Critical Safety Research Articles

Retraction: Critical safety climate dimensions for improved safety behavior: perspectives of construction workers

Retraction: Critical safety climate dimensions for improved safety behavior: perspectives of construction workers

Driving Safety and Comfort Enhancement in Urban Underground Interchanges via Driving Simulation and Machine Learning

Urban transportation systems, particularly underground interchanges, present significant challenges for sustainable and resilient urban design due to their complex road geometries and dense traffic signage. These challenges are further compounded by the interaction of diverse road users, which heightens the risk of accidents. To enhance both safety and sustainability, this study integrates advanced driving simulation techniques with machine learning models to improve driving safety and comfort in underground interchanges. By utilizing a driving simulator and 3D modeling, real-world conditions were replicated to design key traffic safety features with an emphasis on sustainability and driver well-being. Critical safety parameters, including speed, acceleration, and pedal use, were analyzed alongside comfort metrics such as lateral acceleration and steering torque. The LightGBM machine learning model was used to classify safety and comfort grades with an accuracy of 97.06%. An important ranking identified entrance signage and deceleration zones as having the greatest impact on safety and comfort, while basic road sections were less influential. These findings underscore the importance of considering visual cues, such as markings and wall color, in creating safer and more comfortable underground road systems. This study’s methodology and results offer valuable insights for urban planners and engineers aiming to design transportation systems that are both safe and aligned with sustainable urban mobility objectives.

Combination of Boundary Elements and the Ellipsoid Method for Optimizing the Electromagnetic Fields of Overhead Power Lines

ABSTRACTThis study proposes a numerical approach aimed at mitigating electromagnetic field intensities at ground level generated by overhead power lines. The methodology integrates the boundary element method for field evaluation with the ellipsoid method for field optimization, while adhering to critical design and safety constraints. The optimized power line configurations, derived from this integrated approach, achieved significant reductions in both electric and magnetic field magnitudes at ground level without compromising any specified constraints. Moreover, the research findings demonstrate the robustness, efficiency, and practical applicability of the proposed methodology in the design of optimized power lines, offering potential for increased power transfer capability, and decreased environmental and health impacts.

Safety in Perioperative Period in Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery has revolutionized the field of surgery, offering significant improvements in patient outcomes such as reduced recovery times, pain, and hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery. However, safety concerns arose with its introduction, prompting the need for advancements in technique and equipment. This article explores critical safety improvements in laparoscopic surgery, simulating a patient’s perioperative journey. Key topics include the importance of team briefings, proper patient positioning, ergonomics, optimal laparoscopic setup, safe port insertion techniques, pneumoperitoneum management, instrument handling, and hemostasis. The review highlights the ongoing need for research and consensus in patient safety practices within laparoscopic surgery.

Multifeatured Electronic Helmet to Enhance Road Safety and Rider’s Comfort

This paper presents a multi-featured electronic helmet designed to tackle critical road safety issues, including accidents, drunk driving, and over-speeding. The design incorporates a global system for mobile communications (GSM) and global positioning system (GPS) modules to accurately capture driver’s current location and send messages to predefined contacts. When encountering an accident, the helmet promptly notifies designated contacts and authorities, ensuring swift assistance. By integrating features for detecting over-speeding, accidents, and drunk driving, the helmet renders real-time alerts to both the driver’s family and traffic police, enhancing accountability and safety measures. Additionally, the helmet includes solar charging functionality for mobile devices receive 100% charged in 3.37 hours, thereby optimizing usability and emergency communication. A rain detection system protects mobile devices, while an internal warming mechanism caters to adverse weather conditions, and proffers enhanced comfort by maintaining internal form temperature between 26-27 ℃ and safety, especially in cold regions or for military personnel.

