International Safety Standards Research Articles

Temporal and spatial analysis of fertilizer application intensity and its environmental risks in China from 1978 to 2022

Fertilizers are an essential input in agriculture as they can enhance crop yields. However, their use also poses significant environmental risks. To thoroughly explore the intensity of fertilizer use and its potential threats to the ecological environment, this study analyzed the environmental risks of fertilizer use from a temporal and spatial perspective based on fertilizer application data in China from 1978 to 2022. Additionally, the contribution of fertilizer application in Chinese farmland to greenhouse gas N2O emissions was quantified using IPCC emission factor methodology. The results indicated that fertilizer application intensity and N2O emissions in China initially increased and then decreased from 1978 to 2022. Despite the implementation of various fertilizer control measures at the policy level, such as the Zero Growth of Fertilizer Action in 2015 and the Efficiency-Increasing Action for Reducing Fertilizer Use in 2022, the intensity of fertilizer application in China still exceeded international safety standards by 1.33-fold in 2022, reaching 298.79 kg/hm2. Furthermore, N2O emissions amounted to 50.17 × 104t, accounting for 16% of China's total agricultural greenhouse gas emissions that year. Correlation and regression analyses demonstrated that with increasing fertilizer application, crop production exhibits an inverted U-shaped growth trend, indicating limited effectiveness of high-intensity fertilizer use in increasing crop yields. These findings highlight the profound greenhouse effect resulting from the use of agricultural nitrogen fertilizer. Therefore, this study proposed technical and policy-level mitigation measures to address the issues caused by excessive fertilizer application, aiming to provide insights for controlling agricultural non-point source pollution and preserving the agroecological environment.

Highwall mining productivity enhancement with energy conservation: A case study

ABSTRACT Open-cast mining in India is transitioning from closing existing mines to extracting remaining coal seams from dormant sites. Highwall machines are key to this efficient extraction process. To meet international safety and environmental standards, audits are essential. This article evaluates the power quality of the substation’s incomer, transformer, and feeder, and proposes energy-efficient changes to boost production. Tests on the main substation transformers included voltage, current, power, power factor, harmonics, and AC waveform analysis. Thermal imaging of electrical equipment was conducted to verify operating temperatures. Results were graphed for each test. The study recommends installing an Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) unit and lowering the tap value from 5 to 4 to improve the transformer’s power factor. It is estimated that a 4% voltage reduction will save 1% energy, while a 5% reduction will save 1.25% energy.

Assessment of drinking water quality and identifying pollution sources in a chromite mining region

Water sources near mining regions are often susceptible to contamination from toxic elements. This study employs machine learning (ML) techniques to evaluate drinking water quality and identify pollution sources near a chromite mine in Iran. Human health risks were assessed using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Findings revealed that concentrations of calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) in the water samples exceeded international safety standards. The Unweighted Root Mean Square water quality index (RMS-WQI) and Weighted Quadratic Mean (WQM-WQI) categorized all water samples as 'Fair', with average scores of 67.95 and 67.19, respectively. Of the ML models tested, the Extra Trees (ET) algorithm emerged as the top predictor of WQI, with Mg and strontium (Sr) as key variables influencing the scores. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified three distinct clusters of water quality parameters, highlighting influences from both local geology and anthropogenic activities. The highest average hazard quotient (HQ) for Cr was 1.71 for children, 1.27 for adolescents, and 1.05 for adults. Monte Carlo simulation for health risk assessment indicated median hazard index (HI) of 4.48 for children, 3.58 for teenagers, and 2.98 for adults, all exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1. Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) exceeded the EPA's acceptable level for 99.38 % of children, 98.24 % of teenagers, and 100 % of adults, with arsenic (As) and Cr identified as the main contributors. The study highlights the need for urgent mitigation measures, recommending a 99 % reduction in concentrations of key contaminants to lower both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to acceptable levels.

