bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Strategies for Health Information Dissemination: Messengers That Can Help or Hinder
Authors: Fishman Jessica , Greenberg Patricia , Bagga Margy Barbieri , Casarett David , Propert Kathleen
Published: October 2017

Purpose:

To test the effects of different messengers on the dissemination of health information.

Design:

An experimental study exposed participants to 12 news articles pertaining to 1 of 3 health topics framed from the perspective of 4 generic messengers: religious figures, doctors, celebrity patients, or ordinary patients. Participants select as many of the 12 articles as desired.

Setting:

A cancer clinic within a large, urban hospital serving a sociodemographically diverse patient population.

Participants:

Eighty-nine patients with a history of cancer.

Measures:

The primary outcome was the frequency with which each news story was selected.

Analysis:

Summary statistics and a general estimating equation model.

Results:

For each health topic, news articles using celebrity messengers were the least likely to be selected; almost half of the participants (36 [41.4%] of 87) rejected all such articles. Articles linked to religious figures were equally unpopular ( P = .59). Articles that used doctors or ordinary patients as the messenger were very likely to be selected: Nearly all women (84 [96.6%] of 87) selected at least one of these. Furthermore, the odds of choosing articles linked to celebrities or religious leaders were statistically significantly lower than the odds of choosing those linked to ordinary patients or doctors ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Commonly used generic messengers had large effects on the dissemination of information. Health materials linked to celebrities or religious figures were consistently less likely to be selected than those linked to ordinary patients, or doctors.
The correlation of urinary podocytes and podocalyxin with histological features of lupus nephritis
Authors: Ikuma D , Hiromura K , Kajiyama H , Suwa J , Ikeuchi H , Sakairi T , Kaneko Y , Maeshima A , Kurosawa H , Hirayama Y , Yokota K , Araki Y , Sato K , Asanuma Y F , Akiyama Y , Hara M , Nojima Y , Mimura T
Published: October 2017

Objectives

The objective of this study was to test the correlation of urinary podocyte number (U-Pod) and urinary podocalyxin levels (U-PCX) with histology of lupus nephritis.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Sixty-four patients were enrolled: 40 with lupus nephritis and 24 without lupus nephritis (12 lupus nephritis patients in complete remission and 12 systemic lupus erythematosus patients without lupus nephritis). Urine samples were collected before initiating treatment. U-Pod was determined by counting podocalyxin-positive cells, and U-PCX was measured by sandwich ELISA, normalized to urinary creatinine levels (U-Pod/Cr, U-PCX/Cr).

Results

Lupus nephritis patients showed significantly higher U-Pod/Cr and U-PCX/Cr compared with patients without lupus nephritis. U-Pod/Cr was high in proliferative lupus nephritis (class III±V/IV±V), especially in pure class IV (4.57 (2.02–16.75)), but low in pure class V (0.30 (0.00–0.71)). U-Pod/Cr showed a positive correlation with activity index ( r=0.50, P=0.0012) and was independently associated with cellular crescent formation. In contrast, U-PCX/Cr was high in both proliferative and membranous lupus nephritis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed significant correlation of U-Pod/Cr with pure class IV, class IV±V and cellular crescent formation, and the combined values of U-Pod/Cr and U-PCX/Cr were shown to be associated with pure class V.

Conclusions

U-Pod/Cr and U-PCX/Cr correlate with histological features of lupus nephritis.
Hospitalizations among Danish SLE patients: a prospective study on incidence, causes of admission and risk factors in a population-based cohort
Authors: Busch R W , Kay S D , Voss A
Published: October 2017

Objective

To determine the incidence, duration and cause of hospitalization in a cohort of Danish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, we investigated risk factors for admission and prolonged hospital stay.

Methods

A total of 155 SLE patients from a population-based cohort were included in the study during a period of 70 months, from January 2007 to October 2012. Data on frequency, cause and duration of hospitalizations were obtained by review of medical charts. Data on disease manifestations, organ damage and treatment were collected prospectively.

Results

A total of 101 of the 155 SLE patients (65%) had one or more hospitalization during the study period. The incidence rate of all hospitalizations was 0.50 per year. Leading causes of admission were complications to SLE or its treatment, but infections were also common. Mean duration of hospital stay was 6.4 ± 10.5 days, and SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) on admission emerged as a risk factor for prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusion

Danish SLE patients experience frequent admissions to hospital. Complications to SLE or its treatment, as well as infections, are leading causes of admission. High SLEDAI-2K on admission is a risk factor for prolonged hospital stay.
Modeling the pressure inactivation of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium in sapote mamey (Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn) pulp
Authors: Saucedo-Reyes Daniela , Carrillo-Salazar José A , Román-Padilla Lizbeth , Saucedo-Veloz Crescenciano , Reyes-Santamaría María I , Ramírez-Gilly Mariana , Tecante Alberto
Published: October 2017

