Studying distributed cognition of simulation-based team training with DiCoT

Health care organizations employ simulation-based team training (SBTT) to improve skill, communication and coordination in a broad range of critical care contexts. Quantitative approaches, such as team performance measurements, are predominantly used to measure SBTTs effectiveness. However, a practical evaluation method that examines how this approach supports cognition and teamwork is missing. We have applied Distributed Cognition for Teamwork (DiCoT), a method for analysing cognition and collaboration aspects of work settings, with the purpose of assessing the methodology’s usefulness for evaluating SBTTs. In a case study, we observed and analysed four Emergo Train System® simulation exercises where medical professionals trained emergency response routines. The study suggests that DiCoT is an applicable and learnable tool for determining key distributed cognition attributes of SBTTs that are of importance for the simulation validity of training environments. Moreover, we discuss and exemplify how DiCoT supports design of SBTTs with a focus on transfer and validity characteristics.

Practitioner Summary: In this study, we have evaluated a method to assess simulation-based team training environments from a cognitive ergonomics perspective. Using a case study, we analysed Distributed Cognition for Teamwork (DiCoT) by applying it to the Emergo Train System®. We conclude that DiCoT is useful for SBTT evaluation and simulator (re)design.     

The ACTive Intervention in Hospice Interdisciplinary Team Meetings: Exploring Family Caregiver and Hospice Team Communication

This paper presents the theoretical framework and rationale for the ACTive intervention which proposes the use of video technology to facilitate patient and family participation in hospice interdisciplinary team meetings where plans of care are determined. It is surmised that patient and family involvement will improve communication and compliance in hospice care. An analysis of data from a pilot project of the ACTive intervention was conducted to explore active participation among family caregivers and the hospice team. Through the use of videophone technology caregivers participated in video‐recorded team meetings. The actual communication behaviors of caregivers and team members were analyzed for active participation. Findings revealed that team–prompted caregiver participation was most common, however, team use of supportive talk in this context was considerably less frequent. The study also found that the team's use of active participation behaviors elicits caregiver active participation behaviors. The results of this study suggest the intervention was an effective way to involve family caregivers as active participants in the designing of care for their loved one. Findings also suggest that hospice staff would benefit from education and training on best practices for communicating with caregivers in the team meeting setting.     

Supporting the instructional design process for team training

Conducting team training is daily business for the military. Designing team training programs and exercises, however, is not always that structured. Instructional designers are in fact trained to design instruction primarily for individuals. After their instructional design course, they learn to design team training more or less on the job. This process may be improved by offering these instructional designers adequate support. During three design-experiments, we developed and tested guidelines and a workshop supporting the analysis of team tasks and the design of team training scenarios. For the first (task analysis) and second (scenario design) experiment, two versions of guidelines were developed: an experimental version with an explicit focus on team aspects, and a control version in which this specific focus was absent, resembling traditional guidelines. The results of the first design-experiment show that the experimental guidelines lead to a significantly better quality of the analysis process; the results of the second design-experiment show no significant effects. The purpose of the third design-experiment was to investigate the effect of a more elaborate introduction (an interactive workshop) of both sets of experimental guidelines. The results show that only on topics that were explicitly dealt with, the analysis and design process improved.     

Incident Command System as a Response Model Within Emergency Operation Centers during Hurricane Rita

This study examines the degree to which the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) influenced the performance of Texas emergency operations centers (EOCs) during Hurricane Rita. Staff in evacuation, transition, and host county EOCs completed a questionnaire that assessed demographic variables, EOC physical environment, ICS experience, ICS implementation, and team climate. The results indicated that the duties each ICS section performed varied substantially from one EOC to another. Moreover, ICS experience and ICS implementation lacked statistically significant correlations with team climate, even though EOCs' physical environments did. Finally, staff from emergency relevant agencies (e.g., public works and social services) seemed to have more problems with ICS than did staff from emergency mission agencies (e.g., fire and police departments). Thus, there needs to be further study of ICS application in emergencies other than structural and wildland fires, as well as the development of new ICS training materials for emergency relevant agencies to supplement the current ICS training materials for emergency mission agencies.     

