Human Performance Enhancement Research Articles

Strengthening Donor Trust via Enhanced Performance and Transparency in Zakat Management

General Background: Lazismu, an extension of Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infaq Sadaqoh Muhammadiyah, plays a crucial role in facilitating charitable donations and maintaining donor trust in the humanitarian sector. Specific Background: Despite its importance, Lazismu faces challenges regarding the management of zakat funds and transparency in financial reporting, which has led to diminished donor trust. Previous studies have inadequately explored the relationship between performance recognition and donor trust in zakat institutions. Knowledge Gap: This research aims to fill this gap by quantitatively examining how various independent variables—human resource performance enhancement, financial report transparency, and interpersonal communication within the fundraising division—impact donor trust at Lazismu in Mojokerto. Aims: The study specifically investigates the influence of these independent variables on donor trust in Lazismu, with a focus on enhancing organizational performance to regain donor confidence. Results: The findings reveal that enhanced human resource performance, transparent financial reporting, and improved interpersonal communication significantly contribute to increasing donor trust. Novelty: This research introduces a structured approach to evaluating zakat management performance through quantitative measures, offering insights into the dynamics of donor engagement and trust. Implications: The results underscore the necessity for zakat institutions to prioritize financial transparency and effective communication strategies to foster stronger relationships with donors, ultimately leading to increased zakat contributions and enhanced community support. Highlights: Trust Boost: Performance and transparency enhance donor confidence significantly. Engagement: Strong communication improves donor relationships and trust. Methodology: Quantitative research analyzes zakat institution performance effects. Keywords: Lazismu, donor trust, zakat management, financial transparency, interpersonal communication

Body composition of extreme performers in the US Marine Corps

BackgroundThe creation of highly muscled and strong fighters is a recurring theme in human performance enhancement concepts. Physical readiness standards, intended to prevent obesity in the military, produce contradictory objectives,...

Society's Attitudes Towards Human Augmentation and Performance Enhancement Technologies (SHAPE) Scale

Human augmentation technologies (ATs) are a subset of ubiquitous on-body devices designed to improve cognitive, sensory, and motor capacities. Although there is a large corpus of knowledge concerning ATs, less is known about societal attitudes towards them and how they shift over time. To that end, we developed The Society's Attitudes Towards Human Augmentation and Performance Enhancement Technologies (SHAPE) Scale, which measures how users of ATs are perceived. To develop the scale, we first created a list of possible scale items based on past work on how people respond to new technologies. The items were then reviewed by experts. Next, we performed exploratory factor analysis to reduce the scale to its final length of thirteen items. Subsequently, we confirmed test-retest validity of our instrument, as well as its construct validity. The SHAPE scale enables researchers and practitioners to understand elements contributing to attitudes toward augmentation technology users. The SHAPE scale assists designers of ATs in designing artifacts that will be more universally accepted.

Enhancing Human Operator Performance With Long Short-Term Memory Networks in Adaptively Controlled Systems

Enhancing Human Operator Performance With Long Short-Term Memory Networks in Adaptively Controlled Systems

A Brief Study of Binaural Beat: A Means of Brain-Computer Interfacing

The human brain tends to follow a rhythm. Sound has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. This sound technology uses binaural beat by generating two tones of marginally different frequencies in each individual ear to facilitate the improved focus of attention, emotion, calming, and sensory organization. Binaural beat helps in memory boosting, relaxation, and work performance. Again because of hearing a binaural beat sound, brainwave stimuli can be diagnosed to pick up a person’s sensitive information. Using this technology in brain-computer interfacing, it is possible to establish a communication between the brain and the computer. Thus, it enables us to go beyond our potential. The aim of this study is to assess the impact and explore the potential contribution of binaural beat to enhancement of human brain performance.

Integration and Testing of a High-Torque Servo-Driven Joint and Its Electronic Controller with Application in a Prototype Upper Limb Exoskeleton.

Mechatronic systems that allow motorized activation in robotic exoskeletons have evolved according to their specific applications and the characteristics of the actuation system, including parameters such as size, mechanical properties, efficiency, and power draw. Additionally, different control strategies and methods could be implemented in various electronic devices to improve the performance and usability of these devices, which is desirable in any application. This paper proposes the integration and testing of a high-torque, servo-driven joint and its electronic controller, exposing its use in a robotic exoskeleton prototype as a case study. Following a brief background review, the development and implementation of the proposal are presented, allowing the control of the servo-driven joint in terms of torque, rotational velocity, and position through a straightforward, closed-loop control architecture. Additionally, the stability and performance of the servo-driven joint were assessed with and without load. In conclusion and based on the obtained results, the servo-driven joint and its control system demonstrate consistent performance under the proposed test protocol (max values: angular velocity 97 °/s, torque 33 Nm, positioning RMSE 1.46°), enabling this approach for use in various applications related to robotic exoskeletons, including human performance enhancement, rehabilitation, or support for daily living activities.