High hydrostatic pressure inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 ( S. typhimurium) in a low acid mamey pulp at four pressure levels (300, 350, 400, and 450 MPa), different exposure times (0–8 min), and temperature of 25 ± 2℃ were obtained. Survival curves showed deviations from linearity in the form of a tail (upward concavity). The primary models tested were the Weibull model, the modified Gompertz equation, and the biphasic model. The Weibull model gave the best goodness of fit ( R2 adj > 0.956, root mean square error < 0.290) in the modeling and the lowest Akaike information criterion value. Exponential-logistic and exponential decay models, and Bigelow-type and an empirical models for b′( P) and n( P) parameters, respectively, were tested as alternative secondary models. The process validation considered the two- and one-step nonlinear regressions for making predictions of the survival fraction; both regression types provided an adequate goodness of fit and the one-step nonlinear regression clearly reduced fitting errors. The best candidate model according to the Akaike theory information, with better accuracy and more reliable predictions was the Weibull model integrated by the exponential-logistic and exponential decay secondary models as a function of time and pressure (two-step procedure) or incorporated as one equation (one-step procedure). Both mathematical expressions were used to determine the td parameter, where the desired reductions ( 5D) (considering d = 5 ( t5) as the criterion of 5 Log10 reduction (5 D)) in both microorganisms are attainable at 400 MPa for 5.487 ± 0.488 or 5.950 ± 0.329 min, respectively, for the one- or two-step nonlinear procedure.
Cytologic and Ultrastructural Findings of Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Patients With Chronic Granulomatous Disease
Authors: Warren Mikako , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: October 2017

Background

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a hereditary immunodeficiency caused by mutations in genes encoding nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase enzyme complex, which lead to the inability to kill intracellular pathogens. Patients with CGD are susceptible to recurrent bacterial and fungal infections in their early lives. Although the recent survival rate has been significantly improved, early diagnosis is critical to prevent multiple organ impairment. In 1950s, CGD was first described as a disease with recurrent infections and visceral infiltration of granulomas and pigmented histiocytes. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is commonly performed for patients with CGD; however, no study has described the cytologic features of alveolar macrophages.

Methods

Cytology of 20 BALs from 11 CGD patients was examined. The greatest diameters of randomly selected 100 alveolar macrophages in each BAL were measured using image analysis and compared with 20 disease control BALs from non-CGD patients. Macrophages from 2 groups were compared with repeated measures mixed-model analysis. Ultrastructural analysis was performed on a representative CGD BAL.

Results

BALs from CGD patients showed variable numbers of neutrophils and lipid-laden macrophages. Macrophages in CGD BALs were significantly larger than disease control BALs ( P < .0001) and showed “foamy” vacuolated cytoplasm. Ultrastructural analysis revealed the macrophages filled with enlarged lysosomes containing lipofuscin-like materials, which made their appearance “foamy.”

Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrate novel BAL findings in CGD patients. The presence of enlarged “foamy” alveolar macrophages is not specific for CGD, but CGD should be considered as a differential diagnosis when foamy macrophages are present.
Synergistic effect of Al2O3/TiO2 reinforcements on slurry erosion performance of nickel-based composite coatings
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Bhandari Sanjeev , Goyal Atul
Published: October 2017

Various aspects such as development, experimentation, and analysis have been covered in the present work to examine the behavior of test coatings under slurry erosion. The primary objective of the present study was to establish the specific mass loss from the test coatings under various slurry environmental conditions and highlights the importance of the addition of alumina in improving the slurry erosion resistance of Ni-TiO2 coating. To attain this objective, two powder compositions, viz. Ni-20TiO2 and Ni-15TiO2-5Al2O3 were deposited onto the CA6NM grade hydro-turbine steel using high velocity frame spray process. The microstructural characterization of the coatings was done by employing surface roughness tester, scanning electron microscope/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques, whereas mechanical analysis was carried out using micro-hardness and bond strength tester. The slurry erosion tests were performed using an indigenously fabricated high speed slurry erosion test rig at different levels of rotational speed, average particle size of erodent, and slurry concentration in order to explore their effects on slurry erosion performance of test coatings. The slurry erosion results, as well as scanning electron microscope observations of eroded specimens, revealed higher slurry erosion resistance of Ni-15TiO2-5Al2O3 coating in comparison with Ni-20TiO2 coating. Furthermore, each operational parameter was found to have a proportional effect on specific mass loss in case of both the coatings.
Performance of a novel foil journal bearing with surface micro-grooved top foil
Authors: Yan Jiajia , Zhang Guanghui , Liu Zhansheng , Zhao Jingming , Xu Liang
Published: October 2017

