Augmenting the algorithm: Emerging human-in-the-loop work configurations

How do configurations of humans and algorithms evolve as firms adopt artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, and what are the implications for work and organization? We explored these questions through a two-year long case study of an organization in the international maritime trade that introduced automated algorithmic support for data analysis and prediction work. Drawing on a human–machine configuration perspective, we found that humans and the algorithm were configured and reconfigured in multiple ways over time as the organization dealt with the introduction of algorithmic analysis. In contrast to replacing human work, the emergent configurations required new roles and redistribution of extant expertise to augment and improve the accuracy of the algorithm. Our analysis suggests that the new configuration resembled a human-in-the-loop pattern, comprised of both the augmentation work of auditing (i.e. the generation of a ground truth and assessment of the algorithmic output against this) as well as the work of altering the algorithm and the data acquisition architecture. Our research points to the strategic importance of a human-in-the-loop pattern for organizational reflexivity to ensure that the performance of the algorithm meets the organization’s requirements and changes in the environment.     

A classification and analysis of erroneous actions in computer supported co-operative work environment

In the past, C systems have been studied with little consideration of the social context in which they will be used (see Ref. [1]). A framework of social context has been proposed [1] that takes the social aspects of a collaborating community to be a vital consideration in the design of C systems. This paper aims to extend Mantovani's framework to deal with the issues of human error. The social context plays a large part in the cause, detection, level of consequence and recovery of erroneous actions in C . This paper considers how current classification of human errors might be adapted for application in C . A framework has been proposed which can be used in the analysis of the social context of C .     

Effects of backrest design on biomechanics and comfort during seated work

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of backrest configuration on seatpan and backrest pressure, spinal posture, and comfort. Thirty volunteers (15 male, 15 female) typed a standardized text passage while seated at a computer workstation in five backrest configurations: chair only, chair with a supplementary backrest, and with each of three lumbar pad thicknesses. Pressure, lumbar and cervical angles were collected during 15-min trials. Subjective data were collected during each trial and at the end of the entire protocol. The addition of a supplementary backrest to a standard chair reduced peak and average pressure on the back by 35% and 20%, respectively (P<0.02). Lumbar lordosis was observed only when lumbar pads were used, being greatest with the large pad. Participants preferred backrest configurations that had lower pressure on the back and less lordotic lumbar posture (backrest only or 3 cm lumbar pad), regardless of anthropometrics. Comfort was rated highest in conditions that would not necessarily be considered biomechanically ideal. Further delineation between specific comfort and objective seating variables is required to effectively reduce and prevent low back pain.     

PH的一种复杂性类分解

本文基于ΔPK-复杂性类给出多项式时间谱系PH的一个分解,并讨论了相关的一些性质。利用该分解给出PH是否只有有限个层次这一重要计算复杂性理论问题的两个充分条件,并证明了NP中稀疏集构成的语言类在LP2∧中。     

I／A智能自动化系统总体构想

I/A DCS智能自动化系统是Foxboro公司80年代后期推出的DCS新产品。本文介绍了其体系结构、主要技术指标、硬件系统设计、软件系统设计、通信网络、集成控制概念及系统开放思想。从而,为建立我国自己的DCS产品提供参考。     

A reliability and usability study of TRACEr-RAV: the technique for the retrospective analysis of cognitive errors--for rail, Australian version

The aim of this study was to compare the usability and reliability of two human error identification tools: TRACEr-Rail (developed by the Rail Safety and Standards Board in the UK) and TRACEr-RAV (an Australian specific version of the tool). Following an attempt to modify TRACEr-Rail to more appropriately suit the Australian rail context, it was predicted that TRACEr-RAV would be rated as more usable and be applied more consistently by Australian users than TRACEr-Rail. In Experiment 1, twenty-five rail employees used either TRACEr-Rail or TRACEr-RAV1 to extract and classify errors from six Australian rail incident reports. In Experiment 2, eleven university students used both TRACEr-Rail and TRACEr-RAV2 to extract and classify errors from three incident summaries. The results revealed that although modification of TRACEr-Rail to become TRACEr-RAV1 and TRACEr-RAV2 did not result in improved inter-rater reliability, modification resulted in improved ratings of usability in Experiment 2. Most participants in Experiment 2 preferred TRACEr-RAV2 to TRACEr-Rail. The poor inter-rater reliability observed was most likely the result of inadequate training, limited practice in using the tools, and insufficient human factors knowledge.     

