Public Safety Issues Research Articles

Comparison of properties of cardiac vascular stent materials

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a serious threat to human health and life, an important public safety issue, and one of the leading causes of death in the world. Typically, the treatment involves implanting stents in the patient's blood vessels to support the vessels and keep the blood flow open so that oxygen and nutrients can be delivered. This paper will discuss and compare the three main categories of vascular stent materials: 1) organic materials; 2) inorganic materials; and 3) composite materials. Existing bio-organic materials are mostly organic materials that exist in large quantities in the human body and are mostly used as bio-coatings applied to metal bodies, in addition to polyester cardiovascular scaffolds, which are a major category for future development. Inorganic materials are currently the main components of cardiovascular scaffolds, mainly metals, and bio-ceramics. Metals, as the earliest basic materials utilized by mankind, also play a major role in cardiovascular scaffolds. To enhance some specific properties of existing cardiovascular scaffolds, composite materials have been developed, and in the field of materials engineering composite materials are regarded as a major project for future development. This paper will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each material in turn and explore the future direction of materials in this field. The development of cardiac vascular stent materials will make up for the deficiencies in clinical medicine that cannot be solved by drug-based therapies and is an indispensable part of the development of human science and technology.

Controlled-diffusion centrifugal microfluidic for rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing

The abuse of antibiotics has become a global public safety issue, leading to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The development of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is crucial in reducing the growth of AMR. However, traditional AST methods are time-consuming (e.g., 24–72 h), labor-intensive, and costly. Here, we propose a controlled-diffusion centrifugal microfluidic platform (CCM) for rapid AST to obtain highly precise minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. Antibiotic concentration gradients are generated by controlled moving and diffusing of antibiotic and buffer solution along the main microchannel within 3 min. The solution and bacterial suspension are then injected into the outermost reaction chamber by simple centrifugation. The CCM successfully determined the MIC for three commonly used antibiotics in clinical settings within 4–9 h. To further enhance practicality, reduce costs, and meet point-of-care testing demands, we have developed an integrated mobile detection platform for automated MIC value acquisition. The proposed CCM is a simple, low-cost, and portable method for rapid AST with broad clinical and in vitro applications.

Understanding The Reasons for High Rates of Caesarean Section Deliveries in Telangana, South India: An Explorative Study

Background: Telangana continues to top the list of the highest number of caesarean section (C-section) deliveries in the country for the financial year 2019-2020. As per NFHS-5 it is about 60.7% deliveries out of the total number of all institutionalized childbirths. This study aims to address the crucial research gap by qualitatively exploring the reasons for the high rates of unnecessary C-section rates in the state of Telangana. Methodology: A purposive sampling was done across the health care facilities and geographies in the State & the districts were selected based on high, medium and low CS rates. A 360-degree stakeholder engagement approach was taken for a qualitative exploration to find out the reasons. Results: Medical, behavioural, cultural, and infrastructure including health system related factors have contributed to the rise of C-sections, particularly unnecessary elective C-sections. Limited trained personnel for doing normal deliveries in the public sector, infrastructure and safety issues for mother and child, and a preference for painless deliveries, and prior CS delivery stood out. Conclusions: As per the study's findings, it can be said that non-medical reasons account for a high percentage of C-sections in Telangana.

Safety and Academic Outcomes of College Campus-Based Advocacy Services.

Intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault, and stalking are consequential public health and safety issues with wide reaching impacts on emerging adults, including those on college campuses in the United States. In response to high rates of violence among college student populations, universities are developing campus-based advocacy (CBA) programs, which aim to support survivors of interpersonal violence through supportive connections, resource acquisition, and safety planning. However, little data exists related to their impact on key student-survivor outcomes. Thus, this study aims to understand (a) the approach CBA programs use to address safety and academic concerns of student-survivors, and (b) the initial outcomes of CBA programs on safety and academics among students engaged in CBA services at five universities in one Southwestern state. The project used a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, with data collection activities including qualitative interviews with student survivors (n = 29) and a longitudinal, web-based, quantitative survey with matched analyses of safety and academic outcome measures from 115 student survivors who participated in an initial survey and follow-up survey after 6 months. Findings demonstrate key pathways through which CBA programs support survivors and facilitate positive safety and academic outcomes. These pathways include education, supportive connection, and resource access. Analysis of longitudinal survivor data demonstrate substantial reductions in sexual violence, IPV, stalking, and school sabotage at 6-month follow-up compared to initial survey, as well as significant reductions in academic disengagement for student survivors. The findings of the study powerfully demonstrate the positive impact of CBA programs on survivor and campus outcomes. Furthermore, programs not only enhance individual survivor safety and academic outcomes but also support the overall climate and safety of hosting universities.

National Security and Public Safety: Models of Legal Regulation in Comparative Perspective

The paper addresses some pressing national security and public safety issues in various jurisdictions, including Ukraine. The correlation between two main concepts is emphasized. It is shown that in the modern world risks related to national security and, therefore, also to public security are significant. The approaches to defining the two main components of the state are illustrated and the main elements are pointed out. It is emphasized that today security is one of the key values (rights) for any person and citizen and is generally prescribed in national Constitutions. The provisions of the draft Public Security and Civil Defense Strategy of Ukraine (2021), related to national security and public safety, have been discussed. Finally, the main threats to the security of the community and individual citizens have been outlined and the means to overcome them have been elaborated. In the conclusions, it has been established that the formulation of a security and defense sector perspective model for central executive authorities presents a number of opportunities as well as challenges. Moreover, it is difficult to give a clear and all-encompassing legal definition of the concept of "public security".

Road Safety Awareness: Australian Road Crash Case Study

Road transportation accidents are a significant public health and safety issue worldwide. In Australia, regarding transport-related deaths, the age-standardized rate was higher in one specific year compared to the preceding year. This study aims to make visualization of crash data in Australia play a crucial role in understanding the country's current state of road safety and developing strategies to improve it. Data visualization techniques are essential in understanding and addressing road safety in Australia. New South Wales has the highest number of accidents in Australia, with 16,293 cases. Accidents in New South Wales are projected to decline gradually over the next three years. The peak time for accidents is 3 PM on weekdays, with males being more involved than females. Drivers are the most involved road users in accidents. Implementing targeted road safety initiatives, gender-specific awareness campaigns, and driver safety programs can help reduce accidents in New South Wales and create a safer environment for all road users. By analyzing accident data visually, patterns and trends can be identified, leading to targeted interventions and improved safety measures to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the roads.

RIP3 in Necroptosis: Underlying Contributions to Traumatic Brain Injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global public safety issue that poses a threat to death, characterized by high fatality rates, severe injuries and low recovery rates. There is growing evidence that necroptosis regulates the pathophysiological processes of a variety of diseases, particularly those affecting the central nervous system. Thus, moderate necroptosis inhibition may be helpful in the management of TBI. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIP) 3 is a key mediator in the necroptosis, and its absence helps restore the microenvironment at the injured site and improve cognitive impairment after TBI. In this report, we review different domains of RIP3, multiple analyses of necroptosis, and associations between necroptosis and TBI, RIP3, RIP1, and mixed lineage kinase domain-like. Next, we elucidate the potential involvement of RIP3 in TBI and highlight how RIP3 deficiency enhances neuronal function.

Survey of U.S. Residents and Their Usage of Electronic Cigarettes with Drugs Other Than Nicotine