Internet Training

Abstract

Library staff members throughout the world are being introduced to the Internet by means of various training programs. Many libraries are calling on members of their own staff to develop programs for their own libraries. The success of these programs depends on advance preparation, the ability to convey information, and the ability of the trainer to fit comfortably into the training role.     

Influence of two different modes of resistance training in female subjects

In resistance training, it has been empirically accepted that muscle hypertrophy is developed by low intensity and high volume training, while muscle strength and power are developed by high intensity and low volume training. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of two different modes of resistance training on isokinetic strength and muscle cross-sect tonal area (CSA) in females. Eleven females, who had no experience in resistance training, participated in this study and were randomly divided into two groups. The former consisted of 4-5 sets of 15-20 RM (repetition maximum) with sufficient rest between sets (Group H), while the latter consisted of 8-9 sets of 4-6 RM with 90s of rest between sets (Group S). The former was assumed to be appropriate for muscle hypertrophy and the latter muscle strength, respectively. All subjects completed isotonic knee extension exercise three times a week for 8 weeks. Measurements were made on quadriceps muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and isokinetic torques at 0, 60, 180, and 300°/s before training, at the fifth week and the end of training period. Muscle CSA was defined as the sum of CSA measured at 30, 50 and 70% of femur length, After training, muscle CSA had significantly increased in both groups: 3·3 ± 0·7% (p <·05) for group H and 3·6 ± 1·1% (p < ·05) for group S, respectively. While the changes in isokinetic torque were 43·4 ± 47·5% (p <·05) for group H and 27·4 ± 31·3% (p <·05) for group S, respectively. In both groups the percentage changes of the isokinetic strength were significantly higher than those of the CSA. No significant difference in these variables were found between the two groups. These results suggest that during the early phase of resistance training two different modes of resistance training may have similar effects on muscle CSA and isokinetic strength in untrained females.     

Stray Example Sheltering by Loss Regularized SVM and <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>NN Preprocessor

This paper presents a new model developed by merging a non-parametric k-nearest-neighbor (kNN) preprocessor into an underlying support vector machine (SVM) to provide shelters for meaningful training examples, especially for stray examples scattered around their counterpart examples with different class labels. Motivated by the method of adding heavier penalty to the stray example to attain a stricter loss function for optimization, the model acts to shelter stray examples. The model consists of a filtering kNN emphasizer stage and a classical classification stage. First, the filtering kNN emphasizer stage was employed to collect information from the training examples and to produce arbitrary weights for stray examples. Then, an underlying SVM with parameterized real-valued class labels was employed to carry those weights, representing various emphasized levels of the examples, in the classification. The emphasized weights given as heavier penalties changed the regularization in the quadratic programming of the SVM, and brought the resultant decision function into a higher training accuracy. The novel idea of real-valued class labels for conveying the emphasized weights provides an effective way to pursue the solution of the classification inspired by the additional information. The adoption of the kNN preprocessor as a filtering stage is effective since it is independent of SVM in the classification stage. Due to its property of estimating density locally, the kNN method has the advantage of distinguishing stray examples from regular examples by merely considering their circumstances in the input space. In this paper, detailed experimental results and a simulated application are given to address the corresponding properties. The results show that the model is promising in terms of its original expectations.     

Situated learning with co-operative agent simulations in team training

The paper describes pedagogic aspects of the theory, design, analysis techniques used and implementation experience acquired during the development of a team training simulation system with a virtual reality interface for learning from emergencies. In particular we demonstrate: the desirability of team training strategies; the value of using training scenarios for constructing shared mental models with intelligent agents, and the use of a virtual reality interface. We present a tool designed and developed to reify the communication acts of team members that demonstrates support for reflective learning. An evaluation tests the acceptability of the simulation and provides feedback from an observation study. The paper then shares some of the emergent questions raised through the project particularly those relating to the management of errors, the fidelity of simulations for training and communications between agents, and the organisational context of integration.     