A structure-function-control paradigm for knowledge-based modeling and design of manufacturing workcells

This paper discusses the integration of structural, functional and control knowledge in manufacturing workcell modeling, simulation and design. After an overview of applications of semantic and object-oriented data models in the manufacturing domain, issues relating to the control synthesis for manufacturing workcells are presented. In particular, a data model encompassing functional and control features, along with application domain structural knowledge, is developed. This model assists in explicitly representing the control aspects of engineering design within an object-oriented database and supports a task-level, functionality-driven, manufacturing workcell design. Since manufacturing workcells consist of a number of elements interacting in a complex manner, workcell control design is one of the most difficult steps in the workcell design procedure. Message passage, commonly used in object-oriented databases, provides no explicit modeling of the database behavior. Hence, it can not serve as a tool for the design of system control. On the other hand, Petrinets (PN) have proven successful in describing complex interaction among active agents. This paper will explore the incorporation of Petri nets as a basis for describing application control knowledge within a structure-function-control data model.     

The implications of cross-regional differences for the design of In-vehicle Information Systems: a comparison of Australian and Chinese drivers

The increasing global distribution of automobiles necessitates that the design of In-vehicle Information Systems (IVIS) is appropriate for the regions to which they are being exported. Differences between regions such as culture, environment and traffic context can influence the needs, usability and acceptance of IVIS. This paper describes two studies aimed at identifying regional differences in IVIS design needs and preferences across drivers from Australia and China to determine the impact of any differences on IVIS design. Using a questionnaire and interaction clinics, the influence of cultural values and driving patterns on drivers' preferences for, and comprehension of, surface- and interaction-level aspects of IVIS interfaces was explored. Similarities and differences were found between the two regional groups in terms of preferences for IVIS input control types and labels and in the comprehension of IVIS functions. Specifically, Chinese drivers preferred symbols and Chinese characters over English words and were less successful (compared to Australians) at comprehending English abbreviations, particularly for complex IVIS functions. Implications in terms of the current trend to introduce Western-styled interfaces into other regions with little or no adaptation are discussed.     

Data mining in design of products and production systems

Data mining is acquiring its own identity by refining concepts from other disciplines, developing generic algorithms, and entering new application areas. Engineering design and manufacturing have been affected by the data mining pursuit. This paper outlines areas of product and manufacturing system design that are particularly suitable for data-mining applications. One of the emerging areas is innovation. The key challenges of data mining in the domains discussed in the paper are outlined.     

On the concept of decentralization/centralization and its consequences for the design of production management systems

Decentralization and centralization are fundamental principles of organizational structuring. Work distribution and coordination can only be balanced by simultaneous centralization and decentralization. A distinct relation exists between decentralization and integration, the latter being the result of differentiation of integrational fields as part of a data processing subsystem.     

Reverse production system infrastructure design for electronic products in the state of Texas

Rapid technology advances have shortened the lifecycle of electronic products, resulting in the increasing number of discarded products in recent years. Due to the growing environmental concerns, several state governments have passed new regulations in order to reduce the amount of waste stream, to divert the discarded products from landfills, and to dispose the retired electronic products properly. As a result, an effective reverse logistics infrastructure is required to support the product recovery activities. In this paper, we propose a solution methodology for designing the infrastructure of the reverse production system by utilizing the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. A case study for designing the reverse production system in the state of Texas is also presented. Statistical analyses are carefully utilized to estimate design parameters in the case study from the available historical information from previous studies. Finally, discussions, recommendations, and insight information in designing and operating the reverse production system are presented.     

