Use Of Strategies Research Articles

Decision-Making Policy for Autonomous Vehicles on Highways Using Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) Method

Automated driving (AD) is a new technology that aims to mitigate traffic accidents and enhance driving efficiency. This study presents a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) method for autonomous vehicles that can safely and efficiently handle highway overtaking scenarios. The first step is to create a highway traffic environment where the agent can be guided safely through surrounding vehicles. A hierarchical control framework is then provided to manage high-level driving decisions and low-level control commands, such as speed and acceleration. Next, a special DRL-based method called deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) is used to derive decision strategies for use on the highway. The performance of the DDPG algorithm is compared with that of the DQN and PPO algorithms, and the results are evaluated. The simulation results show that the DDPG algorithm can effectively and safely handle highway traffic tasks.

When adults with speech-language impairment meet law enforcement: A qualitative analysis of client experiences

IntroductionMembers of law enforcement and the general public who have limited knowledge of persons with communication impairments (PCI) may misinterpret their communication behaviors. Few studies exist about communication between PCI and law enforcement, and data are lacking about the factors that may influence their interactions. Considering this need, we addressed the following research questions: How will PCI describe their attitudes and experiences related to interacting with law enforcement? What individual characteristics may influence these attitudes and experiences? MethodsIn individual semi-structured interviews, we asked 10 adults with speech-language differences (aphasia, dysarthria, or stuttering) to describe their experiences of interacting with members of law enforcement, the communication strategies they would use when interacting with law enforcement, and what they would like members of law enforcement to know about their communication needs. In qualitative analyses, we generated themes from the data. ResultsThree main themes and four subthemes were evident in participant responses. Participant emotions and communication behavior were affected in complex ways during their interactions with a person of authority in uniform. In this sample of PCI, levels of confidence about communicating with strangers were lower for participants with no visible characteristics versus those who exhibited these signs. The participants recommended communication strategies for use by members of law enforcement. ConclusionsThese findings extend the limited literature on this topic to include factors that appear to influence the attitudes and experiences of PCI during their interactions with law enforcement. In clinical application, speech-language pathologists have an important role to play in assisting clients to practice individualized communication strategies for interactions with law enforcement in various contexts. Further research is needed into the perspectives of PCI and the attitudes and experiences of law enforcement when interacting with PCI.

Memes in Journalistic Texts about the Pandemic and War: Frequency and Strategies of Use

Memes in Journalistic Texts about the Pandemic and War: Frequency and Strategies of Use

MIP3α-Rel Mtb intranasal DNA vaccination induces reactive T-cell infiltration into the lungs in mice and macaques.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), is the leading cause of mortality due to a single infectious organism. While generally curable, TB requires a lengthy and complex antibiotic regimen, due in large part to bacteria that can shift to a persistent state in the presence of antibiotic pressure. Rel Mtb is the primary enzyme regulating the stringent response, which contributes to the metabolic shift of Mtb to a persistent state. Targeting Rel Mtb with a vaccine to eliminate persistent bacteria through the induction of Rel Mtb -specific T-cell immunity in combination with antibiotics to kill dividing bacteria has shown promise in model systems. In a mouse model of Mtb infection, a vaccine created by genetically fusing rel Mtb to the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein 3α ( MIP3 α), a ligand for the CC chemokine receptor type 6 (CCR6) present on immature dendritic cells, has been shown to enhance T-cell responses and accelerate eradication of infection in mouse models compared to a vaccine lacking the chemokine component. In this study, immunogenicity studies in the mouse and rhesus macaque models provide evidence that intranasal administrations of the DNA form of the MipRel vaccine led to enhanced lung infiltration of T cells after a series of immunizations. Furthermore, despite similar T-cell immunity seen in PBMCs between MipRel and Rel vaccinations, lung and bronchoalveolar lavage cell samples are more enriched for cytokine-secreting T cells in MipRel groups compared to Rel groups. We conclude that intranasal immunization with a MIP-3α fusion vaccine represents a novel strategy for use of a simple DNA vaccine formulation to elicit T-cell immune responses within the respiratory tract. That this formulation is immunogenic in a non-human primate model historically viewed as poorly responsive to DNA vaccines indicates the potential for clinical application in the treatment of Mtb infection, with possible application to other respiratory pathogens. Future studies will further characterize the protective effect of this vaccination platform.

