Response In Emergency Situations Research Articles

Crowd navigation for dynamic hazard avoidance in evacuation using emotional reciprocal velocity obstacles

Crowd evacuation can be a challenging task, especially in emergency situations involving dynamically moving hazards. Effective obstacle avoidance is crucial for successful crowd evacuation, particularly in scenarios involving dynamic hazards such as natural or man-made disasters. In this paper, we propose a novel application of the emotional reciprocal velocity obstacles (ERVO) method for obstacle avoidance in dynamic hazard scenarios. ERVO is an established method that incorporates agent emotions and obstacle avoidance to produce more efficient and effective crowd navigation. Our approach improves on previous research by using ERVO to model the perceptive danger posed by dynamic hazards in real-time, which is crucial for rapid response in emergency situations. We conducted experiments to evaluate our approach and compared our results with other velocity obstacle methods. Our findings demonstrate that our approach is able to improve agent coordination, reduce congestion, and produce superior avoidance behavior. Our study shows that incorporating emotional reciprocity into obstacle avoidance can enhance crowd behavior in dynamic hazard scenarios.

Non-Invasive Alcohol Concentration Measurement Using a Spectroscopic Module: Outlook for the Development of a Drunk Driving Prevention System.

Alcohol acts as a central nervous system depressant and falls under the category of psychoactive drugs. It has the potential to impair vital bodily functions, including cognitive alertness, muscle coordination, and induce fatigue. Taking the wheel after consuming alcohol can lead to delayed responses in emergency situations and increases the likelihood of collisions with obstacles or suddenly appearing objects. Statistically, drivers under the influence of alcohol are seven times more likely to cause accidents compared to sober individuals. Various techniques and methods for alcohol measurement have been developed. The widely used breathalyzer, which requires direct contact with the mouth, raises concerns about hygiene. Methods like chromatography require skilled examiners, while semiconductor sensors exhibit instability in sensitivity over measurement time and has a short lifespan, posing structural challenges. Non-dispersive infrared analyzers face structural limitations, and in-vehicle air detection methods are susceptible to external influences, necessitating periodic calibration. Despite existing research and technologies, there remain several limitations, including sensitivity to external factors such as temperature, humidity, hygiene consideration, and the requirement for periodic calibration. Hence, there is a demand for a novel technology that can address these shortcomings. This study delved into the near-infrared wavelength range to investigate optimal wavelengths for non-invasively measuring blood alcohol concentration. Furthermore, we conducted an analysis of the optical characteristics of biological substances, integrated these data into a mathematical model, and demonstrated that alcohol concentration can be accurately sensed using the first-order modeling equation at the optimal wavelength. The goal is to minimize user infection and hygiene issues through a non-destructive and non-invasive method, while applying a compact spectrometer sensor suitable for button-type ignition devices in vehicles. Anticipated applications of this study encompass diverse industrial sectors, including the development of non-invasive ignition button-based alcohol prevention systems, surgeon's alcohol consumption status in the operating room, screening heavy equipment operators for alcohol use, and detecting alcohol use in close proximity to hazardous machinery within factories.

Safe beach: service for emergency notification and assistance in coastal bathing areas

On the vast Brazilian beaches, which stretch for more than seven thousand kilometers and attract numerous tourists, safety emerges as a crucial concern. The shortage of lifeguards and the lack of human resources have generated concern due to the incidence of fatal accidents in bathing areas with low protection coverage. To reinforce security logistics on the coast, the “Safe Beach” service was created, which allows swimmers to report emergencies and call lifeguards based on their location through an application for mobile devices. This article explores the functionality of the service, highlighting its potential for reducing the response time of lifeguard teams, preventing incidents in risk areas and improving safety on beaches in Brazil. It also addresses the importance of responsible use of the service and the legal implications for those who use it improperly. The combination of advanced technology, usage records and cooperation with local authorities makes Safe Beach a powerful tool for ensuring safety on beaches and agile response in emergency situations, contributing to a safer and more peaceful experience for bathers.

