bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subjective Self-Ratings of Perceived Difficulty during Obstructed Manual Hose Insertion Tasks
Authors: Grieshaber D. Christian , Lau Michael H. , Armstrong Thomas J. 
Published: January 2012

Objective: A study was conducted to measure the effect that restricted hand access had on perceived difficulty ratings during simulated hose insertion tasks. Background: Insertion tasks have been identified by workers as physically demanding. Spatial limitations around the flange may affect the ability of the workers to successfully perform the insertion task. Methods: Six male and six female subjects pushed a rubber hose onto a stationary flange under conditions of limited hand access during simulated insertions. Results: The highest difficulty ratings were recorded when an obstruction was lateral to the flange. The overall difficulty rating was positively correlated with posture and force ratings. Conclusion: The location and number of obstructions is an important factor in how the subjects perceived the difficulty of the task. Application: The results of this study can be applied to the future design of insertion-type tasks and methodologies for subjectively assessing hand clearance.
Effect of Ambient Illumination on Legibility of Displays of Liquid-Crystals and Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Duncan Jerry , Konz Stephan 
Published: January 2012

Two liquid-crystal (LC) and three light-emitting diode (LED) electronic digital displays were evaluated at 1.5, 15, and 45 fc on the display using five criteria: 1) recognition time of single digits, 2) no-error viewing distance, 3) preferred viewing distance, 4) preferred illumination, and 5) subject vote. Recognition time (at a constant viewing angle of 31 min. of arc for the display character height) of the two seven-segment LED displays did not change significantly in the selected range of illumination. For the hexadecimal LED display, recognition time increased significantly from 1.5 to 15 and 45 fc. Recognition time of the reflective LC display decreased significantly from 1.5 to 15 and 45 fc. For the transmissive LC display, recognition time increased significantly from 15 to 45 fc. The no-error viewing distance of the .77″ LED display decreased significantly from 1.5 and 15 to 45 fc but increased significantly from 1.5 to 15 and 45 fc for the reflective LC display. No-error and preferred viewing distances were predicted with multiple regression equations; using just display character height and stroke width/ height gave a multiple R = .91 for no-error viewing distance. The character height viewing angle obtained for no-error viewing distance was 5 min. of arc, but was 17 for preferred viewing distance. Mean preferred illumination was 62 fc for the reflective LC display, 27 for the transmissive LC display, 21 for the .27″, seven-segment LED display, 18 for the .77″, seven-segment LED display, and 10 for the .27″, hexadecimal LED; any difference greater than 9 fc was significant. Preference for the liquid-crystal displays increased at the expense of the light-emitting diode displays as ambient illumination increased from 1.5 to 45 fc.
Effect of Lens Color on Target Visibility for Air-Sea Rescue
Authors: Hilgendorf Robert L. , MacLeod Shelton 
Published: January 2012

Visual detection of life rafts in the sea presents a difficult task to personnel engaged in air search and rescue operations. A possible means of aiding this task is to use an appropriate sun-glass filter with light transmission properties designed to reduce glare and atmospheric attenuation, while enhancing target-to-background contrast. To examine and evaluate this possibility, target acquisition performance associated with the following types of sunglasses was compared with that of the unaided eye: (1) Haze master (yellow), (2) Oakley-Doc (pink), (3) Cosmetan (brown) and (4) N-15 (gray). The experimental approach involved the use of a circular 1:1000 scale terrain model and associated techniques simulating an air-sea rescue operation. Each subject searched for targets while making a simulated banking turn around the model. The performance of ten subjects for each experimental lens condition was measured in terms of response time and number of targets found. Results based on these measures showed the Oakley-Doc lens to be the best and the Cosmetan to be the worst of the lens alternatives. However, no filter was found to be superior to the unaided eye. The data are in agreement with a number of recent target acquisition studies which show no advantage in using yellow lenses. The results are, moreover, consistent with the assumption that supposed enhancement properties of colored lenses may well be offset by losses in light transmission associated with their use.
Static and Dynamic Characteristics of Toothbrushing
Authors: Kreifeldt John G. , Hill Percy H. 
Published: January 2012

Manual toothbrushing is the principal method in general use for accomplishing the goal of plaque control for home dental care. This goal has not been achieved, which suggests that there is considerable room for integrated redesign in what must be regarded as a man-tool system with strong human factor components. Design in man-tool systems requires knowledge of the system objects (man, tool, task), system interfaces (man-tool: manipulation, tool-task: engagement) and system interactions (relating objects to interfaces.) This report furnishes a fine-grain analysis of toothbrushing, obtained through time-motion studies, which describes static and dynamic characteristics of manipulation and engagement and interactions in the man-tool system. Several suggested design caveats based on these results are given.
Human Response to Disaster
Authors: Fritz Charles E. 
Published: January 2012

