Personnel Safety Research Articles

Web-Based Mindfulness Meditation as an Adjunct to Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Public Safety Personnel: Mixed Methods Feasibility Evaluation Study.

Public safety personnel (PSP) are individuals who work to ensure the safety and security of communities (eg, correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers). PSP have a high risk of developing mental disorders and face unique barriers to traditional mental health treatments. The PSP Wellbeing Course is a transdiagnostic, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) course tailored to assist PSP with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The initial course outcomes are promising, but some clients report some challenges with learning skills and recommend adding additional resources. Mindfulness meditations, which help people to experience the world and their reactions to the world in open and nonjudgmental ways, may complement the existing PSP Wellbeing Course. This study aims to examine the feasibility of mindfulness meditations in iCBT tailored for PSP. Information was gathered to evaluate engagement and client experiences with mindfulness meditations, symptom change, and the relationship between mindfulness meditation use and symptom change. A mixed methods study was conducted on PSP enrolled in the PSP Wellbeing Course who were offered 5 mindfulness meditations during the program (ie, 1/lesson). Clients completed questionnaires on depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger, insomnia, resilience, and mindfulness at pretreatment and at 8 weeks; an 8-week treatment satisfaction questionnaire; and brief weekly measures of mindfulness meditation engagement. We used paired sample t tests (2-tailed) to assess changes in outcomes over time and partial correlations to assess whether mindfulness meditation use predicted outcomes at posttreatment. A total of 12 clients were interviewed about their perceptions of the mindfulness meditations, and interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. Among the 40 clients enrolled, 27 (68%) reported using the mindfulness meditations, practicing for an average of 4.8 (SD 8.1) minutes each week. Most interviewees described the mindfulness meditations as beneficial but also reported challenges, such as discomfort while sitting with their feelings. Clients provided suggestions for better integration of mindfulness into iCBT. Overall, clients who completed the PSP Wellbeing Course with mindfulness meditations experienced statistically significant improvements in symptoms of anxiety (P=.001), depression (P=.001), PTSD (P=.001), and anger (P=.001) but not insomnia (P=.02). Clients also experienced improvements in resilience (P=.01) and mindfulness (P=.001). Self-reported time spent meditating was not associated with changes in symptoms over time. This study provides new insight into the integration of mindfulness meditations with iCBT for PSP. It demonstrates the partial feasibility of adding mindfulness meditations to iCBT, revealing that some, but not all, PSP engaged with the meditations and reported benefits. PSP reported using the mindfulness meditations inconsistently and described challenges with the meditations. Improvements can be made to better integrate mindfulness meditation into iCBT, including offering mindfulness meditation as an optional resource, providing more psychoeducation on managing challenges, and offering shorter meditations.

Real-Time Semantic Data Integration and Reasoning in Life- and Time-Critical Decision Support Systems

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and forest fires involve critical situations in which human lives and infrastructures are in jeopardy. People are often injured and/or trapped without being able to be assisted by first responders on time. Moreover, in most cases, the harsh environment jeopardizes first responders by significantly increasing the difficulty of their mission. In such scenarios, time is crucial and often of vital importance. First responders must have a clear and complete view of the current situation every few seconds/minutes to efficiently and timely tackle emerging challenges, ensuring the safety of both victims and personnel. Advances in related technology including robots, drones, and Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled equipment have increased their usability and importance in life- and time-critical decision support systems such as the ones designed and developed for Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. Such systems depend on efficiency in their ability to integrate large volumes of heterogeneous and streaming data and reason with this data in (near) real time. In addition, real-time critical data integration and reasoning need to be performed on edge devices that reside near the missions, instead of using cloud infrastructure. The aim of this paper is twofold: (a) to review technologies and approaches related to real-time semantic data integration and reasoning on IoT-enabled collaborative entities and edge devices in life- and time-critical decision support systems, with a focus on systems designed for SAR missions and (b) to identify open issues and challenges focusing on the specific topic. In addition, this paper proposes a novel approach that will go beyond the state-of-the-art in efficiently recognizing time-critical high-level events, supporting commanders and first responders with meaningful and life-critical insights about the current and predicted state of the environment in which they operate.