An Ad-Hoc Crime Reporting Information Management System


 
 
 
 Criminals often escape punishment due to delayed sharing of information with law enforcement agencies. The traditional method of reporting crimes is slow, thus, the need for a faster and modern approach, one that uses modern technology to apprehend perpetrators. It is therefore important to have a well-organized system for reporting criminal activities. This system should be free and easily accessible to the public. With information being delivered promptly and remotely, there is no need for visits to police stations, which can be time-consuming and tedious. This project aims to curb criminal activities by developing a smartphone application that enables victims or witnesses to report real-time information to security agencies, including GPS coordinates. The use of real-time data would prompt quick responses in emergency situations and make reactions proactive rather than reactive. The proposed methodology for the project involves designing and developing a user-friendly mobile app as well as a professional web application for security agencies. The creation of an integration platform allows for the registration of police stations and staff members. Feedback from users would help maintain and improve upon the app. Ultimately, this project aims at increasing public safety and improving crime reporting and management in Ghana by using modern technologies. By enabling citizens to report crimes in real-time, the mobile application has the potential to revolutionize crime reporting and foster a safer and secure environment. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, the proposed solution can help provide a more efficient and proactive crime reporting system in Ghana.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Efficiency of Using Drones and Boats in Monitoring the Security of the Pang Pang Bay Water Aerodrome Area

This research investigates the use of drones and boats in monitoring the security of the water aerodrome area in Pang-Pang Bay. The aim is to measure the efficiency of using these two tools, compare their performance results, and evaluate the implications of the research results for security and operational development in the region. This research integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches to understand the role and challenges of each tool.The research results show that the use of drones provides significant efficiency in quickly reaching the incident point, covering a wide area, and aerial views that are useful in routine monitoring. On the other hand, boats have the advantage of quick response in emergency situations, stability in bad weather, and the ability to provide immediate assistance to individuals on the water. The results of the comparative analysis between the use of drones and boats reflect the special advantages of each tool in various aspects.The implication of this research is that the development of a security surveillance strategy in Pang-Pang Bay must consider the wise use of both tools, depending on operational needs and weather conditions. In an ideal situation, the combined use of drones and boats can provide a comprehensive solution to maintaining water safety.This research also makes an important contribution to the technology's development and application in the context of security surveillance. In conclusion, this research provides an in-depth understanding of the use of drones and boats in monitoring the Pang-Pang Bay water aerodrome area and provides a strong foundation for the development of better and more effective surveillance strategies in the area.

IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF RESPONSE TO GAS, OIL AND WATER SHOWS AND OPEN FOUNTAINS BY CREATING A VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR GAS WELL WORKOVER

The oil and gas industry is one of the most important branches of the national economy. It differs from other branches of the fuel and energy complex in high capital investments and long construction and operation periods. One of the main tasks in gas industry enterprise management is the most efficient use of capital investments, which requires the adoption of informed decisions in oil and gas asset management. Gas industry enterprises include a large number of hazardous production facilities, accidents and incidents at which are the most dangerous for both personnel and population in general, as well as for the industry companies themselves. Emergencies at facilities can lead to financial and reputational losses, as well as damage the health and life of people and the environment. Therefore, the issue of planning measures for prevention, as well as localization and elimination of the accident consequences, is considered one of the priorities.The presence of video surveillance at production facilities is an integral part of an integrated security system. High-quality video surveillance helps to identify deviations in automated processes in a timely manner and take measures to eliminate failures and violations. Timely and rapid response to emergency situations prevents the occurrence of an accident, as well as prevents socio-economic damage.The authors have conducted many studies in the sphere of analysis of the organization of localization and liquidation of emergency situations and the effectiveness of personnel response in emergency situations at hazardous production facilities. Besides, studies of video surveillance systems in Gazprom UGS LLC branches – Departments of Emergency Recovery and Well Overhaul – have been conducted. Gazprom UGS LLC is the only operator of 23 underground gas storage facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation. Most of the Company's production facilities are located at a considerable distance from settlements and other infrastructure facilities, which increases the response time to emergency situations, and as a result, may lead to an emergency situation. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly control and monitor the integrity of the system. The authors have made conclusions about the need to improve existing video surveillance systems and expand their use at other branches of the Company.

