bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Key Role of the Western Boundary in Linking the AMOC Strength to the North–South Pressure Gradient
Authors: Sijp Willem P. , Gregory Jonathan M. , Tailleux Remi , Spence Paul 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA key idea in the study of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) is that its strength is proportional to the meridional density gradient or, more precisely, to the strength of the meridional pressure gradient. A physical basis that would indicate how to estimate the relevant meridional pressure gradient locally from the density distribution in numerical ocean models to test such an idea has been lacking however. Recently, studies of ocean energetics have suggested that the AMOC is driven by the release of available potential energy (APE) into kinetic energy (KE) and that such a conversion takes place primarily in the deep western boundary currents. In this paper, the authors develop an analytical description linking the western boundary current circulation below the interface separating the North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) to the shape of this interface. The simple analytical model also shows how available potential energy is converted into kinetic energy at each location and that the strength of the transport within the western boundary current is proportional to the local meridional pressure gradient at low latitudes. The present results suggest, therefore, that the conversion rate of potential energy may provide the necessary physical basis for linking the strength of the AMOC to the meridional pressure gradient and that this could be achieved by a detailed study of the APE to KE conversion in the western boundary current.
Is patient-centred care a good thing?
Authors: Ward Christopher D 
Published: January 2012

The problem: Rehabilitation professionals recognize the need to adopt a social as well as a medical model of disability, but the full implications of a social orientation towards disability are less easily accepted. If the physical environment can both produce and alleviate disability, so also can the social environment. If disablement is not to be seen as the problem of one individual then problems in rehabilitation must be ‘owned’ not solely by a single patient but also by other people implicated in a situation. It follows that ‘patient-centred care’, where a professional directs assessments and interventions towards one person, has shortcomings in rehabilitation. Theoretical considerations: A human systems model, shifting the focus of rehabilitation towards relationships, enables rehabilitation problems to be seen as provisional and context-dependent; the relational context of problems is clarified, and the positive and negative effects of professional power are more apparent. Clinical implications: Rehabilitation practitioners using a systemic approach would no longer view ‘carers’ and other significant individuals as mere bystanders but would integrate them within rehabilitation’s ethical and therapeutic system. Professionals would more readily recognize their roles within such a system, and would be better positioned to manage their negative as well as their positive effects.
Bobath Concept versus constraint-induced movement therapy to improve arm functional recovery in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huseyinsinoglu Burcu Ersoz , Ozdincler Arzu Razak , Krespi Yakup 
Published: January 2012

Objective: To compare the effects of the Bobath Concept and constraint-induced movement therapy on arm functional recovery among stroke patients with a high level of function on the affected side. Design: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient physiotherapy department of a stroke unit. Subjects: A total of 24 patients were randomized to constraint-induced movement therapy or Bobath Concept group. Intervention: The Bobath Concept group was treated for 1 hour whereas the constraint-induced movement therapy group received training for 3 hours per day during 10 consecutive weekdays. Main measures: Main measures were the Motor Activity Log-28, the Wolf Motor Function Test, the Motor Evaluation Scale for Arm in Stroke Patients and the Functional Independence Measure. Results: The two groups were found to be homogeneous based on demographic variables and baseline measurements. Significant improvements were seen after treatment only in the ‘Amount of use’ and ‘Quality of movement’ subscales of the Motor Activity Log-28 in the constraint-induced movement therapy group over the the Bobath Concept group ( P = 0.003; P = 0.01 respectively). There were no significant differences in Wolf Motor Function Test ‘Functional ability’ ( P = 0.137) and ‘Performance time’ ( P = 0.922), Motor Evaluation Scale for Arm in Stroke Patients ( P = 0.947) and Functional Independence Measure scores ( P = 0.259) between the two intervention groups. Conclusions: Constraint-induced movement therapy and the Bobath Concept have similar efficiencies in improving functional ability, speed and quality of movement in the paretic arm among stroke patients with a high level of function. Constraint-induced movement therapy seems to be slightly more efficient than the Bobath Concept in improving the amount and quality of affected arm use.
Home-based treadmill training for individuals with Parkinson’s disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial
Authors: Canning Colleen G , Allen Natalie E , Dean Catherine M , Goh Lina , Fung Victor SC 
Published: January 2012

