SCHEDULING AIRCREWS 3: DEPLOYMENT

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA498519&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


SCHEDULING AIRCREWS 3: DEPLOYMENT


The objective of this Memorandum was to develop aircrew work-rest guidance that dealt with the jet lag issues associated with deployments across time zones. It was hoped that this guidance could be used by operational commanders to determine when best to deploy their crews. The calculations in this Memorandum were based upon (tie U.S. Department of Defense Sleep, Activity, Fatigue, and Task Effectiveness (SAFTE) appliod model. The SAFTE applied model integrated the effects of length of prior wakefulness. amount of sleep and circadian rhythm. This applied model was implemented In the Windows program, Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST•, NTI Inc.. Dayton OH), which was used to make the calculations and to draw the figures shown in this Memorandum Each of 12 scenarios was examined: 4.5-, 9- and 12.5-h changes to both the oast and the west with subsequent day or night crew duty peri ods (CDPs).
Recommendations were made for scheduling practices, including the use of alertness aids and sleep aids.

Effects of Altitude Exposure in Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Subjects

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA521192&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


AFRL-SA-BR-TR-2010-0003

Tutt, R.C., Ivan, D.J., Baldwin, J.B., Hiers, P.L., O’Connor, R.
Dooley, J.W.; Smith, R.E., LoRusso, F.J. and Thompson, W.T


Purpose: To assess the effects of unpressurized altitude on visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal stability measures, pre- and post- PRK treatment. Methods: Sixteen male and four female subjects volunteered for altitude training and data collection. Two separate unpressurized altitude profiles were undertaken by all subjects; a 12-hour 10,000-ft (10K) and a 20-min 35,000-ft (35K) simulated altitude flights. Baseline "ground level" visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal stability data were collected prior to each profile. These measures were repeated "in-flight" at 3, 7, and 10 hours for the 10K profile and at peak altitude for the 35K profile. The test profiles were re-accomplished approximately 6 months after a subject’s PRK treatment date. Results: No significant differences attributed to altitude exposure were found in measurements of pre- or post-PRK visual acuity, refractive error, or corneal stability, under either unpressurized altitude profile. Conclusions: Visual acuity, refractive error, and corneal stability data were not significantly affected by exposure to unpressurized altitude within the design of this study. Comprehensive study data results and analysis are presented.

Documentation for the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Altitude Decompression Sickness Research Database

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA521198&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Documentation for the USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Altitude Decompression Sickness Research Database

James T. Webb

AFRL-SA-BR-SR-2009-0007

This report is designed to be a reference for Aerospace Researchers and Technicians in the US Air Force who are tasked to perform altitude decompression sickness (DCS) research. It contains information about the development, use, search, reporting, and query capabilities of the USAFSAM Altitude DCS Research Database. The database uses Microsoft Access 2003 and contains information on over 3000 subject-exposures that includes extensive data on venous gas emboli, symptom development, and, in conjunction with this document, detailed information on the activities performed during decompression.

Guide to Altitude Decompression Sickness Research

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA521459&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Guide to Altitude Decompression Sickness Research

AFRL-SA-BR-SR-2009-0008


James T. Webb


This report is designed to be a reference for Aerospace Researchers and Technicians in the US Air Force who are tasked to perform altitude decompression sickness (DCS) research. It contains information about procedures, records, and equipment used in DCS research at Brooks AFB/City-Base from 1983-2005 involving over 3000 human subject exposures. Although the environmental conditions were different for each profile, the procedures used to gather and record data were standardized. The appendices provide procedural checklists and forms related to the performance of altitude DCS research.

Sensor Systems for Measuring Helmet-Head-Brain Response to Blast

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA520727&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Sensor Systems for Measuring Helmet-Head-Brain Response to Blast


K.E. Simmonds, A. Bagchi, A.C. Leung, W.R. Pogue III, P. Matic, J.M. Byers, and G.K. Hubler

From World War I (WWI) to the war in Iraq, helmets have transitioned from steel to Kevlar composite materials. Just prior to WWI, helmets were non-existent because mobility and weight requirements took precedence over protection. Today mobility, weight, comfort, and protection factor into helmet design based on current threats from various ammunition, fragmentation threats, and operational environments. Inside the helmet, liners have evolved from leather to plastic suspension to sophisticated energy-absorbing padded liners, and new prototype suspensions are being tested every year to improve comfort and increase protection. Because of recent medical advances, it is apparent that experimental methods, measurement devices, and newer classes of helmets are necessary to provide warfighters with the best personal protection equipment for combating traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Sleep and Performance Measures in Soldiers Undergoing Military Relevant Training

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501875&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Sleep and Performance Measures in Soldiers Undergoing Military Relevant Training

USAARL 2009-13

William D. Killgore (WRAIR)
Arthur Estrada (USAARL)
Tiffany Rouse (USAARL)
Robert M. Wildzunas (USAARL)
Thomas J. Balkin (WRAIR)


Inadequate sleep is known to impair a variety of cognitive capacities, including attention, vigilance, concentration, and aspects of higher order reasoning and judgment. The ability to unobtrusively measure fatigue and predict its effects on cognitive performance is vital to successful military operations. Wrist actigraphy’s ability to accurately measure and predict performance in militarily relevant activities is not well validated. Healthy military volunteers (N = 108) wore wrist activity monitors while undergoing military training. Actigraphic data were analyzed and used to predict academic success. Regardless of course type or test content,
academic performances were significantly predicted by total sleep time, sleep latency, number of immobile minutes, and sleep fragmentation, but not total activity. Academic performance was significantly related to the amount and quality of sleep obtained within the 48-hour period preceding the exams. Actigraphy appears to be a valid and unobtrusive method for predicting academic performance in military courses, although participant compliance and detection of off-wrist periods need to be improved.

