scholarly journals Psychometric Properties of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory in a Portuguese Sample of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cátia Reis ◽  
Miguel Tecedeiro ◽  
Pollyana Pellegrino ◽  
Teresa Paiva ◽  
João P. Marôco

From its initial conceptualization as emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal efficacy for the help professions, burnout has received increasing attention in modern times, especially after the 2019 WHO’s inclusion of this syndrome in the ICD-11 list. Burnout can be measured using several psychometric instruments that range in dimensionality, number of items, copyrighted, and free use formats. Here, we report the psychometric properties of data gathered with the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) in a sample of Portuguese Aircraft maintenance technicians. As far as we know, this is the first study addressing the burnout syndrome in this occupational group. Data gathered with the OLBI displayed good evidence of validity related to internal structure, to other variables, with good evidence of reliability. We showed that burnout significantly correlated with mental and physical fatigue emphasizing the vital critical role that these variables play with safety in the aviation industry.

Author(s):  
Tarık GÜNEŞ ◽  
Uğur TURHAN ◽  
Birsen AÇIKEL

ABSTRACT Aircraft maintenance activities are one of the most important criteria for the safe and effective execution of aviation operations. In aircraft accidents and incidents, maintenance factor is vital for the development of safety for organizations, authorities and countries in the aviation field. Effective maintenance activities will also contribute to the costs of organizations by ensuring the safe operations of aircraft with people. Maintenance activities are carried out by maintenance technicians in areas such as hangars or aprons. Aircraft maintenance technicians' performance in performing maintenance activities directly impacts flight safety and technician safety, which in turn has a positive or negative impact on organizations. Improving technician competency assessment processes can reduce maintenance errors, improve technician performance, create positive impacts on safe and efficient flight operations, reduce maintenance costs and benefit of entire aviation industry. Technician competency should be considered in performance evaluations and assignments by assessing in all levels with the compatibility of videly used human resources management methods. In this study, technician competence assessment processes are mentioned, the effects of these processes on aviation safety are explained and solutions are proposed to develop and apply the assessment processes. Keywords: Aircraft maintenance, aircraft maintenance technician competency, competency assessment, human factors in aviation.


Author(s):  
Tarik Gunes ◽  
Ugur Turhan ◽  
Birsen Acikel

Aircraft maintenance activities are one of the most important criteria for the safe and effective execution of aviation operations., In aircraft accidents and incidents, maintenance factor is vital for the development of safety for organizations, authorities, and countries in the aviation field. Effective maintenance activities will also contribute to the costs of organizations by ensuring the safe operations of aircraft with people. Maintenance activities are carried out by maintenance technicians in areas such as hangars or aprons. Aircraft maintenance technicians' performance in performing maintenance activities directly impacts flight safety and technician safety, which in turn has a positive or negative impact on organizations. Improving technician competency assessment processes can reduce maintenance errors, improve technician performance, create positive impacts on safe and efficient flight operations, reduce maintenance costs and benefit of the entire aviation industry. Technician competency should be considered in performance evaluations and assignments by assessing at all levels with the compatibility of widely used human resources management methods. In this study, technician competency assessment processes are mentioned, the effects of these processes on aviation safety are explained and solutions are proposed to develop and apply the assessment processes.


2021 ◽  
pp. 239496432110105
Author(s):  
Bruno Pereira ◽  
Gui Lohmann ◽  
Luke Houghton

Collaboration plays a critical role in fostering innovation and value creation in the aviation sector. However, how factors and connections relate to the achievement of innovative outcomes in aviation require further investigation. This study investigates the key factors that create a conceptual framework by conducting a literature review and an archival analysis of news articles. The model proposed involves factors such as strategic decision-making; networking and partner choice; cultural context, values, behaviour and compatibilities; collaboration configuration; issues and risks shared; skills, capacities and experience; infrastructure and resources available; engagement activities; knowledge transfer, absorption and appropriation; collaboration management; communication flows; external environment and demand; and expectations and outcomes. Promising collaborations are also indicated in areas where the framework could be adopted to increase partnerships and outcomes. Also, we highlight best practice examples from leading organizations, such as International Airlines Group (IAG), Emirates Airline, Singapore Airlines, Boeing and JetBlue, to provide insights into existing collaborations that have led to innovation and value creation in this sector.


Author(s):  
Hala Darwish ◽  
Pia Zeinoun ◽  
Natali Farran ◽  
Husam Ghusn ◽  
Bassem Yamout ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is often associated with cognitive deficits. Accurate evaluation of the MS patients’ cognitive performance is essential for diagnosis and treatment recommendation. The Brief International Cognitive Assessment in Multiple Sclerosis (BICAMS), widely used cognitive testing battery, examines processing speed, verbal and visuospatial learning, and memory. Our study aims to examine the psychometric properties of an Arabic version of the BICAMS and to provide normative values in a Lebanese sample. Method: The BICAMS, comprised of the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R), and a newly developed verbal learning/memory test, the Verbal Memory Arabic Test (VMAT), were administered on healthy subjects and MS patients. The sample consisted of 180 healthy individuals, of whom 63 were retested after 2–3 weeks. Forty-three MS patients matched with 43 healthy subjects based on age, sex, and years of education were assessed. A sample of 10 MS patients was also examined on two occasions. Test–retest reliability and criterion-related validity were examined, and regression-based norms were derived. Results: The test–retest correlations showed good evidence of reliability with coefficients ranging between 0.64 and 0.73 in the healthy sample, and between 0.43 and 0.92 in the MS sample. The BICAMS was able to discriminate between MS patients and matched healthy participants on the SDMT and BVMT-R. Normative data were comparable to other studies. Conclusions: This new Arabic version of the BICAMS shows initial good psychometric properties. While good evidence of VMAT’s reliability was shown in the healthy participants, less test–retest reliability in this tool was seen in the MS group, and partial criterion-related validity was evident. This renders further examination of the VMAT. We provide regression-based norms for a Lebanese sample and encourage the use of this battery in both research and clinical settings.


