A multimodal and signals fusion approach for assessing the impact of stressful events on Air Traffic Controllers

• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65610-z
• Publication Date: 2020-05-25T10:02:44Z
• Authors: Gianluca Borghini; Gianluca Di Flumeri; Pietro Aricò; Nicolina Sciaraffa; Stefano Bonelli; Martina Ragosta; Paola Tomasello; Fabrice Drogoul; Uğur Turhan; Birsen Acikel; Ali Ozan; Jean Paul Imbert; Géraud Granger; Railane Benhacene; Fabio Babiloni
• Keywords: Stressor; Skin conductance; Vulnerability

Abstract Stress is a word used to describe human reactions emotionally, cognitively and physically challenging experiences. A hallmark of the stress response activation autonomic nervous system, resulting in “fight-freeze-flight” threat from dangerous situation. Consequently, capability objectively assess track controller’s level while dealing with air traffic control (ATC) activities would make it possible better tailor work shift maintain high safety levels, as well preserve operator’s health. In this regard, sixteen controllers were asked perform realistic management (ATM) simulation during which subjective data (i.e. perception) neurophysiological brain activity, heart rate, galvanic skin response) collected aim accurately characterising experienced various experimental conditions. addition, external supervisors regularly evaluated terms manifested stress, safety, efficiency throughout ATM scenario. The results demonstrated 1) how stressful events caused both underestimate level, 2) advantage taking into account cognitive hormonal processes order define reliable index, 3) importance points time at measured owing potential transient effect once have ceased.