Does What We See Shape History? Examining Workload History as a Function of Performance and Ambient/Focal Visual Attention

Changes in task demands can have delayed adverse impacts on performance. This phenomenon, known as the workload history effect, is especially of concern in dynamic work domains where operators manage fluctuating task demands. The existing workload history literature does not depict a consistent picture regarding how these effects manifest, prompting research to consider measures that are informative on the operator's process. One promising measure is visual attention patterns, due to its informativeness on various cognitive processes. To explore its ability to explain workload history effects, participants completed a task in an unmanned aerial vehicle command and control testbed where workload transitioned gradually and suddenly. The participants’ performance and visual attention patterns were studied over time to identify workload history effects. The eye-tracking analysis consisted of using a recently developed eye-tracking metric called coefficient K , as it indicates whether visual attention is more focal or ambient. The performance results found workload history effects, but it depended on the workload level, time elapsed, and performance measure. The eye-tracking analysis suggested performance suffered when focal attention was deployed during low workload, which was an unexpected finding. When synthesizing these results, they suggest unexpected visual attention patterns can impact performance immediately over time. Further research is needed; however, this work shows the value of including a real-time visual attention measure, such as coefficient K , as a means to understand how the operator manages varying task demands in complex work environments.

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Triggering and Detecting Attentional Narrowing in Controlled Environments

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1541931213601068 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 60 (1) ◽

pp. 298-302 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Julie C. Prinet ◽

Alexander C. Mize ◽

Nadine Sarter

Keyword(s):

Visual Attention ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Difficult Problem ◽

Focused Attention ◽

Tracking Data ◽

Controlled Environments ◽

Attention Performance ◽

Anxiety Levels ◽

And Performance ◽

Source Of Information

Attentional narrowing refers to a state in which operators, involuntarily and unconsciously, fail to process a subset of potentially critical information. Little is known about factors that trigger the phenomenon and how to detect and distinguish it from a related state, focused attention, where one deliberately concentrates on one source of information. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of three factors - workload, a novel difficult problem and incentive - for inducing attentional narrowing, and (2) identify markers of attentional narrowing and focused attention. Performance, eye-tracking data and anxiety levels were recorded while participants timeshared numerous tasks. When confronted with a novel problem, participants’ visual attention narrowed towards the affected task, and performance dropped on several tasks when all three factors were present. The findings from this study highlight promising means of inducing narrowing and show that eye-tracking, together with performance data, enable real-time detection of attentional narrowing.

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The Relationship between Workload and Performance in Air Traffic Control

Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting ◽

10.1177/1541931213601887 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 61 (1) ◽

pp. 1609-1613

Author(s):

Tamsyn Edwards ◽

Lynne Martin

Keyword(s):

Traffic Control ◽

Air Traffic Control ◽

Air Traffic ◽

Task Demand ◽

Operator Experience ◽

History Effects ◽

Demand Variation ◽

And Performance ◽

Workload History ◽

The Relationship

In air traffic control, task demand and workload have important implications for the safety and efficiency of air traffic. Task demand is dynamic, however, research on demand transitions and associated controller perception and performance is limited. In addition, there is a comparatively restricted understanding of the influence of task demand transitions on workload and performance, in association with automation. This study used an air traffic control simulation to investigate the influence of task demand transitions and two conditions of varying automation, on workload and efficiency-related performance. Findings showed that both the direction of the task demand variation, and the amount of automation, influenced the relationship between workload and performance. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of demand transition and workload history effects on operator experience and performance, in both air traffic control and other safety-critical domains.

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A Constellation of Eye-Tracking Measures Reveals Social Attention Differences in ASD and the Broad Autism Phenotype

10.21203/rs.3.rs-859251/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Kritika Nayar ◽

Frederick Shic ◽

Molly Winston ◽

Molly Losh

Keyword(s):

Visual Attention ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Social Attention ◽