In-situ electrochemically synthesized “artificial” Gly m TI antibody for soybean allergen quantification in complex foods

Biosensors, especially those designed for detecting food allergens like Gly m TI in soybean, play a crucial role in safeguarding individuals who suffer from adverse food allergies, extending to both individual well-being and broader public health considerations. Furthermore, their integration into food production and monitoring processes aids in compliance with regulatory standards, reducing the incidence of allergen-related recalls and protecting vulnerable populations. Technological advancements in biosensor development, such as increased portability, real-time monitoring capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces, have expanded their practical applications, making them indispensable in various settings, including manufacturing plants, food service establishments, and even at-home use by consumers.For the first time, a biosensor targeting the Gly m TI allergen based on molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology was developed to detect/quantify soybean in complex food matrices and effectively address the detection challenges of complex and processed foods. The Gly m TI-MIP underwent a thorough validation process using anti-Gly m TI IgG raised as a polyclonal response to the trypsin inhibitor. Gly m TI-MIP was successfully tested across a range of food matrices, including tree nuts (e.g., peanuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts) and legumes (e.g., lentils, beans, and lupine), presenting minimal cross-reactivity with lupine and walnut. The innovative approach provided a linear response in the 1 ag mL−1 - 10 μg mL−1 range, with a LOD<1 ag mL−1. Applying the Gly m TI-MIP sensor to complex model foods allowed to detect 0.1 mg kg−1 (0.00001 %) of soybean protein isolate in biscuits, ham, and sausages before and after the respective thermal treatments. The innovative biosensor can significantly improve food safety protocols by addressing the complexities of tracing allergens in processed and unprocessed food products. By ensuring rigorous allergen control, these biosensors may support global food trade compliance with international safety standards, boost consumer confidence, and promote transparency in food labeling, ultimately contributing to a safer food supply chain.

Andromeda: A model-connected framework for safety assessment and assurance

Safety is a key factor in the development of critical systems, encompassing both conventional types, such as aircraft, and modern technologies, such as autonomous vehicles. Failures during their operation can be potentially far-reaching and impact people and the environment. To certify these systems and enable their employment, regulatory bodies require, among others, a safety case. However, the growing complexity of modern systems and iterative nature of development pose significant challenges to the traditional approaches for creating safety cases that are still used in practice. Furthermore, safety cases are often generated in an ad-hoc manner and remain disconnected from system models and related artifacts. Without these connections it is difficult to construct the proper infrastructure for producing and maintaining safety cases in a structured manner throughout the system lifecycle. This paper presents our innovative method, Andromeda, and its underpinning metamodel, which establish connections between safety cases, system models, safety assessment activities aligned with international safety standards, and argument patterns. Automation is applied across various stages of the production of argument structures that support safety assurance and certification activities. Andromeda is complemented by tool-support designed to facilitate its application, and we demonstrate our work through a case study from the aviation industry.

A WHO remit to improve global standards for medical products of human origin.

In recent decades, considerable advances have been made in assuring the safety of blood transfusion and organ transplantation. However, with the increasing movement of medical products of human origin across international boundaries, there is a need to enhance global norms and governance. These products, which include blood, organs, tissues, cells, human milk and faecal microbiota, are today crucial for health care but they also pose unique risks due to their human origin, such as disease transmission and graft failure. Moreover, the demand for medical products of human origin often exceeds supply, leading to dependence on international supply chains, and emerging technologies like cell and gene therapy present further challenges because of their unproven efficacy and long-term risks. Current regulatory mechanisms, especially in low- and middle-income countries, are insufficient. The World Health Organization (WHO) has both the mandate and experience to lead the development of international quality and safety standards, consistent product nomenclature, and robust traceability and biovigilance systems. An international, multistakeholder approach is critical for addressing the complexities of how medical products of human origin are used globally and for ensuring their safety. This approach will require promoting uniform product descriptions, enhancing digital communication systems and leveraging existing resources to support countries in establishing regulations for these products. As illustrated by World Health Assembly resolution WHA77.4 on transplantation in 2024, WHO's ongoing efforts to ensure the safe, efficient and ethical use of medical products of human origin worldwide provide the opportunity to galvanize international cooperation on establishing norms.

Comprehensive risk management and safety strategies in radiation use in medical imaging

Radiation use in medical imaging, while essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, poses inherent risks that require comprehensive risk management and safety strategies. This review discusses the critical aspects of managing these risks in clinical settings, focusing on patient safety, staff protection, and environmental considerations. A major challenge in medical imaging is balancing the diagnostic benefits of radiation against potential harms, particularly in sensitive populations such as children and pregnant women. Comprehensive risk management involves implementing dose optimization techniques, such as using low-dose imaging protocols and advanced technologies like iterative reconstruction and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, which enhance image quality while minimizing exposure. Additionally, ensuring the safety of healthcare staff is paramount. This requires adherence to strict safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regular monitoring of radiation levels, and continuous education on safe radiation practices. Institutional policies must also address the proper maintenance and calibration of imaging equipment to prevent unnecessary exposure due to equipment malfunction or improper use. Environmental safety is another critical component, necessitating the safe disposal of radioactive materials and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies to reduce the environmental footprint of medical imaging. Regulatory compliance with international safety standards, such as those set by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and national bodies, is essential for ensuring consistent safety practices across healthcare institutions. Future directions in radiation safety include the integration of digital health technologies to monitor and manage radiation exposure more effectively, and ongoing research into novel imaging techniques that could further reduce radiation risks. Collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers is crucial to advancing safety standards and improving risk management strategies in medical imaging. This review highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to managing radiation risks in medical imaging, emphasizing the need for continuous innovation, education, and policy support to protect patients, healthcare workers, and the environment.

