Safety Standards Research Articles

Flavors of Fusion: The Role of Thai Street Food in Shaping Culinary Experiences for Chinese Tourists

This study investigated the significance of Thai street food in shaping the cultural and gastronomic experiences of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. As culinary tourism gains global traction, street food has emerged as a key aspect of authentic cultural immersion, particularly in Thailand, where it is deeply embedded in daily life and national identity. This study employs a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with 25 Chinese tourists in central Bangkok, to explore their perceptions and experiences with Thai street food. The findings indicate that the unique flavors, affordability, and convenience of street food are major attractions for Chinese tourists. Moreover, street food offers tourists direct interaction with local culture, allowing them to experience Thai customs and social dynamics in an informal, everyday setting. The study also uncovers that while tourists appreciate the variety and accessibility of Thai street food, some concerns persist, particularly regarding hygiene and the impact of weather conditions on the dining experience. Despite these challenges, Thai street food remains an essential and enjoyable component of the overall travel experience for Chinese visitors. The research contributes to the growing body of literature on gastronomy tourism by emphasizing the role of street food as both a cultural symbol and a tourism attraction. This study highlights the importance of supporting street vendors and maintaining high standards of food safety to enhance the street food experience for international tourists, making it a sustainable and competitive element of Thailand’s tourism industry.

Trend of medico-legal cases at a tertiary care teaching hospital of U.P.

Background:Trend of medico legal cases is a fundamental part of the prevention of avoidable causalities in future and to study the crime rate in area. In present study an attempt is made to know the burden of medico legal cases. The aim of present study is to describe the profile, pattern and trend of medico-legal cases and identify errors in the medico-legal reports. METHOD:This is a Retrospective, descriptive, non-interventional study, conducted in emergency department of Government Medical College and Hospital Jalaun during the period from 1st January 2023 to 31th December 2023. This is a tertiary care teachinghospital where patients are referred from most of private hospitals. Patients from district hospitals of the region are also admitted in this college. Conclusions:In majority of places, duty of casualty medical officer is accomplished by MBBS doctor whois not expert in handling of medico legal cases. Therefore medico-legal work should be doneunder the direction of forensic medicine expert to avoid inaccuracy in giving the opinion. The presentstudy showed that male outnumbered female and maximum cases were of youngergeneration. Most common aetiology was of road traffic injuries. Such incidences can beprevented by giving awareness through proper education and training of safety standards byadministrators through road safety programs.

Evaluation of Patient Safety Measures in the ICCU at Pune: A Comparative Study Against ISCCM Guidelines

Introduction: This cross-sectional descriptive study evaluated patient safety measures in the Intensive Coronary Care Unit (ICCU) of a tertiary care hospital in Pune, India, over 90 days. Methodology: A validated checklist from the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) was used to assess compliance with established guidelines. Result: The ICCU demonstrated high adherence to infrastructure standards and environmental controls. However, gaps were identified, including the absence of a portable CT scanner and inadequate counselling room size, emphasizing the need for further improvements to align with global best practices. Recommendations include investing in a portable CT scanner and expanding the counselling room. This study underscores the importance of adhering to standardized safety protocols in critical care settings to enhance patient outcomes and reduce adverse events.

Assessment of Safety Culture in Recreational Scuba Diving Course among Selected Chinese Colleges: Basis for Enhanced Safety Management System

This research assesses the safety culture within recreational scuba diving courses at selected Chinese colleges, aiming to establish a foundation for an enhanced safety management system. The study not only evaluates existing safety practices and attitudes but also examines the underlying cultural factors that influence safety behaviors, aiming to propose targeted improvements that enhance overall safety and effectiveness. Grounded in Edgar Schein’s Organizational Culture Theory, the research explores safety culture through the analysis of Artifacts, Espoused Values, and Underlying Assumptions. A mixed-method approach was employed, with quantitative data collected through surveys from students and teachers and qualitative data gathered via in-depth interviews with experienced scuba diving teachers. The findings revealed significant insights into the safety culture of these courses, including the strengths and weaknesses in current safety practices. Key issues identified include the lack of availability and non-compliance with standard safety requirements for first aid equipment and emergency aid during scuba diving classes, a gap or mismatch between students' theoretical knowledge and practical scuba diving skills, poor equipment management and maintenance. The study concludes with recommendations for improving safety management systems, emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols, enhanced teacher training, and the integration of safety culture into the broader educational framework of Chinese colleges. These recommendations aim to reduce accidents and enhance the overall safety and enjoyment of recreational scuba diving, benefiting both students and teachers.

Using QI to develop a sustainable method for titrating taxane infusions to reduce hypersensitivity reactions.

