Multiple Fatalities Research Articles

Fundamentals of modern ground control management in Australian underground coal mines

Underground coal mining is inherently hazardous, with uncontrolled ground failure regarded as one of only several critical risks for multiple fatality events. Development, implementation and management of overarching systems and procedures for maintaining strata control is an important step to mitigating the impact of ground failure hazards at a mine site operational level. This paper summarised the typical pro-active ground control management system (PGCMS) implemented in various Australian underground coal mines. Australia produces approximately 100 million tonnes a year of metallurgical and thermal coal from approximately 30 of the world’s safest longwall mines operating in New South Wales and Queensland. The increased longwall productivity required to achieve both high levels of safety and profitability, places significant emphasis on the reliability of pro-active ground control management for longwall mining operations. Increased depths, adverse geological conditions, elevated variable stress regimes and weaker ground conditions, coupled with an industry wide need for increased development rates continue to make ground control management challenging. Ground control management is not only about ground support and pillar design though but also a structured process that requires a coordinated effort from all levels of the workforce to both minimise the occurrence of adverse geotechnical events and mitigate the potential risks when they do occur. The PGCMS presented in this paper is proven to provide both a safer and more productive mine environment through minimisation of unplanned delays. The critical elements of the method are presented in detail and demonstrate the utility and value of a ground control management system that has potential for implementation in underground coal mining globally.

Ameloglyphics: A feasible forensic tool in dentistry

Ameloglyphics: A feasible forensic tool in dentistry - JOOO- Print ISSN No: - 2395-6186 Online ISSN No:- 2395-6194 Article DOI No:- 10.18231/j.jooo.2019.028, Journal of Oral Medicine, Oral Surgery, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology-J Oral Med Oral Surg Oral Pathol Oral Radiol

Co-Infection with SARS-COV-2 and Parainfluenza in a young adult patient with pneumonia: Case Report

Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is now considered a pandemic causing Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), multiple fatalities and morbidities which have been associated with it worldwide. We report a severe pneumonia causing acute respiratory distress syndrome due to a coinfection with SARS-COV-2 and Parainfluenza 4 virus in a Hispanic 21 year old male in Florida, USA. The case represents the importance of prompt diagnosis and awareness of the potential co-infection with other respiratory viruses and this novel deadly virus.

Multiple Fatalities in a Family Cluster of COVID-19 With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Background: Cases of COVID-19 family clusters have been reported across the globe. While disease severity can vary widely, reports of severe infection leading to multiple fatalities within a family are limited.Case Report: Four family members each presented to the emergency department with fever and upper respiratory symptoms. Each individual tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection via nasopharyngeal swab. All individuals developed acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional medical therapy and subsequently died from their disease.Conclusion: This report describes a familial cluster of fatal COVID-19 infections and suggests a potential genetic predisposition for severe disease, emphasizing the importance of investigating family clusters of severe COVID-19 infection to determine host and viral factors that may predispose to a severe disease course. Such investigations could improve our understanding of the disease and guide preventive measures for at-risk populations.

Methods applied in Australian industry to evaluate coal mine slope stability

Strata failure is a principal hazard in open cut coal mining as it has the potential to cause multiple fatalities. Prior to the excavation of any slope, a geotechnical assessment should review the likely slope performance, including the risk of slope failure. Controls to manage this risk to an acceptable level should accompany the geotechnical analysis. A survey of 43 practising geotechnical engineers indicated that kinematic and 2D limit equilibrium analyses were the methods most commonly applied to analyse excavated slope stability. While these methods are well established and widely applied in the broad rock engineering disciplines (e.g. civil, hard rock), a recent review of over 60 slope failures suggests these methods have limited suitability for modelling the complex failure mechanisms observed in excavated coal mine slopes. Kinematic techniques do not adequately capture the rock mass component of excavated slope failure and do not provide a geospatial location of potential failure, while 2D limit equilibrium techniques do not adequately capture the 3D mechanisms of excavated slope failures. Methods which do consider the 3D mechanisms of slope failure are summarized for industry consideration and application.

Post-mortem computed tomography as part of dental identification - a proposed guideline.