ABSTRACT Electronic cigarettes (e-cigs), originally intended to be used as cigarette substitutes, have evolved into discreet devices for consuming drugs other than nicotine (DOTNs). Presented are the results of an exploratory survey in which information regarding demographics, e-cig device type, DOTN use, frequency and context of use was collected. The average reported age of respondents was 27.4 years of age (SD = 12.0), and respondents predominantly identified as male (73%). Vape pens (disposable or refillable) were the most reported device across all DOTN classes. Cannabinoids were the most reported class of DOTN used, for both lifetime and past 30-day use. Other DOTNs reported included herbal supplements, amphetamines, caffeine, kratom, vitamins, opiates, DMT, fentanyl, and ketamine. Combinations of DOTNs used in e-cigs and trends in poly-substance use were reported. The most commonly reported context was vaping alone, followed by with friends, at home, and at social events; less commonly reported contexts included when driving, at work, and at school. Results from this study are useful for developing future national surveys to consider a comprehensive substance use-focused strategy that includes vaping, building awareness of DOTN e-cig use, and highlighting public safety issues in driving impairment, crime scene investigations, and death investigations.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides WHH1141 ameliorates ovalbumin-induced food allergy in mice.

Food allergy (FA) is acknowledged as a significant public health and food safety issue, due to its manifestation as an amplified immune reaction to food antigens. Recently, probiotics within Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium have been highlighted as a promising strategy against allergic disease by modulating the balance of Th1/Th2 responses. However, the allergy-alleviating effects of probiotic Leuconostoc mesenteroides strains are unknown. Therefore, this study investigated the potentials of eleven L. mesenteroides strains on the Th1/Th2 balance in vitro by evaluating the expression patterns of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) (Th1 cytokine) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) (Th2 cytokine) in mesenteric lymph node-derived lymphocytes from ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. Among strains, WHH1141 incubation caused the highest IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio. Oral administration of WHH1141 (1×109 CFU/mL) in the OVA-induced FA mouse model for 40 days improved the weight loss and FA pathological symptoms and normalized the serum immunoglobulin E levels. Meanwhile, the OVA-induced elevated gene expressions of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and tight-junction proteins (ZO-1 and Occludin) and levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) and histamine in the jejunum were restored by WHH1141. Furthermore, WHH1141 reversed the reduced gut microbial diversity and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels, specifically increased Bacteroidota abundance, and decreased Firmicutes abundance in OVA-induced mice. Overall, these findings suggest that WHH1141 exerts FA-alleviating effects on OVA-induced mice, which is involved with the inhibition of the jejunal Th2 immune responses and the modulation of gut microbiome composition and SCFA productions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Leuconostoc mesenteroides WHH1141 with FA-alleviating potentials may be considered a promising approach in the mitigation of FA symptoms.

A Study on Cognitive Error Validation for LED In-Ground Traffic Lights Using a Digital Twin and Virtual Environment

Traffic accident prevention is considered one of the most crucial public safety issues due to the ongoing rise in traffic accidents. The installation of LED in-ground traffic lights is one strategy that has proven to be quite effective in preventing numerous traffic accidents, notably pedestrian accidents. The traffic signal helps reduce accidents for pedestrians, but there is a drawback in that such installations may lead to cognitive errors, such as the driver making a mistaken start or stop. Therefore, it is crucial to validate cognitive errors in advance of the widespread adoption of LED in-ground traffic signals. To this end, in this study, we (i) built an experimental environment that can be employed for various traffic tests using digital twins and virtual simulators; (ii) designed test scenarios and measurement plans for validation to conduct a validation test, and (iii) demonstrated cognitive errors through data from various experiments. As a result, it was proven that there is a possibility that the LED in-ground traffic lights may cause cognitive errors for drivers, and the causes of this were analyzed. In the future, this framework can be used to demonstrate various transportation problems and can contribute to improving the quality of public safety.

