Safe Services Research Articles

Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Occupational Diseases with Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms: Different Sector Applications

Abstract − The Occupational health and safety is a discipline that prevents work accidents and occupational diseases with a proactive method. For employee health, countries have legal responsibilities within the scope of international conventions, and employers have national responsibilities. It is obligatory for employers to carry out risk assessments, provide occupational safety trainings, carry out inspections, employ occupational safety specialists and workplace physicians, and record all work regard work safety. In countries, inspections are carried out with labor inspectors and private companies provide occupational safety services. However, it is difficult for the authorities to monitor occupational safety in large industrial facilities such as petrochemicals and refineries, where the flow of workers, materials and work equipment is too much and very fast. As workplace capacity, number of employees and material flow increase, the type and number of work accidents and occupational diseases also increase. Artificial intelligence technologies facilitate these follow-ups. The purpose of this article is to investigate the proactive prevention of the factors that cause work accidents and occupational diseases with supervised machine learning algorithms in different sectors. A literature search was conducted on sciencedirect, scopus, googlescholar databases. It has been examined what kind of algorithms are used in which sectors. According to the studies in the literature and applications in different sectors, the data collected with sensors and stored with cloud computing are fed to the relevant supervised machine learning algorithms that have been trained and tested before, and the factors that cause work accidents and occupational diseases are determined in advance. In addition to sound, image, health, location and environment data, physical parameters such as distance, level and pressure are monitored instantly with sensors. Managers are warned when a dangerous situation or behavior is detected in and threshold values are exceeded. In addition to employee and vehicle location tracking, predictive maintenance is provided by monitoring the performance of work and production vehicles. With the decrease in occupational accidents and diseases, occupational safety performance increases and costs decrease.

Contribution of water, sanitation, hygiene and basic education to reduce under-five mortality in Sudan

ABSTRACT Until 2015, the under-five mortality rate (U5MR) in Sudan was 65.9 per 1,000 livebirths, higher than the MDG4 target, and it has to be reduced by 5.04% per year from its 2020 level to achieve the SDG3.2 by 2030. This target cannot be achieved without improvements in access to safe drinking water (ASW), sanitation and hygiene (ISF) (WASH) and basic education. An estimated autoregressive distributed lag bounds test model confirms a long-run equilibrium relationship between U5MR, WASH, basic education, economic growth and health care. In the short run, U5MR decelerates itself with a coefficient of 0.56. Sanitation and basic education significantly reduce U5MR. Collectively, health care and economic growth affect U5MR adversely. In the long run, declines of U5MR are driven respectively by access to sanitation, hygiene and basic education (a factor of 1.79), economic growth (a factor of 0.21), and health care (a factor of 0.18). The study recommends promotion of access to safe drinking water with investments in sanitation and hygiene of 32 million $US annually between 2020 and 2030, in order to meet the SDG3.2 in Sudan. Skilled physicians and full vaccination of children can be more effective in reducing U5MR, dependent on progress in safe WASH.

Construction and Innovation of Management Mode of Laboratory in Regional and Local Universities

University laboratory is an important base for training students' innovative practice ability and teachers' scientific and technological innovation, and is an important part of university. Traditional laboratory management methods have been unable to adapt to modern practical teaching and scientific and technological innovation. Based on the comprehensive analysis of laboratory management in local colleges and universities and the actual situation of existing laboratories, a comprehensive laboratory management system was developed, which consisted of six functional modules: large-scale equipment sharing platform, instrument and equipment maintenance system, experimental consumables management system, laboratory and practice teaching integrated service platform and laboratory safety management and service platform. The system fully integrates and displays the laboratory teaching resources, realizes the open self-management mode, provides the convenience of experimental teaching, and effectively improves the efficiency and management level of the laboratory.