Review on Digital Camouflage Pattern Generation System Using Artificial Intelligence

In contemporary military and civilian environments, the role of camouflage patterns in providing concealment and protection is paramount. The evolution of traditional camouflage into digital formats has paved the way for innovative design techniques, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the process. This comprehensive review paper delves into the historical context, methodologies, challenges, and prospects of AI-driven digital camouflage pattern generation systems. The review commences with an exploration of the historical development of camouflage patterns, tracing their journey from basic naturalistic designs to the intricacies of digital patterns. It emphasizes the significant shift towards digitalization, enabling greater flexibility, adaptability, and effectiveness in camouflage design. The infusion of AI into this realm has ushered in a new era of possibilities and enhancements. Key components of AI-based camouflage pattern generation are investigated in depth. The paper highlights the crucial role of data collection and preprocessing, emphasizing the necessity of diverse and high-quality datasets to train AI models effectively. It also examines feature extraction methods, showcasing how image analysis, computer vision techniques, and machine learning algorithms aid in identifying relevant patterns and textures present in various natural environments. The core of AI-driven camouflage pattern generation revolves around the selection and application of machine learning algorithms. The review provides comprehensive insights into various AI approaches, including deep learning, genetic algorithms, neural networks, and evolutionary computing, while highlighting their respective strengths and limitations in the context of camouflage pattern design. It underscores the capabilities of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in recognizing complex patterns and textures and discusses the potential of generative adversarial networks (GANs) in generating realistic and adaptable camouflage designs. Additionally, the review addresses the critical aspect of evaluating the effectiveness of AI-generated camouflage patterns. It discusses common evaluation metrics such as detection and recognition rates, human perception studies, and real-world testing scenarios. The paper acknowledges the challenge of striking a balance between pattern effectiveness, aesthetic appeal, and human factors, emphasizing the need for holistic evaluation criteria. Despite the promise and progress in AI-based camouflage pattern generation, the review acknowledges existing challenges and limitations. These include the need for extensive and diverse training datasets, substantial computational resources, and ethical considerations surrounding the potential misuse of AI-generated camouflage patterns. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of environmental sustainability by considering the ecological impact of camouflage pattern materials and production processes. Practical applications of AI-driven digital camouflage patterns are explored across military and civilian sectors. In military contexts, AI-generated patterns offer adaptability in dynamic combat environments, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of personnel and equipment. In civilian applications such as wildlife conservation and disaster relief, AI-based camouflage patterns find utility in minimizing human and equipment visibility. In conclusion, this comprehensive review provides a panoramic view of the intersection between digital camouflage pattern generation and artificial intelligence. It highlights the transformative potential of AI in reshaping camouflage design, making it more effective, adaptable, and versatile. Looking ahead, the review outlines future research directions, including the exploration of explainable AI for pattern generation, integration of multispectral and thermal considerations, and ethical implications associated with AI in camouflage design. As AI technologies continue to advance, they hold the promise of fundamentally altering the landscape of digital camouflage patterns, contributing to enhanced concealment and protection across diverse domains and scenarios.

Эргономические основы организации рабочих мест на предприятиях АПК с учетом требований безопасности на примере разборочно-моечного участка по ремонту двигателей

The article considers the organization of workplaces and ensuring their safety, which is one of the most important tasks in the operation of enterprises for the repair of agricultural machinery. We analyzed the theoretical issues that are fundamental at the stage of organizing workplaces of agricultural repair enterprises. The characteristics of the workplace related to ergonomics and their application at the design stage are also considered. It should be noted that the productivity and safety of personnel directly depend on the correct organization of the workplace. Keywords: WORKPLACE, ERGONOMICS, CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PRODUCTION ENVIRONMENT, WORKING POSTURE, CONTROL BODY, FATIGUE, PERSONNEL, VISUAL AREA, OPERATOR

Examining how organizational leaders perceive internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for public safety personnel using the RE-AIM implementation framework

