Abstract and reduced-context representations in fault-finding training

The ability to transfer problem-solving expertise to new situations is regarded as an important practical skill but it is known to be sensitive to contextual differences. Employing abstract and reduced-context training tasks has been proposed as a method of fostering transferable skill but the evidence supporting this approach is limited. The research reported here aimed at assessing the effectiveness of training with diagnostic tasks of varying degrees of contextual detail. The criterion test used to measure training effectiveness was a context-rich diagnostic task that involved locating faults in a representation of a water supply and drainage system (WSDS). In the first study reported (baseline study), subjects were trained and tested on the WSDS task. Various training interventions were employed and a set of diagnostic heuristics proved to be the most effective. Two pilot studies were then carried out to determine whether training with abstract diagnostic tasks could produce transfer to the criterion test, the WSDS. Little evidence of transfer was found; therefore, it was decided to incorporate some context into training but not so much as to obscure important, conceptual task features. This was achieved by constructing reduced-context representations (RCO) of the WSDS at more than one level of abstraction (main study). Training with those representations took less time than training with the WSDS but transfer to the criterion test (the WSDS) was equally efficient. During training with the RCO representations, a technique of refusing costly test information was employed which is thought to have helped subjects discover efficient search strategies and consistently transfer them to the criterion test. This was contrasted with the verbal diagnostic heuristics of the baseline study, which had proved to be effective, but which were not always transferred consistently to the criterion test. This raises the question as to whether diagnostic strategies are necessarily best conveyed solely in verbal form, if the intention is to train transferable skill.     

Training in virtual environments: transfer to real world tasks and equivalence to real task training

Virtual environments (VEs) are extensively used in training but there have been few rigorous scientific investigations of whether and how skills learned in a VE are transferred to the real world. This research aimed to measure and evaluate what is transferring from training a simple sensorimotor task in a VE to real world performance. In experiment 1, real world performances after virtual training, real training and no training were compared. Virtual and real training resulted in equivalent levels of post-training performance, both of which significantly exceeded task performance without training. Experiments 2 and 3 investigated whether virtual and real trained real world performances differed in their susceptibility to cognitive and motor interfering tasks (experiment 2) and in terms of spare attentional capacity to respond to stimuli and instructions which were not directly related to the task (experiment 3). The only significant difference found was that real task performance after training in a VE was less affected by concurrently performed interference tasks than was real task performance after training on the real task. This finding is discussed in terms of the cognitive load characteristics of virtual training. Virtual training therefore resulted in equivalent or even better real world performance than real training in this simple sensorimotor task, but this finding may not apply to other training tasks. Future research should be directed towards establishing a comprehensive knowledge of what is being transferred to real world performance in other tasks currently being trained in VEs and investigating the equivalence of virtual and real trained performances in these situations.     

剖析Java语言的抽象类与接口

抽象类和接口是Java语言中两个重要的对象引用类型，是Java程序设计使用多态性的基础。本文从两种不同的观点将其进行比较，并通过例子说明了抽象类和接口的使用场合。     

The effects of training wheels and self‐learning materials in software training

Abstract The role of software training is becoming increasingly important due to the growing variety and complexity of modern software products. This paper focuses on the effectiveness and feasibility of two different kinds of individual learners' support in software training in classroom settings. This research question was investigated by analysing 11 text‐processing courses which were conducted on the basis of a quasi‐experimental research design. Firstly, the user interface was varied, i.e. half of the courses used the regular standard user interface of the software, whereas the other half used a training wheels interface in which all irrelevant functions were blocked. Secondly, in half of the courses all instruction was given by a human tutor whereas the participants in the other half received written self‐learning material. A total of 72 university students majoring in different fields participated. Dependent measures were learning time, learning outcome, and learner satisfaction.     

Self-regulation training in sport and work

Abstract

This paper describes the current state of the art of self-control or self-regulation training procedures as they are used in sport. At least four important areas of self-control skill and training methods can be identified in the experimental literature as having a beneficial effect upon motor performance. These are goal setting activation control, imagery and attention control. The literature relating to these skills, their pedagogy, and their effects on motor performance is reviewed and conclusions are drawn regarding the implications for sport and work of such skill training In particular, the self-instructional package approach (known as mental training programmes or MTPs) is evaluated as it is the most commonly available form of self-control training.     