An efficient multi-objective UAV assisted RSU deployment (MOURD) scheme for VANET

A Roadside Unit (RSU) serves as essential infrastructure in Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) that supports the goals of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) by providing safety services, shared storage, and enhanced internet connectivity to vehicular users, drivers, and pedestrians. Additionally, the efficiency of VANETs, concerning network service utility and latency, depends on the relative positioning of these RSUs within the network topology. Most existing RSU deployment approaches deal with a single objective, either enhancing network service utility or minimizing the latency. For instance, some studies suggest deploying RSUs in high-traffic road segments that enhance network service utility but lead to higher latency. Conversely, some suggest deploying the RSUs in low-traffic road segments that minimize the network latency, but there will be low network service utility. Hence, there exists a trade-off between these two conflicting objectives in VANETs, and none of the studies address both objectives simultaneously. To achieve the balance between these two objectives, this paper proposes a Multi-Objective UAV assisted RSU Deployment (MOURD) scheme that leverages the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for VANET efficiency. The MOURD scheme statically places RSUs in high-traffic road segments and dynamically dispatches the UAVs in low-traffic road segments to facilitate seamless network coverage and minimize the overall network latency. The simulation results on the road network of Delhi, India, demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed MOURD scheme compared to other benchmark RSU & UAV deployment approaches. MOURD scheme outperforms on an average of 17.42%, 13.29%, 15.67% and 6.23% in terms of vehicle connection time, packet delivery ratio, throughput, and latency, respectively.

Work-related injuries and illnesses among kitchen workers at two major students’ hostels

BackgroundKitchen workers face a disproportionately high risk of injuries and illnesses. Yet, despite the ubiquity of kitchen-related injuries, there has been a relative lack of comprehensive research on this topic, particularly in developing countries. Ain Shams University, as a prestigious educational institution with its diverse kitchen staff, provides an ideal setting for studying the challenges faced in professional kitchens. This study aims to measure the prevalence of work-related injuries and illnesses among kitchen workers of two major students’ hostels at Ain Shams University in Cairo and to explore their risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical study involving kitchen staff from two hostels that house students at the university was carried out in 2021. The study involved all kitchen staff in the dorms for students (n = 128). Data was collected using a structured interview questionnaire.ResultsThe findings showed a significant prevalence of work-related illnesses (81.3%) and injuries (77.3%) among restaurant employees. Age, education, and job type all had a statistically significant relationship with the frequency of work-related injuries over the previous year. Additionally, there was a statistically significant relationship between age, job type, and the frequency of diseases among kitchen workers (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionCooks and other food service employees are more susceptible to occupational diseases and injuries in the workplace. Restaurants and the university hostel authorities should implement preventative measures and policies to lower the risk of harm among these employees by offering occupational health and safety services such as training and education programs, personal protective equipment, and regular health examinations.

Nature-Inspired Incorporation of Precipitants into High-Strength Bulk Aluminum Alloys Enables Life-Long Extraordinary Corrosion Resistance in Diverse Aqueous Environments.

The safe service and wide applications of lightweight high-strength aluminum alloys are seriously challenged by diverse environmental corrosion, since high strength and corrosion resistance are mutually exclusive for metals while surface protection cannot provide life-long corrosion resistance. Here, inspired by fish secreting slime from glands to resist external changes, a strategy of incorporating precipitants as the slime into bulk metals using the inner cavity of opened carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the glands is developed to enable high-strength aluminum alloys with life-long superior corrosion resistance. The resulting material has ultrahigh tensile strength (≈700MPa) and extraordinary corrosion resistance in acidic, neutral and alkaline media. Notably, it has the highest resistance to intergranular corrosion, exfoliation corrosion and stress-corrosion cracking, compared with all previously reported aluminum alloys, and its corrosion rate is even much lower than that of corrosion-resistant pure aluminum, which results from the pronounced surface enrichment of precipitants released (secreted) from exposed CNTs forming a protective surface film. Such high corrosion resistance is life-long and self-healing due to the on-demand minimal self-supply of the precipitants dispersed throughout the bulk material. This strategy can be readily expanded to other aluminum alloys, and could pave the way for developing corrosion-resistant high-strength metallic materials.

Accessibility and Utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health Services among People with Disabilities in Nepal

The study aims to assess the factors determining the access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among people with disabilities residing in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 422 people with disabilities in Kathmandu Valley. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Among a total of 422 participants, 32.7% had utilized SRH-related education, information, and counselling services. Contraceptive-related services were utilized by 47.6% of participants, pregnancy-related services by 27.7%, safe abortion-related services by 13.0%, and HIV testing and treatment services by 3.6%. Likewise, 16.8% of participants utilized STI screening, diagnosis, and management services. Males were 2.5 times more likely to utilize SRH services compared to females (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.4-4.2), whereas unmarried participants were less likely to utilize SRH services as compared to single/separated/divorced (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.0-0.5). Similarly, participants who were living with their families compared to those living alone (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.4-7.7), and participants who were unemployed compared to employed (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.0-3.5) had higher odds for utilization of SRH services. There are significant variations depending on the intersections of various characteristics affecting the utilization rate across different SRH services among people with disabilities. Contraceptive-related services were the most utilized service, whereas safe abortion, pregnancy related services, STI screening and management services and HIV testing and treatment services were less utilized services.