Stress Inoculation Training (SIT-NORCAL), Part 1: The Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Psychological Performance Training Protocol.

Stress inoculation training (SIT) interventions have demonstrated promise within military contexts for human performance enhancement and psychological health applications. However, lack of manualized guidance on core content selection, delivery, and measurement processes has limited their use. The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a comprehensive SIT intervention protocol to enhance the performance and health of military personnel engaged in special warfare and first-response activities. Multidisciplinary teams of subject matter experts (n = 19) were consulted in protocol generation. The performance improvement/human performance technology (HPT) model was used in the selection, refinement, and measurement of core skills. The protocol was trialed and refined (44 cohorts, n = =300; 2013-2020) to generate the results. Four primary aims were achieved: (1) The generation of a flexible, evidence-based/evidence-driven psychological performance and health sustainment hybrid, SIT-NORCAL. (2) Manualized content and process guidance. (3) The creation of multimedia materials using evidence-based methodologies. (4) The design of initial measurement systems. Preliminary quality improvement analysis demonstrated positive results using standard-of-care and performance enhancement assessments. Hybridized human performance and psychological health sustainment protocols represent a paradigm shift in the delivery of psychological performance training with the potential to overcome barriers to success in traditional care. Further study is needed to determine the effectiveness and reach of SIT-NORCAL.

Design and analysis of a lower extremity exoskeleton with the humanoid knee joint

Exoskeletons should have certain capabilities and characteristics such as human performance enhancement, low impedance and comfortable. In this paper we present a lower extremity exoskeleton. In order to achieve the characteristics of exoskeletons mentioned above we choose the Series Elastic Actuator (SEA) as its driver. A novel humanoid knee joint is introduced into the exoskeleton to improve the coordination between exoskeleton and human body during work progress. A stable control method is proposed to achieve the exoskeleton joint following motion. Finally, the feasibility of control algorithm is verified by simulation.

포스트-스포츠휴머니즘과 인간운동 수행력 향상 기술

포스트-스포츠휴머니즘과 인간운동 수행력 향상 기술

Being More than You Can Be: Enhancement of Warfighters and the Law of Armed Conflict

Technologically advanced armed forces have begun exploring ways to improve the warfighter as a living organism. The relevant practices could be called “biomedical human performance enhancement,” which sets them apart from more conventional ways of improving performance, such as training and equipment. Human enhancement raises a range of ethical, legal and social issues – both in the military context and in society more broadly. In the military context, issues arise under the law of armed conflict (LOAC). After providing a brief conceptual and technical background to human enhancement, this paper considers a set of LOAC issues relating to human enhancement by asking two broad questions: First, does LOAC prohibit or restrict the enhancement of warfighters? Second, if warfighters are enhanced in some way, what consequences does that have under LOAC?

Investigating the effect of a passive exoskeleton on the activity of low back muscles during different phases of repetitive dynamic task

In literature, there are multiple lines of work aimed to develop human-centered robotic devices, and among them there is a promising one named robotic exoskeleton. Exoskeletons are biomechatronic devices coupled to the person's body (a “wearable” robot) (Pons, 2008). In general, exoskeletons are composed of a structural mechanism with joints and links, which is worn by the human user. Hence, the whole kinematic structure usually performs several motions similar to those of the human body. Exoskeletons are devices designed to enhance the human strength by the external framework, thus those devices are currently under development for the enhancement of human motor performance in the military (Zoss et al., 2006), in industry (de Looze et al., 2015), and for medical applications (Colombo, 2001; Veneman, 2007; Gijbels et al., 2011).Technological developments on exoskeletons started in the early 1960s. The US Department of Defense became interested in developing the concept of a powered “suit of armor.” In parallel, researchers at Cornell Aeronautical Laboratories started to develop the concept of man amplifiers such as a manipulator to increase the strength of a human operator (Kazerooni, 1990). In 1962, the technological limitations at that time to develop the concept became apparent: there were limitations in terms of actuators, sensors, and energy storage. Currently, most of those technological limitations have been overcome and applications of exoskeletons have been spreading in multiple fields, including teleoperation with force feedback, power amplifier, entertainment as well as the physical rehabilitation. The rehabilitation field is a key application domain for the development of exoskeletons, to help disabled people with difficulties in moving (Kiguchi et al., 2004; Colombo, 2001). For instance, these devices enable people with paralysis of the lower part of the body (paraplegia) to walk (Esquenazi et al., 2012). Their task is the compensation for the lost functions and physical and social rehabilitation of patients. Nowadays, the exoskeleton systems are forging ahead with high integration using other emerging technologies including virtual reality, haptics, videogames, and soft robotics, among others.