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of six weeks of home-based treadmill training in people with mild Parkinson’s disease. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial of a six-week intervention followed by a further six weeks follow-up. Setting: Home-based treadmill training with outcome measures taken at a hospital clinic. Participants: Twenty cognitively intact participants with mild Parkinson’s disease and gait disturbance. Two participants from the treadmill training group and one from the control group dropped out. Interventions: The treadmill training group undertook a semi-supervised home-based programme of treadmill walking for 20–40 minutes, four times a week for six weeks. The control group received usual care. Main outcome measures: The feasibility of the intervention was assessed by recording exercise adherence and acceptability, exercise intensity, fatigue, muscle soreness and adverse events. The primary outcome measure of efficacy was walking capacity (6-minute walk test distance). Results: Home-based treadmill training was feasible, acceptable and safe with participants completing 78% (SD 36) of the prescribed training sessions. The treadmill training group did not improve their walking capacity compared to the control group. The treadmill training group showed a greater improvement than the control group in fatigue at post test ( P = 0.04) and in quality of life at six weeks follow-up testing ( P = 0.02). Conclusions: Semi-supervised home-based treadmill training is a feasible and safe form of exercise for cognitively intact people with mild Parkinson’s disease. Further investigation regarding the effectiveness of home-based treadmill training is warranted.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials to sound and vibration: characteristics in vestibular migraine that enable separation from Menière’s disease
Authors: Taylor Rachael L , Zagami Alessandro S , Gibson William PR , Black Deborah A , Watson Shaun RD , Halmagyi Michael G , Welgampola Miriam S 
Published: January 2012

Objectives: It can be difficult to distinguish vestibular migraine (VM) from Menière’s disease (MD) in its early stages. Using vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs), we sought to identify test parameters that would help discriminate between these two vestibular disorders. Methods: We first recorded ocular and cervical VEMPs (oVEMP/cVEMP) to air-conducted clicks and bone-conducted vibration in 30 control participants, 30 participants with clinically definite VM and 30 participants with clinically probable VM. Results were compared with a group of 60 MD patients from a previous study. oVEMPs and cVEMPs were then recorded at octave frequencies of 250 Hz to 2000 Hz in 20 controls and 20 participants each with clinically definite VM and MD. Inter-aural amplitude asymmetry ratios and amplitude frequency ratios were compared between groups. Results: For click, tendon-hammer-tap and minishaker-tap VEMPs, there were no significant differences in reflex amplitudes or symmetry between controls, definite VM and probable VM. Compared with MD patients, participants with VM had significantly fewer reflex abnormalities for click-cVEMP, click-oVEMPs and minitap-cVEMPs. The ratio of cVEMP amplitude generated by tone bursts at a frequency of 0.5 kHz to that generated by 1 kHz was significantly lower for MD affected ears than for VM or controls ears. cVEMP asymmetry ratios for 0.5 kHz tone bursts were significantly higher for MD than VM. Conclusions: The 0.5/1 kHz frequency ratio, 0.5 kHz asymmetry ratio and caloric test combined, separated MD from VM with a sensitivity of 90.0% and specificity of 70.0%.
Performance and Process Measure Relationships in Transitioning from a Low to High Fidelity Simulation Environment
Authors: Entin Elliot E. 
Published: January 2012

Entin (1999) reported that after sufficient training with a six-node non-traditional optimized C2 architecture, teams performed higher with it than with a six-node traditional non-optimized C2 architecture. Moreover, teams performing with a four-node non-traditional optimized C2 architecture performed as well as the six-node traditional non-optimized C2 architecture. Entin (1999) also noted that the various team process measures supported the performance outcome and predicted performance. The prior work was performed employing the low fidelity Distributed Dynamic Decision making III (DDD-III) research simulator. The DDD offers a high degree of experimental control, on-line data collection, as well as a high level of abstraction. Part of the charge of the Adaptive Architecture for Command and Control project is to investigate whether findings ascertained within the low fidelity DDD environment can be replicated in a high fidelity simulation environment. The current study was a partial response to this charge. The scenario and forces used with the DDD experiment were adapted to the marine's MAGTIF Tactical Warfare Simulation (MTWS) environment. Because of the watershed nature of this study several technical issues were examined (e.g., the effects of the presence or absence of trained operators and the benefit of operator training). Further resource limitations precluded replicating the earlier design, but it was possible to examine the team process and performance relationship for the four-node — six-node comparison. Nineteen officers enrolled at the Naval Postgraduate School were partitioned into five four-node teams that participated in eight trials and three six-node teams that participated in six trials. Twelve participants received intensive MTWS operator training and all received general MTWS familiarization training. Results showed that as in the previous experiment, teams employing the four-node optimized architecture where able to perform at the same level as teams using the six-node non-optimized architecture. It would seem that the optimization of the four-node architecture is able to compensate for the 33% reduction in team staff. In the previous experiment the team process measures significantly predicted performance outcome. The regression analysis revealed a multiple R of .86 (p<.02), that accounts for 73% of the variance. Findings for the current experiment revealed a similar relationship and pattern. The multiple R is .82 (p<.03), accounting for 68% of the variance. Moreover, the process measures in the equations were quite similar across the two experiments. We conclude that we were successful in transitioning the scenario and mission from a low to high fidelity simulation environment.
Organization of the Work Based on the Ergonomic Perspective of the Attendances of Collective Emergencies (Catastrophes)
Authors:   Silvia Regina Teodoro Pinheiro of Barros1, Vidal Mário César , Gomes José Orlando 
Published: January 2012

