Robert Biersner - Profile on Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Robert Biersner
Postgraduate Medicine, Aug 1, 1982
Survey of Anesthesiology, Apr 1, 1976
Correlations of physical fitness, perceived health status, and dispensary visits with performance in stressful training
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 1971
Mood Scales as Predictors of Discharge and Sick Call Visits During Basic Military Training
Military Medicine, Dec 1, 1976
Physical and Psychological Examination for Diving
The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and ... more The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and pathological stresses that are imposed on an individual who enters the underwater hyperbaric environment. When a man places himself underwater he is at a great disadvantage with regard to his ability to propel himself through the dense medium and to protect himself against excessive heat loss, both activities requiring high energy expenditure. He must breathe gases of increased density in or through appliances to maintain adequate gas exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gases, utilizing a cardiorespiratory system that has been altered as a result of exposure to the direct effects of pressure. He must be able to adequately accommodate changes in gas volume and pressure in his anatomical and pseudoanatomical spaces to prevent morbid changes. Lastly, he must function within narrowly defined limits imposed by the indirect effects of pressure, i.e., the effects of the partial pressure of gases, which cause toxic, narcotic, stimulatory, and gas solubility alterations to bodily functions.
The Portable Recompression System CPUS), a single-place treatment chamber uncieX-consideration as... more The Portable Recompression System CPUS), a single-place treatment chamber uncieX-consideration as a-primary recompression-«nit for diving casualties, was evaluated in terms of its life-support adequacy, safety, and'habitability. Thirty U-S. Navy divers were exposed to one of three theoretical treatment scenarios, all involving use of modified or unmodified Treatment Table -A Schedules, singly or with.one replication after a brief surface interval. The data obtained indicated that the PRS unit functioned well, providing adequate life support and reasonable patient comfort. The various treatment scenarios appeared to be both safe and tolerable. Experimental subjects uniformly expressed confidence in use of the PRS in emergency situations. Several problem areas were noted, which included a) need for clearly-defined medical management procedures for use by diving personnel in the absence of on-site medical expertise; b) inadequacies in the PRS communication system in diver-to-topside mode; c) consistent decreases in PRS oxygen percentages during treatments; and d) temperature/humidity stress on subjects that could adversely affect patient safety in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Ill
Developing an occupational stress standard: Rule-making pitfalls
Psychiatric Incidence Among Military Divers
Military Medicine, Aug 1, 1974
Human Performance at Great Depths
Underwater Physiology, 1971
Publisher Summary This chapter describes human performance at great depths. The results of deep H... more Publisher Summary This chapter describes human performance at great depths. The results of deep He dives reveal a progressive deterioration in performance when pressure depth approaches 1300 FSW. It is generally agreed that motor coordination shows the greatest decline under high pressures, whereas cognitive and intellectual functions undergo only small transitory changes. Psychological stress may be generated by many factors during a hazardous experimental dive, one of which is increased concern about the environment. Several studies have revealed that certain perceptual tasks are particularly sensitive to psychological stress. The performance of these tasks, which usually require the subject to locate a simple figure within a complex design, has been found to correlate highly with environmental dependence. Two performance measures—manual tracking and a memory test were used to study motor performance and narcosis. The greatest deterioration in motor coordination is known as the result of tremors, whereas impairment of memory is one of the best measures of narcosis.
[abstract] COMPARISON OF LONG-BONE LESIONS AMONG U.S. NAVY DIVERS AND MATCHED CONTROLS
Psychiatric Incidence Among Military Divers
Military Medicine, 1974
Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1977
Pre-game performance expectations, emotions, and post-game performance ratings were measured amon... more Pre-game performance expectations, emotions, and post-game performance ratings were measured among members of an amateur Softball team. The results showed that pre-game performance expectations and reported happiness were at high levels and did not differ between won or lost games or between skilled and lesser skilled players. Reported depression was found to rise significantly among skilled players prior to lost games. Post-game performance ratings were significantly lower than pre-game performance expectations among both skilled and lesser skilled players. Post-game performance ratings of both the players and coach were significantly higher for games won than games lost, but the ratings of the coach after all games were significantly higher than those of the players. Post-game performance ratings by the coach of skilled and lesser skilled players did not differ significantly. These results indicate that cognitive (expectation) and emotional factors, as well as self-reported perfor...
