Handling the pseudo pilot assignment problem in air traffic control training by using NASA TLX

Simulator courses play an important role in a department training air traffic controllers (ATCOs). One of the most important elements of these courses is a pseudo-pilot (PP) who has active tasks during simulator training. At Eskisehir Technical University (ESTU) PP assignments are made manually to meet the demand of related courses by considering the availability of PP. Even where it is attempted to assign each PP equally in terms of period, personal workloads differ due to the different psychological (mental) and physiological requirements of the simulator tasks. In this study, the PP assignment problem is investigated using mixed-integer programming (MIP). For this purpose, firstly, an equal period assignment to pilots was attempted with a mathematical model, called the Equality of Periods Model (EPM). Then, simulator tasks were weighted using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA TLX), and an Equality of Workload Model (EWLM) was created based on these weights. Finally, these models were combined to make fair assignments with the Fair Model (FM). The results indicate that the proposed models significantly reduce the differences of workload and working period compared to manual assignment (MA).     

Methodology for assessing dependencies between factors influencing airline pilot performance reliability: A case of taxiing tasks

Pilot performance reliability is critical to civil air transportation safety. Internal and external factors influencing pilot performance reliability are important elements to estimate human error probability. However, dependencies between these factors, including state dependencies and effect dependencies, are always ignored or only partially considered in most human reliability analysis (HRA) method. This paper attempts to develop a methodology incorporating both state and effect dependencies between contributory factors into HRA for airline pilot tasks based on fuzzy logic and the Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM). Anchor points were determined for each common performance condition (CPC) state levels through airline pilot elicitation process and then corresponding state and effect fuzzy sets were constructed for each CPC. The CPC dependency fuzzy inference rules were constructed and transformed with reference to the CPC dependency assessing rule in CREAM. And a cognitive failure probability (CFP) calculation method based on the final CPC effect fuzzy sets and the extended CREAM was proposed. To illustrate the use of the proposed methodology, a case study about commercial airline pilot taxiing task was given. The results demonstrate the validity of the proposed methodology and its capability of representing the ambiguity and fuzziness of expert judgement.     

Impact of Continuous Climb Operations in ATC workload. Case-study Palma airport

This research assesses the impact of the integration of Continuous Climb operations (CCOs) on Air Traffic Control (ATC) workload. The methodology encompasses different modules: CCO, standard departing and arriving trajectories extracted from an external database, an ad-hoc algorithm for detecting and solving conflicts, and an ATC-workload model with the inclusion of CCO-task modifications. Monte Carlo simulations evaluates different combinations of these modules. Then, a sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate two parameters: the impact of the calibration of the maximum ATC workload and the percentage increase of the CCO tasks on the ATC workload. The methodology is applied to a case study at Palma airport in Spain. Extensive numerical simulations are executed based on the integration of CCOs into the system from 0% to 100%. The integration of CCOs implies the increase of the ATC workload in the Control Tower (TWR) and the reduction in the Approach Control Centre (APP). The sensitivity analysis shows that the decrease in the increase of CCO-task workload barely affects the number of CCOs that can be operated without exceeding the workload limits. Conversely, the reduction of the ATC workload calibration allows the integration of CCOs around 50% in the case of 90% TWR calibration and up to 100% in the case of 80%.     

Spatio-temporal patterns of subjectively reported congestion in Tel Aviv metropolitan area

Traffic congestion is still one of the major problems of urban transportation. It is the aggregate outcome of individual, subjective, decisions in a changing traffic environment.The individual’s decision making is affected, among other factors, by experience and direct information from the surrounding environment, or indirectly from the media. The subjective map created from this information provides the cognitive environment within which the driver makes decisions. This study examines the spatio-temporal changes in the subjective map of reported congestion as formed by radio broadcasts in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. It aims to evaluate the spatio-temporal stability of the emerged congestion patterns as a basis for subjective decision making, and to explain its variability as a necessary base for any effort to relieve congestion. Results show that non-recurrent heavy congestion is likely to be unstable. The spatio-temporal fluctuations of congestion were found to associate with traffic volumes caused mainly by weekly-based commuters which include university students, soldiers, and government employees. Reported information was found suitable for longitudinal research, the only kind which enables a broad understanding of the spatio-temporal pattern and dynamics of traffic congestion.     

