Application In Emergency Situations Research Articles

Safe City: A Study of Channels for Public Warnings for Emergency Communication in Finland, Germany, and Greece

Public warning systems are an essential element of safe cities. However, the functionality of neither traditional nor digital emergency warnings is understood well enough from the perspective of citizens. This study examines smart city development from the perspective of safety by exploring citizens’ viewpoints. It investigates people’s perceptions of the ways in which they obtain warnings and information about emergencies involving health risks. Data were collected in the form of focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews in Finland, Germany, and Greece. The results suggest that people place a lot of trust in their social network, receiving text messages, and their ability to use web-based search engines in order to obtain public warnings. The study discusses the challenges identified by citizens in the use of conventional radio and television transmissions and sirens for public warnings. Based on the results, citizens demonstrate informed ignorance about existing mobile emergency applications. Our results imply that it is not sufficient to build emergency communication infrastructure: the development of smart, safe cities requires continuous work and the integration of both hard and soft infrastructure-oriented strategies, i.e., technological infrastructure development including digitalisation and education, advancement of knowledge, and participation of people. Both strategic aspects are essential to enable people to take advantage of novel digital applications in emergency situations.

Emergency Application for Emergency Services in Critical Condition

Abstract: Emergency calling is fundamental and critical for devices because they must work for Android users while satisfying various carrier and regulatory requirements all over the world. Emergencies can happen anywhere and at any time. The very nature of an emergency is unpredictable and can change in scope and impact. Being prepared and planning ahead is critical to protecting lives, the environment, and property. To overcome problems while facing emergency situations we need a simple and easy application. For this, we create an application that has automatic call and location-sharing services in an emergency situation. This will help us to share the location with our family and nearby hospitals or OPDs and also be useful to the automatic message sending & SOS. For this, we select some famous emergency applications and study them. But some applications are region-based applications And every application has different features. Due to this, it is difficult to use an emergency application in emergency situations. To overcome this problem we develop an application that is not region- based, consists of all features, and is easy to use in any condition.

Online trajectory optimization and guidance algorithm for space interceptors with nonlinear terminal constraints via convex programming

PurposeIn this paper, an online convex optimization method for the exoatmospheric ascent trajectory of space interceptors is proposed. The purpose of this paper is to transform the original trajectory optimization problem into a sequence of convex optimization subproblems.Design/methodology/approachFor convenience in calculating accuracy and efficiency, the complex nonlinear terminal orbital elements constraints are converted into several quadratic equality constraints, which can be better computed by a two-step correction method during the iteration. First, the nonconvex thrust magnitude constraint is convexified by the lossless convexification technique. Then, discretization and successive linearization are introduced to transform the original problem into a sequence of one convex optimization subproblem, considering different flight phases. Parameters of trust-region and penalty are also applied to improve the computation performance. To correct the deviation in real time, the iterative guidance method is applied before orbit injection.FindingsNumerical experiments show that the algorithm proposed in this paper has good convergence and accuracy. The successive progress can converge in a few steps and 3–4 s of CPU time. Even under engine failure or mission change, the algorithm can yield satisfactory results.Practical implicationsThe convex optimization method presented in this paper is expected to generate a reliable optimal trajectory rapidly in different situations and has great potential for onboard applications of space interceptors.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper lies in the proposed online trajectory optimization method and guidance algorithm of the space inceptors, especially for onboard applications in emergency situations.

Delay performance of priority-queue equipped UAV-based mobile relay networks: Exploring the impact of trajectories

UAV-based mobile relay communication systems have an important position in future wireless networks, such as Beyond 5G and 6G, which provide ubiquitous network services. Along this line, UAV-based single-hop relay systems have numerous applications in emergency situations, such as data ferry and assisting post-disaster areas. Although there have been numerous works on optimizing trajectories and other communication resources on such systems, there are few studies on delay performance at the granular packet level. In addition to having homogeneous traffic, such a system can be equipped with diverse traffic with different QoS requirements, owing to the emergence of various applications in today’s communication networks. Based on the traffic requirements, packets with high-priority traffic should be served ahead of those with low-priority ones. To this end, we aim to analytically study the average end-to-end packet delay and buffer overflow performance of such a system at the granular packet level. However, packet-level queuing analysis of heterogeneous traffic is not as straightforward as that of homogeneous traffic. While considering different traffic requirements, we establish a priority queuing model for the source and the UAV nodes based on the stochastic process. Then, on the basis of the established queuing model, the average end-to-end packet delay and buffer overflow probability of the system under different trajectories are studied. Through extensive numerical simulations, we verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed analytical model. The results show that the average packet delay and packet drop probability of high-priority packets under all trajectories are significantly better compared to low-priority packets. UAV trajectory has a great impact on network performance, and an appropriate mobile trajectory that takes full use of channel capacity is superior to a static one.