Determinates of Reading Performance and Achievement
Conversion Tables for Beckman CO2 Analyzers (Models Ir 215 and Ir 315A)
Abstract : The report makes available to fleet diving facilities and other interested activities ... more Abstract : The report makes available to fleet diving facilities and other interested activities a set of tables for easy determination of carbon dioxide percents and partial pressures (in mmHg). These calculations are based on extrapolated functions of several different Beckman CO2 analyzers, as well as known depths (in feet of sea water). (Author)
Measurement of Reading Proficiency among Navy Recruits
Abstract : Several verbal and nonverbal tests and measures, including the General Classification ... more Abstract : Several verbal and nonverbal tests and measures, including the General Classification Test (GCT), Mechanical Test (MECH), Arithmetic Test (ARI) , Clerical Test (CLER), Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM), age, education level, race, speaking English as a native or second language, modification of hand use, and measures of handedness and eyedness were used to differentiate between a group of recruits enrolled in a Navy remedial reading program (RR group) and a non-remedial comparison recruit group (C group). These tests and measures were also associated with reading achievement attained by the remedial recruits as measured by pre- and post-test performance on the comprehension subtest of the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test.
Physical and Psychological Examination for Diving
The Physician’s Guide to Diving Medicine, 1984
The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and ... more The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and pathological stresses that are imposed on an individual who enters the underwater hyperbaric environment. When a man places himself underwater he is at a great disadvantage with regard to his ability to propel himself through the dense medium and to protect himself against excessive heat loss, both activities requiring high energy expenditure. He must breathe gases of increased density in or through appliances to maintain adequate gas exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gases, utilizing a cardiorespiratory system that has been altered as a result of exposure to the direct effects of pressure. He must be able to adequately accommodate changes in gas volume and pressure in his anatomical and pseudoanatomical spaces to prevent morbid changes. Lastly, he must function within narrowly defined limits imposed by the indirect effects of pressure, i.e., the effects of the partial pressure of gases, which cause toxic, narcotic, stimulatory, and gas solubility alterations to bodily functions.
Psychological characteristics of deep submergence vehicle personnel
Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 1975
The personality and developmental characteristics of U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) per... more The personality and developmental characteristics of U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) personnel, including operators and crews, were documented and compared to the characteristics of U.S. Navy divers. The results show that DSV operators (DSV Oprs) had a significantly less asocial developmental pattern than divers, while developmental experiences of DSV crews (DSV Crs) were similar to those of divers. Personality measures (EPPS) indicate that both DSV Oprs and DSV Crs are presently more sociable as adults than divers and would probably be more effective in situations involving small group interaction. The modifications which have occurred in the behavior of DSV Crs may be related to experience in the highly interpersonal DSV situation. The findings also show that DSV Oprs prefer to take fewer risks than divers, while the DSV Crs are more like divers in risk-taking behavior. The implications of this research to DSV mission effectiveness are discussed.
A noninvasive technique for monitoring blood urea in humans during hyperbaric exposure
Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 1981
A significant increase was found in parotid gland urea excretion in nine U.S. Navy divers during ... more A significant increase was found in parotid gland urea excretion in nine U.S. Navy divers during 8 d of air saturation hyperbaric exposure. The parotid urea levels correlated positively and reflected changes in blood concentrations. Considering the simplicity and ease of parotid sampling, it is suggested that this method be used for monitoring blood urea levels in humans during hyperbaric exposure.
