Actual Damage Research Articles

A generalized framework for designing open-source natural hazard parametric insurance

Parametric insurance schemes allow for payouts to be triggered by real-time hydro-/meteorological parameters instead of waiting for damage assessments, which means they can be settled swiftly, giving people access to funds right after the event. In this work we propose a framework to design parametric insurance schemes and systematically quantify the basis risk: the difference between the parameter-based payout and the actual damage. We implement the framework in the open-source global risk assessment platform CLIMADA and illustrate it with two stylized parametric insurance case studies, targeting tropical cyclones in Mozambique and winter storms in France. The data used and the provided code base are globally-consistent, open-source, and readily available. The presented methods are therefore applicable in data-scarce areas and accessible to stakeholders from the public and private sector. Moreover, our approach can easily be adapted to other hazards and exposures worldwide. This improves the accessibility and transparency of such innovative insurance schemes.

A Solution to Blockchain Smart Contract Based Parametric Transport and Logistics Insurance

Traditional insurance policies pay the insurer according to the actual loss or damage to a tangible object that is insured. Due to the numerous parties involved, the settlement procedure is usually highly drawn out. Comparatively, parametric insurance protects a policyholder from the occurrence of a particular event by disbursing a predetermined sum dependent on the severity of the event. In the transportation sector, supply chain disruptions caused by delays are precisely the kind of event that parametric insurance may be able to cover. Transportation delays can happen for several reasons. Events like adverse weather, heavy traffic, and poor road conditions can all slow down the logistics supply chain. An occurrence triggers parametric insurance claims. Unfavorable scenarios can be insured, and claims can be automatically processed depending on policy criteria and conditions. The standard centralized database technique can be utilized to build parametric insurance schemes; however, the data is open to manipulation. This paper examines how to create parametric transport insurance using blockchain. It discusses user journey, technology solutions, design and implementation problems, and parametric service insurance. The blueprint for transportation parametric insurance can be used in other fields including Agriculture (Crop Insurance) [22], Disaster Insurance [23], Aviation, Travel, and manufacturing industry.

The effects of impactor shape on the compression after impact strength of carbon/epoxy face sheet foam core sandwich structure

This study presents experimental results of compression after impact (CAI) strength testing of foam core sandwich structure with carbon/epoxy face sheets impacted at three different energies with either a blunt or sharp tip impactor. The impact energies used were chosen to span the barely visible impact damage (BVID) thresholds for the sharp (4.1 J) and blunt (12.9 J) impactors with an impact energy approximately halfway between these (8.1 J) also used. While most impact testing on composites utilize a hemispherical (blunt) impactor, actual damage to a part may be due to an object impacting the part that is not blunt, but sharp and the impact response and resulting CAI strength values may be different for a given impact energy level. In this study, with regards to the impact response, the sandwich specimens showed larger transverse displacements (by about a factor of two) during the impact event when impacted by a sharp impactor versus a blunt impactor. The maximum load of impact was larger for the blunt impactor by about a factor of three. The barely visible impact damage (BVID) threshold energy was lower by about a factor of three for the sharp impactor. The absorbed energy of impact was higher for the sharp impactor. The CAI strength results showed that the sharp impactor gave lower average CAI strength values at the lowest impact energy level used, slightly lower average CAI strength values for the medium impact energy used and about the same average CAI strength values for the highest impact energy used.