Metod reverzne dijalize sa vrećicama za procenu in vitro oslobađanja lekovite supstance iz parenteralnih nanoemulzija - studija sa risperidonom

The present study describes the release pattern of risperidone, a poorly water-soluble psychopharmacological drug, from two parenteral nanoemulsions containing the mixture of medium-chain triglycerides and soybean oil as an oil phase, sodium oleate solution as an aqueous phase and lecithin alone or in combination with polysorbate 80 as emulsifiers/stabilizers. The nanoemulsions were prepared by hot high-pressure homogenization, and evaluated regarding physicochemical properties - a droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and viscosity, as well as biopharmaceutical performances - in vitro drug release by employing a reverse dialysis bag technique. Physicochemical characterization revealed a favorable mean droplet size (160-210 nm), narrow size distribution (<0.15), high surface charge (around -50 mV to -60 mV) and low apparent viscosity (4-6 mPa.s) of developed nanoemulsions, thus proving their suitability for parenteral administration of poorly water-soluble actives. The in vitro drug release study showed biphasic release profiles of risperidone, with significant differences between two investigated nanoemulsion formulations (differing only in the presence of polysorbate 80), indicating the influence of nanoemulsion matrix on drug release kinetics. However, the release of risperidone from investigated nanoemulsions was relatively rapid (more than 50% released within the first 5 min), suggesting their promising application in emergency situations. Furthermore, above 95% of the drug was released from both tested nanoemulsions within 180 min, while the kinetic release process could be described by Korsmeyer-Peppas model and supposed to be diffusion-controlled.Overall, it can be concluded that the reverse dialysis bag technique was the appropriate and enough discriminatory method to evaluate the in vitro release of risperidone from presented nanoemulsion systems.

Multiplex Lateral Flow Assay for Rapid Visual Blood Group Genotyping.

Conventional blood group phenotyping by hemagglutination assays, carried out pretransfusion, is unsuitable in certain clinical situations. Molecular typing offers an alternative method, allowing the deduction of blood group phenotype from genotype. However, current methods require a long turnaround time and are not performed on-site, limiting their application in emergency situations. Here, we report the development of a novel, rapid multiplex molecular method to identify seven alleles in three clinically relevant blood group systems (Kidd, Duffy, and MNS). Our test, using a dry-reagent allele-specific lateral flow biosensor, does not require DNA extraction and allows easy visual determination of blood group genotype. Multiplex linear-after-the-exponential (LATE)-PCR and lateral flow parameters were optimized with a total processing time of 1 h from receiving the blood sample. Our assay had a 100% concordance rate between the deduced and the standard serological phenotype in a sample from 108 blood donors, showing the accuracy of the test. Owing to its simple handling, the assay can be operated by nonskilled health-care professionals. The proposed assay offers the potential for the development of other relevant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panels for immunohematology and new applications, such as for infectious diseases, in the near future.

Rapid Analysis of 239,238Pu, 241Am, and 90Sr for Nasal Smear Samples in Radiation Emergency and Evaluation of Intake Retention Fraction.

The efficiency of the nasal smear method was reviewed to perform a method of sample collection, analysis and initial dose estimation. The screening method of alpha-emitting radionuclides using chemical separation and alpha spectrometry was also studied. To rapidly conduct the appropriate response to victims, special monitoring for Pu, Am, and Sr using sequential analysis was established, and the method was successfully validated through participation in an international inter-comparison program. The duration of the analysis method was evaluated with regard to application in emergency situations because of its relatively rapid treatment and counting time. The intake retention fraction was calculated and evaluated to review the characteristics of each radionuclide in the anterior nasal passage of the extra-thoracic region. No large difference was observed among the four radionuclides. However, the values of the intake retention fraction were affected by age groups because of the different respiratory rates. The effects of the Y ingrowth and particle size were also discussed.

Lactic Acid Fermentation, Urea and Lime Addition: Promising Faecal Sludge Sanitizing Methods for Emergency Sanitation.