Is volumetric pricing for drinking water an effective revenue strategy in rural Mali?

Africa lags behind the world on operational and financial progress to maintain safe drinking water services. In rural Mali, we explore the implications of monthly flat fee contributions and volumetric (pay-as-you-fetch) payments for water use and revenue generation. By assessing 4413 months of data across 177 handpumps, we find that once payment modalities switch from volumetric payments to monthly flat fees, a waterpoint registers a more than three-times higher monthly revenue. While flat fees cover a higher share of the operational costs of providing reliable water services, a subsidy gap persists. Flat fees appear to stimulate daily water use which more than doubles compared to volumetric payments. We estimate that a 1 °C increase in average monthly temperature is associated with 180 more litres of water used every day per handpump, emphasising the importance of climate-resilient water supplies. Based on these insights, we discuss the role of professional service delivery models to support reliable drinking water services for rural communities.

DBTT and recrystallization behavior analyses for rolled and forged potassium-doped tungsten alloys

Tungsten-potassium (WK) alloys are regarded as one of the candidates for plasma-facing materials (PFMs) intended for the divertor and first wall of future fusion reactors. Determining the range of the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) and the recrystallization temperature (RCT) for the WK alloy is critical as it is closely related to the safe operational temperature window of the fusion reactor. Variable temperature tensile tests were conducted on rolled and high energy rate forging (HERF) WK alloy specimens to elucidate their DBTT. Additionally, gradient high-temperature isochronal annealing was performed on the HERF samples, coupled with Vickers hardness characterization, to ascertain their distinct RCT for various orientation planes within the same alloy. Subsequently, the DBTT of the as-rolled WK alloy is determined to be approximately between 100 °C and 150 °C, while that of the HERF WK alloy is found to be around lower than 200 °C. Furthermore, the RCT of the ND plane of the HERF WK alloy is approximately 1600 °C, whereas that of the RD counterpart exceeded 1700 °C. The internal mechanisms underlying these phenomena are comprehensively analyzed in this study. This work has identified the safe service temperature window for future fusion reactors with this kind of advanced WK alloy and provided a new perspective for determining the RCT of many other W-based materials.

Evaluating the safety and aesthetic of a city park (Case study: Saee Park in Tehran)

Proximity to green spaces, waterside, and various cultural or recreational objects increase the quality of life. Nevertheless, the neighborhood with the urban park also has adverse effects on the quality of life. The purpose of this research is to investigate the state of aesthetics and safety in urban parks. Aesthetic service is considered as cultural services and safety service is considered as regulatory services in the park. District 6 of Tehran was selected as a case study. The aesthetic model was used to evaluate the aesthetic quality of Saee Park and the Fuzzy DEMATEL model was used to evaluate the safety of the park. The results of the aesthetic quality assessment of this research indicate that due to the presence of Saee Park in the northeast of this region, the aesthetic quality of this region is maximum in this part and the aesthetic quality of the southwest part of this region is minimum. The results of the safety evaluation in the park also show that the guards are the most influential and the paths through the parks are the most affectability. The management of the park has the most interaction with other factors of the safety system in the park. Finally, it is concluded that the management of the park is suitable for maintaining the safety of the citizens, and in combination with other factors affecting the safety of the park, it can provide a safe environment for the citizens.

WITHDRAWN: Artificial-intelligent-powered safety and efficiency improvement for integrated railway systems

The multi-mode integrated railway system, anchored by the high-speed railway, caters to the diverse travel requirement both within and between cities, offering safe, comfortable, punctual, and eco-friendly transportation services. With the expansion of the railway networks, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the comprehensive system has become a cricual issue in the advanced development of railway transportation. In light of the prevailing application of artificial intelligence technologies within railway systems, this study leverages large model technology characterized by robust learning capabilities, efficient associative abilities, and linkage analysis analysis, to propose an AI-powered railway control and dispatching system. This system is elaborately designed with four core functions, including galobal optimum unattended dispatching, synergetic transportation in multiply modes, high-speed automatic control, and precise maintenance decision and execution. The deployment pathway and essential tasks of the system is further delineated, alongside the challenges and obstacles encountered. The AI-powered system promises a significant enhancement in the operational efficiency and safety of the composite railway system, ensuring a more effective alignment between transportation services and passenger demands.

