Fractals are self-similar patterns that repeat at different scales, the complexity of which are expressed as a fractional Euclidean dimension D between 0 (a point) and 2 (a filled plane). The drip paintings of American painter Jackson Pollock (JP) are fractal in nature, and Pollock’s most illustrious works are of the high-D (~1.7) category. This would imply that people prefer more complex fractal patterns, but some research has instead suggested people prefer lower-D fractals. Furthermore, research has suggested that parietal and frontal brain activity tracks the complexity of fractal patterns, but previous research has artificially binned fractals depending on fractal dimension, rather than treating fractal dimension as a parametrically varying value. We used white layers extracted from JP artwork as stimuli, and constructed statistically matched 2-dimensional random Cantor sets as control stimuli. We recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) while participants viewed the JP and matched random Cantor fractal patterns. Participants then rated their subjective preference for each pattern. We used a single-trial analysis to construct within-subject models relating subjective preference to fractal dimension D, as well as relating D and subjective preference to single-trial EEG power spectra. Results indicated that participants preferred higher-D images for both JP and Cantor stimuli. Power spectral analysis showed that, for artistic fractal images, parietal alpha and beta power parametrically tracked complexity of fractal patterns, while for matched mathematical fractals, parietal power tracked complexity of patterns over a range of frequencies, but most prominently in alpha band. Furthermore, parietal alpha power parametrically tracked aesthetic preference for both artistic and matched Cantor patterns. Overall, our results suggest that perception of complexity for artistic and computer-generated fractal images is reflected in parietal-occipital alpha and beta activity, and neural substrates of preference for complex stimuli are reflected in parietal alpha band activity.
Military and civilian medical personnel across all echelons of medical care play a critical role in evaluating, caring for, and treating casualties. Accurate medical documentation is critical to effective, coordinated care and positive patient outcomes. We describe our prototype, Context-Aware Procedure Support Tools and User Interfaces for Rapid and Effective Workflows (CAPTURE). Leveraging human factors and usercentered design methods, and advanced artificial intelligence and computer vision capabilities, CAPTURE was designed to enable Tactical Combat Causality Care (TCCC) providers to more efficiently and effectively input critical medical information through hands-free interaction techniques and semiautomated data capture methods. We designed and prototyped a heads-up display that incorporates: multimodal interfaces, including augmented reality-based methods for input and information display to support visual image capture and heads-up interaction; post-care documentation support (e.g., artifacts to support post-care review and documentation); context-aware active and passive data capture methods, specifically natural language interpretation using systemic functional grammars; and computer vision technologies for semi-automated data capture capabilities. During the course of this project we encountered challenges towards effective design which fall into three main categories: (1) challenges related to designing novel multimodal interfaces; (2) technical challenges related to software and hardware development to meet design needs; and (3) challenges as a result of domain characteristics and operational constraints. We discuss how we addressed some of these challenges and provide additional considerations necessary for future research regarding next generation technology design for medical documentation in the field.
The battlespace is a volatile and complex environment in which tactical commanders face cognitively challenging responsibilities, compounded with the increased complexity of emerging cyber warfare. It is critical that tactical commanders gain adequate situation awareness for effective decision making to achieve mission success. While current tools enable distribution of large quantities and types of information, they do not adequately support the underlying cognitive work and information needs of tactical commanders. We performed a domain analysis using Cognitive Task Analysis methods, developing a prototypical operational scenario representative of current and envisioned environments, centered on a cyber-attack. Using this analysis, we identified cognitive and information requirements for information displays that support effective tactical decision making. Tactical commanders need to understand dynamic situations in the field, understand the viable courses of actions, know how their mission fits into the larger mission, and communicate with their company subordinates and higher echelons of command.
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