Assessment of Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure from Wi-Fi Routers in LAUTECH Campus, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Wi-Fi routers play a crucial role in enabling internet connectivity within the academic environment. However, there are concerns that radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure from Wi-Fi routers may be hazardous to human health. The main objective of the research is to assess the safety of RF-EMF exposure in educational environments. A total of 14 Wi-Fi routers were randomly selected and investigated across LAUTECH campus using stratified random sampling method. Measurement of the power density and the electric field strength from these routers were taken using a hand-held electrosmog, TES-593, radiofrequency meter. Measurement points were selected at various distances of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 m from the Wi-Fi routers, representing typical distances between users and routers. At each measurement point, the TES-593 meter was held 1 m above the ground at a fixed position for 30 seconds to record the E-field strength and the power density. The measured power density and the electric field strength, varied from routers to routers depending on their location and the distance of measurement from the routers. The power density recorded for all the Wi-Fi routers investigated ranged from 0.001 to 3.302 W/m2 with a mean of 0.390 W/m2. For all the Wi-Fi routers investigated. The overall exposure levels for the power density decreases with distances for all the routers. The measured electric field strength also decreases with distance ranging from 0.106 to 3.528 V/m with a mean of 0.981 V/m. The measured power densities and the electric field strengths in this research work were comparable and similar with reports from other research work from different environments including educational, residential, and urban settings. The power densities and the electric field strengths recorded were below the 10 W/m2 and 5 V/m recommended by various regulatory agencies respectively. All the Wi-Fi routers considered in this research work were within safety guidelines set by regulatory agencies for the power density and the electric field strength, thus emitting radiations at a level that are considered safe for human exposure within the academic communities. The operation of RF-EMF exposure from Wi-Fi routers in the academic environment of LAUTECH will no pose any potential health risks on staff and students of the institution. The evidence-based insights into potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields from Wi-Fi routers in this research can guide policymakers in establishing safety regulations that will limit exposure levels. It can also inform guidelines on the optimal placement of routers, frequency of usage, and the implementation of periodic monitoring to ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Hand-arm vibration analysis of Caeski: a communication device for deafblind persons

Assistive technologies can improve greater participation in society and sociocultural experiences. A communication device for deafblind persons, called Caeski, is an assistive technology that allows independent communication between two deafblind persons or between deafblind and non-deafblind persons using vibrating keys. The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of hand-arm vibrations (HAV) emitted by Caeski to check if this will be harmful to users. The vibrations emitted by the Caeski’s keys were analyzed from data provided by a triaxial accelerometer, positioned over the fingers of a sample of seven deafblind individuals. The obtained data are within acceptable limits set by International Health and Safety standards – ISO 8041, ISO 5349-1 and European Directive 2002/44/EC – on the physical risk of vibration. Safety is part of the product development process. It was possible to demonstrate that the proposed technology is not harmful to users and can be used safely.

Assessment of Lead and Iron Concentration in Cosmetics Traded in the AL-Ajilat City Market

This study examined the concentrations of heavy metals, namely lead (Pb) and iron (Fe), in lipsticks, foundations, and face powders to ensure compliance with international safety standards and assess potential health risks. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), samples were analyzed for heavy metal content and compared to WHO, FDA, and Health Canada guidelines. Results included that lead levels in lipsticks ranged from 0.03 to 6.15 ppm, with one sample exceeding the WHO limit of 0.01 ppm, raising safety concerns. Iron levels were alarmingly high, with a maximum of 2,566 ppm, well above the WHO guideline of 0.3 ppm. Baseline samples consistently showed low levels of lead at 0.03 ppm, but iron concentrations reached 5,735 ppm, indicating significant safety deviations. Lead concentrations in the face powders ranged from 0.03 to 2.14 ppm, with some exceeding the WHO limit, while iron levels averaged 2,613 ppm, well above acceptable limits. The study concluded that high iron levels in these cosmetic products pose health risks, stressing the need for stricter regulatory oversight and quality control in the cosmetics industry.