The Method and Effect of Landscape Tree Surgery

樹木對居住在城市的人類生活影響巨大，不僅能美化環境、過濾空氣和水、更能激發正向情緒，展現各城市於文化、歷史、地理、生態等特色。因此城市中樹木的健康和風險問題更應被關注，以避免樹木感染災害及無預警倒伏或枝條斷落等公共安全問題。<br>本研究目的主要是進行藉由「景觀樹木VTA健康檢查診斷評估表」探討經由「改良式樹木外科手術」的腐朽處理，包括傷口腐朽清創去除、高溫碳化保護及塗佈傷口保護藥劑處理的9個案例的分析，探討其是否能有效的抑止腐朽菌和促進樹木生長勢的恢復。<br>研究結果顯示，使用｢景觀樹木VTA健康檢查診斷評估表」，評估改良式樹木外科手術前和後的樹木的生長狀況，是可行但有其限制，術後若達五年以上的生長恢復期，則VTA評估表的分數和樹木健康程度才會有呈現出顯著關係。若恢復期不及五年，則需再配合觀察腐朽傷口癒傷組織的形成、傷口面積的減少、無流出組織液等來判定「改良式樹木外科手術｣對樹木生長幫助。<br>樹木外科手術的成效，在國內外的各方專家學者有許多不同的看法，這些歧異或許是因為植物種類不同、環境風土差異、動植物生態差異、各家所使用處理方法不同。後續研究可以針對這些歧異度如何影響外科手術的成效來進行探討。Trees have a huge impact on human being living in cities. They can not only beautify the environment, filter air and water, but also stimulate positive emotions and represent the cultural, historical, geographical, ecological, and other characteristics of each city. Therefore, more attentions should be paid to the health and risk issues of trees in cities to avoid tree infection disasters and public safety issues such as unexpected tree falling without warning or branch breakage. <br>The purpose of this study is mainly to explore the decay treatment through ''modified tree surgery'' through the ''Landscape Tree VTA (Visual Tree Assessment) Form'', including wound decay debridement and removal, high-temperature carbonization protection, and wound protection agent application. An analysis of 9 cases was conducted to explore whether it can effectively inhibit decay bacteria and promote the recovery of tree growth. <br>The research results show that using the '' Landscape Tree VTA Form '' to evaluate the growth status of trees before and after modified tree surgery is feasible but has its limitations. If there is a growth recovery period of more than five years after surgery, then there will be a significant relationship between the score of the VTA and the health of the tree. If the recovery period is less than five years, it is necessary to observe the formation of callus tissue from the decayed wound, the reduction of the wound area, and the absence of tissue fluid leakage to determine whether the ''modified tree surgery'' will help the tree growth. <br>Experts and scholars worldwide have many different opinions on the effectiveness of tree surgery. These differences may be due to different plant species, different environmental conditions, different animal and plant ecology, and different treatment methods used by each company. Follow-up research could explore how these differences affect surgical outcomes.

Magnetic tubular nickel@silica-graphene nanocomposites with high preconcentration capacity for organothiophosphate pesticide removal in environmental water: Fabrication, magnetic solid-phase extraction, and trace detection

Organothiophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are the most common water contaminants, significantly endangering human health and bringing serious public safety issues. Thus, developing effective technologies for the removal or trace detection of OPPs from water is urgent. Herein, a novel graphene-based silica-coated core–shell tubular magnetic nanocomposite (Ni@SiO2-G) was fabricated for the first time and used for the efficient magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of the OPPs chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and fenitrothion from environmental water. The experimental factors affecting extraction efficiency such as adsorbent dosage, extraction time, desorption solvent, desorption mode, desorption time, and adsorbent type were evaluated. The synthesized Ni@SiO2-G nanocomposites showed a higher preconcentration capacity than the Ni nanotubes, Ni@SiO2 nanotubes, and graphene. Under the optimized conditions, 5 mg of tubular nano-adsorbent displayed good linearity within the range of 0.1–1 μg·mL–1, low limits of detection (0.04–0.25 pg·mL–1), low limits of quantification (0.132–0.834 pg·mL−1), good reusability (n = 5; relative standard deviations between 1.46% and 9.65%), low dosage (5 mg), and low real detection concentration (< 3.0 ng·mL−1). Moreover, the possible interaction mechanism was investigated by density functional theory calculation. Results showed that Ni@SiO2-G was a potential magnetic material for the preconcentration and extraction of formed OPPs at ultra-trace levels from environmental water.

Analytical Methods for Allergen Control in Food Processing

Food allergy and food-related anaphylaxis have become a growing public health and food safety issue worldwide [...].

