Work - Volume 41, issue Supplement 1

Authors: Machado, Sheron | Duarte, Emília | Teles, Júlia | Reis, Lara | Rebelo, Francisco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: There is an increasing interest in multimodal technology-based warnings, namely those conveying speech-warning statements. This type of warning may be tailored to the situation as well as to the target user’s characteristics. However, more information is needed on how to design these warnings in a way that ensures intelligibility, promotes compliance and reduces the potential for annoyance. In this context, this paper reports an exploratory study whose main purpose was to assist the selection of a synthesized voice for a subsequent compliance study with personalized (i.e., using the person’s name) technologybased warnings using Virtual Reality. Participants were requested to listen …to speech signals, gathered from a speech synthesizer and post-processed in order to change the pitch perception, and then these were evaluated by fulfilling the MOS-X questionnaire. After that, the participants ranked the voices according to their preference. The effects of the speaker’s gender and voice pitch, on both ratings and ranking were assessed. The preference of the male and female listeners for a talker’s voice gender was also investigated. The results show that participants mostly prefer as first choice the high-pitched female voice, which also gathered the highest overall score in the MOS-X questionnaire. No significant influence of the participants’ gender was found on the assessed measures. Show more

Keywords: Auditory warnings, speech signal, speaker’s gender, voice pitch

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0670-3592

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3592-3598, 2012

Authors: Alali, Khaled | Casali, John G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess normal hearing listeners’ performance in detecting a stationary backup alarm signal and to quantify the linear distance at detection point. Method: Detection distances for 12 participants with normal hearing were measured while they were fitted with 7 hearing protectors and while they were unoccluded (open ear). A standard (narrowband) backup alarm signal and a broadband (pulsed white noise) backup alarm signal from Brigade[1] were used. The method of limits, with distance as the physical measurement variable and threshold detection as the task, was employed to find at which distance the participant could …first detect the backup alarms. Results: A within-subject Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant main effect of the listening conditions on the detection distance in feet. Post hoc analyses indicated that the Bilsom L3HV conventional passive earmuff (at 1132.2 ft detection distance) was significantly poorer compared to all other HPDs and the open ear in detection distance achieved, and that there were no statistically-significant differences between the unoccluded ear (1652.3 ft), EB-15-Lo BlastPLGTM (1546.2 ft), EB-15-Hi BlastPLGTM (1543.4 ft), E-A-R/3M Combat ArmsTM earplug-nonlinear, level-dependent state (1507.8 ft), E-A-R/3M HiFiTM earplug (1497.7 ft), and Bilsom ImpactTM dichotic electronic earmuff (1567.2 ft). In addition, the E-A-R/3M Combat ArmsTM earplug-passive steady state resulted in significantly longer detection distances than only the open ear condition, at 1474.1 ft versus 1652.3 ft for the open ear. ANOVA also revealed a significant main effect of the backup alarm type on detection distance. The means were 1600.9 ft for the standard (narrowband) backup alarm signal, and a significantly closer 1379.4 ft was required for the Brigade broadband backup alarm signal. Discussion: For on-ground workers, it is crucial to detect backup alarm signals as far away as possible rather than at close distances since this will provide them more time to react to approaching vehicles. The results of this study suggest that as the attenuation of the hearing protectors increases, precautions should be considered by safety professionals. This is because, as it was the case with the Bilsom passive earmuff and E-A-R/3M Combat ArmsTM earplug-passive steady state, high attenuation minimizes the detection distance and as a result on-foot workers will have less time to react to any approaching vehicle. The main effects of the type of backup alarm signal demonstrated a statistically-significant advantage of the standard backup alarm over the broadband backup alarm on detection distance in feet. The magnitude of the improvement produced by the standard backup alarm was 221.5 feet, a very large margin. For example, with a vehicle backing at 10 mph, the 221.5 ft decrease in detection distance with the Brigade alarm equates to the vehicle arriving 15 seconds sooner at the worker from the point at which its alarm was first heard. Show more