This paper presents a proposed guideline for the use of post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) during forensic dental identification. Currently, whole-body PMCT is widely used prior to autopsies for the diagnosis of fractures, organ changes, hemorrhages, and for the localization of foreign bodies, but it may also facilitate the odontological identification process in single cases and in cases involving multiple fatalities. Several studies have described the use of PMCT in forensic odontological work, but we have not found any comprehensive set of guidelines on how to perform a forensic odontological examination using PMCT. The aim was to develop guidelines for creating post-mortem dental charts during forensic odontological identification examinations using the standard functions of PMCT. A proposed guideline was developed from 15 selected cases examined at the Section of Forensic Pathology, Department of Forensic Medicine at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark from October 2011 to May 2012. Using the functionalities and three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of OsiriX DICOM-viewer software (Pixmeo Sarl, Bernex, Geneva, Switzerland) we adjusted the contrast and brightness settings and developed a proposed guideline for creating PMCT-based dental charts. A four-step guideline was produced. In our casework, we are currently using the guidelines proposed herein. The use of PMCT has allowed us to target our clinical examinations, greatly improving their efficiency. Furthermore, PMCT allows the storage of data for later documentation and research. Further research is needed to validate the proposed guideline.

A study of mining fatalities and coal price variation

It has long been postulated that a relationship exists between commodity price cycles and fatalities in the mining industry. Previous studies have found only weak correlations in this area. This study analyses the fatalities recorded in coal mines over the period 1985–2016 in the State of Queensland as a function of thermal coal price variation. The study finds that the relationship between fatalities and coal prices is not linear. One to two fatalities occur in most years independent of the thermal coal price. When the price of coal falls below AUD 55/tonne (non-inflation adjusted), the likelihood of an incident involving multiple fatalities increases. The probability can be estimated at 2 in 18 events (equivalent to 11%). This paper postulates that in difficult economic times, mining companies react by downsizing direct employees. If not carefully managed, this can result in loss of knowledge around safety systems, and reduced effectiveness of safety supervision. Because of labour cost advantages, some jobs previously undertaken by direct employees will be replaced by contractors. Increased contractor numbers contribute to increased risk of fatalities occurring, as contractors are over-represented in accident categories involving vehicle accidents, tire handling and crushing incidents. Mine inspectorates, mining, and mining contractor companies need to be especially vigilant to enforce health and safety management systems during periods of low coal prices.

Reducing disaster risk to life and livelihoods by evaluating the seismic safety of Kathmandu's historic urban infrastructure: enabling an interdisciplinary pilot

Kathmandu’s medieval cities and shrines are exceptional architectural and artistic achievements underpinned by centuries of seismic adaptation. They host urban infrastructure of tangible and intangible value and play vital roles of cohesion in the life of thousands of people. They also represent portals where the heavens touch earth and individuals can commune with guiding deities. The 2015 Gorkha Earthquake and its related aftershocks were a human disaster, killing 9,000 people and displacing 2.8 million. Generating 7.6% of Nepal’s GDP through tourism, Kathmandu’s iconic skyline was dramatically altered by the earthquake. It destroyed 500,000 homes and undermined the sustainability of Nepal’s tourist industry and its 400,000 employees. However, it was also a cultural catastrophe damaging 403 monuments in Kathmandu, key elements within the Valley’s historic urban infrastructure. Their collapse caused multiple fatalities and first responders demolished others fearing that they might also fall and injure residents and visitors. With Overseas Development Assistance pledges of $2.5 billion US dollars, Nepal’s Government approved the rehabilitation of much of Kathmandu’s historic infrastructure but there is continued tension between interpretations of Sendai’s ‘Build Back Better’ framework and the obligation to preserve the authenticity and intangible values of its UNESCO World Heritage Properties. Many risk reduction strategies implemented in Kathmandu are demolishing historic buildings and rebuilding them in modern materials; while other monuments have been hybridised with metal bracing or concrete reinforcement. Mud mortars are frequently being replaced by cement and lime, although the resultant inflexibility is not necessarily seismically advantageous. Most monuments have been, or are being, rebuilt without research and analysis of why they collapsed, while their foundations, which in many cases preserve sequential experimental adaptations offering examples of practical seismic-resistant foundations which could be applied to other structures, are being demolished without record or research. With donor liability fears, contractors privilege modern materials, despite successful histories of vernacular systems. Costly historic bricks have been landfilled, causing supply chain delays and increased environmental impact from kilns. Residents, craftspeople and tour operators and businesses have been frequently excluded from decision-making but the risk to them, and their livelihoods, remains. Building on an interdisciplinary north-south partnership, we have piloted the integration of archaeology and geoarchaeology with 3D visualisation and geotechnical and structural engineering to co-produce and disseminate a methodology to assess, evaluate and improve the seismic safety of historic urban infrastructure within Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Properties, reducing direct risk to life and livelihoods, while respecting and preserving Kathmandu’s authenticity and traditions.