Group Differences ◽

Factor Scores ◽

Total Fixation ◽

Parent Groups ◽

And Control ◽

Over Time

Abstract Background: Social attention differences, expressed through gaze patterns, have been documented in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with subtle differences also reported among first-degree relatives, suggesting a shared genetic link. Findings have mostly been derived from standard eye-tracking methods (total fixation count or total fixation duration). Given the dynamics of visual attention, these standard methods may obscure subtle, yet core, differences in visual attention mechanisms, particularly those presenting sub-clinically. This study applied a constellation of eye-tracking analyses to gaze data from individuals with ASD and their parents. Methods: This study included n=156 participants across groups, including ASD (n=24) and control (n=32) groups, and parents of individuals with ASD (n=61) and control parents (n=39). A complex scene with social/non-social elements was displayed and gaze tracked via an eye tracker. Eleven analytic methods from the following categories were analyzed: 1) standard variables, 2) temporal dynamics (e.g., gaze over time), 3) fixation patterns (e.g., perseverative or regressive fixations), 4) first fixations, and 5) distribution patterns. MANOVAs, growth curve analyses, and Chi-squared tests were applied to examine group differences. Finally, group differences were examined on factor scores derived from a principal component analysis (PCA) that reduced variables to distinct dimensions.Results: No group differences emerged among standard, first fixation, and distribution pattern variables. Both the ASD and ASD parent groups demonstrated reduced social attention over time and atypical perseverative fixations. Lower social attention factor scores derived from PCA strongly differentiated the ASD and ASD parent groups from controls, with parent findings driven by the subset of parents demonstrating the broad autism phenotype.Limitations: To generalize these findings, larger sample sizes, extended viewing contexts (e.g., dynamic stimuli), and even more eye-tracking analytical methods are needed. Conclusions: Fixations over time and perseverative fixations differentiated ASD and the ASD parent groups from controls, with the PCA most robustly capturing social attention differences. Findings highlight their methodological utility in studies of the (broad) autism spectrum to capture nuanced visual attention differences that may relate to clinical symptoms in ASD, and reflect genetic liability in clinically unaffected relatives. This proof-of-concept study may inform future studies using eye tracking across populations where social attention is impacted.

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Effect of Monitor Placement on Situational Awareness and Visual Attention in Simulated Neonatal Resuscitations

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxy054.074 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (suppl_1) ◽

pp. e28-e29

Author(s):

Brenda Hiu Yan Law ◽

Po-Yin Cheung ◽

Sylvia van Os ◽

Caroline Fray ◽

Georg Schmölzer

Keyword(s):

Visual Attention ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Situation Awareness ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Situational Awareness ◽

Assessment Tool ◽

Vital Signs ◽

Neonatal Resuscitation ◽

User Preference ◽

And Performance

Abstract BACKGROUND Decision-making in neonatal resuscitation depends on clinical evaluation, oxygen saturation and heart-rate. However, the position of vital signs monitors varies between institutions and might lead to obstructed or difficult to see displays, which might affect Health Care Provider (HCP) performance. OBJECTIVES To compare Situation Awareness (SA), Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) checklist score, Visual Attention (VA) and participant satisfaction during simulated neonatal resuscitations using two vital signs monitors locations. DESIGN/METHODS NRP-trained HCPs were recruited from a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and randomized to either central (eye-level on the radiant warmer) or peripheral (left of the warmer) monitor placement. Following an orientation scenario, each HCP lead a resuscitation requiring intubation and chest compressions with a high-fidelity manikin (Newborn HAL, Gaumard Scientific, Miami, FL) and a standardized assistant. Each scenario was paused at 3 predetermined points and the HCP was asked 5 SA questions at each pause, per the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Tool (SAGAT) format. Simulations were video-recorded to analyze SAGAT responses and performance rating using a modified NRP checklist. VA was recorded using eye-tracking glasses (Tobii Pro, Tobii Technology Inc., Falls Church, VA) worn by participants. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann-Whitney U test. A post-simulation survey examined user preference. RESULTS We randomized 30 HCPs; all were analyzed for SA and NRP checklist scores. Twenty-two eye-tracking recordings were of sufficient quality and analyzed. SAGAT scores (median 11/15 vs. 12/15, p=0.52) and NRP Checklist Scores (median 46/50, p=0.75) were similar between groups. Distribution of VA was also similar in both groups. In the post-simulation survey, all HCPs found central monitor placement convenient, compared with only 8/15 in peripheral placement. CONCLUSION During simulated neonatal resuscitation, HCPs found central monitor placement more convenient. However, no differences in accuracy of situation awareness responses, NRP checklist scores, or visual attention were found. Hi-fidelity simulation, SAGAT, and eye-tracking can be used to evaluate physical ergonomics of neonatal resuscitation.

