bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Presentation Method, Type of Knowledge Presented, and Problem Solving Style on Goal Transformation and Knowledge Proceduralization in Geometry Instruction
Authors: Vranesh Richard H. 
Published: January 2012

This study investigated conditions that affect the acquisition and application of strategic plans in geometric proof instruction. Factors examined included method of instructional presentation, type of knowledge presented, and cognitive problem-solving style. A group of 96 ninth and tenth grade boys and girls were divided into four groups according to cognitive problem-solving style, completed one of four instructional units varying according to presentation method and type of knowledge, and completed two posttests. Results indicated that cognitive style and presentation method are important interacting variables in strategic plan formation and goal transformation.
Helicopter Crew Evaluations on the Effects of Vibration on Performance
Authors: Bateman Robert P. , White Richard P. 
Published: January 2012

The objectives of this research were to determine the subjectively experienced differences in vibration levels between helicopter models and to determine the conditions of maximum subjective fatigue experienced during actual helicopter operations. Subjective data were obtained from 12 experienced helicopter crewmembers assigned to flight test duties. Evaluated concurrently, it was hypothesized that these independent evaluations would provide preliminary data on the effects of vibration on performance. Analysis of the data indicated that the subjectively observed effects of vibration could be divided into two categories: • Direct mechanical interference with imposed immediate performance decrements, and • Fatigue effects which were not apparent until after at least 6 hours of continuous operation. The experienced differences would not be predicted by the current ISO standard 2631.
Manual Dexterity Evaluation of Gloves Used in Handling Hazardous Materials
Authors: Plummer Ralph , Stobbe Terry , Ronk Richard , Myers Warren , Kim Hyunwook , Jaraiedi Majid 
Published: January 2012

The problems associated with hazardous materials control are numerous and complex. One of these problems involves selecting hand protection which will resist permeation for the duration of the exposure while maintaining sufficient levels of dexterity and tactility so that the worker can safely and efficiently perform the required task. This study investigated the effect of nine glove combinations on manual dexterity. These included three single glove and six double glove combinations plus the bare hand condition. The subjects performed a nut-bolt-washer assembly-dissassembly task using the Bennett Hand Tool Dexterity Test apparatus. The task required the use of a screw driver, two sizes of open-end wrenches, and an adjustable wrench, along with handling the bolt, nut, and washer while performing the assembly-disassembly task for three different bolt, nut, and washer sizes (1/2″, 5/16″, 1/4″). The response variables measured in the experiment were the time to complete each task and number of errors committed during each task. An error was defined as a drop of any of the items handled. The data was analyzed using a fixed effects randomized ANOVA model and the Duncan's Multiple Range Test. An alpha level of 5 per cent was used in the analysis. The results of the analyses showed that gloves increased the average completion time by 15 to 37%. Several double gloving combinations had significantly longer task completion times compared to single gloves.
Task Lighting at a VDT Workstation
Authors: Konz Stephan , Bennett Corwin , Miller Bryan 
Published: January 2012

Two experiments on task lighting at a VDT workstation are described. In Exp. 1, 16 subjects entered random letters for 40 min in a general lighting condition and two task lighting conditions. The results for task lighting, although not statistically significantly better than general lighting, were promising so a second experiment was done. In Exp. 2, general ceiling lighting was the control condition; there were 4 task lighting conditions. Eight subjects entered random letters for 16 h. Words/min did not differ significantly among the five conditions. Comfort was evaluated for the eyes, neck, back, hand-wrist and seat. Comfort did not vary significantly among conditions for the neck, back, hand-wrist or seat; it did vary for eyes. Subjective evaluation varied significantly for each of the 32 adjectives; ceiling lighting was preferred over task lighting and some task lighting conditions were preferred over others. The single adjective scale is recommended as being more sensitive than the typical paired semantic–differential scale.
Safety Aspects of Sophisticated In-Vehicle Information Displays and Controls
Authors: Zwahlen Helmut T. , DeBald David P. 
Published: January 2012

