bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Web-Based Comparison of Two Styles of Auditory Presentation: All TTS versus Rapidly Mixed Tts and Recordings
Authors: Lewis James R. , Commarford Patrick M. , Kotan Cheryl
Published: January 2012

A current controversy in the interactive voice response (IVR) community is whether and under which conditions designers should use recorded audio when portions of the interface must be generated by text -to-speech (TTS). The purpose of this study was to examine user preferences for a very extreme case—a prompt that incorporates multiple units of dynamic information in a single sentence. Two groups of IBM employees listened to and compared two auditory styles of information presentation (all information given by a single TTS voice and alternating recorded audio and the TTS voice.) The groups listened to both presentation styles in counterbalanced order and then indicated their preference and degree of preference. The percentage of respondents indicating a preference for the all TTS style was significantly greater than the percentage indicating a preference for the mixture of recorded and TTS.
Testing the Usefulness of a Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Camera in Human-Robot Interactions
Authors: Nielsen Curtis W. , Goodrich Michael A.
Published: January 2012

Mobile robots can be used in situations and environments that are dull, dirty, or dangerous, allowing the operator to interact with the environment from a safe and convenient distance. To improve the usefulness of these robots, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras are often used. This paper presents a user-study comparing the usefulness of robots with stationary and PTZ cameras in a search task utilizing both a traditional interface and an augmented-virtuality 3D interface. The results from the experiments suggest that with the traditional interface the PTZ camera and stationary camera have similar performance whereas with the 3D interface the PTZ camera improves performance.
Developing Criteria for Recognizing Excellence in Undergraduate Human Factors Education
Authors: Shattuck Lawrence G. , Bisantz Ann M. , Gilson Richard D. , Moroney William F. , Rantanen Esa
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this panel is report on the work of the Undergraduate Program Recognition Committee and to encourage discussion among attendees on the proposed criteria developed by the committee. The paper and the panel discussion will provide an overview of the graduate program accreditation process, report on the work of the Special Task Force on Undergraduate Program, and propose criteria that can be used to recognize the various types of human factors programs that currently exist.
An Easy, Effective and Useful Measure of Exterior View: Toward a User-Centered Perspective for Assessing Occupancy Quality
Authors: Brand Jay L.
Published: January 2012

An objective measure for external view—percent optional exterior view—was developed in a field study of two quite different office environments within the corporate headquarters of a large, manufacturing firm in the Midwest. As predicted, this measure correlated more highly with two subjective measures of environmental quality than objective, ambient light levels (ambient, task & daylight combined—measured photometrically in lux) or objective daylight levels; also as expected, neither percent exterior view nor daylight levels predicted job performance/productivity. Contrary to predictions, this measure did not correlate with subjective measures of job satisfaction, morale, job quality, or organizational quality.
When Open and Obvious is Neither: The Importance of Context in Human Factors Forensics
Authors: Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

This paper evaluates from a human factors perspective the legal theory that if a hazard is open and obvious, an injured party has limited legal recourse to pursue damages against the party that produced the hazard. A detailed human factors analysis of the context surrounding user behavior can call into question whether a hazard that may seem open and obvious to a layperson really is. A case study in which a judge considered dismissing a lawsuit because the hazard seemed open and obvious is used to illustrate how human factors testimony can significantly change the outcome of a trial. The human factors expert identified nine contextual elements that increased the likelihood that the plaintiff would be injured by the hazard despite its apparent obviousness. This testimony overcame the initial inclination of the judge and allowed the case to continue to trial.
Who's in the Back Seat? A Study of Driver Inattention
Authors: Arndt Steven R. , Wood Christine T. , Delahunt Peter B. , Krauss David , Wall Carolyn T.
Published: January 2012

Objects that are readily detectable and visible are not always noticed. Demonstrating the difficulty of detecting objects in a scene to people who are already expecting to see them and are aware of the objects' presence poses a challenge. In the following study, two conspicuous objects were placed in the back seat of a sport utility vehicle (SUV). The study parameters were selected in an attempt to replicate a situation involved in a criminal investigation, to test the hypothesis that drivers routinely check the back seat of the car before driving away, and to determine the likelihood of drivers noticing what would seem to be a salient set of objects in the rear seat. Two child-sized mannequins were placed in a prone position on the back seat of a large SUV. Naïve subjects were asked to get in and drive the SUV 1.6 miles around a closed track at night. Twenty-seven out of 30 participants failed to notice the mannequins in the vehicle. Visual performance limitations, environmental expectations and “inattentional blindness” effects can account for the results and are discussed in this paper.
Who Really Knows about Reclining the Passenger Seat?
Authors: Leonard S. David
Published: January 2012