A distributed approach to enabling privacy-preserving model-based classifier training

This paper proposes a novel approach for privacy-preserving distributed model-based classifier training. Our approach is an important step towards supporting customizable privacy modeling and protection. It consists of three major steps. First, each data site independently learns a weak concept model (i.e., local classifier) for a given data pattern or concept by using its own training samples. An adaptive EM algorithm is proposed to select the model structure and estimate the model parameters simultaneously. The second step deals with combined classifier training by integrating the weak concept models that are shared from multiple data sites. To reduce the data transmission costs and the potential privacy breaches, only the weak concept models are sent to the central site and synthetic samples are directly generated from these shared weak concept models at the central site. Both the shared weak concept models and the synthetic samples are then incorporated to learn a reliable and complete global concept model. A computational approach is developed to automatically achieve a good trade off between the privacy disclosure risk, the sharing benefit and the data utility. The third step deals with validating the combined classifier by distributing the global concept model to all these data sites in the collaboration network while at the same time limiting the potential privacy breaches. Our approach has been validated through extensive experiments carried out on four UCI machine learning data sets and two image data sets.

Controlled descent training

In this work, a novel and model-based artificial neural network (ANN) training method is developed supported by optimal control theory. The method augments training labels in order to robustly guarantee training loss convergence and improve training convergence rate. Dynamic label augmentation is proposed within the framework of gradient descent training where the convergence of training loss is controlled. First, we capture the training behavior with the help of empirical Neural Tangent Kernels (NTK) and borrow tools from systems and control theory to analyze both the local and global training dynamics (e.g., stability, reachability). Second, we propose to dynamically alter the gradient descent training mechanism via fictitious labels as control inputs and an optimal state feedback policy. In this way, we enforce locally $$ optimal and convergent training behavior. The novel algorithm, Controlled Descent Training (CDT), guarantees local convergence. CDT unleashes new potentials in the analysis, interpretation, and design of ANN architectures. The applicability of the method is demonstrated on standard regression and classification problems.     

On the utility of experiential cross-training for team decision making under time stress

This study investigated the effectiveness of experiential cross-training in a team context for team decision-making under time stress in a simulated naval surveillance task. It was hypothesized that teams whose members explicitly experience all team positions will perform better under time pressure due to a better shared Team Interaction Model (Cannon-Bowers et al. 1993). In addition, it was posited that experiential cross-training would reduce the negative effect of member reconfiguration that can occur in certain military situations. Three groups of teams participated in this study (cross-trained, reconfigured and control). The experiment involved three team training sessions, followed by three time-stressed exercise sessions. During training, one group of teams was cross-trained (CT) by asking each member to perform an entire session at each of the three team positions. Member reconfiguration (where each member was shifted to another's position) was unexpectedly introduced at the first of the exercise sessions for the CT group and for another group (reconfigured) that had not been cross-trained. A third (control) group was neither cross-trained nor reconfigured. During training, the performance of non-CT teams improved more quickly than that of CT teams. During the exercise, the CT group did not achieve the level of performance of the control teams. The immediate effect of team member reconfiguration was to degrade performance significantly for the non-CT teams, but not for the CT teams. The findings are discussed in terms of the multiple mental models' view of team performance (Cannon-Bowers et al. 1993) and the authors discuss the relative utility of crosstraining when overall training time is fixed.     

Unrecognized crisis management—Normalizing everyday work

The aim of this study was to examine the practices of crisis management adopted by operative staff when facing a crisis situation in their workplace. This research is based on interviews with personnel from social services and staff from homes for unaccompanied youth. The interviewees asked respondents about their actions in caring for young refugees during the refugee situation. The results are structured around three themes: everyday practices, crisis work, and the process of normalization. Three practices for handling the situation—improvisation, prioritization, and creating alternatives—served as crisis management‐as‐practice. The staff members' everyday practice for solving problems became the basic method employed during the crisis to normalize everyday work.     