Combat Fitness Test: Testing to Reality

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA510389&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
Combat Fitness Test: Testing to Reality

Captain L.M. Stansberry


For it is conspicuous that what the machine has failed to
do right up to the present moment is decrease by a single pound
the weight the individual has to carry on his back in war.
S. L. A. Marshall

S. L. A. Marshall’s words still ring true today, and as an expeditionary force in readiness, the United States Marine Corps must be ready to conduct combat operations with these heavy
loads in any clime and place. An aggressive combat conditioning program, measured by analogous and realistic evaluations is critical to this readiness. Every Marine must train and be
ready to meet the challenges of combat from the outset and sustain those operations indefinitely until victory is achieved. The Marine Corps’ Combat Fitness Test (CFT) must evaluate
Marines under a prescribed weight load to provide consistency with doctrinal Marine Corps combat training and philosophy, and accurately assess the combat functional fitness of every Marine.

Fatigue Countermeasures in Aviation

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA510698&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Fatigue Countermeasures in Aviation
2009

J.A. Caldwell, M.M. Mallis, J.L. Caldwell
J. Miller, M. Paul, and D. Neri


Pilot fatigue is a significant problenl in modern aviation operations, largely because of the unpredictable work hours, long duty periods, circadian disruptions, and insufficient sleep that are commonplace in both civilian and military flight operations. The full impact of fatigue is often
underappreciated, but many of its deleterious effects have long been known. Compared to people who are well-rested, people who are sleep deprived think and move more slowly, make more mistakes, and have memory difficulties. These negative effects may and do lead to aviation errors and accidents. In the 1930s, flight-time limitations, suggested layover durations, and aircrew sleep recommendations were developed in an attempt to mitigate aircrew fatigue. Unfortunately, there have been few changes to aircrew scheduling provisions and flight-time limitations since the time they were first introduced, despite evidence that updates are needed. Although the scientific understanding of fatigue, sleep, shift work, and circadian physiology has advanced significantly over the past several decades, current regulations and industry practices have in large part failed to adequately incorporate the new knowledge. Thus, the problenl of pilot fatigue has steadily increased along with fatigue-related concerns over air safety. Accident statistics, reports from pilots themselves, and operational flight studies all show that fatigue is a growing concern within aviation operations. This position paper reviews the relevant scientific literature, summarizes applicable U.S. civilian and military flight regulations, evaluates various in-flight and pre/post-flight fatigue countermeasures, and describes emerging technologies for detecting and countering fatigue. Following the discussion of each major issue, position
statements address how to deal with fatigue in specific contexts with the goal of using current scientific knowledge to update policy and provide tools and techniques for improving air safety.

Women in Combat: Standardize the Physical Fitness Test

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA510815&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Women in Combat: Standardize the Physical Fitness Test
2009

Captain Ervin R. Stone

Allowing women who meet the mental and physical combat requirements of the Marine Corps to serve in any military occupational specialty will ensure the military of the future fulfills the
expectations of our nation.

Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) Extended Wear Comfort Evaluation

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA510315&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) Extended Wear Comfort Evaluation

AFRL-RH-BR-TR-2009-0060

William F. Storm, Wayne Isdah, Robert B. O'Connor, and Alexander Archibald

At the request of the 77th Aeronautical Systems Group, testing was conducted to assess the comfort of the Joint Service Aircrew Mask (JSAM) when worn by aircrew for extended durations under controlled environmental conditions representing high-performance and heavy aircraft operations. JSAM ensembles configured for USAF, Navy, and Army derivations were evaluated. The six test participants were volunteers recruited from the 711th Human Performance Wing acceleration and altitude test subject panels. The subjects were male, ranged in age from 28-39 years, physically fit, and considered participation in the test to be a personal challenge. The 12-hour (0700-1900) high-performance aircraft test scenario centered on evaluating the JSAM for use in high-G environments. The simulated operational environments were generated by using the human centrifuge, a flight simulator, and a thermal chamber. The 16-hour (0700-2300) large aircraft test scenario centered on evaluating JSAM for use in long duration airborne operations. The simulated operational environments were generated using a thermal and hypobaric altitude chamber. Approximately every two hours during each test scenario the participants completed two paper-and-pencil surveys. The Comfort Questionnaire identified the subjective degree and anatomical site of any experienced discomfort. The Profile of Mood States provided subjective evaluations of personal emotional status – „affect‟ or how the subject felt. Comments from the participants and observations from the test team members were also recorded. The JSAM ensemble was successfully worn by all six of the test subjects through the 12- and 16-hour testing periods. Moderate discomfort was reported in a very few instances during the test periods; severe or extreme discomforts were never reported any time during the test periods. The subjects did not experience any affective or emotional distress during the 12- or 16-hour test periods. The subjects and the test team strongly concurred that precise initial fitting of the JSAM by well-trained life support technicians and practiced donning by experienced aircrew are critical for comfortable extended wear.

THE DEPLOYMENT OF VISUAL ATTENTION

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA510413&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

THE DEPLOYMENT OF VISUAL ATTENTION

Jeremy M Wolfe

AFOSR Final Report 2009

This grant had three specific aims.