To develop a sustainable three-step method for titrating first and second taxane exposures through integration of best practices in patient and environmental safety; and to evaluate the impact on immediate hypersensitivity rates. A quality improvement study was initiated at a large, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in the U.S. to determine a sustainable method of slow, upward titration for reducing taxane-related hypersensitivity reactions. Multidisciplinary collaboration led to the incorporation of best practices for safe preparation and administration of high risk, hazardous drugs. Retrospective data from the electronic health records of 690 patients who received 1221 taxane doses were analyzed. Non-titrated infusions were compared with infusions titrated using a method initially tested for efficacy; and infusions titrated using a method revised for greater compliance with safety standards. Two-sided Fisher's exact tests at a 0.1 level of significance were used to detect differences in the rate of HSR between the three groups. A method of taxane titration that incorporated standardized, preprogrammed infusion rates and tubing primed with inert IV fluid showed a significant reduction in HSR incidence in comparison to non-titrated infusions (6% v. 19%, P = 0.001) and a similar decrease in the rate of HSR (6%) to the initial method previously studied (7%) (P = 0.659) which was not sustainable due to patient and environmental safety concerns. A three-step titration method using standardized, preprogrammed infusion rates and tubing primed with inert IV fluid reduced taxane-related HSRs and was adopted as sustainable practice in ambulatory cancer care.

Next-generation cathodes for calcium-ion batteries: Leveraging NASICON structures for enhanced stability and energy density

This study focuses on developing a high-performance, stable cathode for calcium-ion batteries (CIBs) using a sodium superionic conductor (NASICON) structure to match the energy density and safety standards of current lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. Given the relatively sparse database of CIB materials compared with their lithium and sodium counterparts, expanding the range of new candidates is essential for developing high-performance batteries. To address this, we employed density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which provide a quantum-mechanical description of the electronic properties of materials, to construct a highly reliable database. To improve the accuracy and efficiency, we integrated machine learning interatomic potential with DFT to stabilize the NASICON-type structures, CaxNaV’yV’’2-yBzP3-zO12, where x = 0.8, 0.5, 0; y = 1, 0.5; z = 0.5, 0; V’ and V’’ are transition metals that support stable doped configurations at the V- and P-sites. From the initial 176 candidates, the top 10 materials that facilitate stable structures were identified based on selection criteria focusing on formation energy < 0 eV/atom, energy above hull = 0 eV/atom, gravimetric capacity ≥ 150 mAh/g, -1% ≤ volume change ≤ 1%, and 3 ≤ average voltage ≤ 4.5 V. This approach advances CIB technology and outlines effective strategies for dopant selection to optimize battery cathodes, configuring a framework for future advancements in battery technology.

Roadmap on basic research needs for laser technology

Abstract Motivated by the profound impact of laser technology on science, arising from an increase in focused light intensity by seven orders of magnitude and flashes so short electron motion is visible, this roadmap outlines the paths forward in laser technology to enable the next generation of science and applications. Despite remarkable progress, the field confronts challenges in developing compact, high-power sources, enhancing scalability and efficiency, and ensuring safety standards. Future research endeavors aim to revolutionize laser power, energy, repetition rate and precision control; to transform mid-infrared sources; to revolutionize approaches to field control and frequency conversion. These require reinvention of materials and optics to enable intense laser science and interdisciplinary collaboration. The roadmap underscores the dynamic nature of laser technology and its potential to address global challenges, propelling progress and fostering sustainable development. Ultimately, advancements in laser technology hold promise to revolutionize myriad applications, heralding a future defined by innovation, efficiency, and sustainability.

Biomimetic Hierarchies for Universal Surface Enhancement and Applications in Water Treatment.

Hierarchical superstructures, ubiquitously found in nature, offer enhanced efficiency in both substance reaction and mass transport owing to their unique multiscale features. Inspired by these natural systems, this research reports a general and scalable electrochemical scheme for creating highly branched, multilevel porous superstructures on various electrically conductive substrates. These structures exhibit cascading features from centimeters, submillimeters, micrometers, down to sub-100 nm, significantly increasing the surface area of substrates, such as foams, foils, and carbon cloth by 2 orders of magnitude─among the highest reported enhancements. This versatile and low-cost method, applicable to a range of electrically conductive substrates, enables innovative flow-assisted water purification with enhanced energy efficiency. The performance, successfully removing 99% of mercury within 0.5 h at 540 rpm and meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards for drinking water, further validates the advantages of these unique structures. Overall, the reported general, economical, and versatile scheme could broadly impact energy and environmental remediation.