Novel optical technologies for emergency preparedness and response: Mapping contaminations with alpha-emitting radionuclides

Radiological emergencies involving an accidental or deliberate dispersion of alpha-emitting radionuclides in the environment can cause significant damage to humans and societies in general. Currently, there is a metrology gap in managing such emergencies due to the lack of detectors that can measure alpha particles at distances greater than their range in air: most conventional alpha detectors are only effective when placed just a few centimeters above the contaminated area. This paper presents the development and testing of lens based optical detection systems that utilize alpha particle-induced ultraviolet (UV) luminescence of air, known as alpha radioluminescence. Telescopes based on fused silica and Poly(methyl 2-methylpropenoate) (PMMA) Fresnel lenses were investigated for their usability in facilitating emergency management related to alpha-emitting radionuclides. Careful matching of the diameter and focal length of the receiving optics, the response of the photocathode, and the passband of the filter allows detection sensitivities as high as 34s−1MBq−1 at 2m source-to-detector distance and background count rate of about 3s−1 in the UV-C spectral region, and suppression of daylight background count rate down to 16s−1. By flushing the source with nitrogen (N2) containing trace amounts of nitric oxide (NO), a groundbreaking sensitivity of 1.3×105s−1MBq−1 has been achieved, allowing detection limits as low as 100Bq with room lighting on, and 70Bq in a dark environment. In the UV-A spectral region, a detection limit of 4kBq could be achieved in a dark environment. These optical detection systems are aimed to facilitate a rapid, coordinated, and effective response in emergency situations involving the release of alpha-emitting radionuclides by mounting them on a tripod or an unmanned aerial device (UAV).

Motivation of volunteers involved in emergency situation response: results of a mass survey

This article being a continuation of the work published in the Bulletin of the Institute of Sociology (2021. Volume 12. No. 4) analyses the motivation of volunteers operating in emergency situations (ES). The participation of volunteers is seen as a real effective tool to help official services respond to emergencies (floods, fires, people missing in natural and urban environments). At the same time, the activity of volunteers is associated with physical and emotional stress, risks to life and health, and therefore it is important to know what motivates these people to get involved in this activity and stay in it for a long time. The authors show that this topic remains little studied in Russia.
 To search for the most adequate methodology for studying the motivations of Russian volunteers, the authors have analysed the existing theoretical approaches, as well as a number of qualitative and quantitative empirical studies on the relevant issues.
 The results of a mass survey conducted by the authors demonstrate that motives common in Russia are similar in meaning to the typology of motives proposed by E.G.Clary and M. Snyder. The most common motives are altruistic (the need for gratuitous help to people) and personal (characterised by the need of self-development). Russian volunteers most often receive symbolic rewards for their activities: diplomas, official gratitude, or the opportunity to participate in training seminars. At the same time, they note that they do not expect anything at all in return for their help. When choosing a volunteer organisation, volunteers most often focus on the range of problems this organisation deals with, as well as on the opportunity within this organisation to realise their own potential. The analysis also showed that almost half of the respondents once had thoughts of quitting volunteer activities, and first of all, due to emotional burnout. However, in their plans for 3–5 years, almost all respondents do not plan to stop volunteering. The results obtained are analysed from the standpoint of theories of motivation by A.Maslow, L.Hustinx and F. Lammertyn.

Analysis of isotopes of plutonium in water samples with a PSresin based on aliquat·336

There is a necessity to have techniques capable to perform rapid determinations of specific radionuclides with the aim to provide fast response in emergency situations where a large number of samples need to be measured in a short time. Plastic Scintillation Resins (PSresins) raises as an adequate tool to achieve this purpose and in the present study a methodology to determine plutonium using a PSresin based on Aliquat·336 was developed. Different sample treatments have been studied under acidic conditions with an emphasis on valence adjustment treatment to achieve an effective retention within the PSresin. Under 3 M nitric acid conditions and an iron sulphamate (II) + nitrite valence adjustment, quantitative retention and 100% detection efficiency were achieved. The retention of the different interferences evaluated (238U, 230Th, 241Am, 210Pb and 99Tc) was low and therefore they do not interfere significantly in the determination of plutonium, except for 99Tc. Finally, a stable tracer to calculate the PSresin separation yield was studied, revealing that gold is suitable for this purpose. This procedure was applied to the analysis of spiked sea and river water samples, obtaining errors lower than 10% in their quantification.