This poster deal with an university project joining Fluminense Federal University and Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, that seeks the interactive action university/community, having as objective the construction of the knowledge of unexpected situations: the accidents with multiple victims. The present project is about the encounter of the opportunity of creation of a dialogue space between the university and public and private institutions to contribute with the planning of the activities of accident prevention and emergency rescue.
Generation of Virtual Man Models Representative of Different Body Proportions and Application to Ergonomic Design of Vehicles
Authors: Eynard Enrico , Fubini Enrica , Masali Melchiorre , Cerrone Maurizio , Tarzia Antonio 
Published: January 2012

To get early and reliable evaluations of preliminary 3D design on workplaces and vehicles it is essential to utilise manikins corresponding as much as possible to actual persons. This paper describes a methodology to generate body typologies from anthropometric data of Italian population, identifying realistic combinations of anthropometric measurements actually found among real subjects. We applied these results to Jack, a software with an interactive virtual human model able to be manipulated by adjusting individual joints to simulate realistic postures. We then made a postural comfort comparative test, using the new manikins and standard Human Scale manikins obtaining quite different results: in particular, with the former manikins we found lower comfort indexes because they show a higher global variability, important to consider when designing systems fitting the characteristics of a large part of the population.
Measuring Situation Awareness in Training Systems: A Multivariate Approach
Authors: Vincenzi Dennis A. , Hays Robert T. , Seamon Alton G. 
Published: January 2012

The Virtual Environment for Submarine Ship Handling Training (VESUB) project developed, demonstrated, and evaluated the training potential of a VE-based training system. Based on perceptual and cognitive task analyses, and input from subject matter experts, 15 performance variables were developed. These variables were combined and analyzed using multivariate techniques that provided a measure of situation awareness and general ship handling ability. These 2 new variables were then analyzed using an ANOVA with experience (novice or experienced) as the between subjects variable, and scenario session (pre-training or post-training) as the within subjects variable. The results indicated a significant improvement in situation awareness and general ship handling ability for both novice and experienced trainees. The VESUB training system provided the training needed to produce significant performance improvements for novice personnel who knew very little about ship handling, and also provided significant refresher training for experienced personnel. The use of multivariate analyses of specific embedded task measures provided an empirical link between situation awareness and human performance.
Comparison of Cognitive Model Uses in Intelligent Training Systems
Authors: Ryder Joan , Santarelli Thomas , Scolaro Jackie , Hicinbothom James , Zachary Wayne 
Published: January 2012

Cognitive models are human performance models that represent human knowledge and internal information manipulation processes. Many uses of cognitive models in training systems have been proposed in the literature, but actual applications have lagged behind, and comparative assessments are rare. To fill this gap, experiences in applying cognitive models in several different intelligent tutoring/training systems are reviewed and compared. All the applications were developed using the same cognitive modeling framework (COGNET) and software (iGEN™). The models fall into two main categories: expert performance models, used for tracing knowledge and actions, and instructional agents, used to predict, observe, and diagnose trainee use of specific knowledge sets and skills. Comparisons focus on the model development process and the efficacy of the resulting system. A set of preliminary conclusions on the selection and development of cognitive models in training systems is offered.
In-Vehicle Auditory Display of Symbolic Information
Authors: Bruce Deborah , Boehm-Davis Deborah A. , Mahach Karen 
Published: January 2012

Using the Federal Highway Administration Sign simulation laboratory, 24 participants were presented with roadway sign information using either computer-controlled graphic images or audio recordings. The road signs selected for display contained either symbolic or text-based messages. Following visual or auditory presentation of the information, participants were asked to identify if the displayed message matched a projected sign image. Performance accuracy and recognition times for projected signs were measured. Overall, driver response time was found to be longer for text-based messages than for symbolic messages but this difference was not affected by the type of display used to present the message. Matching tasks that paired auditory display of sign names with symbolic sign images did not result in longer recognition times or increased errors. Presenting drivers with verbal information to inform them of symbolic road signs was as effective as presenting them with graphic visual images of the signs.
Preliminary Evaluation of the Proposed Sae J2364 15-Second Rule for Accessibility of Route Navigation System Functions while Driving
Authors: Tijerina Louis , Parmer Edwin , Goodman Michael J. 
Published: January 2012

