Crew Support Research Articles

О совершенствовании взаимодействия локомотивных бригад пригородных поездов с ремонтными подразделениями

Objective: to consider the need to make adjustments to the “Methodology for interaction between locomotive crews of commuter trains and repair departments”. To consider the introduction of a new operational center for interaction between the repair department and locomotive crews through a mobile application developed on the basis of the existing ACS-PRIG system. Develop the personnel management structure of the new center. To present a block diagram of interaction, as well as to describe new positions required for effective interaction of structures. Methods: identification of shortcomings in the interaction of locomotive crews of suburban trains with repair units at present, analysis of cooperation between the two units and their adjustment; development of a mobile application based on the existing ASU-PRIG system; development of a logical scheme of interaction. Results: the necessity of adjusting the interaction of locomotive crews of suburban trains with repair units is indicated. It is established that it is necessary to introduce a new position and a new apparatus of interaction, named in the project “CDC”, as well as to develop a list of job duties for responsible persons. The need to introduce a mobile application for information support of locomotive crews in the performance of their trip-related duties by providing the MVPS crew with access to electronic documentation, automating communication with the repair personnel of the CDC has been identified. To increase the efficiency of interaction the mobile application should be simple, convenient and have a clear interface. Practical importance: the necessity of introducing a new operational center of interaction between the repair department and locomotive crews through a mobile application recommended for use in the operating depot PM-20 and repair depot PM-15 is shown. This innovation will increase the efficiency of interaction between the two units, which in turn will improve the quality of repairs. This method of cooperation will reduce the number of failures and breakdowns of rolling stock. The proposed changes in cooperation can be recommended for practical use.

Critical Discourse on Press Contribution to NTT Good Local Governance

The contribution of local media in articulating its control function to restore people’s rights and encourage the implementation of good local governance cannot be separated from the professionalism and critical support of the media crew. This is because the relationship between local media and regional authorities is still prone to conflict, complex, and bound by certain emotional-cultural aspects. Using critical discourse analysis, this study examines specifically the editorial texts of two local mainstream newspapers, Flores Pos and Pos Kupang, related to some strategic issues, especially corruption issues, within the Provincial Government of NTT. The study found that the reality of local media can be co-opted by the interests of media owners and local governments. It also confirms that local media are not absolutely neutral or interest-free. The neutrality of local mass media is also influenced by the dominance of media owners who have power relations with regional authorities.

Long-duration isolation experiments in preparation of interplanetary missions: Psychological support of international crews

The current development of international cooperation, assimilation and integration of representatives of different ethnic groups has led to the urgent need to take this factor into account in the planning, organization and implementation of complex scientific and technological projects, such as space exploration missions (Moon or Mars missions). In this regard, it becomes obvious that crew training and in-flight activities of astronauts cannot be planned without considering intercultural relations, including relevant psychological support of international crews, playing a key role for the success of such space missions. The efficiency of the entire range of activities related to space activities in general depends directly on the ability to build cross-cultural relationships between all stakeholders. The main tool of achieving mutual understanding in any kind of activity in general and the work of astronauts in particular is communication. Communication among the crew of astronauts and with ground control is strongly impacted by their cultural background and in long-duration space missions this impact is strongly aggravated.This paper presents a quantitative complex study of the impact of cultural background of members of an international crew on their information and communication needs with the outside world during long-duration isolation and autonomy during the Mars-500 project. In the course of the study a new approach to psychological support of an international crew in ground-based isolation studies was developed and implemented, considering culturally influenced information and communication needs of the international crew members. It was demonstrated that it is necessary to combine the principle of parity of information support in a long-duration autonomous mission of an international crew with the principle of individualization of psychological support, based on the cultural identity and psycho-physiological condition of the crew members. The results of the study have confirmed the efficiency of this new approach and represent a valuable input for the further development of psychological support of international crews during long-duration isolation / space missions.

Space Medicine: Scientific Foundations, Achievements, and Challenges.

This article, based on a report presented at the Scientific Session of the Russian Academy of Sciences, highlights the history of the formation of space medicine, its theoretical foundations, and the role of scientists of the Academy of Sciences in the preparation and implementation of the first manned flight into space. The achievements of domestic specialists in space physiology, biology, and medicine promoting the development of manned cosmonautics are considered. Examples are given of the implementation of the results of space research, as well as instruments and devices for medical support of space crews, into practical health care. The problems of medical support of future interplanetary flights and the ways of their solution are analyzed.