BackgroundWithin Canada, internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) has recently been tailored by PSPNET to meet the needs of public safety personnel (PSP) to help address high rates of mental health problems within this population. Perceptions and outcomes of ICBT among PSP are promising, but it remains unknown how PSPNET is perceived by PSP organizational leaders. It is important to assess this gap because these leaders have significant potential to influence the uptake of ICBT. MethodsIn the current study, PSP leaders (n = 10) were interviewed to examine their perceptions of PSPNET and opportunities to improve ICBT implementation. The RE-AIM evaluation framework was used to assess PSP leaders' perceptions of PSPNET in terms of reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. ResultsThe results evidenced that leaders perceived PSPNET as effective in reaching and serving PSP and PSP organizations. PSP leaders reported perceiving ICBT as effectively implemented, especially for being freely offered to individual PSP and for improving PSP's access to experienced therapists specifically trained to work with PSP. Participants indicated organizations have promoted and will continue promoting PSPNET longer-term, facilitating adoption and maintenance. Factors perceived as facilitating successful service delivery included building relationships and trust with PSP organizations and general support for PSP leadership mental health initiatives. PSP leaders identified perceived areas for improving ICBT implementation (e.g., ensuring leaders have access to data on PSPNET uptake and outcomes, creating promotional videos, expanding availability of PSPNET to other provinces, offering additional options for receiving therapist support). ImplicationsOverall, the study provides insights into PSP leaders' perceptions of the implementation of ICBT among PSP and ideas for optimizing implementation efforts.

Heat Hazards in High-Temperature Tunnels: Influencing Factors, Disaster Forms, the Geogenetic Model and a Case Study of a Tunnel in Southwest China

The construction of extensive tunnels in regions characterized by high geothermal activity presents significant challenges and inherent risks that affect both the safety and operational efficiency of construction personnel. This study investigated the factors influencing geothermal fields in shallow crustal rock formations through a comprehensive examination of existing literature and a detailed analysis of case studies. In addition, this study categorizes the geogenetic models of high-temperature heat hazards into three major classifications. Research findings indicate that several key factors significantly influence the geothermal fields. These factors, which include the deep geothermal background, heat transfer conditions, and localized additional heat sources, are paramount in shaping the geothermal field. Notably, it is observed that among these factors, the presence of additional heat sources, particularly the circulation of underground hot water, poses the most considerable threat to safety and operational efficiency. Moreover, this study utilizes a representative high geothermal tunnel in Southwest China to conduct a field investigation. This investigation assesses the potential for high-temperature thermal hazards within the tunnels, evaluates the geological conditions, verifies the factors governing the geothermal field, and outlines specific measures for the prevention and control of high geothermal tunnels. In conclusion, this study provides a structured analysis of lessons learned from these experiences, along with practical countermeasures for addressing high-temperature thermal hazards during the various stages of tunnel construction. The findings of this research serve as a valuable reference for those investigating the mechanisms behind geothermal disasters in tunnel construction. Furthermore, they offer practical guidance to ensure the secure and efficient excavation and sustainable operation of tunnels in the challenging geological environments characterized by high geothermal temperatures.

Moral injury among first responders: Experience, effects, and advice in their own words.

Moral injury is a serious concern among first responders. Not only does moral injury occur with notable frequency among first response groups such as police, fire safety, and emergency medical personnel, but it also poses considerable mental health challenges. Despite a recent explosion of research on moral injury, the literature would benefit from a systematic investigation of how first responders describe their experiences in their own words. We conducted semistructured interviews with 36 graduates of a first responder trauma healing course. Participants described moral injury as (a) a byproduct of being a first responder, (b) occurring frequently but being difficult to identify, and (c) involving feelings of helplessness and guilt. Effects of moral injury included (a) wide-ranging negative consequences, (b) diminished self-esteem, (c) isolation from and suspicion of others, and (d) spiritual distress. When asked about the advice they would give to other people experiencing moral injury, first responders recommended (a) talking openly about the experience of moral injury, (b) being proactive in seeking help, (c) breaking free from the stigma of needing assistance, and (d) building a network of support. Taken together, these results suggest important guidelines for helping first responders cope with the aftermath of moral injury. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Analysis of coal dust consolidation performance and mechanism based on in-situ screening of high urease-producing bacteria