Aim 1
Transcending the serial/parallel dichotomy in visual search: Guided Search, our model of human visual search behavior, has proposed that "preattentive" visual processes guide the deployment of attention from item to item in a serial, item by-item fashion. Others have argued for deployment of attention to multiple items in parallel. These views have been seen as opposed to one another. The work in this aimis intended to reconcile them in a single framework.
Aim 2
Understanding the role of memory in visual search: Standard serial models of attention have assumed that items in the display are sampled without replacement. In the previous grant period, we have shown that the data reject this assertion of perfect memory for rejected distractors. We have proposed that items are sample with
replacement in typical search tasks. Data from other labs suggest the possibility that some partial memory (perhaps oculomotor) discourages deployment to recently
attended items. In the next grant period, we will investigate the theoretical and practical consequences of visual search with limited memory for previous deployments of attention.
Aim 3

The relationship of different modes of attentional control. There are multiple processes that can control attention. Some of these appear to be very fast. Others are closely coupled with eye movements. The work in Aim 3 is intended to determine how these share control of visual attentional resources.

Alertness Management Strategies for Operational Contexts

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA510840&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Alertness Management Strategies for Operational Contexts


AFRL-RH-BR-JA-2009-0030

John A. Caldwell·, J. Lynn Caldwell , and Regina M. Schmidt
2008


This article provides a review which addresses the problem of fatigue attributable to sleep loss in modern society and the scientifically proven strategies useful for reducing fatigue-related risks. Fatigue has become pervasive because many people work non-standard schedules, and/or they consistently fail to obtain sufficient sleep. Sleep restriction, sleep deprivation, and circadian desynchronization produce a variety of decrements in cognitive performance as well as an array of occupational and health risks. A number of real-world mishaps have resulted from performance failures associated with operator sleepiness. In some cases, fatigue/sleepiness is unavoidable, at least temporarily, due to job-related or other factors, but in other cases, fatigue/sleepiness results from poor personal choices. Furthermore, some individuals are more vulnerable to the effects of sleep loss than others. Fortunately, fatigue-related
risks can be mitigated with scientifically-valid alertness-management strategies. Proper work/rest scheduling and good sleep hygiene are of primary importance. If sleep time is available but sleep is difficult to obtain, sleep-inducing medications and behavioral circadian-adjustment strategies are key. In fatiguing situations such as when sleep opportunities are temporarily inadequate, lin1iting time on tasks, strategic napping, and the potential use of
alertness-enhancing compounds must be considered. To optimize any alertness-management program, everyone must first be educated about the nature of the problem and the manner in which accepted remedies should be implemented. In the near future, objective fatigue-detection technologies may contribute substantially to the alleviation of fatigue-related risks in real-world operations.

24/7 Operational Effectiveness Toolset: Predictions of FAST™ and F-PAS Compared

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501640&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
24/7 Operational Effectiveness Toolset: Predictions of FAST™ and F-PAS Compared

AFRL-RH-BR-TR-2009-0034

Douglas R. Eddy and Juan Mendez
2008

The purpose of the work reported here was to validate the core software components of a new web-based version of the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST™). Four different schedules were used to compare the performance effectiveness projections of the two computer applications. The methods used to compare the data were taken from Chaiken (2005). The preliminary comparisons revealed discrepancies between the applications that were unacceptable. After modifications to the Core Software, an additional validation was conducted. The second comparison resulted in excellent agreement between the web-based Core Software and FAST™. The two tools allow users to predict cognitive performance effectiveness based on the timing and amount of sleep an individual or team receives prior to and during a mission. They provide the military planner the ability to optimize performance under conditions of limited sleep, thus minimizing the need for pharmacological aids while indicating work periods where additional fatigue countermeasures may be necessary.
With the validation of the Core Software, the new web-based tool was enhanced with new user interfaces for mishap investigation, shift work scheduling, mission scheduling, AMC pilot rescheduling after an interrupted mission, and AF flight surgeon fatigue countermeasures applications reported elsewhere. The web-based tool is called the Fatigue-Performance Assessment System (F-PAS).
15. SUBJECT TERMS
Fatigue management, Cognitive performance, Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, Verification, Validation and Accreditation

Bone Conducted Noise and Mitigation Techniques

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501586&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Bone Conducted Noise and Mitigation Techniques

Richard L. McKinley
2009


Very high level noises, up to 150 dB, can cause special problems in hearing protection. In order to achieve a 15 minute exposure within an 85 dB, 8 hour, 3 dB/doubling criteria, the hearing protector must provide 50 dB of overall noise attenuation. The issue becomes the flanking pathway provided by bone conduction with an attenuation at 2 kHz of approximately 40-45 dB. In this case, the flanking pathway becomes the predominate pathway for acoustic energy to stimulate the cochlea. This report describes the basic investigation into the linearity of loudness judgements with bone conducted noise, descriptions of passive and active techniques to mitigate/attenuate bone conducted noise, and recommendations for future research in bone conducted noise.

Stress Effects on Transfer from Virtual Environment

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501682&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Stress Effects on Transfer from Virtual Environment
Flight Training to Stressful Flight Environments


McClernon, C. K.
2009

The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects that stress training has on stressful flight operations to mitigate the human factors preconditions to aircraft accidents. In addition, stress training implementation strategies were investigated in order to develop pedagogy pertinent to stress training. A series of three empirical experiments were performed to test the transfer of both human emotional states and task skills from a virtual environment to subsequent test scenarios. Results indicated that stress training improved performance, decreased physiological responses to stress, and decreased subjective appraisals of stress in a simulator criterion session. A second experiment tested the generalization of these results to a novel, real-world stressor. In this study, stress training in a flight simulator was found to enhance performance and moderate the adverse effects of stress when piloting an aircraft in a stressful flight environment. A third empirical study tested the transfer of flight simulator skills to a real-world flying task. Flight simulator training improved the performance of a training group when compared to a no-training, control group. This line of research demonstrates stress training as a viable approach for preparing trainees for stressful flight environments and stress in general.