Comparison of long-bone radiographs between U.S. Navy divers and matched controls
Undersea biomedical research, 1982
The long-bone radiographs of a group of nondivers consisting of 177 U.S. Navy enlisted men were c... more The long-bone radiographs of a group of nondivers consisting of 177 U.S. Navy enlisted men were compared to the long-bone radiographs of 93 U.S. Navy enlisted divers who were 35 years of age and older. The nondiver control group was matched to the diver group for age, rank, and occupational specialty. Divers were found to have significantly more films classified as positive for aseptic bone necrosis (ABN) and bone cysts than nondivers, while the nondiver group had more films classified as doubtful for ABN than the diver group. The two groups were similar in the number of members classified as having bone islands and sclerotic areas. X-ray classifications by highly experienced radiologists were found to be only moderately reliable. These data indicate that diving as practiced by the U.S. Navy contributes independently to the development of ABN and bone cysts evidenced among divers in this age group. Some caution must be exercised in interpreting these findings, however, because of th...
Personality and demographic variables related to individual responsiveness to diving stress
Undersea biomedical research, 1987
Thirty U.S. Navy divers were tested for 4 personality and 2 demographic variables. They subsequen... more Thirty U.S. Navy divers were tested for 4 personality and 2 demographic variables. They subsequently were exposed to the stress of being pressurized in a small diving chamber for several hours. Stress responsiveness to this condition was assessed using 3 physiologic and 4 subjective emotionality measures before and after the dive. These physiologic and emotionality measures were factor analyzed and correlated with personality and demographic variables. Difference scores among the physiologic and emotionality measures, indicating responsiveness to stress, correlated significantly with education, diving experience, internality-externality, disinhibition, and socialization. These data indicate that measures of achievement (i.e., diving experience and education), perceived control, sensation seeking, and social adjustment are useful in accounting for individual differences in acute emotional and physiologic responsiveness to stressful diving conditions.
Postgraduate Medicine, Aug 1, 1982
Survey of Anesthesiology, Apr 1, 1976
Correlations of physical fitness, perceived health status, and dispensary visits with performance in stressful training
PsycEXTRA Dataset, 1971
Mood Scales as Predictors of Discharge and Sick Call Visits During Basic Military Training
Military Medicine, Dec 1, 1976
Physical and Psychological Examination for Diving
The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and ... more The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and pathological stresses that are imposed on an individual who enters the underwater hyperbaric environment. When a man places himself underwater he is at a great disadvantage with regard to his ability to propel himself through the dense medium and to protect himself against excessive heat loss, both activities requiring high energy expenditure. He must breathe gases of increased density in or through appliances to maintain adequate gas exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gases, utilizing a cardiorespiratory system that has been altered as a result of exposure to the direct effects of pressure. He must be able to adequately accommodate changes in gas volume and pressure in his anatomical and pseudoanatomical spaces to prevent morbid changes. Lastly, he must function within narrowly defined limits imposed by the indirect effects of pressure, i.e., the effects of the partial pressure of gases, which cause toxic, narcotic, stimulatory, and gas solubility alterations to bodily functions.
