Human performance in adverse environments
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Mackworth, N. H.↗
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Human performance in single and two-axis tracking systems.
Operator performance in single and two-axis compensatory tracking systems
TASK COMPLEXITY↗
Human performance capabilities in a simulated space station-like environment. 1: Fixed beam luminance and location
The effects of a fixed, intense, one-foot diameter beam of simulated sunlight imaged within the field of view, upon responses to a battery of visual, body balance and stability, eye-hand coordination, and mental tests were studied. Each subject's electrocardiogram and electro-oculograms (vertical and horizontal) were recorded throughout each two-hour testing period within the space-station-like environment. It is possible to say that both subjects adapted to the brightly illuminated white panels in approximately 30 seconds after their first exposure each day and thereafter did not experience ocular fatigue, eye strain, or other kinds of disturbances as a result of these viewing conditions.
Haines, R. F.↗
A study of human performance in a rotating environment
Consideration is given to the lack of sufficient data relative to the response of man to the attendant oculovestibular stimulations induced by multi-directional movement of an individual within the rotating environment to provide the required design criteria. This was done to determine the overall impact of artificial gravity simulations on potential design configurations and crew operational procedures. Gross locomotion and fine motor performance were evaluated. Results indicate that crew orientation, rotational rates, vehicle design configurations, and operational procedures may be used to reduce the severity of the adverse effects of the Coriolis and cross-coupled angular accelerations acting on masses moving within a rotating environment. Results further indicate that crew selection, motivation, and short-term exposures to the rotating environment may be important considerations for future crew indoctrination and training programs.
Green, J. A.↗
Effects of Acute Radiation Exposure on Human Performance
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Payne, R. B.↗
Prediction and analysis of human performance in a VTOL hover task
An optimal control model is used to predict pilot performance in a series of longitudinal hovering tasks. Configurational changes are considered that alter significantly the system response to both control and disturbance inputs. Model predictions of mean-squared performance are compared with measurements obtained in an independent experimental study of the task. In addition, the optimal control model is used to predict describing functions that correspond to the loop closing pilot transfer functions frequently employed in classical multiloop manual control analyses.
Baron, S.↗
Effects of simulated artificial gravity on human performance
The ability of test subjects to perform operational type tasks was evaluated at rotational rates to 6 rpm and radii to 78 ft (24 m). The tasks included fine motor activity, mental operations, postural equilibrium, cargo handling, radial and tangential locomotion. Performance data indicate that 6 rpm presents a physiological limit at radii to 75 ft (23 m). Radial locomotion was not found to produce excessive adverse stimuli, and tangential locomotion was readily accomplished at walking rates of 2 of 4.8 ft/s (.6 to 1.4 m/s). The absence of vision dramatically reduced an individual's postural equilibrium during rotation. The use of selected anti-motion pharmaceuticals had, generally, a positive effect upon psychomotor performance at 6 rpm, but did not prove to be a panacea for the adverse effects of rotation at this rate.
Green, J. A.↗
Design of experimental studies of human performance under influences of simulated artificial gravity
A ground based research program is now being undertaken to provide data concerning the effects of a rotating environment on man's ability to adequately perform gross and fine psychomotor tasks. Emphasis is being placed on establishing the levels of artificial gravity and rates and radii of rotation required in future space systems for preservation of crew performance and comfort. An experimental study utilizing a rotational facility to investigate crew mobility, cargo transfer and handling, and fine motor coordination at radii up to 24 meters and at rotational rates up to 5 rpm is reported.
Piland, W. M.↗
Preservation of human performance capacity under prolonged space flight conditions
Prophylactic measures directed toward preservation of health and maintenance of the performance ability of a man during prolonged space flight stress center on the selection of optimum work and rest cycles, physical exercises, the use of pharmacological agents, conditioning of the cardiovascular apparatus, etc. A specially selected set of hormone and pharmacological preparations is recommended to stimulate hemopoiesis.
Yeremin, A. V.↗
Some research issues concerning human performance in complex systems
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Swezey, R. W.↗
Human performance in aerospace environments: The search for psychological determinants
A program of research into the psychological determinants of individual and crew performance in aerospace environments is described. Constellations of personality factors influencing behavior in demanding environments are discussed. Relationships between attitudes and performance and attitudes and personality are also reported. The efficacy of training in interpersonal relations as a means of changing attitudes and behavior is explored along with the influence of personality on attitude change processes. Finally, approaches to measuring group behavior in aerospace settings are described.
Helmreich, Robert L.↗
Human performance issues arising from manned space station missions
Ten former NASA astronauts were interviewed using a set of 51 questions developed to encourage the contacts to discuss any thoughts, opinions, conclusions, or suggestions which might have evolved since they left the astronaut program. Strict confidentiality was maintained. At least one astronaut from each of the NASA manned space flight programs, excluding the Space Transportation System (Shuttle), was interviewed. The report records the answers to the questions asked, spontaneous comments, and the investigator's own personal evaluations of the material obtained. No statistical analysis of the material was attempted. The professional opinions of these ten experienced astronauts will be of value to persons concerned with the design and operation of manned spacecraft and manned space stations.
Douglas, William K.↗
Personality and organizational influences on aerospace human performance
Individual and organizational influences on performance in aerospace environments are discussed. A model of personality with demonstrated validity is described along with reasons why personality's effects on performance have been underestimated. Organizational forces including intergroup conflict and coercive pressures are also described. It is suggested that basic and applied research in analog situations is needed to provide necessary guidance for planning future space missions.