227p.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POST TRAUMATIC STRESS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS AND THE IMPACT OF ARMY FITNESS POLICY ON POST TRAUMATIC STRESS PREVENTION

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501916&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POST TRAUMATIC STRESS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS AND THE IMPACT OF ARMY FITNESS POLICY ON POST TRAUMATIC STRESS PREVENTION


Increases in operation tempo since September 11, 2001 have resulted in elevated rates of post traumatic stress (PTS) and reduced levels of physical fitness across the U.S. Army. This thesis sought to identify a relationship between the elevated PTS and decreased physical fitness as well as determine methods to invert both levels experienced by deployed Soldiers. Soldiers experience PTS symptoms when stress levels are not adequately managed resulting in anxiety. Physical training and exercise provide the parasympathetic response needed following stressful situations and increase Soldier resiliency through physical and mental hardiness. Soldiers located at company and battalion level operating bases are often denied the facilities, time, and training necessary to sustain the physical fitness levels developed in the garrison environment. This situation is compounded by U.S. Army policies that reduce the emphasis on physical training during and after deployments. These decisions by senior U.S. Army leadership have served to, directly or indirectly, reduce the potential for physical training and lowered fitness levels of deployed Soldiers. This thesis recommends modifications to U.S. Army policy, establishment of unit level fitness experts, and increased support to the small unit level operating bases in the form of equipment and funding.

24/7 Operational Effectiveness Toolset: Shiftwork Scheduler Interface

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501915&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

24/7 Operational Effectiveness Toolset: Shiftwork Scheduler Interface


James C. Miller, Douglas R. Eddy, Richard Smith, and Samuel L. Moise


This report describes the Shiftwork Scheduler Interface of the 24/7 Operational Toolset. The toolset was based upon the Sleep, Activity, Fatigue, and Task Effectiveness (SAFTE™; Hursh et al., 2004) model. The SAFTE™ model predicts cognitive performance level based upon sleep, circadian rhythm, and sleep inertia. This specific interface of the toolset was designed to aid in the construction of regular, rotating, 24/7 shiftwork schedules. The interface design approach was iterative, involving several meetings among subject matter experts (SMEs), interface software designers, and evaluators. The first meeting was for the purpose of requirements analysis, in which the designers elicited task information from the SMEs. The second meeting included a walk-through of storyboarded and preliminary software, in which the SMEs provided feedback to the designers and evaluators. The final meeting was for the purpose of an "inspection evaluation" of the interface by the SMEs and evaluators. This interface was based upon task analyses of AF Security Forces shiftwork schedulers and they served as our SMEs. Our requirements analysis indicated that the shiftwork scheduler's interface should meet several criteria to maximize usability. Walk-through and inspection evaluation processes indicated that most of these requirements were met reasonably well and that potential users were able to operate the interface with a minimum of errors.
15. SUBJECT TERMS
Shift work, Fatigue management, Cognitive performance, Task analysis, Sleep times

Association Between Driver-Reported Sleep and Predicted Levels of Effectiveness Based on the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA501390&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Association Between Driver-Reported Sleep and Predicted Levels of Effectiveness Based on the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool
Christopher D. Bertram

Current military operations require a high state of operational readiness. Service members and civilian workers are tasked with performing in a near non-stop environment without proper rest and recuperation. Unit and individual effectiveness depend upon initiative, judgment, courage, and motivation, which are all enhanced by the ability to think clearly and logically – attributes that are degraded by fatigue. This thesis seeks to determine the extent to which fatigue plays a part in human factors related to large truck mishaps. This study is conducted using the Large Truck Crash Causation Study data base and assesses drivers’ predicted level of effectiveness employing the Sleep, Activity, Fatigue, and Task Effectiveness Model as instantiated in the Fatigue Avoidance Scheduling Tool (FAST). The entire population of truck crashes is categorized into two groups, those with human factors causes and those with non-human factors causes. A comparison of the two groups shows a statistically significant difference between the two groups in reported sleep and predicted levels of effectiveness. This result shows that fatigue is more prevalent and is potentially an important contributing factor to human factors related mishaps. Heightened levels of fatigue diminish situational awareness, judgment, and decision-making capabilities and can result in serious, sometimes even deadly consequences. It is recommended that fatigue avoidance strategies such as FAST be implemented in training and operational planning. Such strategies can assist in the development of more efficient and potentially safer sleep-work schedules

Information Sharing for Medical Triage Tasking During Mass Casualty / Humanitarian Operations

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA514212&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Information Sharing for Medical Triage Tasking During
Mass Casualty/Humanitarian Operations
Lillian A. Abuan


This thesis will focus on field testing and evaluating the capabilities of a
smartphone-based system and associated equipment for “First Responder
Networking.” Further, we will identify information sharing requirements for
supporting a medical triage tasking during mass casualty and humanitarian
operations. These requirements will be implemented, tested and evaluated
against the capabilities of the TwiddleNet system for passing/sharing of
patient information and records, in the form of text, photos and voice, rapidly
disseminated to those involved with the Mobile Emergency Command Post unit and
the Joint Operations Command Center. This will facilitate communication via
synchronized backhaul or satellite communiqué from the disaster site to other
medical facilities across a globally distributed network. For example, land
based military medical units, naval hospital ships, stateside medical centers
via tele-medicine, etc. The applicability of these efforts to the DoD will be
specifically tested via integrated mass casualty/triage scenarios and simulated
humanitarian operations.