Warnings are important for several reasons. They provide information about hazards to those who may be unaware of them. They may also serve as reminders about hazards in circumstances where the hazard may be forgotten, and they present information about how to avoid the hazards warned against. Some hazards are deemed open and obvious because they are presumed to be either known to all who might encounter them or people are presumed to recognize their risks by their characteristics. The present research considers a hazard (reclining the automobile passenger seat) that might seem to be obvious. One report indicated this might be the case. However, more recent research has shown it is not the case. This research examines the fact that different procedures produce different estimates of how well understood the hazard is. The conclusion is that it is important to consider experimental techniques in evaluating results.
Human Factors and Ergonomic Science in the Courts: Expert Testimony in the Dispute Resolution Process
Authors: Redding Robert V. , Rogers Wendy A. , Fisk Arthur D.
Published: January 2012

The science of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) contributes to the dispute resolution process in many ways. HF/E analysis can provide insights into product liability issues, vehicular accidents, industrial accidents, and more. The field is increasingly being recognized by lawyers as a means to help jurors and judges understand why events may have occurred; for example, why someone would use a product or drive a vehicle in a seemingly unsafe manner. Often, probable causes relate to design-induced or system-induced error. To understand the litigation influence of HF/E, we analyzed cases involving HF/E experts. Our findings revealed that: (1) HF/E science is well recognized in the judicial system; (2) competent HF/E experts are viewed as contributing to litigated matters; (3) individuals without HF/E training and experience will not be recognized as HF/E experts; and (4) admissibility demands that the intellectual rigor used for court must be consistent with other discipline-related work.
Real Video Clips Make a Real Difference: Video-Based Training for Improving Sterile Practices
Authors: Seagull F. Jacob , Xiao Yan , Bochicchio Grant V. , Guzzo James , Dutton Richard P. , Sisley Amy , Joshi Manjari , Standiford Harold C. , Hebden Joan , Mackenzie Colin F. , Scalea Thomas
Published: January 2012

Central venous catheter (CVC) -related infections are a significant source of preventable morbidity and mortality. To reduce CVC-related infections, we developed a web-based educational intervention. Video records of care provider performance of CVC insertion were used in task analysis and in expert review of performance as part of a needs analysis. Stakeholder opinions of compliance to recommended sterile practices were elicited. Based on these data, we developed an online training course for residents on recommended sterile practices during CVC insertion. The course contained short video clips from actual patient care demonstrating common breaks in recommended sterile practices. We propose reasons why the video-based course was effective in promoting compliant behavior, and reasons training influences attitudes toward sterile practices.
Vision Science for Visual Technology
Authors: Watson Andrew B.
Published: January 2012

As our primary means of gathering information from the world about us, vision has always occupied a central place in human factors. Beginning in the early 1980's, the Vision Group at NASA Ames Research Center sought to move visual human factors from its primarily empirical foundations to a new, model based formulation. The intent was to do this through development of computational models of visual performance. These would be more general than ad hoc empirical measurements, would be amenable to refinement over time, and would serve as the basis for computational human factors engineering tools. Since then the Vision Group has made some important contributions to fundamental vision science, and has also begun to fulfill the program envisioned at its outset.
Concurrent Task Management and Prospective Memory: Pilot Error as a Model for the Vulnerability of Experts
Authors: Dismukes Key
Published: January 2012

In five of the 27 major U.S. airline accidents between 1987 and 2001 in which the NTSB found crew error to be a causal factor, inadvertent omission of a normal procedural step played a pivotal role. Such omissions are a form of prospective memory error. My research group is attempting to link real-world prospective memory phenomena with task demands and with underlying cognitive processes. I briefly summarize studies from three quite different but complementary approaches: ethnographic studies, analyses of accident and incident reports, and laboratory studies. Five types of situation presented prospective memory challenges: episodic tasks, habitual tasks, atypical actions substituted for habitual actions, interrupted tasks, and interleaving tasks/monitoring. An experimental study found that inadequate encoding, inadequate cueing, and competing demands for attention make individuals vulnerable to forgetting to resume interrupted tasks.
Categorizing Adverse Medical Device and Medication Event Frequency
Authors: Thornburg Kristopher , Thomas Geb , Draper Scott
Published: January 2012

Much of the research interest in reducing adverse medical events emphasizes medical device interfaces and software design. Infusion pump programming has enjoyed particular research attention. This study categorized 1260 adverse medical event reports at three Midwestern hospitals. Although an important contributor, infusion pump programming contributes to fewer adverse events than the amount of literature implies. More common problems involve opening the intravenous infusion piggyback clamp and medication identification.
How Patients Understand Diabetes Self-Care
Authors: Lippa Katherine D. , Klein Helen Altman
Published: January 2012