Qualitative Interviews Exploring Adverse Event Mitigation Strategies in Adults Receiving Amikacin Liposome Inhalation Suspension.

This study aimed to gain insight from patients with refractory Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MAC-LD) into strategies used to manage adverse events (AEs) associated with amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS). We conducted semi-structured interviews with US patients with refractory MAC-LD prescribed ALIS in a real-world setting. Interview transcripts were analyzed and coded to identify patterns in participants' descriptions of their ALIS treatment experiences, including AEs and their disruptiveness, and AE mitigation strategies, including participants' ratings of strategies' effectiveness. Concept saturation was also assessed. Twenty participants (mean age 48.7years; 80% women; mean ALIS duration 5.45months) were interviewed. At the time of the interview, 15 participants (75%) had received ALIS for > 1month and 13 (65%) were currently receiving ALIS. Participants described 44 unique AE mitigation strategies, which can be categorized into three groups: prepare for treatment; prevent increased emergence of AEs; and persist on treatment by mitigating AEs. Common strategies (reported by ≥ 50% of participants) included use of educational materials from the patient support program, localized management of throat irritation, and symptom management to reduce fatigue. Evidence of concept saturation was observed: no new strategies were identified in the last five interviews, which suggests the sample was robust enough to identify all mitigation strategies likely to be used by the broader patient population. This real-world study identified a diverse set of potential AE mitigation strategies intended to help individual patients prepare for ALIS treatment, prevent the increased emergence of certain AEs, and mitigate the impact of AEs on treatment persistence. Developing a comprehensive accounting of the types of mitigation strategies in use among patients in real-world settings can inform future investigation of the effectiveness of such strategies, and support evidence-based recommendations for treatment management.

The effect of growth mindset on motivation and strategy use in Hong Kong students’ integrated writing performance

Growth mindset (GM) theory conceptualizes that one’s ability can be improved with effort (Dweck, Self-theories: Their role in motivation, personality, and development, Taylor & Francis, 1999) from a social-cognitive perspective. Self-determination theory (SDT) emphasizes the motivational source of learning, i.e. autonomous motivation (AM) and controlled motivation (CM). The two motivational theories can both lead to strategy use (SU) in writing contexts. To provide a more comprehensive understanding of motivation, this study investigated GM, AM, CM and SU through an integrated writing task. Participants were 465 secondary-four students in Hong Kong. Structural equation modelling showed that GM indirectly promoted writing performance through the mediation of AM and SU. Besides, neither motivations exerted direct effect on writing performance, whereas both did so via the mediation of SU. The findings unveiled the importance of GM in Hong Kong secondary school students’ writing performance since it contributed to AM and SU. Regarding pedagogical implications, we encourage the proliferation of GM in every-day classroom.

On excess reactivity control of the advanced high temperature reactor (AHTR)

The Advanced High Temperature Reactor (AHTR) is a large Fluoride salt cooled High temperature Reactor (FHR) with a thermal power of 3400 MWt, utilizing hexagonal fuel elements with TRISO fuel spheres embedded in graphite fuel plates. While its cycle length is relatively short (less than one year), its specific power is high, resulting in high cycle burnup and consequently high initial excess reactivity that needs to be controlled. This is achieved by using both Eu2O3 burnable poison spheres and molybdenum-hafnium-carbon control rods. This work details studies developing and implementing these two reactivity control features over representative AHTR fuel cycles. Various Eu2O3 densities are considered to evaluate both the achieved reactivity control and the residual reactivity penalty of burnable poison at end of cycle. Control rod studies are performed to find integral and partial insertion reactivity worth for control rod banks at various radial locations. Axial power impacts are also evaluated. Focus then shifts toward control rod movement strategies. A manually generated insertion scheme leading to a critical configuration is first investigated to serve as a reference point for automated schemes to follow. Next, automated insertion and withdrawal strategies are evaluated based on their radial power peaking performance. Control rod insertions into the core locations with the highest local power are shown to be more stable than control rod withdrawals from core locations with the lowest local power. Finally, a methodology is introduced for finding a critical control rod insertion configuration. The methodology is intended to be used over a depletion sequence where the positions of the control rods are automatically adjusted to maintain criticality over cycle. In summary, this work presents a possible implementation of AHTR reactivity control and introduces automated control rod movement strategies for use in multi-physics depletion analyses.