Effects of training on short- and long-term skill retention in a complex multiple-task environment

The paper reports the results of an experiment on the performance and retention of a complex task. This was a computer-based simulation of the essential elements of a spacecraft's life support system. It allowed the authors to take a range of measures, including primary and secondary task performance, system intervention and information sampling strategies, mental model structure, and subjective operator state. The study compared the effectiveness of two methods of training, based on low level (procedure-based) and high level (system-based) understanding. Twenty-five participants were trained extensively on the task, then given a 1-h testing session. A second testing session was carried out 8 months after the first (with no intervening practice) with 17 of the original participants. While training had little effect on control performance, there were considerable effects on system management strategies, as well as in structure of operator's mental model. In the second testing session, the anticipated general performance decrement did not occur, though for complex faults there was an increase in selectivity towards the primary control task. The relevance of the findings for training and skill retention in real work environments is discussed in the context of a model of compensatory control.     

Situational awareness ability and cognitive skills training in a complex real-world task

Successful performance in complex dynamic environments depends on domain-dependent factors, such as situational awareness (SA). Underlying SA in a domain are domain-independent cognitive abilities in perception, memory, attention and executive control. Individuals with lower underlying ability perform relatively poorly in complex dynamic real-world tasks. The first experiment examined whether cognitive skills training could overcome limitations in underlying SA ability that impact on complex dynamic task performance. Participants were taught a mix of cognitive management strategies (e.g. divided and focused attention and visual search) in a simulated air traffic control task. A second experiment investigated the link between underlying SA ability, TRACON and SAGAT, a widely used measure of domain-specific SA. In a third experiment, the focus was on encouraging participants to plan ahead and consider the interrelations of elements (aircraft) in the environment. Whilst both training methods ameliorated the negative impact that lower SA ability had on complex dynamic task performance, the results of the third study indicated that this may have been achieved through improved planning behaviour. Finally, participants with higher underlying SA ability performed well irrespective of training condition.     

Who benefits from simulator training: Personality and heart rate variability in relation to situation awareness during navigation training

Objective

This study tested the relationship between individual differences and Situation Awareness (SA) during training in a navigation simulator.

Background

Simulators have become an important tool in the training and education of maritime personnel with a view to improving decisions and performance. There are a few, inconclusive empirical studies that have focused on mapping personality characteristics and their link to the ability to generate and maintain SA during simulator training.

Method

Thirty-six first-year students from the Royal Norwegian Navy Officer Candidate School participated in the study. SA was measured using both subjective and observer ratings.

Results

The results indicated that low scores on Neuroticism and high scores on Extraversion and Conscientiousness (resilient personality type) predicted both subjective and observer-rated SA. Furthermore, participants with high SA were able to modulate their Heart Rate Variability (HRV), with suppression of HRV during navigation training as well showing recovery of HRV.

Application

The potential applications of this research include the assessment of personality differences as a tool in selecting navigators, and the use of HRV as an objective index of adaptability to environmental demands.     

机电设备远程监测和故障诊断系统的数据管理

为了解决传统机电设备状态监测系统在数据管理方面缺乏统一规范的问题,探讨建立基于MIMOSA国际协议的存储标准来规范监测诊断系统的信息格式、设计数据库系统,以适应机电设备远程监测和故障诊断系统数据管理的迫切需要。文章介绍利用LabVIEW和SQLsever2000实现远程监测和故障诊断系统数据库的管理,对LabVIEW中的几种数据库访问方法作了比较,详细说明了利用DatabaseConnectivity工具包访问数据库的方法,并给出实现的具体细节。     

Manual materials handling: a survey of risks,and the selection and training of workers in Singapore

A survey of 83 plants employing safety officers indicated that in 66% of them, workers were involved in manual lifting. The average number of manual lifting tasks was three per plant. Only about 6% of the total workforce were involved in manual lifting. Using the NIOSH Lifting Guidelines, the survey revealed that 30% of the lifting tasks were above the Maximum Permissible Limit, 50% were between the Maximum Permissible Limit and the Action Level, and only 20% were below the Action Level. A majority of the plants used a self-selection method to match a worker to the physical demands of a given manual lifting task. Training of workers in manual materials handling was provided by 76% of the plants. The principal methods of training included a poster campaign and demonstration of lifting techniques. The basic handling skills were taught in 90% of the plants. The content of training was incomplete, however, and further improvement was necessary.     

