Fuzzy Model for Quantitative Assessment of Environmental Start-up Projects in Air Transport.

The purpose of this paper is to develop an applied fuzzy model of information technology to obtain quantitative estimates of environmental start-up projects in air transport. The developed model will become a useful tool for venture funds, business angels, or crowdfunding platforms for the development of innovative air transport businesses. Obtaining a quantitative estimate of the environmental start-up projects will increase the sustainability of the decision making on the security of financing of such projects by investors. This article develops a fuzzy evaluation model of project start-ups in air transport as an application of our neuro-fuzzy model in a specific air transport environment. The applied model provides output ranking of start-up project teams in air transport based on a four-layer neuro-fuzzy network. The presented model declares the possibilities of the application to solve these economic problems and offers the space for subsequent research focused on its usability in several areas of start-up development, in sectors and processes differentiated. The benefits are also visible for several types of policies, with an emphasis on decision-making processes in regulatory mechanisms to support the state funding in Slovakia, the EU etc.

An Empirical Study of the Impact of the Air Transportation Industry Energy Conservation and Emission Reduction Projects on the Local Economy in China.

Green development has been of particular interest to a range of industries worldwide, one of which being the air transportation industry (ATI). The energy conservation and emission reduction (ECER) projects of the ATI have a huge impact on the local economy. In this study, the input-output method was used to analyze the indirect economic impact of the implementation of the ECER projects of the ATI on the local economy of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region. We examined the direct benefits, backward spread effects, forward spread effects, and consumption multiplier effects. The final results showed that the comprehensive economic income from 2011⁻2013 in the BTH region reached RMB 4.74 billion. The results revealed that the ECER projects commissioned by the ATI were worth investing from both the economic and social benefits perspectives. To increase the green development effects and promote the sustainable development of the ATI, the special funds provided by the Civil Aviation Administration of China should be invested intensively in basic green technology research and setting green regulating and governance rules.

Spatial Differences and Costs of Emissions at U.S. Airport Hubs.

As local governments plan to expand airport infrastructure and build air service, monetized estimates of damages from air pollution are important for balancing environmental impacts. While it is well-known that aircraft emissions near airports directly affect nearby populations, it is less clear how the airport-specific aircraft operations and impacts result in monetized damages to human health and the environment. We model aircraft and ground support equipment emissions at major U.S. airports and estimate the monetized human health and environmental damages of near airport (within 60 miles) emissions. County-specific unit damage costs for PM, SOx, NOx, and VOCs and damage valuations for CO and CO2 are used along with aircraft emissions estimations at airports to determine impacts. We find that near-airport emissions at major U.S. airports caused a total of $1.9 billion in damages in 2013, with airports contributing between $720 thousand and $190 million each. These damages vary by airport from $1 to $9 per seat per one-way flight and costs per passenger are often greater than airport charges levied on airlines for infrastructure use. As the U.S. aviation system grows, it is possible to minimize human and environmental costs by shifting aircraft technologies and expanding service into airports where fewer impacts are likely to occur.

Risk Analysis for Unintentional Slide Deployment During Airline Operations.

We present a risk analysis undertaken to mitigate problems in relation to the unintended deployment of slides under normal operations within a commercial airline. This type of incident entails relevant costs for the airline industry. After assessing the likelihood and severity of its consequences, we conclude that such risks need to be managed. We then evaluate the effectiveness of various countermeasures, describing and justifying the chosen ones. We also discuss several issues faced when implementing and communicating the proposed measures, thus fully illustrating the risk analysis process.

Lifestyle factors, direct and indirect costs for a Brazilian airline company / Fatores de estilo de vida, gastos diretos e indiretos por companhia aérea brasileira

OBJECTIVE To analyze lifestyle risk factors related to direct healthcare costs and the indirect costs due to sick leave among workers of an airline company in Brazil. METHODS In this longitudinal 12-month study of 2,201 employees of a Brazilian airline company, the costs of sick leave and healthcare were the primary outcomes of interest. Information on the independent variables, such as gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle-related factors (body mass index, physical activity, and smoking), was collected using a questionnaire on enrolment in the study. Data on sick leave days were available from the company register, and data on healthcare costs were obtained from insurance records. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association between direct and indirect healthcare costs with sociodemographic, work, and lifestyle-related factors. RESULTS Over the 12-month study period, the average direct healthcare expenditure per worker was US$505.00 and the average indirect cost because of sick leave was US$249.00 per worker. Direct costs were more than twice the indirect costs and both were higher in women. Body mass index was a determinant of direct costs and smoking was a determinant of indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS Obesity and smoking among workers in a Brazilian airline company were associated with increased health costs. Therefore, promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, and anti-tobacco campaigns are important targets for health promotion in this study population. .

