Special Protective Measures Research Articles

A Novel Approach for Predicting the Height of Water-Conducting Fracture Zone under the High Overburden Caving Strength Based on Optimized Processes

The height of water-conducting fracture zones (WCFZs) is vital for the prevention of water, gas, and roof accidents in coal mines. However, its dynamic evolution law and maximum height are difficult to be obtained by traditional prediction methods, especially for conditions in which there is high overburden caving strength and a thick coal seam. Therefore, taking the 150,313 fully mechanized caving working face in Yingying Coal Mine as a background, according to the principle of optimized processes, a new predicting approach based on the Brillouin optical time-domain reflectometry (BOTDR) is proposed. Firstly, we estimated the height through empirical formula calculation, theoretical analysis, and similar model simulation tests. Secondly, we studied the optimized layout of optical cables in the overburden in detail for predicting the maximum height of the WCFZ and keeping the cables in good performance during field prediction. Thirdly, we researched and optimized the borehole parameters, optical fiber selection, and the special protection measures. Finally, we applied the aforementioned optimized outcomes in the field experiment to dynamically predict the height of the WCFZ. As a result of the field experiment, the distribution characteristics of optical fiber strain, the maximum height, and the evolution law of the WCFZ were obtained through the regular monitoring of fiber strain using BOTDR. The experiment demonstrated that its maximum height is consistent with the results studied indoors. The validation and feasibility of the approach proposed in this paper were verified via the aforementioned studies. The research in this paper has good reference value and important significance for predicting the height of the WCFZ using BOTDR in coal mines with similar geological and productive conditions.

Research on Cloud Platform Security Protection System for Power Plant

In the electric power industry, the information construction of IT systems is in an important period evolving to cloud computing technology and implementing digital transformation. The power cloud is a critical infrastructure for the digital construction in electric power companies. Cloud computing technology fundamentally introduces a flexible and dynamically allocated shared resource pool, and provides a way to share cloud resources different from traditional information systems, but it also brings new security risks and challenges. This paper analyses the security risks of the power cloud from the aspects of network security, host security, application security, data security, and management risks. The focus of research is on the construction of a security protection system for private cloud infrastructure in electric power companies. According to the business characteristics and important levels of business modules, the partition and domain protection design recommendations of the power cloud is proposed. An overall security protection architecture including three aspects of cloud platform self-security, cloud platform security services and cloud security operation management is presented. And specific key protection measures in the above three aspects are given, which has important guiding significance to electric power companies.

Are 'family bubbles' safe?

By the middle of April 2020, more than 9,000 healthcare workers in the United States had been infected by SARS-CoV-2, accounting for 19% of the total number of patients reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) thus implying that there is a significant knowledge gap regarding infection control as well as the practice among dentists and doctors. Considering the highly infectious nature of the current pandemic and its modes of transmission which are not yet fully understood, especially in the prodromal and convalescent stages, dental healthcare workers must strictly follow biosafety protocols and specific COVID-19 protective measures.

Early implementation of protective measures defines surgical outcomes in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Quick implementation of specific protocols and protective measures in a tertiary hospital in Spain allowed for the early diagnosis and optimal management of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and proper protection of staff and inpatients. From the COVID-19 outbreak in this country until the time of writing, 14 patients in our hospital underwent surgery with COVID-19, or COVID-19 developed postoperatively. Their postoperative outcomes did not differ from those in our routine clinical practice, with a 0% respiratory failure rate and a 7.14% mortality rate, in contrast with other published series. COVID-19 did not develop in any of the healthcare workers present in the operating room during these procedures or in those who cared for these patients on the ward.

