Safety Goals Research Articles

Simulation for Systems Integration: A Win-Win to Achieve Your Education, Quality, and Safety Goals.

Health care education is a cornerstone of clinical excellence, ensuring the highest level of readiness to achieve high-quality and safe care. Integrating simulation into health care systems can provide a modality to address educational, quality, and safety goals. Simulation is a methodology used to immerse individuals, teams, and medical systems into clinical scenarios or environments. Through facilitation and debriefing, the immersive experience can be used to provide vital education, develop optimal health care practices, and identify prospects for improvement. Simulation provides an opportunity to blend the needs of continuing multiprofessional education while addressing quality and safety goals, and ultimately, promoting a positive safety culture. Applied comprehensively, simulation for systems integration can both promote the transformation of the health care system into a learning organization, as well as translate to improved health care outcomes. [Pediatr Ann. 2024;53(11):e408-e413.].

Technology Focus: Drilling and Completion Fluids (November 2024)

This year’s primary selections for the Drilling and Completion Fluids Technology Focus reflect now-well-established industrywide emphases on machine learning (ML), automation, and the achievement of successful drilling of CO2 storage wells. Enhanced methods of modeling and monitoring allow time and cost savings while surpassing safety goals and furthering efforts to optimize CO2 storage. Paper OTC 35433 discusses a study centered on accurate gel-strength estimation. The authors leverage ML techniques, particularly the use of artificial neural networks, to develop predictive models for forecasting the gel strength of synthetic oil-based mud systems at both 10-second and 10-minute intervals, surpassing the precision and speed of techniques based on traditional rotational viscometers. In a similar vein, paper SPE 216322 seeks to bypass traditional manual methods of monitoring drilling fluids, its authors describing a novel online system that measures 10 key parameters continuously. They write that the system has been field-trialed across 200 wells with results that highlight the system’s reliability, with continuous operation for over 125 days. Finally, paper SPE 217711 involves evaluating the effects of an influx of CO2 into drilling fluids, a key task in the drilling of CO2 storage wells. Concentrating on oil-based drilling fluid, the presented study describes the development and integration of models for properties of drilling-fluid/CO2 mixtures into an existing software suite. Recommended-reading papers include an investigation of the use of microwave power in recovering oil from contaminated drill cuttings, reduction of the carbon footprint of drilling fluids, and sedimentation behavior of particles in fibrous sweep fluids. As always, the long-sighted ambition of such research, and the skill applied in its pursuit, reflects the commitment to excellence embodied by the authors of technical papers presented at SPE conferences. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 217140 Microwave-Assisted Technique for Oil Recovery From Oily Sludge Shale Drilled Cuttings by A. Agi, Universiti Malaysia Pahang, et al. OTC 34667 Successful Decarbonization of Drilling Fluids by Using Highly Efficient Technology and Reduced Chemical Usage, Logistics, and Casing Sections by Gerardo Jardinez, Pemex, et al. SPE 218631 Application of Machine-Learning Method for Modeling Settling Behavior of a Spherical Particle in Fibrous Drilling Fluids by R.M. Elgaddafi, Australian University, et al.

IoT based smart emergency response system (SERS) for monitoring vehicle, home and health status

This paper presents an innovative Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart emergency response system that aims to improve safety and efficiency across vehicles, homes and healthcare settings. The proposed system combines advanced sensors, communication technologies, and intelligent algorithms to provide a comprehensive solution for real-time data monitoring and emergency management. Here, the vehicle device is equipped with temperature, gas, flame, GPS, piezo, and accelerometer sensor and the system can detect accidents, hazardous conditions, precise location automatically notifying emergency services. The home devices incorporate Flame Sensor, humidity sensor, DHT11, MQ-2 gas sensor, MQ-4 Gas Sensor, MQ-135 gas sensor, and intrusion detection to ensure immediate alerts and response to potential security threats. Lastly the health device is equipped with temperature, humidity, stress levels, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and fetal heart rate sensor which can monitor vital signs and detect anomalies, triggering alerts for medical emergencies and facilitating timely intervention. The novelty of the proposed study is it incorporates the three devices, processes the data and automatically notifies the emergency responders for further emergency assistance. Moreover, the system utilizes a cloud-based platform to collect, analyze, and disseminate data, enabling seamless coordination between emergency responders such as ambulance for health and accident emergency, fire brigade for fire emergency and affected individuals. We have also developed a MySQL-PHP-Laravel based live dashboard and emergency response system where both the user and relevant stakeholder will have the access which could mitigate the emergency situation in the quickest amount of time without human intervention. The findings of our study reveals that incorporation of IoT and smart infrastructure offers significant improvement of server response time 3 ms, accuracy > 99% and overall effectiveness of emergency management. This integrated approach not only enhances individual safety but also contributes to broader public safety goals, showcasing the potential of IoT technologies in creating smarter, safer environments.