This presentation summarizes the empirical research studies of behavior in man made and natural disasters and disaster related events. A definition of disaster is provided to identify its distinguishing characteristics apart from the specific context in which it occurs. Among the first major efforts to investigate human response to disaster were the studies performed during and following World War II. These were motivated by a desire to confirm or refute hypotheses concerning human behavior under wartime disaster conditions, the information being useful for defensive as well as offensive purposes. Many of these hypotheses, like the stereotypes portrayed by the mass media reporting of natural disasters, were found to be myths rather than factual accounts of human behavior. Among the myths vs facts are the following: 1. Mass panic is not observed; behavior is typically goal oriented but confusing when viewed by an outsider. 2. Flight from the disaster is a lesser problem than the massive convergence of people, materiel, and message traffic into the impact area. 3. Looting is far less common than believed and substantially less than the altruism observed. 4. Hysteria is atypical, and greater self control and self sacrifice are common. 5. Those affected are rarely unable to help themselves (unless injured), i.e., they are not dazed and stuperous but rather active participants in search and rescue operations. 6. Mental breakdown does not occur but acute emotional, physiological and psychosomatic symptoms do emerge following disaster. 7. Murder, assualt, and other acts of aggression are less common rather than more prevalent. 8. Anarchy and the breakdown of civilization does not occur. Emergency (and often spontaneous) leadership is evidenced with greater community solidarity and productivity. The remainder of the presentation is devoted to highlighting specific examples of human response in the chronology of events encompassing: (1) warning, (2) awareness of imminent disaster, (3) post disaster actions, and (4) recovery operations. The presentation concludes with some recommendations which in part serve to introduce the topics covered in the following presentation.
A Pictorial Description of the Xenia Tornado
Authors: Gallaway Glen R. 
Published: January 2012

This session attempts to portray: 1) the nature of disaster, 2) the human response to such events, and 3) what can be done in the way of planning. This presentation focuses on describing in detail the events surrounding the Xenia tornado of 3 April 1974. Slides are presented showing the size and path of the storm. A pictorial description of devastation along this ground track are provided, sometimes with a before/after comparison. Special emphasis is placed on the force of the storm and special circumstances that arise due to a combination of interacting factors. Anecdotal examples of operational and personal problems encountered in this disaster are highlighted in the commentary accompanying the slide presentation. The slide materials used are a collage of personal and professional photographic efforts with a corresponding variation in candor and quality. The presentation has evolved from earlier, less formal attempts to capture and communicate the nature of the problem for those who wish to explore human factors research in disaster situations. The author invites comments and questions. Selected photographic materials may be obtained by contacting the author. This presentation serves as an introduction to the session and provides a graphic example of a specific disaster. Subsequent papers then explore the elements common to many different types of disasters, indicating the kinds of generalizations which can be drawn from previous empirical field studies of disasters or disaster related events. This session is one of two being held on the topic of disaster. It focuses primarily on the nature of disaster from an operational and phenomenological standpoint. The companion session which follows treats more specific design issues believed to be of interest to human factors and industrial design specialists. Together, these two sessions are believed to provide an integrated and complementary overview of key principles, issues, design problems and current proposals for design for disaster. No claim can be made that the coverage is exhaustive, but it is hope the sessions will serve to represent what is known and what needs to be done.
A Computer Aided Function Allocation and Evaluation System (CAFES)
Authors: Hutchins Charles W. 
Published: January 2012

The Computer Aided Function Allocation and Evaluation System (CAFES) is a crew systems design support tool based on human engineering methodology, computer aids, human performance data and a data management system. It is intended to support crew systems engineers in man-machine research, requirements analysis, design, test, training and maintenance systems development. The system of computer models comprising the CAFES system parallels the system development cycle and provides the required level of detail consistent with a given stage of system development. The principle objectives of the present development program are to facilitate timely application of all essential elements of human factors technology in systems development, using automatic data processing techniques for rapid analysis and evaluation of crew subsystem performance as it effects total systems effectiveness.
A Hierarchical Concept for Man-Machine Communication
Authors: Albus J. S. , Evans J. M. , Johnsen E. G. 
Published: January 2012