Medical Aspects of Providing the Safety of the ISS-64 Crew (Express Analysis).

The paper shows the results of medical support of the ISS-64 crew. A brief de-scription of the medical support system is given; main outcome of implement-ing the program for medical monitoring of cosmonauts’ health status and envi-ronment conditions on the ISS RS during the mission and the use of onboard means and facilities meant for maintaining the health and performance of cosmonauts is shown as well.

Человеко-машинные интерфейсы пилотируемых космических аппаратов: опыт и перспективы

The article reviews retrospectives and prospects of design and technological solutions for man-machine interfaces of manned spacecraft in order to determine possible trends in their development for information support of crews of lunar expeditions in manual modes of spacecraft operation in conditions of limited opportunities for operational interaction with a groundbased fl ight control center. Prospects and trends of this kind are especially important to be known and taken into account at the stage of the preliminary design of the considered human-machine interfaces.

Elevating the standard: a professionalized approach to community-based rainwater harvesting systems in Uganda

Where water resources are limited, rainwater harvesting (RWH) can provide on-site access to improved water sources. Community institutions are uniquely positioned to benefit from RWH; advocates have encouraged the installation of community-based RWH systems as a way to ameliorate water supply insufficiencies in low-income settings. However, poor quality RWH system installations and insufficient attention to management support have resulted in sustainability challenges, necessitating a commitment to higher standards for community-based RWH. Spurred on by an iterative learning cycle and commitment to innovation, the Ugandan Water Project has achieved RWH system design, installation, and management practices that are well adapted to Ugandan institutions. By investing in a professional crew, high-quality materials, and post-installation support, the Ugandan Water Project has achieved 96 per cent functionality two years after installation. The professionalized approach that the Ugandan Water Project employs can be used as a model to guide future RWH system installations in Uganda and elsewhere.

Space Biology Research and Biosensor Technologies: Past, Present, and Future.

In light of future missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) and the potential establishment of bases on the Moon and Mars, the effects of the deep space environment on biology need to be examined in order to develop protective countermeasures. Although many biological experiments have been performed in space since the 1960s, most have occurred in LEO and for only short periods of time. These LEO missions have studied many biological phenomena in a variety of model organisms, and have utilized a broad range of technologies. However, given the constraints of the deep space environment, upcoming deep space biological missions will be largely limited to microbial organisms and plant seeds using miniaturized technologies. Small satellites such as CubeSats are capable of querying relevant space environments using novel, miniaturized instruments and biosensors. CubeSats also provide a low-cost alternative to larger, more complex missions, and require minimal crew support, if any. Several have been deployed in LEO, but the next iterations of biological CubeSats will travel beyond LEO. They will utilize biosensors that can better elucidate the effects of the space environment on biology, allowing humanity to return safely to deep space, venturing farther than ever before.

Перспективы развития безэкипажных судов в Российской Федерации

The article considers the actuality of crewless shipping. The development of technical means in the marine shipbuilding industry has been pointed out. The statistical data on accidents at sea are given; as a result of the data analysis, there have been identified the main causes 
 of the accidents: non-compliance with generally accepted methods of controlling a vessel, ignoring the specific hydrometeorological parameters of the navigation and mooring areas, non-compliance with safety and technical operation rules, navigation errors, etc. The human factor has been stated to remain the main and most frequent cause of accidents at sea. The types of accidents at sea are considered in detail (damage to ship devices and mechanisms, ship's hull, loss of life, bulk, explosion, fire, loss of a towed object, winding on a screw, grounding, serious bodily harm, collision, loss of stability, buoyancy, collision with a submerged object). The advantages of using a crewless vessel are substantiated, as well as the prospects associated with the introduction of such vessels: reduction in accident rate due to the exclusion of the human factor, lower negative and harmful effects on the environment, increased reliability of transportation due to changes in the structure 
 of vessels, increased economic efficiency due to the uselessness of crew support, etc. There has been given an example of creating a project for the e-Navigation test area executed by Kronstadt in 2016. The test water area includes all e-Navigation coverage areas, combines 13 ports, training centers, over 300 sea vessels, several ship traffic control systems into a single electronic space. Within the framework of the project, developers introduce and test new equipment, conduct training for the crews. The conclusions have been made about possibility for the Russian Federation of accelerating the introduction of new technologies in the global market of shipping companies, increasing competitiveness and reducing dependence on foreign technologies