Development, Optimization and Evaluation of a Sensitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Prototype for Detection of Chicken-Based IgY Polyclonal Antibodies against Toxins of D. polylepis Venom.

Life-threatening medical issues can result from snakebite, and hence this is a public health concern. In many tropical and subtropical nations such as Kenya, where a wide variety of poisonous snakes are prevalent, diagnosis of snakebite in health facilities is imperative. Different antivenoms are needed to treat the venom of different snake species. Nonetheless, it might be difficult for medical professionals to identify the exact snake species that envenomated a patient due to the similarities of several snake envenomations' clinical symptoms. Therefore, the necessity for an assay or technique for identifying venomous species is critical. The current study sought to develop a sensitive ELISA prototype for the detection of D. polylepis venom in Kenya using generated chicken-based IgY polyclonal antibodies. Serum samples containing specific chicken-based IgY antibodies previously raised against D. polylepis venom toxins were used in the assay development. ELISA parameters were optimized, and the developed assay was assessed for applicability. The limit of detection (LoD) of the ELISA for neurotoxic venoms was determined to be 0.01 µg/mL. Successful discrimination between neurotoxic and cytotoxic venoms was achieved by the ensuing inhibition ELISA assay. The developed assay showed the capability of identifying venoms in blood samples (from spiked and venom-challenged blood samples) of BALB/c mice, providing compelling evidence of the strategy's usefulness. This assay could help physicians diagnose and manage victims of snakebites through the evaluation of clinical samples.

Teaching sensitive and controversial issues in higher education: a discussion about teaching strategies by an ethics of care with sexually abused boys and men as the empirical example

ABSTRACT The aim of this autoethnography is to explore caring strategies for use in the teaching of sensitive and controversial issues in higher education. The text discusses a situation in which I received negative feedback on my teaching strategies during a session about sexually abused boys and men at an institution of higher education in Norway. Relying on a feminist ethics of care, both the way in which I managed the situation and alternative handling strategies are discussed. The article recommends that teachers take preventive measures to safeguard students. Ensuring in advance that the content of the session is made explicit to the students is paramount, thereby enabling them to make informed decisions about participation. However, making moral judgements on the content as in ‘trigger warnings’ should be avoided. Also, the use of suitable rooms that are spacious and allow for opportunities to arrive and leave the session discreetly is recommended.

Evolving Strategies for Use of Phytochemicals in Prevention and Long-Term Management of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD).

This report describes major pathomechanisms of disease in which the dysregulation of host inflammatory processes is a major factor, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a primary model, and reviews strategies for countermeasures based on synergistic interaction between various agents, including drugs and generally regarded as safe (GRAS) natural medical material (NMM), such as Ginkgo biloba, spice phytochemicals, and fruit seed flavonoids. The 15 well-defined CVD classes are explored with particular emphasis on the extent to which oxidative stressors and associated ischemia-reperfusion tissue injury contribute to major symptoms. The four major categories of pharmaceutical agents used for the prevention of and therapy for CVD: statins, beta blockers (β-blockers), blood thinners (anticoagulants), and aspirin, are presented along with their adverse effects. Analyses of major cellular and molecular features of drug- and NMM-mediated cardioprotective processes are provided in the context of their development for human clinical application. Future directions of the evolving research described here will be particularly focused on the characterization and manipulation of calcium- and calcineurin-mediated cascades of signaling from cell surface receptors on cardiovascular and immune cells to the nucleus, with the emergence of both protective and pathological epigenetic features that may be modulated by synergistically-acting combinations of drugs and phytochemicals in which phytochemicals interact with cells to promote signaling that reduces the effective dosage and thus (often) toxicity of drugs.

Patient safety culture and medication safety in European intensive care units: a focus group study

BackgroundPatients in intensive care units (ICUs) are susceptible to medication errors (MEs) for many reasons, including the complexity and intensity of care. Little is known about patient safety culture, its...

Optimizing Teamwork in the Operating Room: A Scoping Review of Actionable Teamwork Strategies.

