bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Query Languages for Document Retrieval — An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Van Praag John , Gilfoil David , Murray J. Thomas 
Published: January 2012

As automation of office functions becomes more widespread and longstanding, large on-line databases of documents will commonly be accessed by personnel unschooled in database logic. It is necessary, therefore, to design query languages for document retrieval that are intuitive, simple, and fast. It is likely that effective query languages will be those that systematically provide the user with powerful memory cues, with highly interactive structures guiding the formation of queries, and with a very simple and learnable syntax. No one query language will suit every potential user; a means of optimizing the design of query languages, therefore, is to fit each language to the requirements of a specific population of users. At Exxon Office Systems we have, in the past year, designed two query languages, one aimed at occasional users, the other at regular users. These languages are attempts to provide convenient document management facilities of the kind alluded to above. A study was implemented to test the learnability and usability of these languages, using flat file search as a baseline. Sessions involved retrieval by subjects of documents from large (500 member) artificially generated databases of documents; subjects were run over multiple sessions. The raw data consisted of full keystroke capture of each session. By replacing the database mid-experiment, effects of acquisition of the query languages were separated from effects of memorization of the database. Learnability and usability were evaluated by statistical analysis of learning curves, command usage, response times, and individual differences. Both query methods appeared far preferable to flat file search, especially as users gained facility with them. One method was more easy to use but less powerful–and appeared to be appropriate for casual users; the other method was slightly harder to use, but provides the regular user with a more flexible and powerful tool for document management. Another outcome of the study was a preliminary model of the document management process–a model whose parameters depend on features of the query language, the database, and the population of users. By observing how features of a query language affect the parameters of the model it should be possible to refine the language so as to improve its effectiveness for a given population of users.
Primary Separation between Three Aircraft Using Traffic Displays
Authors: Chappell Sheryl L. , Palmer Everett A. 
Published: January 2012

This study explored the use of cockpit traffic displays for aircraft separation in instrument conditions. This is a new concept termed EFR for electronic flight rules. Four groups of three general aviation, instrument-rated pilots flew cross-country flights in twin engine simulators in the Multi-Cockpit Facility at NASA Ames. They were required to maintain two miles horizontal and 500 feet vertical separation from all other aircraft. There were 24 different geometries, or traffic situations, repeated randomly for each of the four experimental conditions for each group. Of 1152 aircraft encounters 12.8% were in violation of separation minimums. Eighteen of these were closer than 400 ft vertically or 1.6 nm horizontally. The minimum separation of all aircraft pairs was 293 ft and .13 nm. The type and time of evasive maneuvers showed no effect when sensor noise was simulated in the displayed traffic information. When pilots were able to communicate and coordinate their maneuvers, the time to resolve the conflict was reduced. Subject groups varied significantly in: time of conflict resolution, frequency and type of maneuvers, control activity, reported amount of threat, confidence, and satisfaction they perceived, and appraisal of the efficacy of their communications.
Designing a Multipurpose Menu Driven User Interface to Computer Based Tools
Authors: Goodwin Nancy C. 
Published: January 2012

A menu-based interface was designed to provide users with an easy, consistent means for finding and initiating various facilities on a host computer. The interface had to be usable by people of varying levels of skill and experience, using different types of terminals. Three major issues were considered in the design: option selection techniques, display design, and functional organization of the choices within the hierarchy. The ESD-MITRE user system interface (USI) design guidelines on sequence control were applied to the first two issues in this list. The guidelines were helpful during the design process. They were used to guide the basic design, and to help make decisions as the design was refined. Different guidelines can lead to different designs, so designers must be prepared to decide which requirements and which guidelines are of greatest importance in their particular situations.
Human Factors in Early Ship System Design
Authors: Malone Thomas B. , Feaga Robert P. , Andrews Phillip J. , Kopp Walter H. 
Published: January 2012