The Effects of Dexamethasone versus Potassium Chloride as Additives to Local Anesthetic in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Abstract Background Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. Regional anesthesia of the trunk and the extremities an alternative to general anesthesia in many situations. It avoids the unwanted effects of the anesthetic drugs used during general anesthesia and the stress of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Aim of the Work To compare the clinical efficacy of addition of dexamethasone or potassium chloride to local anesthetic solution of bupivacaine and lignocaine on the onset, duration, quality of analgesia, and quality of sensory and motor blockade in supraclavicular brachial plexus block in patients undergoing upper extremity surgeries. Patients and Methods This study is a prospective double – blinded, randomized trial After obtaining approval from the Research Ethical Committee of faculty of medicine Ain shams University, this study was conducted in the operating theaters of Ain shams University Hospital. Results In the current study, it was obvious that: addition of Dexamethasone to bupivacaine in supraclavicular nerve block shortened the onset times of both sensory and motor blocks than add. Addition of Dexamethasone to bupivacaine significantly prolongs both sensory and motor block durations than injecting dexamethasone intravenously. Addition of Dexamesthasone to bupivacaine prolongs the analgesia of brachial plexus block with subsequent consumption of less amount of analgesics than adding Potassium Chloride. Conclusion The use of ultrasonography in performing the supraclavicular nerve block, decreased significantly the incidence of complications such as pneumothorax or intravascular injection and hence, lowered the incidence of systemic toxicity of local anesthetics.

A Single Case Study of Cupping Therapy in AVABAHUK (Frozen Shoulder).

Pain has been described by the International Association for the Study of Pain as “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage”. Shoulder pain is one of the most common health problems encountered in the general population.Shoulder pain is a common symptom, in especially in office workers. In developed countries, approximately twothirds of people experience shoulder pain. This disorder occurs most frequently in the middle-aged population and more often in females than in males. A majority of the acute shoulder sufferers obtain spontaneous relief within days or weeks, although approximately 10% of acute shoulder pain suffers experience the condition as chronic or persistent. Conventional treatments such as medications and surgery were not always effective, and may have serious adverse effects.
 Frozen shoulder is a chronic aseptic inflammation caused by injury and degeneration of shoulder capsule and periarthritic soft tissue (including ligaments, muscles, tendons, synovial sacs, etc.). [i]Cupping is gaining popularity in physical medicine due to its ease of use, lack of side effects, and pain relief. This study looked at the efficacy of cupping therapy for treating shoulder pain. Cupping therapy (CT) is a traditional Chinese medical (TCM) treatment which has been practiced for thousands of years. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition of cupping is a therapeutic method involving the application of suction by creating a vacum. This is typically done using fire in a cup or jar on the dermis of the affected part of the body.[ii]
 In this case study a patient diagnosed with AVABAHUK (Frozen Shoulder) was treated with a WET CUPPING THERAPY. After completion of cupping therapy significant relief was observed in symptoms.
 
 
 

A boom damage prediction framework of wheeled cranes combining hybrid features of acceleration and Gaussian process regression

In a real-life environment, construction machinery and other large equipment are subjected to dynamic loads that cause structural fatigue or failure. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the fatigue damage accurately or predict its structural damage in real-time. However, testing and structural damage monitoring for large boom structures are inconvenient and difficult. In this study, we solve this problem by proposing a boom damage prediction framework for wheeled cranes. The framework design highlights three aspects: (1) A limited number of sensors usage, (2) Extraction of hybrid features, and (3) Model transferable. Time/frequency domain features and fatigue features of finite accelerometers are captured, and more efficient feature sets are obtained by feature mining to prevent model overfitting. The Gaussian process regression (GPR) model is applied to obtain more satisfactory point and interval prediction results, thus improving the accuracy of the model. In addition, the potential of the model transferability is also verified by actual boom damage data, which demonstrates how it can serve real engineering applications.

Effect of Oral Clonidine and Gabapentin as Premedication on Intraoperative Hemodynamic Responses and Postoperative Analgesia Requirement in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy pain is a sensory and emotional experience connected with actual or potential tissue damage. Effective pain control is quite important, with around 70% of patients still complaining of moderate-to-severe pain postoperatively. Uncontrolled perioperative pain may raise patient morbidity and mortality rates. Both gabapentin and clonidine as premeditated can be easily administered have minimal side effects, are easily available at a low price, both them have a sedative effect that can decrease anxiety and they can blunt the stress response. Moreover, both drugs have anti-nociceptive effects that may be beneficial for controlling postoperating pain which is the basis of our current study. Aims: This study aims to compare the efficacy of oral clonidine with gabapentin before induction of anesthesia in attenuating hemodynamic stress response to laryngoscopy, intubation, and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum in laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to compare the efficacy of oral clonidine with oral gabapentin for postoperative pain control. Materials and Methods: Hundred patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery and qualifying inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups each containing 50 patients. Group I patients were given Tab. Clonidine (300 μg) and Group II patients were given tablet Gabapentin (600 mg) orally 60 min before induction of general anesthesia. Hemodynamic changes and the incidence of postoperative pain in both groups were measured and compared. Results: Hemodynamic blunting to pressor stress of laryngoscopy and intubation was seen in both groups with better results obtained in the group receiving clonidine in the form of lesser variations in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Postoperative analgesia was achieved in both groups but gabapentin showed a better analgesic profile in the form of lesser Visual Analog Scale scoring and decreased utilization of rescue analgesia. Conclusion: Clonidine (300 μg) cause a greater attenuation of intraoperative hemodynamic stress responses, whereas gabapentin (600 mg) provides superior postoperative analgesia.