Helmreich, Robert L.↗
Research in human performance related to space: A compilation of three projects/proposals
Scientific projects were developed in order to maximize performance in space and assure physiological homeostatis upon return. Three projects that are related to this common goal were either initiated or formulated during the Faculty Fellowship Summer Program. The projects were entitled: (1) Effect of simulated weightlessness (bed rest) on muscle performance and morphology; (2) Effect of submaximal eccentric muscle contractions on muscle injury, soreness and performance: A grant proposal; and (3) Correlation between isolated joint dynamic muscle strength to end-effector strength of the push and pull extravehicular activity (EVA) ratchet maneuver. The purpose is to describe each of these studies in greater detail.
Hasson, Scott M.↗
Human performance and physiological function during a 24-hr exposure to 1 percent bromotrifluoromethane (Halon 1301)
Performance and physiological measurements were obtained from four pairs of men exposed for 24 hr to 1 percent (10,000 ppm) Halon 1301 (CBrF3) and to air with order counterbalanced using a double-blind protocol. Cognitive and motor performance was assessed before, during, and after the exposures, using seven scales of the Automated Portable Testing System, which produced 13 measures of performance. Halon inhalation induced decrements in 2 of the 13 measures, but actual and estimated magnitudes of the decrements were no greater than 5 percent of baseline values. Physiological data obtained before, during, and after the exposures revealed significant changes during Halon inhalation for 6 of the 52 variables assessed; however, all physiological values remained within clinically acceptable limits. No cardiovascular effects were noted. This study demonstrated that exposure to 1 percent Halon 1301 for 24 hr can produce minor disturbance of central nervous system function as assessed by cognitive tasks.
Calkins, D. S.↗
Prediction modeling of physiological responses and human performance in the heat with application to space operations
This institute has developed a comprehensive USARIEM heat strain model for predicting physiological responses and soldier performance in the heat which has been programmed for use by hand-held calculators, personal computers, and incorporated into the development of a heat strain decision aid. This model deals directly with five major inputs: the clothing worn, the physical work intensity, the state of heat acclimation, the ambient environment (air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and solar load), and the accepted heat casualty level. In addition to predicting rectal temperature, heart rate, and sweat loss given the above inputs, our model predicts the expected physical work/rest cycle, the maximum safe physical work time, the estimated recovery time from maximal physical work, and the drinking water requirements associated with each of these situations. This model provides heat injury risk management guidance based on thermal strain predictions from the user specified environmental conditions, soldier characteristics, clothing worn, and the physical work intensity. If heat transfer values for space operations' clothing are known, NASA can use this prediction model to help avoid undue heat strain in astronauts during space flight.
Pandolf, Kent B.↗
Analysis of Complexity Evolution Management and Human Performance Issues in Commercial Aircraft Automation Systems
Autoflight systems in the current generation of aircraft have been implicated in several recent incidents and accidents. A contributory aspect to these incidents may be the manner in which aircraft transition between differing behaviours or 'modes.' The current state of aircraft automation was investigated and the incremental development of the autoflight system was tracked through a set of aircraft to gain insight into how these systems developed. This process appears to have resulted in a system without a consistent global representation. In order to evaluate and examine autoflight systems, a 'Hybrid Automation Representation' (HAR) was developed. This representation was used to examine several specific problems known to exist in aircraft systems. Cyclomatic complexity is an analysis tool from computer science which counts the number of linearly independent paths through a program graph. This approach was extended to examine autoflight mode transitions modelled with the HAR. A survey was conducted of pilots to identify those autoflight mode transitions which airline pilots find difficult. The transitions identified in this survey were analyzed using cyclomatic complexity to gain insight into the apparent complexity of the autoflight system from the perspective of the pilot. Mode transitions which had been identified as complex by pilots were found to have a high cyclomatic complexity. Further examination was made into a set of specific problems identified in aircraft: the lack of a consistent representation of automation, concern regarding appropriate feedback from the automation, and the implications of physical limitations on the autoflight systems. Mode transitions involved in changing to and leveling at a new altitude were identified across multiple aircraft by numerous pilots. Where possible, evaluation and verification of the behaviour of these autoflight mode transitions was investigated via aircraft-specific high fidelity simulators. Three solution approaches to concerns regarding autoflight systems, and mode transitions in particular, are presented in this thesis. The first is to use training to modify pilot behaviours, or procedures to work around known problems. The second approach is to mitigate problems by enhancing feedback. The third approach is to modify the process by which automation is designed. The Operator Directed Process forces the consideration and creation of an automation model early in the design process for use as the basis of the software specification and training.
Vakil, Sanjay S.↗
Human Performance in Extreme Environments
Even on a bad day, looking down from orbit is a powerful and enjoyable experience, enhanced by the knowledge that time in orbit represents only a tiny fraction of one's life. You look down at Earth and you feel a sense of peace and solidarity. You look at the stars, and because they are not obscured by atmosphere, they are far more abundant than you realized, and they shine very bright. Later on you will reflect on this as one of life's greatest moments. Today astronauts and a few wealthy space tourists have been able to experience staying on the International Space Station. As representatives of humankind in space, astronauts have to get out there and tell people what it's like, and to encourage successive generations of children to consider careers in space. Perhaps the more people who can experience this view, the nicer we will all be to one another. Astronauts must speak authoritatively, without arrogance or a lack of humility. Each astronaut is an emissary who can share his or her experiences and educate people who will not have the opportunity to fly in space. This chapter is a part of that communication process.
Williams, Sunita↗