To improve the performance of foil bearing including load capacity and stability, the surface micro groove structure on top foil is proposed, which is possible with the development of surface micro machining process. The micro groove structure on top foil can be processed by laser surface process, chemical etching, mechanical grinding, etc. This paper proposes a novel bump-type gas foil journal bearing with surface micro-grooved top foil and investigates the influence of micro groove depth on bearing performance theoretically. A modified pressure governing equation is established with the consideration of gas rarefaction, and the performance of the bearing is analyzed based on numerical simulation. By considering the variation of top foil thickness for surface micro groove, the load capacities with and without gas rarefaction considered are obtained by finite difference method, where the 2D thick plate model is adopted for the top foil. By employing the perturbation method, the force coefficients of this type foil bearing are calculated. The results indicate this novel foil journal bearing with surface micro-grooved top foil can decrease the end leakage and increase pressure around load domain efficiently. The load capacity and dynamic properties are improved. Moreover, with the increment of micro groove depth, the load capacity and direct stiffness are reinforced further. For the foil journal bearing with a micro groove depth of 8 µm on top foil, the load capacity and direct stiffness increase by about 11.89% and 11.87%, respectively, compared with traditional foil journal bearing.
Automated futures and the mobile present: In-car video ethnographies
Authors: Pink Sarah , Fors Vaike , Glöss Mareike
Published: October 2017

New technological possibilities associated with autonomous driving (AD) cars are generating new questions and imaginaries about automated futures. In this article we advance a theoretical-methodological approach towards researching this context based in design anthropological theory and sensory ethnographic practice. In doing so we explain and discuss the findings of an in-car video ethnography study designed to investigate the usually unspoken and not necessarily visible elements of car-based mobility. Such an approach is needed, we argue, both in order to inform a research agenda that is capable of addressing the emergence of automated vehicles specifically, as well as in preparation for understanding the implications of automation more generally as human mobility is increasingly entangled with automated technologies and the future imaginaries associated with them.
Lighting of a cardiac intensive care unit: Emotional and visual effects on patients and nurses
Authors: Cui Z , Hao L , Xu J
Published: October 2017

This study discusses the emotional and visual effects of the luminous environment of cardiac intensive care units on both patients and nurses. We draw the following conclusions: (1) the light level, colour temperature, and lighting design all affect the satisfaction of both patients and nurses. (2) Although patients prefer a low colour temperature, nurses prefer a high colour temperature. The influence of colour temperature on the satisfaction of patients and nurses is smaller than factors such as light level and light distribution. (3) Major factors affecting patient satisfaction consist of an emotional factor and a visual factor in inverse correlation under several particular influences. (4) Nurse satisfaction approximates the visual factor score. (5) The visual factor scores of the subjects (patients and nurses) are in apparent positive correlation with light level. (6) In a scenario characterized by an illuminance of 200 lx, the trends in patients’ emotional factor and visual factor intersect where the emotional factor peaks. However, when the illuminance and average luminance grow further, the emotional factor score decreases.
Whole transcriptome analysis identifies differentially regulated networks between osteosarcoma and normal bone samples
Authors: Ho Xuan Dung , Phung Phuong , Q Le Van , H Nguyen Van , Reimann Ene , Prans Ele , Kõks Gea , Maasalu Katre , Le Nghi TN , H Trinh Le , G Nguyen Hoang , Märtson Aare , Kõks Sulev
Published: October 2017

We performed whole transcriptome analysis of osteosarcoma bone samples. Initially, we sequenced total RNA from 36 fresh-frozen samples (18 tumoral bone samples and 18 non-tumoral paired samples) matching in pairs for each osteosarcoma patient. We also performed independent gene expression analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples to verify the RNAseq results. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples allowed us to analyze the effect of chemotherapy. Data were analyzed with DESeq2, edgeR and Reactome packages of R. We found 5365 genes expressed differentially between the normal bone and osteosarcoma tissues with an FDR below 0.05, of which 3399 genes were upregulated and 1966 were downregulated. Among those genes, BTNL9, MMP14, ABCA10, ACACB, COL11A1, and PKM2 were expressed differentially with the highest significance between tumor and normal bone. Functional annotation with the reactome identified significant changes in the pathways related to the extracellular matrix degradation and collagen biosynthesis. It was suggested that chemotherapy may induce the modification of ECM with important collagen biosynthesis. Taken together, our results indicate that changes in the degradation of extracellular matrix seem to be an important mechanism of osteosarcoma and efficient chemotherapy induces the genes related to bone formation.