Inter-appointment endodontic pain comparison between calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste

One of the biggest sources of dread for patients and a top concern for dentists is the anticipation and reality of root canal-related pain.1 Pain is defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential damage or described in terms of such damage" by the International Associates for the Study of Pain.2 The imbalance in the host-bacteria connection brought on by intra canal operations is the main cause of inter appointment pain. Objectives: The goal of current study was to associate the outcomes of these intracanal medications on pain experienced between endodontic appointments. This would make it easier for us to find better medications to treat discomfort between appointments. Methodology: For a period of six months, from January 6, 2022, to January 1, 2023, this randomized controlled study was carried out in the Dept. of Operative Dentistry at the MIHS in Islamabad, Pakistan. With a 5% level of significance, an 85% power of the trial, and a fraction of effectiveness of 72% with triple antibiotic paste and 38% with calcium hydroxide, a sample size of 80 people, 40 in each group, was estimated.

Assessment of Factors Affecting Agricultural Soil Damage in the Upper Stream Sub-Watershed

Soil damage can be caused naturally or by human activities. Potential areas that have high soil damage are sub-watershed areas and one of them is the Upper Serang Sub-watershed in Central Java. Assessment of potential and actual land damage will help to make wise land use planning. This research aims to assess actual and potential soil damage and the factors affecting the Upper Serang Sub-watershed. This research used descriptive quantitative and qualitative methods, where quantitative descriptive methods were used to assess soil damage and descriptive qualitative methods were used to determine farmer activity factors about soil conservation. The research result, that potential soil damage was included in the highly class soil damaged category with limiting factors are high rainfall of around > 2500 mm/year, slopes that exceed 25% (25-40% and >40%), soil type was dominated by Inceptisol soil and land use dominated by the moor. Meanwhile, actual soil damage has a slightly soil-damaged class with the limiting factors being permeability, redox potential, and the combined permeability and the soil fraction composition. Actual soil damage has a slightly soil-damaged class (RI) because farmers have taken soil conservation measures by mechanical methods dominant. Future efforts that farmers must do are to increase soil conservation measures with a combination of mechanical and biological conservation methods. Keywords: Actual soil damage, Potential soil damage, Upper Serang Sub-watershed.

A Target Damage Effectiveness Assessment Mathematical Calculation Method with Uncertain Information Based on an Adaptive Fuzzy Neural Network