In order to most effectively integrate human factors criteria and concepts into ship systems design, it is essential that human factors applications begin at the beginning of the system. If human factors is not applied until the preliminary or detail design phases, the role of human factors is reduced to that of a support function rather than as an influence to the design. Getting human factors considerations included in the pre-milestone 0 feasibility and study phase will ensure that human factors will influence the system design. This paper will address the process for applying human factors in pre-milestone 0. One of the major activities to be accomplished within this process is the development of a human factors data base for baseline reference systems. These include systems already in the fleet for which the new system will serve as a replacement or an improvement. The data base will include data for three specific purposes: 1) determination of lessons learned - human factors problems and implemented concepts; 2) identification of human factors thresholds and operability gaps below these thresholds for existing systems; and 3) determination of the benefits of applying human factors in the new system as compared with the baseline system. The pre-milestone 0 process will also address determination of the role of man in systems operation and maintenance, the extent of automation, the role of man in automated operations, general human factors design directions, and requirements for feasibility studies of manual versus automated control, manning levels, supportability requirements, training concepts, and habitability requirements. A major human factors effort in the pre-milestone 0 process is the planning of the first human factors program review, which occurs at Milestone 0. Evaluation criteria and methods for this review will be described and discussed. The results of implementing the pre-milestone 0 process in the development of ship systems will also be discussed.
Visual Cueing Effectiveness: Comparison of Perception and Flying Performance
Authors: De Maio Joe , Rinalducci Edward J. , Brooks Rebecca , Brunderman John 
Published: January 2012

Growing emphasis on simulation of low altitude and air-to-air tactical scenarios has greatly increased the requirement for simulator visual systems capable of providing the pilot high-fidelity out-of-the-cockpit cues. Evaluation of visual system performance through simulator flying studies has been the primary measure of system quality. Such studies can be costly and time consuming, and often they provide equivocal results. The present set of experiments was conducted to investigate the use of psychophysical measurement methodology to provide a quick, low-cost evaluation of the altitude cueing effectiveness of simulator visual displays. Experiment I examined altitude perception in several visual environments. Experiment II was a validation effort, in which flying performance was evaluated in selected visual environments. In Experiment I pilots made altitude estimates based on static and dynamic presentations of visual displays containing texture and varying sizes of 3-dimensional objects. Best-fitting power functions were used to relate perceived altitude to actual altitude. In Experiment II Air force pilots flew the Advanced Simulator for Pilot Training F-16 through five selected visual environments at 600 kt and 150 ft AGL. Reliable difference were found as a function of display variables. In environments which provided strong altitude cues, pilots were able to fly very close to the designated altitude. In environments which provided poorer cues, pilots flew substantially above designated altitude.
A Comparison of Analog and Digital Scales for Use in Heads-up Displays
Authors: Moroze Michael L. , Koonce Jefferson M. 
Published: January 2012

This paper presents the results of an experiment in which subjects were taught to fly five flight maneuvers using three different types of displays: traditional round-dialed instrument panel, a linear tape type of HUD, and a HUD which utilizes digital symbols for the flight parameters. After achieving a pre-determined level of proficiency on each of the displays, the subjects had to perform each of the maneuvers on each of the displays while performing a secondary task of reporting the presence of odd-even-odd sequences of digits from a continuous string of digits presented by a tape recorder. Overall, the learning of the basic maneuvers, the results showed the abstract display to require more trials to learn than the traditional display, but as the third display to be learned there were no significant differences between display types. After all subjects met the same criterion level of performance with each type, performance under loading stress was poorer using the abstracted display.
A Model of a Pilot's State Estimation Based on Sequential Instrument Readings
Authors: Waller Marvin C. 
Published: January 2012

A study has been completed at LaRC which applies a generic model of an operator, the Human Operator Simulator (HOS), to the representation of a pilot flying an advanced transport airplane. The model has been demonstrated to generate results which closely match those obtained in fixed based, hardware oriented, piloted simulation studies. The model generates lookpoint predictions as could be measured with an oculometer system as well as time histories of state variables of the airplane and pilot control inputs, and provides a means of estimating pilot workload. The model incorporates a Kalman filter type estimator to represent the pilot's knowledge of the airplane's state, and his sequential process of updating this knowledge by absorbing information from different display sources during the course of a flight. This presentation provides a brief description of the HOS based pilot model and presents in some detail, implementation in the model of the algorithm to represent the pilot's knowledge of the state. The algorithm used allows representation of the effects of reading a single instrument at a given time. Results of some preliminary validation and demonstration steps are presented. Also, elements of a plausible pilot (or operator) scanning model, which is a spin-off of the estimation process, are discussed.
Development and Evaluation of a Minicourse Screening Test for Fiber Optic and Digital Transmission Maintenance Technicians
Authors: Israelski Edmond W. , Stuster Jack W. 
Published: January 2012