Scaled conjugate gradient and Bayesian training of neural networks for fault identification in cylinders

This paper compares Bayesian training of neural networks using hybrid Monte Carlo to scaled conjugate gradient method for fault identification in cylinders using vibration data. From the measured data pseudo-modal energies and modal properties are calculated and the coordinate pseudo-modal energy assurance criterion (COMEAC) and the coordinate modal assurance criterion (COMAC) are computed respectively. The pseudo-modal energies, modal properties, COMEAC and COMAC are used to train four neural networks. On average, the pseudo-modal-energy-networks are more accurate than the modal-property-networks. The weighted averages of the pseudo-modal-energy- and modal-property-networks form a committee of networks. The committee method gives lower mean squared errors and better classification of faults than the individual methods. The Bayesian training is found to be more accurate and computationally expensive than the scaled conjugate gradient method and to give confidence levels.     

基于BCS的故障容错及自愈控制技术在CFB锅炉上的应用

本文介绍基于BCS系统,利用故障检测与诊断、容错控制和故障自愈控制解决石狮热电公司中温返料CFB锅炉运行中发生的床温测量元件失效、断煤、返料器运行不平衡等常见故障的情况。半年多来的运行效果表明,在CFB锅炉投入BCS自动优化运行状态下,发生这些故障后可以不依赖人且能自行恢复到正常状态或使锅炉带病运行到计划检修阶段而避免了临时停车,在很大程度上保证了CFB锅炉的安全运行。     

A data mining technique for discovering distinct patterns of hand signs: implications in user training and computer interface design

Hand signs are considered as one of the important ways to enter information into computers for certain tasks. Computers receive sensor data of hand signs for recognition. When using hand signs as computer inputs, we need to (1) train computer users in the sign language so that their hand signs can be easily recognized by computers, and (2) design the computer interface to avoid the use of confusing signs for improving user input performance and user satisfaction. For user training and computer interface design, it is important to have a knowledge of which signs can be easily recognized by computers and which signs are not distinguishable by computers. This paper presents a data mining technique to discover distinct patterns of hand signs from sensor data. Based on these patterns, we derive a group of indistinguishable signs by computers. Such information can in turn assist in user training and computer interface design.     

Trainee reactions and task performance: a study of open training in object-oriented systems development

In this study, we examine two trainee reactions: ease of learning and ease of use and their relationships with task performance in the context of object-oriented systems development. We conducted an experiment involving over 300 subjects. From that pool 72 trainees that met all of the criteria were selected for analysis in a carefully controlled study. We found that ease of learning was strongly correlated to task performance whereas ease of use was not. The finding was unexpected; ease of learning and ease of use are two overlapping concepts while their effects on task performance are very different. We offer a theoretical explanation to the paradoxical finding and its implications to the improvement of training evaluation.     

Fault Identification in System-Level Diagnosis: a Logic-Based Framework and an <Emphasis Type="Italic">O</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis><Superscript>2</Superscript>\sqrt{τ}/{\log <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>}) Algorithm

Much research has been devoted to system-level diagnosis—SLD. Two issues have been addressed. The first of these is diagnosability, i.e., provide necessary and sufficient conditions for a system of n units to be diagnosable provided that the number of faulty units does not exceed τ . The second is the design of fault identification algorithms, assuming that the system being considered is diagnosable. This paper focuses on the second of these concerns, discussing several algorithms of which the most efficient runs in O(n ^2.5 ) . By considering a logical framework, this paper investigates the process of fault identification and proposes a fault identification algorithm which runs in O( n ² \sqrt τ / \sqrt log n ) , τ < n/2 . Received January 10, 2000; revised August 3, 2000.     

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.