The Portable Recompression System CPUS), a single-place treatment chamber uncieX-consideration as... more The Portable Recompression System CPUS), a single-place treatment chamber uncieX-consideration as a-primary recompression-«nit for diving casualties, was evaluated in terms of its life-support adequacy, safety, and'habitability. Thirty U-S. Navy divers were exposed to one of three theoretical treatment scenarios, all involving use of modified or unmodified Treatment Table -A Schedules, singly or with.one replication after a brief surface interval. The data obtained indicated that the PRS unit functioned well, providing adequate life support and reasonable patient comfort. The various treatment scenarios appeared to be both safe and tolerable. Experimental subjects uniformly expressed confidence in use of the PRS in emergency situations. Several problem areas were noted, which included a) need for clearly-defined medical management procedures for use by diving personnel in the absence of on-site medical expertise; b) inadequacies in the PRS communication system in diver-to-topside mode; c) consistent decreases in PRS oxygen percentages during treatments; and d) temperature/humidity stress on subjects that could adversely affect patient safety in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Ill
Developing an occupational stress standard: Rule-making pitfalls
Psychiatric Incidence Among Military Divers
Military Medicine, Aug 1, 1974
Human Performance at Great Depths
Underwater Physiology, 1971
Publisher Summary This chapter describes human performance at great depths. The results of deep H... more Publisher Summary This chapter describes human performance at great depths. The results of deep He dives reveal a progressive deterioration in performance when pressure depth approaches 1300 FSW. It is generally agreed that motor coordination shows the greatest decline under high pressures, whereas cognitive and intellectual functions undergo only small transitory changes. Psychological stress may be generated by many factors during a hazardous experimental dive, one of which is increased concern about the environment. Several studies have revealed that certain perceptual tasks are particularly sensitive to psychological stress. The performance of these tasks, which usually require the subject to locate a simple figure within a complex design, has been found to correlate highly with environmental dependence. Two performance measures—manual tracking and a memory test were used to study motor performance and narcosis. The greatest deterioration in motor coordination is known as the result of tremors, whereas impairment of memory is one of the best measures of narcosis.
[abstract] COMPARISON OF LONG-BONE LESIONS AMONG U.S. NAVY DIVERS AND MATCHED CONTROLS
Psychiatric Incidence Among Military Divers
Military Medicine, 1974
Human Factors: The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, 1977
Pre-game performance expectations, emotions, and post-game performance ratings were measured amon... more Pre-game performance expectations, emotions, and post-game performance ratings were measured among members of an amateur Softball team. The results showed that pre-game performance expectations and reported happiness were at high levels and did not differ between won or lost games or between skilled and lesser skilled players. Reported depression was found to rise significantly among skilled players prior to lost games. Post-game performance ratings were significantly lower than pre-game performance expectations among both skilled and lesser skilled players. Post-game performance ratings of both the players and coach were significantly higher for games won than games lost, but the ratings of the coach after all games were significantly higher than those of the players. Post-game performance ratings by the coach of skilled and lesser skilled players did not differ significantly. These results indicate that cognitive (expectation) and emotional factors, as well as self-reported perfor...
Determinates of Reading Performance and Achievement
Conversion Tables for Beckman CO2 Analyzers (Models Ir 215 and Ir 315A)
Abstract : The report makes available to fleet diving facilities and other interested activities ... more Abstract : The report makes available to fleet diving facilities and other interested activities a set of tables for easy determination of carbon dioxide percents and partial pressures (in mmHg). These calculations are based on extrapolated functions of several different Beckman CO2 analyzers, as well as known depths (in feet of sea water). (Author)
Measurement of Reading Proficiency among Navy Recruits
Abstract : Several verbal and nonverbal tests and measures, including the General Classification ... more Abstract : Several verbal and nonverbal tests and measures, including the General Classification Test (GCT), Mechanical Test (MECH), Arithmetic Test (ARI) , Clerical Test (CLER), Raven Progressive Matrices (RPM), age, education level, race, speaking English as a native or second language, modification of hand use, and measures of handedness and eyedness were used to differentiate between a group of recruits enrolled in a Navy remedial reading program (RR group) and a non-remedial comparison recruit group (C group). These tests and measures were also associated with reading achievement attained by the remedial recruits as measured by pre- and post-test performance on the comprehension subtest of the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test.