How Well Can Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Capture Hurricanes? Case Study: Hurricane Harvey

Hurricanes and other severe coastal storms have become more frequent and destructive during recent years. Hurricane Harvey, one of the most extreme events in recent history, advanced as a category IV storm and brought devastating rainfall to the Houston, TX, region during 25–29 August 2017. It inflicted damage of more than $125 billion to the state of Texas infrastructure and caused multiple fatalities in a very short period of time. Rainfall totals from Harvey during the 5-day period were among the highest ever recorded in the United States. Study of this historical devastating event can lead to better preparation and effective reduction of far-reaching consequences of similar events. Precipitation products based on satellites observations can provide valuable information needed to understand the evolution of such devastating storms. In this study, the ability of recent Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Mission (GPM-IMERG) final-run product to capture the magnitudes and spatial (0.1° × 0.1°)/temporal (hourly) patterns of rainfall resulting from hurricane Harvey was evaluated. Hourly gridded rainfall estimates by ground radar (4 × 4 km) were used as a reference dataset. Basic and probabilistic statistical indices of the satellite rainfall products were examined. The results indicated that the performance of IMERG product was satisfactory in detecting the spatial variability of the storm. It reconstructed precipitation with nearly 62% accuracy, although it systematically under-represented rainfall in coastal areas and over-represented rainfall over the high-intensity regions. Moreover, while the correlation between IMERG and radar products was generally high, it decreased significantly at and around the storm core.

Fuzzy FMECA (failure mode effect and criticality analysis) of LNG storage facility

In high hazard industries like nuclear and chemical, a failure could lead to catastrophic events resulting in multiple fatalities, significant economic loss and reputation damage. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a safety and reliability analysis tool that systematically identifies the consequences of component failure on systems and determines the significance of each failure mode with regard to the system performance. FMEA uses a Risk Priority Number (RPN) for ranking the failure modes. RPN is commonly calculated as the product of the risk factors occurrence (O), severity (S) and non-detection (D) of the failure modes. When FMEA is used in criticality analysis of failure modes of components, it is also referred to as failure mode effect and criticality analysis (FMECA). Many researchers have pointed out the deficiencies of conventional risk priority number (RPN) used in FMEA. This paper describes a method for developing a fuzzy RPN (FRPN) that may rectify the limitations cited in the literature such as questionable nature of the mathematical formula for calculating RPN and the difficulties in prioritizing the RPN in the case of complex systems due to identical RPN values for different failure modes.The analysis was carried out by using fuzzy linguistic variables for occurrence, severity and non-detection and then using an if-then rule base to interconnect these variables to reach FRPN. The results obtained by using traditional FMECA and the fuzzy FMECA methods are compared. The difficulty in prioritizing the RPN in the case of complex systems such as LNG storage has been addressed in fuzzy FMECA.

Preventing river drowning deaths: Lessons from coronial recommendations.

Coronial data provide rich information on drowning causal factors. Coroners may make recommendations to prevent future drowning events. Rivers are the leading drowning location in Australia. This study examines coronial recommendations associated with unintentional fatal drowning in Australian rivers from an injury prevention perspective. All river drowning cases in Australia between 1 July 2002 and 30 June 2012 were extracted from the National Coronial Information System (NCIS). Recommendations were thematically analysed. Using a deductive process, each unique recommendation was coded to a category aligned to the Hierarchy of Control's 6 levels. An inductive process was used for those not categorised. Recommendations were also coded against a modified SMART principle. Of the 730 river drownings, 58 cases (7.9%) resulted in 71 unique recommendations. Victorian cases (X2 =32.1; P<0.01) and multiple fatality events (X2 =41.9; P<0.01) were more likely to have recommendations. Common categories of recommendations were administrative (39.4%) and signage-related (18.3%). Recommendations were often low on the Hierarchy; namely administrative (67.6%) and behaviour (19.1%). Half (50.7%) satisfied four of six modified SMART principle components. Coronial recommendations associated with river drowning in Australia are reasonably rare. Recommendations provide opportunities for organisations to enact change, however, they could be strengthened with a specified time period and higher order control strategies recommended. SO WHAT?: SMART coronial recommendations may be more successful in achieving the behavioural, social and societal change required to prevent future river drownings. The recommendations examined in this study can be used as a benchmark for what could be considered appropriate safety actions.