Impact statement

Osteosarcoma is a rare disease but it is of interest to many scientists all over the world because the current standard treatment still has poor results. We sequenced total RNA from 36 fresh-frozen paired samples (18 tumoral bone samples and 18 non-tumoral paired samples) from osteosarcoma patients. We found that differences in the gene expressions between the normal and affected bones reflected the changes in the regulation of the degradation of collagen and extracellular matrix. We believe that these findings contribute to the understanding of OS and suggest ideas for further studies.
Exploring Workload among Informal Caregivers of Persons with Dementia
Authors: Zenker Rachel , Pardell Connor , Gilmore-Bykovskyi Andrea , Kind Amy J. H. , Werner Nicole
Published: October 2017

Background:

An estimated 5.3 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias (Association 2015). Healthcare delivery for persons with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias (PwD), involves both the formal (e.g., physicians, social workers) and informal (e.g., family members, neighbors) work of healthcare. Informal caregiving for PwD totals approximately 18 billion hours of work per year and costs up to 217.7 billion dollars per year in caregiving costs, lost productivity and medical and institutional care (Association 2015). Informal caregivers must execute complex tasks in a dynamic environment often without the necessary information, resources, and training (Allegri, Sarasola et al. 2006, Gitlin, Kales et al. 2012). In addition, informal caregiving requires a physical, emotional, psychological, financial and temporal commitment from the informal caregiver. The confluence of these circumstances has the potential to influence the demands experienced by informal caregivers and the capacity to meet those demands. As informal caregivers increasingly take on healthcare tasks that were previously performed by trained professionals, it is important to understand how the workload experienced by informal caregivers and how it affects caregiving performance.

Objective:

To explore workload among informal caregivers of PwD to identify the influencers of capacity and demand and understand the interaction between capacity, demand, and caregiver burden.

Method:

We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews (N=9) with informal caregivers of PwD to explore the workload among informal caregivers using qualitative thematic analysis. The interview questions related to the understanding of: 1) work performed by informal caregivers 2) strategies, tools, and resources used by informal caregivers 3) unmet needs related to caregiving work and 4) the environment in which the caregiving occurred.

Results:

We found three overarching themes related to caregiver workload: (1) informal caregiving demands surpass the capacity of any individual informal caregiver; (2) informal caregivers experienced dynamic workload that increased over time (i.e., as the disease progressed) forcing informal caregivers to seek assistance from other formal and informal caregiving resources; and (3) training, information, and resource scarcity is associated with informal caregiver work overload.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that informal caregivers experience dynamic workload that increases over time, and that cannot be sustained by one person. Although informal caregivers were able to develop strategies to support workload, due to the progressive nature of the disease, specific strategies were not typically useful over time.
Absence of Gender Differences in Actual Induced HMD Motion Sickness vs. Pretrial Susceptibility Ratings
Authors: Wilson Michael L. , Kinsela Amelia J.
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this paper is to report the gender differences in motion sickness susceptibility and reported sickness levels experienced during a study to determine how latency in a head-mounted display affects human performance. This experiment used a camera feeding an image of the room to an HMD to examine performance on a point and shoot task with added latency in a HMD. Twenty-nine participants completed a repeated measures study in which they performed a simple object location targeting task in base and varying latency conditions. Results showed a significant difference between genders in the pre-trial susceptibility rating using the MSSQ-S. Results also indicated that the participants’ sickness levels increased during their exposure to the HMD latency stimulus based on their SSQ scores. Further, when the sickness levels were examined, there were no differences found between male and female participants. As a result, gender should not be used as an exclusion factor in determining whether or not to use HMD and VR devices.
Interaction of Personality and Persuasion Tactics in Email Phishing Attacks
Authors: Lawson Patrick , Zielinska Olga , Pearson Carl , Mayhorn Christopher B.
Published: October 2017

Phishing is a social engineering tactic where a malicious actor impersonates a trustworthy third party with the intention of tricking the user into divulging sensitive information. Previous social engineering research has shown an interaction between personality and the persuasion principle used. This study was conducted to investigate whether this interaction is present in the realm of email phishing. To investigate this, we used a personality inventory and an email identification task (phishing or legitimate). The emails used in the identification task utilize four of Cialdini’s persuasion principles. Our data confirms previous findings that high extroversion is predictive of increased susceptibility to phishing attacks. In addition, we identify multiple interactions between personality and specific persuasion principles. We also report the overarching efficacy of various persuasion principles on phishing email identification accuracy.
Preliminary Analysis of StrongArm® Ergoskeleton on Knee and Hip Kinematics and User Comfort
Authors: DeBusk Hunter , Babski-Reeves Kari , Chander Harish
Published: October 2017

This study was constructed to assess the influence of wearing semi-soft exoskeletons on hip and knee kinematics when engaging in a box lifting task. Six healthy college aged students (age: 21.7 ± 2.3; gender: 4 males, 2 females; height: 177.0 ± 3.4 cm; weight: 77.1 ± 17.9 kg; hand dominance: all right) completed box lifting tasks (at 10% and 20% of their body weight) while wearing no exoskeleton and two exoskeleton designs. Lifting a box at 20% body weight increased perceived exertion and was associated with poor hip and knee kinematics in some conditions. Wearing the StrongArm® V22 ERGOSKELETON without hand cables may diminish some of the poor kinematics associated with lifting objects.
Patient Care and Electronic Medical Record Entry Demands on Physical Therapists
Authors: Palmer Douglas , Sommerich Carolyn M. , Darragh Amy R.
Published: October 2017