Millions of people with diabetes must control their blood glucose system through diet, medication, and exercise. To learn how patients understand this daunting task, we conducted Cognitive Task Analysis interviews with 20 participants with type II diabetes. The interviews queried initial education, experiences with self-care, understanding of the disease, and treatment adherence. Participants who showed greater expertise in their articulation of problem detection strategies, functional relationships, and problem solving strategies were more effective self-managers. Several mental models of diabetes self-management were identified. Human Factors advances that have helped pilots control planes, may also help patients to develop functional models of blood glucose control and cope with the complexities of self-care. These advances may also help people facing other chronic medical conditions and complex life challenges.
Development of a Group-Based Ergonomic Assessment Strategy for Characterizing Physical Workload in Healthcare Workers
Authors: Boyer Jon , Tessler Jamie , Park Jungkeun , Punnett Laura
Published: January 2012

Musculoskeletal disorders of the back are a widespread problem in the healthcare sector and have been associated with trunk bending, twisting, and manual handling. The objective of this study was to conduct a group-based exposure assessment of trunk postures, loads, and work activities for use in epidemiology studies of back disorders in healthcare workers. All job titles in 4 healthcare facilities were assigned to a-priori ergonomic exposure groups to guide the sampling protocol. Ergonomic exposures were collected through direct observation of a population subset (n=180), in 94 job titles, at 90-second intervals, using a modification of the PATH method. A total of 23,071 direct observations were collected over 225 observation periods (1–8hrs). Exposures were analyzed by job groups and group exposures were ranked by their location relative to underlying distributions. A final set of 8 similar exposure groups were produced through combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. The semi-quantitative group ranks explained postural and load handling exposure profiles in nursing home and hospital workers.
Structured Interdisciplinary Communication Strategies in Four ICUs: An Observational Study
Authors: Patterson Emily S. , Hofer Timothy , Brungs Suzanne , Saint Sanjay , Render Marta L.
Published: January 2012

Paired direct observations of a physician and nurse caring for 11 challenging patients at four Intensive Care Units (ICUs) were conducted to identify structured interdisciplinary communication strategies. Providers employed the following strategies at all four ICUs: 1) nurses listening to bedside (but not closed) rounds, 2) nurses cross-checking physician plans, and 3) physicians and nurses providing “heads-up” alerts. Providers employed the following at some of the ICUs: 1) nurses and physicians speaking privately following rounds (3/4 ICUs), and 2) nurses speaking during bedside rounds (2/4 ICUs). None (0/4 ICUs) conducted pre-round interdisciplinary briefings. None (0/4 ICUs) used artifacts explicitly designed to aid interdisciplinary communication (e.g., Morning Briefing Tools), although shared electronic and paper resources were used by both nursing and physician personnel. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Piloting Team Training at Duke University Health System
Authors: Wright Melanie C. , Luo Xuemei , Richardson William J. , Leonard Michael M. , Hohenhaus Susan M. , Taekman Jeffrey M. , Frush Karen S.
Published: January 2012

Good team communication and coordination are critical to the safe delivery of health care. Efforts at training students, clinicians, and support staff in team coordination skills are beginning to be implemented across the country. However, there is limited data validating the effectiveness of such programs or highlighting the features that make one program more effective than another. In this paper we present the results of a pilot project to evaluate a team training program at the Ambulatory Surgery Center in the Duke University Health System. Our experiences suggest that (1) initial data collection regarding team coordination attitudes and skills and (2) close follow-up coordination with the clinical organization to implement applicable practice changes are essential components to a teamwork coordination program.
The Influence of Resource Pressure on Medical Treatment Decisions
Authors: Resnick Marc , Timothee Stephane
Published: January 2012

Due to rapidly increasing costs in the US health care system, there is pressure on physicians at all levels to minimize the cost of treating patients. There is a risk that these pressures may lead to a reduction in the overall quality of care. This paper describes an investigation into the effects of resource pressure on physicians' perceptions of the level of care they are able to provide and their actual treatment decisions. The results generate questions that are critical to resolve for the future of the health care system. The first study demonstrated that correctional patients were provided less care than free patients across a range of treatments. These differences were magnified for treatments that require greater resources. The second study revealed that these differences may be linked to the pressure placed on physicians, especially in early residency, to conserve resources for patients that are seen as less likely to comply with the recommended regimen of care. There is also evidence that some explicit bias may be present.
The Patient Technology Acceptance Model (PTAM) for Homecare Patients with Chronic Illness
Authors: K.L. Calvin , Karsh Ben-Tzion
Published: January 2012