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An Investigation of the Physical and Electrical Properties of Knitted Electrodes When Subjected to Multi-Axial Compression and Abrasion

Proceedings ◽

10.3390/proceedings2021068002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 68 (1) ◽

pp. 2

Author(s):

Arash M. Shahidi ◽

Theodore Hughes-Riley ◽

Carlos Oliveira ◽

Tilak Dias

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Electrical Properties ◽

Applied Load ◽

Pressure Sensors ◽

Electrical Performance ◽

Electronic Textiles ◽

Heart Rate Monitors ◽

Mechanical Loads ◽

And Performance ◽

Over Time

Knitted electrodes are a key component to many electronic textiles including sensing devices, such as pressure sensors and heart rate monitors; therefore, it is essential to assess the electrical performance of these knitted electrodes under different mechanical loads to understand their performance during use. The electrical properties of the electrodes could change while deforming, due to an applied load, which could occur in the uniaxial direction (while stretched) or multiaxial direction (while compressed). The properties and performance of the electrodes could also change over time when rubbed against another surface due to the frictional force and generated heat. This work investigates the behavior of a knitted electrode under different loading conditions and after multiple abrasion cycles.

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Visual Attention Software: A New Tool for Understanding the “Subliminal” Experience of the Built Environment

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app11136197 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (13) ◽

pp. 6197

Author(s):

Alexandros A. Lavdas ◽

Nikos A. Salingaros ◽

Ann Sussman

Keyword(s):

Visual Attention ◽

Eye Tracking ◽

Wearable Sensors ◽

Computer Gaming ◽

Geometric Patterns ◽

Relative Design ◽

Fixation Points ◽

High Degree ◽

Artificial Intelligence Application ◽

Intelligence Application

Eye-tracking technology is a biometric tool that has found many commercial and research applications. The recent advent of affordable wearable sensors has considerably expanded the range of these possibilities to fields such as computer gaming, education, entertainment, health, neuromarketing, psychology, etc. The Visual Attention Software by 3M (3M-VAS) is an artificial intelligence application that was formulated using experimental data from eye-tracking. It can be used to predict viewer reactions to images, generating fixation point probability maps and fixation point sequence estimations, thus revealing pre-attentive processing of visual stimuli with a very high degree of accuracy. We have used 3M-VAS software in an innovative implementation to analyze images of different buildings, either in their original state or photographically manipulated, as well as various geometric patterns. The software not only reveals non-obvious fixation points, but also overall relative design coherence, a key element of Christopher Alexander’s theory of geometrical order. A more evenly distributed field of attention seen in some structures contrasts with other buildings being ignored, those showing instead unconnected points of splintered attention. Our findings are non-intuitive and surprising. We link these results to both Alexander’s theory and Neuroscience, identify potential pitfalls in the software’s use, and also suggest ways to avoid them.

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Effects of Feeding Time on Markers of Muscle Metabolic Flexibility Following Acute Aerobic Exercise in Trained Mice Undergoing Time Restricted Feeding

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051717 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1717

Author(s):

Aaron Persinger ◽

Matthew Butawan ◽

Martina Faietti ◽

Ashley Pryke ◽

Kyley Rose ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Exercise Training ◽

Performance Outcomes ◽

Metabolic Flexibility ◽

Feeding Time ◽

Restricted Feeding ◽

Physically Active ◽

Impact Performance ◽

Before And After ◽

And Performance ◽

Access To Food

Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is becoming a popular way of eating in physically active populations, despite a lack of research on metabolic and performance outcomes as they relate to the timing of food consumption in relation to the time of exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine if the timing of feeding/fasting after exercise training differently affects muscle metabolic flexibility and response to an acute bout of exercise. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized to one of three groups for 8 weeks. The control had ad libitum access to food before and after exercise training. TRF-immediate had immediate access to food for 6 h following exercise training and the TRF-delayed group had access to food 5-h post exercise for 6 h. The timing of fasting did not impact performance in a run to fatigue despite TRF groups having lower hindlimb muscle mass. TRF-delayed had lower levels of muscle HSL mRNA expression and lower levels of PGC-1α expression but displayed no changes in electron transport chain enzymes. These results suggest that in young populations consuming a healthy diet and exercising, the timing of fasting may not substantially impact metabolic flexibility and running performance.

