Microgravity effects on standardized cognitive performance measures

The purpose of this experiment, selected to fly on the International Microgravity Laboratory (IML-2) Spacelab mission, is to determine the effects of microgravity upon the cognitive skills which are critical to successful performance of many tasks on board the Space Shuttle. Six tests from the Unified Tri-service Cognitive Performance Assessment Battery (UTC-PAB) will be administered to the Mission Specialists to fulfill the goals of this experiment. These tests are based upon current theoretical models of human performance and the hypothesized effects of microgravity. The principle objective is the identification of the effects of microgravity upon specific information processing skills affecting performance from those of fatigue and shifts in work/rest cycles. Multiple measures of both short and long term fatigue will be obtained and used as a major independent variable for the analysis of these performance data. Scientific supporting studies will determine optimum practice and performance testing schedules for the astronauts. The same tests will be used post-flight to collect data on the recovery of any cognitive performance impairment compared with pre-flight, baseline levels

Tracking performance with two breathing oxygen concentrations after high altitude rapid decompression

Current military aircraft Liquid Oxygen (LOX) systems supply 99.5 pct. gaseous Aviator's Breathing Oxygen (ABO) to aircrew. Newer Molecular Sieve Oxygen Generation Systems (MSOGS) supply breathing gas concentration of 93 to 95 pct. O2. The margin is compared of hypoxia protection afforded by ABO and MSOGS breathing gas after a 5 psi differential rapid decompression (RD) in a hypobaric research chamber. The barometric pressures equivalent to the altitudes of 46000, 52000, 56000, and 60000 ft were achieved from respective base altitudes in 1 to 1.5 s decompressions. During each exposure, subjects remained at the simulated peak altitude breathing either 100 or 94 pct. O2 with positive pressure for 60 s, followed by a rapid descent to 40000 ft. Subjects used the Tactical Life Support System (TLSS) for high altitude protection. Subcritical tracking task performance on the Performance Evaluation Device (PED) provided psychomotor test measures. Overall tracking task performance results showed no differences between the MSOGS breathing O2 concentration of 94 pct. and ABO. Significance RMS error differences were found between the ground level and base altitude trials compared to peak altitude trials. The high positive breathing pressures occurring at the peak altitudes explained the differences

Scaled Worlds: Development, Validation and Applications

A major transformation in research and training is expected, using new, more advanced versions of computer-based systems. Technology now affords new capabilities: complex and distributed expert decisionmaking and team performance can now be elicited and rehearsed through affordable and easily distributed systems. These new systems will transform research and training on two fronts. It will allow research needed to bridge the gap between internal (i.e. laboratory control) and external (e.g. operational relevance) validity. In addition, it enables a coalition of forces, from training instructors and their students, to research scientists and quantitative performance modelers. While simulation-based research and training is rapidly advancing, with increased funding and sponsorship, as yet there is no comprehensive documentation of tools and techniques. This book addresses the problem, bringing together experts from a variety of perspectives. Their contributions document emerging trends and issues with regard to development, utilization, and validation of these emerging ’scaled world’ systems. The readership includes researchers and practitioners who develop and/or utilize simulation-based environments, educators interested in instructional technology and researchers who require criterion-based performance evaluation