Health information technologies are increasingly being used to support patient self-management during the home recovery process for chronically ill homecare patients. While in theory these technologies may provide better access to information and resources to patients, thus possibly improving health outcomes, there is a risk that patients will not use the technology. As such, it is essential to understand what causes patients to accept technologies prior to implementation. Existing technology acceptance models may not apply to an elderly patient population because most models were developed studying healthy college students or healthy employees. The elderly, and specifically elderly with chronic illnesses, may accept or reject technology for reasons different from those previously identified. This study developed the patient technology acceptance model to better understand what key factors predict patient intention to use health information technologies.
A Computational Model of Eye Movements as Cyclic Top-Down and Bottom-Up Processes
Authors: Lim Ji Hyoun , Liu Yili
Published: January 2012

Studying eye movement not only has theoretical significance in understanding visual attention, but also practical relevance to a diverse range of human factors applications such as aviation, driving, and display design. This article presents the use of a computational model of eye movement based upon reinforcement learning to examine the cyclic influences of top-down and bottom-up processes. The first study showed that different policies obtained from different goals in viewing a picture produced different types of eye movement patterns. The second study showed that the feedback information from each saccadic eye movement could be used to update the model's eye movement transition matrix, which led to different patterns in the subsequent saccade in a visual search task. These two studies demonstrate the value of an integrated reinforcement learning model in explaining both top-down and bottom-up processes of eye movement within one computational model.
A Quantitative Methodology for Assessment of Wheelchair Controllability
Authors: Lin Jui-Feng , Drury Colin G. , Paquet Victor
Published: January 2012

Changes in wheeled mobility user demographics and technologies over the past 30 years show the need for design guidelines for accessibility to persons with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs. A key component is wheelchair maneuverability, which determines the clear space needed for travel in the environment. Previous studies have applied rating scales to assess the difficulty when wheelchair users maneuver in a built environment. These need to be complemented by direct maneuverability measurements. Having wheelchair users perform self-paced control tasks, for both lateral and longitudinal tasks is a potential method to meet the requirement. This study validated a methodology of measuring the steering controllability and start/stop controllability of wheelchairs so that further studies can apply this methodology to evaluate either environmental or wheelchair designs. The same speed/accuracy relationships were found for wheelchair users as had been found earlier for a variety of vehicles.
Expert Performance in Law Enforcement: Are Skilled Performers More Effectively Constraining the Situation to Resolve Representative Dynamic Tasks than Novices?
Authors: Tashman Lauren , Harris Kevin R. , Ramrattan Jason , Ward Paul , Eccles David W. , Ericsson K. Anders , Williams A. Mark , Rodrick David , Lang Laura Hassler
Published: January 2012

Ericsson and Kintsch (1995) suggested that long-term working memory (LTWM) allows skilled performers to predict the occurrence and consequence of future events and anticipate future retrieval demands. Traditional domains of expertise, such as typing and text comprehension, have been used to provide evidence for mechanisms that permit such behaviors. Real-world tasks are more dynamic and challenging, particularly when performed under time-pressure. We examined skilled and less-skilled law enforcement officers in a simulated task environment. Performance measures (e.g., un-holstering, aiming, and firing a weapon) were used to test LTWM theory and participants' comprehension of the situation by assessing the consistency between actions currently being performed and the situation outcome. These data provided evidence that skilled officers make predictive inferences, anticipate future events, and rely upon information beyond that which is available in the current scenario.
Cerebral Blood Flow Velocity and Task Engagement as Predictors of Vigilance Performance
Authors: Reinerman Lauren E. , Matthews Gerald , Warm Joel S. , Langheim Lisa K. , Parsons Kelley , Proctor Christina A. , Siraj Tazeen , Tripp Lloyd D. , Stutz Robert M.
Published: January 2012

Responses to a brief six-min screening battery involving high-workload tracking, verbal working memory, and line discrimination tasks were used to predict subsequent performance on a 36-min vigilance task. Two predictors of interest were subjective state, as indexed by the Dundee Stress State Questionnaire (DSSQ), and cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFV), measured via transcranial Doppler sonography. The results testify to the importance of assessing task-induced responses for predicting vigilance performance. They also indicate that forecasting vigilance performance is a complex endeavor requiring a set of multidimensional predictors. Specifically, higher post-battery task engagement scores on the DSSQ in this study and higher levels of CBFV in the left hemisphere during performance of the screening battery predicted more correct detections on the subsequent vigilance task. These findings are interpreted in the light of the resource-workload model of vigilance, and their practical significance is discussed.
The Role of Ergonomics in Preventing and Reducing the Burden of Musculoskeletal Conditions
Authors: Silverstein Barbara
Published: January 2012