Effects of a Commercial Drink on Acceleration Tolerance and Cognitive Performance

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA514081&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


AFRL-RH-BR-TR-2009-0063

EFFECTS OF A COMMERCIAL DRINK ON ACCELERATION TOLERANCE AND
COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE

Walker, T.B., Balldin, U., Fischer, J., Storm, W. and Warren, G.


This study examined the ability of a commercial energy drink to enhance acceleration tolerance, strength under G-load, and cognitive performance immediately prior to and following acceleration exposure. Eight experienced centrifuge subjects completed three separate experimental acceleration exposures following ingestion of 11.5 ml/kg body weight of a) a caffeine-carbohydrate drink, providing 5.0 mg caffeine/kg body weight, b) a carbohydrate-only drink or c) placebo. Each exposure consisted of a relaxed gradual onset run to peripheral light loss, a rapid onset run to 6.0 G for 15 s, and a simulated air combat maneuver (SACM) run of repeated alternations between 4.5 G for 15 seconds and 7G for 15 seconds until volitional exhaustion. Cognitive tests were performed prior to and after the acceleration profiles. Relaxed G-tolerance was significantly higher under the caffeine session, whereas SACM duration did not differ among the drink conditions. Hip adductor muscle strength was lower during the placebo session than during the other two sessions. Cognitive reaction time was faster post-acceleration than pre-acceleration, and faster under the caffeine condition than the placebo condition. We conclude that consumption of a caffeine-based energy drink enhances relaxed G-tolerance and may increase strength, but does not impact acceleration duration. We further conclude that cognitive reaction time is improved by the caffeine drink, as well as by the acceleration exposure.

Assessment and Classification of Cognitive Decrements Associated with High Workload and Extended Work Periods in a UAV Setting

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA515591&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Assessment and Classification of Cognitive Decrements Associated with High Workload and Extended Work Periods in a UAV Setting


AFRL-RH-WP-TP-2010-0015

Iris Davis
John A. Caldwell
Regina Schmidt
Glenn Wilson
Margaret Funke

The present study investigated high workload and time-on-task effects through the assessment of performance and physiological measures during the continuous performance of a complex uninhabited air vehicle UAV task. This study systematically explored the effects of time-on-task, while also incorporating a variety of workload conditions designed to simulate an actual UAV operation. Subjective sleepiness and workload were monitored, as well as performance, on a psychomotor vigilance task. Electroencephalographic data were collected in order to establish physiological evidence of fatigue due to time-on-task. The results of this study demonstrated that performance remained stable throughout the 4-hour continuous mission on all workload conditions. In addition, no physiological evidence of fatigue was identified

Evaluation of Eye Metrics as a Detector of Fatigue

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA517342&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Evaluation of Eye Metrics as a Detector of Fatigue

AFRL-RH-WP-JA-2010-0002

R. Andy McKinley
Lindsey K. McIntire
Regina Schmidt
Andrea Pinchak
John L. Caldwell


The purpose of this study was to evaluate oculometrics as a detector of fatigue in Air Force relevant environments using one night of sleep deprivation. Method: Ten civilian participants volunteered to participate in this study. Each was trained on three performance tasks: target identification, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) landing, and the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT). Experimental testing of the three tasks began after 14 hours awake, and continued every two hours until 28 hours of sleep deprivation was reached. Results: Data analyses showed statistically significant decrements in performance as the level of sleep deprivation increased, for both the PVT and the target identification task. These performance declines correlated with increases in proportion of eye closure and declines in approximate entropy of pupil position. Conclusion: The results provide evidence that eye metrics can be used to detect the onset of fatigue, potentially in advance of significant changes in operator performance, suggesting a way to predict fatigue-induced declines in performance before they manifest.

Managing Disaster Debris: Overview of Regulatory Requirements, Agency Roles, and Selected Challenges

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA517353&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Managing Disaster Debris: Overview of
Regulatory Requirements, Agency Roles,
and Selected Challenges
2010

After a disaster, when a region turns its attention to rebuilding, one of the greatest challenges to moving forward may involve how to properly manage debris generated by the event. Options include typical methods of waste management—landfilling, recycling, or burning. The challenge after a major disaster (e.g., a building or bridge collapse, or a flood, hurricane, or earthquake) is in managing significantly greater amounts of debris often left in the wake of such an event.
Debris after a disaster may include waste soils and sediments, vegetation (trees, limbs, shrubs),municipal solid waste (common household garbage, personal belongings), construction and demolition debris (in some instances, entire residential structures and all their contents), vehicles (cars, trucks, boats), food waste, so-called white goods (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners), and household hazardous waste (cleaning agents, pesticides, pool chemicals). Each type of waste may contain or be contaminated with certain toxic or hazardous constituents. In the short term,removal of debris is necessary to facilitate the recovery of a geographic area. In the long term, the methods by which these wastes are to be managed require proper consideration to ensure that their management (by landfilling, for example) will not pose future threats to human health or the environment.

Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA517372&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Nanotechnology: A Policy Primer

Nanoscale science, engineering and technology—commonly referred to collectively as
nanotechnology—is believed by many to offer extraordinary economic and societal benefits. Congress has demonstrated continuing support for nanotechnology and has directed its attention primarily to three topics that may affect the realization of this hoped for potential: federal research and development (R&D) in nanotechnology; U.S. competitiveness; and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) concerns. This report provides an overview of these topics—which are
discussed in more detail in other CRS reports—and two others: nanomanufacturing and public understanding of and attitudes toward nanotechnology.