Neurobiology of Aggression-Review of Recent Findings and Relationship with Alcohol and Trauma.

Aggression can be conceptualized as any behavior, physical or verbal, that involves attacking another person or animal with the intent of causing harm, pain or injury. Because of its high prevalence worldwide, aggression has remained a central clinical and public safety issue. Aggression can be caused by several risk factors, including biological and psychological, such as genetics and mental health disorders, and socioeconomic such as education, employment, financial status, and neighborhood. Research over the past few decades has also proposed a link between alcohol consumption and aggressive behaviors. Alcohol consumption can escalate aggressive behavior in humans, often leading to domestic violence or serious crimes. Converging lines of evidence have also shown that trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could have a tremendous impact on behavior associated with both alcohol use problems and violence. However, although the link between trauma, alcohol, and aggression is well documented, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms and their impact on behavior have not been properly discussed. This article provides an overview of recent advances in understanding the translational neurobiological basis of aggression and its intricate links to alcoholism and trauma, focusing on behavior. It does so by shedding light from several perspectives, including in vivo imaging, genes, receptors, and neurotransmitters and their influence on human and animal behavior.

Fusion of CCTV Video and Spatial Information for Automated Crowd Congestion Monitoring in Public Urban Spaces

Crowd congestion is one of the main causes of modern public safety issues such as stampedes. Conventional crowd congestion monitoring using closed-circuit television (CCTV) video surveillance relies on manual observation, which is tedious and often error-prone in public urban spaces where crowds are dense, and occlusions are prominent. With the aim of managing crowded spaces safely, this study proposes a framework that combines spatial and temporal information to automatically map the trajectories of individual occupants, as well as to assist in real-time congestion monitoring and prediction. Through exploiting both features from CCTV footage and spatial information of the public space, the framework fuses raw CCTV video and floor plan information to create visual aids for crowd monitoring, as well as a sequence of crowd mobility graphs (CMGraphs) to store spatiotemporal features. This framework uses deep learning-based computer vision models, geometric transformations, and Kalman filter-based tracking algorithms to automate the retrieval of crowd congestion data, specifically the spatiotemporal distribution of individuals and the overall crowd flow. The resulting collective crowd movement data is then stored in the CMGraphs, which are designed to facilitate congestion forecasting at key exit/entry regions. We demonstrate our framework on two video data, one public from a train station dataset and the other recorded at a stadium following a crowded football game. Using both qualitative and quantitative insights from the experiments, we demonstrate that the suggested framework can be useful to help assist urban planners and infrastructure operators with the management of congestion hazards.

Norms of Convivencia as Practices of Abjection: Saving the Nation by Saving the Muslim Girl

In this historical inquiry, Belén Hernando-Lloréns uses the case of one young Spanish woman who was suspended for wearing a hijab to school to argue that norms of convivencia in culturally and racially diverse educational spaces work as a practice of abjection that excludes in the name of inclusion. She examines three strategies that made this girl’s veiling an issue of public safety: problematizing Muslim girls’ veiled bodies, normalizing what the responsible female citizen’s body looks like, and pathologizing the desire to veil. This inquiry, which is based on the analysis of policy and law, media, and educational research, contends that norms of convivencia in education carry embedded notions of a salvationist agenda that other and exclude those who deviate from normative, liberal images of a responsible personhood.

Impact of 3D Printing on the Overall Project Success of Residential Construction Projects Using Structural Equation Modelling