Стохастическое моделирование каскадных сценариев возникновения и развития чрезвычайных ситуаций

Introduction. The development of methods for modeling the flows of events in the occurrence and development of emergency and critical states, designed to solve the problems of supporting the management of rapid response to incidents in conditions of incomplete information, as well as the generation of preventive algorithms for rapid response in emergency situations, seems to be a promising direction for improving information and analytical support of management in security systems. The purpose of the research is to create mathematical tools for predicting emergency and critical conditions in local incidents based on discrete-event modeling of the dynamics of emergency situations. Methods of stochastic modeling are based on the representation of a cascade scenario of the dynamics of the development of accidents and catastrophes by a Markov process using a three-parameter Weibull distribution to set the intensities of transitions between emergency and critical states of adjacent levels. Results and discussion. A general stochastic model is constructed that describes the dynamics of the occurrence and development of accidents and catastrophes of technogenic and natural origin initiated by local incidents according to a cascade scenario with a branching structure with a set of possible elementary states represented in the form of a stratified graph. The main stages of the emergence and development of emergency situations are considered within the framework of the proposed representation of the cascade model by a Markov process with discrete states and continuous time. The expediency of local modeling of individual stages is substantiated based on the description of transitions between states of adjacent levels. Local systems of differential equations corresponding to some of the most probable scenarios for the development of events in the event of incidents are given. Non-stationary solutions of differential equations of Kolmogorov-Chapman are obtained, with assignment of intensities of transitions by three-parameter Weibull distributions. Conclusions. The proposed stochastic model makes it possible to predict the dynamics of the development of emergency and critical states according to a cascade scenario, and also reflects the probability characteristics of the timeliness and effectiveness of possible impacts in a prompt response to incidents. Keywords: stochastic modeling of technogenic accidents, cascade development of accidents and catastrophes, Weibull distribution.

Application of area monitors and scintillating detectors in the development of CBRN defense reconnaissance vehicles

This study describes the use of ionizing radiation detectors in a Brazilian Army reconnaissance vehicle (RV), used in area monitoring actions based on the occurrence of a radiological event. Two scintillating detectors, NaI and LaBr3, were used to carry out field measurements of surveying for different distances from a simulated detector position in the vehicle, in order to compare the energy spectra obtained in each measurement system. The Brazilian Army Technological Center (Centro Tecnológico do Exército - CTEx) region was chosen to carry out the measurements. The meteorological information was annotated to verify the conditions into which the experimental apparatus would be submitted. The results suggest that both the NaI and LaBr3 scintillating detector could be used in radiological emergency response RV, offering satisfactory responses in the gamma radiation detection. However, the NaI detector was chosen considering the wide network of technical assistance and its low operational cost. The relevance of this investigation shows the importance of planning responses in emergency situations and the influence of efficient instrumentation in the measurement processes.

Dynamic causal modeling of evoked responses during emergency braking: an ERP study.

Describing a neural activity map based on observed responses in emergency situations, especially during driving, is a challenging issue that would help design driver-assistant devices and a better understanding of the brain. This study aimed to investigate which regions were involved during emergency braking, measuring the interactions and strength of the connections and describing coupling among these brain regions by dynamic causal modeling (DCM) parameters that we extracted from event-related potential signals, which were then estimated based on emergency braking data with visual stimulation. The data were reanalyzed from a simulator study, which was designed to create emergency situations for participants during a simple driving task. The experimental protocol includes driving a virtual reality car, and the subjects were exposed to emergency situations in a simulator system, while electroencephalogram, electro-oculogram, and electromyogram signals were recorded. In this research, locations of active brain regions in montreal neurological institute coordinates from event-related responses were identified using multiple sparse priors method, in which sensor space was allocated to resource space. Source localization results revealed nine active regions. After applying DCM on data, a proposed model during emergency braking for all people was obtained. The braking response time was defined based on the first noticeable (above noise-level) braking pedal deflection after an induced braking maneuver. The result revealed a significant difference in response time between subjects who have the lateral connection between visual cortex, visual processing, and detecting objects areas have shorter response time (p-value = 0.05) than the subjects who do not have such connections.