A preplacement selection test was developed and evaluated for the Bell System to ensure that the best qualified personnel would install and maintain new high-technology telecommunications systems. These new complex systems employ digital electronics and fiber optic transmission using lasers and glass fibers carrying pulses of light. The project involved a thorough job analysis, development of test materials and evaluation study to set an initial passing score for the screening test. The basic principle of minicourse screening tests is to assess the candidates trainability or specific learning abilities. This is accomplished by presenting to the candidate modular samples of programmed learning materials adapted from required advanced training courses, and to test learning at the conclusion of each module using multiple choice questions. This particular minicourse screening test is titled Digital Cable Technologies Minicourse Test (DCTM); it consists of four modules (Introduction to Digital Multiplexing, Introduction to Fiber Optic Transmission Systems, Basic Electronics and Circuit Reading, and Acceptance Testing and Troubleshooting Procedures). The DCTM has a six hour time limit and the scoring algorithm is a function of the number of correct items and the total time required to read the programmed instructional materials and to answer the test questions. The development of the DCTM followed the government requirements for test development as described in the Uniform Federal Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures. An empirically supported and fully documented job analysis was conducted including four criticality ratings of a 108 task statement inventory and Fleischman-type behaviorally anchored ratings of 31 basic abilities. A sample of 135 subject matter experts participated in this effort. The evaluation of the minicourse test involved administration to 158 cable repair technicians across the Bell System from whom detailed time and accuracy data were collected. Although the DCTM is a completely content valid selection procedure, a follow-up predictive criteria-related validity study is currently being conducted to produce additional validity support. The evaluation study and the subsequent item analysis of the 79 test questions allowed two parallel forms of the DCTM tests to be developed with equal measurable levels of difficulty, discriminability and reliability.
Partial Gloves and Reduced Temperatures
Authors: Riley Michael W. , Cochran David J. 
Published: January 2012

When the ambient temperature is below 55°F (12.8°C) and a person's hands have been exposed to that reduced temperature for at least 20 minutes, a person's dexterity performance is reduced. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the use of partial gloves in reduced temperatures to determine if the dexterity performance decrement could be significantly abated. The partial gloves used in this study were wool and they allowed the distal and middle phalange to be exposed. Three male and three female subjects performed a variety of tasks at ambient temperatures of 40°F, 50°F and 60°F. The dexterity performance tasks were two pencil-point tapping tasks and the Purdue Pegboard. In addition, grip strength, finger pinch strength, and reaction time tasks were performed. The performance testing was performed at each temperature level with and without the partial gloves. Testing required approximately one hour. The order of the testing was randomized. Hand skin and finger skin temperatures data were collected. Results of the pilot study showed that partial gloves allowed the subjects to maintain warmer finger skin and hand skin temperatures while maintaining the same level of dexterity when compared to conditions and performance without the partial gloves.
The Influence of a Fixed Background in a VDU Display on the Efficiency of Colour and Shape Coding
Authors: Zwaga H.J.G. , Duijnhouwer F. 
Published: January 2012

Few studies investigating the merits of colour coding use displays where a fixed background picture increases the predictability of the number or location of the signals. In this study the effects of type of task, coding and display format on the use of VDU-presented information are examined. Two types of tasks were used: a search task and an identification task. There were three coding conditions: shape, colour and colour/shape coding. Information could be displayed in fixed and free format. In fixed format displays the coded information was presented as measuring points in flow schemes of a crude oil distilling plant. In the free format displays this background picture was not presented. The results show that the background pattern decreases search performance under all coding conditions. Search with shape coding is inferior to that with colour and colour/shape coding. Identification task performance is slightly better with shape coding. The results suggest, that in the search task the background pattern inhibits efficient scanning of the display.
Crewstation Configuration Design for Gas Plasma/Touch Surface Panel Interface with Aircraft Tactical Computer Systems
Authors: McKannon Thomas M. , Sola Kenneth E. 
Published: January 2012