After a decade of research and development, 3D printing is now an established technique in the construction sector, complete with its own set of accepted standards. The use of 3D printing in construction might potentially improve the outcome of the project as a whole. However, traditional strategies are often used in the residential construction industry in Malaysia, which causes serious public safety and health issues along with a negative impact on the environment. In the context of project management, overall project success (OPS) has five dimensions, such as cost, time, quality, safety, and environment. Understanding the role of 3D printing in relation to OPS dimensions in Malaysian residential construction projects would allow construction professionals to adopt 3D printing more easily. The aim of the study was to find the impact of 3D construction printing on OPS while considering the implications for all five dimensions. Fifteen professionals were interviewed to first evaluate and summarise the impact factors of 3D printing using the current literature. Then, a pilot survey was conducted, and the results were checked using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The feasibility of 3D printing in the building sector was investigated by surveying industry experts. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to investigate and validate the fundamental structure and linkages between 3D printing and OPS (PLS-SEM). A strong correlation was found between 3D printing in residential projects and OPS. Highly positive implications are indicated by the environmental and safety dimensions of OPS. Malaysian decision-makers may look to the outcomes of introducing 3D printing into the residential construction industry as a modern method for increasing environmental sustainability, public health and safety, reducing cost and time, and increasing the quality of construction work. With this study's findings in hand, construction engineering management in Malaysia's residential building sector might benefit from a deeper understanding of how 3D printing is used for improving environmental compliance, public health and safety, and project scope.

Examining Filem Negara Malaysia's Animated Public Service Announcement on Public Health and Safety Issues

The former government-owned production house Filem Negara Malaysia or FNM was responsible for recording major historical events and generating thematic government campaigns. The most typical ones in this regard are animated public service announcements (PSAs) that address public health and safety issues. Despite its significance, little research has been conducted on its content, including the visual story and message intent. In light of this, a sample animated PSA titled Nyamuk Aedes, produced in 1978, was examined in this study. According to the findings, the plot of Nyamuk Aedes (1978) can be divided into three acts: 1. the setup; 2. the confrontation; and 3. the resolution. There are also artistic impressions, Anthropomorphic cartoon characters, and amusing elements. As a visual narrative strategy, this animated PSA employs a binary opposition notion and a fear-based appeal to influence audience perception. We conclude that FNM's animated PSA not only communicates important public health and safety issues, but also helps to build a nation.

Correlation Analysis of Microbial Contamination and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Raw Milk and Dairy Products.

Microbial contamination in raw milk and dairy products can detrimentally affect product quality and human health. In this study, the aerobic plate count, aerobic Bacillus abundance, thermophilic aerobic Bacillus abundance, and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined in 435 raw milk, 451 pasteurized milk, and 617 sterilized milk samples collected from 13 Chinese provinces (or municipalities). Approximately 9.89% and 2.22% of raw milk and pasteurized milk samples exceeded the threshold values for the aerobic plate count, respectively. The proportions of aerobic Bacillus in raw milk, pasteurized milk, and sterilized milk were 54.02%, 14.41%, and 1.30%, respectively. The proportions of thermophilic aerobic Bacillus species were 7.36% in raw milk and 4.88% in pasteurized milk samples, and no bacteria were counted in sterilized milk. Approximately 36.18% of raw milk samples contained >500,000 mU/L of alkaline phosphatase activity, while 9.71% of pasteurized milk samples contained >350 mU/L. For raw milk, there was a positive correlation between the aerobic plate count, the aerobic Bacillus abundance, and the alkaline phosphatase activity, and there was a positive correlation between the aerobic Bacillus abundance, the thermophilic aerobic Bacillus count, and the alkaline phosphatase activity. For pasteurized milk, there was a positive correlation between the aerobic plate count, the aerobic Bacillus abundance, and the thermophilic aerobic Bacillus count; however, the alkaline phosphatase activity had a negative correlation with the aerobic plate count, the aerobic Bacillus abundance, and the thermophilic aerobic Bacillus abundance. These results facilitate the awareness of public health safety issues and the involvement of dairy product regulatory agencies in China.

The Issue of Security in the Education System of Ukraine in Connection with the Russian-Ukrainian War

The article is devoted to security issues that arose in the Ukrainian education system in connection with the Russian-Ukrainian war. The main problems are the safety of participants in the educational process. These problems are most often solved by the introduction of distance education and the minimization of mass events. The article analyzes the changes introduced in the Ukrainian education system during the war. The second block of questions is related to the strengthening of education on issues of personal and public safety in educational institutions of Ukraine.