Relationship network of safety management elements in the construction industry under the perspective of resilience

PurposeConstruction safety resilience is gradually gaining attention in the field of engineering construction as a new management concept and way to improve safety performance. However, how to cope with the dilemma of the unclear relationship of construction safety resilience elements at the practice level and promote the harmonization of construction safety goals and resilience enhancement paths has become an urgent challenge for safe construction.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes the components of construction safety resilience elements. A relationship network model of construction safety resilience elements is developed by using the social network analysis method. The location and influence of each element in the network and the interrelationships among the elements are explored in depth.FindingsThe findings reveal a robust interconnection among the elements of safety resilience in the construction industry. Key components such as safety behavior, risk prevention and control mechanisms, disaster prevention and mitigation technologies as well as information technology, are positioned at the core of the network. Notably, safety behavior exerts the most significant influence over the other elements, serving as the linchpin of safety management in the construction industry. Moreover, the interplay among safety resilience elements in the construction sector can alter the structure of the relationship network.Originality/valueThis study adopts the social network approach to solve the problem that it is difficult to quantitatively analyze the elements of construction safety resilience and their interrelationships and to clarify the interactions among the core elements, which can help to further assist the construction project manager to continuously optimize safety resilience and improve construction safety.

A qualitative study of patient competence for patient engagement in their safety——from the perspective of nurses and patients

ObjectivesTo describe the essential competencies required for patient engagement in their own safety.MethodWe adopted a phenomenological approach in qualitative research to conduct semi-structured interviews with nurses (n = 14) and adult patients (n = 13) from different departments. By deeply exploring their experiences and feelings about patient engagement in patient safety, we sought to understand their views on the qualities that patients need to possess in order to participate in their own safety.ResultsFrom the interviews, we identified six major themes, including competence of information sharing, competence of taking patient engagement as responsibility and right, competence of making equal communication, competence of maintaining trust relationship with health personnels, competence of accepting non-punitive safety culture, need of resource support, five of them showed essential competences for patients and one of them showed patients’ need for promoting their engagement.ConclusionThe findings of this study show necessary competence and needs in patient engagement process of patient, offer a foundational reference for constructing a measurement tool for patient engagement in patient safety competence in the future, so that medical staff and patients can provide reference for the future targeted construction of patient competence improvement programs. At the same time, improving patient competence and engagement to better achieve safety goals requires the joint efforts of patients, medical staff, medical institutions, the government, and society.

Real-World Application of Evolocumab Among Patients with Hyperlipidemia in Korea: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major residual risk factor among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In the absence of sufficient real-world evidence, this observational (noninterventional) study investigated the effectiveness and safety of evolocumab in patients with hyperlipidemia treated with evolocumab for ACS in a real-world clinical setting in Korea. Between January 2022 and February 2023, patients from 10hospitals in Korea who initiated evolocumab within 24weeks of an ACS event were enrolled. Data collected at visit1 (evolocumab initiation) included patients' characteristics, comorbidities, and lipid-lowering therapies. LDL-C reduction from visit1 (week0) to visit2 (week8) was assessed. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved LDL-C < 1.4mmol/L (55mg/dL) at follow-up; the secondary outcome was the proportion who achieved LDL-C < 1.8mmol/L (70mg/dL) at follow-up. In this study, 89 out of 142 enrolled patients were included in the effectiveness analysis. The mean (SD) age of the included patients was 59.3 (12.3) years, with the majority being male (87.6%). Sixty-one patients received statin-ezetimibe combination therapy (68.5%). The median [Q1, Q3] LDL-C level at the start of the study was 2.5 [2.0, 3.0] mmol/L (98 [77, 115] mg/dL), which decreased to 1.3 [0.7, 1.7] mmol/L (49 [29, 67] mg/dL) after 8weeks of evolocumab treatment, resulting in an mean (SD) 50.9 (28.6) % reduction and 1.4 (1.0) mmol/L (55.1 (37.9) mg/dL) absolute reduction. At follow-up, 55.1% and 78.7% of patients achieved LDL-C goals of < 1.4mmol/L (55mg/dL) and < 1.8mmol/L (70mg/dL), respectively. No adverse or serious adverse drug reactions were reported. Evolocumab treatment was associated with significant LDL-C lowering and favorable safety and guideline-recommended LDL-C goal achievement rates among patients with ACS in the real-world clinical practice setting in South Korea.