Comparative dimensions of COVID-19 visual health literacy: social media news imagery in Germany and China

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted governments worldwide to utilise social media news platforms for disseminating critical public health information and safety protocols. Visual aids, including photographs, videos, charts, and infographics, played a key role in conveying health-related messages. However, there are variations in visual communication practices across countries, influenced by local health communication habits and cultural contexts. This study examines these variations in the visual health discourse that emerged in China and Germany during the pandemic, focusing on metaphorical mapping as a central analytical tool. We introduce the concept of “visual dataset fingerprints,” outlining the distinct composition of public health visuals on eight social news media platforms in Germany and China. Our descriptive analysis encompasses over 3700 digital visual media posts related to COVID-19, shared by leading national news media accounts in German, English, and Mandarin on microblogs in 2022. As a preliminary outcome of our study, we observe differences in image use based on the analysis of 1678 media posts by four Chinese outlets and 1329 media posts by four German outlets. These differences may reflect variations in how public opinion, perceptions, and attitudes toward COVID-19 policies are shaped across languages and cultures. Through its comparative visual analysis, our pilot study offers the potential for a new research approach to global healthcare communication in social news media and digital visual cultures.

High Safety Fuel Cells Based on Gas Diffusion Layer Suppressed Uneven Current and Thermal Runaway

AbstractThermal runaway poses a critical safety concern for fuel cells, significantly impairing their performance and durability. Uneven current often leads to uneven temperature, exacerbating the risk of thermal runaway. The inadequate electrical and thermal conductivity of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) is identified as the primary cause of the safety issues. To address this, a multilayer composite gas diffusion layer (MC‐GDL) is proposed and designed to enhance both electrical and thermal conductivity. The in‐plane electrical conductivity of the MC‐GDL reaches an impressive 9.1 × 104 S m−1. Under extreme uneven current, the fuel cell's performance with MC‐GDL only declines by 3.7%, compared to a substantial 58.1% decline observed with commercial GDL. Additionally, the in‐plane thermal conductivity of the MC‐GDL is notably high at 337.0 W m−1 K−1. Under extreme uneven temperature, the maximum temperature of Nafion membrane in fuel cell equipped with MC‐GDL is only 84.2 °C significantly lower than the 180.7 °C observed with commercial GDL. Consequently, the MC‐GDL effectively prevents the melting, thinning, and perforation of the Nafion membrane, thereby mitigating thermal runaway. Furthermore, the superior electrical and thermal conductivity of MC‐GDL can enhance the safety of other electrochemical devices by minimizing uneven current and thermal runaway.

A New Method for Determining the Safety Distance Between Irregular Karst Cave and Circumferential Shield Tunnel

ABSTRACTWhen a shield tunnel passes through a karst area, the water‐filled cave can easily make the surrounding rock metamorphic, resulting in water inrush, ground collapse, and shield machine failure and other engineering hazards. Natural cavities have a significant degree of geometric irregularity due to groundwater alteration and soluble rock erosion. Considering the difficulties in describing the shape of a natural irregular cavity, circular, rectangular, and elliptical geometries have been simplified in most related studies. Based on the upper bound theorem of limit analysis, we established a three‐dimensional failure model including the karst caves located directly above and below the circumferential side of the tunnel. Then, we deduced the corresponding analytical solution of the critical safety distance (CSD). Furthermore, the effects of rock mass parameters, cave parameters, and geometric parameters on the CSD were analyzed. Then we designed the numerical simulation considering the irregular geometry shape at the circumferential side of tunnel using the Fourier descriptors. In addition, we estimated the CSDs for two failure models using the revised dichotomy and failure criterion. The findings demonstrated a quantifiable association between CSD and Fourier descriptors of irregular cave shape, resulting in the development of a CSD prediction model. These test results can provide a theoretical foundation and direction for predicting water inrush caused by the constrained irregular cave.

Investigating the Antibacterial Effect of a Novel Gallic Acid-Based Green Sanitizer Formulation.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the mechanism of action of our newly developed green sanitizer formulation comprising a natural phenolic compound, gallic acid (GA), strengthened by the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) materials hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and DL-lactic acid (LA). Combining 8 mM GA with 1 mM H2O2 resulted in an abundant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a bactericidal effect towards Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas syringae, and Pectobacterium brasiliense) and Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis) bacteria (4 to 8 log CFU mL-1 reduction). However, the exposure to this dual formulation (DF) caused only a modest 0.7 log CFU mL-1 reduction in the Gram-positive L. innocua population. Amending the DF with 20 mM LA to yield a triple formulation (TF) resulted in the efficient synergistic control of L. innocua proliferation without increasing ROS production. Despite the inability to grow on plates (>7 log CFU mL-1 population reduction), the TF-exposed L. innocua maintained high intracellular ATP pools and stable membrane integrity. The response of L. innocua to TF could be qualified as a "viable but nonculturable" (VBNC) phenomenon, while with the other species tested this formulation caused cell death. This research system may offer a platform for exploring the VBNC phenomenon, a critical food safety topic.