A test-track study was conducted to assess the diagnostic properties of SAE J2364, the so called 15-second rule. Ten (10) drivers between the ages of 55 and 69 completed tasks both in a parked vehicle (statically) and while driving (dynamically). They engaged in 15 different tasks, including various destination entry tasks, with four commercially available route guidance systems, manual cell phone dialing, manually tuning an after-market in-dash radio to specific AM and FM stations, and adjusting the HVAC controls in the test vehicle. Simple linear regression models to predict dynamic task completion time from static task completion time revealed an R2 = 0.39. A model to predict number of lane exceedences from static completion time had an R2 = 0.27. A regression equation to predict lane exceedences from dynamic completion time had an R2 = 0.43. Classification performance of the 15-second rule was analyzed using criteria based on “degraded performance” defined as 2 or more drivers exhibiting 2 or more lane departures during task execution on the 7.5 mile test track. Where 2 or more drivers had static completion times of greater than approximately 15 seconds, the task would fail the test. In terms of True Positives, all route navigation system destination entry tasks that required visual-manual methods both failed the 15-second rule and were associated with disrupted lanekeeping. In terms of False Negatives, tuning the Clarion after-market radio took less than about 15 seconds for static completion yet was associated with above-threshold disruptions of lanekeeping on the test track. In terms of True Negatives, the HVAC adjustment was the only task which was both completed in less than 15 seconds statically and had no appreciable effect on lanekeeping during the test track trials. Finally, five of the 15 tasks took longer than 15 seconds to complete in a parked vehicle (i.e., statically) yet were not associated with significant disruptions in lanekeeping on the test track. The results of this preliminary assessment suggest that the 15-second rule, as implemented, has diagnostic sensitivity close to chance guessing. It identified most, though not all, demanding interactions at the expense of numerous false positives. These preliminary findings, together with the observation that the 15-second rule is, in itself, not diagnostic with regard to the locus of a driver distraction effects, suggest that opportunities for improvement or enhancement should be pursued. Recommendations are discussed.
Ergonomic and Psychological Provisions of a Power Plant
Authors: Zhuravlyov G.E. , Sakov B.A. 
Published: January 2012

The report is describing an experience of the ergonomic and psychological works performed at the Power Plant #25, Mosenergo Co. during last 12 years. The report aims to achieve two connected goals: - to insert additional elements into the power plant functional structure - to propose solutions to some Human Factors problems
Perception of Surface Pressure Applied to the Hand
Authors: Johansson Lena , Kjellberg Anders , Kilbom Åsa , Hägg Göran M 
Published: January 2012

The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the physical magnitude and the subjective perception of applied pressure, and to determine discomfort and pain thresholds. Free modulus magnitude estimation of the subjective pressure level was made on three points: on the finger, the palm and the thenar area. The pressure was rated higher at the thenar point than at the finger and palm points. The slope of the linear functions ( log ratings as a function of log pressure) was 0.66, 0.78 and 0.76 for the finger, palm and thenar points respectively. The discomfort threshold was 38 % of the pain pressure threshold at the finger point, 40 % at the palm and 22 % at the thenar point. The results are probably of importance in the performance of handintensive work, in particular in the design of hand tools.
Lumbar Posture during Work among Nurses and Office Workers and the Relation to Back Problems: Statistical Analysis of Angle-vs-Time Data
Authors: Jansen Jeroen P , Burdorf Alex , van der Beek Allard J 
Published: January 2012

Objectives. Electrogoniometers are used to collect continuous information on postural distributions among workers. Enormous quantities of data are generated that have to be reduced to meaningful parameters: angle, duration and frequency. This study 1) shows the patterns of lumbar movements among nurses and office workers; and 2) investigates whether the patterns are associated with back problems. Methods. A direct registration of the lumbar posture in the sagittal plane was made during a working day with an inclinometer. An exposure variation analysis (Mathiassen and Winkel, 1991) was used to summarize information on angle, duration and percentage of working time in a data matrix. A statistical model which takes exposure level, duration, and frequency into account simultaneously was used to analyze these data matrixes and compare exposure patterns between nurses and office workers and between workers with back problems and those without. Results. Nurses spent a higher percentage of their working time in lumbar postures with angles between 40–70 degrees (p<0.03) than office workers. The percentage of the working time spent in a given lumbar posture for periods of 5 seconds or more is less among nurses than among office workers (p<0.01). Among both nurses and office workers, subjects with back problems in the previous 12 months spent less working time in postures sustained for 10 seconds or more in comparison with those without back problems. Conclusion. The exposure patterns of lumbar posture of nurses and office workers discriminated best for working time in trunk flexion over 40 degrees. This implies that observations of flexion at 20 degrees were irrelevant. Furthermore, nurses show a more dynamic exposure pattern than office workers. The findings with respect to back problems indicate that back problems may interfere with posture during work.