Hygiene Practices and Factors Associated With Hygiene Practice Among Meat Handlers at Butcher Houses and Restaurants in Gambela Town, Southwest Ethiopia

Meat contamination during slaughter and sale affects 600 million people globally annually, leading to diseases and 420,000 deaths. However, evidence on hygienic practices in low-income countries, particularly in Ethiopia, limits the extent of this problem, highlighting the need for research on hygienic practices. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of meat hygiene practices and factors associated with poor practices among food handlers in Gambela town, Ethiopia. The study was an institution-based, cross-sectional study among food handlers. A total of 422 participants were chosen at random using systematic sampling. Data were collected using structured questions through interviews and observations. The study analyzed the prevalence of good hygiene practices and factors associated with meat hygiene practices using binary logistic regression. Statistical significance was determined using adjusted odds ratios, 95% confidence interval, and p-value of .05, and the model was checked using Hosmer and Lemeshow tests. The study result shows that good hygiene practices were only 40.6% (36.0–45.6) among meat handlers at butcher houses and restaurants in Gambela town. Low hygiene practices were significantly associated with the education level of food handlers (AOR: 2.5, 95%CI [1.17–5.41]) and meat hygiene training (AOR: 5.1, 95%CI [2.55–10.23]). Therefore, intensive food safety training for the workers, engaging educated professionals in food safety services, and mitigating the health risks and consequences of contamination demand intervention in the setting.

USERS’ SATISFACTION WITH INTERCITY BUS TERMINAL QUALITY IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Globally, efficient intercity public transport relies on well-designed and high-quality terminal facilities and services to enhance accessibility, mobility, and safety for passengers and freight. Despite governmental efforts, bus terminals in Nigerian urban areas are becoming hotspots for unregulated activities and traffic chaos. In response, this study investigates users’ satisfaction with Lagos State's intercity bus terminal quality, analysing socio-economic profiles, satisfaction levels with quality of terminal facilities (QoTF) and services (QoTS), and challenges impacting terminal operations. Using a cross-sectional survey, 200 questionnaires were distributed to terminal users, employing a multistage sampling technique. Descriptive (weighted mean analysis) and inferential (multiple linear regression [MLR] analysis) statistics were employed for data analysis. Results indicate that the majority of respondents are male, aged below 40, and permanent terminal users. Satisfaction is noted with 13 out of 24 parameters of QoTF, with top-ranking parameters including parking space, restaurant facilities, and waste disposal facilities. However, dissatisfaction is expressed with 8 out of 14 parameters of QoTS. Least-satisfied QoTS parameters include staff attitudes, passenger safety, and bus service reliability. Top-rated challenges affecting terminal operations are security concerns, sanitation facility deficiencies and insufficient passenger amenities. MLR analysis indicates a significant influence of terminal facilities on overall service satisfaction (F= 2.899, p= 0.000 <0.05). In conclusion, enhancing both terminal facilities and services is crucial for efficient operations in Lagos State's bus terminals. Recommendations include improving security measures, sanitary infrastructure and staff training to address user concerns and enhance satisfaction.

AHP와 IPA 기법을 활용한 서비스 표준화 전략에 관한 연구

The service industry is undergoing changes such as digital transformation, and it is expected that the number of employees in all types of service industries will increase in the future. Therefore, service certification and standardization is essential to secure the competitiveness of the domestic service industry along with the leap to high-value-added industries. Existing research has focused on certification and standardization strategies to revitalize specific service sectors, but there is a lack of research on the service industry as a whole. Therefore, this study aims to develop the importance and priority of domestic service standardization strategies using AHP and IPA analysis to secure the competitiveness of the domestic service industry. Prior to the analysis, we first reviewed service standards, the current status of the domestic service industry, the current status of domestic service standards, and the current status of international service standards. Through the literature study, three large categories (pure service standards, service delivery infrastructure standardization, and service-applicable management service standardization) and eight medium categories (logistics and distribution, finance, safety, basic IT, education, telecommunications, tourism, and environment) were identified for AHP analysis. The analysis result of the 100 core service standards strategy showed that the development of standards in the fields of ‘social safety services’ and ‘promising services’ was evaluated as a high priority. The AHP analysis shows that ‘safety’ is the most important and urgent among ‘service delivery infrastructure standardization’, reflecting that safety is a top consideration in the service industry, suggesting that safety-related standards should be given top priority when establishing service standardization strategies. This study is expected to be used as a basis for the development of the domestic service industry and the development of certification by suggesting priorities for policies that reflect the problems of the domestic service industry, changes in the service industry, and prospects for the service industry, and to derive service strategies.