The work of physical therapists (PTs) is physically and cognitively demanding, though prior research has primarily focused on physical aspects of their work and associated musculoskeletal (MSK) symptoms. The goal of this study was to provide a more indepth view into PTs working in outpatient settings, the largest area of practice. Of primary interest was learning about cognitive demands, particularly those associated with electronic medical records (EMRs) documentation. There is little information on the workload associated with this essential part of the PT’s responsibilities. Interviews were conducted with 10 licensed PTs. Thematic analysis was conducted on transcripts from interviews. Analysis revealed several areas of concerns including significant portions of each day spent on documentation, poor organization of EMR content, inefficiencies from hardware choices, as well as opportunities for improvement such as means for providing visual evidence of a patient’s performance progress and providing for side-by-side comparison of reports.
A pilot study on measuring the consecutive macro air gap between three types of masks and a female face
Authors: Morishima Mika , Mitsuno Tamaki
Published: October 2017

Hygiene masks are often worn as simple personal protection equipment to protect oneself from PM2.5 particles, coarse particles, and pollen in our daily lives and at work. In recent years, mask sheet materials with higher protective performances have been developed. However, it has been shown that a poor fit between the mask and the wearer’s face often occurs. Therefore, it has often been observed that there are masks where there is a macro air gap between the mask and the wearer’s face. In this paper, the consecutive macro air gap between the mask and a female face was calculated using 3D coordinates.
Executive Attention as a Predictor of Distracted Driving Performance
Authors: Louie Jennifer F. , Mouloua Mustapha
Published: October 2017

The present study empirically examines the role of executive attention as a predictor of distracted driving performance. As ADHD is an attention-related disorder, we hypothesized that ADHD individuals would show poorer executive attention compared to individuals from a community sample. Second, we predicted that individuals with poorer executive attention would show riskier driving as measured by a self-report questionnaire and simulated driving trials. One-hundred thirteen individuals with and without ADHD completed an executive attention task, a driving behavior questionnaire, and three (pre-distracted, distracted, and post-distracted) simulated driving routes. Results showed that executive attention is associated with braking response times during distracted driving trials. There was also evidence for carryover effects of distraction, with participants showing slower braking response times even after the distracting task was discontinued. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between ADHD and executive attention.
Situational Awareness and Time to Takeover: Exploring an Alternative Method to Measure Engagement with High-Level Automation
Authors: Clark Hallie , McLaughlin Anne Collins , Feng Jing
Published: October 2017

Within human factors research of highly automated driving, in addition to examining the design of notifications of expected takeovers of vehicle control, understanding how drivers handle unexpected takeovers is of critical importance. Given a sufficient level of situational awareness has been shown as a premise for task performance in various domains, this study aims to establish a situational awareness measure in the context of highly automated driving using a simple platform for experimentation. In this study, we measured participants’ situational awareness when viewing a video of simulated automated system, and their time-to-takeover when vehicle automation failed unexpectedly (as indicated by an abnormal change of vehicle speed and lane position). The results verified the link between lower levels of situational awareness and longer time to respond to a takeover event, suggesting the potential use of the simple platform for experimentation and quick prototyping.
Examination of the Use of Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics & Outlooks for the Future
Authors: Gonzalez-Holland Emily , Whitmer Daphne , Moralez Larry , Mouloua Mustapha
Published: October 2017

Heuristics are commonly employed throughout various stages of the design process to evaluate the usability of interfaces. Heuristic Evaluation (HE) provides researchers with a cost effective and practical means to effectively assess designs. In this article, we aim to outline the development and application of one of the most frequently cited set of heuristic evaluation tools, Nielsen’s (1994) 10 usability heuristics. Nielsen’s heuristics have not only been applied to various modalities of interface design, but have also been compared to other usability evaluation methods. Moreover, in many cases they have been modified so that they can be applied in an ever-changing socio-technical environment. In reviewing these developments, we propose theoretical and practical implications of these heuristic methods and present an outlook for the future. We argue that with the rapid expansion and growth of technology in the last 20 years, Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics may need an update to remain consistent with modern usability problems.
A Preliminary Study Examining Novel Training Paradigms for Vigilance
Authors: Fraulini Nicholas W. , Perez Monica A. , Perez Teresa L. , Fistel Alexa L. , Szalma James L.
Published: October 2017

Training for vigilance has been a primary research question for over 70 years. Specifically, researchers have fought to lessen the effects of the vigilance decrement, or the typical decline in performance as time on task increases. In the present study, we examine two forms of training for vigilance: practice and knowledge of result (KR). We propose that providing observers with either practice, KR, or a combination of the two during training will improve performance on a transfer vigil. Our results showed observers receiving practice displayed higher sensitivity and increased conservatism during training, as well as a trend toward higher sensitivity during transfer. These results show the benefits of providing observers practice, which include their performance on a transfer vigil as well as the efficiency of the training itself. We discuss the implications of these findings and how they may impact training for vigilance in the future.
Implications of Wearables, Fitness Tracking Services, and Quantified Self on Healthcare
Authors: Chen Katherine , Zdorova Mary , Nathan-Roberts Dan
Published: October 2017