Frontiers of Artificial Intelligence in Agricultural Sector: Trends and Transformations

Artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture is transforming the sector by improving resources efficiency, sustainability and productivity. Our study examined a number of AI-related applications such as pest control, crop monitoring, precision farming and soil health evaluation. AI powered devices enables automated fertilization, harvesting and irrigation, and therefore, cutting down the labor expenses and resource waste. Predictive analytics in AI helps with crop yield and weather forecasts which ultimately improves the planning and risk management. The paper also discusses the challenges and limitations of AI adoption in agriculture, such as the need for reliable data, technical expertise and infrastructure investment. Ultimately, the findings highlights the AI can have positive transformative potential in creating resilient agricultural practices that can meet the demands of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. However, one of the biggest uses of AI is precision farming, which uses the technology to optimize inputs like water, fertilizer and pesticides by adjusting them to the unique requirements of the crop and the field. AI techniques also make it possible to detect the pests and diseases through picture recognition and predictive analytics, which ultimately minimizes the crop loss and allows for prompt interventions. Widespread use may be hampered by issues with data quality, model interpretability, expensive prices and system integration. Furthermore, issues with labor impact, regulatory frameworks and scalability complicate its adoption. In order to fully utilize AI in agriculture, researchers, farmers and policymakers must work together to overcome these challenges and develop workable and accessible solutions that are suited to a variety of agricultural environments. Present review also highlighted how AI involvement has the ability to revolutionize agricultural sector by developing resilient methods that can both minimize environmental effects and meet the needs of an expanding global population. The agriculture industry can set the path for a sustainable future by adopting AI advances and guaranteeing the environmental stewardship and goals of food safety and security.

Green and sustainable technologies for extraction of carotenoids from natural sources: a comprehensive review.

In recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for natural and healthy convenient foods, the food industry has been shifting from synthetic to natural products. This shift is also reflected in the growing popularity of non-conventional extraction methods for pigments, which are favored for sustainability and environment-friendliness compared to conventional processes. This review aims to investigate the extraction of carotenoids from a variety of natural sources, including marine sources like fungus, microalgae, and crustaceans, as well as widely studied plants like tomatoes and carrots. Additionally, it delves into the recovery of valuable carotenoids from waste products like pomace and peels, highlighting the nutritional and environmental benefits. The review also emphasizes the role of green solvents such limonene, vegetable oils, ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and natural deep eutectic solvents in effective and ecologically friendly carotenoid extraction. These technologies support the ideas of a circular and sustainable economy in addition to having a smaller negative impact on the environment. Overall, the present study highlights the crucial importance of green extraction technologies in achieving the dual goals of sustainability and public safety.

