Safety Of Users Research Articles

Data-driven neural network model for maximum speed profile based on driver risk

In the field of vehicle control systems, the primary objective is to ensure the safety of road users. The intricate dynamics of road vehicles necessitate a high level of precision. Vehicle safety encompasses a multitude of considerations, including vehicle trajectory, prevailing traffic conditions, road structure, and meteorological factors. This study employs an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) trained with human driver data using SCANeR Studio software to evaluate the risk for the driver. The risk has been defined as a five-level parameter, which depends on the potential danger of a situation, where speed and direction play a crucial role. The system incorporates a simulator, an ANN, and a display interface to present the surroundings and communicate important information to the driver. This research employs a simulated driving scenario comprising a multi-lane roundabout with vehicles travelling in different directions to simulate real-world challenges. Risk estimation is achieved through a Time Delay Neural Network (TDNN) trained with various information about the environment in relation to the driven vehicle. The research employs a Jackknife technique for overall evaluation and introduces an adaptive algorithm for speed limit setting. The findings demonstrate the stability, generality, and practical applicability of the ANN in enhancing road safety.

Open-source design of low-cost sensorised elastic actuators for collaborative prosthetics and orthotics

Collaborative robots, or cobots, have become popular due to their ability to safely operate alongside humans in shared environments. These robots use compliant actuators as a key design element to prevent damage during unintended collisions. In prosthetic and orthotic applications, compliant actuators are crucial for ensuring user safety and comfort. However, most compliant cobots for these applications are excessively expensive and complex to construct. Our study introduces an innovative, cost-effective, and sensorised elastic actuator design tailored for prosthetics and orthotics. The design uses a modular approach and leverages 3D printing technology for rapid customisation, enabling efficient and affordable fabrication. Both hardware and software components are open-source, facilitating unrestricted access for students, researchers, and practitioners. Our design supports impedance and admittance control techniques, enhancing the system’s capabilities. Validation results show a standard deviation of 9.67 Nm between calculated and measured torque in impedance control and 0.2563 radians between calculated and measured angles in admittance control. This allows for improved adaptability to varying operational requirements in prosthetics and orthotics. By introducing this educational framework encompassing a low-cost, sensorised elastic actuator design, we aim to address the need for accessible solutions in the field of collaborative robotics for prosthetics and orthotics.

'Safer, Not Safe': Service Users' Experiences of Psychological Safety in Inpatient Mental Health Wards in the United Kingdom.

Research on patient safety in mental health settings is limited compared to physical healthcare settings. Recent qualitative studies have highlighted that patient safety is more than just physical safety but includes psychological safety. Traditionally, psychological safety has been defined as the belief that it is safe to take interpersonal risks, such as speaking up, without a fear of negative consequences. However, to date, it is not clear what constitutes psychological safety for service users of inpatient mental health settings. To understand this, we conducted 12 interviews with former inpatient mental health service users. Interviews were analysed with Reflexive Thematic Analysis, and five themes were developed. All themes had subthemes. Overall, we found that participants were more readily able to draw on situations where they felt psychologically unsafe, rather than safe. Psychological safety in service users was influenced by (1) healthcare staff attitudes and behaviours towards them, (2) their relationships with other service users, (3) whether they felt they had any control over their environment and medical decision-making regarding their care, (4) their experiences of physically safety, feeling listened to and believed and (5) access to meaningful occupation on the wards. These findings suggest that changes are needed to enhance inpatient mental health service users' general experiences of psychological safety. Further research will need to (1) further develop understanding of the concept of psychological safety for service users and (2) identify interventions, and such interventions should be co-designed with service users.