This study investigated optimization of display configuration for information processing at the non-acoustic sensor operator crewstation of the U.S. Navy long range maritime patrol airplane (P-3). The scope of the investigation was limited to three candidate configurations considered for installation in the P-3C with respect to operator tasks of detection, tracking, and data entry. Each configuration consisted of four displays and one cursor control. Two large displays and two interactive control panel (ICP) gas plasma displays were arranged in stacked, flanking, and grouped configuration. Data entry was via trackball cursor control and touch overlay on the ICP displays. This study was performed using the Aircrew Station Technology Assessment Laboratory (ASTAL) at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Maryland. ASTAL provided a dynamically and physically reconfigurable asset for the study. The three candidate configurations were reproduced at high fidelity in terms of geometry and function. Operator tasks were simulated to provide basic functional and real world equivalents to exercise visual and motor performance skills. The dynamic simulation provided performance values for discrete visual detection tracking, and data entry tasks. Time-based task termination criteria were established to provide operator overload, or task failure, data. The study design was a 3 × 3 matrix of crew station configuration versus operator tasks. Data were recorded on the ASTAL VAX 11/750 computer with audio-visual augmentation. Measured criteria included speed and accuracy of visual detection, classification, tracking, and operator data entry. Comparisons were made of left versus right-handed ICP data entry and stimulus detection-response distance for each configuration. Analysis of the metrics of each configuration revealed significant variation in performance criteria dependent upon configuration. Stacked configuration proved least effective overall. Flanking was better than grouped for visual detection. Data entry was enhanced by the grouped configuration.
Skilled Performance: Computer Software
Authors: Peio Karen J. , Klein Helen A. 
Published: January 2012

Training technology has traditionally addressed issues that have been limited to the acquisition of knowledge at skill levels far below those of highly skilled performers. Knowledge about the changes that occur as a result of extensive experience are potentially useful in understanding highly proficient performance. Empirical evidence suggests that experts differ from novices in the cues used to achieve a target performance. It appears that recognitional capacities of experts differ from those of novices. A Reperatory Grid Technique was the means used to investigate differences in recognitional capacities of expert and novice software specialists. Task dimensions of a variety of algorithms for the problem of critical path analysis were elicited from subject matter experts by means of a matching technique. Expert and novice computer programmers then used the empirically determined dimensions to rank nine algorithms. Discriminant analyses performed on the data indicated successful separation of the novice and expert groups on the majority of dimensions used. Furthermore, the analyses indicated which individuals were correctly classified as experts or novices solely on the basis of scores on the dimensions. The results of this study provide support for the hypothesis that as expertise is achieved, the perceptual cues used by the proficient performer differ from those of novices.
Speech Recognition as an Aid to Productivity in Word Processing
Authors: Hakkinen Markku T. , Alvarez Maria G. , Murray J. Thomas 
Published: January 2012

The use of speech recognition in the area of office automation has received little experimental evaluation. Most speech recognition studies have involved testing in military command and control or aircraft environments. Speech control of spreadsheet and word processing programs is discussed by various manufacturers and in the popular press, yet no empirical data have been presented to substantiate its use in these applications. In one of the few studies applicable to the office environment (Murray, Van Praag, and Gilfoil, 1983), the use of speech to control cursor motion was found to be less efficient than the use of traditional cursor keys. To justify the expense of adding equipment to an office workstation, a significant increase in worker productivity needs to be demonstrated. The dedicated word processing operator, involved in the task of transcribing large quantities of textual data from hardcopy or dictation tapes, was chosen for examination in this study. The majority of word processing operator keystroke activity is within the QWERTY portion of the text entry keyboard. However, many of the necessary control operations used during text entry are located on dedicated or soft function keys. These function keys are often located well away from the QWERTY portion of the keyboard, interrupting the touch typist's activity in order to locate and activate the appropriate key. In this study, the use of speech input to select operations normally assigned to function keys was evaluated. It was hypothesized that the operator would experience less distraction in the primary task of text entry when operations were selected verbally rather than by manual activation of the function keys. This would be reflected in reduced text entry time and possible reduction in keystroke errors when selecting operations. In contrast to the earlier study examining speech control of a cursor positioning task in which speech was found to be inferior to manual control, this study used speech to control discrete operations. Subjects were experienced word processing operators. The primary task was transcription of text documents requiring frequent format changes. The subjects were placed in two groups. Group I was trained to operate a word processing package in which control operations were selected by using hard and soft function keys located above and to the right of the QWERTY keypad. Group II was trained to use the identical word processing software, with the difference being that control operations were selected by using speech input. Data collected and analyzed included time to complete the text entry task, number of entry errors, number of command errors, and subjective ratings of operator satisfaction with the system used.