Self-quantifying fitness tracking services and wearable devices have become more ubiquitous but still suffer from high abandonment rates. Wearable devices can monitor the physiological changes of the body and alert patients and physicians of immediate needed actions and facilitate in the research process of disease prevention and treatment, especially in areas that have less access to healthcare. This proceeding discusses how to bridge the gap between novice and expert users by implementing gamification techniques and social communities within fitness tracking services to increase the enjoyment, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and long-term engagement of fitness tracking services. Additionally, retention of wearable technology can be improved by applying human factors principles to make products more user-centered and friendly.
Designing for collaborative autonomy: updating user-centered design heuristics and evaluation methods
Authors: Rayo Michael F.
Published: October 2017

As we design automated and autonomous products that make increasingly sophisticated inferences and stronger interjections in a wider range of settings, it is increasingly critical to conceptualize these products as cognitive agents, and not simply as passive tools. Our repertoire of heuristics and techniques must expand to explicitly support not only a person’s ability to take actions, but also to make sense of the world, determine the applicability of current and future plans, and select appropriate actions among many alternatives. These machine agents will also be expected to perform some or all of these functions themselves. Collectively, these attributes can be thought of as facilitating collaborative autonomy, in which all agents in the system can express initiative and cede authority based on their understanding of the world. However, product design is not the first discipline to face these problems or design these types of solutions. Cognitive Systems Engineering has been integrating and adding to the knowledge base in these areas for over 30 years. With some effort in translating their findings to our projects, we will be able to accelerate innovation and avoid the pitfalls and unintended consequences of previous attempts at increasing inference and interjection.
Visual Saliency Predicts Fixations in Low Clutter Web Pages
Authors: Hicks John M. , Cain Ashley A. , Still Jeremiah D.
Published: October 2017

Previous research has shown a computational model of visual saliency can predict where people fixate in cluttered web pages (Masciocchi & Still, 2013). Over time, web site designers are moving towards simpler, less cluttered webpages to improve aesthetics and to make searches more efficient. Even with simpler interfaces, determining a saliency ranking among interface elements is a difficult task. Also, it is unclear whether the traditionally employed saliency model (Itti, Koch, & Niebur, 1998) can be applied to simpler interfaces. To examine the model’s ability to predict fixations in simple web pages we compared a distribution of observed fixations to a conservative measure of chance performance (a shuffled distribution). Simplicity was determined by using two visual clutter models (Rosenholz, Li, & Nakano, 2007). We found under free-viewing conditions that the saliency model was able to predict fixations within less cluttered web pages.
Using Conditional Probabilities to Understand “Human Error” in Military Aviation Mishaps
Authors: Miranda Andrew T.
Published: October 2017

The Department of Defense Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (DoD HFACS) is the standardized taxonomy used by the services to classify human error identified in mishaps and hazards. DoD HFACS encourages safety investigators and professionals to examine how higher-level influences (e.g. organizational policy, supervisor ability, and technological environment) can impact perfor mance for the individuals executing the actual work (e.g. aviators flying the aircraft). The current project applied the well- known conditional probability formula of Bayes’ Theorem to better understand how the higher-level influences shape the specific types of performance deviations experienced by individuals involved in aviation mishaps.
Retrospective Application of Human Reliability Analysis for Oil and Gas Incidents: A Case Study Using the Petro-HRA Method
Authors: Boring Ronald L. , Rasmussen Martin , Ulrich Thomas A. , Blackman Harold S.
Published: October 2017

Human reliability analysis (HRA) may be performed prospectively for a newly designed system or retrospectively for an as-built system, typically in response to a safety incident. The SPAR-H HRA method was originally developed for retrospective analysis in the U.S. nuclear industry. As HRA has found homes in new safety critical areas, HRA methods developed predominantly for nuclear power applications are being used in novel ways. The Petro-HRA method represents a significant adaptation of the SPAR-H method for petroleum applications. Current guidance on Petro-HRA considers only prospective applications of the method, such as for review of new systems to be installed at offshore installations. In this paper, we review retrospective applications of Petro-HRA and analyze the Macando Oil Well-Deepwater Horizon accident as a case study.
Why do we STILL not Follow Procedures?
Authors: Drury Colin , Barnes Catherine Drury , Bryant Michelle R.
Published: October 2017