Human Performance Enhancement: A Comprehensive Competencies Assessment In Production Engineering Companies

The general intention of this study is to identify Human Resource Managerial Competencies , to measure the competence among various levels of HR Managers Method: By a survey, data was collected from sample of 120 managers in production engineering companies and multiple regression technique was used with SPSS 21.0 software. Findings: There are four major determinants of Human Performance Enhancement (HPE): HPE Method Specialist, HPE Facilitation, HPE Implementer, and HPE Evaluator .Competencies were grouped as Visionary, Gap Assessor, Strategic Trouble shooter, Forecaster of Consequences, Action Plan Facilitator which are concluded as predictors to determine HPE. All five competency groups have impact on HPE

Enhancing human performance reliability in aircraft pushback operations

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the aircraft pushback operations to predict and manage human errors, particularly those associated with the complex team work of carrying out the pushback operation. This should improve air ramp operations reliability.Design/methodology/approachThe study applied the human reliability assessment “Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach” that involved a total of 60 semi-structured interviews with practicing experts. Past ramp accident reports were also reviewed to provide more in-depth insights to the problem.FindingsSome of the key performance reliability-degrading errors identified relate to some frequent critical technical inabilities within the team of headset operator and tug driver, as well as the vulnerable intra-team communications. Several best practices were similarly identified.Practical implicationsBased on its findings, this study proposes a new technological concept that can help enhancing safety of aircraft pushback operations. This should enhance reliability of aircraft ground handling and improve aircraft availability. It also provided a generic methodological approach to improve safety-critical operations within high-risk industries.Social implicationsThis study responses to the increasing trend in ramp accidents worldwide.Originality/valueThe research conducted to date in this area is still quite limited compared to that of flight and aircraft maintenance safety. The relevant existing studies focus more on ramp safety holistically, and do not go into the details of how safety and reliability of a ramp operation can be improved. The current paper aims at filling this gap.

A classification of electrical component failures and their human error types in South Korean NPPs during last 10 years

The international nuclear industry has undergone a lot of changes since the Fukushima, Chernobyl and TMI nuclear power plant accidents. However, there are still large and small component deficiencies at nuclear power plants in the world. There are many causes of electrical equipment defects. There are also factors that cause component failures due to human errors. This paper analyzed the root causes of failure and types of human error in 300 cases of electrical component failures. We analyzed the operating experience of electrical components by methods of root causes in K-HPES (Korean-version of Human Performance Enhancement System) and by methods of human error types in HuRAM+ (Human error-Related event root cause Analysis Method Plus). As a result of analysis, the most electrical component failures appeared as circuit breakers and emergency generators. The major causes of failure showed deterioration and contact failure of electrical components by human error of operations management. The causes of direct failure were due to aged components. Types of human error affecting the causes of electrical equipment failure are as follows. The human error type group Ⅰ showed that errors of commission (EOC) were 97%, the human error type group Ⅱ showed that slip/lapse errors were 74%, and the human error type group Ⅲ showed that latent errors were 95%. This paper is meaningful in that we have approached the causes of electrical equipment failures from a comprehensive human error perspective and found a countermeasure against the root cause. This study will help human performance enhancement in nuclear power plants. However, this paper has done a lot of research on improving human performance in the maintenance field rather than in the design and construction stages. In the future, continuous research on types of human error and prevention measures in the design and construction sector will be required.

Teaming with Technology at the TSA: Practical Methods for Enhancing Human Performance with Automation in Operational Environments

Automated systems are not only commonplace but often are a necessity to complete highly specialized tasks across many operational environments. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aims to enhance human performance and increase safety through the acquisition and implementation of various types of automated systems. The Human Performance Branch (HPB) at TSA supports this aim through research on human factors that influence interactions with automation. Knowledge gained from HPB efforts informs TSA of the automated systems that will best suit worker needs, how to integrate these systems into the general workflow, and the relevant human factors that will support proper system use and, ultimately, enhance human performance. This discussion panel reviews a theoretical framework the TSA can use to guide assessment of multiple drivers of human performance in a consistent and standardized fashion as well as several TSA projects investigating three categories of human factors known to influence performance with automation – human (i.e., individual differences, cognitive constraints), context (e.g., organizational influence, environment), and system characteristics (e.g., type of automation) – and how those factors can be accounted for in the operational environment.