Aiming to address the issue of assessing the effectiveness of target damage in air defense interception under projectile and target intersection, this paper proposes a novel target damage effectiveness assessment mathematical calculation method using an adaptive fuzzy neural network. The design and calculation methods introduce the target cabin’s damage weight factor, the dispersion error and coverage density and fire density of warhead fragment, and the ratio of the number of warhead fragments to the cross-sectional area of the target as the primary damage factors, and we establish a new model for calculating the target damage efficiency using Takagi-Sugeno adaptive fuzzy neural network with the multiple damage factors. In the designed model, we take the characteristic parameters of warhead fragments formed by the projectile explosion as the sample data and learn the mapping relationship between damage factors and damage effect expressed by the system of fuzzy rule. Combined with the vulnerability weight and damage factors of the target, the fuzzy rule system is applied to predict and calculate the damage probability and damage effectiveness. In addition, we use shot-line technology to set up the intersection criterion between warhead fragments and target, analyze the coordinate relationship of the projectile explosion relative to the target based on the ground coordinate system, and derive the distribution density function of warhead fragment and research a calculation model for target damage probability with multiple vulnerable cabins. Finally, we use the established model to train, test, and calculate the data from the actual projectile and target intersection damage test and present the comparison results to other damage calculation methods. By calculation and comparative analysis, the results show the smaller the distance between projectile and target, as well as the smaller the average intersection angle, and the larger the weight coefficient of the warhead fragment covering the target cabin, the total target damage probability increases obviously. In the two experimental calculations, the target cabin with the largest weight coefficient was considered, and compared with the existing literature, the damage probability of the proposed calculation method was increased by 9.13% and 10.93%, respectively, and it is clear that the proposed target damage assessment method can effectively reflect the real target damage effectiveness in the state of projectile and target intersection.

Cluster-based sensor selection framework for acoustic emission source localization in concrete

The acoustic emission (AE) method can determine the location of damage initiation and progression in large-scale structures using an array of sensors. As the location accuracy depends on proper identification of time of arrival and wave velocity, the method is more successful in homogeneous and isotropic materials than in heterogeneous materials such as concrete. The heterogeneity causes dispersive and attenuative properties such that the source-sensor distance and angle control the AE signal characteristics influencing the source location accuracy. Generally, using more than the minimum number of sensors in the location algorithm results in more accurate source localization. If the AE signal of a sensor is significantly different from the other sensors, its time of arrival may not contribute beneficially to the source localization algorithm. On the contrary, this may increase errors in determining arrival time due to signal distortion caused by dispersion, low signal-to-noise ratios resulting from attenuation, or sensors being occupied with detecting nearby noise signals. In this paper, a new cluster-based sensor selection framework is developed for selecting the best sensor combinations before applying the source localization algorithm. The framework involves selecting the best combination of sensors to input into the source localization algorithm based on the cross-correlation characteristics of signal features for single AE events or cluster analyses for large datasets. Both approaches identify the signal similarity of sensors to be used in the location sensor group. As two-dimensional source localization requires a minimum of three sensors, the number of sensor outputs extracted from the sensor selection framework is bounded by three. The source localization accuracy is evaluated using the data collected impact excitation with the known source location and structural tests of a Basalt Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) reinforced concrete slab. The impact experiments show that the new framework to select the best three-sensor combination increases the localization accuracy to 93%, unlike the results obtained by using all six sensors (80%) and the first three sensors in the hit sequence (75%). The framework is applied to the AE data recorded from actual damage initiation and progression in a simply supported BFRP-reinforced concrete slab. The cluster of events accumulates more densely at the mid-span, where the crack initiation is validated with crack sensors and images. It is demonstrated that selecting the sensors for two-dimensional source localization using similarity analyses improves the accuracy of the source location in concrete.

Investigating of the Reasons for the Collapse on the Entrance Arches of the Harran Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) During the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes (Mw 7.7 and Mw 7.6)

Although historical masonry structures are highly aesthetic, they harbor numerous structural uncertainties. These structures encompass information such as the date of construction, construction methods, material properties, design details and more. They possess diverse identities in various aspects, making the structural assessment of historical buildings a challenging task. Consequently, all historical buildings should be treated with special consideration, and suitable solutions must be devised. In this study, the structural damage causes of the entrance gate of the Harran Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), which had undergone recent restoration but suffered damage once again during the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes on 6 February 2023 have been investigated. A three-dimensional finite element model of the structure was developed using Abaqus software. In the numerical studies the static as well as non-linear dynamic earthquake analyses were conducted to evaluate the reasons of the collapse of the structure. The structure was subjected to earthquakes from different directions and its compatibility with actual damage scenarios was observed. The study results are presented with contour diagrams of displacement, stress and damage situations. Upon reviewing the numerical findings obtained from the study, it is evident that the actual damage condition of the structure can be reasonably simulated. As a result, it is thought that the earthquake hit the entrance arches from out of plane which caused the collapse. To sum up, by evaluating the damage conditions resulting from such numerical studies, restoration applications can be handled more effectively, ensuring that correct interventions are carried out.

