A review of the perceptual and cognitive issues associated with the use of head-up displays in commercial aviation

A head-up display (HUD) is a projection of symbology into the pilot's forward field of view that enables the pilot to monitor the instrumentation while, theoretically, also viewing the external domain. Although the HUD has been shown to improve flight performance, there are perceptual and cognitive issues that need to be addressed. This article reviews selected literature that investigates these issues and the possible solutions posed and identifies areas that remain in doubt.

Perceptual load affects eyewitness accuracy and susceptibility to leading questions

Load Theory (Lavie, 1995, 2005) states that the level of perceptual load in a task (i.e.,the amount of information involved in processing task-relevant stimuli) determines the efficiency of selective attention. There is evidence that perceptual load affects distractor processing, with increased inattentional blindness under high load. Given that high load can result in individuals failing to report seeing obvious objects, it is conceivable that load may also impair memory for the scene. The current study is the first to assess the effect of perceptual load on eyewitness memory. Across three experiments (two video-based and one in a driving simulator), the effect of perceptual load on eyewitness memory was assessed. The results showed that eyewitnesses were less accurate under high load, in particular for peripheral details. For example, memory for the central character in the video was not affected by load but memory for a witness who passed by the window at the edge of the scene was significantly worse under high load. High load memories were also more open to suggestion, showing increased susceptibility to leading questions. High visual perceptual load also affected recall for auditory information, illustrating a possible cross-modal perceptual load effect on memory accuracy. These results have implications for eyewitness memory researchers and forensic professionals.

Molecular genetics of Usher syndrome -inherited deafness and blindness

Usher syndrome (USH) is an inherited blindness and deafness disorder with variable vestibular dysfunction. The syndrome is divided into three subtypes according to the progression and severity of clinical symptoms. The gene mutated in Usher syndrome type 3 (USH3), clarin 1 (CLRN1), was identified in Finland in 2001 and two mutations were identified in Finnish patients at that time. Prior to this thesis study, the two CLRN1 gene mutations were the only USH mutations identified in Finnish USH patients. To further clarify the Finnish USH mutation spectrum, all nine USH genes were studied. Seven mutations were identified: one was a previously known mutation in CLRN1, four were novel mutations in myosin VIIa (MYO7A) and two were a novel and a previously known mutation in usherin (USH2A). Another aim of this thesis research was to further study the structure and function of the CLRN1 gene, and to clarify the effects of mutations on protein function. The search for new splice variants resulted in the identification of eight novel splice variants in addition to the three splice variants that were already known prior to this study. Studies of the possible promoter regions for these splice variants showed the most active region included the 1000 bases upstream of the translation start site in the first exon of the main three exon splice variant. The 232 aa CLRN1 protein encoded by the main (three-exon) splice variant was transported to the plasma membrane when expressed in cultured cells. Western blot studies suggested that CLRN1 forms dimers and multimers. The CLRN1 mutant proteins studied were retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and some of the USH3 mutations caused CLRN1 to be unstable. During this study, two novel CLRN1 sequence alterations were identified and their pathogenicity was studied with cell culture protein expression. Previous studies with mice had shown that Clrn1 is expressed in mouse cochlear hair cells and spiral ganglion cells, but the expression profile in mouse retina remained unknown. The Clrn1 knockout mice display cochlear cell disruption/death, but do not have a retinal phenotype. The zebrafish, Danio rerio, clrn1 was found to be expressed in hair cells associated with hearing and balance. Clrn1 expression was also found in the inner nuclear layer (INL), photoreceptor layer and retinal pigment epithelium layer (RPE) of the zebrafish retina. When Clrn1 production was knocked down with injected morpholino oligonucleotides (MO) targeting Clrn1 translation or correct splicing, the zebrafish larvae showed symptoms similar to USH3 patients. These larvae had balance/hearing problems and reduced response to visual stimuli. The knowledge this thesis research has provided about the mutations in USH genes and the Finnish USH mutation spectrum are important in USH patient diagnostics. The extended information about the structure and function of CLRN1 is a step further in exploring USH3 pathogenesis caused by mutated CLRN1 as well as a step in finding a cure for the disease.

Ensaio sobre as imagens. A criação do roteiro de Blindness de Fernando Meireles, adaptado do romance: Ensaio sobre a cegueira de José Saramago para as telas de cinema

A dissertação se propõe a investigar as diferentes formas de estruturas narrativas para o desenvolvimento em um roteiro cinematográfico, adaptado de uma obra literária. Para este trabalho, vamos usar como corpus o romance Ensaio sobre a cegueira de José Saramago que foi adaptado pelo roteirista Don Mckellar, originando o filme dirigido por Fernando Meirelles, em 2008. A finalidade deste recorte é mostrar o processo de construção narrativa no audiovisual, tendo como base o livro. Nessa investigação, o suporte para análise do audiovisual será realizado com conceituados especialistas em roteiros cinematográfico como Linda Hutcheon, Robert Mckee, Jean-Claude Carriére, Flávio de Campos e David Howard. As possibilidades da criação do roteiro seguirão o mote em quatro divisões: narrativa, estrutura, ensaio sobre imagens e da palavra para imagem, procurando responder como a linguagem intervém no sentido da palavra para imagem e como ocorre o conceito de autoria nessa vertente da adaptação. A trama de Ensaio sobre a cegueira, traz elementos clássicos da estrutura dramática e amplia sua dimensão em relação ao conteúdo da estória na roteirização de Don Mckellar. Com esta pesquisa, esperamos contribuir para um melhor entendimento na construção e organização de um roteiro no processo de adaptação em si

An experimental study of quinine blindness

An experimental model of quinine induced blindness is presented. Electrophysiological, angiographical and morphological examinations were made. The occurrence of blindness and any recovery from blindness was dependent upon the dose of quinine taken. As no evidence of acute retinal ischaemia was found it is concluded that quinine is retinotoxic.

Socio-emotional effects of the transition from sight to blindness,

The research examined the socio-emotional impact of sight loss on a sample of 18 blind and partially sighted adults from the East coast of Scotland (average age 64). The impact of sight loss in four core areas mood, self concept, social connectedness and loss was explored. Data was collected using the mental health and social functioning sub-scales of the National Eye Institute Visual Functioning Questionnaire-25 and semi-structured interviews. Data indicated that participants experienced reduced mental health and decreased social functioning as a result of sight loss. Data also showed that participants shared common socio-emotional issues during transition from sight to blindness, starting with diagnosis, coping with deterioration of sight, experiencing loss, experiencing changed perceptions of self in relation to society, experiencing others in a changed way and experiencing rehabilitation. A theoretical model describing the socio-emotional transition from sight to blindness is proposed. Implications for practice are explored.