Development of a methodology for real-time retrieving and viewing of spatial data in emergency scenarios

Quick response in emergency situations is crucial, because any delay can result in dramatic consequences and potentially human losses. Therefore, many institutions/authorities are relying on development of strategies for emergency management, specially to have a quick response process using modern technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles. A key factor affecting this process is to have a quick geo-situation report of the emergency in real time, which reflects the current emergency situation and supports in right decision-making. Providing such geo-reports is still not an easy task because—in most cases—a priori known spatial data like map data (raster/vector) or geodatabases are outdated, and anyway would not provide an overview on the current situation. Therefore, this paper introduces a management methodology of spatial data focusing on enabling a free access and viewing the data of interest in real time and in situ to support emergency managers. The results of this work are twofold: on the one hand, an automated mechanism for spatial data synchronization and streaming was developed and on the other hand, a spatial data sharing concept was realized using web map tile service. For results assessment, an experimental framework through the joint research project ANKommEn (English acronym: Automated Navigation and Communication for Exploration) was implemented. The assessment procedure was achieved based on specific evaluation criteria like time consumption and performance and showed that the developed methodology can help in overcoming some of existing challenges and addressing the practically relevant questions concerning on the complexity in spatial data sharing and retrieval.

Humane Driving

The advent of fully autonomous vehicles (AVs) raises many questions. While some appear purely technical, others engage matters of public policy, sometimes with a prominent ethical component. Our expertise lies in law and applied ethics, and so our inquiry will focus heavily on legal or ethical issues arising from a widespread adoption of AVs and their response in emergency situations involving animals. By “animals” we do not mean all other animals than humans. We will concentrate on interest-bearing animals. These are animals who possess a welfare or wellbeing, animals whose lives can fare well or badly from their perspective.

Cartographic materials and training for students’ disaster response

ABSTRACT The active participation of children in educational activities through appropriate presentation of information, short training seminars and entertaining games can increase their resilience and can contribute significantly to their preparedness and adequate response in emergency situations. General concepts for educational materials and children training are shared in this paper. The methods and materials should be child-friendly and properly structured according to particular age groups. After analysing best practices and discussing some experiences about understanding cartographic information, the authors propose educational materials for children’s preparedness in case of disasters; a book, leaflets, posters, and maps. The paper also describes appropriate modern equipment to train students for disaster response, which could be used for simulations and representations of disastrous events: AR Sandbox. All educational materials, activities and tools aim to provide children an opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills for disaster preparedness, response and first aid and to apply them in case of an emergency.

Is Helicopter Really Faster Than Ambulance? The Padua Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Station Experience

ObjectiveHelicopter transport plays a fundamental role in modern health systems, and, yet, it is not been the focus of scientific research, especially in Italy. Our objective was to analyze Padua helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) station operations to discover whether this resource has been used correctly and advantageously. MethodsThe study was conducted considering 115 helicopter air ambulance operations minutes in 2018. Additionally, using geographic information systems and estimated ambulance data, a comparison was drawn between air and ground emergency medical services. ResultsInterfacility transports involved mainly adults. There were 65 (56.52%) “acute transports,” 49 (42.61%) “back transports,” and 1 “hyperspecialized care transport” (0.87%). The average route distance was 44.23 km; the modal class was 25 to 30 km. The average mission time was 1 hour 26 minutes; the modal class was 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. The Pearson correlation coefficient between flying/traveling time and the route length was 0.92 for helicopter and 0.94 for ambulance, and between mission time and route length, it was 0.05 for helicopter and 0.94 for ambulance. ConclusionHelicopters are not always the fastest mode of transporting patients, and journey time is variable. Because of the importance of rapid response in emergency situations, we propose not to use helicopters for transports less than 50 km in distance.