Comparison between quadratus lumborum and transversus abdominus plane blocks for analgesia in abdominal surgeries

Background Pain is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. Aim The aim was to compare ultrasound (US)-guided quadratus lumborum block and transversus abdominis plane block in abdominal surgeries as regards duration of analgesia, postoperative opioid consumption, and visual analog scale score. Patients and methods A randomized-controlled trial study was carried out at Alexandria University Hospital on 40 American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)-I and II adult patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery. The recorded data were analyzed using IBM SPSS software package version 20.0. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was used to verify the normality of distribution. Quantitative data were described using range (minimum and maximum), mean, SD, and median. Significance of the obtained results was judged at the 5% level. Results There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards age, sex, heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and complications. There was a highly significant difference between the two groups as regards duration of analgesia, visual analog score value, and the opioid analgesic requirements. Conclusion US-guided quadratus lumborum block is superior to US-guided transversus abdominis plane block for control of postoperative pain in abdominal surgeries in terms of pain scores, duration of analgesia, and total analgesic consumption.

Epidemiology at the Bar: A Legal Proof on Causation with Cancer Epidemiological Results.

The development of natural science has revealed causal relationships that we did not know about through scientific hypotheses and verification. Therefore, given enough time, the causal relationship between the controversial toxic substances and disease outbreaks will be largely elucidated. However, in the courtroom, the judge cannot wait for that moment, and must make a legal value judgment on the causal relationship as a condition for establishing a tort. In other words, the responsibility for who will compensate for the actual damage must be attributed to which party. This study examines the evidence of epidemiological findings in today's risk society. In particular, we deal with cases where there is no way to prove a causal relationship other than epidemiological data in a lawsuit for compensation for damages caused by harmful substances such as cigarettes. This study seeks to find a way to appropriately evaluate the value of evidence by correctly interpreting and rationally utilizing the results of epidemiological studies in court through a pragmatic pluralistic approach.<br />.

Statistical model analysis of typical bridges considering the actual seismic damage observation database

Statistical model analysis of typical bridges considering the actual seismic damage observation database

Massaging as a pain-relieving intervention before performing intravenous access

PurposePain is “an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience arising from actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of damage”. Stimulating the skin by rubbing, stroking, massaging, or applying pressure near the injection site is pain-relieving. Needle-related procedures induce anxiety, distress, and fear in children and adults. The present study aimed to test the effectiveness of massaging the access site in reducing pain associated with intravenous access. DesignAfter obtaining institutional ethics committee approval, this prospective randomized single-blinded study was performed on 250 ASA I-II patients 18 to 65 years old, scheduled for elective minor general surgery under general anaesthesia. MethodsPatients were randomized into the Massaging Group (MG) and the Control Group (CG). A Situational Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was conducted to evaluate the anxiety levels of the patients. In addition, the skin adjacent to the intravenous access site was massaged for 15 s in circular motions with moderate intensity by the investigator's right thumb before performing the intravenous access in the MG. The CG did not receive any massage adjacent to the access site. The primary endpoint, the intensity of perceived pain, was rated on a non-graduated 10-cm Visual Analogue Score (VAS). FindingsThe groups' demographic data and STAI I-II scores were similar. There was a significant difference between the VAS scores of the two groups (p < 0.05). ConclusionsOur results support massaging as an effective pain-relieving technique before intravenous intervention. As massaging is a universal and non-invasive intervention that requires no advanced preparation, we recommend massaging before each intravenous cannulation to reduce pain caused by intravenous access.