A method to estimate air traffic controller mental workload based on traffic clearances

Workload estimation is a complex domain which has been investigated extensively over the years. Past estimation techniques have focused on measuring workload directly from the air traffic controllers (ATCOs) or inferring it from traffic factors. The limitations of these techniques are interfering into the ATCO job and not being able to capture the differences amongst individual ATCOs respectively. This paper presents a novel technique overcoming these limitations, able to accurately estimate the workload experienced by the ATCO based exclusively on the clearances provided to air traffic. The technique, which was calibrated for the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control (MUAC) Centre, thereby has the potential to more accurately estimate actual airspace capacity. It is independent of the level of system automation and therefore applicable not only with the current ATM system, but also in the anticipated future highly automated environments as well as during the transition period. The paper discusses potential applications such as real time monitoring of operational workload and post-operations identification of sector workload imbalances. Both can contribute towards enhancing the performance of the ATM system.     

En-route sector capacity estimation methodologies: An international survey

Reliable estimation of en-route sector capacity is important, especially in high-density traffic areas where controller workload is the driver. En-route sector capacity is commonly estimated using fast-time computer simulation techniques employing models of controller workload. This paper analyses the methodologies employed by a number of countries in Europe and North America, to estimate the capacity of en-route airspace. The data used was obtained from airspace planners and managers. The survey involved interviews using pre-designed questionnaires. The results show that there are two main models used in the simulation of controller workload, and that there is considerable variation both in their application and controller involvement in the capacity estimation process.     

A framework for analyzing collisions,near misses and injuries of commercial cyclists

Jobs using bicycles have diversified beyond bicycle messengering and seen a recent surge, especially with respect to the delivery of prepared food and the provision of services such as moving companies. Freight companies are also increasingly using cargo bicycles for last mile logistics. Yet little is known on the risks of injuries and collisions for commercial cyclists.Using 36 interviews of commercial cyclists, employers, contractors and entrepreneurs in the Montréal metropolitan area, Canada, we develop a framework for occupational safety factors related to risks of near collisions, collisions and injuries for different types of cyclist workers.The framework presents 21 factors organized in 4 large categories that may be associated with safety and health issues: individual characteristics and traits (experience, risk-taking behavior), work type and working conditions, exposure levels, and external factors (not related to workers or companies). Workers have different backgrounds and working conditions, use different bicycle types and other equipment and are accordingly potentially exposed to distinct and varying levels of risk. Many injuries are reported. Personal health issues including repetitive stress injuries, mental exertion and food intake emerged from interviews as a potentially risk-enhancing feature.Commission-based work performed in crowded business districts during peak traffic periods are likely the three highest road-related injury risk given exposure levels. Experience of cyclists and the promotion of safe practices by employers are key protective factors, but pay structure may be the single most important features to improve the safety of workers. Because using bicycles as work tools is likely to grow over time, it is important to understand how city planning, work organization, industry regulation, and education of workers and employers may reduce risks to commercial cyclists on the roads. The framework can serve future inferential studies.     

Slot auction in an airport network with demand uncertainty

This paper investigates the effectiveness of airport slot auction by developing a two-stage model, which distributes slots among competing airlines using an ascending-bid multi-unit auction. Airlines assign different values to slots at peak and off-peak periods, and each carrier has its private (subjective) forecast of future demand. Conditional on the slots available to them, airlines compete in frequency, fare, and aircraft size over a congested airport network. The market outcome under such a scheme is benchmarked to those under an ex ante allocation and an ex post allocation by a social planner. Comparison results suggest that the auction-based scheme is inferior to the other two schemes when there is little fluctuation in demand, whereas the auction-based system is more effective when there is substantial demand uncertainty. Auctioning some grandfathered slots can improve social welfare but the marginal effect may diminish quickly.     