Remote ischemic post-conditioning for neonatal encephalopathy: a safety and feasibility trial.

Despite implementation of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for infants with neonatal encephalopathy (NE), a significant proportion of infants suffer neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a proposed neuroprotective maneuver that has been studied in adults with brain injury, but it has not been previously investigated in infants with NE. We performed a prospective, randomized, safety and dose escalation study in 32 neonates with NE. Four cohorts of consecutive patients were randomized to RIC therapy, including four cycles of limb ischemia and reperfusion on progressive days of TH, or sham. Clinical, biochemical, and safety outcomes were monitored in both groups. All patients received the designated RIC therapy without interruption or delay. RIC was not associated with increased pain, vascular, cutaneous, muscular, or neural safety events. There was no difference in the incidence of seizures, brain injury, or mortality between the two groups with the escalation of RIC dose and frequency. We found that RIC is a safe and feasible adjunctive therapy for neonates with NE undergoing TH. This pilot study establishes critical safety and feasibility data that are necessary for the design of future studies to investigate the potential efficacy of RIC to reduce NDI. Remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) is a possible neuroprotective intervention in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). RIC can be administered concurrently with therapeutic hypothermia without any notable adverse events. Future studies will need to address potential efficacy of RIC to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes, as well as consider the ideal temporal window and dose for RIC in this patient population.

Coal Mine Slope Stability Analysis Using the Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Slope Mass Rating (SMR) Method, and Morgenstren-Price Limit Equilibrium for the Low Wall Pit Area Y PT. Bina Sarana Sukses, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra

Open pit mining has a complex connection to excavation and stockpiling operations, which can potentially induce slope instability. The analysis of slope stability is crucial to prevent slope failure, which has the potential to result in major losses. The study on slope stability was performed at the low wall pit Y area of PT. Bina Sarana Sukses site MAS in Lahat Regency. This research aimed to analyze the rock mass classifications, determine the safety factor values, and provide recommendations for mitigating landslide occurrences. The techniques employed in this study include the RMR and SMR methods for assessing the susceptibility of landslides, collectively with the Morgenstern-price limit equilibrium approach for estimating the stability of the slope. Based on the analysis of the rock mass rating (RMR) and slope mass rating (SMR), Block B2 exhibits a 20% likelihood of experiencing landslides, specifically due to block joint characteristics. On the other hand, Blocks B4 and B5 show a 40% potential for landslides, primarily associated with flat or wedge-type block joints. The force produced by friction under saturated conditions is comparatively lower than that observed under dry conditions. During the final design phase in 2022, it was observed that Blocks B4 and B5 exhibit critical and dangerous safety factors when saturated. Hence, the proposal has been suggested to enhance slope stability. Further, it is recommended to monitor the geotechnical piles periodically. We hope this research results as a valuable resource for evaluating and assessing slope stability, including artificial and natural slopes.

Reinforcement Learning for Fuselage Shape Control during Aircraft Assembly

Critical safety requirements necessitate ultra-high precision quality control during the assembly of large aerospace components to reduce the mismatch between parts to be joined. Traditional methods use heuristic shape adjustment or surrogate model-based control. These methods are limited by reliance on accurate model learning and inadequate robustness to varying initial assembly conditions. To address these limitations, this paper proposes a model-free reinforcement learning approach for adaptive fuselage shape control during aircraft assembly. The trained reinforcement learning agent directly adjusts the aircraft components in response to their part variations and enables an autonomous system (like AlphaGo) to learn the optimal shape control policy. Specifically, the reinforcement learning environment is built on the finite element simulator. A reward function is developed to capture the optimization objective and introduces a scheme to enforce the original constraints. The proximal policy optimization algorithm is modified to speed up the learning progress and achieve better final performance. In the case study, the root-mean-square gap between components is reduced by 98.4% on average compared with their initial shape mismatch. Our proposed method outperforms the benchmark methods with smaller final shape errors, smaller maximum forces, and lower variations across different test samples.

Firearm safety: Nurses’ knowledge and comfort

Education and organizational support can help nurses provide patients with critical safety information.