Study on dynamic post-buckling stability of fast reactor vessels subjected to vertical vibration

Abstract As a lesson learned from the Fukushima nuclear accident, the importance of accident mitigation for Beyond Design Basis Events (BDBEs) is recognized. Excessive earthquake is a typical BDBE. During such events, the Fast Reactor Vessel (FRV) is vulnerable to buckling. The safety goal of FRV under excessive earthquake is to achieve a stable post-buckling state. Our previous study on bending buckling confirmed a global response stability under horizontal vibration. As a parallel study, this paper focuses on axial compression buckling under vertical vibration. Shaking table experiments using thin-walled cylindrical models (R/t=260) are carried out. Similar methodology is applied to investigate the buckling and post-buckling behavior. It is found that axial compression buckling shares an extensive similarity with bending buckling in both buckling mode and post-buckling behavior. Similar global response stability is confirmed due to phase-inverse phenomenon. After buckling, buckling failure becomes stable and does not progress further even when an intense input amplitude is continuously applied. The vibrational load acts as a displacement-controlled load in the out-of-phase domain such that immediate collapse is prevented. Most input energy is dissipated in hysteresis loops rather than being carried by the mass. These mechanisms are independent of input waveform and can be applied to an arbitrary seismic input. In addition, a conservative limit displacement for global response stability is identified. Moreover, the effect of the input frequency ratio, the initial geometrical imperfection and the gravitational force on the post-buckling behavior are clarified.

Brucellosis Seroprevalence in Cattle in China During 2014–2024: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Brucellosis, caused by several species of Brucella, continues to be a significant illness that poses a global threat to public health. China remains a persistent hotspot for brucellosis, despite the implementation of extensive control measures. This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in different breeds and regions of China from 2014-2024, and to provide predictions on the future prevalence patterns of brucellosis in cattle and humans. The analysis comprised a total of 80 research studies, which consisted of 187 datasets and a combined sample size of 3,130,706. We estimated the overall pooled seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis in China to be 1.5% (95% CI: 0.6-2.6%). Subgroup analysis revealed that the seroprevalence in dairy cattle was 3.1%, surpassing the seroprevalence in beef cattle (1.3%) and yak (1.5%). Regions that had authorized vaccination programs exhibited higher seroprevalence (1.8%) compared to regions that did not have vaccination (0.5%). Notably, the study observed a simultaneous rise in both the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle and the number of human brucellosis cases. This suggests that high-quality routine surveillance of brucellosis in cattle will be essential for predicting and responding to cases in humans. Additionally, given the existing prevention and control measures, brucellosis will likely continue to be prevalent in both cattle and people. This systematic review will assist policymakers in adjusting animal surveillance and interregional livestock movement policies, ultimately contributing to the public safety goal of preventing brucellosis in humans by controlling it in animals.

From data silos to seamless integration and coordination: a data-asset centric approach to smart hospital facility management

PurposeExisting hospital building operations involve numerous information technology applications and complex building systems; therefore, an intelligent facility management (FM) platform is required to ensure their continuous operation. To address the persistent issues of data silos, inefficient data interoperability, and workflow incoordination that have been identified in the current body of FM practice and literature, the present study develops a data-asset (DA) centric FM platform specifically designed for hospital buildings.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a semi-customized approach to develop the DA-centric FM platform for hospital buildings. To elucidate the precise function requirements of the hospital FM platform, focus group interviews are employed. By seamlessly integrating the as-built BIM model, IoT sensor data and FM workflow data, the BIM-based DA model with a data transfer mechanism is developed. The development of the FM platform with function modules in a case study is guided by a five-tier architecture and the coordination theory (CT). The case study provides an in-depth introduction to the applications of DA management, space management and maintenance management modules.FindingsThe capabilities of the developed DA-centric hospital FM platform are validated through the case application and user satisfaction survey, which assess data quality, automation level, operation efficiency, flexibility and functionality. For hospital FM activities, this DA-centric FM platform realizes data integration and seamless transformation, optimizes workflow coordination and enhances operation performance.Originality/valueThe initial scholarly contribution is the establishment of the BIM-based DA model, which serves as the data middle platform for continuous data integration, transmission and sharing within the FM platform. Subsequently, under the guidance of the CT, the business process of function modules is designed, improving the intra-module and inter-module workflow coordination. The developed DA-centric FM system along with its performance benchmarking application, assists facility managers and decision-makers in implementing smart operations for hospital buildings and achieving the management goals of safety, efficiency, energy savings and convenience.