Physical and Psychological Examination for Diving
The Physician’s Guide to Diving Medicine, 1984
The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and ... more The preceding chapters have contained accounts of a variety of physiological, psychological, and pathological stresses that are imposed on an individual who enters the underwater hyperbaric environment. When a man places himself underwater he is at a great disadvantage with regard to his ability to propel himself through the dense medium and to protect himself against excessive heat loss, both activities requiring high energy expenditure. He must breathe gases of increased density in or through appliances to maintain adequate gas exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and inert gases, utilizing a cardiorespiratory system that has been altered as a result of exposure to the direct effects of pressure. He must be able to adequately accommodate changes in gas volume and pressure in his anatomical and pseudoanatomical spaces to prevent morbid changes. Lastly, he must function within narrowly defined limits imposed by the indirect effects of pressure, i.e., the effects of the partial pressure of gases, which cause toxic, narcotic, stimulatory, and gas solubility alterations to bodily functions.
Psychological characteristics of deep submergence vehicle personnel
Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 1975
The personality and developmental characteristics of U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) per... more The personality and developmental characteristics of U.S. Navy Deep Submergence Vehicle (DSV) personnel, including operators and crews, were documented and compared to the characteristics of U.S. Navy divers. The results show that DSV operators (DSV Oprs) had a significantly less asocial developmental pattern than divers, while developmental experiences of DSV crews (DSV Crs) were similar to those of divers. Personality measures (EPPS) indicate that both DSV Oprs and DSV Crs are presently more sociable as adults than divers and would probably be more effective in situations involving small group interaction. The modifications which have occurred in the behavior of DSV Crs may be related to experience in the highly interpersonal DSV situation. The findings also show that DSV Oprs prefer to take fewer risks than divers, while the DSV Crs are more like divers in risk-taking behavior. The implications of this research to DSV mission effectiveness are discussed.
A noninvasive technique for monitoring blood urea in humans during hyperbaric exposure
Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 1981
A significant increase was found in parotid gland urea excretion in nine U.S. Navy divers during ... more A significant increase was found in parotid gland urea excretion in nine U.S. Navy divers during 8 d of air saturation hyperbaric exposure. The parotid urea levels correlated positively and reflected changes in blood concentrations. Considering the simplicity and ease of parotid sampling, it is suggested that this method be used for monitoring blood urea levels in humans during hyperbaric exposure.
Comparison of long-bone radiographs between U.S. Navy divers and matched controls
Undersea biomedical research, 1982
The long-bone radiographs of a group of nondivers consisting of 177 U.S. Navy enlisted men were c... more The long-bone radiographs of a group of nondivers consisting of 177 U.S. Navy enlisted men were compared to the long-bone radiographs of 93 U.S. Navy enlisted divers who were 35 years of age and older. The nondiver control group was matched to the diver group for age, rank, and occupational specialty. Divers were found to have significantly more films classified as positive for aseptic bone necrosis (ABN) and bone cysts than nondivers, while the nondiver group had more films classified as doubtful for ABN than the diver group. The two groups were similar in the number of members classified as having bone islands and sclerotic areas. X-ray classifications by highly experienced radiologists were found to be only moderately reliable. These data indicate that diving as practiced by the U.S. Navy contributes independently to the development of ABN and bone cysts evidenced among divers in this age group. Some caution must be exercised in interpreting these findings, however, because of th...
Personality and demographic variables related to individual responsiveness to diving stress
Undersea biomedical research, 1987
Thirty U.S. Navy divers were tested for 4 personality and 2 demographic variables. They subsequen... more Thirty U.S. Navy divers were tested for 4 personality and 2 demographic variables. They subsequently were exposed to the stress of being pressurized in a small diving chamber for several hours. Stress responsiveness to this condition was assessed using 3 physiologic and 4 subjective emotionality measures before and after the dive. These physiologic and emotionality measures were factor analyzed and correlated with personality and demographic variables. Difference scores among the physiologic and emotionality measures, indicating responsiveness to stress, correlated significantly with education, diving experience, internality-externality, disinhibition, and socialization. These data indicate that measures of achievement (i.e., diving experience and education), perceived control, sensation seeking, and social adjustment are useful in accounting for individual differences in acute emotional and physiologic responsiveness to stressful diving conditions.