Influence of Asparaginase on Acrylamide Content, Color, and Texture in Oat, Corn, and Rice Cookies.

The safety of cereal-based baked goods can be compromised by acrylamide, a processing contaminant and class 2A carcinogen. One method to prevent acrylamide formation is by converting asparagine to aspartic acid using asparaginases. Four different asparaginases were tested using two dough incubation temperatures and dosages for oat, corn, and rice cookies. To evaluate the impact of asparaginases on product quality, color and texture were measured. Acrylamide was reduced by up to 97, 95, and 92% for oat, corn, and rice cookies, respectively, compared to the control. Asparaginase treatment resulted in minor changes in color and texture. There was a strong correlation between acrylamide concentrations in cookies and the free asparagine content of the flour. By minimizing the formation of acrylamide while maintaining product quality, the use of asparaginases offers a promising approach to enhancing food safety standards and protecting public health, potentially influencing regulatory guidelines and consumer preferences.

Highwall mining productivity enhancement with energy conservation: A case study

ABSTRACT Open-cast mining in India is transitioning from closing existing mines to extracting remaining coal seams from dormant sites. Highwall machines are key to this efficient extraction process. To meet international safety and environmental standards, audits are essential. This article evaluates the power quality of the substation’s incomer, transformer, and feeder, and proposes energy-efficient changes to boost production. Tests on the main substation transformers included voltage, current, power, power factor, harmonics, and AC waveform analysis. Thermal imaging of electrical equipment was conducted to verify operating temperatures. Results were graphed for each test. The study recommends installing an Automatic Power Factor Correction (APFC) unit and lowering the tap value from 5 to 4 to improve the transformer’s power factor. It is estimated that a 4% voltage reduction will save 1% energy, while a 5% reduction will save 1.25% energy.

An integrated approach for assessing the health risks of pesticide residues on apple: From field dynamics to human exposure

The apple (Malus domestica), a cultivated fruit extensively grown in temperate regions worldwide, is abundant in nutrients and phytochemicals that promote health. However, the application of pesticides in apple cultivation raises significant concern regarding their influence on food safety. This study investigated the dynamic behavior of five pesticides, including chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, acetamiprid, carbendazim, prochloraz, in apple trees, utilizing both field experiments and predictive modeling to analyze their distribution, transfer, and degradation patterns. Results from the field experiment revealed that at harvest, the residue levels of the five pesticides on apple were below international and national maximum residue limits. The dynamiCROP modeling results, corresponding to the field trial findings, demonstrated that these pesticides exhibited comparable dissipation patterns across various environmental compartments. The primary sources of pesticides in apples were the air and the fruit surface up to 10 days after application, while the soil and leaf surface became the main sources over time. The transferred pesticides adhered to the apple fruits at varying rates and persist therein. Choosing pesticides with lower impact scores helped reduce the impacts on human health and the environment. The assessment of health risks associated with consuming apples containing pesticide residues suggested that the impact on human health is acceptable. These findings were crucial for apple producers, as they enable the optimization of pesticide application timing to ensure compliance with food safety standards and help improve pesticide management strategies in agriculture. This study is essential for minimizing the environmental impact of pesticides and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices.

EM Radiation Thermal Effects Simulation Study on a Realistic Female Model at Some Frequencies

The purpose of research is to develop a computer simulation based mobile phone safety testing scheme that is well suited for testing any mobile phone antenna at different communication frequencies and various realistic scenarios. It has been shown how feasible the study of realistic models is, what difficulties may occur, what effects, moments appear in the modeling process. The aim of the study is also to show the need for changes in the standard of mobile phone safety testing and to investigate the possibilities of implementing these changes. It is preferable for manufacturers to perform testing using human realistic models through numerical calculations and conduct safety compliance testing under realistic conditions to produce more realistic picture. Computer modeling gives the possibility to consider various realistic models, realistic scenarios and different tissue dielectric properties according to the frequency. It was investigated how mobile phone antenna radiation parameters (S11 reflection coefficient) change according to the various positions of the hand and fingers at standard communication 2100 MHz and 3700 MHz frequencies; were estimated Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) values in the human head and their dependence on S11 parameters were studied. Based on the obtained results, it has been shown that the preferred S11 behavior should be one of the indicators in the phone safety standards. For this, manufacturers should carry out mobile phone antenna matching/S11 parameter testing with free space.

