Towards a Generic Behaviour Modelling Interface

NATO Task Group 128 identifies that behaviour in military simulations is often too mechanistic in nature. In this paper we will argue that behaviour in simulations can be improved if the two central aspects of behaviour modelling, i.e. action selection and performance modelling, are not addressed as separate issues, but as interacting instead. We will describe how the interaction between these aspects may be improved by the introduction of an interfacing layer, consisting of human capabilities. Although capability based modelling is not new, it is usually limited to cognition and information processing. It is our view that the use of capabilities in HBR should be expanded to include perception, motor skills and physiology. We will also describe the CHAOS behaviour model, that uses capabilities as a behaviour modelling interface. CHAOS can therefore be seen as an illustration and proof of concept of the ideas proposed in this paper

HFM 128/143: Moderators as a Method to Link HF to Operational Behaviour

In an attempt to define a generic way to include human factors in a simulation of military operations HFM 128 suggested to break the causal chain between human factors as input and operational outcome into three components: a) human factors science based models to calculate state variables of the human, b) Performance Shaping Functions (PSF) to quantify the effect of states on individual performance and c) operational models that integrate individual performance into operational performance. For a significant number of human factors state variables have been suggested that serve the intended purpose: fairly unique variables that represent the human factors states they stand for and which are in a comprehensive way related to performance. Cognitive processes are more complex in this respect, although also for this class of human factors state variables may be found. The concept of PSF has been exploited already in published performance models and gains in relevancy by using the state variables. This approach weeds out much of the multiplicity that emerges from the numerous tasks and conditions that may be considered. A compact approach to operational performance involves both (sub) task performance and the quality of the operational plan. Operational performance is then measured in success rate and military cost factors involved. None of the modelling architectures on the market exploits the full range depicted here. They seem to focus on aspects such as cognition, operational embedding, task networking or detailed behaviours. Recommendations to NATO are given to develop this field in order to cover the full needs of operational modelling, to reuse knowledge and to improve on validation of simulations

Comparison of two tracer gas dilution methods for the determination of clothing ventilation and of vapour resistance

Clothing microclimate ventilation is an important parameter in climatic stress and in contaminated environments. The two main methods for its determination (Crockford et al. (CR) 1972 and Lotens and Havenith (LH) 1988) were, after further development, compared in terms of reproducibility, validity and usability. Both methods were shown to have a good sensitivity and reproducibility (with average coefficients of variation 1.5-2.3% for the method alone and up to 7% for method and clothing/movement effects combined). They produced values very close to calibration values in forced ventilation tests (r = 0.988). Weak points for the CR method were the limits in the time constant of the measurement apparatus, causing an upper limit to the ventilation that can be reliably measured (around 800 l/min) and the method of measuring clothing microclimate volume. The original 'vacuum oversuit' (CR) method was cumbersome and prone to large errors. Alternative methods of measuring clothing microclimate volume (whole body scanner or manual circumference measurements) were shown to produce good results. For the LH method, the distribution of the tracer gas over the whole skin surface became a problem factor at very high ventilations (above 1000 l/min). As all methods use tracer gases (O2, Ar, CO2, SF6) with diffusivities smaller than that of water vapour, this potentially creates a problem in the calculation of vapour resistance from the ventilation values in the region where the emphasis of vapour transfer moves from diffusion to convection. In most real-life situations, where body and air movement are present, a correction is not however required because the error remains below 10%. Statement of Relevance: Clothing ventilation indicates heat loss potential as well as risk of pollutants entering the clothing. Two main methods for its determination are compared and validated, identifying a number of issues. An in-depth analysis is given of the advantages and disadvantages of the available methodologies. © 2010 Taylor & Francis

Development under patrimonial conditions: Suriname's state oil company as a development agent

This article analyses the conditions under which the Surinamese State Oil Company (Staatsolie) has been consolidated, not only as an oil producer, but also as a development agent. Staatsolie's chances of success seemed rather slim at its creation in the early 1980s, mainly because of the non-developmental, patrimonial character of Surinamese politics and the nature of Suriname's state, which has traditionally been oriented toward patronage and clientelism. The analysis documents the origins of Staatsolie and focuses on its commitment to the acquisition and further development of technological and managerial expertise. At present, Staatsolie ranks among the most successful companies in Suriname and its contributions to the economy of this small middle-income country are considerable. The success of Staatsolie's attempt to become a development agent is attributed, in particular, to the company's double strategy. The internal part of this strategy, derived from the management vision and ideological commitment of the company's leadership, was aimed at developing technological and management skills. The external part of the strategy was aimed at steering away from political influences on the company and playing out, politically, the formal-legal position of the firm in the petroleum sector. After 25 years of Staatsolie, it is argued that the same factors that were responsible for the company's success may turn out to be the main challenges for the years ahead.