Even though in aviation maintenance, as in many other regulated industries, written procedures are mandated, we still see “Failure to Follow Procedures” as a contributing factor in too many event/ incident/ accident reports (Drury and Johnson, 2013). This paper details an aviation maintenance project that seeks to find recurring patterns of events, contributing factors to these events, and potential good practices that, if followed, will reduce the incidence and/or severity of these events. Over 100 reference sources were examined to provide a framework of event classification. A total of 154 events selected for procedures content from ASRS was analyzed, plus 93 NTSB reports of failure to follow procedures accidents. Hierarchical classification schemes for contributing factors and potential good practices were derived and compared across sources. The main findings were that both design of the procedure itself and the organizational milieu surrounding its use had significant potential for reducing these adverse events.
A Comparison of Airline Safety Videos in Information Acquisition
Authors: Ragan Allison , Sommer Tessa , Drews Frank
Published: October 2017

This study examined the effect of humor on airline safety information retention. Passenger attention to pre- flight safety demonstrations is low, even though it may impact the chance of survival in an aviation accident. Airlines have employed humor and entertainment to educate passengers on safety information. This study explored whether the humorous presentation increases retention of safety information, or if humor acts as a distraction from safety relevant information. Participants viewed two pre-flight safety demonstration videos (humorous and non-humorous) in counterbalanced order then answered short-answer questions about the content of the videos. Retention scores after viewing either type of video for the first time were the same. However, when a humorous video was shown prior to a standard safety video, retention scores for safety material dropped. These findings suggest that humorous safety demonstrations may be more effective, not because they are best at conveying information, but because passengers do not attend to standard videos if they have previously been exposed to a humorous version.
Locating Firefighters in Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health Environments
Authors: Abulhassan Yousif , DeMoulin Doug
Published: October 2017

Locating injured firefighters is critical in immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) environments where they can be overcome by smoke, or exposed to other environmental stressors. Auditory and visual communication technologies such as Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) devices and radio communications are often used to locate firefighters entering IDLH environments. However, the reliability of these communication methods can be detrimental in pinpointing the location of an injured firefighter due to unconsciousness, disorientation, or unfamiliarity with the layout of the building. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of visibility conditions, rescuer familiarity with the search area, and search and rescue method on the time needed to locate victims in an IDLH environment. Results of the study indicated that time needed to locate victims could be significantly reduced when using a radio frequency identification (RFID) based real time locating method compared to a traditional grid search rescue method.
The Oddball Effect and Inattentional Blindness: How Unexpected Events Influence Our Perceptions Of Time
Authors: Stokes Thomas A. , Welk Allaire K. , Zielinska Olga A. , Gillan Douglas J.
Published: October 2017

Inattentional blindness is a phenomenon in which an unexpected event goes unnoticed (at a conscious level) during a demanding task. The oddball effect is a perceptual phenomenon whereby novel or unexpected stimuli result in longer perceived time durations. The two phenomenon – inattentional blindness and the oddball effect—seem to have no surface relationship, however they share an important commonality: both occur in the presence of unexpected events. The present research aims to connect the two bodies of work, and examine if and how the oddball effect manifests itself within an inattentional blindness paradigm. The results of this research have important implications including understanding the effect of unexpected events on conscious attention and how the conscious processing of the event influences time perception. Results may also inform the design of systems that support tasks that require keeping track of elapsed duration when unexpected events may occur.
Analyzing eye tracking data using a Markovian framework to assess differences in scan patterns
Authors: Devlin Shannon P. , Riggs Sara L.
Published: October 2017

Data overload, especially in the visual channel, represents a major challenge with regards to display design in data-rich domains. One promising means of addressing data overload is with the use of eye tracking technology to better understand an operator’s transition methods between tasks in order to support operators in real-time. The goal of this study is to develop a Markovian framework analyzing eye movement across different panels while performing a simulated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) control task, the chosen application of this study. Across ten participants, an increase in workload adversely affected performance, but did not change individual scan patterns, which were based on a Markovian framework. However, across participants, eye tracking data revealed five distinct scan patterns, each with varying levels of success in terms of response time and accuracy. The top four performers all adopted different scan patterns. The findings show that eye tracking can provide unique insights to explain performance differences between individuals. Overall, the findings provide the foundation for developing an algorithm that optimizes performance while accounting for individual differences.
Categorization of Near-Collision Close Calls Reported to the Aviation Safety Reporting System
Authors: Tiller Lauren N. , Bliss James P.
Published: October 2017

Close calls in aviation are frequent occurrences. Many reports have described encounters with unmanned aerial vehicles or conflicts due to increasingly congested airspace. The Aviation Safety Reporting System, developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, contains many close call narratives. However, few theoretical frameworks facilitate analyses of close call reports. This article describes an examination of close calls within the ASRS over a three-year period (2014-2016). The authors analyzed 117 close call reports from the ASRS involving near-midair collisions. Using Bliss’s (2013) taxonomy, the reports were successfully analyzed in terms of category and severity level. Results indicated that nearly half of the close calls occurred during the approach phase of flight. Also, a disproportionate number of close calls were “Un-signaled” and “Event-Driven.” Report frequency was negatively associated with aircraft separation distance. Recommendations include modification of the close call taxonomy to account for events caused by lack of responding.
Applying Ecological Interface Design principles to the design of rural highway-rail grade crossing infrastructure
Authors: Beanland Vanessa , Grant Eryn , Read Gemma J. M. , Stevens Nicholas , Thomas Miles , Lenné Michael G. , Stanton Neville A. , Salmon Paul M.
Published: October 2017