Five important developments this decade can clarify and promote the role of ergonomics in preventing and reducing the burden of musculoskeletal disorders: 1) worldwide acceptance of this decade as the bone and joint decade, 2) changing demographics and 3) change in worker-workplace relationships, 4) research advancements in the laboratory and in the workplace including prospective studies, 5) publication of revised ISO 6385 (2004) [1].
Trunk Stability in Dynamic Movement
Authors: Granata Kevin , England Scott
Published: January 2012

Spinal stability has been characterized in static but not in dynamic movements. The goal of this study was to determine whether movement pace and direction of dynamic trunk flexion influence the control of spinal stability. Twenty healthy subjects performed dynamic lifting movements at 20 and 40 cycles per minute. Lyapunov exponents were calculated from the measured trunk kinematics to estimate stability. Complexity of torso dynamics required at least five embedded dimensions thereby indicating that torso dynamics requires more than the 3-dimensions of movement for sufficient characterization. Dynamic stability is was greater in slow lifting movement than in fast movements. Asymmetric movements demonstrated greater multi-dimensional kinematic divergence than asymmetric movements. This indicates that the sagittal plane of movement may not be a principle dynamic axis of torso movement. Results provide biomechanical insight regarding the role of workplace design and risk of musculoskeletal instability in dynamic lifting tasks.
Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: Ferguson Sue , Silverstein Barbara , Cherniack Martin , Garg Arun , Lavender Steve
Published: January 2012

This panel is discussing research conducted as part of the Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Consortium with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. The panel has two researchers conducting low back research and two researchers performing upper extremity research. The goal of the panel is to inform the audience about the consortium and some of the state of the art research that is being conducted.
Efficacy of Using Thermography to Assess Shoulder Loads during Overhead Intermittent Work
Authors: Barker Linsey M. , Hughes Laura E. , Babski-Reeves Kari L.
Published: January 2012

Upper extremity work related musculoskeletal disorders remain a priority research area due to their prevalence and cost despite efforts to mitigate their presence in the workplace. A laboratory study was conducted to investigate the effects of task parameters on surface temperature patterns, which have been previously linked to musculoskeletal injury, of the middle deltoid and trapezius while performing overhead tasks. Twelve participants (6 males and 6 females) completed one hour test sessions of an automotive assembly task simulation. Independent variables included duty cycle (33%, 50%, and 67%) and work height (two overhead positions). Results showed that thermography readings are sensitive to task demands on the musculature during dynamic tasks. Duty cycle and the interaction of duty cycle and work height were found to affect temporal and spatial thermal patterns, with lower duty cycles and lower work heights resulting in higher temperatures and faster rates of change.
Developing a Non-Human Primate Experimental Model for Studying Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Sommerich Carolyn M. , Lavender Steven A. , Buford John A. , Banks Jacob , Korkmaz Sahika Vatan , Pease William S. , Moran Stephanie
Published: January 2012

This study investigated changes in median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) over several weeks of exposure to a voluntary, moderately forceful, repetitive pinching task performed for food rewards by a small sample of young adult female monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Sensory NCV, derived from peak latency, decreased significantly in the working hands of three of the four subjects. The overall decline in NCV was 25–31% from baseline. There was no decrease in NCV in the non-working hands. The results demonstrate a temporally unambiguous relationship between exposure to a moderately forceful, repetitive manual task and development of median mononeuropathy. This study contributes to the pattern of evidence of a causal relationship between manual work and significant median nerve impairment (carpal tunnel syndrome in humans). In the future, such a model could be used to assess dose-response relationships between physical risk factors and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Midfoot Shape when Standing on Soft and Hard Footbeds
Authors: Goonetilleke Ravindra S. , Witana Channa P.
Published: January 2012

In this study, the plantar shape of the midfoot was determined when the participants were standing on three different surfaces. Foot impression castings of sixteen participants were made when they were standing on a custom-made device. These castings were laser scanned in order to quantify the shape differences. The results showed that, when the amount of cushioning on the support surface was changed, the plantar mid-foot sag changed by 5.0 mm. The results have important implications for footwear design as midfoot shapes in footwear are somewhat standardized and are not adjusted to account for the cushioning properties of the footbed. The mismatched deformations between feet and shoes as a result of design, structure and material used in the heel and forefoot regions of shoes can contribute to unwanted strain on the plantar fascia of the human foot.
Reliability of Cop-Based Postural Sway Measures
Authors: Lin Dingding , Seol Hyang , Nussbaum Maury A. , Madigan Michael L.
Published: January 2012

