Differences of Human Perceptions of a Robot Moving using Linear or Slow in, Slow out Velocity Profiles When Performing a Cleaning Task

We investigated how a robot moving with different velocity profiles affects a person's perception of it when working together on a task. The two profiles are the standard linear profile and a profile based on the animation principles of slow in, slow out. The investigation was accomplished by running an experiment in a home context where people and the robot cooperated on a clean-up task. We used the Godspeed series of questionnaires to gather people's perception of the robot. Average scores for each series appear not to be different enough to reject the null hypotheses, but looking at the component items provides paths to future areas of research. We also discuss the scenario for the experiment and how it may be used for future research into using animation techniques for moving robots and improving the legibility of a robot's locomotion

Drone Communication with Naive Humans

In recent times, drones have become ubiquitous and are tackling problems in such diverse areas as construction, disease control and product delivery. With the rise of drone usage in areas frequented by humans, natural human-drone interaction has become an important phenomenon to study. Designing behaviors for effective drone communication with humans is complex but necessary, especially if drones are to operate in human environments.We present research on drone communication with naive humans, that is, with people interacting with drones who are not themselves participating in whatever task with which the drone is engaged. Drones need to be able to communicate warnings and requests for assistance from humans that they just happen to encounter, and we are attempting to establish design methodologies for creating behaviors that can be interpreted by such naive humans.We have performed a user study (N=21) and presented the results. The results suggest that our approach works and most of the participants can recognize a drone's intentions from its demonstrations

How People With Multiple Sclerosis Experience Web-Based Instructional Technologies

People with the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS) have few options for educational activities. Although web-based instruction may be a viable option, little is known about how people with MS perceive this form of learning. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the experiences of people with MS regarding web- based instruction. The 3 learning structures--differentiated instruction, collaborative learning, and assistive technology--provided the conceptual framework for this research. Nine volunteers from the Pacific Northwest area of the United States who have MS were individually interviewed for this basic qualitative study. Transcripts were analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. The results indicated that all participants found personal and professional benefits of their experience with web-based instruction and used course management systems to successfully communicate with instructors or peers. Participants also noted that these management systems did not directly aggravate their MS disease symptoms. Findings from the study may be useful information to individuals with MS for effectively managing their educational choices. This study\u27s results could also be used by learning institutions to improve the access to education and allow individuals with MS to more fully participate in training opportunities

Missed Nursing Care Reported by Medical-Surgical RNs in a Community Hospital

Background: Missed nursing care is defined as any lapse in essential patient care. It is a previously studied, persistent phenomenon. If unrecognized, it can compromise patients’ recoveries, trigger adverse events, and increase healthcare costs. Objectives: To examine the prevalence of missed nursing care reported by medical-surgical registered nurses (RNs) and contributing factors for its occurrence. Methods: The project used a cross-sectional, correlational design. A convenience sample of 96 RNs, recruited from three medical-surgical units, completed the MISSCARE Survey between September and October 2017. An analysis of survey responses quantified the frequency, nature, and common contributing factors for care omissions. The project was set in a small, Northeast, Pathway to Excellence® designated hospital. Results: Fifty-two RNs completed surveys, most who were female (94.2%), held a Bachelor’s in Nursing degree (53.8%), and had 10+ years of work experience (34.6%). Over 1 in 5 respondents reported five nursing tasks were “frequently” or “always” missed: care conferences (46.1%), scheduled ambulation (36.5%), turning (34.6%), monitoring intake and output (23.1%), and timely medications administration (23.1%). Significant contributors to care omissions were: heavy admission/discharge activity (57.7%), fewer assistive personnel (55.8%), staff shortages (50.0%), and unbalanced patient assignments (40.4%). Conclusions: RNs identified the top five missed nursing care items in a small, community hospital and cited patient turnover, labor resource shortages, and unbalanced assignments as key, contributing factors. Inter-professional communication and teamwork effectiveness were not reported as contributing factors. Project results should inform nurse leaders’ efforts to devise interventions to safeguard patients, improve quality, and decrease cost