Experience-Based Mitigation of Age-Related Performance Declines: Evidence From Air Traffic Control

http://www.apa.org/journals/releases/xap15112.pdf

Ashley Nunes and Arthur F. Kramer


Older air traffic controllers can head off mid-air collisions at least as well as younger controllers, using experience to compensate for age-related declines in mental sharpness, a new study finds. The evidence that experience triumphs over the normal changes of aging could help to overturn myths about older workers that are contributing to the draining of the pool of skilled professionals.

Public Enquiry into the September 2005 outbreak of E.Coli 0157 in South Wales

http://wales.gov.uk/ecolidocs/3008707/reporten.pdf?lang=en

Hugh Pennington, March 2009
isbn 9780 7504 49588



The Outbreak
1. The Outbreak of E.coli O157 in South Wales in September 2005 was the largest outbreak
caused by this organism in Wales and the second largest to date in the UK.
2. A total of 157 cases were identified, of which 118 were confirmed microbiologically as
E.coli O157. Of those, 109 were of a strain unique to the Outbreak.
3. Most cases were children in 44 schools across four local authority areas. Thirty-one people
were admitted to hospital. Tragically, Mason Jones aged five, died.
The Inquiry
4. The Inquiry’s terms of reference were: “To enquire into the circumstances that led to
the Outbreak of E.coli O157 infection in South Wales in September 2005 and into the
handling of the Outbreak; and to consider the implications for the future and make
recommendations accordingly”.
5. Progress was affected by a criminal investigation and subsequent proceedings but the
Inquiry was able to work in parallel with both.
6. The Inquiry considered a substantial volume of written and oral evidence. All relevant
evidence and transcripts of proceedings can be accessed on the Inquiry’s web site www.ecoliinquirywales.org

Jet Fuel Exposure and Neurological Health in Military Personnel

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA493576&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Jet propulsion fuel 8 (JP-8) has recently been recognized by the Department of Defense as the single largest chemical exposure for its personnel. The primary aim of the project is to conduct an epidemiological field study to examine the relationship between JP-8 fuel exposure and adverse neurological health in military personnel. The research objectives include 1) determination of the individual service member's level of exposure to JP-8 components while carrying out his/her job tasks, as measured by specified biomarkers of exposure, and 2) examination of whether acute, or cumulative exposure to JP-8 over a work week is significantly associated with hypothesized neurobehavioral and neurophysiologic performance outcomes. The project has two phases: Tier I involves onsite exposure assessment of fully characterize JP-8 exposure parameters in the military occupational field setting required for study to examine predicted dose-response relationships. The field study is being carried out with military (Air Force) personnel. Data collected for the Tier I and Tier II phases have been completed. Tier I reports are being prepared; Tier II data analysis steps are underway.

Fatigue Resistance Assessed in Five Tasks for a Single Session of Sleep Deprivation

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA493497&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
Chaiken, Scott R., Harville, Donald L., Harrison, Richard, Fischer, Joe, Fisher, Dion, Whitmore, Jeff
Date October 2008

AFRL-RH-BR-TR-2008-0067

To assess whether individuals (n=89) could be put on a trait dimension of fatigue resistance (c.f., Von Dongen, Maislin, & Dinges, 2004), we observed performance on cognitive tasks in a single 48-hour sustained-wake protocol. Individual differences in task performance were largest late in the protocol. Next we developed methods for classifying a participant as fatigue resistant or susceptible, as part of a larger project investigating genetic factors in fatigue-resistance. We considered a rule based on percent-change decrement with fatigue and another rule based on residuals of task performance predicted by (presumably non-genetic) sleep behaviors, which were shown to bias raw percent-change classifications. Classifications based on ranking residuals were less confounded by sleep behaviors than similar classifications based on percent change. Finally, we assessed the SAFTE fatigue model (Hursh, Redmond, Johnson, Thorne, Belenky, Balkin, Storm, Mil! ler, Eddy, 2004) on sustained performance across the different tasks. While this model is a simulation theory of physiological fatigue, and as such task-independent, we discuss relatively simple ways to put theory and task performances on the same quantitative scale to assess model adequacy.