Dynamic Testing and Fatigue Analysis of the I-31P Nose Landing Gear

Abstract The landing gear is a critical safety component of any aircraft, playing a key role in managing the significant loads experienced during landing and ground maneuvers. In the case of the I-31P aircraft, a redesign of the I-23 landing gear system, required comprehensive testing to validate its performance, after change of landing gear parts manufacturer and minor updates to materials and technologies. This study focuses on the dynamic testing of the I-31P nose landing gear (NLG), particularly to assess its energy dissipation and fatigue resistance under operational conditions. Dynamic tests, performed in accordance with CS-23 standards, utilized strain gauges to monitor potential stress concentrations, especially on the half-fork design. Results demonstrated that the I-31P nose landing gear meets the required safety standards, with key performance metrics such as deflection and load factors within acceptable limits. The findings also highlighted the importance of continued monitoring for potential fatigue issues, offering valuable insights for future design enhancements.

Influence of Compliance with Fire Safety Standards and Regulations in Fire Safety Management Performance at International Airports in Kenya

Influence of Compliance with Fire Safety Standards and Regulations in Fire Safety Management Performance at International Airports in Kenya

Assessment of drinking water quality and identifying pollution sources in a chromite mining region

Water sources near mining regions are often susceptible to contamination from toxic elements. This study employs machine learning (ML) techniques to evaluate drinking water quality and identify pollution sources near a chromite mine in Iran. Human health risks were assessed using both deterministic and probabilistic approaches. Findings revealed that concentrations of calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), and sodium (Na) in the water samples exceeded international safety standards. The Unweighted Root Mean Square water quality index (RMS-WQI) and Weighted Quadratic Mean (WQM-WQI) categorized all water samples as 'Fair', with average scores of 67.95 and 67.19, respectively. Of the ML models tested, the Extra Trees (ET) algorithm emerged as the top predictor of WQI, with Mg and strontium (Sr) as key variables influencing the scores. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified three distinct clusters of water quality parameters, highlighting influences from both local geology and anthropogenic activities. The highest average hazard quotient (HQ) for Cr was 1.71 for children, 1.27 for adolescents, and 1.05 for adults. Monte Carlo simulation for health risk assessment indicated median hazard index (HI) of 4.48 for children, 3.58 for teenagers, and 2.98 for adults, all exceeding the acceptable threshold of 1. Total carcinogenic risk (TCR) exceeded the EPA's acceptable level for 99.38 % of children, 98.24 % of teenagers, and 100 % of adults, with arsenic (As) and Cr identified as the main contributors. The study highlights the need for urgent mitigation measures, recommending a 99 % reduction in concentrations of key contaminants to lower both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks to acceptable levels.

(G4-SEOPTIM): A GEANT4 application for shielded enclosure, designing and shielding optimizing: The case of a new Moroccan shielded enclosure

PurposeThis study aims to develop and validate a Geant4 simulation application using the latest G4RadioactiveDecayPhysics v5.1 library to optimize the shielding design of a Moroccan shielded enclosure. The goal is to ensure effective radiation protection by comparing simulation results with initial geometric calculations based on the attenuation law (Beer-Lambert Law) and implementing design optimizations to enhance safety and reduce costs. MethodsThe study began with a prototype design based on linear attenuation calculations, which were costly and offered limited patient safety. Using the Geant4 Monte Carlo toolkit, we simulated the decay of a Fluorine-18 source within the shielded enclosure to evaluate dose rate distributions. The simulation's accuracy was validated through comparison with experimental measurements, and the results informed the geometric optimization of the shielding enclosure. ResultsThe Geant4 simulations demonstrated that the current shielding design effectively reduces radiation doses to acceptable levels. However, the simulations also identified opportunities for further optimization of the enclosure's geometry, allowing for more precise and efficient use of shielding materials while maintaining safety standards. ConclusionThe study confirms the utility of Geant4 for optimizing radiation shielding designs. While the initial dimensions provided adequate protection, the simulation enabled more precise geometric optimization. This approach not only enhances radiation protection but also informs the design and construction of more efficient and cost-effective shielding enclosures. The adjustments made to the enclosure's faces significantly improved radiation protection, reducing the dose rate surrounding the shielded enclosure to acceptable levels.