Measures of human sway during upright standing are frequently used as indirect measures of the postural control system. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability of several center-of-pressure-based sway measures. Test-retest reliability was determined both within-days (under different visual and surface conditions) and between-days (5 different days). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM), Minimal Metrically Detectable Change (MMDC), and Coefficient of Variation (CV) were used as reliability indices. Mean velocity was found to be the most reliable measure among those evaluated. Overall, between-day reliability indices were better than within-day reliability. When subjects were standing on a compliant surface, several measures exhibited better reliability under ‘eyes open’ condition. These results can be useful in guiding the selection of postural sway measures and appropriate number of replications to improve sway assessment.
The Effect of Six Keyboard Designs on Wrist and Forearm Postures
Authors: Barr Alan , Rempel David , Young Ed , Brafman David
Published: January 2012

There is increasing evidence that alternative geometry keyboards may prevent or reduce arm pain or disorders and presumably the mechanism is by reducing awkward arm postures. However, the effects of alternative keyboards, especially the new designs, on wrist and arm postures are not well known. In this laboratory study, the wrist and forearm postures of 100 subjects were measured with a motion analysis system while they typed on 6 different keyboard configurations. There were significant differences in wrist extension, ulnar deviation, and forearm pronation between keyboards. When considering all 6 wrist and forearm postures together, the keyboard with an opening angle of 12°, a gable angle of 14°, and a slope of 0° appears to provide the most neutral posture among the keyboards tested in the configuration tested. This study identifies significant wrist and forearm posture differences between 6 keyboard configurations. These findings may assist in ergonomic recommendations regarding computer usage.
The Effects of Scaling Height and Scaling Bar Design on Applied Forces and Bilateral Muscle Activity of the Back and Shoulders
Authors: Porter William , Gallagher Sean , Reinholtz Carrie , Torma-Krajewski Janet
Published: January 2012

Hand scaling is a physically demanding job and is responsible for numerous overexertion injuries in mining. This experiment studied rib scaling from an elevated bucket to examine force generation capabilities and electromyographic responses to a prying subtask. Subjects exerted force using two bars (steel and fiberglass) at five target heights. Work height significantly affected peak prying force during scaling activities with highest force capacity at the lowest level (p = 0.0188). Bar type did not affect force generation (p = 0.7843): However, use of the fiberglass bar required significantly more muscle activity to achieve the same force (p < 0.05). It was concluded that miners should scale points on the rock face that are below their knees, and reposition the bucket as often as necessary to do so. Additional research is needed to fully understand the impact of bar type on the physical demands of an entire scaling task.
Evaluation of Seat Designs Relative to Transmitted Vehicle Vibration on Underground Mine Transport Vehicles
Authors: Jobes Christopher C. , Mayton Alan G.
Published: January 2012

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) researchers have investigated seat design issues for the occupants and operators of underground mine transport vehicles relative to whole-body vibration (WBV) and mechanical shock. Considering the ergonomic and engineering improvements made to underground mine shuttle car seats, this study has focused on reducing injury risk by improving seating on transport vehicles such as scoops, mantrips, personnel carriers, and rail-mounted locomotives. Similarly, proposed seat design improvements included layering of various types of viscoelastic foam padding to isolate vehicle occupants and operators from adverse health effects of jarring/jolting exposure. This paper discusses the results obtained from laboratory vibration testing of new seat padding materials in seven configurations at the NIOSH – Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (PRL) showing that careful use of configuration and materials can reduce the operator's exposure to WBV. In addition, results for four mine transport vehicles are presented from field data collection efforts at a Southwestern Pennsylvania mine showing that a NIOSH based design does reduce the operator's exposure to WBV. Finally, the authors discuss efforts to develop and field test seat padding interventions using new padding materials and configurations based on the laboratory test results [The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not represent the views of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.]
Injury Risk by Day of the Week
Authors: Brogmus George E.
Published: January 2012

While there is a growing body of research on the impact of work schedules on the risk of occupational injuries, there has been little investigation into any impact that day of the week might have. 2004 data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) were used to estimate the rate of injuries and illnesses by day of the week. Data for the number of injuries and illnesses involving days away from work were provided by the BLS Office of Safety and Health Statistics; data for the number of hours worked were estimated from an analysis of the American Time Use Survey database. For each day of the week, the number of cases (injuries + illnesses) per 200,000 work hours was calculated from these data. The data were also stratified by Industry Sector. The analysis revealed clear differences by day of the week that could not be accounted for by variation of day of the week employment in these industries. An association with employee tenure was evident. Weekend trends may overlap with overtime effects. Sundays had the highest rate overall – 40% higher than the average rate. Saturdays had the next highest rate followed by Mondays. Interpretation of these trends and the implications for work scheduling are discussed.
Evaluating the Effect of Fatigue on Cognitive and Visual/Perceptual Performance at the Beginning and End of Each Shift in a 12-Hour Five-Day Rotating Workweek
Authors: Alkhouri Othman , Hall Steve , Wise John , Smith Marvin
Published: January 2012