Critical Value Reporting Performance Improvement Initiative: A Journey Towards Timely Patient Safety

Abstract Timely reporting of critical values serves as a quality indicator for the National Patient Safety Goal. Since the oncology inpatient unit at our institution has the highest number of critical values and often struggles to meet the targeted goal of timely results acknowledgement, this prompted a performance improvement initiative. By utilizing the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement, the study aimed to decrease the time from specimen collection to acknowledgment of a complete blood count critical values (overall TAT). Three key metrics were monitored, including unit turnaround time (time from collection to receipt in laboratory; uTAT), laboratory turnaround time (time from receipt in laboratory to verified results) and timely critical value acknowledgment rate (% acknowledgement within 30 minutes). Quality improvement tools such as process maps and fishbone diagrams were employed, and two areas for improvement were identified. Firstly, it was observed that samples collected by the phlebotomists were delivered in batch to the laboratory via carts. However, samples collected by nurses were sent to the laboratory via a pneumatic tube. Hence, the uTAT varied drastically due to the different delivery methods. Secondly, the mode of alerting providers regarding critical values, which was via telephone calls from telecommunication staff, was deemed disruptive and redundant, as the providers often were already aware of the results from the electronic medical record (EPIC). Two multi-cycle Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) interventions were implemented by a multidisciplinary team. The first focused on sending samples via pneumatic tube. The second PDSA intervention focused on a direct clinician acknowledgment of critical values within EPIC, by creating an auxiliary column on the EPIC patient list. Consequently, the overall TAT decreased from a median time of 167 minutes in July 2021 to 140 minutes by March 2022 in the oncology inpatient unit, with a sustained result (139 minutes) by October 2023. This reduction was driven by the standardization of pneumatic tube delivery system; the uTAT decreased from a median time of 104 minutes to 46 minutes by March 2022 and remained low at 52 minutes by January 2024. Notably, the rate of timely acknowledgment of critical value results worsened, dropping from 67% to as low as 51 % (March 2022) and improved to 64% by January 2024. It was realized that this unintended consequence was attributed to the decrease in uTAT, leading to more critical value results reported in early morning when there was less staffing. Despite the worsening in timely critical value acknowledgment, the overall TAT showed a discernible reduction. The application of IHI methodology played a pivotal role in expediting result reporting. Subsequent steps will focus on utilizing secure communication channels to augment the success rate of critical values acknowledgment within 30 minutes.

ELSMOR - towards European Licensing of Small Modular Reactors:Methodology recommendations for light-water small modular reactors safety assessment.

Decarbonization of energy production is key in today's societies and nuclear energy holds an essential place in this prospect. Besides heavy-duty electricity production, other industrial and communal needs could be served by integrating novel nuclear energy production systems, among which are low-power nuclear devices, like small modular reactors (SMRs). The ELSMOR (towards European Licensing of Small Modular Reactors) European project addresses this topic as an answer to the Horizon 2020 Euratom NFRP-2018-3 call. The consortium includes 15 partners from eight European countries, involving research institutes, major European nuclear companies and technical support organizations. The 3.5-year project, launched in September 2019, investigates selected safety features of light-water (LW) SMRs with focus on licensing aspects. Providing a comprehensive compliance framework that regulators can adopt and operate, the licensing process of such SMRs could be optimized, helping their deployment. In this prospect, as a result of ELSMOR's work, this article gives an overview of the specific issues that LW-SMRs may bring about in the different domains of nuclear safety, in terms of: •Methodological standpoints: safety goals, safety requirements, safety principles (defence-in-depth implementation);•Main safety functions of reactivity control, decay heat removal and confinement management;•Severe accident management;•Other safety issues particular to SMRs: use of shared systems; performing of multi-unit probabilistic safety assessment (PSA); spent fuel management, transport and disposal management. In this article, adequate methodologies are developed to deal with these issues and to help assess the safety of LW-SMRs. This work gives a precious synthesis of the safety assessment issues of LW-SMRs and of the associated methodologies developed in the context of the ELSMOR European project.

