and traveling distance among the four keyboards. Twenty four touch typists typed material taken from a college psychology textbook for seven to eight minutes on each keyboard. Between changing keyboards, the participants rested one minute. The two low resistance (35.5 grams tactile, 42.5 grams linear spring action) keyboards produced 23.3% more errors (57% of total errors) than the two high resistance keyboards (43% of total errors). There was a 10.28% difference in errors between the low resistance spring and the low tactile action keyboards, and there was only a 2.95% difference in error between the high resistance spring and the high resistance tactile action keyboards. The lighter the key resistance, the more errors were produced. The average typing speed of all of the participants indicated that there was no significant typing speed difference among the four keyboards. The keyboards preferred by the participants were almost evenly distributed among the low resistance linear (42.5 grams, 29% of participants), the low resistance tactile (35.5 grams, 29% of participants) and the high resistance tactile (70.9 grams, 25% of participants) keyboards. The high resistance linear (70.9 grams, 17% of participants) keyboard was chosen least.
Effects of Processing Depth on Memory for the Alcohol Warning Label
Authors: MacKinnon David P. , Stacy Alan W. , Nohre Liva , Geiselman R. Edward
Published: July 2017

The experiment examined: (1) the effects of different types of processing of the alcohol beverage warning label on memory for the label content, (2) potential measures of memory for the alcohol warning label, and (3) whether cues to the alcohol warning label increase memory for the content of the label. We hypothesized that the warning label may be processed in three ways: (1) persons may read the label, (2) persons may read the label and describe its content to others, and (3) persons may see the label but not cognitively process the label. Processing effects were operationalized as three orienting tasks to the label (read, paraphrase, and count) which were compared to a control condition (no experimental exposure to the warning label). Four tests (free recall, recognition, word-stem completion, and controlled association) were compared. In one additional condition, subjects were cued to the warning label without prior experimental exposure. The free recall test was the most sensitive measure to different levels of processing. Average memory scores for the paraphrase and read conditions were higher than the count and control conditions. Average memory performance in the cued condition was superior to the control condition, suggesting that subjects remember the content of the warning from exposure to the label outside this experiment.
The NAS/NRC Committee on Human Factors: What it is and What it Does
Authors: Nickerson Raymond S.
Published: July 2017

The National Research Council's Committee on Human Factors attempts to identify human-factors research needs of special interest to its sponsors and of importance to the country as a whole. This paper gives a brief overview of what the committee is and how it functions, by way of introduction to the succeeding presentations, which describe three of its current activities
Isometric Strength Capability for a Vertical Wheel Turning Task
Authors: Woldstad Jeffrey C. , Rockwell Christopher J. , Johnson Christian A. , McMulkin Mark , McMahan Paul B.
Published: July 2017

This paper reports on the measured isometric strength capability of 125 male and 125 female college students performing a one-handed wheel turning task. Three measures of isometric strength were used: (1) a three-second average of steady state levels taken from a six-second exertion, (2) the largest value (peak) from the same six-second exertion, and (3) a maximum exertion level taken from a separate “ramp-to-peak” exertion. Standardized whole-body strength measurements for the legs, arms, and torso as well as grip strength were also taken for each subject. The results presented in this paper demonstrate average isometric wheel turning strengths (torques) ranging from 109 to 152 N-m for males and 66 to 91 N-m for females, depending upon the strength measure used. The three strength measures were highly correlated, but produced significantly different estimates of strength. The three-second average produced the lowest estimate while the ramp-peak value produced the highest. Wheel turning strengths were also highly correlated with the standardized whole-body strength measures and with grip strength. Multiple regression models developed to predict wheel turning strength using these values accounted for 69 to 71 percent of the variation in the measures. The model results also suggest that grip strength plays an important role in determining wheel turning strength capability.
Validity of Isometric Strength Tests for Predicting the Capacity to Crack, Open, and Close Industrial Valves
Authors: Jackson Andrew S. , Osburn Hobart G. , Laughery Kenneth R. , Vaubel Kent P.
Published: July 2017