Performance evaluation of Italian airports: A data envelopment analysis

This paper addresses empirically financial and operational performance of Italian airports using data envelopment analysis (DEA) methodology. With panel data for 2001–2003, the study tests variable relationships—the relative roles of dimension, managerial status and workload unit—to measure the proximity of the airports to the frontiers of best practices. The implications of the research for managerial purposes are then drawn to validate prior findings of the same relationships in other geographical contexts.     

A quantum-inspired model for human-automation trust in air traffic controllers derived from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and correlated with behavioural indicators

Steady growth in air traffic has resulted in a greater prevalence in automation aids as far as the field of Air Traffic Management is concerned. This has ensued in human factors, particularly trust becoming an essential point of consideration in Air Traffic Controller (ATCO)-automation teams. An undertaking to better embody trust behaviours in ATCOs was attempted by coalescing two schools of thought on trust using the principles of superposition and complementarity from quantum mechanics. This model was further refined with behavioural indicators from the experiment. Brain imaging verification of this synchronised coexistence of both philosophies was established with the use of functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) data, where ATCOs were given conflict detection tasks with the aid of ATS-CAP software that was able to generate credible flight plans with visible waypoints and airports. Data from self-reported questionnaires have been useful in building generalised models of trust. However, the robustness of the model that has been proposed in this paper is higher than generalised models because of the utilisation of unbiased data to represent specifically ATCO trusting behaviour under uncertainty. This is an improvement on current models that are also context-dependent and based on subjective data.     

Process innovation capability and subsequent collaborative team performance in travel planning: a knowledge exchange platform perspective

Purpose: Backpacker tourism is flourishing in this century as the high development of Internet technology which enables travellers to search for resources they need easier. The research goal of this study was to exam how virtual skill and collective efficacy affect process innovation capability and subsequent team performance of collaborative design team in a virtual community. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, we formulated the virtual team model from the perspectives of open innovation paradigm and virtual competence, and we collected virtual community participation samples from the online communities. Invitation emails were delivered to numerous trip plan initiators in two well-known online travel communities for filling survey questionnaires for this study. In total, 3000 invitation messages were mailed, of which 373 were returned completed. The model and hypotheses were tested by structural equation modelling. Findings: Virtual competence, including collective efficacy and virtual media skill, is the essential key to facilitate process innovation capability and subsequent team performance success. Besides, knowledge sharing significantly moderates the relationship between process innovation capability and the team performance. Originality/value: Backpackers in the online travel communities have to have not only the willingness to collaborate, but also the abilities of using the correct tool to help with their tasks. When a self-efficacy gets into collective efficacy, it enables the collaborative team to develop with good virtual competencies. Accordingly, trip plan initiator and participants of a virtual team are as expertise contributors between conformity in online communities and online compulsive control tendencies.     

Measuring destination-based segregation through mobility patterns: Application of transport card data

This study explores the level of segregation experienced by seniors, children/youth, and passengers with disabilities, compared to normal-fare passengers at their trip destination when using public transportation. One week's travel records of public transit passengers were extracted from Seoul's transport card data to compute dissimilarity and exposure indices, theoretically equivalent to those developed in segregation research, to capture destination-based segregation through mobility patterns. Additionally, a multigroup entropy index was computed to measure diversity by assessing the social mixture of all passenger flows in a spatial unit. The results revealed that segregation levels experienced by passengers based on their social groups are notably different depending on the time of day and the day of the week. The computed exposure measure illustrates that the potential interaction between the selected social groups and normal-fare passengers is relatively higher during peak hours on weekdays. The results also show that subway stations provide more opportunities for interaction among different social groups. These findings can contribute to a better understanding of social segregation through mobility patterns as well as the effective quantification of the public transport network performance in terms of providing an interaction opportunity for the groups.     