Study on fuel management strategy for accident-tolerant fuel on in-pile irradiation test

Within the context of the long-term development plan of batch loading of accident-tolerant fuel assemblies, an equivalent physical model of lead test assemblies is established based on the requirements of radiation testing and the applicability of analysis software. The quantitative assessment has been conducted on the impacts of parameters including zirconium alloy cladding coating and pellet additives on reactivity of fuel assembly. Concurrently, the fuel management strategy is optimized in alignment with the irradiation test objectives of ATF assemblies, leading to the creation of an evaluation process tailored for ATF assembly loading pattern. Focusing on the irradiation of the lead test assemblies into a nuclear power plant in China, three-cycle nuclear reactor loading pattern are designed, which are taking into account the economic, safety, and irradiation testing goals of the nuclear power plant. Simultaneously, the neutronic characteristics are also evaluated, quantitatively. The results show that the established equivalent physical model can effectively represent the characteristics of the lead test assemblies. The loading patterns designed based on the Optimised fuel management strategy achieve the desired goals in terms of economy, safety and radiation test requirements. The designed loading pattern evaluation process and equivalent model analysis method in this work provide guidance for the subsequent engineering design and application of irradiation testing for lead test assemblies.

Enhancing catalytic oxidation of benzene with Cu-Doped MnO2: Insights into structural defects and electronic modifications

The present research focuses on the role of copper (Cu) doping in enhancing the catalytic efficacy of manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) for benzene oxidation, a representative volatile organic compound (VOC). Despite the abundance and low cost of MnO2, its pristine form requires improvement for industrial VOC oxidation processes. Utilizing a range of characterization methods, the study reveals that Cu doping generates oxygen vacancies and increases the Mn3+ content within the catalyst structure, which are crucial for enhancing the adsorption and activation of reactants. The findings indicate that Cu-doped α-MnO2 exhibits superior catalytic activity and lower activation energy for benzene oxidation compared to the undoped counterpart. The electronic interactions induced by the doping of Cu and the effect on the catalytic process are demonstrated and discussed in depth. This work emphasizes the strategic importance of dopant optimization and contributes to the advancement of MnO2-based catalysts for environmental remediation, aligning with goals of environmental protection and human health safety.

A-186 Patient Safety Rite in Diagnostic Services

Abstract Background Safety rites are well defined in hospitals, but still incipient in diagnostic services. They aim to identify near misses early, promote discussions and improvements with teams related to adverse incidents. This study presents the implementation of the Safety Rite in a large diagnostic service in Brazil, with its challenges and results. Methods Gemba Walk (GW), a practice of the Lean philosophy of checking operation processes, encouraging and collaborating between teams, in addition to identifying opportunities for improvement and enabling immediate decision-making. The laboratory created its own methodology called GW-MDU, which consists of a daily checklist of questions related to processes, efficiency and results. The GW begins with a visit by the leadership, or designated person, to all sectors, answering the checklist and evaluating the need for immediate actions and action plans, with registration in an application (APP). In January 2024, the Patient Quality and Safety System (SGQSP) included questions related to the WHO (World Health Organization) safety goals in the GW: 1. Did patient identification occur without complications/identification failures at all stages of the process? 2. Was there contrast extravasation? 3. Was there allergic reactions? 4. Was there an incorrect or change administration of medication or vaccine? 5. After the end of sedation(anestesia), was there a need to extend the recovery time? 6. Was there a patient fall? 7. Was there a puncture that resulted in a hematoma? 7. Was there an adverse event that required medical action? Every “No” answer to question 1 and “Yes” to questions 2 to 7, the leader must guarantee registration of the QMS, root cause analysis and action plan. After the GW, leadership conducts the Obeya Rite daily, including the Safety Rite, with analysis of the indicators and findings identified during the round.The Safety Rite methodology was tested in a Laboratory Unit where radiology and imaging diagnostic tests, hormonal tests and sample collection for clinical analysis are carried out. After the test, interviews were realized with the leaders to evaluate the application of the Rite. Improvements were implemented and later rolled out to the other Units. Results The Patient Safety Rite was implemented in 646 Laboratory Units, representing 35 brands of the laboratory group. From 12/20/23 to 02/15/24, 18,614 GW were carried out, of this total, for question 1, 82.7% answered “Yes”, 9% answered “No” and 8.3% answered No Applicable. For answers 2 to 7, 1.5% answered “Yes”, 48.2% answered “No” and 50.3% answered Not Applicable. A total of 40.264 incidents were opened in the QMS, 6.4% of which were related to Rite questions. Conclusions The rites consolidate indicators and information, allow the identification of risks and/or events proactively and help define and disseminate corrective actions and improvements in a timely manner to avoid recurrence. However, due to the high rate of “not applicable” responses, we still have challenges and opportunities in implementation, but the correctly used Safety Rite contributes to patient safety.