OBJETIVO Analisar fatores de estilo de vida relacionados aos gastos diretos com saúde e indiretos com absenteísmo de trabalhadores de companhia aérea brasileira. MÉTODOS Coorte retrospectiva com 2.201 trabalhadores de uma companhia área de São Paulo, SP, em 2010. Os desfechos de interesse foram: gastos com serviços de saúde e com ausência no trabalho. As variáveis independentes sexo, idade, nível educacional, tipo de trabalho, estresse e fatores relacionados ao estilo de vida (índice de massa corporal, atividade física e tabagismo) foram obtidas por entrevista. Informações sobre absenteísmo foram obtidas dos registros da companhia aérea e dados sobre serviços de saúde foram informados pela operadora de saúde responsável pelo plano de saúde dos funcionários da empresa. Foi realizada regressão linear múltipla para analisar a associação entre as variáveis. RESULTADOS A média de gastos por trabalhador foi de US$505,00 com serviços de saúde e US$249,00 devido ao absenteísmo nos 12 meses de seguimento. Gastos diretos foram superiores aos gastos indiretos e ambos foram maiores em mulheres. Índice de massa corporal e tabagismo associaram-se a gastos diretos e indiretos, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES Excesso de peso e tabagismo significaram maiores gastos dentro de um ano, o que sugere que dieta saudável, atividade física e controle do tabagismo são importantes alvos em programas de promoção da saúde para a população estudada. .

Lifestyle factors, direct and indirect costs for a Brazilian airline company.

OBJECTIVE To analyze lifestyle risk factors related to direct healthcare costs and the indirect costs due to sick leave among workers of an airline company in Brazil. METHODS In this longitudinal 12-month study of 2,201 employees of a Brazilian airline company, the costs of sick leave and healthcare were the primary outcomes of interest. Information on the independent variables, such as gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle-related factors (body mass index, physical activity, and smoking), was collected using a questionnaire on enrolment in the study. Data on sick leave days were available from the company register, and data on healthcare costs were obtained from insurance records. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to investigate the association between direct and indirect healthcare costs with sociodemographic, work, and lifestyle-related factors. RESULTS Over the 12-month study period, the average direct healthcare expenditure per worker was US$505.00 and the average indirect cost because of sick leave was US$249.00 per worker. Direct costs were more than twice the indirect costs and both were higher in women. Body mass index was a determinant of direct costs and smoking was a determinant of indirect costs. CONCLUSIONS Obesity and smoking among workers in a Brazilian airline company were associated with increased health costs. Therefore, promoting a healthy diet, physical activity, and anti-tobacco campaigns are important targets for health promotion in this study population.

Analysis of technological innovation and environmental performance improvement in aviation sector.

The past oil crises have caused dramatic improvements in fuel efficiency in all industrial sectors. The aviation sector-aircraft manufacturers and airlines-has also made significant efforts to improve the fuel efficiency through more advanced jet engines, high-lift wing designs, and lighter airframe materials. However, the innovations in energy-saving aircraft technologies do not coincide with the oil crisis periods. The largest improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency took place in the 1960s while the high oil prices in the 1970s and on did not induce manufacturers or airlines to achieve a faster rate of innovation. In this paper, we employ a historical analysis to examine the socio-economic reasons behind the relatively slow technological innovation in aircraft fuel efficiency over the last 40 years. Based on the industry and passenger behaviors studied and prospects for alternative fuel options, this paper offers insights for the aviation sector to shift toward more sustainable technological options in the medium term. Second-generation biofuels could be the feasible option with a meaningful reduction in aviation's lifecycle environmental impact if they can achieve sufficient economies of scale.

Flying into the future: aviation emissions scenarios to 2050.

This study describes the methodology and results for calculating future global aviation emissions of carbon dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from air traffic under four of the IPCC/SRES (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change/Special Report on Emissions Scenarios) marker scenarios: A1B, A2, B1, and B2. In addition, a mitigation scenario has been calculated for the B1 scenario, requiring rapid and significant technology development and transition. A global model of aircraft movements and emissions (FAST) was used to calculate fuel use and emissions to 2050 with a further outlook to 2100. The aviation emission scenarios presented are designed to interpret the SRES and have been developed to aid in the quantification of the climate change impacts of aviation. Demand projections are made for each scenario, determined by SRES economic growth factors and the SRES storylines. Technology trends are examined in detail and developed for each scenario providing plausible projections for fuel efficiency and emissions control technology appropriate to the individual SRES storylines. The technology trends that are applied are calculated from bottom-up inventory calculations and industry technology trends and targets. Future emissions of carbon dioxide are projected to grow between 2000 and 2050 by a factor in the range of 2.0 and 3.6 depending on the scenario. Emissions of oxides of nitrogen associated with aviation over the same period are projected to grow by between a factor of 1.2 and 2.7.

Systematic review of the parachute ankle brace: injury risk reduction and cost effectiveness.