Safety Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles in the Absence of Connectivity

This article examines the critical safety challenges faced by autonomous vehicles (AVs) operating in environments without connectivity. As the global AV market expands rapidly, the disparity in Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) infrastructure implementation across regions necessitates AVs to function safely in both connected and non-connected scenarios. The article explores five key areas of concern: limited real-time information access, absence of cooperative driving capabilities, lack of remote software updates, reduced traffic ecosystem support, and increased vulnerability to cybersecurity threats. By analyzing data from various transportation studies and industry reports, the article highlights the significant impact of these challenges on AV performance, efficiency, and safety. The research underscores the importance of developing robust, adaptable systems that can operate effectively in diverse connectivity environments, emphasizing the need for advanced onboard sensors, sophisticated AI algorithms, and enhanced traffic management strategies to mitigate the risks associated with non-connected autonomous driving.

A hybrid approach combining UD and GA-CV-SVM to evaluate shear performance in high asphalt concrete core

The shear effect on high asphalt concrete core is significant. However, studies on the reliability of 100-meter-scale cores against shear damage remain limited. A key challenge in this research field is establishing the control criteria for the core and improving the computational efficiency of implicit limit state function (LSF). Additionally, the impact of material parameter uncertainty on the shear failure reliability of the core during the dam construction and impoundment stages remains unclear. To address this, a safety evaluation method based on time discretization was proposed, combining uniform design (UD), K-fold cross-validation (K-CV), and genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize the support vector machines (SVM). The core parameters of 52 asphalt concrete-core rockfill dams (ACCRDs) were analyzed, with the statistical values of the basic variables considered in determining the reliability index. The theoretical derivation of the critical shear failure safety index established a stability formula to assess the safety state of the dam core. The significance parameters were identified, and the sample points were generated at each stage using UD, and the Support Vector Regression (SVR) was applied to reconstruct the LSF, and reliability was calculated through the checking point method.

Dynamic Testing and Fatigue Analysis of the I-31P Nose Landing Gear

Abstract The landing gear is a critical safety component of any aircraft, playing a key role in managing the significant loads experienced during landing and ground maneuvers. In the case of the I-31P aircraft, a redesign of the I-23 landing gear system, required comprehensive testing to validate its performance, after change of landing gear parts manufacturer and minor updates to materials and technologies. This study focuses on the dynamic testing of the I-31P nose landing gear (NLG), particularly to assess its energy dissipation and fatigue resistance under operational conditions. Dynamic tests, performed in accordance with CS-23 standards, utilized strain gauges to monitor potential stress concentrations, especially on the half-fork design. Results demonstrated that the I-31P nose landing gear meets the required safety standards, with key performance metrics such as deflection and load factors within acceptable limits. The findings also highlighted the importance of continued monitoring for potential fatigue issues, offering valuable insights for future design enhancements.

Airway obstruction due to ingestion of sodium polyacrylate: a case report

BackgroundSuper-absorbent polymers (SAPs) possess the ability to absorb large amounts of water and are widely used in medical settings. Commonly used in vomit bags to contain fluids, reduce spillage, and enhance bedside hygiene, SAPs are generally regarded as safe and non-toxic. However, we report a tragic incident where the accidental ingestion of SAPs led to fatal asphyxiation, highlighting a critical safety concern.Case presentationA 76-year-old female suffering from advanced Alzheimer’s dementia was brought to the emergency department following a fall with cervical trauma. Following a complaint of nausea, she was given a vomit bag containing a sachet of approximately 9 g of SAP. Thirty minutes later, she was found deceased in the waiting area, with a grayish, half-hardened gel blocking her oropharynx and remnants of a chewed SAP sachet. Pathological analysis confirmed death by asphyxiation caused by the SAP expanding in her oropharynx upon contact with saliva.ConclusionsThis case emphasizes the potential dangers of SAPs when accidentally ingested and it is imperative that such products are kept out of reach of vulnerable populations. In cases of airway obstruction, there are no specific treatments available. Laryngoscopy may be impossible, necessitating the prompt consideration of an emergency tracheotomy. Experimental data suggest the use of an aerosol of warm alkaline hydrogen peroxide solution to dissolve these obstructive foreign bodies, but further studies are needed to validate its use in emergency situations.