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Glimpse: A Gaze-Based Measure of Temporal Salience

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s21093099 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (9) ◽

pp. 3099

Author(s):

V. Javier Traver ◽

Judith Zorío ◽

Luis A. Leiva

Keyword(s):

Visual Attention ◽

Computational Models ◽

Temporal Evolution ◽

Temporal Consistency ◽

Visual Salience ◽

Temporal Dimension ◽

Spatial Perspective ◽

Spatio Temporal ◽

Scoring Algorithms ◽

Over Time

Temporal salience considers how visual attention varies over time. Although visual salience has been widely studied from a spatial perspective, its temporal dimension has been mostly ignored, despite arguably being of utmost importance to understand the temporal evolution of attention on dynamic contents. To address this gap, we proposed Glimpse, a novel measure to compute temporal salience based on the observer-spatio-temporal consistency of raw gaze data. The measure is conceptually simple, training free, and provides a semantically meaningful quantification of visual attention over time. As an extension, we explored scoring algorithms to estimate temporal salience from spatial salience maps predicted with existing computational models. However, these approaches generally fall short when compared with our proposed gaze-based measure. Glimpse could serve as the basis for several downstream tasks such as segmentation or summarization of videos. Glimpse’s software and data are publicly available.

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Recovery from memory failure when recalling a memorized performance: The role of musical structure and performance cues

Musicae Scientiae ◽

10.1177/10298649211025491 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 102986492110254

Author(s):

Roger Chaffin ◽

Jane Ginsborg ◽

James Dixon ◽

Alexander P. Demos

Keyword(s):

Vocal Music ◽

Musical Structure ◽

Public Performance ◽

Memory Failure ◽

And Performance ◽

Written Recall ◽

Performance Gains ◽

Over Time

To perform reliably and confidently from memory, musicians must able to recover from mistakes and memory failures. We describe how an experienced singer (the second author) recovered from mistakes and gaps in recall as she periodically recalled the score of a piece of vocal music that she had memorized for public performance, writing out the music six times over a five-year period following the performance. Five years after the performance, the singer was still able to recall two-thirds of the piece. When she made mistakes, she recovered and went on, leaving gaps in her written recall that lengthened over time. We determined where in the piece gaps started ( losses) and ended ( gains), and compared them with the locations of structural beats (starts of sections and phrases) and performance cues ( PCs) that the singer reported using as mental landmarks to keep track of her progress through the piece during the sung, public performance. Gains occurred on structural beats where there was a PC; losses occurred on structural beats without a PC. As the singer’s memory faded over time, she increasingly forgot phrases that did not start with a PC and recovered at the starts of phrases that did. Our study shows how PCs enable musicians to recover from memory failures.

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GUI-CAD Tool for Segmentation and Classification of Abnormalities in Lung CT Image

International Journal of Biomedical and Clinical Engineering ◽

10.4018/ijbce.2019010102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 9-31

Author(s):

V. Vijaya Kishore ◽

R.V.S. Satyanarayana

Keyword(s):

Region Of Interest ◽

Performance Measure ◽

Morphological Operations ◽

Interactive 3D ◽

And Performance ◽

Aided Diagnosis ◽

Lung Ct ◽

Clinical Expert ◽

Clinical Determination

A vital necessity for clinical determination and treatment is an opportunity to prepare a procedure that is universally adaptable. Computer aided diagnosis (CAD) of various medical conditions has seen a tremendous growth in recent years. The frameworks combined with expanding capacity, the coliseum of CAD is touching new spaces. The goal of proposed work is to build an easy to understand multifunctional GUI Device for CAD that performs intelligent preparing of lung CT images. Functions implemented are to achieve region of interest (ROI) segmentation for nodule detection. The nodule extraction from ROI is implemented by morphological operations, reducing the complexity and making the system suitable for real-time applications. In addition, an interactive 3D viewer and performance measure tool that quantifies and measures the nodules is integrated. The results are validated through clinical expert. This serves as a foundation to determine, the decision of treatment and the prospect of recovery.

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