Multiple fatalities in the North of England associated with synthetic fentanyl analogue exposure: Detection and quantitation a case series from early 2017

BackgroundSynthetic fentanyl analogues are highly potent opioid drugs which have no pharmaceutical use in humans. We detected the synthetic fentanyl analogues; carfentanil, butyryl fentanyl, fluorobutyrylfentanyl, furanylfentanyl, and alfentanil as well as fentanyl itself in 25 cases in early 2017. There have been no previous reports of synthetic fentanyl deaths in the United Kingdom (UK). MethodsCases in which the history clearly stated drug use but where a post mortem blood morphine concentration was lower than would be expected to explain the sudden death, were referred for further analysis by high resolution accurate mass (HRAM) mass spectrometry. Results25 post mortem cases in which synthetic fentanyl analogues were implicated in the cause of death were reported from January to May 2017. No cases were seen in June 2017. The age range was 21–54 years and 22 were male. There was a history of heroin use, or markers of heroin use on toxicology screening in 21/25 cases. Carfentanil and fentanyl were detected in 7 cases. Multiple synthetic fentanyl analogues were present in 13 cases, with the remaining 5 cases having only carfentanil present. Synthetic fentanyl analogues were detected in combination with other drugs in all cases. Significant concentrations of ethanol were detected in only 2 cases. The concentration range of carfentanil in blood was 90–4004pg/mL. Of note, the 3 cases in which ante mortem carfentanil was quantified ranged from 21 to 98pg/mL. In all cases, death was attributed to combined central nervous system depression. ConclusionsThis paper highlights a new and rapid emergence of these drugs into the UK illicit drug arena. Synthetic fentanyl analogues represent a significant challenge both analytically and clinically within the groups who misuse drugs. It is worthwhile considering the possibility of the presence of these drugs in cases in which a toxicological cause of death is not apparent analytically but there is a history of drug use and circumstantial evidence exists to support a drug-related death as the most likely cause. It may be that synthetic fentanyl analogues should be screened for routinely to avoid reporting any false negative results, but the cost implications and viability of this have not been fully evaluated.

The UK’s corporate killing law: Un/fit for purpose?

The annual total of occupational deaths in the UK is measured in the tens of thousands, yet the overwhelming majority attract no criminal justice attention. More recently, a very small number of deaths have generated attempts to prosecute companies for manslaughter. In 1996, following a series of multiple fatality ‘disasters’, the Law Commission proposed for a new law on corporate manslaughter; in 2008, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force. It is with the implementation and effects of this Act that this article is concerned. It begins by setting out the dimensions of the new law before analysing the key themes that have emerged from its use to date. In conclusion, I consider whether the law has proven to be unfit for purpose—which begs the question of what that purpose might have been.

Comparing flood mortality in Portugal and Greece (Western and Eastern Mediterranean)

For the first time flood mortality is analysed and compared between a Western (Portugal) and an Eastern Mediterranean country (Greece). Flood fatalities are examined and compared in terms of frequency, temporal evolution, spatial distribution, deadliest flood types, gender of the victims, circumstances surrounding fatalities, and individual and societal risk.A common flood fatalities database was formed for the period 1960–2010 by merging the DISASTER database for Portugal and the Greek databaseIndividual flood cases generated more deaths in Greece than in Portugal (excluding an outlier flash flood event in the latter). Despite some fluctuations evidence of a gradual decrease in fatality numbers were recorded for both countries. Since the 1980's the number of flood cases with multiple fatalities has been gradually declining, due to changes in qualitative characteristics of mortality. Flood fatalities predominantly occur during autumn in Greece and during winter in Portugal.In both Greece and Portugal flash floods were responsible for more than 80% of the total mortality. The main metropolitan areas of each country were found to be hotspots of flood mortality; a trend connected, with the higher population density along the coastal areas combined with the expansion of urban fabric towards flood-prone areas.Gender distribution of fatalities indicates that males are more vulnerable in both countries. The circumstances surrounding fatalities showed that fatalities occurring inside buildings have been gradually reducing in time, while vehicle-related deaths have been rising, showing that individuals hold an active role when they voluntarily enter in floodwaters during a flood.

Pharmacology and Toxicology of N-Benzylphenethylamine ("NBOMe") Hallucinogens.

Serotonergic hallucinogens induce profound changes in perception and cognition. The characteristic effects of hallucinogens are mediated by 5-HT2A receptor activation. One class of hallucinogens are 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines, such as the so-called 2C-X compounds 2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenethylamine (2C-B) and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (2C-I). Addition of an N-benzyl group to phenethylamine hallucinogens produces a marked increase in 5-HT2A-binding affinity and hallucinogenic potency. N-benzylphenethylamines ("NBOMes") such as N-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenethylamine (25I-NBOMe) show subnanomolar affinity for the 5-HT2A receptor and are reportedly highly potent in humans. Several NBOMEs have been available from online vendors since 2010, resulting in numerous cases of toxicity and multiple fatalities. This chapter reviews the structure-activity relationships, behavioral pharmacology, metabolism, and toxicity of members of the NBOMe hallucinogen class. Based on a review of 51 cases of NBOMe toxicity reported in the literature, it appears that rhabdomyolysis is a relatively common complication of severe NBOMe toxicity, an effect that may be linked to NBOMe-induced seizures, hyperthermia, and vasoconstriction.