The performance enhancement of containment with fiber reinforcement following a LOCA considering different ambient conditions

The prestressed concrete containment vessels (PCCVs) will be exposed to the temperature action followed by the internal pressure increasing after a loss of coolant accident (LOCA) with safety system failure. The damage evolution of the PCCV under the effect of thermal-pressure coupling deserves in-depth study. Moreover, different containment external temperatures are seldom considered in previous studies whereas they may further pose a great challenge for the design and safety of containments. Just as important, an attempt is first made in this paper to involve steel fiber in the construction of the containment to observe the performance of the containment with steel fiber strengthening under the effect of thermal-pressure coupling. Therefore, the influence of the possible outside temperature (i.e. −30 °C, −15 °C, 0 °C, 15 °C, and 30 °C) determined from the 5 existing or planned nuclear power plant sites in China on the distribution of temperature field of containment is researched firstly. Then, the damage indices corresponding to the containment are defined to represent the actual damage performance and failure mechanism of the structure. Finally, the comparative damage performance and failure mechanism between conventional and steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) containments taking into account the effect of coupling temperature and internal pressure is detailedly discussed. The results show that the SFRC is more expeditious in restraining radial and vertical displacement of containment under lower external temperatures for subsequent internal pressure. Under the ultimate internal pressure, the SFRC containment has a reduction rate of 5.37% for radial displacement and 35.52% for vertical displacement at an external temperature of −30 °C, while 2.23% and 15.33% at an external temperature of 30 °C, respectively. Furthermore, SFRC containment has better performance under the effect of coupling of temperature and internal pressure compared to conventional containment. For example, at an internal pressure of 1.2 MPa, the damage reduction rate for concrete is 94.18% at an external temperature of −30 °C and 81.37% at 30 °C; for the steel liner, the damage reduction rate is 50.22% at an external temperature of −30 °C and 87.83% at 30 °C. For the containment prestressing tendons, the damage reduction rate is around 60% under ultimate internal pressure. The study can provide important guidance for siting and design of nuclear containments and alternative retrofitting measures for nuclear containments.

Determination of most affected areas by earthquakes based on mobile signaling data: a case study of the 2022 Mw 6.6 Luding earthquake, China

Rapid determination of the most-affected areas after an earthquake can help with emergency relief efforts, which is also an essential part of postearthquake relief work. Mobile signaling data contains rich user information, which helps determine the most-affected areas. This study investigated the 2022 Mw 6.6 Luding earthquake in Sichuan, China; the relationship between mobile signaling data and the seismically most-affected area was explored using comparative, regression, and spatial interpolation analysis. The results revealed that mobile signaling data changed abnormally following the earthquake and differed across high- and low-intensity zones. There was a significant correlation between mobile signaling data and intensity. Additionally, the most-affected areas estimated using mobile signaling data were comparable to the actual seismic damage. Therefore, mobile signaling data can provide a reference for determining the most-affected areas and assist in emergency relief efforts after an earthquake.

Compensation for non-material damage under Article 82 GDPR: A review of Case C-300/21

The Court of Justice of the European Union delivered a decision in Case C-300/21 to address three questions on how to compensate a data subject for the non-material damage suffered from a violation of GDPR provisions. First, infringement by itself does not give rise to compensation. Actual damage must be demonstrated by the data subject. Second, the right to compensation is not limited to non-material damage that reaches a certain threshold of seriousness. Third, since the GDPR does not provide an explicit guideline for assessing damages, it falls to Member States to establish such a criterion. The criterion, nevertheless, must comply with the principle of equivalence and effectiveness. The judgment, together with the Advocate General's opinion, touches upon several fundamental issues at the intersection of risk, harm and tort damage.

Nonpharmacological treatment for coping with pain

Pain is one of the most common reasons for consultation and one of the most difficult tasks to handle for doctors. If it is chronic, the frequency of disorders increases associates that we cannot exclude from the treatment, and further complicates your treatment. The Asociation International Association for the Study of Pain (IAPS)1 defines the pain as "a sensory and emotional experience unpleasant associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage". So the pain is not only a nociceptive experience, but also involves emotional and subjective components, considering that It can even occur without a somatic cause justify. Its nature is complex, including factors biological and others such as subjective experience, education and emotion. Therefore pain is a personal, multidimensional problem, unique experience and non-transferable of the person who suffers it. Being a pharmacological and non-pharmacological approach is necessary for its management.