Unfit for the future? The depoliticization of human perfectibility, from the Enlightenment to transhumanism

An intellectual and cultural movement advocating a radical enhancement of human performance via technoscientific and biomedical advances, transhumanism has grown in notoriety in recent years. Grouping engineers, philosophers, sociologists, and entrepreneurs, the movement and its ideals of enhanced humans have a strong social resonance, be it doping in sport, the use of smart drugs, or the biomedical battle against aging. This article sheds theoretical and critical light on transhumanism through the lens of human perfectibility. It particularly aims to show how the movement marks a significant reversal of the humanist conception of human perfectibility inherited from the Enlightenment. Far from working for the social and political emancipation of humans and the human condition, transhumanism is emblematic of a depoliticized conception of human perfectibility focused on the technoscientific adaptation of the human being. Transhumanism thus marks a major rupture with the modern democratic project of autonomy.

Beyond Prometheus, Strawmen, and Science Fiction: Ethicists and the Moral Debate Over Enhancements to Human Performance

Human performance enhancement is one of kinesiology’s many vibrant topics for inquiry. Though philosophers in kinesiology departments have offered some contribution to this topic, this paper argues that philosophers could improve their relevance by better engaging the existing scientific research. Rather than simply defending their place at the table, this paper proposes that philosophers build upon existing contributions to the ethics of human enhancement by increasing their scientific literacy. At the same time, this paper argues that certain patterns in philosophical discussions of human enhancement do not connect with scientific researchers. The paper concludes that ultimately philosophers must become more conversant with the language of science if they are going to continue contributing to central questions within the field of kinesiology.

Enhancing human performance in ship operations by modifying global design factors at the design stage

Usually the improvements of human performance in the course of ship design process is carried out by modifying local ergonomics, like electronic visualisation and information display systems on the bridge or in the engine control room, stair or hatch covers design. However, the effect of global design factors (GDFs), such as ship motion, whole body vibration and noise, on human performance has not been given attention before. Such knowledge would allow the improvements of human performance by effective design modification on very early stage of ship design process.Therefore, in this paper we introduce probabilistic models linking the effect of GDFs with the human performance suitable for ship design process. As a theoretical basis for modelling human performance the concept of Attention Management is utilized, which combines the theories described by Dynamic Adaptability Model, Cognitive Control Model and Malleable Attentional Resources Theory.Since the analysed field is characterised by a high degree of uncertainty, we adopt a specific modelling technique along with a validation framework that allows uncertainty treatment and helps the potential end-users to gain confidence in the models and the results that they yield. The proposed models are developed with the use Bayesian Belief Networks, which allows systematic translation of the available background knowledge into a coherent network and the uncertainty assessment and treatment.The obtained results are promising as the models are responsive to changes in the GDF nodes as expected. The models may be used as intended by naval architects and vessel designers, to facilitate risk-based ship design.

Soldier Health Habits and the Metabolically Optimized Brain.

Human performance enhancement was the subject of a NATO workshop that considered the direct benefits of individual soldier health and fitness habits to brain health and performance. Some of the important health and fitness include physical activity and purposeful exercise, nutritional intake, sleep and rest behaviors, psychological outlook and mindfulness, and other physiologically based systemic challenges such as thermal exposure. These influences were considered in an integrated framework with insights contributed by each of five participating NATO member countries using representative research to highlight relevant interrelationships. Key conclusions are that (1) understanding the neurobiological bases and consequences of personal health behaviors is a priority for soldier performance research, and this also involves long-term brain health consequences to veterans and (2) health and fitness habits have been underappreciated as reliably effective performance enhancers and these should be preferred targets in the development of scientifically based recommendations for soldier brain health and performance.

Modeling of physical human–robot interaction

Enhancement of human performance using an intelligent assist device is becoming more common. In order to achieve effective augmentation of human capacity, cooperation between human and robot must be safe and very intuitive. Ensuring such collaboration remains a challenge, especially when admittance control is used. This paper addresses the issues of transparency and human perception coming from vibration in admittance control schemes. Simulation results obtained with our suggested improved model using an admittance controller are presented, then four models using transfer functions are discussed in detail and evaluated as a means of simulating physical human–robot interaction using admittance control. The simulation and experimental results are then compared in order to assess the validity and limitations of the proposed models in the case of a four-degree-of-freedom intelligent assist device designed for large payload.