The problem of man controlling or programming a machine may be considered as a hierarchy of control functions, with each level of control calling up ordered sequences of operations at the next lower level, using appropriate sensory feedback for each level. Man may enter the control hierarchy at any level for direct control or for programming an automatic system for later playback. The computer carries out lower level control functions, thereby augmenting man's control capabilities. The Cerebellar Model Articulation Controller (CMAC) is a computer based control system in which high–level task–oriented commands can be broken down into a series of elemental motor actuator signals. CMAC is a general purpose adaptive control concept which can be arranged in a hierarchical structure, such as that described above, so as to facilitate the man–machine communication problem. For example, CMAC can solve the coordinate transformation problem so that commands can be given in terms of desired end point trajectories. Furthermore, CMAC can handle many feedback variables such as measurements of misalignment of parts, variable mass loading, irregularities in materials, and constraints imposed by an external environment. Concepts of man–machine communication under consideration by the NBS Automation Technology Porgram are presented with particular emphasis on the CMAC control concept.
A Successful Recruiting Program of Women in Other Disciplines for the M. S. Degree in Industrial Engineering
Authors: Higginbotham Thomas F. 
Published: January 2012

A successful method of recruiting women for the masters degree in Industrial Engineering is described fully including the following: (1) Source of students, (2) Competition for these students from industry and other institutions, (3) Common characteristics, (4) Hindrance to their recruitment and progress and, (5) Recommendation for recruitment programs. Of the nine active women graduate students registered Winter Quarter 1974 with the School of Engineering were registered in our program. We had a total of 21 students that quarter.
Skylab Eva System Development
Authors: Heckman Richard T. 
Published: January 2012

At the inception of the Apollo Applications Program (later to become Skylab) there was no operational experience with the Apollo EVA System and the Gemini EVA experience had created a concern for the workload to which the crew would be subjected. With a major scientific objective of the program depending upon EVA for data retrieval, strong emphas is was placed upon the EVA system development and validation. This paper will trace the EVA hardware design from initial conceptual development to final flight configuration, identify the major concepts which were considered during design evolution and discuss the reasons for the acceptance or rejection of these concepts. Man/system simulations played a vital part in the decision making process. The types of developmental simulation used will be discussed, as will their role in providing design information. The developmental protocol of interleaving analyses and simulations on an iterative basis provided Skylab with a conservative, flexible and simple FVA system which was effective not only for the nominal mission but for many contingency activities as well.
The Development and Validation of an Analytical Training Program for Medical Suturing
Authors: Salvendy Gavriel , Pilitsis John 
Published: January 2012

As a result of experimental evidence on skills acquisition of industrial and dental tasks, the concept of utilizing analytical training methods in psychomotor medical education was investigated in this study on “everting square suture” technique used in plastic surgery procedures. Based on attitude questionnaires and film analysis, three simulation training models were developed and compared as to training effectiveness against the “traditional” training method (practice on a pig's foot) currently in use at a number of Medical Schools. The three proposed training models consisted of: 1. Electromechanical training simulator using the progressive parts training method. 2. Perceptual training through film viewing and fault analysis. 3. The combination of (1) and (2) above. Thirty-six medical students with no prior exposure to wound closure techniques participated as subjects. These students were randomly divided into four groups (three experimental and one control). Intergroup comparisons were attained by having subjects from the experimental groups, subsequent to training, practice on porcine skin by placing 35 sutures similar to that of the traditional group. Time, quality, heart rate variability, chin-EMG, neck-EMG and plantar skin conductance data were collected throughout the task and used as evaluation measures. Results indicate that: 1. All three experimental training methods provided for significantly better quality performance levels (from 14.2 to 177.1 percent better) than the traditional training group. Group 1 attained the highest results. 2. The subjects on the experimental traininggroup had briefer training time (ranging between 1.4 to 3.1 times less) than the “traditional” group. 3. The subjects in the experimental training groups had less psychophysiological stress during task performance than did the subjects in the conventional training group.
Saint Simulation of a Remotely Piloted Vehicle/Drone Control Facility
Authors: Wortman David B. , Duket Steven D. , Seifert Deborah J. 
Published: January 2012

SAINT is a modeling and simulation technique that provides the concepts necessary to model systems that contain tasks (discrete elements), state variables (continuous elements), and interactions between them. SAINT has been designed to facilitate the modeling and analysis of complex man-machine systems. This paper describes a SAINT network model of a real-time simulation of a drone control facility (DCF) in which operators monitor and control the flight of simulated remotely piloted vehicles (RPVs) through the use of visual (CRT) displays.
Where Have We Been and Where are We Going? A Founder's View from Britain and Australia
Authors: Welford A.T. 
Published: January 2012