Study of the Vibration Isolation Properties of a Pneumatic Suspension System for the Seat of a Working Machine with Adjustable Stiffness

This paper presents a study of the vibration isolation properties of pneumatic suspension systems for work machinery seats, with a particular focus on adjustable stiffness. It highlights the contribution that semi-active seat suspension systems make to vibration reduction, ultimately leading to improved passenger comfort levels and increased safety for vehicle users. The primary objectives of the research were twofold: firstly, to identify the key parameters of the apneumatic vibration isolation system; and secondly, to evaluate its performance in improving vibration damping. This entailed the development of a mathematical model that would foreground the movement through simulations based on different initial pressures, thus enabling the accurate prediction of real-life scenarios concerning the vibration-damping characteristics of the seating system, taking into account the different design options available for working machine technology applied at the test bed level, of which the pneumatic isolator is an integral component. In the cognitive process, the verification and validation of the formulated theoretical model play an important role. This approach enables the behaviour of the actual system to be inferred from the results of simulation studies, thus allowing the design of an appropriate vibration control system. By simulating different air bellow pressures, the characteristics of the seat suspension system can be assessed. This study provides valuable insights into optimising the vibration-damping capability of the air suspension system.

THEORY OF SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS AND USER SAFETY IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE: Construction of theoretical-methodological path

This research aimed to develop a theoretical-methodological path between the Theory of Social Representations and the safety of users of Primary Health Care. This is a theoretical essay, guided by productions in the fields of social sciences, politics, sociology, of philosophy and health, digital and in printed materials. Electronic databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, BDENF, VHL and Google Scholar were used. The content was deepened through consultations in books by classic authors that discuss the theory and its insertion in social reality. To support inferential analysis, Bradin's content analysis technique was used. For analytical and reflective scope, the discussion covered four topics, namely: The Theory of Social Representations: preliminary notes; Social Representations: intertwining and deepening based on Moscovici's postulates; The processes of elaboration of social representations: transforming the unfamiliar, or unfamiliarity itself, into the familiar; Arrival: outline of a theoretical path between the Theory of Social Representations and User Safety in Primary Health Care. The identification of how representations are created and how they are organized in everyday life, supporting the understanding of knowledge, feelings, values, symbols and culture that can influence and modify practices within primary care. Shared and socially constructed knowledge can influence new practices and behaviors regarding user safety in Primary Health Care.

Geometrization of a 3D numerical model of an underground facility based on the results of terrestrial laser scanning

Abstract The article proposes a method of combining CloudCompare, RHINO, and FLAC3D software, aimed at building numerical models of underground objects of natural or engineering origin, based on the results of measurements made using terrestrial laser scanning technology. This technology is one of the most advanced in mine survey as it enables accurate mapping of even the most complex geometries of underground facilities. This opens wide possibilities in the construction of more accurate numerical models of the behavior of the rock mass around such underground objects. The results of simulation of the behavior of the rock mass around the analyzed excavations, obtained by performing numerical calculations, allow predicting unfavorable phenomena that may occur as a result of the destruction of the rock mass and which may threaten the safety of users of underground facilities, for example, caves, tunnels, and mining excavations. In this work, we carried out measurements using a terrestrial laser scanner and obtained a “point cloud” that reproduced the geometry of the underground facility. An example is a fragment of the adit St. Johannes, which is part of the underground tourist route “Geopark” St. Johannes Mine in Krobica in Lower Silesia in Poland in the neighborhood of Gierczyn and Przecznica. In the next step, the measurement results were processed, so that it was possible to import the generated geometry into the FLAC3D software and use it to build a numerical model of the adit, based on “brick” zones. The aim of the article is to present in detail the methodology of geometrization of numerical models of underground objects with complex geometry. The author wanted the method to be as easy to use as possible, give full control over the surface structure, and not require many numerical modeling programs.

Bicycle Lanes Design for Road User Safety

Bicycle Lanes Design for Road User Safety

Driving Assistance System with Obstacle Avoidance for Electric Wheelchairs.