The effect of cognitive and visual/perceptual fatigue on shift workers may not be the same for non-shift workers since alternating shifts create enormous disruptions to the circadian rhythms of the workers. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of fatigue induced by alternating shift schedules on shift workers' cognitive and visual/perceptual performance at the beginning and end of each work shift during the workweek. The primary instrument used in this study was the Automated Performance Testing System (APTS), which is a human performance measuring system containing eight various cognitive and temporal factors tests. The findings suggested that cognitive performance at the beginning of the shift was significantly higher than at the end of the shift but similar degradations in visual/spatial performance were not found.
Noise and Cyclic Loading Effects on Performance and Operator Functional State
Authors: Conway G.E.
Published: January 2012

Studies that seek to assess work performance in simulated stressful work environments often report no performance decrements as they have typically used over-simplified cognitive tasks that do not challenge the operator's compensatory response, and performance measures not sensitive enough to identify strain states. The present research used cyclic loading and ambient noise manipulations to stretch the adaptive limits of the operators and to determine how performance can show evidence of (potential) breakdown. Hysteresis measures allowed the identification of strain carry-over effects. No effects of noise on performance were found. Task load effects were found only in subsidiary ‘secondary’ tasks however, with primary task performance protected across conditions. High noise conditions were considered to be more demanding and attracted higher levels of compensatory effort and fatigue, which increased even when task load levels were decreased. The results are considered with respect to Hockey's (1997) Compensatory Control Model, and implications discussed.
Human Factors in the Design of Communities of Practice
Authors: Resnick Marc L.
Published: January 2012

Social networks are emerging as a powerful tool in a variety of Internet and Intranet domains. Social networking web sites are a popular destination for teenage social groups (Myspace), online dating (Tickle), and business networking (Ryze). A less well-known application is the Community of Practice (CoP). These networks are groups of people with common professional interests who are linked with the intention to enhance their professional practice related to these interests. CoP are often supported through a company Intranet and can be very effective in linking geographically dispersed professionals within an organization. By providing a venue for engagement of like-minded professionals who can communicate, share best practices, and in some cases collaborate on specific activities, CoP can significantly increase the productivity of knowledge workers. Usability is essential to overcome limitations due to participant unfamiliarity with each other, geographic dispersion, the importance of context in the application of knowledge, the asynchronicity of the communication, and the challenges of reputation management in the workplace.
Design and Evaluation of Categorical Search Results Interfaces
Authors: Rele Rachana S. , Greenstein Joel S. , Gramopadhye Anand K.
Published: January 2012

This research investigates the design and evaluation of interfaces for the presentation of search results using categorization. Card sorting study was conducted to design categorized search results interfaces. Eye-tracking technology was utilized to evaluate the designed category interfaces, comparing them with a conventional list interface. Two factors of category interfaces, the approach used to order categories and the number of abstracts initially displayed within each category, are investigated. Forty participants performed two types of tasks, navigation and information search, using a PC integrated with a non-intrusive Tobii 1750 binocular eye tracking system. Performance measures such as time for search and percentage of tasks completed did not reveal significant differences among the category and list interfaces. Process measures such as overall number of fixations, mean fixation durations, and relative change from the baseline pupil diameter also did not show significant differences among the category and list interfaces. Although no significant differences are found, there is a consistent positive trend in the performance, process, and subjective measures that supports design of categorical search results interfaces.
A Theoretical Framework of Risk Compensation in Supply Chain Management Decision Making
Authors: Neyens David M. , Boyle Linda Ng
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study is to develop a theoretical framework for the study of decision makers within supply chains. Decision makers may compensate inappropriately by overstocking or overestimating lead times resulting in greater inventory costs. By leveraging the knowledge associated with risk compensation, better accountability of logistics and inventory holding costs can be achieved. Although there are conflicting views on risk compensation, the theory does provide insights into the complexities facing the decision maker in supply chain environments. More specifically, there has been relatively little research examining how human factors issues impact the supply chains' effectiveness. The risk compensation framework is tailored to represent and model the inventory management portion of the supply chain and can be validated through experimentation by evaluating the operator's perceived risks. In developing this model, the foundations for extending our knowledge of the human decision making in supply chain management can be established.
Team Resource Foraging in Event-Driven Task Environments
Authors: Garrett Sandra K. , Caldwell Barrett S.
Published: January 2012