Cracking, opening, and closing valves are physically demanding tasks required of chemical plant process operators. This study determined if isometric strength tests predicted the capacity to: 1) crack valves; and 2) fully open or close them. The study involved three interrelated steps: 1) compete task analyses to define the torque required to crack valves and the total amount of work required to open or close industrial valves; 2) develop valve turning simulation tests; and 3) complete laboratory studies to define the level of isometric strength demanded for valve turning performance. A total of 405 valves at two major chemical plants were measured to find the torque required to crack, open, and close industrial valves. These data were used to develop two job simulation tests, one measured valve cracking capacity, and the second the endurance needed to open or close a valve. An electronic torque wrench measured valve cracking capacity in eight different ways, and a valve turning ergometer measured the subject's endurance to work for 15 minutes at a power output of 1,413.5 foot-pounds/minute. The sum of isometric grip, arm lift, and torso lift strength tests (ɛIS) measured strength. The isometric strength and endurance work valve tests were administered to 26 men and 25 women. The isometric strength and valve cracking tests were administered to a second sample of 118 men and 66 women. The correlations between ɛIS and work test performance were 0.65 and 0.83 for valve cracking and valve endurance tests respectively. Logistic regression models defined the strength level needed to crack valves and completely close valves.
The Effects of Lifting Posture on Trunk Muscle Activity
Authors: Hamrick Christopher A. , Gallagher Sean
Published: July 2017

Trunk muscle activity of twelve healthy males with coal mining experience was examined while each subject lifted a box under various conditions. The independent variables were four levels of posture (kneeling, stooped under a 1.2 m roof, stooped under a 1.6 m roof, and standing), height to which the box was lifted (35 cm or 70 cm), and weight of the lifting box (15 kg, 20 kg, or 25 kg). The dependent variables were the peak EMG values recorded during a lift for each of eight trunk muscles (left and right erectores spinae, left and right latissimus dorsi, left and right external oblique, and left and right rectus abdominis). Posture and weight of lift significantly affected peak activity of the left and right erectores spinae, the left and right latissimus dorsi muscles, and the right external oblique muscle. The latissimus dorsi muscle activity was highest in the low stooping posture, and was lowest in the kneeling posture, while erectores spinae activity was highest in the kneeling posture and decreased as the trunk became more flexed. Thus, the muscle activity during lifting tasks is affected by restricting a worker's posture. Consequently, many lifting guidelines and recommendations currently in use may not be directly applicable to work being performed in restricted postures.
Effects of Mass on Wrist Velocities and Accelerations
Authors: Shealy Jasper , Latko Wendi
Published: July 2017

Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders (UECTD) have been linked to risk factors such as frequency, forcefulness, posture and time for rest/recovery. More recently, wrist and forearm movement velocities and accelerations have been identified as significant correlates to UECTD in industrial tasks. In earlier work with biomechanical analysis of Sign Language Interpreting (SLI), we found that SLI involves frequencies, velocities and accelerations of wrist and forearm motions that greatly exceed those noted as UECTD high risk jobs. A primary difference between the workers in the industrial studies and our studies of SLI is that industrial workers typically hold objects in their hands, while in SLI, the hand is empty. In SLI, we have found the maximum velocities and accelerations reach as much as 70 to 80% of the maximum possible values.

This study looks at the effect of holding graduated masses on the maximum velocities and accelerations for the wrist joint for the flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation and forearm pronation/supination motions. Five subjects were used. Each subject repeated a maximum voluntary motion three times in each configuration, starting from a stationary neutral position, with the forearm held stationary for the wrist movements. Four different masses were used (9.5 125, 250 and 500 grams) to assess the effect of mass. Each mass was a cylinder of the same external dimensions. As a control, a hollow cardboard tube (9.5 grams) was used to measure the velocity and acceleration for essentially a no-load condition. Thus the hand was always in the same grip configuration.

The results show that for the masses and hand-grip configurations used, the effect of the masses was not statistically significant for forearm pronation/supination, but was for wrist movements. The effect was greatest for flexion/extension, with about a 20% decline in velocity and acceleration at 500 grams versus the 9.5 gram weight.
Shape and Placement of Faucet Handles for the Elderly
Authors: Meindl Beverly A. , Freivalds Andris
Published: July 2017

The ‘modern’ bathroom is an area which poses considerable barriers to the elderly, specifically a mismatch between the shape and the placement of faucet handles and their physiological capabilities. Fifteen residents of a retirement facility, with a mean age of 79.9 years, exerted their maximum turning torques in a randomized fully-crossed design incorporating the following factors: two positions (low-21 inches and high-42 inches), two angles (45° and 90°) and three types of handles (acrylic, star, and lever). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of the data indicated that the type of handle and the position, along with the covariates: age, gender and subject height, were significant at p<.05. Angle and the covariates: weight and arthritis were not significant, most likely because weight is correlated with height and arthritis with age. The second order interactions of handle-angle and position-angle were also significant at p<.05.