Port State Control Inspections During the COVID Pandemic – Case Study: Republic of Croatia

The paper analyzes the Port State Control system established to ensure that ships meet international safety standards, are safe for the environment and provide adequate living and working conditions for the ship's crew. The results of the research on Port State Control inspections of foreign state-owned ships in the waters of the Republic of Croatia are presented, with an emphasis on deficiencies in the safety of navigation. The research was conducted over the three-year period of the COVID pandemic, i.e. from 2019 to 2021. The Thetis and Paris Mou inspection databases were used for analysis. The aim of the analysis was to determine the number of inspections in the ports of the Republic of Croatia, the causes of ship detention and the most common deficiencies in the domain of safety of navigation identified by inspections during the COVID pandemic. Given that safety of navigation is one of the components of the safety system at sea, emphasis was placed on the identification of deficiencies in the area of safety of navigation.

Relevance of international legal and national standards of safety of navigation and the role of classification societies in the context of modern challenges and innovations in shipbuilding

The relevance of international legal and national safety standards for shipping is growing due to modern challenges, such as innovations in shipbuilding, climate change and growing requirements for environmental safety, which underlines the important role of classification societies in this process. The purpose of the study was to analyse the impact of international and national safety standards on modern shipbuilding and to assess the role of classification societies in ensuring the safe operation of ships. The study applied the methods of system analysis, comparative law and empirical modelling. The main results of the study are the identification of the need for further harmonization of international legal standards with national requirements, improvement of the role of classification societies in monitoring innovations in shipbuilding, and formulation of proposals for improving the environmental safety of shipping. In addition, the paper identifies the prospects for using the latest technologies to improve safety standards in maritime transport. In particular, the article focuses on the role of classification societies in ensuring that ships comply with these standards, as well as their contribution to the introduction of innovations in shipbuilding. The study contains an analysis of current regulations and standards governing shipping safety, as well as cases of their implementation in practice. The key changes in ship safety requirements in view of current risks, including environmental challenges and increased quality requirements, are identified. The practical value of the work lies in the possibility of using the results obtained by both regulatory authorities and shipbuilding companies to improve internal safety standards and support international certification

Quantitative analysis of toxicity risks in the operation of ammonia-fueled tugboats

As efforts to conserve energy and reduce emissions in the global shipping industry intensify, people are constantly looking for new types of energy to replace traditional fuels. Ammonia is considered a novel energy source due to its potential for carbon-neutral shipping when produced from renewable energy sources and is extremely promising for the shipping industry. In this study, the fuel toxicity risk of ammonia-fueled ships under operating conditions was quantified for the first time. The assessment process adopts the traditional quantitative risk assessment (QRA) framework with accident probability calculations based on Bayesian theory, and the process of partial quantification of consequences also guides the delineation of safety zones. The results of the study suggest that ammonia-powered tugboats are at a higher risk of toxic accidents during operation than accidents at sea, but both are within the acceptable limits of current international maritime safety and environmental standards. Finally, safety measures and risk mitigation strategies are proposed based on the study results. This provides important support in safety risk analysis for the design, production and operation of subsequent ammonia fueled vessels and is of great theoretical and practical importance.

Enhancing equipment qualification testing facility for nuclear power plants: Achieving rapid temperature and pressure increase during design basis events

The present study focuses on the development of an equipment qualification (EQ) testing facility for Class 1E equipment in nuclear power plants (NPPs), emphasizing the need to ensure safety functions under design basis events (DBEs). The Republic of Korea (ROK) has implemented international safety standards to support large NPP projects, necessitating the development of domestic EQ testing facilities to reduce the dependence on foreign facilities. To address this need, herein, a specialized facility capable of simulating harsh DBE conditions that may occur in NPPs in ROK was constructed. Through exhaustive research, target temperature and pressure profiles were developed for pressurized water reactors, and a superheated steam injection technique was devised for rapid temperature and pressure changes. The present study contributes to the advancement of domestic EQ testing capabilities, achieving up to 230 °C and 700 kPa within 30 s.