항공사 객실승무원의 조직지원에 대한 내부마케팅 개선방안 : 중요도-성취도 분석(IPA)을 적용하여

항공사 객실승무원의 조직지원에 대한 내부마케팅 개선방안 : 중요도-성취도 분석(IPA)을 적용하여

UPGRID project: the management and control of LV network

Implementation of new technical solutions from smart grid area can provide new information about the state of the medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) network. As a result, it is possible to build the functionalities that bring a new quality to the network operations and management. ENERGA-OPERATOR SA gathered experience in the field of smart grid for several years. After the completion of several smart grid pilot projects in the MV network and deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), it is time to focus on LV network management. By integrating existing systems and adding new functionality, it is possible to meet these challenges. ENERGA-OPERATOR SA has launched, as part of the Horizon 2020 UPGRID project, the pilot project that aims at supporting the management and control of LV network. Information technology (IT) solution developed in scope of the project implements the functionality of the six major groups: LV SCADA, network analysis, network control and management, outage management, field crew support, and user data panel. The paper presents: the concept of the solution, experience with the development and integration of IT systems, the impact of the solution on the grid, and verified possibilities of improving network's reliability or efficiency.

Individual Traits, Personal Values, and Conflict Resolution in an Isolated, Confined, Extreme Environment.

The study of personality traits, personal values, and the emergence of conflicts within groups performing in an isolated, confined, and extreme environment (ICE) may provide insights helpful for the composition and support of space crews for long duration missions. Studied pre/post and over the 2-yr period of the investigation were 10 Danish military personnel deployed to stations in Greenland on a 26-mo staggered rotation. Subjects completed the NEO PI-R, Triarchic Psychopathy Measure, and Portrait Values Questionnaire, and participated in structured interviews. During deployment, questionnaires were completed biweekly and a cognitive function test once a month. Personality findings indicated a generally well-adjusted group, above average in positive personality traits [Conscientiousness T-score = 59.4 (11.41); Agreeableness T-score = 54.4 (9.36)] and boldness. Personal values of benevolence and self-direction were highly rated. The decision when to "pick sides" and intervene during disagreements between group members was viewed as an important component of conflict resolution. There were no changes in positive/negative affect or cognitive function over the annual light/dark cycle. The personal values of group members appear highly compatible for living in a small group ICE environment for an extended period. Disagreements between group members impact the functioning of the entire group, particularly in regard to decisions whether to support one of the individuals or let the argument run its course. Extended training in strategies for conflict resolution are needed in planning for future long duration missions to avoid fault lines forming within the group.Corneliussen JG, Leon GR, Kjærgaard A, Fink BA, Venables NC. Individual traits, personal values, and conflict resolution in an isolated, confined, extreme environment. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(6):535-543.

Airplane Crew Support Implementation Basing on Ellipsoidal Model of the Closed “Pilot-Airplane” Ergatic System

The paper discusses the problem of closed-loop ergatic “pilot - airplane” system monitoring for the purposes of flight safety. The new approach is proposed, based on the confidential ellipsoidal model, which parameters are estimated by flight data processing. The ellipsoidal model of ergatic “pilot - airplane” system enables to detect system emergency operation mode and to identify the source of such emergency mode. The operability of the proposed approach is confirmed by the experimental data processing.

Social, Occupational, and Cultural Adaptation During a 12-Month Wintering in Antarctica