In this research, three faecal sludge sanitizing methods—lactic acid fermentation, urea treatment and lime treatment—were studied for application in emergency situations. These methods were investigated by undertaking small scale field trials with pit latrine sludge in Blantyre, Malawi. Hydrated lime was able to reduce the E. coli count in the sludge to below the detectable limit within 1 h applying a pH > 11 (using a dosage from 7% to 17% w/w, depending faecal sludge alkalinity), urea treatment required about 4 days using 2.5% wet weight urea addition, and lactic acid fermentation needed approximately 1 week after being dosed with 10% wet weight molasses (2 g (glucose/fructose)/kg) and 10% wet weight pre-culture (99.8% pasteurised whole milk and 0.02% fermented milk drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota). Based on Malawian prices, the cost of sanitizing 1 m3 of faecal sludge was estimated to be €32 for lactic acid fermentation, €20 for urea treatment and €12 for hydrated lime treatment.

Evaluation of interferences on measurements of 90Sr/90Y by TDCR Cherenkov counting technique

A study to evaluate conditions affecting the determination of 90Sr/90Y activities in liquid samples by the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) Cherenkov counting technique was conducted. The Cherenkov radiation produced by the 90Y beta decay was determined using a commercially available Hidex 300 SL liquid scintillation counter. The interferences of sample geometry, including sample counting vial type and volume composition, and sample colour on the TDCR were investigated. The effects of potentially interfering beta and mixed beta–gamma emitters on the TDCR Cherenkov counting of 90Sr/90Y activities were also examined. The TDCR values were used to quantify counting efficiencies of 90Y under different experimental conditions. The results demonstrated that the Cherenkov counting efficiency of 90Y is independent of sample volume and counting vial size. The effect of colour quenching was examined using yellow and brown food-grade dyes. The TDCR correction for colour quenching was found to be effective. An evaluation of counting efficiency of different beta-emitting radionuclides demonstrated that strong gamma emissions can contribute to the Cherenkov counting efficiency. Overall, measured radioactivity values deviated from reference values by ≤7.5 %, which is acceptable for screening applications in emergency situations.

Investigation of oxidative stress in blood, brain, kidney, and liver after oxime antidote HI-6 application in a mouse experimental model

Oxime reactivator HI-6 (asoxime, in some sources) is a potent antidote suitable for treatment of intoxication by nerve agents. Despite the fact that HI-6 is considered for practical application in emergency situations, the impact of HI-6 on patients’ bodies has not been established yet. The present experiment was carried out in order to estimate whether HI-6 would be able to trigger or protect from oxidative stress in a BALB/c mice model. HI-6 was applied in doses ranging from 0.2 to 20% of LD50. Ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), and glutathione reductase (GR) were assayed in the blood, liver, kidney, and brain of treated animals. It was found that HI-6 does not increase GR or TBARS. On the contrary, TBARS levels in the brain and liver were found to be significantly decreased in HI-6-treated animals. Pertinent antioxidant properties of HI-6 were excluded by the FRAP method. Endogenous antioxidants were unchanged, with the exception of the kidney. Low-molecular-weight antioxidants assayed by the FRAP method were significantly decreased in kidneys of animals treated with HI-6. However, GSH partially recovered the loss of the other low-molecular-weight antioxidants and was significantly increased in the kidney of HI-6-exposed mice. HI-6 potential to produce nephropathy is hypothesized. The achieved conclusions were quite surprising and showed a complex impact of HI-6 on the body.

Communication and Information Barriers of Telemedical Applications in Emergency Situations - Emergency Doctors’ Point of View

Communication and Information Barriers of Telemedical Applications in Emergency Situations - Emergency Doctors’ Point of View

Galileo/SAR: Performance aspects and new service capabilities

AbstractThe European satellite navigation system Galileo is a highly promising technology and offers communication capabilities that can be bridled to provide an enhanced Search‐and‐Rescue (SAR) service in combination with the system, currently in service, Cospas‐Sarsat. In order to enhance the process of retrieval during a rescue operation, this article proposes a Short Messaging Service (SMS) by utilizing the existing message formats and owes of the SAR service. Architectural building blocks which are particularly belonging to either Cospas‐Sarsat or Galileo are highlighted. A new simulation method for local 3D scenarios is presented, which combines detailed 3D environment models with ray tracing and event‐based protocol simulation. Results, both in a global and local 3D setup, reflect the performance indicators of the satellite systems from which the achievable service quality of SAR‐SMS is deduced. The necessity of Galileo/SAR for highly reliable and fast applications in emergency situations is shown and a minimum number of Galileo satellites carrying SAR payload is derived. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Synergism of Activated Carbon and Undoped and Nitrogen‐doped TiO2 in the Photocatalytic Degradation of the Chemical Warfare Agents Soman, VX, and Yperite

Efficient photocatalytic decomposition of chemical warfare agents is a process that may find application in emergency situations or for the controlled destruction of chemical warfare stockpiles. A series of heterogeneous photocatalysts comprising TiO2-activated carbon or N-TiO2-activated carbon composites exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity to effect the complete decomposition of yperite, soman, and VX in high concentrations. The remarkable photocatalytic activity arises from the synergism between adsorption on active carbon and photoactivity by titania. Nitridation makes the composite also active under visible-light irradiation.