Coal dust accumulation poses a serious risk to personnel safety. Currently, Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) technology is widely employed for controlling coal dust. This study aimed to isolate a urease-producing strain, Bacillus subtilis, from a coal mining area and investigate the optimal environmental conditions affecting urease activity. The optimal conditions were found to be a urea concentration of 0.648 M, NaCl concentration of 11.899 g·L−1, and a pH value of 7.602, under these conditions, the urease activity was strongest. As evidenced by the dust suppression effect test which reduced the mass loss of coal dust samples after using biological dust suppression materials under optimal growth conditions to 0.3%. Microscope scans showed that the optimized microbial dust suppression material produced mineral particles of larger size (approximately 40 µm in diameter), with precipitation primarily in the form of calcite. The x-ray diffraction analysis showed that the optimized dust suppression material produced mineralized products with large crystal size (43.2 nm) and high crystallinity (90.3%). Additionally, molecular dynamics analysis was conducted on the Z-axis relative concentration curves of coal molecules, solution molecules, and phospholipids before and after the addition of bacteria, the analysis showed that bacteria could enhance the wettability of water to coal dust at the molecular level. Overall, the experimental data suggested that this bacteria have significant potential for suppressing coal dust.

An In-Depth Study of Vibration Sensors for Condition Monitoring

Heavy machinery allows for the efficient, precise, and safe management of large-scale operations that are beyond the abilities of humans. Heavy machinery breakdowns or failures lead to unexpected downtime, increasing maintenance costs, project delays, and leading to a negative impact on personnel safety. Predictive maintenance is a maintenance strategy that predicts possible breakdowns of equipment using data analysis, pattern recognition, and machine learning. In this paper, vibration-based condition monitoring studies are reviewed with a focus on the devices and methods used for data collection. For measuring vibrations, different accelerometers and their technologies were investigated and evaluated within data collection contexts. The studies collected information from a wide range of sources in the heavy machinery. Throughout our review, we came across some studies using simulations or existing datasets. We concluded in this review that due to the complexity of the situation, we need to use more advanced accelerometers that can measure vibration.

Digital twinning of surveillance robot

Surveillance robots provide troops with real-time information about their surroundings, including enemy positions, terrain, and potential threats. This information is invaluable for making informed decisions and ensuring the safety of military personnel. Geo-fenced robots are robots equipped with technology that restricts their movements within predefined geographic boundaries. These boundaries are typically established using GPS or other location-based technologies. In applications like the military, geo-fencing can be used to establish secure zones. Geo-fencing helps prevent robots from entering hazardous areas, reducing the risk of damage to the robot and potential harm to friendly forces or civilians This project aims at Digital twinning of robots by creating a virtual replica or model of a physical robot in a digital environment. Digital twinning allows engineers and designers to simulate and test the robot’s behavior, performance, and capabilities in a virtual environment before building the physical robot. This can lead to increased efficiency, reduced downtime, and cost savings. In this project, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor data is integrated with a digital twinned robot to create a virtual reproduction of the robot and its surroundings. LiDAR is a remote sensing technology that maps the robot’s surroundings in fine detail using 3D point clouds by measuring distances using laser pulses. Here we make use of RPLIDAR A1 M8 and acquire data from it using ROS with the help of a RaspberryPi4B Controller. Simulink is used to create a 3D model of the robot’s environment and the robot itself. Reinforcement learning and pure pursuit algorithms are used for developing them. This project discusses the need for geofenced autonomous robots and emphasizes the security and reliability it brings to military applications.

Canadian workers at risk: Removing barriers to treatment for public safety professionals (PSP)

Canadian workers at risk: Removing barriers to treatment for public safety professionals (PSP) Gregory S Anderson, from Thompson Rivers University and Helen Dragatsi, from Government of Canada speak to us about removing barriers to treatment for Canadian workers at risk. It has long been recognized that public safety personnel (PSP) experience a high risk of psychological impacts caused by traumatic events within their occupations. Such exposures have been linked to increased incidence of posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSI), including anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive disorders, suicide ideation, and substance abuse. In response, most Canadian jurisdictions (provinces and territories) have adopted new workers’ compensation legislative amendments that create a presumption in favor of PSP who suffer from trauma-induced mental disorders. In these situations, the mental disorder is presumed to have been caused by the responder’s employment. These presumptive clauses facilitate access to workers’ compensation for public safety professionals (PSP) who previously had the onus of proving that their psychological impairments resulted from their work.