Comparison of the effects of medication error encouragement training and problem-based scenario on the medication safety competence and knowledge of nursing students: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundMedication errors among nursing students pose a threat to medication safety. Medication Error Encouragement Training and Problem Based Scenario are two innovative educational methods used in medication education. AimCompare the effects of Medication Error Encouragement Training and Problem Based Scenario on the knowledge and competency of medication safety among nursing students. DesignQuasi -experimental, double-blind, two-group pretest-posttest study. MethodThis study was conducted in 2023. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received the Medication Error Encouragement Training method, while the other group was taught using the Problem-Based Scenario method. Data collection was performed using the Medication Safety Critical Element Checklist and Medication Safety Knowledge Assessment before and four weeks after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. ResultsThe Pair t-test demonstrated that the change in competency and knowledge scores of medication safety before and after the intervention was significant in both groups (P< 0.05). The results of the Mancova test indicated a significant increase in medication safety competency scores in the Medication Error Encouragement Training group compared with the Problem Based Scenario group after the intervention (P< 0.05), while there was no significant difference in medication safety knowledge scores between the two groups after the intervention (P> 0.05). ConclusionThe Medication Error Encouragement and Problem Based Scenario methods were effective in increasing the knowledge and competency of medication safety among students, but the effectiveness of the Medication Error Encouragement method was more pronounced in achieving safe medication administration.

Safety of Medications Used to Treat Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases During Pregnancy and Lactation.

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) often affect women during their reproductive years, and early studies of pregnancy in these patients reported high rates of adverse outcomes. Continuation or initiation of safe and effective medications in the preconception period is beneficial for maintaining or achieving disease quiescence throughout pregnancy thereby improving both maternal and pregnancy outcomes. The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, the American College of Rheumatology, and the British Society for Rheumatology have published recommendations and guidelines regarding management of ARDs during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Gastroenterological Association have also provided guidance statements with relevant recommendations. This review provides an overview of available recommendations for medication use in ARD pregnancy, with discussion of safety considerations for maternal and fetal well-being. Medications considered compatible with pregnancy include hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, azathioprine, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and TNF inhibitors. Methotrexate, mycophenolate, leflunomide, and cyclophosphamide should be avoided before and during pregnancy. Other medications, most of them newer, are largely discouraged for use in pregnancy due to inadequate data or concerns for neonatal immunosuppression, including non-TNF biologics and small molecule therapies. Further investigation is needed regarding effects of non-TNF biologics, biosimilars, and small molecules in pregnancy. Important efforts for the future will include improved methodologies to gather critical safety data, with consideration of inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials, a complex and controversial issue. Long-term information on outcomes in offspring of treated women is lacking for many of these medications.

Balancing plant safety and efficiency through innovative engineering practices in oil and gas operations

In the oil and gas industry, balancing plant safety with operational efficiency is a critical challenge that requires innovative engineering practices. This paper explores how advanced engineering techniques can enhance both safety and efficiency in oil and gas operations. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, companies can achieve a harmonious balance between protecting personnel, equipment, and the environment, while also optimizing productivity and resource utilization. Key innovative engineering practices discussed include the implementation of real-time monitoring systems and predictive analytics to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Real-time monitoring, powered by Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, allows for continuous tracking of plant conditions, detecting anomalies before they escalate into significant issues. Predictive analytics, utilizing machine learning algorithms, further aids in forecasting potential failures and scheduling maintenance proactively, thereby minimizing downtime and operational disruptions. The paper also examines the role of risk-based approaches and safety management systems in improving plant safety. Techniques such as quantitative risk assessment (QRA) and safety integrity level (SIL) analysis are pivotal in identifying potential hazards and designing mitigation strategies. These practices ensure that safety measures are proportionate to the actual risk, avoiding over-engineering while addressing critical safety concerns. Moreover, the integration of automation and digital twin technology is discussed as a means to enhance both safety and efficiency. Automation reduces human error and improves precision in operations, while digital twins provide a virtual replica of physical assets, enabling simulation and optimization of plant operations in a risk-free environment. Case studies illustrate successful implementations of these practices, highlighting their impact on reducing incidents and improving operational performance. The paper concludes by emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation and collaboration between engineers, safety experts, and operational managers to continuously advance safety standards and operational efficiency in oil and gas operations.