A system has been developed to convert manual wheelchairs into electric wheelchairs, providing assistance to users through the implemented algorithm, which ensures safe driving and obstacle avoidance. While manual wheelchairs are typically controlled indoors based on user preferences, they do not guarantee safe driving in areas outside the user's field of vision. The proposed model utilizes the dynamic window approach specifically designed for wheelchair use, allowing for obstacle avoidance. This method evaluates potential movements within a defined velocity space to calculate the optimal path, providing seamless and safe driving assistance in real time. This innovative approach enhances user assistance and safety by integrating state-of-the-art algorithms developed using the dynamic window approach alongside advanced sensor technology. With the assistance of LiDAR sensors, the system perceives the wheelchair's surroundings, generating real-time speed values within the algorithm framework to ensure secure driving. The model's ability to adapt to indoor environments and its robust performance in real-world scenarios underscore its potential for widespread application. This study has undergone various tests, conclusively proving that the system aids users in avoidance obstacles and ensures safe driving. These tests demonstrate significant improvements in maneuverability and user safety, highlighting a noteworthy advancement in assistive technology for individuals with limited mobility.

Identification of Infrastructure and Community Involvement Towards Improving the Quality of Roads in Beakang Padang District, Batam City

This research aims to identify the condition of road infrastructure, measure the level of community participation in efforts to improve the quality of environmental roads, and evaluate the impact on the aesthetics of the area in Behind Padang District, Batam City. Good infrastructure and active community participation are very important in creating a comfortable and aesthetic environment, which in turn can improve the quality of life and welfare of the community. The research method used is a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, which allows for in-depth data collection through field observations, in-depth interviews and documentation studies. The data obtained was analyzed qualitatively using a data reduction approach, data presentation and drawing conclusions. Field observations show that the physical condition of roads in the Rear Padang District varies greatly. Some main roads are in good condition with smooth asphalt surfaces, but many neighborhood roads are damaged, potholed and poorly maintained. This condition is exacerbated by supporting infrastructure such as drainage channels and street lighting which is still very limited in some areas. This deficiency has a negative impact on the comfort and safety of road users and reduces the aesthetics of the environment. This research found that improving road infrastructure and increasing community participation had a significant impact on the aesthetics of the area. Well-improved roads and well-organized neighborhoods create a more pleasant atmosphere and increase resident satisfaction. Active community participation in infrastructure planning also increases the sense of ownership and responsibility.

Inovasi Bersih: Pelatihan Pembuatan Sabun Cuci Tangan Ekstrak Sereh Wangi (Citronella) Bersama Karang Taruna IKRIMA Gondangrejo Karanganyar

Karang Taruna (IKRIMA) plays an active role in increasing productivity by participating in a training program for making natural antiseptic hand washing soap made from citronella. The choice of citronella as the main ingredient is based on its high economic value and natural properties. Additionally, citronella can inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an ideal choice for hand hygiene products. IKRIMA members have taken part in a series of comprehensive training regarding the manufacture of antiseptic hand washing soap. This activity includes product manufacturing and packaging practices. IKRIMA can produce hand washing soap that meets the desired quality standards, both in terms of antiseptic effectiveness as well as safety and comfort for users. Making antiseptic hand washing soap is one of the positive activities that encourages IKRIMA members to continue learning and developing. Apart from improving skills and knowledge, this activity also provides economic benefits for them and the surrounding community through the sale of the products produced.

The Ethical Dilemma of Educational Metaverse

This review investigates the ethical issues of integrating Metaverse technology in educational settings. Our study reveals significant ethical considerations, including privacy concerns, data security risks, and the widening digital divide. We identified critical challenges such as user safety, intellectual property rights, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. To address these challenges, we propose robust solutions including enhanced privacy protections, initiatives to bridge the digital divide, and frameworks to ensure safe and inclusive environments. Additionally, we underscore the necessity of developing new pedagogical frameworks and management models to effectively incorporate Metaverse technologies. Our findings suggest that while the Metaverse offers immense potential for revolutionizing education, maintaining ethical standards and thoughtfully mitigating potential risks is crucial. By implementing the proposed solutions, educational institutions can harness the full potential of Metaverse technology while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.