Forensic odontology: A medico legal guide for police personnel

Globally, the recent spate of terrorist attacks and natural disasters in which there have been multiple fatalities has reinforced the need for trained, experienced forensic odontologists and a police officer to coordinate the response to such events promptly and properly. The article reviews basic procedures and advances of dental identification and reports where dental identification played a vital role in the identification of the person.

A Review of Uncontrolled Pillar Failures

Coal burst is a sudden and violent rock/coal failure that occurs in underground coal mines. It is considered to be a highly catastrophic phenomenon which can cause significant damage to mine workings and equipment as well as result in multiple fatalities. Throughout the history of underground pillar design, the relation between the post-peak behavior of pillars and stiffness of the surrounding strata has been extensively studied. These two concepts play an important role in determining the failure mode of the coal pillars and the amount of potential energy that can be converted to kinetic energy, which is the cause of coal burst. In this paper, the post-peak behavior of pillars and surrounding strata stiffness are reviewed and the criterion developed to investigate the instability of the pillar failures is explained. It is concluded that, as the pillar width to mining height (w/h) ratio increases, its post-peak modulus increases; and a pillar exhibits different failure modes for various w/h ratios.

3D Multislice and Cone-beam Computed Tomography Systems for Dental Identification.

3D Multislice and Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in forensic odontology has been shown to be useful not only in terms of one or a few of dead bodies but also in multiple fatality incidents. 3D Multislice and Cone-beam computed tomography and digital radiography were demonstrated in a forensic examination form. 3D images of the skull and teeth were analysed and validated for long ante mortem/post mortem intervals. The image acquisition was instantaneous; the images were able to be optically enlarged, measured, superimposed and compared prima vista or using special software and exported as a file. Digital radiology and computer tomography has been shown to be important both in common criminalistics practices and in multiple fatality incidents. Our study demonstrated that CBCT imaging offers less image artifacts, low image reconstruction times, mobility of the unit and considerably lower equipment cost.

How to effectively manage production facility low-temperature exposure risk

A significant risk with any oil and gas production facility is equipment exposure to low temperature fluids, which can lead to brittle fracture, loss of hydrocarbon containment and ignition, with potential consequences including multiple fatalities, major asset damage, production deferment and profound operator reputational harm. Due to the nature of the initiating low-temperature events, which often occur as a result of a sequence of control system, hardware or operational failures, these issues are not always adequately addressed in facility design and operation, which can lead to unacceptable and potentially unacknowledged asset risk exposure. This is especially true in a cost-constrained environment where economic and schedule pressures can drive a leaner approach whereby, for example, traditional design margins are challenged. Drawing on S2V Consulting’s extensive expertise in this area, this technical paper outlines examples of typical low-temperature exposure mechanisms and key facility risk areas. It highlights why there can be failures in mitigating these risks, both during initial facility design and throughout subsequent operating phase evolution, discusses analytical methods or tools and highlights potential mitigation measures. A structured evaluation process developed by S2V Consulting is presented that can be adopted to effectively safeguard facilities by ensuring these risks are identified, screened, prioritised and managed to ALARP (as low as reasonably practicable). Finally, case studies are presented to provide context to the issue and demonstrate the effective application of the evaluation process to several current Australian production facilities.

The digestive tract as the origin of systemic inflammation.

Failure of gut homeostasis is an important factor in the pathogenesis and progression of systemic inflammation, which can culminate in multiple organ failure and fatality. Pathogenic events in critically ill patients include mesenteric hypoperfusion, dysregulation of gut motility, and failure of the gut barrier with resultant translocation of luminal substrates. This is followed by the exacerbation of local and systemic immune responses. All these events can contribute to pathogenic crosstalk between the gut, circulating cells, and other organs like the liver, pancreas, and lungs. Here we review recent insights into the identity of the cellular and biochemical players from the gut that have key roles in the pathogenic turn of events in these organ systems that derange the systemic inflammatory homeostasis. In particular, we discuss the dangers from within the gastrointestinal tract, including metabolic products from the liver (bile acids), digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas, and inflammatory components of the mesenteric lymph.