The Potential for Appreciative Inquiry in Tourism Research

Tourism is an engine of economic growth, but its capacity to contribute to good health is only starting to be documented. This paper describes a forthcoming research project with the Ethiopian immigrant community in the Australian state of Victoria. The project aims to discover if writing about positive holiday experiences that involve visits to friends and relatives improves the community's mental health – alleviates depression levels and increases levels of happiness. The role of holidays in improving mental health is of increasing interest to the tourism industry. This research note highlights the importance of understanding the benefits of holidays for individual well-being; this paper outlines a methodological approach for investigating these benefits.     

Criteria selection and multi-objective optimization of aircraft landing problem

Inspired by the similarities of the aircraft landing problem (ALP) and the single machine scheduling problem, we propose a criteria selection method that has been used successfully in the single machine scheduling problem to determine appropriate objective functions of ALP. First, for four different types of criteria—min-max, min-sum, completion time related, and due-dates related criteria—their corresponding physical meanings in ALP are elaborated. Then, a criteria selection method is proposed to determine several appropriate criteria, which are taken as the multi-objective while modeling ALP. Different solution algorithms, including Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA), are adopted to solve the multi-objective ALP. Finally, the performance of the proposed model and method are evaluated using a set of benchmark instances. The computational results demonstrate the efficiency of our approach for solving ALP, which can simultaneously improve punctual performance, enhance runway utilization, reduce air traffic controller workload, and maintain equity among airlines.     

基于平衡记分卡的供应链绩效评价

平衡记分卡作为供应链绩效评价的手段，以战略目标为出发点，把企业各部门的任务、决策、流程转化为既独立又相互联系的目标，然后再把目标分解成多项指标进行评价。基于平衡记分卡的思想，结合主成分分析法和数据包络分析，建立供应链企业绩效评价模型，全面反映供应链的绩效，为供应链的持续改进提供帮助。     

Functional efficiency in airport terminals: A review on Overall and Stratified Service Quality

This paper presents a review of the existing approaches for functional efficiency assessment in airport passenger terminal buildings (PTB). The literature has been classified into two broad study levels and a set of 58 Key Performance Indicators are identified. These are further classified based on their application in processing, holding and circulation activities and sub-classified as objective and subjective indicators. Analytical methods adapted for service quality (SQ) assessments are comprehended. This paper identifies emerging Stratified SQ indicators and stochastic approaches for performance evaluation considering the spatial, operational and technological transformations of PTBs. Critical gaps from literature and scope for further research are discussed.     

Older adults and their willingness to use semi and fully autonomous vehicles: A structural equation analysis

Advanced Vehicle Technologies (AVTs) have been purported to improve the behind-the-wheel experience of older adults (65+ years) by making driving safer, easier, and more enjoyable. The autonomous vehicle, in particular, is viewed as a promising innovation for those in older age groups. However, little is known about how older adults perceive AVTs as well as their attitudes, concerns, and willingness to use different levels of vehicular automation.Using the results of an online survey of 1000 Canadians aged 65 and older (who live in the Greater Golden Horseshoe Region, Southern Ontario, Canada), this paper aims to identify and quantify key factors that can affect older adults' willingness to use vehicles with different levels of automation (e.g., semi vs. fully autonomous vehicles; SAV/FAV). Underlying this objective is a need to examine older adults' preferences and concerns for using emerging automotive technologies.Using factor analysis and structural equation modeling, several factors were also identified that can influence older adults' openness to use SAV/FAV including the perception that the AVTs would actually assist with performing driving-related tasks, participant concerns about using SAV/FAV (mainly concerns about inadequate testing on SAV/FAV and being legally responsible if SAV/FAV technology failure causes an accident), using automobile as a passenger, gender, level of education, and the need for assistance with driving. Moreover, almost two thirds of participants reported having concerns about liability if an AVT failed resulting in a crash.Findings of this study provide decision makers and car manufacturing companies with valuable insights regarding older adults' willingness and needs to use SAV/FAV.