Although applied in a number of fields (including information science and human-computer interaction), foraging theory has not been used to study role differentiated team dynamics in an event driven environment. Many critical assumptions must be modified and the operational definitions must be enhanced for the theory to be applied in these more complex settings. This paper focuses on research developments leading to conceptual elaborations and expansions of the resource foraging framework, in order to address team-based resource acquisition and utilization strategies. The additional foraging concepts and definitions presented in this paper derive from the authors' research in spaceflight operations and healthcare delivery environments. In the authors' current healthcare research, appropriate resource foraging strategies vary dramatically based on specific healthcare setting, team structure, and other factors. These findings help to empirically validate the expanded construct of resource foraging by teams.
Multimodal Interfaces: A Framework Based on Modality Appropriateness
Authors: van Erp Jan B.F. , Kooi Frank L. , Bronkhorst Adelbert W. , van Leeuwen David L. , van Esch Myra P. , van Wijngaarden Sander J.
Published: January 2012

Our sensory modalities are specialized in perceiving different attributes of an object or event. This fact is the basis of the approach towards multimodal interfaces we describe in this paper. We rated the match between 20 possible information attributes (common in human computer interaction) and the visual, auditory and tactile sensory systems. We refer to this match as modality appropriateness. Preferably, an information chunk is allocated to the most appropriate modality. In situations in which information consists of several attributes, these may be allocated to different modalities. This approach is in contrast with the more common approach in which multimodality is implemented in an interface as a redundant presentation of the same information to two or more sensory modalities. This latter approach can be beneficial to solve risks of sensory overload and to make the interface accessible for people with a sensory challenge, but is not based on possible synergy between the senses. However, the supposed synergy may also involve costs, for example in terms of the time required to switch between modalities and in the introduction of additional noise in cross-modal comparisons compared to unimodal comparisons. We will discuss both the chances and the potential costs of applying the modality appropriateness framework.
Vibrotactile and Visual Threat Cueing with High G Threat Intercept in Dynamic Flight Simulation
Authors: Eriksson Lars , van Erp Jan , Carlander Otto , Levin Britta , van Veen Hendrik , Veltman Hans
Published: January 2012

In a TNO and FOI joint study, nine fighter pilots participated in a threat detection and intercept experiment in the Swedish Dynamic Flight Simulator. Visual threat cueing with a simulated Gripen aircraft head-up display (HUD) symbology was compared with combined visual and vibrotactile threat cueing by means of the HUD symbology and a TNO Tactile Torso Display consisting of 60 vibrators in a matrix covering the pilot's torso. Each fighter pilot detected and intercepted 32 threats while pulling G-loads up to +8-9Gz. The high G-loads neither critically affected the tactile vest equipment nor the human sensory system, and visual/tactile cueing generated an overall faster RT to threat pop-ups compared with visual cueing alone. The pilots' highest ratings of the tactile cueing were for capturing attention and indicating initial threat direction at threat pop-up. Thus, tactile threat cueing could enhance visual cueing and threat awareness in fighter aircraft.
Uni- and Bimodal Threat Cueing with Vibrotactile and 3D Audio Technologies in a Combat Vehicle
Authors: Carlander Otto , Eriksson Lars
Published: January 2012

An experiment investigated uni- and bimodal cueing of horizontal threat directions to the driver of the Combat Vehicle 90 (CV 90). 3D audio in headphones or tactile vibration onto the torso, or both in combination were utilized for threat cueing. Ten male CV 90 drivers from the Swedish Army Combat School were required to turn the vehicle toward the threat as quickly and accurate as possible. Each driver handled 45 threats in total. Each of five threat directions was presented three times for each of the three threat cueing conditions. The results show that the drivers had good overall performance, albeit the 3D audio needs improvement with regard to front - back confusion if not used with tactile cueing. That is, the 3D audio generated greater localization errors and reaction times with threats straight behind the vehicle compared with the tactile and the 3D audio/tactile combination, respectively.
Evaluation of Human Vibration Thresholds at Various Body Loci
Authors: Bikah M. , Hallbeck M.S. , Flowers J.H.
Published: January 2012

Researchers at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln are currently designing a vibrotactile alerting mechanism for a neutron sensor. The instrument will vibrate on users' skin in the presence of high levels of neutron radiation. The head, neck, upper arm, wrist, waist, and ankle are potential body placements for the device. However, there is minimal information about the vibration frequency thresholds at those body sites. The investigators divided the aforementioned body loci into 24 stimulation sites representing orthogonal directions at each site. The objective of the study was to investigate the underlying effect of stimulation site, subcutaneous fat, and gender on low frequency vibration perception thresholds. Thirty-six subjects were categorized into a dichotomous body fat content group and gender. The results show that vibratory threshold depends significantly on the body site stimulated (p = 0.001). The site with the lowest frequency threshold was the nape of neck while the right lateral area of the waist had the highest frequency threshold. There was no statistical difference in frequency thresholds for the variables of the body fat group or gender (p = 0.302, p = 0.159, respectively). Although, the mean frequency thresholds of participants in the low body fat group was consistently lower than that of those in the high body fat group.