Failure probability Forecasting for the warning and evacuation management system in case of fire

This article discusses the issue of fire safety insurance in educational institutions based on warning and fire evacuation control systems reliability modeling and forecasting. It was shown that these institutions are need of warning and evacuation management systems. To identify failures of individual elements of a complex technical system, failures were monitored during a selected period. When using the calculation method, the probability of trouble-free operation of the elements of the equipment system was identified. Based on the statistical data, schemes of the probability of failure-free operation of the warning and evacuation management systems were constructed and failure probabilities were determined. Ways to increase the level of trouble-free operation were identified. The requirements for security systems to maintain the required level were considered. They include compliance with the international fire safety standards, regular checks of systems operability, employees training to react to signals triggered by a fire alarm, and evacuation. The high efficiency of the methodology for determining the probabilities of trouble-free operation of the system at various stages of facility design and commissioning was emphasized. The contribution of the methodology to the general calculation of fire risks was shown.

Port State Control of Offshore Supply Ships, MODU and FPSO Units

The Port State Control system aims to ensure that all ships are subject to regular inspections, with particular attention to the ships of insufficient quality. To this end, during the inspection, priority is given to ships that are considered risky. Thetis database is an information system that contributes to the implementation of the Port State Control within the EU (European Unit). It contains data on inspections performed in the EU ports and the Paris Memorandum area. The Paris Memorandum has 27 member states and covers the waters of European coastal states and the North Atlantic basin from North America to Europe. The main goal of the Paris MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) is to eliminate substandard ships through a harmonized Port State Control system. Namely, inspections should ensure that ships meet international safety standards, are safe for the environment, and provide adequate living and working conditions for workers. The primary responsibility for ensuring these standards rests with the ship owner/shipper while the responsibility for ensuring such compliance rests with the flag state. The aim of this analysis is to determine the number of inspections performed in the ports of the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Italy, to identify the cause of ship detentions and the most common deficiencies of offshore supply vessels, MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Units) and FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) Units. In the observed period, the impact of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic was significant, resulting in the decline in the numbers of inspections performed in 2020 and 2021. In 2022, the number of inspections increased, but it still has not reached its pre-pandemic level. During the period that was the subject of research, port state inspections in the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Italy revealed 241 deficiencies. Five areas with the largest number of deficiencies are: Certificate &amp;amp; Documentation, Safety of Navigation, Fire Safety, ISM, and Life-saving appliances, which follow the trend of the lack in the areas of the Paris Memorandum. The greatest increase in deficiencies was recorded in the areas of Labor Conditions-Health protection, Certificate &amp;amp; Documents (Crew Certificate, Documents), Emergency System and Fire safety area, which led to an increase in the number of offshore supply ships retention during the first half of 2022.

Prevalence of Cadmium and Lead Residues in Fried Meat (Suya) Sold in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt This study is novel as it provides the first comprehensive analysis of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) contamination in various types of suya meat in Kaduna, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Unlike previous research, this study uniquely examines multiple animal sources and local government areas, offering a detailed comparison of contamination levels across species and regions. Additionally, the findings highlight the widespread public health risk due to Cd and Pb levels exceeding international safety standards, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate environmental pollution and protect public health. Full Abstract Heavy metals are of public health concern worldwide due to their damaging effects on human and animal health. The study was aimed at analyzing the presence of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) residues in suya meats; cattle meat (beef), sheep meat (mutton), goat meat (chevon), fowl meat (chicken) and dog meat sold in the Kaduna metropolis, Kaduna State. A descriptive-quantitative research design was used, with fifty samples collected from four Local Government Areas (Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna North and Kaduna South). Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometery was used to analyze and quantify the presence of these heavy metals. Microsoft Excel (Version 2019) and one-way ANOVA are the statistical tools used for result analysis and Cd and Pb were found to be present in all the suya samples analyzed. The results showed statistical significance (p&lt;0.05) between the overall mean concentration of Cd (0.049 mg/kg) and Pb (0.44 mg/kg) in the samples. Even though the mean concentration of Cd in suya samples varied with regards to which the animal originates viz: cattle (0.033 mg/kg), sheep (0.058 mg/kg), goat (0.048 mg/kg), dog (0.04 mg/kg) and chicken (0.078 mg/kg); likewise that of Pb: cattle (0.47 mg/kg), sheep (0.41 mg/kg), goat (0.41 mg/kg), dog (0.39 mg/kg) and chicken (0.51 mg/kg); the animal species from which the meat used in making the suya had no statistically significant influence on the heavy metal content of the meat (p˃0.05). The mean concentration of Cd and Pb obtained within the study areas, in mg/kg were: Chikun (0.046 and 0.43), Igabi (0.044 and 0.43), Kaduna North (0.054 mg/kg) and (0.49 mg/kg), Kaduna South (0.053 mg/kg) and (0.41 mg/kg) respectively. The mean concentration of cadmium and lead in the suya samples was above the permissible limits set by EC and FAO limits of 0.01ug/g lead and 0.003ug/g for cadmium (FAO, 1983), indicating the general contamination of suya meats by heavy metals. The study recommends public measures to minimize environmental pollution and bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb to prevent related ailments and mortality; enforcing regulations governing industrial activities and waste disposal to protect the public from heavy metals pollution.