A decision support tool based on QFD and FMEA for the selection of manufacturing automation technologies

With the advent of the new challenge to design a more lean and responsive computer-integrated manufacturing system, firms have been striving to achieve a coherent interaction between technology, organisation, and people to meet this challenge. This paper describes an integrated approach developed for supporting management in addressing technology, organisation, and people at the earliest stages of manufacturing automation decision-making. The approach uses both the quality function deployment (QFD) technique and the failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) technique. The principal concepts of both applications are merged together to form a decision tool; QFD in its ability to identify the most suitable manufacturing automation alternative and FMEA in its ability to identify the associated risk with that option to be addressed in the manufacturing system design and implementation phases. In addition, this paper presents the results of a practical evaluation conducted in industry.     

逼近于BPP和PP的概率复杂性语言类的多项式有界线路复杂性研究

本文通过图灵机多项式"?"输出有界和多项式错误输出有界概念的引入,研究了逼近于BPP和PP的一些概率复杂性语言类的多项式有界线路复杂性。     

Development and application of a human error identification tool for air traffic control

This paper outlines a human error identification (HEI) technique called TRACEr--technique for the retrospective and predictive analysis of cognitive errors in air traffic control (ATC). The paper firstly considers the need for an HEI tool in ATC, and key requirements for the technique are noted. The technique, which comprises a number of inter-related taxonomies, based around a simple cognitive framework, is then described. A study concerning a real-world application of TRACEr is outlined-the evaluation of several options for reduced separation minima in unregulated UK airspace. In this study, TRACEr was used predictively and retrospectively, looking forward to pre-empt potential problems and looking back to learn from experience. The paper concludes that TRACEr is a valuable aid to design, development and operations in UK ATC, and has indeed been used as a basis for further applications in ATC both in Europe and the USA.     

浅析X荧光成份分析仪在水泥生产过程中的应用

阐述了X荧光成份分析仪在水泥生产过程运行的现状及其测量原理,结合现代新型干法大规模生产线对产品质量的控制要求,对X荧光成份分析仪在水泥生产过程应用的必要性进行了说明。     

A conceptual approach for managing production in consideration of shifting electrical loads

The key concept of the smart grid is demand response for power consumption comprising actions taken by customers to reduce or shift electrical loads temporarily in response to requests from electric service providers. A demand response program offers time-based rates that allow customers to choose whether to adjust their consumption. In the manufacturing sector, production managers are likely to participate in a demand response program if they can schedule their production operations in response to electricity prices at peak times. The drum–buffer–rope (DBR) scheduling system in the theory of constraints (TOC) is a useful production operation method because it helps managers focus on effectively managing capacity based on the critical constraint that limits performance of the system. This paper presents a conceptual approach to managing production in consideration of shifting electrical loads in an effort to deal with the most expensive hours of the day. A DBR-based operation model is developed to determine the running time of production processes depending on power saving vs. throughput loss. Conceptual cases are prepared to demonstrate how a production manager can shift electrical loads in response to electricity prices.     

A taxonomy of human communication errors and application to railway track maintenance

This paper proposes a communication error taxonomy that takes into account both the aspects of communication which are unique to human performance and those which can fit into broader human error classifications. Relevant taxonomy elements are applied to communication errors related to railway track maintenance. The analysis was based on communication data captured from voice recordings of conversations between signallers and trackside personnel. The recordings were transcribed and then classified in relation to communication topic and error types. These data provide a better understanding of the communication process and also provide human error probability data for use in human reliability assessment.     

制糖企业原料收购自动化信息系统的设计与应用

介绍了一种基于C／S(服务器，客户机)结构面向制糖企业原料收购自动化信息系统的建立方案。结合此方案在某以甜菜为原料的制糖企业成功应用案例．分析讨论了确保系统实时性、安全性、准确性和可靠性在软硬件设计时应考虑和解决的几个关键性问题。其结论对建立同类型企业自动化信息系统具有一定的参考价值。