A Water Environment-Based Simulated Method for Ultrasonic Testing of Slag Inclusion Weld Defects Based on Improved VMD.

The identification of slag inclusion defects in welds is of the utmost importance in guaranteeing the integrity, safety, and prolonged service life of welded structures. Most research focuses on different kinds of weld defects, but branch research on categories of slag inclusion material is limited and critical for safeguarding the quality of engineering and the well-being of personnel. To address this issue, we design a simulated method using ultrasonic testing to identify the inclusion of material categories in austenitic stainless steel. It is based on a simulated experiment in a water environment, and six categories of cubic specimens, including four metallic and two non-metallic materials, are selected to simulate the slag materials of the inclusion defects. Variational mode decomposition optimized by particle swarm optimization is employed for ultrasonic signals denoising. Moreover, the phase spectrum of the denoised signal is utilized to extract the phase characteristic of the echo signal from the water-slag specimen interface. The experimental results show that our method has the characteristics of appropriate decomposition and good denoising performance. Compared with famous signal denoising algorithms, the proposed method extracted the lowest number of intrinsic mode functions from the echo signal with the highest signal-to-noise ratio and lowest normalized cross-correlation among all of the comparative algorithms in signal denoising of weld slag inclusion defects. Finally, the phase spectrum can ascertain whether the slag inclusion is a thicker or thinner medium compared with the weld base material based on the half-wave loss existing or not in the echo signal phase.

Trends in Second‐Trimester Safe Abortion Service Utilization During the Two Phases of COVID‐19 Pandemic in an Ethiopian Setting: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACTBackgroundProviding abortion services during pandemics without interruption is essential. The objective of the study was to compare the utilization of second‐trimester safe abortion care services between early pandemic and peak pandemic months.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective comparative study of second‐trimester safe abortion service provision during the peak of COVID‐19 pandemic in Ethiopia (April 2021) versus during that of early pandemic (April 2020). Data were collected using data extraction form from MICHU clinic HMIS registry. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi‐squared test and simple descriptive statistics were applied as appropriate. A p‐value of less than 0.05 was used to describe the significance of the results.ResultsThere were significantly more second‐trimester abortions performed during the peak pandemic month as compared to early pandemic month (32.6% vs. 67.4%, respectively). Nearly half of the abortions were done for maternal health problems (47.8%, 44/92), and of which over 80% of them used medical methods for abortion (83.7%, 77/92). There was only one case of dilation and evacuation (D&E) during the early pandemic, compared to 14 D&E procedures during the pandemic peak.ConclusionWe found a significant increment in the second‐trimester abortion service coverage during the peak of COVID‐19 pandemic. The measures we took during the early pandemic: increasing public awareness about continuation of abortion care services during the pandemic, change in the attitude of care‐providers, and early sticking to national guidelines on essential care during COVID‐19 should be passed on as important lessons for future pandemics.

The Roles of NGOs in Skill Development of The Street Food Vendors for Hygienic Food Preparation and Serving in Bangladesh