Safeguarding maritime transport: disclosing the paradox of safety in domestic ferry operations

ABSTRACT The domestic ferry sector plays a significant role in transportation but faces complex challenges requiring a comprehensive examination within a sociotechnical systems framework. This study explores into the inherent paradoxes of the sector, analyzing the interplay between safety dynamics and operational exigencies. Through a systematic review across micro (firm/operations), meso (industry), and macro (national/global) levels, it uncovers a landscape where safety awareness competes with operational demands, creating a paradoxical coexistence. Micro-level challenges like poor enforcement and inadequate safety awareness lead to noncompliance and unsafe practices, as seen in incidents like the Eastern Star tragedy. Strategic planning is vital for long-term industry improvements, requiring policymakers to address regulatory complexities. Interconnected dynamics across meso and macro levels highlight the International Maritime Organization's role in shaping safety standards and policy evolution. Insights into transitioning to international safety standards highlight the need for attitudinal shifts aligned with proactive risk management. This research provides a holistic view of challenges (Themes A to C) and enablers (Themes D to F), traversing micro, meso, and macro levels. By advocating for cross-industry collaboration and emphasizing a more secure and sustainable future for the domestic ferry sector, contributes significantly to the enhancement of safety and sustainable operations.

Analyzing traffic conflict scenarios and safety assessment in the context of intelligent vehicles: A research review

The several internal disputes and various types of traffic accidents at an urban crossroads make for a complex traffic scenario. Because accident data and crash-based methodologies are limited, researchers are now examining other safety measures, including traffic conflicts that do not depend on crashes. To better assess road safety in the decades to come new real-time data is essential. The automobile industry is heading toward intelligent cars with the goal of enhancing road safety. Although there is a common failure mechanism between accidents and traffic conflicts during driving, which makes it possible to apply crash frequency and severity estimates to traffic conflict frequency and severity models, predicting traffic conflicts presents distinct difficulties. This study discusses conceptual and methodological concerns while reviewing research papers on traffic disputes as safety measures. It offers a thorough synopsis of previous research from the viewpoint of intelligent vehicles. It explains that there are three primary categories into which the perception technology of intelligent cars may be separated: perception technology, communication technology, and the combination of perception and communication technologies. The paper emphasizes the need of harmonizing international safety standards as well as the role that governments and regulatory agencies play in guaranteeing the security of intelligent vehicles. It highlights the need for additional research on transport conflict modeling techniques and offers practical recommendations for future study.

Port State Control Inspections under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding and Their Contribution to Maritime Safety: Additional Risk Classifications and Indicators Using Multivariate Techniques

Port State Control (PSC) inspections conducted under the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement have become a crucial tool for maritime administrations in European Union countries to ensure compliance with international maritime safety standards by ships entering their ports. This paper analyses all PSC inspections conducted in 10 major European ports belonging to the Paris MoU between 2012 and 2019. For its study, a multivariate HJ-Biplot statistical analysis is carried out, which facilitates the interpretation and understanding of the underlying relationships in a multivariate data set by representing a synthesis of the data on a factorial plane, with an interpretation that is very intuitive and accessible for readers from various fields. Applying this method with ship characteristics as explanatory variables, several classifications were derived. These classifications align with the annual performance lists published by the Paris MoU and the International Association of Classification Societies list, suggesting that this method could serve as a reliable classification approach. It provides maritime authorities with an additional indicator of a ship’s risk profile, aiding in the prioritising of inspections. The method also effectively categorises ports and types of ships used for cargo transport, offering insights into the specific maritime traffic each port experiences. Furthermore, this study identifies characteristics associated with substandard ships, which is a primary objective of PSC inspections. Beyond revealing these traits, this research underscores the existence of several readily applicable techniques to enhance maritime safety and reduce the risk of ocean pollution.