Suboptimal teamwork in the operating room (OR) is a contributing factor in a significant proportion of preventable complications for surgical patients. Specifying behaviour is fundamental to closing evidence-practice gaps in healthcare. Current teamwork interventions, however, have yet to be synthesized in this way. This scoping review aimed to identify actionable strategies for use during surgery by mapping the existing literature according to the Action, Actor, Context, Target, Time (AACTT) framework. The databases MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL),Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Cochrane, Scopus, and PsycINFO were searched from inception to April 5, 2022. Screening and data extraction were conducted in duplicate by pairs of independent reviewers. The search identified 9,289 references after the removal of duplicates. Across 249 studies deemed eligible for inclusion, eight types of teamwork interventions could be mapped according to the AACTT framework: bundle/checklists, protocols, audit and feedback, clinical practice guidelines, environmental change, cognitive aid, education, and other), yet many were ambiguous regardingthe actors and actions involved. The 101 included protocol interventions appeared to be among the most actionable for the OR based on the clear specification of ACCTT elements, and their effectiveness should be evaluated and compared in future work.

"We are mothers, sisters, and lovers too": Examining young Black women's experiences navigating sex and sexual health.

In Canada, there is a lack of research that addresses the sexual health and well-being of African, Caribbean, and Blackyoung women. This paper aims to gather perspectives of young Black women to address the social contexts of how young Black women navigate issues related to sex and sexual health. Young Black women experience unique dynamics in navigating their sexualities and sexual healthcare. The nuanced experiences stem from social contexts with historical underpinnings, such as the perception of Black women's bodies, Black identity, gender roles, and sexual double standards. This Community-Based Participatory Researchstudy (N = 24) utilized focus groups to examine young Black women's experiences navigating sexual health. Employing a thematic analysis, participants identified four themes representing their narratives of navigating sexual health. The themes included the perceptions and hypersexuality of Black women's bodies, navigating sexual double standards and gender roles as Black women, diverse Blackness, and migration experiences concerning sexual health and surveillance of Black women's bodies. This paper is intended to add to scholarly discourse and will include practical strategies for use by researchers and community practitioners in sexual health within the Black community.

Methodology for adapting a co-created early childhood development intervention and implementation strategies for use by frontline workers in India and Guatemala: a systematic application of the FRAME-IS framework

ABSTRACT There is little evidence on optimizing the effectiveness and implementation of evidence-based early childhood development (ECD) interventions when task-shifted to frontline workers. In this Methods Forum paper, we describe our adaptation of the International Guide for Monitoring Child Development (GMCD) for task-shifting to frontline workers in Guatemala and India. In 2021–2022, implementers, trainers, frontline workers, caregivers, and international GMCD experts collaborated to adapt the GMCD for a task shifted implementation by frontline workers. We used an eight-step co-creating process: assembling a multidisciplinary team, training on the existing package, working groups to begin modifications, revision of draft modifications, tailoring of visual materials and language, train-the-trainers activities, pilot frontline worker trainings, final review and feedback. Preliminary effectiveness of adaptations was evaluated through narrative notes and group-based qualitative feedback following pilot trainings with 16 frontline workers in India and 6 in Guatemala. Final adaptations included: refining training techniques to match skill levels and learning styles of frontline workers; tailoring all visual materials to local languages and contexts; design of job aids for providing developmental support messages; modification of referral and triage processes for children in need of enhanced support and speciality referral; and creation of post-training support procedures. Feedback from pilot trainings included: (1) group consensus that training improved ECD skills and knowledge across multiple domains; and (2) feedback on ongoing needed adjustments to pacing, use of video-based vs. role-playing materials, and time allocated to small group work. We use the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS) framework to document our adaptations. The co-creating approach we use, as well as systematic documentation of adaptation decisions will be of use to other community-based early childhood interventions and implementation strategies.

Effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention for improving the mental health of adolescents with HIV in Uganda: An open-label trial.

Adolescents with HIV (AWH) face the double burden of dealing with challenges presented by their developmental phase while coping with stigma related to HIV, affecting their mental health. Poor mental health complicates adherence to daily treatment regimens, requiring innovative psychosocial support strategies for use with adolescents. We assessed the effectiveness of a mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention on the mental health of AWH in Uganda. One hundred and twenty-two AWH, mean age 17 ±1.59 (range 15 to 19 years), 57% female, receiving care at a public health facility in Kampala were enrolled in an open-label randomized trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05010317) with assessments at pre-and post-intervention. The mindfulness and acceptance-based intervention involved weekly 90-minute group sessions for four consecutive weeks facilitated by two experienced trainers. Sessions involved clarifying values, skillfully relating to thoughts, allowing and becoming aware of experiences non-judgmentally, and exploring life through trial and error. The control group received the current standard of care. Three mental health domains (depression, anxiety, and internalized stigma) were compared between the intervention and control groups. A linear mixed effects regression was used to analyze the effect of the intervention across the two time points. Results showed that the intervention was associated with a statistically significant reduction in symptoms of depression (β = -10.72, 95%CI: 6.25, -15.20; p < .0001), anxiety (β = -7.55, 95%CI: 2.66, -12.43; p = .0003) and stigma (β = -1.40, 95%CI: 0.66 to -2.15; p = .0004) over time. Results suggest that mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions have the potential to improve the mental health of AWH.