Use of gamma cameras for individual monitoring of photon emitting radionuclides based on urine samples in emergency situations

IntroductionIn nuclear and radiological accidents there is a risk of radioactive contamination and accidental intake of radionuclides. Therefore, the individual monitoring of internal exposures is essential for the prompt response to an emergency situation. Individual monitoring allows classifying and evaluating the accident, preventing the increase of contaminated areas and number of affected people and assessing the efficacy of the remediation actions and the decontamination procedures.This study evaluated the use of gamma cameras for individual monitoring of photon-emitting radionuclides incorporated into the human body based on urine samples to apply as a prompt response in emergency situations. MethodsFor this, a gamma camera available in a military public hospital located in the city of Rio the Janeiro was calibrated using standard liquid sources of 57Co, 22Na, 137Cs and 54Mn supplied by the National Laboratory of Metrology (LMNRI) of the Institute of Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (IRD), all in a 1 L bottle geometry, simulating an urine bioassay. “Efficiency vs Energy” curves at 5, 10, 15 and 20 cm source-to-detector distances were obtained. Based on the “Efficiency vs Energy” curves Minimum Detectable Activities, Minimum Detectable Intakes and Minimum detectable committed effective dose were calculated for 106Ru, 103Ru, 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs at the four source-to-detector distances. ResultsThe results showed that the gamma camera presents Minimum detectable committed effective dose bellow 1 mSv for 103Ru, 131I, 134Cs and137Cs. For 106Ru the Minimum detectable committed effective dose calculated ranged from 1.84 to 3.40 mSv, which is acceptable in emergency situations. ConclusionsIt has been concluded that the equipment evaluated in this work shows enough sensitivity for use as screening method in accident situations involving intakes of such radionuclides.

UFPR CampusMap: a laboratory for a Smart City developments

UFPR CampusMap: a laboratory for a Smart City developments

Pharmaceutical Services Preparedness of Military Units in an Institution of Brazilian Armed Forces

Introduction:Military participation in humanitarian operations, both in cases of armed conflict and in response to natural disasters, is a common phenomenon in several countries. In Brazil, the Armed Forces have a history in providing humanitarian assistance to victims of emergencies through their field hospitals, such as medical and dental care, laboratory and imaging diagnosis, and pharmaceutical services.Aim:To verify pharmaceutical services preparedness of military units in an institution of Brazilian Armed Forces to disaster response and humanitarian aid.Methods:A transversal study was carried out. The methodological approach was based on a logical model and indicators related to the preparedness of pharmaceutical services. Field research was carried out and good storage practices were investigated in loco. Key stakeholders were interviewed based on an open-ended questionnaire on the preparedness of pharmaceutical services. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for overall content, according to analytical categories stemming from the literature and indicators prior defined.Results:Key stakeholders of three military units were interviewed, and official documents and guidelines were also analyzed. Some pronounced shortcomings were identified, such as the lack of a specific budget for medicines management, no surplus of health supplies, lack of appropriate transports, and need of capacity building of health professionals and support team. The existence of a disaster plan, selection of essential medicines for primary reaction, forecasting of medicines, field hospitals as mobile and adaptable health structures, and a system for military mobilization are some of the strengths identified. Two military units are better structured in the management of pharmaceutical service. The third unit still needs to mature its processes to fit the health purposes of its mission.Discussion:These findings can subsidize the improvement of pharmaceutical services’ efficiency and quality in means of providing better response in emergency situations supported by the Brazilian Armed Forces.

Organization of forensic medical service work in case of fires with massive number of victims

A complex algorithm is proposed for the forensic medical service response in emergency situations marked by a large number of deaths from fire. Its use will promote increased efficiency in the work of forensic medical units while limiting the consequences to human victims in emergency situations.