Towards Integrated Safety Assurance Methodology for Autonomous Vessel Navigation Systems

Abstract Safety assurance remains paramount for the realization of autonomous vessels. A robust assurance methodology that can provide traceability throughout the design and verification process is necessary to demonstrate safety equivalence to that of conventional ships. However, there are few references that propose a holistic safety assurance scheme for autonomous ships, using actual engineering processes of ships as examples. This study proposes a design and development method for an autonomous navigation system that integrates Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and several verification methods including simulation-based tests to develop a comprehensive safety assurance scheme. This safety assurance scheme is being conducted as a case study for a newly constructed autonomous vessel. First, STPA can be performed on the conceptual design established by MBSE to extract additional safety requirements from the identified loss scenarios. Focusing on the process model in the loss scenario description leads to a deeper understanding of the system behavior. FMEA in addition identify potential component failure modes and their impact on system safety. The multi-level requirements that emerge from these activities are validated in test scenarios. Simulators are used to evaluate whether the autonomous navigation system’s safety can meet predefined pass criteria in some of the scenarios. These activities ensure traceability from safety goals to design decisions, allowing design changes and their impact on safety to be evaluated throughout the development lifecycle and allowing for more systematic ongoing monitoring during operations.

Design of a Thermally Resistant and Safe Door for a Medical Waste Pyrolysis Incinerator in a Green Environment

Abstract The door of a medical waste pyrolysis incinerator plays a critical role in ensuring safe and efficient operation, as it must withstand extreme conditions, including combustion temperatures ranging from 1000 °C to 1200 °C and internal pressure. This study focuses on designing a door that is not only robust and airtight but also highly resistant to these high temperatures, ensuring both operational safety and environmental protection. The design process began with a combustion chamber capacity of 0.5 m3, with the incinerator body measuring 900 mm x 900 mm x 1200 mm and the door measuring 650 mm x 650 mm. The door was fabricated using steel with a yield strength of 245 MPa, equipped with locking bolts, and sealed with high-temperature-resistant asbestos to prevent leaks. The design was initially developed using 2D AutoCAD and 3D SolidWorks software. Analytical calculations were validated through SolidWorks simulations, revealing that the stress at the critical point was 58.185 MPa, providing a safety factor of 4.2 times above the yield stress. This robust design not only enhances the durability of the incinerator door but also contributes to the overall safety and effectiveness of medical waste management, supporting broader environmental safety goals.

A waypoint based approach to visibility in performance based fire safety design

In performance-based fire safety design, ensuring safe egress, e.g. by visibility of safety signs, is a crucial safety goal. Compliance with the building requirements is often demonstrated by simulations of smoke spread. Numerical models like the Fire Dynamics Simulator generally compute visibility as a local quantity using the light extinction coefficient, without the consideration of the actual light path to a safety sign. Here, visibility maps are introduced, providing an approach for post-processing fire simulation data. They indicate safe areas along egress routes, with respect to visibility. At each location, the available visibility is calculated using Jin’s empirical relation, as an integrated value of the extinction coefficient along the line of sight to the closest exit sign. The required visibility results from the distance between those points. Additional parameters like view angle or visual obstructions are considered. The presented method allows for temporal visibility assessment, e.g. in an ASET-RSET analysis.

Raumakustische Planung von ­Großraumbüros gemäß ASR A3.7

Room acoustic planning of open-plan offices in ­accordance with ASR A3.7 Room acoustic verification for office use is generally carried out in accordance with the recommendations of DIN 18041. The introduction of the workplace regulation ASR A3.7 “Noise” in 2018 formulated additional requirements that can affect the dimensioning of room acoustics measures. This article summarizes practical experience in the acoustic planning of open-plan offices and examines the extent to which the target values described in ASR A3.7 are in line with the protection goals of occupational health and safety.