Molecular simulation study of the influence of different surfactants on the wetting characteristics of anthracite

The reduction of dust pollution in coal mines is of great importance both for protection of the environment and for the occupational safety and health of coal mine workers. The reduction of dust from anthracite has been a challenge due to its inherent hydrophobicity and high metamorphism. As a result, surfactants are commonly added to water to improve the wettability of coal, thereby improving the dust reduction efficiency of a water spray system. To clarify from a microscopic perspective the effect of different surfactants on the wettability of anthracite, models for the anthracite-surfactant-water system were established, and adsorption configuration, relative concentration distribution, and the diffusion coefficients of water molecules in the systems were thoroughly investigated with molecular simulations. The results showed the directional arrangement of surfactants in the simulation systems after 150 ps of equilibration, resulting in the reduced surface tension of the water-surfactant solution and enhanced wettability of anthracite. Along the (001) normal direction, the relative concentration of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) (15.32), the anthracite-water overlapping area, the diffusion rate of water molecules, and the activity (DSDBS = 0.97 × 10-8 m2·s−1) were maximized, indicating the excellent wettability effect of SDBS. The results of the study are of practical significance for improving the wetting effect of anthracite, improving the dust reduction efficiency, and safeguarding the occupational safety and health of personnel.

Immobilisation efficacy of conducted electrical weapons on captive white-tailed deer

Context Wildlife emergencies (e.g. injured animals) often require capture or humane dispatch of animals to resolve the situation. Conducted electrical weapons (CEWs) have the potential to immobilise white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) for a short duration to avoid potential risks of extended immobilisation (e.g. chemical immobilisation) and increase safety for managers and the public during humane killing by gunshot. Aims To test rapid immobilisation with minimal long-term physiological consequences of CEW immobilisation of white-tailed deer. Methods We arranged five treatment groups of captive deer, including (1) chemical immobilisation with 5-s CEW exposure (n = 5), (2) chemical immobilisation with 15-s CEW exposure (n = 5), (3) 5-s CEW exposure with no chemical immobilisation (n = 10), (4) 15-s CEW exposure with no chemical immobilisation (n = 10) and (5) a control group with no chemical immobilisation or CEW exposure (n = 10). We conducted treatments 1 and 2 to determine short-term physiological effects of CEWs on deer, related to overall welfare. In treatment groups 1 and 2, we sedated deer to collect blood immediately before CEW exposure, and 2 days and 5 days post-exposure for serum biochemical analysis (to measure physiological markers of organ and tissue damage). We observed deer before, during and after treatments to evaluate potential behavioural changes. Key results All deer showed signs of muscle paralysis immediately after exposure to CEW and regained muscle control immediately after the exposure ended. Serum biochemistry results for treatment group 1 and 2 revealed significant increases in creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 2 days post-treatment, before returning to pre-exposure concentrations by day 5-post-exposure, suggesting temporary myopathy. By 15-days post-exposure, deer that were only exposed to the CEW had 27 of 39 (69%) remotely fired probes still attached. No long-term behavioural or physiological changes were observed post-treatment. Conclusions Our findings suggest that for immobilisation of white-tailed deer, short-term exposure to a CEW to is a potential alternative to typical capture techniques and can provide sufficient immobilisation to approach and humanely kill deer by gunshot if necessary in wildlife emergencies. Implications As with all capture techniques, trainings and protocols should be developed to ensure the safety of personnel and animals during CEW exposures.

Evaluation of Stability, Inactivation, and Disinfection Effectiveness of Mpox Virus.