Simulator Sickness in the MH-47G Simulator

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA513134&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Simulator Sickness in the MH-47G Simulator

The objective of this study was to quantify the symptoms of simulator sickness induced by the MH-47G simulator, and to provide recommendations to alleviate simulator sickness if the MH-47G was found to generate unacceptable levels of simulator sickness. The Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) was used to determine the extent and severity of simulator sickness symptoms experienced by the aviators. A total of 232 SSQ’s were included in the analysis. The MH-47G simulator produced negligible symptoms of simulator sickness as the mean total SSQ score was less than five, both when the simulator was on- and off-motion. The present study did illustrate the individual differences in simulator sickness susceptibility in response to simulator motion.

Psychosocial Predictors of Return to Duty Among Marine Recruits with Musculoskeletal Injuries

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA512746&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Psychosocial Predictors of Return to Duty Among
Marine Recruits With Musculoskeletal Injuries
Stephanie Booth-Kewley, PhD * ; Gerald E. Larson , PhD * ; Robyn M. Highfi ll-McRoy, MA *†

Naval Health Research Center
Report No. 08-01


Psychosocial factors may have an important impact on injury recovery and return to work. To explore the influence of psychosocial factors in a cohort of injured military personnel, data were collected from 166 Marine Corps basic training recruits with musculoskeletal injuries. This sample was followed prospectively to determine whether they graduated from basic training or were discharged from the Marines. Demographic, injury-related, and psychosocial factors were analyzed to determine predictors of failure to graduate from basic training. The strongest risk factors for failing to graduate were not expecting to graduate, low or uncertain career intentions, lack of determination, psychological distress, and low organizational commitment. In the fi nal multivariate logistics model, two predictors of failure to graduate emerged: not expecting to graduate and low or uncertain career intentions. The results suggest that interventions to
reduce attrition in injured military populations should be designed to counter pessimistic expectations and emphasize career opportunities

Wasted Resources: Volunteers and Disasters

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA514418&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Wasted Resources: Volunteers and Disasters


In the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing, a reported 12,000 volunteers arrived to help. Immediately after the 9/11 attacks, an estimated 30,000 volunteers converged on ground zero and the Pentagon. As the weather cleared following Hurricane Katrina, over 60,000 volunteers descended upon Louisiana, Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi to offer assistance. These well-intentioned citizens were both a blessing and a curse. While offering assistance, they also snarled key roads, distracted first responders who were worried about their safety, and created massive accountability and administrative headaches. To address the problem of volunteer convergence at disaster sites, some locales have developed their own unique volunteer in-processing systems, commonly referred to as volunteer reception or volunteer mobilization centers. These systems are developed independently, do not always tie into disaster plans, and are not standardized across the nation. America lacks a national plan for integrating these volunteers and currently has no mechanism for ensuring their credentials across the nation. A national volunteer certification card and database system are needed to better utilize America’s most valuable asset, her people, during times of crisis. Empowering and documenting the skills average citizens already possess are the keys to proactively managing volunteers and assigning them where needed.


125 pages

Evaluation of Auditory Characteristics of Communications and Hearing Protection Systems

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA514651&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Evaluation of Auditory Characteristics of Communications and Hearing Protection
Systems (C&HPSs) Part II – Speech Intelligibility


Paula Henry and Rachel Weatherless


Devices that provide hearing protection, situational awareness, and radio communications are often referred to as Communications and Hearing Protection Systems (C&HPSs). Soldiers use these systems while deployed to navigate within
their environment, communicate with their team members, and protect their hearing. Each of the three features of select C&HPSs (hearing protection, speech communication, and situational awareness) was evaluated by the U.S. Army Research
Laboratory in order to obtain data that is independent from that provided by the manufacturer. This report is the second in an series of three and focuses on the speech intelligibility performance obtained from two commercially available C&HPSs: Nacre QuietPro and Silynx QuietOps selected from three C&HPSs evaluated for attenuation characteristics in the first report. Results of the speech intelligibility testing indicated that the Silynx QuietOps provides a significantly higher degree of speech intelligibility, but this difference is probably not significant for field applications. The differences noted in speech intelligibility
are likely due to a combination of differences in the frequency responses measured from the two systems and differences in the frequency responses of the microphones from the two systems, along with small differences in the output intensity of the
speech items provided to the listeners.

A Comparative Analysis Between the Navy Standard Workweek and the Actual Work/Rest Patterns of Sailors Aboard U.S. Navy Frigates

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA514116&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE NAVY
STANDARD WORKWEEK AND THE ACTUAL
WORK/REST PATTERNS OF SAILORS ABOARD
U.S. NAVY FRIGATES



Crew fatigue is a major factor in mishaps aboard ships. Despite empirical evidence that fewer personnel and longer working hours are primary factors of crew fatigue, U.S. Navy budgeting constraints and increased automation on ships has resulted in reduced manning onboard Navy vessels. This study expands research by Haynes (2007) and Mason (2009) comparing the Navy Standard Workweek (NSWW) Model to Sailors’ self-reported activities onboard U.S. Navy destroyers and cruisers. Research by both Haynes (2007) and Mason (2009) showed that a majority of Sailors worked longer hours and received less sleep than allotted in the NSWW model. The objective of this study
was to determine if similar patterns would exist onboard U.S. Navy frigates. Results indicated that 61% of the participants exceeded the 81 hours of Available Time (work) allotted by the NSWW. On average, Sailors in this current study, excluding officers, worked 20.24 hours more per week than in the NSWW, while sleeping 8.98 fewer hours per week than in the NSWW. Results suggest that the NSWW does not accurately reflect Sailors’ work/restpatterns onboard ships.
119 PAGES

An Integrative Approach to Understanding and Predicting the Consequences of Fatigue on Cognitive Performance

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA514141&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