Countries such as Australia and USA have many rail level crossings (a.k.a. highway-rail grade crossings) with limited protection (e.g., static signs only or flashing lights but no physical barriers). Lower cost design solutions are required as upgrading crossings using current infrastructure treatments is cost-prohibitive. Here we applied Ecological Interface Design (EID) principles to develop a novel rail level crossing design for high-speed rural roads, and then evaluated the design via two driving simulator studies. Experiment 1 provided an initial concept evaluation of the crossing, then Experiment 2 evaluated the crossing in safetycritical situations, including when a distractor was present and when crossing infrastructure was damaged through vandalism. Driving performance, subjective workload, and usability were compared against existing rural crossing designs. Findings suggest the EID crossing provides a feasible alternative to existing designs, with the potential to encourage safer decision-making by road users and thus reduce collisions.
Influence of Taillight Width on the Ability to Recognize Closing Speed, Closing Distance, and Closing versus Separating
Authors: Muttart Jeffrey W. , Dinakar Swaroop , Suway Jeffrey , Kuzel Michael , Gernhard Suntasy , Rackers Mitch , Schafer Thomas , Vadnais Thomas , Fischer Jaime
Published: October 2017

Front-to-rear crashes account for a large number of fatal collisions in the United States. While many of these crashes might be related to driver error (i.e. following too closely, inattention to traffic ahead, etc.) a cluster of these crashes are likely to be related to the human visual system limitations of depth perception during motion. Observers with valid CDL and non-commercial licenses were shown two 4-second video clips showing a slower moving vehicle ahead, referred to as the lead vehicle. The lead vehicle was depicted at distances of 91 m (300 ft) to 457 m (1500 ft) while closing at 72 km/h (45 mph). The lead vehicle was depicted on an unilluminated two-lane highway at night to allow the taillights to be the salient stimulus. The lead vehicle had either the standard taillights with a width of 1.7 m (5.4 ft) or narrowed taillights that were 0.4 m (1.43 ft) apart. The order in which each clip was viewed was counterbalanced. Observers consistently believed the narrower taillight configuration was farther away despite the vehicles’ headlights being on, allowing the entire vehicle width to be seen at distances closer than 128 m (420 ft). Also, observers perceived the wider taillight vehicle to be closing faster when viewing at distances closer than 128 m (420 ft). Drivers with CDL licenses performed no better or worse than non-commercial drivers which supports the hypothesis that crashes involving a high-speed vehicle closing on a slow moving or stopped vehicle might be related to human limitations, rather than driving experience, inattention or careless behavior.
Driver Hazard Detection and Avoidance Performance as a Function of Eyes-Off-Road Interval Under Partially Automated Driving
Authors: Glaser Yi , Glaser Daniel , Green Charles , Llaneras Robert E. , Meyer Jason
Published: October 2017

There has been concern that automation may impair a person’s ability to detect and appropriately respond to environmental hazards. This study sought to examine a driver’s ability to not only detect hazards, but also to implement appropriate responses following extended Eyes-Off-Road (EOR) intervals. Thirty-six drivers were exposed to a series of filmed roadway vignettes with discernible hazards embedded within a range of traffic situations. Driver’s visual gaze was directed “off-road” for 2, 7 or 20 seconds, and then re-oriented to the roadway. Drivers were tasked to respond appropriately as quickly as possible once their gaze returned to the forward road scene by steering and/or braking in response to the hazards. Results found no significant differences among the EOR intervals in terms of the driver’s ability to detect and appropriately respond to the hazard when it emerged after the driver’s eyes were directed forward.
Effect of Driving Contexts on Driver Acceptance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Authors: Mahmudur Rahman Md , Strawderman Lesley , Carruth Daniel W.
Published: October 2017

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADASs) has been developed to enhance driver performance and comfort and improve transportation safety. The potential benefits of these technologies include: reduction in the number of crashes, enhanced vehicle control for drivers, reduced environmental impact, etc. However, for these technologies to achieve their potential, drivers must accept them and use them appropriately in traffic. This study investigated the effect of driving contexts on driver acceptance, more specifically, on the intention to use such technologies. Three contextual factors were considered: drivers’ fatigue level, time pressure, and time of day. Data collection was done using an online survey approach ( n = 386). Results found that fatigue and time pressure significantly affect drivers’ intention to use an ADAS. Results showed that drivers have increased intention to use an ADAS when they are fatigued or when there is no time pressure, as compared to a general driving condition.