Workplace for analysis of task performance

In current research on mental workload and task performance a large gap exists between laboratory based studies and research projects in real life working practice. Tasks conducted within a laboratory environment often lack a strong resemblance with real life working situations. This paper presents an experimental approach to minimizing this gap by designing a very flexible experimentation system with adequate hardware and software components. The first goal of the system is to design a laboratory based environment in which a broad range of computer supported daily life work can be simulated, including co-operative working situations. Moreover, several behavioral and physiological measurement and analysis techniques are supported, such as video based behavioral analysis, task related event registration, cardiovascular state analysis, determining mental workload indices as well as EEG background and ERP analysis. An important requirement for relating the different measured variables to task performance is synchronization of data sources and task parameters at varying time scales. The highest time accuracy should be at least 10 milliseconds. The present system fulfils this requirement by using software system components and libraries that allow real time experiment control and measurement. Additionally, the new system should work within a Microsoft Windows based environment, providing the possibility to use standard office software that is well known to subjects having to work in the new environment. The option to use such standard software, in combination with new (simulation) techniques for presenting more realistic tasks, results in a powerful laboratory environment in which task elements in semi-realistic tasks can be manipulated experimentally. The way to do this is by defining adequate scenarios that can be simulated. At present, is that both a simple, less realistic task has been realized (Synwork) with a high time accuracy (1 ms), as well as a more realistic simulation of an ambulance dispatcher task with lower time accuracy (10-100 ms). Both types of task can be seen as examples of the range of tasks to be implemented in the near future.</p

Cognitive analysis and modeling of an ambulance dispatch task

Simulating complex natural tasks in the laboratory can be facilitated by a thorough analysis and modeling of the environment and tasks in the field. A field study is conducted to determine the workload of ambulance dispatchers in the province of Groningen. The results of the study are used to build a spatial navigation and planning task that is simulated in the laboratory. A major advantage of the virtual environment is that it allows for controlled experimentation. The results of the approach of analysis and of the development of a laboratory task environment are described in this article.</p

Workplace for analysis of task performance

In current research on mental workload and task performance a large gap exists between laboratory based studies and research projects in real life working practice. Tasks conducted within a laboratory environment often lack a strong resemblance with real life working situations. This paper presents an experimental approach to minimizing this gap by designing a very flexible experimentation system with adequate hardware and software components. The first goal of the system is to design a laboratory based environment in which a broad range of computer supported daily life work can be simulated, including co-operative working situations. Moreover, several behavioral and physiological measurement and analysis techniques are supported, such as video based behavioral analysis, task related event registration, cardiovascular state analysis, determining mental workload indices as well as EEG background and ERP analysis. An important requirement for relating the different measured variables to task performance is synchronization of data sources and task parameters at varying time scales. The highest time accuracy should be at least 10 milliseconds. The present system fulfils this requirement by using software system components and libraries that allow real time experiment control and measurement. Additionally, the new system should work within a Microsoft Windows based environment, providing the possibility to use standard office software that is well known to subjects having to work in the new environment. The option to use such standard software, in combination with new (simulation) techniques for presenting more realistic tasks, results in a powerful laboratory environment in which task elements in semi-realistic tasks can be manipulated experimentally. The way to do this is by defining adequate scenarios that can be simulated. At present, is that both a simple, less realistic task has been realized (Synwork) with a high time accuracy (1 ms), as well as a more realistic simulation of an ambulance dispatcher task with lower time accuracy (10-100 ms). Both types of task can be seen as examples of the range of tasks to be implemented in the near future

Cognitive analysis and modeling of an ambulance dispatch task

Simulating complex natural tasks in the laboratory can be facilitated by a thorough analysis and modeling of the environment and tasks in the field. A field study is conducted to determine the workload of ambulance dispatchers in the province of Groningen. The results of the study are used to build a spatial navigation and planning task that is simulated in the laboratory. A major advantage of the virtual environment is that it allows for controlled experimentation. The results of the approach of analysis and of the development of a laboratory task environment are described in this article

Folivory elicits a strong defense reaction in Catharanthus roseus: metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal distinct local and systemic responses

Plants deploy distinct secondary metabolisms to cope with environment pressure and to face bioaggressors notably through the production of biologically active alkaloids. This metabolism-type is particularly elaborated in Catharanthus roseus that synthesizes more than a hundred different monoterpene indole alkaloids (MIAs). While the characterization of their biosynthetic pathway now reaches completion, still little is known about the role of MIAs during biotic attacks. As a consequence, we developed a new plant/herbivore interaction system by challenging C. roseus leaves with Manduca sexta larvae. Transcriptomic and metabolic analyses demonstrated that C. roseus respond to folivory by both local and systemic processes relying on the activation of specific gene sets and biosynthesis of distinct MIAs following jasmonate production. While a huge local accumulation of strictosidine was monitored in attacked leaves that could repel caterpillars through its protein reticulation properties, newly developed leaves displayed an increased biosynthesis of the toxic strictosidine-derived MIAs, vindoline and catharanthine, produced by up-regulation of MIA biosynthetic genes. In this context, leaf consumption resulted in a rapid death of caterpillars that could be linked to the MIA dimerization observed in intestinal tracts. Furthermore, this study also highlights the overall transcriptomic control of the plant defense processes occurring during herbivory