Ecological and economic efficiency of green manure in crop rotation on irrigated lands in the south of Ukraine

One of the ways to solve the problem of preserving soil fertility is the use of special soil protection measures and scientifically proven technologies. The main measures to increase crop productivity, preserve soil fertility and improve ecological state of the environment are the primary tillage and fertilization systems in modern high-intensity farming systems with scientifically proven methods, techniques, and depth of loosening, as well as doses of mineral and organic fertilizers. The article presents the results of experimental studies of changes in the humus reserves in the arable layer of the soil under the influence of longterm use of differentiated systems of primary tillage, in which different methods and depth of the primary tillage alternate during crop rotation, different depth (23–25 cm and 28–30 cm) subsurface chisel tillage, single-depth shallow (12–14 cm) disk and zero tillage, against the background of the fertilizer system using post-harvest green manure. The research was conducted during 2015–2019 on the irrigated lands of the Askaniya State Agricultural Research Station of the Institute of Irrigated Agriculture of NAAS, in the area of the Kakhovka irrigation system, in a fourfield row crop rotation with successive crop rotation of the following: soybean, winter wheat + mustard (postharvest for green manure), corn for grain, winter barley + mustard (postharvest for green manure). The soil of the experimental field is dark chestnut, slightly saline, medium loamy. Based on data from field, laboratory and analytical studies, it is established that in short-term row crops rotation on irrigated lands of southern Ukraine an effective measure to increase the fertility of dark chestnut soils is organic-mineral fertilizer systems with a mineral fertilizer dose of N120P40 (per hectare of crop rotation area), the use of spring mustard as fertilizer in post-harvest crops as well as the use of all by-products of crop rotation. Differentiated and different-depth subsurface systems of primary tillage against the background of organicmineral fertilization system provide productivity of short-term crop rotation at the level of 7.77 and 8.09 t/ha of grain units respectively, increase of humus by 1.25 and 1.33 t/ha, and total ecological economic efficiency of crop rotation operation by 61.50 and 64.63 thousand UAH/ha.

Campos Eletromagnéticos: ênfase nas Medidas de Proteção Coletiva e Individual

Introduction / framework / objectives Electromagnetic fields are already very extensively developed in the scientific literature, however, doing so through a generalist approach and/ or highlighting the possible consequences for human health. There are few documents that, under this theme, describe specific protection measures. The authors conducted a research with the objective of elaborating a synthesis what was written about this subtheme. Methodology This is a Scoping Review, initiated at September 2019, in the databases “CINALH plus with full text, Medline with full text, Cochrane Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Nursing and Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, MedicLatina, Academic Search Ultimate, Web of Science, SCOPUS and RCAAP”. Content Many activities create these fields. In most workplaces exposure is discrete and there is no relevant risk. In all other cases, however, the risk dissipates with distance from the source. In addition, as most of these situations originate from an electrical appliance, when it is switched off, the problem no longer exists. Particularly exposed individuals may be pregnant women and individuals with active medical devices (cardiac stimulators, defibrillators, cochlear and brain stem implants, neurostimulators, drug infusion pumps and retinal coders). In terms of collective protection measures, the shielding/ insulation with metal, ceramic, plastic or glass plate or mesh can be highlighted;as well as protection with light curtains; reading apparatus and pressure sensitive mats; restriction of access by guards, barriers, signs, magnetic field signaling/ ionizing radiation, especially to individuals with active or metallic medical implants; prohibition of conductive objects; appoint the person responsible for safety management; training about body position during work and limitation of movements to attenuate induction of electric fields. While it is not difficult to shield electric fields, mitigating the effects of magnetic fields is more complicated. Furthermore, it is generally not possible to use effective Personal Protective Equipment uniformly: if it protects a range of frequencies, it will hardly protect for others. Examples include insulation footwear (thick rubber sole, non-steel); suitable gloves in isolation/ driving, glasses and full suit. Conclusions Given the omnipresence of the electromagnetic fields (although generally at intensities of low concern), it would be relevant for occupational health practitioners to have some notions of how to approach the subtheme. In addition, it would be important for some teams to have the opportunity to investigate in this context, improve customer service and, by publishing their data, contribute to a better understanding of the national reality and somehow evolve scientific knowledge in this area.

How Does Covid-19 Outbreak Affect Emergent Surgery in Neonates?