An Integrative Approach to Understanding and
Predicting the Consequences of Fatigue on Cognitive Performance


Glenn Gunzelmann and Kevin A. Gluck
Air Force Research Laboratory


The deleterious consequences of fatigue have motivated decades of research to understand the impact of inadequate sleep on cognitive performance. A key objective is to use insights from that research to develop predictive models that can serve as valid tools for managing work-rest schedules and making Go, No-Go mission decisions. Ultimately, this is about maximizing human performance and minimizing risk. In this paper, we describe a methodology that is moving us in the direction of achieving this goal, involving the integration of mathematical and computational process modeling approaches to understand how fatigue affects human cognitive processes. Mathematical models that capture the dynamics of the human arousal system are
integrated with a cognitive architecture that instantiates a unified theory of the mechanisms of human cognition. The integration of these approaches leads to an enhanced ability to quantify the impact of fatigue on performance in particular tasks. We illustrate this by making principled, a priori predictions regarding how human performance in instrument flight with a Predator UAV synthetic task environment may change across 4 days without sleep.

Hearing Protection for High-Noise Environments

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA516957&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Hearing Protection for High-Noise Environments


AUTHOR(S)
Elizabeth H. Bleszynski, Marek Ch. Bleszynski, Thomas Jaroszewicz, L. Demkowicz,
P. Gatto, J. Kurtz, M. Paszynski, W. Rachowicz, M. Hamilton, and C. Champlin

31December 2009

The objective of our effort was
- to develop mathematical algorithms and high fidelity software tools which would allow identification and understanding of relevant bioacoustic and psychoacoustic mechanisms responsible for the transmission of acoustic energy through non-airborne pathways to the
cochlea, and - to apply these tools to significantly reduce the cost of subsequent experiments.
The integral-equation approach to solution of large elasto-acoustic problems, pursued in this project, offers valuable and unique advantages. The most important of these are:
- High accuracy characteristic of the integral-equation approach.
- Applicability to problems involving high-density objects immersed in air, with an exact treatment of the infinite background medium, and with special methods for accurate description of wave penetration through the high-contrast air-tissue interface.
- Applicability to large problems involving tens of millions of unknowns, and including fine, sub-millimeter scale, geometrical details.
- An efficient numerical implementation involving non-lossy compression of the stiffness matrix and distributed-memory parallelization.
- The developed code exhibits an approximately linear scaling of the computational cost with the number of unknowns, and almost perfect speedup with the number of processors.
When completed, the developed code should significantly broaden the scope and improve accuracy of realistic biomedical and safety-related application, of particular importance being analysis of effects of noise on human subjects, and assessment and design of noise protection devices. Such simulations are, at present, limited because of prohibitive memory and computational requirements as well as insufficient accuracy of currently available approaches.

Assessing Fitness and Nutrition Programs in the Marine Corps

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Assessing Fitness and Nutrition Programs in the
Marine Corps: A Qualitative Analysis of Perceptions of Effectiveness

AUTHOR(S) Paula Denise Taibi, Leigh Elizabeth Wallace

America is facing an overweight epidemic, and the Marine Corps is not immune to this problem. The percentage of overweight Marines doubled between January 2003 and December 2008. The objective of this research was to assess the current Marine Corps physical fitness and nutrition programs and their effectiveness as perceived by Marines. The authors conducted surveys and interviews to gain insight on how Marines felt the Marine Corps remedial programs
(BCP, RCP, and MAP) and the Semper Fit program supported them in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

An Analysis of U. S. Army Fratricide Incidents during the Global War on Terror

An Analysis of U. S. Army Fratricide Incidents during the Global War on
Terror (11 September 2001 to 31 March 2008)

USAARL Report 2010-14


http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA517325&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Fratricide is a harsh reality during combat operations. Over the course of 2004-2007, the number of fratricide incidents per year increased, and experts speculate this is due to the high operational tempo and the reliance on technology during the current war. The objective of the present study was to classify the causes of U.S. Army fratricide incidents using the well known Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) and the recently developed Fratricide Causal Analysis Schema (FCAS) to determine the leading causes of U.S. Army fratricide incidents and to provide recommendations for potential countermeasures. The FCAS and HFACS analysis revealed that many of the causal factors of U. S. fratricide incidents were related to human error (e.g., leadership, judgment and decision making, and emotional states). In addition to a need for more objective risk assessments, improved supervision and leadership may have the greatest potential to reduce U.S. Army fratricide incidents.

Attentional Drift: An Exploratory Study Into the Development of an Attention Monitoring System Based on Human Eye Fixation

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA518630&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Attentional Drift: An Exploratory Study Into the Development of an Attention Monitoring System Based on Human Eye Fixation

AUTHOR LCDR Douglas M. Magedman, USNR



This study was designed to determine if future research into the development of an attention monitoring device based on eye fixation duration is both feasible and warranted. Attentional Drift is an insidious form of distraction where primary task attention is slowly eroded by secondary tasking. It most often occurs in very low or very high cognitive demand situations. Recent studies have shown that eye fixation duration and glance duration measures are related to attentional demand in visual tasks. In this study, participants completed two 20-minute driving periods in a STISIMTM simulator wearing a head-mounted eye-tracking system. Eye fixation measures recorded in a single-task low mental demand test did not show an expected increase in eye fixation duration over time in all but a few participants. A second test incorporating dual tasking through conversation did show that eye fixation duration values were affected by the added cognitive workload. Eye fixation measures showed statistically significant changes in duration as a direct result of varying secondary cognitive demand. It is concluded that further experimentation with significantly lengthened test runs incorporating an eye blink rate factor, a gaze dwell time function, and a fixed-base eye-tracking system is both feasible and warranted.