Life in isolated and confined environments (ICEs) is subject to important constraints which can generate psychosociologically impaired outcomes. This study investigated psychological, social, occupational, and cultural variables which are among the most important determinants in adaptation to a one-year wintering in Antarctica for 13 international subjects. Our findings confirm and give further insight into the role of social (Cohesiveness, Social Support) and occupational (Implementation/Preparedness, Counterproductive Activity, Decision Latitude, and Psychological Job Demands) dimensions of adaptation to ICEs. Relationships between various social and occupational dimensions studies reflected detrimental effects ranging from decrements in cohesiveness (ICE 1, M = 4.44; ICE 7, M = 3.33), social support (ICE 2, M = 4.93; ICE 7, M = 4.28), and work performance (ICE 1, M = 4.33; ICE 6, M = 3.5), which differed across professional status and multicultural factors. These psychosocial issues have important implications for pre-mission selection and training, monitoring and support of crews during the mission, and post-mission readaptation. Operational recommendations are suggested to improve adaptation, success, and well-being for long-duration ICE missions, e.g., to Mars and beyond. Nicolas M, Bishop SL, Weiss K, Gaudino M. Social, occupational, and cultural adaptation during a 12-month wintering in Antarctica. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2016; 87(9):781-789.

Main findings of psychophysiological studies in the Mars 500 experiment

The Mars 500 international experiment has provided, within a relatively short time period, a large amount of unique research data on the complex effects of interplanetary spaceflight factors (such as isolation, communication delay, international crew, and landing on another planet as a culminating event of the mission) on the behavior and activities of an isolated small group. The resulting patterns necessitate changes in the recruitment, training, and medical and psychological support of the future crew of a manned interplanetary mission.

Rhythm-suggestive compensation and unconscious regulatory mechanisms

The article describes a novel method of rhythm-suggestive compensation (RSC) for autonomous psychological support of crews, which takes into account the brain regulatory mechanisms of psychological defense. This method integrates several ways of optimization, such as rhythmic stimulation, binaural drumming, and verbal suggestion. The techniques of RSC are individually specific, taking into account the current features of the functional interaction between the brain’s hemispheres, the personal reaction to suggestive information, and individual psychological defense. Semantic suggestive patterns are modulated according to a certain algorithm and combined with rhythmic sensory stimulation. Therefore, controlled changes in the activities of the brain’s hemispheres and different regions of the brain are combined with an efficacious form of suggestion. The efficiency of RSC was evaluated in two groups of five combatants. The subjects of the first group received compensatory procedures that consisted of a simple combination of rhythmic audiovisual stimulation and verbal suggestion. The efficiency of the procedures was evaluated using the technique for the measurement of brain potentials evoked by emotionally engaging images. The subjects of the second group were treated using the RSC procedure. The RSC showed greater efficiency than rhythmic audiovisual stimulation. It was shown that regular repetition of rhythm-suggestive procedures enables us to optimize the mental state of subjects and form a stable mental set.

On synthesizing the informative functions of hazard at helicopter’s critical flight conditions

In this paper, we consider some typical values of motion parameters in exceptional situations when approaching to the helicopter critical flight regimes and present a technique for constructing the partial and integral informative functions of hazards at current flight regimes. Also described are the possibilities of their use for solving the problems of warning, informative crew support, and synthesizing the control algorithms to remove helicopter from the exceptional situation occurred.

Biological life support systems for space crews: Some results and prospects

A set of problems of biomedical support for humans in the extreme environment of a space flight is a challenge for space biology and medicine. Designing robust and efficiently functioning life support systems (LSS) is among these problems. The paper gives an overview of the experiments with manned ground-based biological LSS (BLSS) performed in Russia and abroad. The basic data on the photoautotrophic components of BLSS (higher plants) were obtained in a series of experiments conducted on board the orbital complex Mir for 630 days in total and in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) (a series of experiments with total duration of 820 days). Analysis of the results obtained on Earth and during the space flights leads to the conclusion that some BLSS components, e.g., greenhouses, can be integrated even now into the systems that are currently used for the life support of space crews.

Development of HTV Environmental Control and Life Support and Crew Support Systems

Development of HTV Environmental Control and Life Support and Crew Support Systems

Situated cognitive engineering for crew support in space

Space crews are in need for excellent cognitive support to perform nominal and off-nominal actions. This paper presents a coherent cognitive engineering methodology for the design of such support, which may be used to establish adequate usability, context-specific support that is integrated into astronaut's task performance and/or electronic partners who enhance human---machine team's resilience. It comprises (a) usability guidelines, measures and methods, (b) a general process guide that integrates task procedure design into user interface design and a software framework to implement such support and (c) theories, methods and tools to analyse, model and test future human---machine collaborations in space. In empirical studies, the knowledge base and tools for crew support are continuously being extended, refined and maintained.