This paper tried to explore the roles of non-government organizations in developing the skills of street food microentrepreneurs in health and safe food preparation and servicing in the western part of Bangladesh. The study utilized a qualitative approach, using a purposive sampling method to select respondents for in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The street food vendors and stakeholders were selected from the project team, and the research tools included in-depth interviews with 20 vendors, interviews with 8 key stakeholders, and two focus group discussions with customers and entrepreneurs. The researcher discovered that NGO plays a critical role in skill development for street food vendors in Bangladesh. Prior to the project, vendors were unfamiliar with safety, hygiene, cleanliness, and sustainable promotion. The project improved their skills in safety and security, market promotion, hygiene maintenance, cleanliness, and sustainable development by implementing various activities like training, meetings, workshops, food festivals and fairs, market linkage, stakeholder involvement, online and offline market promotion, and so on. The project also increased restaurant customers and market creation. However, the study found that food safety NGO workers and street food programs have collaborated to raise awareness about food safety, health, hygiene, and environmental issues. These initiatives have improved health and lifestyles, improved food quality, increased client numbers, and increased business profits. The stakeholders gathering in Bogura and Rajshahi focused on promoting product certification, with some microenterprises pursuing it. Microenterprises received work-based training on food safety and hygiene, leading to advancements in food packaging, safe raw materials, cleanliness, and hygiene practices. Product certification training increased stakeholders’ understanding of the importance of certification, and some MEs are now following it. The NGO organized a fair to highlight reputable food businesses and raise awareness of environmental sustainability, hygiene, and food safety. The entrepreneurs know how to prepare healthy dishes, increasing sales and revenue. This awareness have been raised due to the NGO’s interventions implemented for street food vendors in the study area.

Impact of Auxiliary Markings on Intersection Safety

The rapid growth of motorcycle vehicles coupled with inadequate traffic discipline contributes to an escalating rate of traffic accidents and casualties. This study investigates the efficacy of auxiliary road markings in enhancing traffic safety and intersection performance along Lieutenant Sutopo Street, Promoter Street, and Boulevard BSD East in South Tangerang, Indonesia. Employing the Traffic Conflict Technique (TCT), the research evaluates safety enhancements and service level alterations subsequent to the installation of road markings. Preliminary observations highlight significant safety concerns and traffic conflicts at the intersection. Consequently, auxiliary road markings are strategically installed to regulate driver behavior, enhance lane discipline, and improve visibility. Post-installation observations revealed a significant decrease in total vehicle conflicts, though the percentage of severe conflicts slightly increased. Initially rated as Level of Service (LOS) F with high delays, the LOS remained the same post-marking installation but with reduced delays. Further cycle time adjustments improved the LOS to E, indicating a substantial overall reduction in delays. The findings suggest that although auxiliary road markings effectively reduce traffic conflicts and improve intersection performance, additional measures are necessary to address the severity of these conflicts. The study offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of road safety interventions, supporting broader strategies for improving traffic management and safety in urban areas.

Navigating latency hurdles: an in-depth examination of a cloud-powered GNSS real-time positioning application on mobile devices

A growing dependence on real-time positioning apps for navigation, safety, and location-based services necessitates a deep understanding of latency challenges within cloud-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) solutions. This study analyses a GNSS real-time positioning app on smartphones that utilizes cloud computing for positioning data delivery. The study investigates and quantifies diverse latency contributors throughout the system architecture, including GNSS signal acquisition, data transmission, cloud processing, and result dissemination. Controlled experiments and real-world scenarios are employed to assess the influence of network conditions, device capabilities, and cloud server load on overall positioning latency. Findings highlight system bottlenecks and their relative contributions to latency. Additionally, practical recommendations are presented for developers and cloud service providers to mitigate these challenges and guarantee an optimal user experience for real-time positioning applications. This study not only elucidates the complex interplay of factors affecting GNSS app latency, but also paves the way for future advancements in cloud-based positioning solutions, ensuring the accuracy and timeliness critical for safety–critical and emerging applications.

SDG 6 progress analyses in sub-Saharan Africa from 2015–2020: the need for urgent action

This study used data from various international databases to track the progress of SDG 6 target indicators in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region between 2015 and 2020. Findings showed that although minimal positive progress was realized in the evaluation period, more than half of SSA residents had no access to safe drinking water services, improved sanitation facilities, hygiene services and safe wastewater treatment. The computed SDG 6 profile index conformed with the trend of indicators as progress of the region to the goal’s realization was rated as medium–low. The trend was further compounded by limited data, preferential access to water and sanitation services to the urban rich and poor monitoring of progress. The analysis also noted that despite these challenges the region was putting concerted efforts to promote transboundary cooperation in water management and had 6% of water stressed resources. The study recommended on the need to revamp water data collection and monitoring efforts to enable decision-making and planning on management actions, use of technology to treat and reuse wastewater as well as device new sources of water, enhanced participation of communities in water projects and improved water use efficiency to steer progress towards SDG 6 realization in SSA region.