The lever handle was clearly superior with average torques produced being 50% greater than those from the acrylic and star handles. Torque levels on the acrylic handle and the star handle were very similar, with the acrylic handle slightly superior in the 45°-angled position and the star handle being slightly better in the 90°-angled position. Overall, the 45°-low position resulted in the lowest torques, while the 45° high position resulted in the highest torques. Age had a profound effect, with torque values decreasing an average of 10% over the 15 year age span of the subjects. Based on the study, it is recommended that plumbing systems with both high (42 inches) and low (21 inches) faucets with lever handles be installed where ever possible.
The Importance of Sound-Field Acoustic Specification for Hearing Protector Performance Measurement
Authors: Mauney Daniel W. , Robinson Gary S. , Casali John G.
Published: July 2017

Several real-ear attenuation at threshold (REAT) standards govern the attenuation testing of hearing protectors internationally. A characteristic common to many is the requirement of a diffuse sound field and the toleration of a wide range of reverberation times, allowing testing in an anechoic or a reverberant test room. This study explored the degree to which the diffuse environment can be degraded without significantly affecting the attenuation tested under ANSI S3.19-1974. In addition, the study compared a diffuse sound field generated in a reverberant room (as required by ANSI S3.19-1974 and CSA Z94.2-M1984) with a diffuse sound field generated in an anechoic room (as allowed by ANSI S12.6-1984, BSI 5108:1983, ISO 4869-1(E):1990, and SS 882151). Results indicate that degrading the diffusivity will result in statistically significant changes in attenuation, but the magnitude of change is small. In addition, small but significant differences exist between the two test chambers. Interpretation of these results depends upon the purpose of the testing. For applications where accuracy is critical, the statistically significant differences should not be ignored. However, for noncritical applications, such as simply predicting the amount of attenuation a particular worker is receiving with a specific hearing protector, the small magnitude of these differences do not preclude the use of these alternative environments. Therefore, actual protection levels achieved in the field can be empirically verified in either sound field.
Sitting on the Ergonomic Hot Seat
Authors: Rowe Kent W.
Published: July 2017

Workstation design requires safe placement of electrical appliances so as to minimize the risks associated with electromagnetic radiation. The aim of this investigation was to measure the relative position of the worker to the source of the electric and magnetic emissions. Elevating chair-height exposed the CRT operator's abdomen region to greater levels of energy density emitted by the monitor screen. Likewise, lowering chair-height exposes the CRT operator's chest and face to greater levels of emission.
The Proportion of Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Upper Extremities in U.S. Industry
Authors: Brogmus George Erich , Marko Richard
Published: July 2017

Numerous case studies indicate a high incidence of cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) of the upper extremities. However, there have been few broad based attempts to give an assessment of the problem in industry overall. Using two large databases of accident information, CTDs were found to account for approximately 3% of all accidents and 3.5% of all accident costs in 1991. An increasing trend was clearly indicated over the past several years. Analysis was also done by state and job classification.
Visual Factors in the Avoidance of Front-To-Rear-End Highway Collisions
Authors: Regan D. , Hamstra S. , Kaushal S.
Published: July 2017

Two visual factors in the avoidance of front-to-rear-end collisions are (a) judging time to collision so as to control braking optimally on a moment-to-moment basis, and/or (b) judging one's heading relative to the lead car so as to steer appropriately. It is known that time to contact equals θ/(dθ/dt) and it is also known that the eye is sensitive to θ and, separately, (dθ/dt) (θ is the angular size and (dθ/dt) is the rate of increase of angular size). But whether the eye is sensitive to the ratio (θ/(dθ/dt) and, if so, whether drivers use this information are further questions. We report here that the human visual system does contain neurons sensitive to the ratio θ/(dθ/dt) rather independently of θ and (dθ/dt). It is important that the driver looks directly at the lead vehicle: sensitivity to (dθ/dt) falls off steeply in peripheral view. But, over a wide range, sensitivity to (dθ/dt) is independent of contrast. In addition to the classical disparity-driven system for binocular depth perception, there is a separate binocular system for motion in depth. Precise judgements (0.2 deg) of heading are supported by this stereomotion system, but on the other hand about 20% of the population have stereomotion “blind spots” (i.e. field defects). Monocularly-available informations can also support precise judgements of heading, and field defects seem to be rare. Field studies on flight simulators and telemetry-tracked jet aircraft showed that laboratory measures of sensitivity to (dθ/dt) and to the rate of expansion of the optical flow field predicted intersubject differences in performance on flying tasks that were closely related to the rear-end collision situation.