Fuzzy logic programs for computers make them more human. Computers can then think through messy situations and make smart decisions. It makes computers able to control things the way people do. Fuzzy logic has been used to control subway trains, elevators, washing machines, microwave ovens, and cars. Pretty much all the human has to do is push one…

Recent reforms in Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools) appear to be gaining traction and producing welcome improvements in student achievement and success. Enrollment has increased, educators are replacing unsuccessful programs with innovative ones, and new resources and organizational partnerships are being brought into the system.…

It is no coincidence that many of the "Grand Challenges for Engineering" (National Academy of Engineering, 2007-2010)--such as carbon sequestration--address environmental problems that were precipitated by human inventiveness and engineering achievements. Although people recognize their dependence upon environmental processes to provide…

An important issue of the demographic change in the German population is the maintenance and promotion of the employability of aging workforces. However, there are hardly any suitable concepts or usable tools available to realize this goal. Possible approaches should push the individual strengths of the aging workers to the foreground and…

The handbook provides an illustrated guide to ways of improving useful employment of the disabled by adapting jobs. How to increase employment opportunities by making simple adjustments (adaption or redesign of tools, machines, work places) is demonstrated. The nature of occupational handicap is discussed, stressing the importance of job and…

In many industrial tasks a complex, interactive process must be controlled by a human operator in real-time, with or without the aid of a computer. In order to allocate functions between man and machine at the design stage, a model of human behavior and performance in such tasks is required. Progress towards such a model is analyzed. (Author)

Research and development (R & D) have been a fundamental of the human performance technology heritage. This treatise is intended to refocus the profession on the importance of R & D, presenting a classification scheme of purposes, methods, and categories for embracing multiple views of R & D. (Author/JOW)

Is artificial satisfaction of our need for pleasure something we should develop? Article considered some of the possibilities. (RK)

Ergonomics is the science of work and workplace design. As an example of how an educational ergonomist would approach a learning situation, 23 questions on the use of an overhead projector are posed. (BD)

"An expert gives guidelines on correct monitor placement for proper viewing. (Editor)

The major factors aiding and impeding educational change are discussed. (CK)

Adaptability to the environment is one of the capabilities of the human body. Studies show that the building operator is the most important single variable in establishing energy consumption levels. (Author/MLF)

Examines furniture-buying tips, involving workplace-needs assessment, that can help make the organization's workplace more effective. Stresses the importance of planning, tying the furniture purchasing into the strategic business, considering alternatives to furniture ownership, evaluating employee health and safety, and understanding any added…

This study employed a pre-intervention analysis to determine factors that contributed to safe ergonomic postures in a small pharmacy. The pharmacy was located on a university campus and employed both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Three of the eight pharmacy employees had experienced various repetitive motion injuries that resulted in a…