Specific Emergency Situations Research Articles

Distribution system resilience enhancement through resilience-oriented optimal scheduling of multi-microgrids considering normal and emergency conditions interlink utilizing multi-objective programming

One of the major concerns of power systems is dealing with extreme power outages during severe events and consequently, its repercussions on the lives of people in society and social aspects. Therefore, the optimal application of microgrids that can be identified as a smart city which is equipped with renewable energies and distributed energy generation is considered with the aim of distribution system resilience improvement. In this study, an innovative modeling approach is formulated as resilience-oriented multi-objective two-stage scenario-based stochastic modeling based on mixed-integer-linear-programming. Meanwhile, innovative modeling is executed based on disaster effect on human society response (HSR) according to the presence of plug-in-electric-vehicles as clean transportation systems. Using a sensitivity analysis on the maximum allowable energy that can be stored by electric-vehicle owners, according to a conservative decision, it is possible to charge electric vehicles up to 40% in a specific emergency situation, without significantly jeopardizing the resilience of microgrids and distribution systems. In this regard, on average, the resilience metric of MG1, MG2, and MG3 improves by 3.94%, 11.3%, and 4.4%, respectively, compared to the situation where electric vehicles are allowed to charge up to 100% of their battery capacity. More comprehensive studies are also investigated in results.

SRTP assessment of passenger ships: a simulation tool

Abstract Recent years have seen increasing attention being paid towards the problems related to safety and security onboard ships. As a result, the International Maritime Organization has issued several new Regulations regarding ships’ systems that must be considered during the vessel design phases. In particular, one of the most important approaches introduced by this set of rules consists of the Safe Return to Port (SRtP) concept: basically, the ship itself represents its best lifeboat. Essential systems on-board passenger ships shall be designed in order to both guarantee their functionality and allow the return of the ship to the nearest port during specific emergency situations. Consequently, it is evident that designers should pay great attention to these systems since the early stages of the project. In this framework, proper IT design tools able to simulate systems functionality can represent a valuable aid to ensure compliance with the SRtP requirements. In this paper, the basic principles of SRtP Regulations are thoroughly presented. Furthermore, an IT tool, specifically implemented to address the suggested design approach for ship systems, is analyzed.

Knowledge and attitude of Saudi female university students about first aid skills.

BACKGROUND:First aid is the first and most essential life saving care that can reduce the morbidity of an individual in a health-threatening circumstance. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude toward the provision of first aid among students attending Princess Norah University (PNU).MATERIALS AND METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted at PNU in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from October 2017 to December 2017. A total of 1000 female students from 15 different colleges completed a self-administered questionnaire.RESULTS:The mean age was 21 years (range 18-26); 36% study participants were from health colleges and remaining from other colleges. Only 34.7% had good knowledge, 57.5% had moderate knowledge, and 7.8% had poor knowledge on first aid skills. Analysis of knowledge in specific emergency situations showed that the students were more knowledgeable in cases of epistaxis, ingestion of toxins, burns, hypoglycemia, and loss of consciousness. However, they were found to be less knowledgeable in handling situations of seizures, choking, and snake bite. About 20.2% of the students had encountered situations where cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required and 65.3% of these students had not provided first aid because of the lack of knowledge, nervousness, and other issues. Good knowledge was associated with previous first aid training and being a student in a health college.CONCLUSION:Overall, students had a positive attitude toward first aid; however, they still did not have the knowledge necessary to be able to act in emergency situations. There is a need for increased public health awareness. It is also advisable to introduce first aid courses in all universities and secondary schools.

Sensitivity and motivation for social action in Karol Wojtyla’s thought

Sensitivity, as the ability to respond to internal and external stimuli, undoubtedly plays an important role in the social action of persons. Without this ability -as in the case of indifference- human being lacks a perception that is necessary in response to a specific emergency situation or a need. This article focuses on the teaching of Karol Wojtyla in his major work Acting Person, with a particular emphasis on the question of the motivation of human action. We want to reply to three basic questions related to the topic: Does this ability strengthens or weakens the culture of the Internet age, especially in Western European society? What is the primary motive of human action? Is sensitivity an essential motive and a factor of development of the person and society? What practical consequences we can draw from the teachings of the Krakow thinker about sensitivity? A person, as defined by Wojtyla, that is isolated, remains indifferent. Similarly persons who are hypersensitive hinders themselves to a mature participation in responsible love. The first quality (indifference) leads persons to flee from their duties. The second (hypersensitivity) leads persons to be overwhelmed by this challenge. The first we can describe as lack of feeling, the second as excessive compassion. The diagnosis of Wojtyla (it is more important to be than to have) remains very current and is an important stimulus in which direction to go to promote motivation for social action, and to build a society of communion of persons. Instead of an individualistic dominated competitive struggle of egos, we should try to realize a society in which the encounter of persons is characterized by mutual devotion in love.