Two groups of six young and healthy subjects were used in this study to investigate the lateral path deviations when driving in a straight path with the eyes fixated on the road ahead, when driving while reading information inside of the automobile, and when driving with the eyes closed. Each group of subjects drove a typical large car and a typical small car at a fixed speed of 30 mph. An unused 2000 foot long and 75 foot wide, level, concrete airport runway was used to conduct the experiment. Each subject made three runs under each of the three conditions with the large car and with the small car (18 runs total). The lateral path deviations from the longitudinal centerline of the car to the centerline of the runway were measured every 15 feet for a distance of 705 feet. A device which dripped liquid dye was attached to the center of the rear bumper of the automobiles to indicate their paths. The results of this study show that the average lateral standard deviations for driving with the eyes fixated upon the road ahead were between 5.5″ and 11.3″. The difference in the lateral standard deviations for large and small automobiles was statistically not significant for distances between 100 and 500 feet from the starting point for the three conditions tested. The lateral standard deviation was smaller for reading text within the automobile than for driving with the eyes closed, and was statistically significant after an occlusion distance of 225 feet or an occlusion time of about 5 seconds. Using a constant of 0.041, the fundamental relationship between the lateral standard deviation, the speed, and the occlusion distance developed by Zwahlen and Balasubramanian (1974) fits the data for reading text inside of the automobile while driving fairly well. This constant is approximately one half of that which has been used for driving with the eyes closed (0.076) in this study. Based upon the results of this study, the development and introduction of sophisticated in-vehicle displays and/or touch panels should be halted and their safety aspects with regard to information aquisition, information processing, and driver control actions should be critically evaluated.
User Interface Design Guidelines for Expert Troubleshooting Systems
Authors: Eike David R. , Fleger Stephen A. , Phillips Elizabeth R. 
Published: January 2012

This paper describes the status and preliminary results of an ongoing research project to develop and validate user interface design guidelines for expert troubleshooting systems (ETS). The project, which is sponsored by the Systems Technology Branch of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, is part of a larger research program to study the application of emerging user interface technologies to the design and development of user interfaces for Space Station-era systems. The project has two separate research thrusts. The first and central thrust is to develop and validate a set of human engineering guidelines for designing the user interface of an ETS. The second thrust is to design and implement an electronic data base to manage storage and retrieval of the guidelines. This paper discusses the human factors issues that are unique to the design of a user interface for an ETS. This paper is not intended to address the breadth of research that has been conducted on human-computer interaction with conventional systems. This topic is well-represented in established human engineering principles, criteria and practices as desribed in the literature (e.g., Hendricks, et al, 1982; Norman, et al, 1983; Smith and Mosier, 1985; Norman and Draper, 1986; etc.).
Screen Design: How to improve it
Authors: Mills Carol Bergfeld 
Published: January 2012

The objective of this symposium is to provide different perspectives on how screen design in computer systems can be improved. Screen design refers to the layout and format of all computer screen information. This includes tutorials, help panels, prompts, and messages. Since screen design affects how easily information can be retrieved or stored, it determines how effectively the computer system can be used. Finding ways to improve screen design should be an important goal in the development of virtually all interactive programs. Achieving good screen design is becoming even more important as programs are used by more people, particularly those not familiar with computers, and as more information is presented online. The presenters for this symposium provide a wide range of views, experiences, and approaches for improving screen design. As a result, they each contribute unique methods and suggestions. Annette Bradford provides guidelines and views of screen design based on her work as an information developer. Joe Dumas provides views of screen design based on his work as an interface analyst. David A. Schell provides views on usability testing of screen design. Thomas Tullis provides an alternative way of testing screen design with his research-based computer program.
Perceptions of Computer Manuals: A View from the Field
Authors: Comstock Elizabeth M. , Clemens Elizabeth Anne 
Published: January 2012

What is it really like to use a computer reference manual? Where are manuals used? Is it easy to find information? Is the information accurate and complete? Do the format and style support the uses for manuals? Are the materials perceived to be of high quality? These questions were addressed in a field study of the manuals for the MicroVAX II computer system. Results showed consistent needs and opinions across the 10 sites visited. Work environments were typically small and crowded. Manuals were located EVERYWHERE. Customer perceptions depended on how well the manuals helped them perform their jobs. While content and style received high ratings, difficulties with finding information were reported. Users also voiced strong opinions about certain aspects of the physical materials.
Implementation of a Shared Human Factors Support Program between Academia and Industry
Authors: Hoffman Susan C. , Hoffman Mark S. 
Published: January 2012