Keywords: Hearing protector, hearing protection device, backup alarm, reverse alarm, detection distance, broadband backup alarm, auditory detection

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0671-3599

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3599-3607, 2012

Authors: Hancock, G.M. | Hancock, P.A. | Janelle, C.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Emotion-provoking stimuli abound on modern roadways. Driving measures, of both longitudinal and lateral control of the vehicle, have been shown to vary based on affective influences. Research, however, has yet to address how drivers’ individual techniques to mitigate emotional reactions influence driving performance. To address this issue, the present study featured a dual-task protocol involving simulated driving together with processing of emotionally-valenced images with a focus on different Predominant Emotion Regulation Techniques (PERT): one adaptive strategy (task-focused coping) and one maladaptive style (emotion-focused coping). Dependent measures included mean driving speed and number of lane excursions. Results indicated that pleasant images …degraded longitudinal control to the greatest extent, while unpleasant images produced the greatest detriment in lateral control. Additionally, individuals’ PERT played a major interactive role in drivers’ longitudinal control leading task-focused females and emotion-focused males to adhere more closely to the speed limit; yet, it did not affect their lateral control. Results hold important potential implications for the amount or variety of training necessary for driver licensure to promote and sustain safe vehicle control. Show more

Keywords: Vehicle Operation Efficacy, Affective States, Traffic Safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0666-3608

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3608-3611, 2012

Authors: Sharan, Deepak | Ajeesh, P.S. | Rameshkumar, R | Mathankumar, M | Paulina, R Jospin | Manjula, M

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Virtual reality is the use of interactive replication created with computer hardware and software to impart users with opportunities to engage in environments that appear to feel similar to real world objects and events. The commonest rehabilitation program of cerebral palsy children involves stretching, strengthening, mobilization and various other activities, whereas the use of virtual reality based training (VRBT) for rehabilitation of cerebral palsy is not common. To understand the effect of VRBT a study was formulated. Twenty nine subjects participated (study group – 14 and control group – 15). Outcome measures were MACS, PBS, level of participation, motivation, cooperation …and satisfaction of the child. Results revealed that balance and manual ability were significantly improved in both the groups (Balance: study: t-2.28, p<0.05; control: t-3.5, p<0.01; Manual ability: study: t-5.58, p<0.001; control: t-7.06, p<0.001). PBS had significantly greater improvement in the study group (t-t-2.02, p<0.05). Level of participation, motivation, cooperation and satisfaction of the child were also reported to be significantly higher among the study group as compared with control group. To the author’s best knowledge, this is the first study on using the VR-based therapy for the postoperative rehabilitation of children with CP which need further elaboration with larger sample size. Show more

Keywords: “VRBT”, “derebral Palsy”, “balance”, “manual ability”

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0667-3612

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3612-3615, 2012

Authors: Lenorovitz, David R. | Leonard, S. David | Karnes, Edward W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In the field of forensic human factors, experts are often called upon to assess and evaluate the adequacy of new or existing products’ warnings or warnings systems. The usual goal of this evaluation is to arrive at a simple binary decision regarding the warning in question (i.e., does it “pass/fail”, or is it “adequate/inadequate”). However, such a warning assessment process may in fact be quite complex and multidimensional in its execution. The existing warnings research literature has identified a fairly large number of warnings features or factors likely to have an impact on a given warning’s effectiveness or adequacy. The …tool addressed in this article is intended for use by a warnings expert (as opposed to one less knowledgeable and informed about complex warnings issues), and can serve as a reminder checklist to help ensure that the expert has taken into consideration the most relevant features or factors during such a warnings adequacy assessment. Show more

Keywords: Warnings, Warnings Evaluations, Warning Adequacy, Product Safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0114-3616

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3616-3623, 2012

Authors: Wogalter, Michael S. | Laughery, Kenneth R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A scenario of an automotive accident caused by tire failure is given followed by a human factors analysis of the information available to consumers on tire aging. Consumers have not been told that the age of the tire is a safety concern. It is not easy to decode the date of manufacture on tires. More publicity and prominent warnngs are needed to communicate the dangers of older tires. Also, better ways to present the date of manufacture so that consumers can more easily and accurately assess tire age are needed.