Mpox virus (MPXV) infections have increased in many countries since May 2022, increasing demand for diagnostic tests and research on the virus. To ensure personnel safety, appropriate and reliable measures are needed to disinfect and inactivate infectious samples; Methods: We evaluated the stability of infectious MPXV cultures stored at different temperatures and through freeze-thaw cycles. Heat physical treatment (56 °C, 70 °C, 95 °C), chemical treatment (beta-propiolactone (BPL)) and two commercialized disinfectants (Micro-Chem Plus (MCP) and ethanol) were tested against infectious MPXV cultures; Results: The results indicated that MPXV stability increases with lower temperatures. The MPXV titer was stable within three freeze-thaw cycles and only decreased by 1.04 log10 (lg) 50% cell culture infective dose (CCID50) per milliliter (12.44%) after twelve cycles. MPXV could be effectively inactivated at 56 °C for 40 min, 70 °C for 10 min, and 95 °C for 5 min. For BPL inactivation, a 1:1000 volume ratio (BPL:virus) could also effectively inactivate MPXV. A total of 2% or 5% MCP and 75% ethanol treated with MPXV for at least 1 min could reduce >4.25 lg; Conclusions: MPXV shows high stability to temperature and freeze-thaw. Heat and BPL treatments are effective for the inactivation of MPXV, while MCP and ethanol are effective for disinfection, which could help laboratory staff operate the MPXV under safer conditions and improve operational protocols.

Rockburst hazard assessment and prevention and control strategies in the Ruihai gold mine

Ruihai gold mine is a super large underwater gold mine with an initial mining depth of more than 1,400 m. Deep mining may face rockburst disaster. In order to scientifically control the potential rockburst risk, ensure the safety of underground personnel and equipment, and realize the safe and efficient mining of the mine, it is necessary to evaluate the rockburst risk of the mine and formulate appropriate rockburst risk warning and mitigation strategies. XRD mineral composition analysis and conventional rock mechanical tests were carried out on the parent rock granite samples. The results show that there are differences in the lithologic composition and rock mechanics parameters of the three colors of granite, which are preliminarily determined as three kinds of granite; The rockburst tendency of three kinds of granites is evaluated by using three classical rockburst criteria, and the discrimination results of the three rockburst criteria are not completely consistent or even contradictory. The application limitations rockburst risk assessment based on index criteria are discussed and analyzed in detail. It is proposed to apply microseismic monitoring technology to warn and manage the rockburst risk of Ruihai gold mine in development and mining stages, and put forward microseismic monitoring layout schemes and targeted rockburst prevention and control measures in different stages. The research results can provide reference for similar projects.

Assessment of Area Radiation Dose for the National Cyclotron and PET Centre at Chulabhorn Hospital in Thailand.

The National Cyclotron and PET Centre at Chulabhorn Hospital offers nuclear medicine diagnostic services using state-of-the-art digital PET/CT and PET/MRI machines as well as other related devices. Additionally, the center plays a vital role by having a cyclotron to produce radiopharmaceuticals, which are used both in-house and in other hospitals throughout the country. Despite the center's strict adherence to international standards regarding the use of radioactive substances in patients, there remains a potential risk of radiation exposure for operators, workers, and the public due to radioactive contamination and emissions from unsealed sources. Hence, it is imperative to assess and continuously monitor radiation levels in the work area to ensure the utmost level of safety for personnel. Methods: This study used optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters to measure radiation levels in 17 areas, consisting of 9 controlled and 8 supervised areas. Over a 3-mo period, the average monthly radiation dose was recorded for each location. Results: The PET/CT room registered the highest radiation dose within the controlled area, with a monthly average of 1.81 ± 0.29 mSv, equivalent to an annual dose of 21.72 mSv. This higher dose can be attributed to the significant number of patients served in this room. In supervised areas, the nursing counter located between the examination room and the patient waiting area exhibited the highest radiation exposure. The average monthly dose measured at this location was 0.085 ± 0.019 mSv, resulting in an annual dose of 1.015 mSv. Conclusion: The evaluation of radiation dose in controlled and supervised areas indicated that the overall radiation level remains within the prescribed limits. However, the slight excess that was observed at the nursing counter indicates the need for improvement to ensure compliance with the as-low-as-reasonably-achievable principle. Continuous monitoring of radiation levels should be conducted annually to maintain safety standards and minimize the risk that workers and the general public will be exposed to radioactivity.