INTRODUCTION: Military parachuting has been shown to result in injuries. This investigation systematically reviewed studies examining the influence of the parachute ankle brace (PAB) on injuries during military parachuting and performed a cost-effectiveness analysis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Parachute ankle brace studies were obtained from seven databases, personal contacts, and other sources. Investigations were reviewed if they contained original, quantitative information on PAB use and injuries during parachuting. Meta-analysis was performed using a general variance-based meta-analysis method that calculated summary risk ratios (SRR) and 95% CIs. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Five studies met the review criteria. Compared with PAB users, PAB non-users had a higher risk of ankle injuries (SRR=2.1, 95% CI=1.8-2.5); ankle sprains (SRR=2.1, 95% CI=1.4-3.1); ankle fractures (SRR=1.8, 95% CI=1.1-2.9); and all parachuting injuries combined (SRR=1.2, 95% CI=1.1-1.4). The PAB had little effect on lower body injuries exclusive of the ankle (SRR [no PAB/PAB]=0.9, 95% CI=0.7-1.2). Cost-effectiveness analysis estimated that, for every dollar expended on the PAB, a savings of about $7 to $9 could be achieved in medical and personnel costs. CONCLUSIONS: The PAB reduces ankle injuries by about half and is a cost effective device that should be worn during military airborne operations to reduce injury risk.

Customers' expectations of complaint handling by airline service: privilege status and reasonability of demands from a social learning perspective.

In the airline industry, membership and cabin class are noticeable servicescape features of customers' privilege status. Customers may learn that higher privilege customers are more desired and endured by the airline. From the customers' point of view, those with higher privilege may expect their demands to be complied with when they complain. The present study employed hypothetical scenarios to investigate how the privilege status of passengers and reasonability of their demands influenced their expectations toward the compliance of airline personnel. Analysis showed that higher privilege customers were more likely to expect airline personnel to comply with their demands. Moreover, participants with medium or high levels of privilege status had greater expectations of compliance even when demands were unreasonable. In sum, customer expectations toward complaint handling reflected predictions based on social learning.

Could U.S. hospitals go the way of U.S. airlines?

The market for hospital services, like global markets in general, is becoming more competitive. Increased price transparency and focused competition can squeeze out inefficiencies, restraining prices and making some consumers better off. But competition can have a dark side. U.S. hospitals can treat Medicare and Medicaid patients at less than cost, care for the uninsured, and provide other money-losing services because they can cross-subsidize. By 2025 the need for general hospitals to cross-subsidize will greatly in-crease, but their ability to do so will be diminished. U.S. hospitals could begin to resemble U.S. airlines: severely cutting costs, eliminating services, and suffering financial instability.

Flight safety in Alaska: comparing attitudes and practices of high- and low-risk air carriers.

INTRODUCTION: Aircraft operations are a vital component of the transportation system in Alaska. Between 1990-2002, a total of 481 people died in Alaska in aviation accidents. The purpose of this study was to examine the practices and attitudes of Alaska commuter and air taxi operators and their pilots as they relate to company fatal accident rates. METHODS: A case-control analysis based on accident statistics was performed, grouping operators and their pilots into cases and controls, based on operator fatal accident rates, during January 1990 to June 2001. Responses from two aviation safety surveys-one of air carrier operators and one of active commercial pilots-were compared between cases and controls. RESULTS: The average case pilot had less career flight experience than control pilots and worked 13 h x d(-1) and 81 h x wk(-10; that is, 1 h x d(-1) and 10 h wk-1 more than controls. Case operators were less likely to consider pilot fatigue a problem when scheduling flights (p = 0.05) and more likely to depend financially on timely delivery of bypass mail (p = 0.04). Case pilots were three times as likely as controls to fly daily into unknown weather conditions. Nearly 90% of case pilots reported that they never flew when so fatigued that they wanted to decline the flight, compared with 64% of control pilots (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pilots of high-risk operators differed from those working for the other operators, both in experience and working conditions. The combination of pilot inexperience and longer work hours and workweeks may contribute to Alaska's high aviation crash rate.

Long-distance transport of ventilated patients: advantages and limitations of air medical repatriation on commercial airlines.

INTRODUCTION: To illustrate the advantages and limitations of transporting ventilated intensive care unit patients over intercontinental distances on commercial airlines, this case series reports 8 ventilated patients repatriated by an air medical transport company. PATIENTS: Eight ventilated patients, 3 suffering from internal and 5 from neurologic diseases. Distances ranged from 1700 to 10280 nautical miles with transport times from 04:10 hours to 21:55 hours. For 3 patients, a dedicated patient transport compartment (PTC) in the aircraft cabin was used. All patients were ventilator-dependent for a minimum of 11 days before transport (48 days median, 113 days maximum). RESULTS: One patient went into cardiac arrest during the flight and died. None of the other patients experienced any emergency or invasive procedures, other than peripheral venous access necessary during the flight. In all patients, ventilation was adjusted with respect to the blood gas analysis at least once during the transport. No technical failures or drop-outs occurred during the flights. None of the flights had to be diverted for technical or medical reasons. CONCLUSION: Long distance international transport of ventilated intensive care unit patients is an extremely cost intensive and logistically challenging task. In a certain subgroup of relatively stable ventilated patients, transport on commercial airlines offers advantages in terms of cost effectiveness and reduced transport time and acceleration/deceleration trauma as a result of multiple fuel stops.