Keywords: Tires, Aging, Manufacture Date, Safety, Warnings

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0115-3624

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3624-3628, 2012

Authors: Karnes, Edward W. | Leonard, S. David | Lenorovitz, David R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Various single-rider open vehicles, such as lawnmowers, are susceptible to overturning on slopes that are too steep for them. Warnings have included separation from the vehicles and avoiding slopes that are too steep. A recommended maximum slope is commonly 15 degrees. However, many individuals cannot evaluate slopes just by sight. Some mower manufacturers have warned about too steep slopes and have provided slope gauges for users to determine the slopes in natural settings. This article evaluated the usefulness of such gauges for users who might be expected to need to evaluate slopes and the efficacy of a separation procedure for …avoiding injuries. It was concluded that neither of these were likely to be successful and suggestions are made for a lternative approaches. Show more

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0116-3629

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3629-3632, 2012

Authors: Duarte, EmíLia | Rebelo, Francisco | Teles, Júlia | Noriega, Paulo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Warnings are intended to reduce accidents caused by hazards. Behavioral compliance is the most important measure of warning effectiveness. However, in result of diverse circumstances (e.g., distraction, misuse, negligence), conflicting or ambiguous safety messages can be perceived. Since these are recurrent and can result in wrong behaviors encompassing severe consequences, such cases should be studied for safety purposes. We report findings on the participants’ compliant behavior when performing a work-related task, while immersed in a virtual environment, and investigate the effect of conflicting messages on compliance with warnings. Two warnings (one regular and one with an appended out-of-order sign) and …two types of signs (static and dynamic) were considered. The warning with the out-of-order sign configures the case of potentially conflicting messages. The gender effect was also investigated. The participants’ behavior was assessed regarding to pushing a button as directed by the warnings. In the “out-of-order” warning, compliance was higher in the dynamic situation (53.3%) than in the static one (3.3%). Comparing with the non-conflicting warning, compliance was higher for both situations (static: 76.7%; dynamic: 100%). Women complied more than men. Although these results have limitations in their generalization, they are nonetheless relevant and deserve to be studied further. Show more

Keywords: Ambiguity, Compliance, Warnings, Decision Making, Awareness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0113-3633

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3633-3640, 2012

Authors: Dejean, Pierre-Henri | Wagstaff, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents the concept of direct and indirect users, a key issue to cooperation between ergonomists, designers and managers involved in a sustainable approach to design. What issues for Ergonomics and Design are launched by this concept? User/consumer differences should be approached taking into account Ergonomics and Design theory and practice. What dialogue and tools could help the ergonomist/designer/manager to respond to all the requirements of the future clients of the product?

Keywords: Ergonomics/design/management cooperation, User approach, Design process certification

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0672-3641

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3641-3645, 2012

Authors: Nellutla, Manobhiram | Patel, Hetal | Kabanda, Aline | Nuhu, Assuman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: An important aspect that affects the effectiveness of ergonomic programs is that inefficient mechanical functioning start at an early age and that back pain and posture problems are already evident in children. Children, from a very early age, as well as adults spend an ever increasing amount of their time in front of computer and television screens. The cumulative effect of this sedentary lifestyle leads to improper posture, as well as inefficient and harmful movement patterns and loss of basic physical skills. Physical Education course should deal not only with sports and physical activities, but also with broader aspects of …life-skills and physical functionality. It should offer a solution to the modern technology-based society. Keeping this in perspective, Ergonomics content was introduced in Physical Education Teacher’s Guide in Rwandan schools with an aim in preventing musculoskeletal disorder in children. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, Schools, Physical Education, Prevention, Classroom

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0004-3646

Citation: Work, vol. 41, no. Supplement 1, pp. 3646-3651, 2012