2020 ◽  
pp. 025371762093926
Author(s):  
Snigdhasree Bhattacharyya ◽  
Uma Hirisave ◽  
Mariamma Philip ◽  
N. Janardhana

Background: Experiences that a child or adolescent goes through play a critical role in their development as an individual. To understand the world of adolescents and their mental health and well-being, it would be important to be able to access their experiences. Therefore, an objective measure to assess experiences is necessary. The study aimed to develop a scale to assess experiences and establish their psychometric properties. Materials and methods: My Experiences Scale (MES) is a newly developed 50-item, multiple-choice, self-report measure. Various steps involved in developing the MES and establishing its psychometric properties have been elaborated. The study was carried out across four phases, and the sample consisted of 1,260 school-going children and adolescents. The participants were representative of both genders, a wide age range, and diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Results: MES was found to have good internal consistency (Alpha 0.85) and test–retest reliability (0.96). MES was found to have significant correlations with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and global self-worth. Conclusions: The newly developed experiences scale shows promising psychometric properties and a wide scope for application.


2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 478-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Shanmugam ◽  
T. Paul Robert

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review on human factors in aircraft maintenance and to analyze and synthesize the findings in the literature on human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance. Design/methodology/approach – The review adopts a threefold approach: searching and collecting the scientific literature; sorting them on the basis of relevance and applications; and review of the scientific evidences. Broad areas of aircraft maintenance regulations are identified and each area was explored to study the level of scientific growth and publications. Notable theories, models and concepts are being summarized. Findings – Application of human factor principles in aviation spread beyond the technical arena of man-machine interface. The discipline has created a great impact on aircraft design, operations and maintenance. Its applications have percolated into design of aircraft maintenance facilities, task cards and equipment. Human factor concepts are being used for maintenance resource management. The principles are applied to shape the safety behavior and culture in aviation maintenance workplace. Nevertheless, the review unfolds immense potential for future research. Research limitations/implications – Research outcomes of non-aviation studies are also reviewed and consolidated to extend the applications to the aviation industry. Practical implications – This review would be a consolidated source of information confining to the physical aspect of human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance. It is intended to serve as a quick reference guide to the researchers and maintenance practitioners. Social implications – It brought out the benefits of adopting the principles of human factor engineering in aircraft maintenance. Application of human factor philosophy ensures enhanced safety in air transport, personal safety and well-being of maintenance personnel. Originality/value – This is a unique review based on aircraft maintenance regulations that are baseline performance standards made mandatory by regulatory authorities. Therefore, the review has been considered to be made on aircraft maintenance regulatory requirements that surpass corporate or competitive strategies in aviation maintenance organization.


2009 ◽  
Vol 297 (5) ◽  
pp. H1557-H1566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Irving H. Zucker ◽  
Harold D. Schultz ◽  
Kaushik P. Patel ◽  
Wei Wang ◽  
Lie Gao

Angiotensin type 1 receptors (AT1Rs) play a critical role in a variety of physiological functions and pathophysiological states. They have been strongly implicated in the modulation of sympathetic outflow in the brain. An understanding of the mechanisms by which AT1Rs are regulated in a variety of disease states that are characterized by sympathoexcitation is pivotal in development of new strategies for the treatment of these disorders. This review concentrates on several aspects of AT1R regulation in the setting of chronic heart failure (CHF). There is now good evidence that AT1R expression in neurons is mediated by activation of the transcription factor activator protein 1 (AP-1). This transcription factor and its component proteins are upregulated in the rostral ventrolateral medulla of animals with CHF. Because the increase in AT1R expression and transcription factor activation can be blocked by the AT1R antagonist losartan, a positive feedback mechanism of AT1R expression in CHF is suggested. Oxidative stress has also been implicated in the regulation of receptor expression. Recent data suggest that the newly discovered catabolic enzyme angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) may play a role in the modulation of AT1R expression by altering the balance between the octapeptide ANG II and ANG- (1–7). Finally, exercise training reduces both central oxidative stress and AT1R expression in animals with CHF. These data strongly suggest that multiple central and peripheral influences dynamically alter AT1R expression in CHF.


2014 ◽  
Vol 217 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Birgit Karin Schindler ◽  
Stephan Koslitz ◽  
Tobias Weiss ◽  
Horst Christoph Broding ◽  
Thomas Brüning ◽  
...  

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