A pupillometric correlate of scotopic visual acuity

AbstractWhile not easily fit into the classic descriptions of the pupillary light reflex, previous studies reported that changes in the spatial composition of the retinal image can evoke a pupillary response. The present study extends this observation by showing that the pupil constricts in response to scotopic as well as photopic spatial patterns. Moreover, the amplitude of the scotopic response decreases with increasing spatial frequencies suggesting a pupillary spatial acuity of about 3 c/deg. The scotopic pupil acuity is similar to the scotopic perceptual visual acuity measured in the same observers

Audiovisual Integration of Time-to-Contact Information for Approaching Objects

Abstract Previous studies of time-to-collision (TTC) judgments of approaching objects focused on effectiveness of visual TTC information in the optical expansion pattern (e.g., visual tau, disparity). Fewer studies examined effectiveness of auditory TTC information in the pattern of increasing intensity (auditory tau), or measured integration of auditory and visual TTC information. Here, participants judged TTC of an approaching object presented in the visual or auditory modality, or both concurrently. TTC information provided by the modalities was jittered slightly against each other, so that auditory and visual TTC were not perfectly correlated. A psychophysical reverse correlation approach was used to estimate the influence of auditory and visual cues on TTC estimates. TTC estimates were shorter in the auditory than the visual condition. On average, TTC judgments in the audiovisual condition were not significantly different from judgments in the visual condition. However, multiple regression analyses showed that TTC estimates were based on both auditory and visual information. Although heuristic cues (final sound pressure level, final optical size) and more reliable information (relative rate of change in acoustic intensity, optical expansion) contributed to auditory and visual judgments, the effect of heuristics was greater in the auditory condition. Although auditory and visual information influenced judgments, concurrent presentation of both did not result in lower response variability compared to presentation of either one alone; there was no multimodal advantage. The relative weightings of heuristics and more reliable information differed between auditory and visual TTC judgments, and when both were available, visual information was weighted more heavily

Evaluating Medical Devices Remotely: Current Methods and Potential Innovations

Objective: We present examples of laboratory and remote studies, with a focus on studies appropriate for medical device design and evaluation. From this review and description of extant options for remote testing, we provide methods and tools to achieve research goals remotely. Background: The FDA mandates human factors evaluation of medical devices. Studies show similarities and differences in results collected in laboratories compared to data collected remotely in non-laboratory settings. Remote studies show promise, though many of these are behavioral studies related to cognitive or experimental psychology. Remote usability studies are rare but increasing, as technologies allow for synchronous and asynchronous data collection. Method: We reviewed methods of remote evaluation of medical devices, from testing labels and instruction to usability testing and simulated use. Each method was coded for the attributes (e.g., supported media) that need consideration in usability studies. Results: We present examples of how published usability studies of medical devices could be moved to remote data collection. We also present novel systems for creating such tests, such as the use of 3D printed or virtual prototypes. Finally, we advise on targeted participant recruitment. Conclusion: Remote testing will bring opportunities and challenges to the field of medical device testing. Current methods are adequate for most purposes, excepting the validation of Class III devices. Application: The tools we provide enable the remote evaluation of medical devices. Evaluations have specific research goals, and our framework of attributes helps to select or combine tools for valid testing of medical devices

Supplement_B_-_Results_for_Subjective_Measures_productionready(afterproofs) – Supplemental material for Effects of Touch, Voice, and Multimodal Input, and Task Load on Multiple-UAV Monitoring Performance During Simulated Manned-Unmanned Teaming in a Military Helicopter

<p>Supplemental material, Supplement_B_-_Results_for_Subjective_Measures_productionready(afterproofs) for Effects of Touch, Voice, and Multimodal Input, and Task Load on Multiple-UAV Monitoring Performance During Simulated Manned-Unmanned Teaming in a Military Helicopter by Samuel J. Levulis, Patricia R. DeLucia and So Young Kim in Human Factors: The Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics Society</p

Discussion panel : giving human factors/ergonomics away : how can we bring the benefits of HF/E to nursing?

Patients spend the most time with nurses compared with other health care providers, and patient outcomes are directly related to the quality of nursing care. Unfortunately, nursing work systems are often not designed to accommodate the limits and capabilities of perceptual, cognitive, and physical processes, which can result in errors. The Institute of Medicine estimated that hospital patients experience one medication error each day. Increasingly, technology is relied upon to reduce errors and improve work efficiency. However, new technologies can lead to unintended consequences. Applying principles of human factors and ergonomics (HF/E) to improve nursing work systems and the technologies nurses use has the potential for significant improvements in the quality of patient care. Incorporating HF/E into the nursing domain presents challenges. Conducting research in the nursing environment poses unique logistical issues, and implementing HF/E recommendations requires that nursing personnel accept HF/E as beneficial. The purpose of this panel session is to discuss issues that HF/E professionals encounter when they attempt to incorporate HF/E into the nursing domain. The panelists will summarize the work that they have done with nurses and describe challenges and successes. The panel will invite the audience to discuss ways to address challenges, increase successes, and identify lessons learned in other domains that may benefit nursing.5 page(s