Classrooms in Hospitals as Spaces of Opportunity Towards Inclusive Education

The objective of this research was to determine the specific difficulties that hospitalized students face in accessing inclusive education in hospital classrooms. The technique used is a documentary review; searches were conducted on Google Scholar, Dialnet, and Redalyc using keywords, and 18 documents were selected for thematic analysis. Four dimensions were identified that articulate the complexities of providing inclusive education in hospital classrooms; these are: Educational Barriers, Social and Emotional Aspects, Pedagogical Practices, and Interdisciplinary Collaboration; each contributed to a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles and opportunities to improve the education of hospitalized students, highlighting both the specific difficulties and the effective strategies in use to facilitate an adaptive and comprehensive educational environment. It is concluded that hospital classrooms are redefined as a wellness ecosystem, integrating education and health to fully support the student, proposing to transform education into an essential component of recovery and well-being, using therapeutic methodologies and continuous support networks to adapt learning to the medical and emotional needs of the hospitalized student.

Abstract LB353: Repurposing varicella zoster virus and human papillomavirus vaccines for local immunotherapy against solid tumors

Abstract Local immunotherapy against solid tumors is considered a viable approach to stimulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and anti-tumor immunity. We assessed in situ vaccination with licensed subunit vaccines to leverage preexisting anti-vaccine immunity in the TC-1 tumor model expressing HPV16 viral oncogenes E6 and E7. We chose Shingrix, a VZV vaccine containing the glycoprotein E (gE), and Gardasil-9, an HPV vaccine containing L1 virus-like particles (VLP), to preferentially induce CD4 and CD8 T cell responses, respectively. Intratumoral (IT) injection of Shingrix in Shingrix prevaccinated mice led to complete regression in 20% to 50% of treated mice and elicited CD8 T cell responses against the viral oncoprotein E7. IT injection of an MHC-II-restricted gE peptide with polyI:C also led to durable remission, suggesting that gE-specific CD4 T cells played a significant role in tumor control. In contrast, IT injection of Gardasil-9 in Gardasi-9 prevaccinated animals did not delay tumor growth. However, IT injection of an MHC-I-restricted L1 peptide with Shingrix consistently led to complete remissions perhaps by overcoming preexisting antibodies against native HPV VLP which appeared to inhibit the cross-presentation of VLP derived antigens. TME analysis showed that IT injection of Shingrix with Gardasil-derived peptide induced IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and CXCL9. This treatment also dramatically reshaped the immune cell infiltrate causing the recruitment of T cells and neutrophils and the decrease of tumor-associated macrophage and eosinophils. We are investigating now how these changes may contribute to tumor clearance and epitope spreading against tumor-derived antigens. Finally, IT injection of Shingrix and a E7 viral neoantigen peptide led to the eradication of all primary injected and abscopal tumors. Our results indicate that the ability of Shingrix to induce exceptionally strong Th1 responses makes it a versatile component for in-situ vaccination which can be combined with peptides derived from licensed vaccines or tumor antigens. Because this approach relies on relatively low cost existing vaccines and inexpensively manufactured minimal CD8 restricted peptides, it has the potential for a broadly applicable cancer immunotherapy strategy for use in resource-constrained settings. The approach is currently being evaluated in a phase I clinical trial in companion dogs with spontaneously arising cancers. Citation Format: Nicolas Cuburu, Shiv K. Sethi, Claire E. Bradley, Lukas Bialkowski, Cynthia D. Thompson, Douglas R. Lowy, John T. Schiller. Repurposing varicella zoster virus and human papillomavirus vaccines for local immunotherapy against solid tumors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(7_Suppl):Abstract nr LB353.