Ethical challenges in conducting research in humanitarian crisis situations

Research is vital to accurately describe phenomena in humanitarian emergency situations and to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of interventions. Although the ethical principles of justice, beneficence and respect for autonomy respect for persons should be upheld in research, their application in emergency situations may differ from non-emergency situations. Just like in non-emergency situations, research in emergency situations should be conducted in the best interest of the victims or future victims. The research should not unnecessarily expose human subjects and the researcher to careless harm, and should be of adequate scientific rigor. Victims of emergency situations are vulnerable populations that need special protection from exploitation. Technical competency to conduct research in emergency situations should include the ability to conduct a fair risk-benefit assessment in order to come up with a risk management plan, and being culturally sensitive to the needs of the victims of the humanitarian crisis. In emergency situations, the roles of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) may have to be modified without compromising the ethical standards that health researchers have globally attempted to achieve.

Sensitizers on Inorganic Carriers for Decomposition of the Chemical Warfare Agent Yperite

Sulfur-containing compounds, such as mercaptans, alkali sulfides, alkali sulfites, and alkali thiosulfates, are byproducts of industrial processes and pollutants of waste and natural waters. Other sulfur-containing compounds such as yperite are dangerous chemical weapons. Efficient photocatalytic decomposition of these molecules is a process that can find applications in emergency situations or for the controlled destruction of chemical warfare stockpiles. A series of heterogeneous photocatalysts consisting of a metal phthalocyanine or 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium as photoactive components encapsulated inside the cavities of zeolite Y or the mesoporous channels of MCM-41 or supported on silica or titania-silica was tested for the photocatalytic decomposition of yperite. Two types of photoreactors, either an open reactor naturally aerated or a closed quartz tube with a constant airflow using UV or visible ambient light were used. These tests demonstrated that iron and manganese phthalocyanine and 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium embedded in NaY or titania-silica can be suitable solid photocatalysts for the degradation of yperite using UV and visible irradiation.

Factors for Weaning From a Percutaneous Cardiopulmonary Support System (PCPS) in Patients With Severe Cardiac Failure A Comparative Study in Weaned and Nonweaned Patients

The percutaneous cardiopulmonary support system (PCPS) has been widely accepted for the treatment of patients with severe cardiac failure. This system, which uses Seldinger's method through a percutaneous approach, enables rapid application in emergency situations. However, the indication for deployment and discontinuation of PCPS has not yet been established. We evaluated the results of PCPS use for the treatment of patients with severe cardiac failure and investigated factors that would predict successful weaning from PCPS. A total of 32 patients (23 men and 9 women) who had PCPS for the treatment of severe cardiac failure between January 1997 and October 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients was 57 +/- 17 years (range, 14 to 78 years). PCPS was necessary for severe cardiac failure after cardiac surgery in 15 patients, pulmonary infarction in 4, acute myocardial infarction in 3, acute myocarditis in 3, and other causes in 7. The mean duration of PCPS support in all 32 patients was 134 +/- 117 hours (range, 8 to 532). Twelve patients (38%) could be weaned from PCPS (group A), while the remaining 20 patients (62%) could not (group B). The incidence of cardiac arrest prior to PCPS use (n = 10, 31%) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in group A (1/12, 8%) than in group B (9/20, 45%). There were significant differences in the APACHE II scores, urine output, serum lactate levels, and epinephrine and dopamine dose received from PCPS induction to 72 hours after PCPS use between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that an episode of cardiac arrest prior to PCPS induction was the only significant predictor for the unsuitability for discontinuation of PCPS. This retrospective study showed the limitation of PCPS therapy for patients with an episode of cardiac arrest who did not show improvement in their APACHE II score, urine output, serum lactate levels, and catecholamine dose received within 72 hours after PCPS induction. These results may help formulate criteria for indication and discontinuation of PCPS for patients with severe cardiac failure.