PREVENTION OF WORK ACCIDENTS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: STRATEGIES AND APPLICATIONS

The construction industry represents a hazardous environment frequently associated with work-related accidents. This study concentrates on strategies and practices to diminish and prevent such occupational incidents. Preventing occupational accidents is paramount regarding workers' well-being, project efficiency, and cost management. Strategies and practices such as training, risk assessment, appropriate equipment utilization, collaboration, and inspection play pivotal roles in minimizing work-related accidents, emphasizing the effectiveness of integrating these measures. This study underscores ensuring worker safety in the construction sector remains an ongoing priority. Strategies and practices aimed at preventing work-related accidents are deemed critical for all stakeholders within the industry. They are considered crucial steps towards reducing work accidents and fostering a culture of occupational safety. Additionally, a survey conducted among approximately 600 workers across five different construction sites in Antalya aimed to explore the correlation between their knowledge levels in labor law, occupational health, safety, and work accidents. Findings indicated a necessity to augment workers' knowledge and awareness levels, suggesting that such improvements could lead to better self-protection of their health and safety, consequently reducing work-related accidents. In essence, the primary objective of this study is to offer recommendations for enhancing occupational health and safety standards within the construction sector. The literature review aims to assess measures to improve workers' health and safety and ascertain their practicability in the industry, thereby striving to harmonize legislation with practical applications.

Influence of Risk Transfer on Implementation of Kerra Road Construction Projects between 2019 and 2023 in Migori County, Kenya

The implementation of Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) construction projects faces high levels of risk, but these risks are often not adequately addressed, which is reflected in the low quality of work, as well as cost and time overruns. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of risk transfer on the implementation of KeRRA road construction projects in Migori County, Kenya. Implementation was measured as a function of project completion within the set time frame and staying within budget. This study was anchored on project implementation theory, which provides a foundation for examining the influence of the variables under study. A concurrent triangulation research design was used, as it incorporates both qualitative and quantitative aspects of the research study. The target population for the study consisted of 92 contractors, 459 constituency roads committee (CRC) members, and 2 consultant engineers. Using a sampling size formula, a total of 39 contractors and 193 CRC members were selected through simple random sampling. Two (2) consultant engineers for Migori County were selected using purposive sampling. Primary data was obtained through self-administered questionnaires to contractors and CRC members, while Key Informant Interviews (KII) were conducted with the consultant engineers. The validity of the research instruments was ensured through piloting and expert evaluation. Inferential statistics, specifically Multiple Linear Regression, were applied to determine the influence of risk transfer strategies on the implementation of KeRRA road construction projects, by testing the hypotheses for the study. Statistical significance was assessed at p &lt; 0.05. Qualitative data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The study found that risk transfer strategies are mostly employed during the construction of roads in Migori County (M = 3.77, SD = 0.86) and accounted for 70.0% of the variation in the implementation of the projects. The study concluded that improvement in risk transfer strategies leads to an increase in the implementation of KeRRA road construction projects in Migori County. The study recommends that, to ensure risk transfer is properly undertaken, a system of risk reporting and remedial actions should be activated to ensure a smooth and effective road project implementation process. Additionally, KeRRA should ensure that all manpower and machinery used in road construction are insured and properly certified in accordance with occupational safety and health standards and policies.

Harmonising liability: exploring carrier responsibilities in transportation contracts and their application to autonomous vehicle services under the UAE Law

ABSTRACT This article introduces the challenges presented in establishing governance of autonomous vehicles, dealing with questions of liability, where domestic law needs to cohere with international transport conventions, Islamic jurisprudence, Supreme Court jurisprudence, and technical safety standards. The primary objective of the article is to assess the applicability of established legal norms governing carrier liability in traditional road transport contracts in the United Arab Emirates. These legal tenets, rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and drawn from historical sources such as the ‘Al-Ahkam Al-Adliya Journal,’ constitute the foundation of civil law in numerous Arab countries, including the Arab Gulf States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and others. Melding legal and technical perspectives, this study provides legal insights for judges, arbitrators, and legal practitioners, and offers solutions to the liability challenges that may arise when autonomous vehicles begin operating on UAE streets or any other Arab country.

DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF BENT AND VARIABLE SECTION TUBES MADE OF FRP COMPOSITE

Manufacturing of bent composite tubes with variable cross-section is a challenge. The traditional process in composite materials uses retractable mandrels that in case of inflated or bent tubes cannot be applied. The tubular composite elements are often used in high performance bicycles, in the manufacturing of frames, handlebars, saddle pipe supports, etc. This paper presents research on the design of a Mountain Bike (MTB) riser handlebar made of Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP). The handlebar is numerically analyzed to estimate the most suitable stacking sequence of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) layers. Depending on the safety standard of bicycle handlebars, a case of longitudinal bending tests was numerically evaluated. Comparing the weight of the CFRP handlebar with the steel handlebar of the same shape, the mass reduction is 5.2 times. The obtained results indicate a two-fold reduction in the weight of the handlebar if it is compared to a handlebar made of aluminum alloys. The research also presents the manufacturing process of the composite mold, and CFRP tubular element. Prepreg CFRP materials are used to manufacture the handlebar, the employed technology being the vacuum bag forming and autoclave curing process.