Aerobic Performance is Degraded, Despite Modest Hyperthermia, In Hot Environments

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA513059&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Aerobic Performance is Degraded, Despite Modest Hyperthermia, In Hot Environments


ELY, B. R., S. N. CHEUVRONT, R. W. KENEFICK, and M. N. SAWKA. Aerobic Performance Is Degraded, Despite Modest Hyperthermia, in Hot Environments. Med. Sci. Sports Exerc., Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 135–141, 2010. Environmental heat stress degrades aerobic performance; however, little research has focused on performance when the selected task elicits modest elevations in core body temperature (G38.5-C). Purpose: To determine the effect of environmental heat stress, with modest hyperthermia, on aerobic performance and pacing strategies. Methods: After a 30-min cycling preload at 50% V˙ O2peak, eight euhydrated men performed a 15-min
time trial on a cycle ergometer in temperate (TEMP; 21-C, 50% RH) and hot (HOT; 40-C, 25% RH) environments. Core and skin temperature (Tc and Tsk, respectively) and HR were continuously monitored. Performance was assessed by the total work (kJ) completed in 15 min. Pacing was quantified by comparing the percent difference in actual work performed in each of five 3-min blocks normalized to the mean work performed per 3-min block. Pace over the final 2 min was compared with the average pace from minutes 0 to 13 for end spurt analysis. Results: Tc and HR rose continually throughout both time trials. Peak Tc remained modestly elevated in
both environments [mean (range): HOT = 38.20-C (37.97–38.42-C); TEMP = 38.11-C (38.07–38.24-C)], whereas Tsk was higher in HOT (36.19 T 0.40-C vs 31.14 T 1.14-C), and final HR reached È95% of age-predicted maximum in both environments. Total work performed in HOT (147.7 T 23.9 kJ) was È17% less (P G 0.05) than TEMP (177.0 T 25.0 kJ). Pace was evenly maintained in TEMP, but in HOT, volunteers were unable to maintain initial pace, slowing progressively over time. A significant end spurt was produced in both environments. Conclusions: During a brief aerobic exercise time trial where excessive hyperthermia is avoided, total work is significantly reduced by heat stress because of a gradual slowing of pace over time. These findings demonstrate how aerobic exercise performance degrades in hot environments without marked hyperthermia.

Tobacco Smoking as an Index of Military Personnel Quality

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA519969&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Tobacco Smoking as an Index of Military Personnel Quality

Gerald E. Larson, Stephanie Booth-Kewley,
and Margaret A. K. Ryan
Naval Health Research Center, San Diego, California

Previous studies indicate that smokers attrite from military service at significantly
higher rates than nonsmokers. The purpose of the current effort is twofold: (a) to examine the implications of treating smoking status as a third military accession quality indicator along with educational credential and mental ability, and (b) to explore preservice psychosocial and health differences between smokers and nonsmokers in support of hypothesis development about reasons for elevated attrition rates in smokers. The results indicate that individuals who smoke tobacco prior to entering military service are almost twice as likely to attrite as nonsmokers, even after statistically controlling for education and mental ability. Moreover, smokers report higher rates of psychosocial and health problems prior to military service. These results support using smoking status as a personnel quality indicator for recruiting and assignment purposes and indicate that smokers, as a group, enter the military with identifiable psychosocial and physical vulnerabilities.

Asthma hospitalizations among US military

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA519968&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

Asthma hospitalizations among US military personnel, 1994 to 2004

Christian J. Hansen, BS*; Kevin L. Russell, MD, MTMH*; Tyler C. Smith, MS*;
James S. Neville, MD, MPH‡; Margot R. Krauss, MD, MPH†; and Margaret A. K. Ryan, MD, MPH*

Background: Acute asthma attacks strike unpredictably and may lead to hospitalization in otherwise healthy individuals. The burden of asthma hospitalization on the US health care system has greatly interested health care workers, many of whom see the incidence of asthma as increasing.
Objectives: To examine the annual incidence of hospitalization and the frequency of subsequent hospitalization for asthma among all active-duty US military personnel between 1994 and 2004 and to determine demographic and occupational risk factors of asthma hospitalization within this generally healthy US population.
Methods: Annual demographic and occupational data were combined with electronic hospitalization records for patients with a discharge diagnosis of asthma. Using Cox proportional hazard modeling, the authors investigated demographic and occupational risk factors for asthma hospitalization.
Results: Women, married persons, health care workers, enlisted personnel, US Army personnel, and older persons were found to have a significantly greater risk of asthma hospitalization. Yearly rates of hospitalization declined from 22.3 per 100,000 persons to 12.6 per 100,000 persons between 1994 and 2004.
Conclusions: Although these data have some limitations, they suggest that the burden of asthma hospitalizations in the large, healthy population of US military personnel has declined during the last decade. The decrease in hospitalization potentially reflects improved outpatient management strategies.

A Fluid Helmet Liner for Protection against Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

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A Fluid Helmet Liner for Protection against Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury

Laurence R. Young
Steven F. Son
George A. Christou
Matthew D. Alley
Rahul Goel
Andrew P. Vechart
Benjamin R. Schimizze


Development of a new Advanced Combat Helmet liner design using the novel idea of including filler materials inside channels in the liner is well underway. An energy absorbing foam has been selected for the main liner structure, and several filler material candidates of widely varying properties are being considered. To date material has been evaluated both experimentally and numerically. In the very near future tests will commence on three dimensional prototypes of the newly designed liner. Numerical studies will include coupled simulations with a detailed finite element head model, providing insight into the effect of the new liner on the brain's response to a blast wave impact.