Decision on Tsunami Evacuation Route in Tourism Area: A case study of Had Patong, Phuket

In the wake of the devastating 2004 tsunami, a number of researches shifted their focus to disaster prevention, management and alleviation strategies. Most studies developed their plans through reviewing and modeling the characteristics of the great tidal wave. This study from Phuket Island, nonetheless, investigated the other side of the subject from the evacuees' perspective. Route choice decision and its governing factors were determined. Their relationship to socioeconomic characteristics of local residents and foreign tourists were analyzed and quantified using a three-way contingency table technique. The study found an astonishing fact of an insignificant role of evacuation signage in guiding the evacuation route, as compared to individual instinct and the crowd reaction. The conclusion of the study would be the first step to help understand the crowd behavior and to help establish an effective evacuation measures under this specific emergency situation.

A data model for operational and situational information in emergency response

Many software systems have been created to help the emergency responders in their activities all over the world. These systems are usually dedicated to a specific emergency situation or emergency response sector. Exchange of information between the different systems is difficult or not possible. While much progress is observed in accessing and sharing existing data, management of field (or dynamic) data is often overlooked. A lot of information coming from the field operations is either not archived or is stored in an unstructured way. This makes the analysis of data a difficult and slow process. This paper presents a data model for the management of dynamic data. The data model captures the situational information—incident and its effect—and the operational information—processes activated, people and departments involved. New data types are created for temporal and spatiotemporal information: dynamic counts, e.g. the number of injured or missing people, moving point and moving region, e.g. the position of vehicles or people and the gas plume. The model is derived from the emergency response procedure in the Netherlands. The information needs resulting from this procedure are, in a large part, valid for emergency situations everywhere, therefore the model can be easily adapted for other countries.

Experiences of and actions towards worries among ambulance nurses in their professional life: A critical incident study

Nurses working in the ambulance service are frequently exposed to situations in which they have to take sole responsibility for sick or injured patients, many of which can be emotionally trying. The purpose of this study was therefore to describe critical incidents in which ambulance nurses experience worry in their professional life and the actions they take in order to prevent and cope with it. The sample consisted of 13 male and 12 female nurses working in ambulance services in three small to medium-sized counties in the south of Sweden. The data were collected by means of interviews and analysed according to Critical Incident Technique (CIT). The result showed that nurses worried about specific emergency situations as well as situations related to their working environment. Worry was alleviated by their own actions or with help from others. It was also shown that, with increasing experience, came a responsibility to be able to cope with all kinds of situations. This responsibility was experienced as worrying. However, if the nurse felt confident in their colleague, the worry could ease. It was concluded that the worry experienced by ambulance nurses in specific emergency situations requires flexibility on the part of the ambulance service. Nurses must be given the opportunity to address their worries in the way that is most appropriate for each individual.

Regional monitoring plan regarding the presence of aflatoxin M 1 in pasteurized and UHT milk in Italy

The aim of the study involved evaluation of the presence of aflatoxin M 1 in milk for sale in a specific North West Italian region, Piedmont. The study, conducted from November 2003 to July 2005, was linked to the specific emergency situation which arose due to the climatic conditions during the summer of 2003 which encouraged the development of aflatoxin B 1 in items used for animal feed. This in turn led to the transfer of the metabolite, aflatoxin M 1, into the milk. In total some 316 milk samples were collected during the commercial phase by the official control bodies and analysed. The analysis involved the use of high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with fluorimetric measurement, and purification of the extracts using immunoaffinity columns. The results indicated only 2 non conforming samples (0.6%), with limits higher than those set out in the regulations (0.05 μg L −1). In addition, the analyses revealed, in 5 samples (1.6%), threshold values of 0.05 μg L −1. From the data obtained it can be seen that the “aflatoxins” problem only marginally affected Piedmont Region though the trend for average monthly values suggests a return to the use of contaminated animal feed as soon as official controls are less intensive.