Background: Covid-19 virus infection is a pandemic disease. Incidence of COVID-19 infection in children and neonates is less than adults. Neonates may be contaminated by close contact with the infected family members or environment. However, infection via transplacental transmission and breast feeding has not been proved yet. Hospitals face shortages of resources in the outbreaks. This becomes more important in underdeveloped countries. Methods: We have studied the neonates who underwent surgical interventions in emergent or urgent conditions. No specific protection measures were applied in the operating room and neonatal intensive care unit for patients without symptoms or positive history of contact, in an attempt to save the resources of the hospital. All the neonates and their families were followed up for two weeks. Results: Forty patients and their families were studied. At admission, our patients neither demonstrated symptoms of the disease nor gave positive history of contact, hence received surgical intervention in the ordinary protection. One patient suffered from respiratory problems in the post-operative period and tested positive for the Covid-19 infection. Six patients and Five family members became symptomatic during the follow-up. All of them tested negative for the diseases and recovered. Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, surgical interventions for the critical neonates without positive symptoms or history neither should be postponed nor be necessarily dependent on the application of the corona specific personal protection. This gains most significance in the peak of outbreak, especially in underdeveloped countries.

Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

N95 respirators are personal protective equipment most often used to control exposures to infections transmitted via the airborne route. Supplies of N95 respirators can become depleted during pandemics or when otherwise in high demand. In this paper, we offer strategies for optimizing supplies of N95 respirators in health care settings while maximizing the level of protection offered to health care personnel when there is limited supply in the United States during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic. The strategies are intended for use by professionals who manage respiratory protection programs, occupational health services, and infection prevention programs in health care facilities to protect health care personnel from job-related risks of exposure to infectious respiratory illnesses. Consultation with federal, state, and local public health officials is also important. We use the framework of surge capacity and the occupational health and safety hierarchy of controls approach to discuss specific engineering control, administrative control, and personal protective equipment measures that may help in optimizing N95 respirator supplies.

Most Patients Are Willing to Undergo Elective Endoscopic Procedures During the Reopening Period of the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

Most Patients Are Willing to Undergo Elective Endoscopic Procedures During the Reopening Period of the Coronavirus 2019 Pandemic

Endoscopy Staff Are Concerned About Acquiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection When Resuming Elective Endoscopy

Endoscopy Staff Are Concerned About Acquiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection When Resuming Elective Endoscopy

COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevention and Protection Measures to Be Adopted at the Workplace

SARS-CoV-2, identified in Wuhan, China, for the first time in December 2019, is a new viral strain, which has not been previously identified in humans; it can be transmitted both by air and via direct and indirect contact; however, the most frequent way it spreads is via droplets. Like the other viruses belonging to the same family of coronaviruses, it can cause from mild flu-like symptoms, such as cold, sore throat, cough and fever, to more severe ones such as pneumonia and breathing difficulties, and it can even lead to death. Since no effective specific drug therapy has been found yet, nor any vaccine capable of limiting the spread of this pathogen, it is important for ways of preventing the spread of this infection to be established. The purpose of our research was to provide a protocol to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in light of the limited information related to this coronavirus. In detail, we analysed and searched targeted evidence-based guidelines issued in the various countries affected by this epidemic up till now. In addition, we analyzed the recommendations for the prevention and control of other epidemics caused by other pathogens belonging to the same family of coronaviruses or others that present the same mechanisms of transmission. General organizational measures regarding the containment and management of the epidemiological emergency of COVID-19 have been imposed by the competent authorities for an adequate and proportionate management of the evolution of the epidemiological situation. The prevention and protection organizational measures therefore aim to minimize the probability of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2. For this purpose, measures must also be taken at work to avoid new infections or even the spread of the virus where it has already been present. Furthermore, environmental measures are aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to individuals through contact with infected subjects, objects, equipment, or contaminated environmental surfaces. Protective devices must be used whenever there is potentially close contact with a suspect case, especially when the potentially infected person does not wear a surgical mask that could reduce the spread of viruses in the environment. By adopting this specific prevention and protection measures recommended in the workplace, it will be possible to help overcome this COVID-19 pandemic.