Human factors research programs within commercial industries are frequently avoided because of escalating costs associated with data collection and reduction. Other prohibiting factors limiting the use of traditional research methods in industry are manpower costs, accounting procedures for overhead allocation, and the availability of qualified personnel. The department of Computer and Electrical Engineering Technology at Kent State University, Tuscarawas Campus has developed a program for supporting the projects from the NCR Human Factors Department of the Retail Systems Division. This program has provided students an opportunity to (1) acquire new skills rarely experienced in classroom assignments; (2) obtain financial assistance, and (3) obtain exposure to potential employers. This program began as a pilot and has continued to grow because of the demand in retail businesses for the work supported by the students.
Capacity Limitations in Human Information Processing: Theory and Applications
Authors: Venturino Michael , Eggemeier F. Thomas 
Published: January 2012

Two factors that are critical aspects of complex system performance are system design and operator training. The contribution of each of these factors becomes paramount as increases in system complexity demand more sophisticated operator timesharing skills to monitor and control system operations safely and efficiently. In order to increase human operator skill levels, improvements in system design must be achieved to make aspects of monitoring and controlling tasks more commensurate with human abilities. Secondly, more effective and efficient training programs must be developed to allow human operators to acquire and maintain appropriate skill levels. Before these improvements can be accomplished, however, a greater understanding of the capabilities and limitations of the human information processing system must be obtained. In a typical modern system (e.g., aircraft cockpit, centralized control room of a power plant or battle management system) the human may perform many tasks concurrently, including visual search, memory search, retention and recall, comprehension, reasoning, judgement and decision making, and executing fine motor movements. Although some combinations of these kinds of tasks may be compatible and non-interfering, other task combinations may interfere and compete for the human's limited information processing capacity, creating overload conditions. The consequence of the human operator's low threshold for overload leads to increased probability of error, with subsequent deteriorations in system performance. There are two theoretical approaches to human attention and information processing that have implications for system design and operator training issues in the context of timesharing and high workload situations. Multiple resource theory and automatic/controlled processing theory have each stimulated much empirical work that provided useful data on human timesharing abilities. Such data have provided the basis for predicting task combinations and training requirements that allow high levels of performance under timesharing and high workload situations. The purpose of this symposium is to describe recent empirical developments that may further our understanding of human information processing capabilities and limitations, particularly under timesharing and high workload conditions. The set of papers includes theoretical and applied treatments of multiple resource and automaticity theories. The issues discussed include the advantages and disadvantages of spreading information input over different sensory modalities (e.g., visual and auditory), development of training methods to acquire sophisticated high level cognitive skills quickly and efficiently, measurement of information processing capacity required by specific task combinations, and a delineation of the characteristics and limitations of working memory.
A Comparison of Hardcopy and Expert System Presentation of Network Operator Assistance Guides
Authors: Antonelli D. C. 
Published: January 2012

Operator's Guides have traditionally been used for the communication of information. Some recent work by de Bachtin (1985) has shown that in certain programming applications, expert systems can be used to perform the same function with increased user satisfaction. The current study addresses an SNA network assistance application and compares a conventional hard copy user's manual to an expert system designed to convey similar information. The performance of eight naive assistance operators attempting to solve eight typical problem scenarios was evaluated. Each operator performed all tasks. Presentation order was counterbalanced. Measures included probability of successful solution and time of solution. Performance was superior using the expert systems approach for all measures.
Evaluation of Algorithms for Combining Independent Data Sets in a Human Performance Expert System
Authors: Gawron Valerie J. , Travale David J. , Drury Colin , Czaja Sara 
Published: January 2012