Vespa Motorcycle Lighting Modification Using AHP System With Fullwave Ignition

This study focuses on the modification of Vespa motorbike lighting by implementing the Aho system with Fullwave charging. The process involves replacing the regulator cable line with a Honda Tiger regulator to convert the AC lighting system to full wave. Additionally, the upgrade includes replacing the halfwave regulator with a fullwave kiprok type using 4 diode bridges to convert AC to DC current efficiently. LED lamps are also substituted for their energy efficiency and optimal performance with DC current. The research emphasizes the importance of enhancing lighting systems for motorcycle safety and compliance with traffic regulations. The findings highlight the benefits of these modifications in improving lighting efficiency and overall safety for Vespa motorbike users.

High‐performance resistive/capacitive pressure sensor applied on smart insoles detecting abnormal activity

AbstractThis paper presents an approach to pressure sensors with dual‐function resistors and capacitors implemented with interdigitated capacitors fabricated on a flexible substrate for detecting abnormal actions during walking. In this study, we proposed a highly sensitive, broad‐range pressure sensor achieved through a combination of porous Ecoflex, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), coating single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and interdigitated electrodes. First, characterizations of the capacitor and resistor sensor applied onto cotton fabric are completed by precision LCR meter across the frequency at 50 kHz. Subsequently, the presence of volume fraction CNTs enhances the bond strength of composites, and coating SWCNT improves sensor sensitivity. The robustness of our presented sensor is validated through testing under high pressure (50 kPa) for more than 1000 cycles. Furthermore, the combination of CNTs and porous dielectric, along with SWCNT coating, achieves a broad detection range (500 kPa) with a sensitivity range from 0.018 (at 500 kPa) to 0.15 (at 5 kPa). Finally, our high‐performance resistive/capacitive pressure sensor applied on smart insoles represents a significant advancement in wearable technology for health monitoring and safety applications. Leveraging an advanced autoencoder, our proposed sensor accurately detects abnormal activity patterns, such as sudden stops or irregular gait, thereby alerting users to potential safety concerns. Its ability to detect abnormal activity patterns enhances user safety and well‐being, making it a tool for various healthcare and fitness applications.

Burden and Patterns of Electric Scooter-Related Injuries: Insights From 2 Polish Emergency Departments.

BACKGROUND The widespread adoption of electric scooters (e-scooters) as a mode of urban transportation has led to a notable upsurge in e-scooter-related injuries globally. Variations in e-scooter regulations across countries contribute to differences in injury patterns. This study sought to investigate the healthcare burden posed by e-scooter-related injuries on emergency departments (EDs) in Poland, and to delineate the epidemiological and clinical features of these injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS Medical records of patients who presented to 2 distinct EDs - in Poznań and Bydgoszcz, Poland - with injuries directly linked to e-scooter use were collected and retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS A total of 633 patients were admitted to the EDs due to e-scooter injuries during the study period, and 413 of these patients were further analyzed. The majority were males (64.65%), with a median age of 27 years. Most admissions occurred in the afternoon and nighttime (71.94%), with a higher incidence in the summer (46.73%). Falls were the most frequent mechanism of injury (74.09%), with the head and upper and lower extremities being the most frequently affected locations (36.08%, 29.78%, and 21.07%, respectively). Twelve patients (2.91%) confirmed recent alcohol consumption. Hospitalization costs were higher in cases involving alcohol use and among males. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study underscore the significant strain exerted by e-scooter-related injuries on EDs in Poland. Injuries, notably to the head and limbs, carry significant long-term implications and strain healthcare resources. Collaboration with policymakers is crucial to ensure the safety of e-scooter users and appropriate healthcare resource allocation.

Stepping into safety: a systematic review of extended reality technology applications in enhancing vulnerable road user safety

Stepping into safety: a systematic review of extended reality technology applications in enhancing vulnerable road user safety

Extended Realities for Sensorially Diverse Children.