On the cost-efficiency, significance and effectiveness of terrorism risk reduction strategies for buildings

We analyse the performance of risk reduction strategies for terrorist attacks with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) for large governmental building structures in terms of cost-efficiency, significance and effectiveness accounting for life safety in conjunction with societal preferences and capabilities. The approach builds upon an extended Bayesian pre-posterior decision analysis and the principles of the marginal lifesaving costs based on the Life Quality Index (LQI). The decision scenario is formulated for a decision maker responsible for the safety of governmental or large commercial buildings and consequently the direct risks, the indirect risks due to fatalities and economical importance of the building beside the expected cost for the individual risk reduction strategies are modelled, aggregated and optimised. The considered risk reduction strategies encompass an explicit consideration and distinction of information and actions such as (i) threat surveillance may trigger the temporary evacuation of the building, (ii) the implementation of protection provisions provided by codes and guidelines, (iii) a detailed progressive collapse assessment and specific protection measures and (iv) the combination of protection and surveillance. All considered strategies are found to contribute to risk reduction and can be cost-efficient, especially for higher threat probabilities. The risk reduction strategies comply with societal macroeconomic and demographical characteristics and societal preferences according to the LQI. The progressive collapse assessment with targeted protection measures is found to be the most cost-efficient, significant and effective counter-terrorism strategy. This finding points to the necessity for a comprehensive utilisation of scientific methods and sophisticated engineering for progressive collapse assessment to determine targeted protection measures.

Legislation on land protection in Slovakia

Agricultural land is a natural heritage of each country; therefore the land protection is required. The agricultural land protection is a complex role where the interests of agriculture, industry, housing, transport and the environment should be taken into account. Moreover, it is necessary to consider also the EU legislation because the national laws have to be in harmony with the EU legal acts. Therefore, it is a very hard role to meet all entitled interests together with the requirements of the EU law. Therefore, the adoption of a legal measure should be accompanied by the complex analysis of how the measure would affect the land protection. The Slovak lawmaker has adopted some legislative acts with special measures for the land protection, but they are a focus of regular and frequent amendments.

Forecast of Changes in the Condition of the Beach Condition of the City of Mykolaiv Under Influence Natural Factors

Purpose. The forecast of a condition of a beach of the city of Nikolayev, the general offers of measures of its protection against degradation. Methods. The forecast of a condition of a beach of the city of Nikolayev is made with use of methods of mathematical statistics and mathematical modeling, the comparative analysis, cartographic and graph analytical researches. Results. The beach of the city of Nikolayev is a strip of coast of the big water object where features of reforming of coasts of reservoirs and the rivers united. The location of the beach on the convex shore of the Bug estuary creates the conditions for the accumulation of sand due to the coastal movement of sediments downstream. However, the width of the estuary and the depth contribute to the formation of wind turbulence in the sector S-Z-Pn, which can destroy the beach. On the beach during the spring floods or in severe down pouring phenomena, long-coastal movement of sands in large volumes is possible depending on the duration of strong currents, but the transportation of sediments along the beach does not significantly affect changes in the outline of its coastal slope. Significant destruction of the beach can occur from storms of rare recurrence in the sector S-SW. Western frontal storms form a profile of relative dynamic equilibrium and contribute to the movement of sands to depth. When the waves approach at an angle to the shoreline is the longitudinal transport of sand. Protection of the beach from erosion can be done by passive or active methods. Further research will focus on a quantitative analysis of the scenario of sand movement along the beach with its accumulation on the protruding part of the beach (point C) and washing away the accumulated sand to a depth under the influence of western storms. Conclusion. Without acceptance of special measures for protection the beach of Nikolayev in the future will degrade.

