RESUMEN
A new paradigm was developed to examine prospective memory performance in a visual-spatial task that resembles some aspects of the work of air traffic controllers. Two experiments examined the role of workload (number of aeroplanes that participants directed), delay (between receipt of prospective instructions and execution), and phonological rehearsal. High workload increased prospective memory errors but increasing delay from 1-3 or 5 minutes had no effect. Shadowing aurally presented text reduced prospective memory performance, presumably because it prevented verbal rehearsal of the prospective instructions. However, performance on the foreground task of directing aeroplanes to routine destinations was affected only by workload and not by opportunity for rehearsal. Our results suggest that ability to maintain performance on a routine foreground task while performing a secondary task--perhaps analogous to conversation--does not predict ability to retrieve a prospective intention to deviate from the routine.
Asunto(s)
Medicina Aeroespacial , Memoria/fisiología , Habla/fisiología , Carga de Trabajo , Adolescente , Adulto , Análisis de Varianza , Atención/fisiología , Humanos , Recuerdo Mental/fisiología , Análisis y Desempeño de Tareas , Factores de TiempoRESUMEN
This report reviews what is known about the effects of age on visual function and discusses the implications of age-related changes in vision for the flying performance of military pilots. Most visual functions decline to some degree with age, and the rate of decline has been roughly characterized in the general population. There is, however, virtually no data on military pilots, and extrapolation from the general population requires caution. Individual variation in the effects of age is great, and military pilots are a select group presumably in better general health than the general population. Several visual functions that decline with age seem particularly relevant to pilot performance: contrast sensitivity, dynamic acuity, recovery from glare, function under low illumination, and information processing. Vision examinations currently given to military and commercial pilots do not measure these visual functions. The feasibility of supplementing existing vision examinations with measurements of these functions should be explored; such an assessment should consider both research issues and policy implications. Research is needed on several major problems in this area. It is not possible at present to characterize well the effect of changes in visual function on the performance of complex tasks, such as flying. This report suggests several specific measures that might help characterize the effects of changes in visual function on pilot performance. Data on changes in visual functions with age should be collected from military pilots, preferably with multivariate, longitudinally designed studies. Research is suggested to assess the extent to which experienced pilots may compensate for declining visual functions and to determine how such compensation is achieved. The report suggests studies on the interaction of age with other factors, such as cardiovascular changes, that may affect performance, especially under stress.
Asunto(s)
Medicina Aeroespacial , Envejecimiento , Personal Militar , Visión Ocular/fisiología , Adaptación Fisiológica , Adaptación a la Oscuridad , Percepción de Profundidad , Fijación Ocular , Humanos , Agudeza Visual , Percepción Visual/fisiologíaAsunto(s)
Corteza Cerebral/metabolismo , Norepinefrina/metabolismo , Receptores Adrenérgicos alfa/fisiología , Receptores Adrenérgicos/fisiología , Animales , Estimulación Eléctrica , Técnicas In Vitro , Masculino , Oximetazolina/farmacología , Fentolamina/farmacología , Potasio/farmacología , Ratas , Estimulación QuímicaRESUMEN
The characteristics of 3H-DA release from striatal slices by electrical stimulation were analyzed and the effects of a number of neuroleptics thereon were examined under different experimental conditions. The butyrophenones, haloperidol and spiroperidol, already at low concentrations (0.1 - 1 micronM) increased basal tritium efflux in a dose-dependent manner. The phenothiazines, chlorpromazine and fluphenazine, were much less effective in this respect. The butyrophenones strongly inhibited the electrically stimulated overflow of both 3H-DA and 14C-GABA, while the phenothiazines again had little effect. The action of 1 micronM haloperidol on 3H-DA release could be blocked by 10 micronM cocaine, but not with 1 micronM apomorphine. Apomorphine itself had no significant effect on 3H-DA release. Our data do not support the suggestion that presynaptic DA receptors on dopaminergic nerve terminals may modulate the release of newly taken-up 3H-DA. Some neuroleptics, particularly the butyrophenones may have presynaptic effects not related to interaction with DA receptors. It is suggested that different mechanisms may be involved in the local presynaptic receptor-mediated feedback regulation of transmitter release in noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems in the CNS.