The origins of ergonomics in the collaboration of human scientists with engineers, and the formation of the Ergonomics Research Society and the International Ergonomics Association, are briefly surveyed. It is suggested that the success of the movement is due largely to its leading ideas: the concept of human capacity, both instantaneous and over periods of time, both in physical activity and mental information processing; the need to express human capacities and the demands of tasks in the same terms; and the operation of both capacities and demands in complex, dynamic systems. These ideas have had profound effects upon developments of theory within the human biological disciplines of anatomy, physiology and especially psychology, as well as on practical applications. Membership of the Ergonomics Society of Australia and New Zealand indicates a keen interest in ergonomics in Australia but with less orientation towards research than in Britain or the U.S.A. The reason appears to be an indirect result of the fact that Australia is a large country with a small population. Present developments suggest that emphasis on research may increase before very long. As regards the future both in Australia and in other countries, there appears to be a need for consolidation of a body of proved examples of the effectiveness and value of ergonomic measures. This in turn indicates a need for improved methods of making field trials, the formulation of cost-benefit analyses which include both productivity and human values in a common metric, and the study of willingness as well as capacity. Some important lines for expansion of the ergonomic approach appear to lie in the treatment of social interaction in ergonomic terms. This leads not only to the concept of social skill, but has bearings upon several other areas of research. Examples briefly discussed are: environmental psychology, mental handicap, delinquency, vandalism, criminality, and certain current world problems of boredom and dissatisfaction with life. Ergonomics, it is suggested, owes much of its past success to the quality of observation displayed by some of its pioneers, and a plea is made for the continued fostering of this quality.
Design Applications for Optimizing the Working Environment of the Software Employee: A Case Study
Authors: Seal Dennis J. , Sylvester Gordon E. 
Published: January 2012

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the conditions of a work environment that were related to job dissatisfaction among software personnel. A representative sample of 120 software employees were administered a questionnaire (including a Task Analysis Form and a Semantic Differential Scale) to determine the office conditions that were causing employee dissatisfaction. Each participant was also interviewed for approximately one hour. Four major problem areas were identified. They were: (1) Lack of visual and audible privacy; (2) Poor aesthetics; (3) Insufficient storage facilities, and (4) Improper design of work desk area. Design recommendations were developed by Interior Designers, Human Factor Specialists and Architects. Prototype offices were installed to accommodate a full department of forty-one software employees. The daily tasks of the participants continued on a normal routine for an evaluation period of seven months. At the end of this time, all participants were interviewed and the responses from these interviews were compared to those of the old offices. Statistical differences were found in all areas, and levels of job satisfaction greatly improved. The results are reported and conclusions are made concerning work-space planning, job satisfaction and productivity levels.
Evaluation of CRT-Displayed Digital Imagery Using Subjective Scaling
Authors: Chao Betty P. , Beaton Robert J. , Snyder Harry L. 
Published: January 2012

Rapid technological transition from analog images to digital images has necessitated the development of a research program for evaluating digital image quality. This paper investigated the perceived interpretability of static, digitized monochrome images displayed on CRTs. Quality judgments of two image degradations: blur and noise, were evaluated by a subjective scaling technique. The digital images consisted of 10 scenes, each of which was degraded by 5 levels of blur and 5 levels of noise, yielding a set of 250 images. Fifteen Air Force photointerpreters participated in the study. The photointerpreters viewed the images on CRTs and rated the interpretability of each image on a 10-point NATO scale. Analysis of the scaling values indicated that the blur, noise, and interaction effects were statistically significant. Perceived interpretability of the images decreased monotonically as the physical image degradation increased. In a separate study, the photointerpreters extracted information from a selected subset of images. Correlation between the scaling values and the actual information extracted was high. This result suggests that information extraction performance can be accurately predicted from subjective quality judgments. Comparisons between CRT-displayed imagery with film-based digital imagery showed no differences. Subjective quality judgments were similar for the two display formats.
An Analysis of Residential Table Accidents
Authors: Carey Patricia R. , McLeod William Peter 
Published: January 2012

The Second National Symposium on Human Factors in Consumer Products (Tufts University, May, 1980) included a paper by Colin Drury and Michael Brill concerning a technique of hazard analysis which they referred to as the “Scenario.” The present study reports an application of this technique to the number one furniture hazard in residential interiors: The Table. Prior to this investigation, the table seems to have received little in the way of systematic study. Additionally, an analysis of the Scenario technique itself was performed. This examination showed that several alternative methods developed by the authors yielded richer, more varied, and perhaps, accurate information. This analysis calls into question the advisability of relying on the Scenario technique as the sole method of hazard analysis. The methodology for these alternative analytical forms is presented.