Michael Taber | Brock University (original) (raw)

Papers by Michael Taber

Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 2020

Abstract This article makes situated learning theories central to an analysis of offshore helicop... more Abstract This article makes situated learning theories central to an analysis of offshore helicopter in-flight emergency response, where rule following is mandatory for safety reasons. We examine the ways in which individual learning is connected to situated learning, particularly as relates to multiple forms of knowledge and directive documentation such as standard operating procedures and emergency checklists. The analysis connects to sociotechnical skills, contextual factors, and organizational culture; details five generations of crew resource management (CRM) training, positioning this research within the fifth generation and in relation to situation awareness (SA). It describes and provides guidance on how training, which is focused on error recognition, management, and mitigation, as well as communication, understanding, and innovation, can improve CRM performance. Finally, we make recommendations for future research based on our analysis for combining CRM and SA in ways that enable the sharing of tacit knowledge to increase pilots’ understanding of their work through legitimate peripheral participation.

Frontiers in Psychology, 2021

Increases in body temperature from heat stress (i.e., hyperthermia) generally impairs cognitive f... more Increases in body temperature from heat stress (i.e., hyperthermia) generally impairs cognitive function across a range of domains and complexities, but the relative contribution from skin versus core temperature changes remains unclear. Hyperthermia also elicits a hyperventilatory response that decreases the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2) and subsequently cerebral blood flow that may influence cognitive function. We studied the role of skin and core temperature along with PetCO2 on cognitive function across a range of domains. Eleven males completed a randomized, single-blinded protocol consisting of poikilocapnia (POIKI, no PetCO2 control) or isocapnia (ISO, PetCO2 maintained at baseline levels) during passive heating using a water-perfused suit (water temperature ~ 49°C) while middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) was measured continuously as an index of cerebral blood flow. Cognitive testing was completed at baseline, neutral core-hot skin (37.0 ± 0.2°C-3...

The International Journal of Aerospace Psychology, 2020

Objectives: This study was designed to explore pilots’ emergency response performance by collecti... more Objectives: This study was designed to explore pilots’ emergency response performance by collecting real-time physiological and cognitive workload data during pre-defined offshore helicopter scenarios in a flight simulator. Background: Qualification processes require helicopter pilots to complete scheduled simulation training to ensure competency in areas that would otherwise be too dangerous to practice while flying the actual helicopter. Unfortunately, little is known about how effective this simulation training is in regard to cognitive and physiological responses. Methods: Ten qualified pilots completed six flight simulations while real-time eye tracking and physiological data were collected. The pilots were assigned to one of two groups based on their regular flying position (First Officer (FO) or Captain). Results: The findings indicated that there is a significant difference in maximal Index of Cognitive Activity (ICAmax) and maximal heart rate (HRmax) values between the two ...

Protective Clothing, 2014

Abstract: A human systems integration approach is applied to the use of protective clothing (imme... more Abstract: A human systems integration approach is applied to the use of protective clothing (immersion suits) as a means of managing thermal stress. The potential risks associated with cold water (e.g., cold shock, swimming failure, hypothermia, potential for aspiration of water) are discussed in relation to the decision-making process for entering the water in an immersion (marine abandonment suit) suit as a last resort during an emergency. Although the basic design concept of immersion suit seems simple (insulated suit quickly donned in an emergency), the performance priority trade-offs, material and component restrictions, and necessary requirements to achieve product approval are explored.

This study examines helicopter ditchings using the variable "Time of Crash" as a primar... more This study examines helicopter ditchings using the variable "Time of Crash" as a primary factor affecting survival rates and survivability. One hypothesis held by the authors argues that a combination of several factors including: Time of Crash (divided into 6 hour blocks), (2) Position of the Helicopter (float/sank), (3) Inversion (immediate/delayed), and (4) Cause of Ditching (pilot error/mechanical/weather) may lead to more crashes and a reduced survival rate. The dataset for this study includes 151 helicopter ditching cases that occurred between 1993 and 2005. Survival rates (overall% survived for each case) and survivability ( [less-than or equal to] / greater than 50%) was used to assess the effect of the four variables. Analyses reveal a significant relationship exists between survivability and time of crash (p = .009), float (p less than or equal .001), inversion (p less than or equal .001), and cause (p = .02). Thirteen of the 21 cases (62%) occurring after 6 pm r...

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Medicine and science in sports and exercise, Jan 30, 2016

We tested the effectiveness of a two-week motivational self-talk (MST) intervention - specific to... more We tested the effectiveness of a two-week motivational self-talk (MST) intervention - specific to heat tolerance - on endurance capacity and cognitive function in the heat. Eighteen trained male (n=14) and female (n=4) cyclists randomly received two weeks of MST training (n=9) or a control regimen (CON, n=9). The experimental protocol was a PRE/POST design consisting of 30 min of cycling at 60% peak power output (PPO) in the heat (35°C, 50% relative humidity, ~3.0 m·s airflow), a 30 min rest period, followed by a time to exhaustion (TTE) test at 80% PPO, and an identical rest period. Executive function, reaction time, and working memory were tested at baseline and each rest period. Key measures included TTE, speed and accuracy on the cognitive tests, rectal temperature, heart rate, oxygen consumption, and rating of perceived exertion. Group (MST vs. CON) × test (PRE vs. POST) × time repeated measures ANOVA revealed that MST significantly increased TTE from PRE (487±173 s) to POST (6...

BioMed Research International, 2016

Survivor of a ship ground in polar regions may have to wait more than five days before being resc... more Survivor of a ship ground in polar regions may have to wait more than five days before being rescued. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore cognitive performance during prolonged cold exposure. Core temperature (Tc) and cognitive test battery (CTB) performance data were collected from eight participants during 24 hours of cold exposure (7.5°C ambient air temperature). Participants (recruited from those who have regular occupational exposure to cold) were instructed that they could freely engage in minimal exercise that was perceived to maintaining a tolerable level of thermal comfort. Despite the active engagement, test conditions were sufficient to significantly decreaseTcafter exposure and to eliminate the typical 0.5–1.0°C circadian rise and drop in core temperature throughout a 24 h cycle. Results showed minimal changes in CTB performance regardless of exposure time. Based on the results, it is recommended that survivors who are waiting for rescue should be encoura...

International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2015

Journal of Applied Physiology, 2015

Because the majority of cold exposure studies are constrained to short-term durations of several ... more Because the majority of cold exposure studies are constrained to short-term durations of several hours, the long-term metabolic demands of cold exposure, such as during survival situations, remain largely unknown. The present study provides the first estimates of thermogenic rate, oxidative fuel selection, and muscle recruitment during a 24-h cold-survival simulation. Using combined indirect calorimetry and electrophysiological and isotopic methods, changes in muscle glycogen, total carbohydrate, lipid, protein oxidation, muscle recruitment, and whole body thermogenic rate were determined in underfed and noncold-acclimatized men during a simulated accidental exposure to 7.5°C for 12 to 24 h. In noncold-acclimatized healthy men, cold exposure induced a decrease of ∼0.8°C in core temperature and a decrease of ∼6.1°C in mean skin temperature (range, 5.4-6.9°C). Results showed that total heat production increased by approximately 1.3- to 1.5-fold in the cold and remained constant throug...

Occupational Ergonomics, 2012

Handbook of Offshore Helicopter Transport Safety, 2016