Estimating physical working capacity and training changes in the elderly at the fatigue threshold (PWCft)

The test for estimating physical working capacity at the fatigue threshold (PWC_ft), previously validated for young men, was evaluated for use with elderly men and women. A sample of 27 volunteer subjects (67·6 ± 5·6 years, 11 male, 16 female) was divided into three matched groups: (1) controls (n = 10), (2) low intensity (70% PWC_ft) training group (n = 10) and (3) high intensity (85% PWC_ft) training group (n = 7). The subjects were tested for PWC_ft before and after 10 weeks of exercise training on cycle ergometers (30min/day, 3 days/week). Controls did not exercise but met once a week for a health lecture. No significant pre-test to post-test change was noted in the mean PWC_ft of the control group (78·8-78·5 W); low intensity training resulted in 29·8% improvement in PWC_ft (81·0 to 105·0 W); and the high intensity group realized an improvement of 38·4% (83·6-115·7 W). One-way ANOVA -indicated that the gains made by each of the groups were significantly different (p < 0·01). Post hoc analysis revealed that the gains made by each exercise training group were significantly greater than controls (p <0·05) with no significant difference between high and low intensity groups. Reproducibility of the PWC_ft was excellent (R = 0·976). Since RPE averaged 14·2 at PWC_ft and 64% of subjects provided useful data, this test appears to be useful for evaluating the fitness of the elderly.     

Important characteristics of software development team members: an empirical investigation using Repertory Grid

An information system is typically developed by a team of information systems (IS) professionals. Research shows that teams staffed with the right people are more likely to be effective and efficient. There is a paucity of study that examines the important traits of IS professionals in team contexts. The objective of this research is to identify and understand the important characteristics of good team members in software development projects. We applied an established psychological technique (Repertory Grid) to guide our interviews with 21 experienced IS professionals, who have had extensive experience in software development teams. The comprehensive list of important characteristics was analysed qualitatively using open coding method of grounded theory. Fifty‐nine unique characteristics were identified and classified into eight categories. Among them, attitude/motivation, knowledge, interpersonal/communication skills, and working/cognitive ability were perceived by research participants to be the most important categories. Our study provides a context‐specific (i.e. software development team) evaluation of important characteristics of IS professionals. The results have significant implications for IS recruiting, IS training, IS staffing, and IS human resource management. Our study also supplements the research on management of IS development teams.     

A study of locomotion paradigms for immersive medical simulation environments

Immersive virtual environments are increasingly used for medical training and rehearsal. Immersive environments can provide realistic context for team training, where success relies on practiced coordination between individual members. Using immersive virtual environments, medical teams can practice in situations that would otherwise be difficult or expensive to create. It has been shown that individuals perform poorly when the training environment differs significantly from practice 2005. Efforts have been made to close this gap using virtual environments. Interacting in a virtual space requires a robust locomotion paradigm. Locomotion paradigms are methods that allow an individual to move and navigate through virtual environments. Locomotion paradigms should be intuitive to the user, and not distract from the central task of medical training. In this paper, we describe and evaluate four locomotion paradigms, Look & Go, Push & Go, Point & Go, and Grab & Drag, using objective metrics to evaluate navigational efficiency. This study was performed with 98 volunteers predominantly of clinical backgrounds. With the comparison between the performances of game-playing and non-game-playing subjects, we have shown that game-playing experiences do not significantly affect the locomotion performances with the four proposed paradigms. The results of this study suggests the Grab & Drag as the best method among four locomotion paradigms in triage/trauma scenarios, where trainees need to find and help patients scattered in a large area.     