Mineral Injection Mixtures for Construction and Operation of Underground Structures under Dense Urban Development Conditions

The high level of complexity and responsibility of underground structures implies the need to develop and implement a set of special protective measures necessary for implementation both at the construction stage and at the operation stage of underground structures. During the construction of tunnel and neartunnel structures, various aboveground structures, including engineering and transport structures, are involved in the zone of their influence. It is also important to ensure reliable protection of enclosing structures from the influence of ground water. Dewatering and drainage of soils is accompanied by the development of additional sedimentary deformations that require the implementation of complex and expensive protective measures. To date, effective design and technological solutions have been developed to protect the surrounding development, as well as methods and technologies for eliminating excess deformations and water seepage through the body of enclosing structures using various injection technologies and mineral-based injection systems. Moscow State University of Civil Engineering developed a range of materials that can successfully implement soil strengthening, elimination of sedimentary deformations and elimination of ground water leaks through the enclosing structures of underground structures. It is shown that the protection of buildings and structures from excessive sedimentary deformations during the development of underground space in conditions of dense urban development is provided by the technology of compensatory injection with the use of special mineral-based injection systems. It is established that to eliminate active water seepage through the body of enclosing structures of underground structures, it is advisable to use combined injection systems. Keywords: underground construction, deformations, water seepage, soil precipitation, compensatory injection, injection, impregnation.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Household Members and Other Close Contacts of COVID-19 Cases: A Serologic Study in Canton of Vaud, Switzerland

Background: Understanding community-based SARS-CoV-2 transmission is crucial to inform public health decisions. Research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission within households and other close settings using serological testing is scarce.Methods: We invited COVID-19 cases diagnosed between February 27 and April 1, 2020 in canton of Vaud, Switzerland, to participate, along with household members and other close contacts. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were measured using a Luminex immunoassay. We estimated factors associated with serological status using generalized estimating equations.Findings: Overall, 219 COVID-19 index cases, 302 household members, and 69 other close contacts participated between May 4 and June 27, 2020. More than half of household members (57·2%, 95%CI 49·7-64·3) had developed a serologic response to SARS-CoV-2, while 19·0% (95%CI 10·0-33·2) of other close contacts were seropositive. After adjusting for individual and household characteristics, infection risk was higher in household members aged 65 or more than in younger adults (aOR 3·63, 95%CI 1·05-12·60), and in those not strictly adhering to simple hygiene rules like hand washing (aOR 1·80, 95%CI 1·02-3·17). The risk was lower when more than 5 people outside home were met during the semi-confinement, compared to none (aOR 0·35, 95%CI 0·16-0·74). The individual risk of household members to be seropositive was lower in large households (22% less per each additional person).Interpretation: We find that, during semi-confinement, household members of a COVID-19 case were at very high risk of getting infected, 3 times more than close contacts outside home. This highlights the need to provide clear messages on specific protective measures applicable at home. For elderly couples, who were especially at risk, providing them external support for daily basic activities is essential.Funding: Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), Canton of Vaud, Leenaards Foundation, Fondation pour l'Université de Lausanne. SerocoViD is part of Corona Immunitas coordinated by SSPH+.Declaration of Interests: We declare no competing interests.Ethics Approval Statement: The Cantonal Ethics Committee of Vaud, Switzerland (ID 2020-00887) approved the protocol.

Application of information technologies for automation management of environmental activity

The article deals with the problem of assessing the conformity of various resource-intensive industries and enterprises with the principles of environmental management. On the basis of existing systems, a new model of monitoring the implementation of innovative projects within the framework of the State Innovative Development Program of the Republic of Belarus is proposed, which includes five main levels: implementing organizations, Government customers, GU BelISA, State Committee on Science and Technology of the Republic of Belarus, Council of Ministers of the Republic Belarus, Administration of the President of the Republic of Belarus. This model is programmatically implemented using the latest information technologies and is presented in the form of a web portal for collecting, storing, processing and displaying relevant subject data.Generally developed approaches and automated tools have been tested and modified for the dairy industry, since this sector of the national economy is one of the most significant for the Republic of Belarus in terms of production. In this direction, indicators of waste-free, resource-intensive, energy-intensive and earth-intensiveness were proposed, which were reduced to a single integral index by the method of logarithmic averaging, which made it possible to increase the sensitivity to changes in terms compared with the arithmetic and geometric averages. To automate the process of collecting, storing, processing and displaying this information, a software tool has also been developed that allows to automate environmental management. The ultimate goal of this tool is to support decision making when choosing a project that is more environmentally friendly. For industries and technologies that do not fall into the category of rational from the point of view of environmental management, a mathematical model of their optimization has been developed with the selection of specific environmental protection measures. The economic efficiency of the developed automation tools was calculated using the methodology for determining the prevented environmental damage and summed up 28303 rubles per year for the company under study.