Challenges with food safety adoption: A review

AbstractGlobally, the risk of foodborne diseases is high among the young, old, pregnant and immunocompromised groups. Strategies to improve safe food supply are poorly understood among stakeholders. In this paper, we discuss the importance of the adoption of food safety standards, the effects of non‐compliance of food safety protocols, consumer‐producer awareness of food safety, and the challenges involved in the adoption of food safety protocols. The major challenges include gaps in dissemination of relevant information, the cost involved in adoption of many food safety programs; low educational levels of food handlers, insufficient food testing laboratories; inadequate funding, equipment, and skilled personnel; and cost of training and education; and lack of coordination among organizations handling food safety issues. Building competencies of food safety personnel, inspectorates, national or regional laboratories and adequate resource support to industry and supporting agencies will enhance safety of the global food supply.

A novel data-driven triangular-type staircase layout design in personnel safety evacuation in high-rise buildings

When an accident or crisis occurs in a high-rise building, evacuation by stairs is the most recognized safe evacuation method, where the design of stair layouts greatly impacts the economy and safety of high-rise buildings. Therefore, an economical and reasonable staircase layout design is especially important. Most previous studies tend to reduce the number of evacuation routes due to economic considerations alone, which is an unreasonable unilateral consideration. In this sense, a reasonable staircase layout should consider economic and evacuation efficiency. To address this issue, this study proposes a new evacuation time calculation model, which is then combined with an economic model to develop a bi-objective optimization model. After that, a set of solutions that achieve different trade-offs between economy and safety are obtained, allowing for a staircase arrangement that meets safety requirements while minimizing economic investment. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed model is verified by a real case study, where the Pareto front surface is obtained to facilitate decision-making for stakeholders with different risk preferences. The numerical results also allow decision-makers to make informed decisions considering both economics and safety in stairway settings.

УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ ЗДАНИЙ И СООРУЖЕНИЙ ЗАПОРОЖСКОЙ АТОМНОЙ ЭЛЕКТРОСТАНЦИИ ПРИ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИИ АРТЕЗИАНСКОЙ ВОДЫ ДЛЯ ТЕХНОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО ПРОЦЕССА СТАНЦИИ

The article provides an assessment of ensuring safe operation, water supply, as well as the safety of personnel and the environment during the operation of the Zaporizhia NPP. It has been established that the exploitation of groundwater for the technical water supply of the NPP and its infrastructure facilities, both under constant and periodic drainage regimes, will lead to the formation of depression funnels, the size of which will depend on the magnitude (flow rate) of the water intake, the layout of water intake facilities and specific hydrogeological conditions of the groundwater deposit. It is shown that it is necessary to ensure not only the strength of the soils under the structures of buildings and structures of nuclear power plants, but also the reliable functioning of all systems that control the nuclear process. The necessity of monitoring the stability of geological and geophysical conditions in the area and at the sites of nuclear power plants in the monitoring mode has been determined. The monitoring is comprehensive. It includes geotechnical, surveying and geodetic, hydrogeological, and seismological observations. The forecast of the development of a depression funnel in time and space should be carried out by analytical methods or modeling, taking into account changes in the conditions of the relationship of aquifers with each other and environmental components. It has been revealed that extending the further operation of the NPP is an expensive and unsafe process. It is not possible to upgrade old power units to modern ones in terms of safety in nuclear energy. The power units of the Zaporizhia NPP are not ready for further operation, therefore, it is necessary to start developing a project for decommissioning power units No. 1-4 of the NPP.The research results can be useful in predicting the possible development of karst-suffusion processes under the influence of intensive groundwater drainage, organizing monitoring of the possible development of these processes, including them in the integrated monitoring of this facility. It will make it possible to justify the scale and regime of rational water extraction, taking into account the requirements for environmental protection and the specifics of further operation of the NPP.

Analyses and algorithms of personnel safety in mines using event tree and Bayesian network method

Determination of the hazard index in ensuring the safety of personnel in underground mines requires a comprehensive approach. Different methods can be applied depending on the specifics and conditions of work. This article discusses event tree and Bayesian network methods as tools for systematic analysis and assessment of personnel safety risks. The event tree method allows the sequence of events that lead to certain outcomes to be ordered and visualised. Analysing this event tree can help identify critical points and determine likely ways to prevent accidents. The Bayesian grid method is a graphical model of the probabilistic relationships between different variables. When analysing personnel safety, the Bayesian grid method can take into account the probability of events, the factors affecting safety and their interrelationships.