Spatial Disorientation Training - Demonstration and Avoidance

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA493605&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf
Edited by Willem Bles
RTO-TR-HFM-118, AC/323(HFM-118)TP/206 October 2008

Recent accident statistics reveal that Spatial Disorientation (SD) is still a major threat to flight safety in many NATO countries. A review of SD training programmes as applied in most NATO countries, in agreement with STANAG 3114, shows that SD training is not fully developed. The goal of the report is to provide the necessary information to improve these SD training programmes. To this purpose, the report provides many detailed examples of ground-based and in-flight SD training scenarios. Ground-based training devices range from Barany chairs to Full Flight Simulators; in-flight SD training scenarios are described for rotary wing as well as for fixed wing aircraft. A separate chapter is devoted to SD avoidance training for Night Vision Devices. The report also pays attention to the optimization of the SD training programme by selecting the appropriate SD scenarios, by choosing and training the right personnel and by the suitable integration of ! basic and continuation SD courses into the pilot training programme. An adequate training programme will enhance SD awareness, and consequently, flight safety.

Suicide after Leaving the UK Armed Forces —A Cohort Study

http://medicine.plosjournals.org/perlserv/?request=get-document&doi=10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1000026&ct=1

Navneet Kapur1*, David While1, Nick Blatchley2, Isabelle Bray2, Kate Harrison2
1 Centre for Suicide Prevention, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom, 2 Defence Analytical Services and Advice (Ministry of Defence), Bath, United Kingdom


Young men who leave the UK Armed Forces were at increased risk of suicide. This may reflect preservice vulnerabilities rather than factors related to service experiences or discharge. Preventive strategies might include practical and psychological preparation for discharge and encouraging appropriate help-seeking behaviour once individuals have left the services.

Modelling the Effect of Personal Hearing Protection and Communications Devices on Speech Perception in Noise

http://cradpdf.drdc.gc.ca/PDFS/unc80/p530801.pdf


Christian Giguère, Ph.D.


A predictive model of speech intelligibility was developed and validated for use in
workplace environments characterized by hazardous noise levels requiring the use of
hearing protection devices. The model takes into account the characteristics of the noise field, the signal-to-noise ratio, the attenuation of the device, and the hearing status of the listener. Accurate prediction of speech intelligibility required consideration of both the audibility (threshold) and distortion (suprathreshold) components of a hearing loss, as measured by the pure-tone audiogram and the clinical Hearing-In-Noise Test. The mean prediction error over all conditions tested was -0.1% with a standard deviation of 14.6%. The model could be applied in the context of two important applications of direct relevance to the Canadian Forces military environment: (1) the optimal selection of hearing protectors, and (2) the establishment of functionally-based hearing standards for
the personnel. The predictive procedures developed in this research could form the basis for a comprehensive hearing protector selection and speech communication assessment system. Additional work is needed to extend the speech perception model to headsets and other communication devices. Speech production with hearing protection devices should also be further studied.

America by Air

http://www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gal102/americabyair/


"If you're not in the mood for packing up the car and going to your local airport, why not just take a look at this delightful online exhibition from the National Air and Space Museum? The moment the virtual airport terminal gates open, visitors will be presented with a set of different activities, including a virtual flight across America during different parts of the twentieth century. Visitors can click on the "Fly Across America" to view period documents that depict what the in-flight experience was like from the 1920s to the present. Moving on, the "Explore Exhibition" takes visitors through the different periods of American aviation history, complete with historic photographs, first-hand recollections, and so on. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of the site is the "Activities" section. Here visitors can learn about the responsibilities of a travel agent during the golden age of aviation, take a look at an interactive ticket price meter, and check out the frenetic world of the baggage claim, past and present. [KMG]" (from the Scout Report)