A major problem facing system designers today is predicting human performance in: 1) systems that have not yet been built, 2) situations that have not yet been experienced, and 3) situations for which there are only anecdotal reports. To address this problem, the Human Performance Expert System (Human) was designed. The system contains a large data base of equations derived from human performance research reported in the open literature. Human accesses these data to predict task performance times, task completion probabilities, and error rates. A problem was encountered when multiple independent data sets were relevant to one task. For example, a designer is interested in the effects of luminance and front size on number of reading errors. Two data sets exist in the literature: one examining the effects of luminance, the other, font size. The data in the two sets were collected at different locations with different subjects and at different times in history. How can the two data sets be combined to address the designer's problem? Four combining algorithms were developed and then tested in two steps. In step one, two reaction-time experiments were conducted: one to evaluate the effect the number of alternatives on reaction time; the second, signals per minute and number of displays being monitored. The four algorithms were used on the data from these two experiments to predict reaction time in the situation where all three independent variables are manipulated simultaneously. In step two of the test procedure, a third experiment was conducted. Subjects who had not participated in either Experiment One or Two performed a reaction-time task under the combined effects of all three independent variables. The predictions made from step one were compared to the actual empirical data collected in step two. The results of these comparisons are presented.
Gender and Handedness in Grip Strength — A Double Whammy for Females
Authors: Miller Glenn D. , Freivalds Andris 
Published: January 2012

With increasing number of women entering into jobs traditionally held by men, it has been found that tools and equipment originally deisgned for the “average man” do not fit women, smaller mean or other persons. Thirty college students (7 females, 8 dominant left handed males and 8 dominant right handed males) squeezed alternately with both dominant and non-dominant hands twice a Lafayette dynamometer at 5 grip span settings. The results indicated that grip strength increased with increasing grip span up to the preferred grip span. Female grip strength was 53% of male grip strength. The non-dominant hand produced 89.6% of dominant hand grip strength. More interestingly both male and female left handers exihibited nearly identical grip strengths for both hands, leading one to suspect that left handed people are being forced to adapt to a right handed world. It thus appears that certain female workers may be at a double disadvantage with gender and left handedness reducing grip strength by 2/3. However, tools and equipment can be modified to accommodate weaker individuals.
Towards a New Approach to Vision: Applications to Robots and Humans
Authors: Kreifeldt John G. , Chuang Ming C. 
Published: January 2012

A description of a novel and very speculative approach to new research directions for human vision with application to robotic vision is described. The goal of the approach is to propose a plausible, implementable, spatial perception model for human vision and apply this model to a stereo robot vision system. The model is based on computer algorithms variously called “Multidimensional Scaling”, well known in psychology and sociology but relatively unknown in engineering. These algorithms can reconstruct a spatially accurate model to a high level of metric precision of a “configuration of points” from low quality, error prone non-metric data about the configuration. ALSCAL – a general purpose computer package adaptable for this purpose is being presently evaluated. This is a departure from typical engineering approaches which are directed toward gathering a low volume of highly precise referenced data about the positions of selected points in the visual scene and substitutes instead an approach of gathering a high volume of very low precision relative data about the interpoint spacings. It would seem that the latter approach is the one actually used by the human vision system. The results are highly encouraging in that the agreement between test configurations of two and three dimensional configurations of points are very faithfully reconstructed from as low as 10 points in a configuration using only rank ordered (i.e. nonmetric) information about interpoint spacings. The reconstructions are remarkably robust even under human-like “fuzzy” imprecision in visual measurements.
An Evaluation of the Signposting System in Large Subway Station
Authors: Arnegard Ruth J. , Hammontree Monty L. , Montgomery Melinda J. , Pearson Gwen L. , Zwaga Harm J. G. 
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate the signposting system within the Metro Center subway station of the WMATA (Washington Metro Area Transit Authority). The approach taken was: first, to estimate the prevalence of passenger behaviors indicative of deficiencies in wayfinding; second, to evaluate the adequacy of the signposting within various decision areas of the station; and finally, to evaluate the individual components of the signage system. The first objective was addressed by observing 507 passengers selected via a pseudo-random sampling technique. From this sample an overview of traffic patterns was developed and it was determined that roughly 7% of these passengers followed a route that did not comply with the directions provided by the stations sign posting system. It was further found that an additional 2% asked for direction. These figures were combined with data provided by the WMATA to project that 6,000 to 7,000 of the passengers disembarking a train within Metro Center will evidence some form of inefficient wayfinding behavior each day. To address the second question portions of the randomly sampled data were combined with data gathered from a selectively sampled group of passengers operationally defined as needing wayfinding assistance (n = 359). This data was analyzed to determine the relative difficulty that information needy passengers had in finding their way through the various areas of the station. The final objective was addressed by comparing individual components of the signage system to current human factors guidelines.