Little effect of transfer technique instruction and physical fitness training in reducing low back pain among nurses: a cluster randomised intervention study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a transfer technique education programme (TT) alone or in combination with physical fitness training (TTPT) compared with a control group, who followed their usual routine. Eleven clinical hospital wards were cluster randomised to either intervention (six wards) or to control (five wards). The intervention cluster was individually randomised to TT (55 nurses) and TTPT (50 nurses), control (76 nurses). The transfer technique programme was a 4-d course of train-the-trainers to teach transfer technique to their colleagues. The physical training consisted of supervised physical fitness training 1 h twice per week for 8 weeks. Implementing transfer technique alone or in combination with physical fitness training among a hospital nursing staff did not, when compared to a control group, show any statistical differences according to self-reported low back pain (LBP), pain level, disability and sick leave at a 12-month follow-up. However, the individual randomised intervention subgroup (transfer technique/physical training) significantly improved the LBP-disability (p = 0.001). Although weakened by a high withdrawal rate, teaching transfer technique to nurses in a hospital setting needs to be thoroughly considered. Other priorities such as physical training may be taken into consideration. The current study supports the findings of other studies that introducing transfer technique alone has no effect in targeting LBP. However, physical training seems to have an influence in minimising the LBP consequences and may be important in the discussion of how to prevent LBP or the recurrence of LBP among nursing personnel.     

Training visual attention in a naturalistic visual environment

The efficiency of training visual attention in the central and peripheral visual field was investigated by means of a visual detection task that was performed in a naturalistic visual environment including numerous, time-varying visual distractors. We investigated the minimum number of repetitions of the training required to obtain the top performance and whether intra-day training improved performance as efficiently as inter-day training. Additionally, our research aimed to find out whether exposure to a demanding task such as a microsurgical intervention may cancel out the effects of training.

Results showed that performance in visual attention peaked within three (for tasks in the central visual field) to seven (for tasks in the periphery) days subsequent to training. Intra-day training had no significant effect on performance. When attention training was administered after exposure to stress, improvement of attentional performance was more pronounced than when training was completed before the exposure. Our findings support the implementation of training in situ at work for more efficient results.

Practitioner Summary: Visual attention is important in an increasing number of workplaces, such as with surveillance, inspection, or driving. This study shows that it is possible to train visual attention efficiently within three to seven days. Because our study was executed in a naturalistic environment, training results are more likely to reflect the effects in the real workplace.     

Preparing Staff for Federated Searching: A Community of Practice Approach

ABSTRACT

This article outlines one library's staff-training program for a newly implemented federated search product and lessons learned from the process. The discussion examines federated searching from the patron's point of view and introduces a community of practice approach to training staff. The approach aims to help staff learn how to embrace federated searching as an additional research tool to complement search features already in place.     

A Walk-Up-and-Use Information System for the Sydney Olympics: A Case Study in User-Centered Design

The info information retrieval system was designed and developed for the XXVII Olympic Summer Games held in Sydney, Australia in September 2000. info provided journalists and broadcasters with information for planning their days at the games and producing their coverage of Olympic events. The user-centered design (UCD) team from the IBM Storage Systems Group was invited to work with the info system for the 2000 games and was able to do extensive UCD work, including working with journalists, broadcasters, and sports researchers from North America, Europe, and Asia. Throughout the development cycle the UCD team worked closely with the info programming team located in Madrid, Spain and with other teams in Sydney, Australia. Later, the UCD team joined a large cast of volunteers and professionals in providing support for info at the Sydney games. This opportunity allowed the UCD team to make observations and collect data on the usability of the system, and these indicate that info was indeed easy to use and that customers were very satisfied with the system. info's success was due to an extensive multidisciplinary team that included visual designers, human factors and human-computer interaction specialists, user research specialists, developers, marketers, IBM executives, and an active customer sponsor. The project demonstrates that application of UCD methods can improve product usability even when challenged with extremely dispersed teams and immovable deadlines.     

Marx’s concept of distributive justice: an exercise in the formal modeling of political principles

This paper presents an exercise in the formalization of political principles, by taking as its theme the concept of distributive justice that Karl Marx advanced in his Critique of the Gotha Programme. We first summarize the content of the Critique of the Gotha Programme. Next, we transcribe the core of Marx’s presentation of the concept of distributive justice. Following, we present our formalization of Marx’s conception. Then, we make use of that formal analysis to confront Marx’s principle of distributive justice with John Rawls’ conception of justice as fairness, and the principles of distributive justice that derive from it. Finally, we discuss methodological issues relative to, and implications of, the way of formalizing political principles introduced here.