Trends of Blood Cadmium Concentration Among Workers and Non-Workers in the United States (NHANES 2003 to 2012).

We aimed to explore the trends of blood cadmium (bCd) concentrations among workers and non-workers in the United States. We used serial cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2003 to 2012), including 23,243 subjects aged 20 and above. We used linear regression to analyze the trends of bCd levels adjusting for demographic variables and smoking status, stratified by occupations. The geometric mean of bCd levels was 0.362 μg/L. Only 0.21% had elevated bCd concentrations (≥5 μg/L). Women, older age, ethnic minorities, people of lower socio economic status (SES), current smokers, blue-collars, and non-workers tended to have higher bCd levels. The bCd concentrations were stable through years in workers (n = 12,787), but had a decline from 0.532 to 0.476 μg/L (P-trend = 0.006) in non-workers (n = 10,456). Cd exposure in the United States has been controlled to a safe level. Special protective measures should be taken for the lower SES group and blue-collars.

CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF THE PRINCIPLE OF STATE PROTECTION OF THE FAMILY

The family is undoubtedly regarded not only as an important focus of society, but also as a basis for the upbringing of the growing generation, an element of cultural, moral, informational and economic development of society. Globalism and the transformation of social relations have also led to changes in the family model. In such circumstances, the study, becomes very important. The researchers mainly investigate the problems of individual principles of civil and family law, as well as analyze state policy in the field of protection and protection of children’s rights. However, the principle of state protection of the family is not well understood.The study found that the principle of state protection of the family is enshrined both at the level of international acts and in national law. It is justified that the content of this principle is revealed due to the positive obligations of the state in the field of family protection. The article analyzes the foreign experience of defining the substantive elements of the principle of state protection of the family. The importance of the principle of state protection of the family in emergency situations, including the protection of the right to family of internally displaced persons, has been investigated.It is established that the principle of state protection of the family envisages a set of rulemaking, law enforcement, organizational, administrative, financial, ideological and educational measures on the part of the state to ensure favorable conditions for the creation and proper functioning of the family, as well as its protection. The legal mechanism of state protection of the family is a system of legal norms that establish guarantees for the realization of a person’s right to the family, as well as institutions that promote the proper functioning and protection of the family, motherhood (paternity) and childhood. It is justified that the content of the principle of state protection of the family is revealed due to the positive obligations of the state in the sphere of family protection, including: to assist in the formation of families and in raising their children; take appropriate measures to ensure equality of spouses and protection of children in the event of divorce; create human conditions for motherhood (paternity), ensure protection of their rights; take special maternity protection measures within a reasonable time before and after childbirth; adopt legislation to protect a person from arbitrary or unlawful interference with family life; to give priority to family upbringing of the child and others.

Choice of household adaptation strategies to flood risk management in Accra, Ghana

In this paper, we discuss the psychological and socio-economic factors as well as the constraints that inhibit private precautionary flood-risk mitigation measures among urban households in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana within the Protection Motivation framework. The results show that threat appraisal has mixed effects on the decisions by households to adopt a damage protection measure against flooding. With regards to coping appraisal, the study found that households who do not feel helpless about flooding in the neighbourhood resort to some structural measures such as reinforcing their house against flood damage. The study also finds that socio-economic factors have an overall positive effect on protective behaviour. Additionally, structural measures taken by the public sector to provide protection against damage from a flood are shown to complement the adoption of some specific private protective measures such as clearing drains and sandbagging by households. We, therefore, recommend policy choices to focus on the provision of the needed community-level flood protection infrastructure since it stimulates private flood precautionary measures.