Catalytic aquathermolysis of contaminated polyolefin plastic waste over an in situ iron hydroxide/oxide nanocatalyst derived from an oil-soluble iron precursor

With the substantial increase in global plastic consumption over the past 50 y, society faces the challenges of managing and recovering resources from considerable amounts of plastic waste. A promising strategy for use in addressing this problem is to upcycle plastic waste into valuable materials via thermochemical conversion, and hydrothermal liquefaction, which uses low-cost and green H2O, has attracted attention as a sustainable technology. In this study, we introduced an aquathermolysis system using oil-soluble Fe-2-ethylhexanoate (Fe-2EH) as a catalyst precursor under superheated steam conditions to convert highly contaminated polyolefin plastic waste to liquid fuel. The excellent dispersibility and decomposition behavior of Fe-2EH facilitated the formation of highly dispersed in situ Fe-based catalysts, enabling their involvement in the early stages of aquathermolysis. The presence of H2O and the in situ catalyst significantly promoted the decomposition of C–X bonds (X = Cl, S, N, or O) rather than C–C bonds, and C–C cleavage was driven by thermal energy. Moreover, the presence of H2O with the catalysts reduced the proportion of non-paraffinic products, including olefins and aromatics that cause char/coke formation. During the reaction, the in situ catalyst particles comprised nanosized Fe oxide cores with Fe hydroxide-rich surfaces, preventing the accumulation of metal contaminants. Based on deuterium tracing studies, the H transfer index of the catalyst was closely related to the catalytic performance. These results indicated that catalytic aquathermolysis using Fe-2EH is an efficient system for use in improving product quality by effectively removing contaminants and suppressing char/coke formation.

The UK Insecticide Resistance Action Group – IRAG-UK

The ‘Insecticide Resistance Action Group – UK' (IRAG-UK) held its 50th biannual meeting in April 2023. The founding meeting was on 12th June 1997 and so the group has been in existence for 27 years. This anniversary provided a good opportunity to reflect on insecticide resistance in the UK and the value of IRAG-UK and its activities. IRAG-UK does not exist in a vacuum, as there are also national sister groups: the Fungicide Resistance Action Group (FRAG-UK) and the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG) plus the agrochemical industry’s Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC), which has a global remit. The stated aim and objectives of IRAG-UK are: To provide information on resistance avoidance and management strategies for use by UK farmers and growers, advisers, and regulatory authorities by: - Establishing a multi-sector forum for the exchange and interpretation of information on insecticide resistance. - Producing guidelines for combating resistance and agreed statements to the media. - Identifying knowledge gaps and suggesting research needs to appropriate funding agencies. - Establishing links to exchange information and ideas with similar groups in other countries and with the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC)

RISK ASSESSMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXEMPLIFIED TERRITORIES

The paper explores the risks associated with exempted and liberated territories that were previously used for certain industrial, commercial, agricultural or other activities. Such territories were captured or used by military forces during the war and then liberated or abandoned and left unattended, or were disturbed by natural disasters, man-made accidents, etc. The aim of the article is to analyze the possibility of their further use and rehabilitation. The following indicators of risk sources can be identified in such areas: presence of explosive objects; level of soil and water contamination; presence of chemical, biological or radiation contamination; degree of damage to infrastructure and building structures; risk of dangerous situations and accidents; impact on the health and safety of the local population; possibility of spreading infectious diseases; presence of unexploded or uncontrolled explosive materials; risk of re-invasion by enemy forces; potential environmental damage; and potential environmental impact. Based on the analysis of these indicators, they were summarized and grouped into six main risk indicators: demining of territories; efficiency of demining and disposal of remnants of military equipment, mines, etc.; safety and efficiency of demining and disposal technologies; degree of contamination of the demined territories after demining and disposal; level of safety assessment of the population living in these territories; return of vital infrastructure. An expert assessment methodology was applied, which includes an analysis of the severity of the consequences and the likelihood of their occurrence. The risks were ranked using the method of pairwise comparisons. The results of the study can be used to develop strategies for the further use and rehabilitation of the affected areas. The results of the study indicate the need for systematic monitoring and control of the exempted and liberated territories in order to prevent possible environmental and socio-economic problems. To ensure sustainable development and conservation of natural resources, due attention should be paid to the issues of environmental safety and rehabilitation of these territories. Further research in this area will allow developing more effective strategies for the use and rehabilitation of exempted areas, taking into account current environmental and socio-economic challenges.