Collection of Amelia Earhart's memorabilia

http://www.lib.purdue.edu/spcol/aearhart/index.php


"Purdue University contains the largest collection of Amelia Earhart's ephemera, memorabilia, and artifacts, which is in no small part related to Earhart's time spent as a lecturer at the university. Although the entire collection is not available online, more than 3,500 maps, photos, and other documents are, including personal documents, such as her prenuptial agreement, personal correspondence, and marriage license. Visitors can familiarize themselves with Earhart's 40-year life, by clicking on the "Timeline" link on the left side of the page. To view photos of her many medals, visitors should go to the "Medals" link on the left side of the page. Visitors shouldn't miss looking at the interactive map of her last journey, by clicking on the "Map" link on the left side of the page. Using their mouse, visitors can click on the cities Earhart stopped in, read a brief description of the flight, and view photographs and documents related to that stop. Clicking on "Next City" or "Previous City" will take visitors to Earhart's other stops, without going back to the map. Finally, the "Other Sites" link on the left side of the page offers links to dozens of other relevant sites that deal with Amelia Earhart. [KMG]" (from The Scout Report)

Using the Estimating Supplies Program to Develop Materiel Solutions for the U.S. Air Force Aeromedical Evacuation In-Flight Kit (FFQDM)

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA492887&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

The U.S. Air Force Medical Support Agency Surgeon General Support Logistics Office requested Naval Health Research Center conduct a proof-of-concept study to assess the validity and feasibility of using NHRC's medical modeling tool the Estimating Supplies Program (ESP) for the development and management of Air Force medical Allowance Standards as a baseline for standardization throughout the services. The primary objective of this study was to provide the Air Force with the ability to validate the clinical requirements of the Aeromedical Evacuation In-Flight Kit. The Air Force Allowance Standard addresses the equipment medicines consumables and durables required for an Aeromedical Evacuation Crew mission. The method is to create an appropriate patient stream consisting of injuries and illnesses likely to be managed as set out in the mission Concept of Operation of this Unit Type Code. Using the relational database clinical tasks can be mapped to e! ach condition. Once the tasks and patient conditions (PCs) are mapped to one another supplies can be associated to tasks and the lists of equipment medications durables and consumables can be assessed for suitability. A subject matter expert panel reviews and evaluates each step of this process to ensure every inventory line item meets operational and clinical needs. The ESP database of medical task and supply profiles was used as a template to identify PCs appropriate to this capability and to match supplies to clinical tasks medical equipment.

Alcohol Use and Alcohol-Related Problems Before and After Military Combat Deployment

Jacobson, Isabel G., Ryan, Margaret A., Hooper, Tomoko I., Smith, Tyler C., Amoroso, Pail J., Boyko, Edward J., Gackstetter, Gary D., Wells, Timothy S., Bell, Nicole S.REPORT DATE: AUG 2008
http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA493267&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf


Concern has grown over the health of US service members returning from deployment in support of the way Afghanistan. High rates of alcohol misuse after deployment have been reported among personnel returning from past conflict focusing on alcohol misuse after returning from the current conflicts are lacking. The Millennium Cohort Study is a population-based longitudinal study designed to evaluate any long-term effect. Our analyses included 48 481 participants with complete outcome and demographic data who also completed both baseline surveys. Outcomes were new-onset of heavy weekly drinking potential binge drinking and other alcohol-related problems. Men and women who were deployed and reported combat exposures were significantly more likely to experience alcohol outcomes compared with nondeployed personnel. Deployment with combat-related exposures appears to increase the risk of new-onset of heavy weekly drinking and other alcohol-related problem! s. Continued prospective analyses of these data are essential to understand how influence short- and long-term alcohol use patterns.

Defence Medical Services: a review of the Clinical Governance of the Defence Medical Services in the U.K. and overseas

http://www.healthcarecommission.org.uk/_db/_documents/Defence_Medical_Services_review.pdf

isbn 978 1845622183
Published March 2009 by the Health Care Commission