Learning space for children with different sensory needs, nowadays, can be interactive, multisensory experiences, designed collaboratively by 1) specialists in special-needs learning, 2) extended realities (XR) technologists, and 3) sensorial diverse children, to provide the motivation, challenge, and development of key skills. While traditional audio and visual sensors in XR are challenging for XR applications to meet the needs of visually and hearing impaired sensorial-diverse children, our research goes a step ahead by integrating sensory technologies including haptic, tactile, kinaesthetic, and olfactory feedback that was well received by the children. Our research also demonstrates the protocols for 1) development of a suite of XR-applications; 2) methods for experiments and evaluation; and 3) tangible improvements in XR learning experience. Our research considered and is in compliance with the ethical and social implications and has the necessary approval for accessibility, user safety, and privacy.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lactococcus lactisDSM 34262 as a silage additive for all animal species (Lactosan GmbH & Co.KG).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Lactococcus lactis DSM 34262 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of fresh plant material. The additive is intended for use in easy and moderately difficult to ensile fresh plant material for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh plant material. The bacterial species L. lactis is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strain was established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of concern were detected. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for all the animal species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive containing Lactococcus lactis DSM 34262 should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. One preparation was shown not to be irritant to skin or eyes. However, the Panel cannot assess the irritation potential of other possible preparations. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Lactococcus lactis DSM 34262 has the potential to improve the fermentation of the silage prepared from fresh plant material with a DM range of 30-35% at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lactiplantibacillus plantarumDSM 34271 as a silage additive for all animal species (Lactosan GmbH & Co.KG).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34271 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of fresh plant material. The additive is intended for use in easy and moderately difficult to ensile fresh plant material for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh plant material. The bacterial species L. plantarum is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strain was established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of concern were detected. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for all the animal species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34271 should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser, and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. One preparation was shown not to be irritant to skin or eyes. However, the Panel cannot assess the irritation potential of other possible preparations. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum DSM 34271 has the potential to improve the fermentation of the silage prepared from fresh plant material with a DM range of 30%-35% at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material.

Sistem Informasi Geografis Untuk Visualisasi Daerah Rawan Kecelakaan Lalu Lintas Jalan Arteri Primer Kota Surabaya

Accidents are an event that often occurs on the highway, especially in big cities, one of which is Surabaya City. Accidents are one of the main problems for the safety of road users. Almost all activities carried out require transportation facilities, if the transportation facilities do not run well due to traffic accidents, the activities carried out will not run well. Therefore, a solution is needed to reduce accidents by building an accident-prone area information system. In determining the criteria for accident-prone areas, it is taken from the Republic of Indonesia Police, the Department of Transportation, and Public Works, based on the number of accidents, the number of fatalities of victims, and road conditions. This research is an effort to visualize the occurrence of accidents using spatial data of Surabaya City road network maps and non-spatial data, namely accident data and road data obtained from the police and the Bina Marga Service. In the final result of this research, an application is obtained that can provide visualization of accident-prone areas such as Ahmad Yani road which is a road with a high accident rate with the number of incidents and has the highest victim fatality weighting results among 9 other primary arterial roads. Keywords:Accident Prone Areas, Geographic Information System, Surabaya City, Traffic, Transportation

Structural Health Monitoring on Road Bridge: Application Cases of Optical Strand Sensor in JAPAN

In Japan, many of the major civil infrastructures such as road bridges, railways and tunnels was built during our high-growth period from the mid-1950s to the early 1970s. The number of these structures that has been more than 50 years old after construction, has been rapidly increasing in recent years. In this context, expectations for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) have been rising to optimize its management and maintenance to extend its lifespan and ensure the safety of users. Although a variety of IoT sensors are developing and their precision is improving day by day, SHM still has crucial challenges, e.g., if it can really identify critical damages to structures, determine quantitative assessment of the serviceability limit, evaluate the safety of a structure quickly after major events such as earthquakes, or so on. In order to achieve our original goals, it is essential to accumulate practical applications of SHM by dedicating a specific sensor solution to a specific issue. The authors have introduced a unique and competitive Optical Strand Technology developed by OSMOS Groupe in France and have been providing the service of SHM mainly on civil infrastructures for more than 20 years in Japan. This paper presents some application cases of SHM to road bridges by means of Optical Strand Sensor which provide for different types of purposes and future prospects.