Strike Incidence Research Articles

AVIA-SHIELD: Advanced Bird Strike Prevention Using Ultrasonic and Laser Technologies for Aircraft Safety

Bird strikes pose significant risks to aviation safety and can lead to costly damages and delays. This project explores an innovative approach to preventing bird strikes on aircraft by leveraging ultrasonic technology. This method prevents and reduces bird strikes humanely and non-lethally while minimizing disruptions to aerodrome operations and reducing economic losses. The primary focus is on ground- level bird deterrence. The project employs buzzer sound systems combined with ultrasonic waves to create an auditory and sensory deterrent that disrupts bird behavior near runways and aircraft areas. The effectiveness of these techniques will be evaluated through field tests and simulations, aiming to enhance aircraft safety and reduce the frequency of bird strike incidents. Keywords: Bird Strike, Radar, Ultrasonic emission, laser protection.

A Deep Learning Framework for Real-Time Bird Detection and Its Implications for Reducing Bird Strike Incidents.

Bird strikes are a substantial aviation safety issue that can result in serious harm to aircraft components and even passenger deaths. In response to this increased tendency, the implementation of new and more efficient detection and prevention technologies becomes urgent. The paper presents a novel deep learning model which is developed to detect and alleviate bird strike issues in airport conditions boosting aircraft safety. Based on an extensive database of bird images having different species and flight patterns, the research adopts sophisticated image augmentation techniques which generate multiple scenarios of aircraft operation ensuring that the model is robust under different conditions. The methodology evolved around the building of a spatiotemporal convolutional neural network which employs spatial attention structures together with dynamic temporal processing to precisely recognize flying birds. One of the most important features of this research is the architecture of its dual-focus model which consists of two components, the attention-based temporal analysis network and the convolutional neural network with spatial awareness. The model's architecture can identify specific features nested in a crowded and shifting backdrop, thereby lowering false positives and improving detection accuracy. The mechanisms of attention of this model itself enhance the model's focus by identifying vital features of bird flight patterns that are crucial. The results are that the proposed model achieves better performance in terms of accuracy and real time responses than the existing bird detection systems. The ablation study demonstrates the indispensable roles of each component, confirming their synergistic effect on improving detection performance. The research substantiates the model's applicability as a part of airport bird strike surveillance system, providing an alternative to the prevention strategy. This work benefits from the unique deep learning feature application, which leads to a large-scale and reliable tool for dealing with the bird strike problem.

Multiple-Bird-Strike Probability Model and Dynamic Response of Engine Fan Blades

Bird strikes pose one of the most significant threats to aviation safety, often leading to substantial loss of life and economic damage. Many bird strike incidents involve multiple birds. However, in previous bird strike studies, the problem of multiple bird strikes has often been neglected. In this paper, the bird slicing process of a rotating engine fan is examined, and a probability model is introduced to assess the risk of multiple impacts on the fan blades. In addition, this paper utilized an implicit–explicit calculation method. The parameters of blade root stress, tip displacement, plastic deformation, and energy were selected to investigate the effects of the time interval and strike position of a bird strike on the dynamic response of and damage to the blades. The results indicated that the position of bird strikes has a more pronounced effect on blade damage compared to the time interval between impacts. Damage to a blade is most severe when the blade root is struck multiple times. Multiple bird strikes may not always lead to a significant increase in maximum blade tip displacement, and may even have a dampening effect.

Bird strike analysis of new composite inlet for tilt rotor aircraft

Bird strikes are an important phenomenon to consider when designing and servicing aircraft structures. Most major bird strike incidents result in aircraft propulsion damage. Because an engine is the sole thrust-providing system of an aircraft, the effect of bird strikes on engine inlets and systems must be investigated and mitigated to the maximum extent. Especially in the case of (vertical take-off and landing) VTOL aircraft, such as an aircraft with tilting rotors, this effect is critical from the point of view of the operation, from the point of view of flight mechanics and the overall control of the aircraft. This work aims to propose the proof of resistance of a new composite air inlet for a new tilting rotor aircraft, which is experimentally verified and supported by numerical simulations performed on flat and simple curved test panels. The new, very effective method was used to calibrate the composite material model, which is further used in the following numerical simulations.

Strike incidence and outcomes: New evidence from the 2019 ECS

This paper investigates the relationship between union organization, workplace representation, the quality of industrial relations and strike incidence, as well as the implications of the matters at stake in localized disputes. Strike incidence is found to be higher in establishments where union density is higher, and where workers are covered by mixed-level collective agreements and in flexible employment. Further, distrust is associated with increased strike incidence, and conversely for employee-focused strategies and heightened employee motivation. These results are robust to controls for possible endogeneity of union density and country (cluster) heterogeneity. In terms of outcomes, higher union density, works councils, profit sharing, and a machine/computer-driven work pace are associated with worker wins, while collective bargaining, firm profitability, and more frequent meetings with management are linked with more balanced agreements.

Comparison of Head Strike Incidence under K1 Rules of Kickboxing with and without Helmet Protection—A Pilot Study

Kickboxing is a combat sport that encompasses various forms of competition. K1 kickboxing is conducted without any restrictions on the force of strikes, and the bout can end prematurely through a knockout. Headgear has been introduced in amateur kickboxing to safeguard the head. However, scientific studies have shown that despite their use, serious head injuries can still occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate the temporal structure of the bout by calculating the number of head strikes in K1 kickboxing bouts with and without headgear. Thirty K1 kickboxing bouts were analyzed, with 30 participants included in the study. The fights were conducted according to the World Association Kickboxing Organization (WAKO) rules. The bouts consisted of three rounds of 2 min each, with a 1 min break between rounds. Sparring pairs were arranged according to weight categories. The first bouts were conducted without headgear, and two weeks later, the fights were repeated with WAKO-approved headgear. The number of head strikes was assessed retrospectively by analyzing video recordings of the bouts, categorizing strikes as hand or foot strikes, and differentiating between strikes that hit the head directly or indirectly. The results showed statistically significant differences between bouts with and without headgear in terms of the number of strikes to the head (p = 0.002), strikes directly to the head (p < 0.001), all hand strikes to the head (p = 0.001), hand strikes directly to the head (p = 0.003), and foot strikes directly to the head (p = 0.03). Higher values were observed in bouts with headgear. Headgear increases the probability of direct strikes to the head. Therefore, it is important to familiarize kickboxers with the use of headgear in their sport to minimize head injuries.

Robot-related fatalities at work in the United States, 1992-2017.

Industrial robots became more commonplace in the US workplace during the mid- to latter part of the twentieth century. Recent scientific advances have led to the development of new types of robots, resulting in rapidly changing work environments. Information on occupational robot-related fatalities is currently limited for this developing field. Robot fatalities were identified by a keyword search in restricted-access research files from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) surveillance system of the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the years 1992-2017. There were 41 robot-related fatalities identified by the keyword search during the 26-year period of this study, 85% of which were males, with the most cases (29%) occurring within the age group 35-44 years. Fatalities occurred primarily with large employers that were geographically clustered, with the Midwest accounting for 46% of the total. Most of the cases involved stationary robots (83%) and robots striking the decedents while operating under their own power (78%). Many of these striking incidents occurred while maintenance was being performed on a robot. The changing nature of robotics in the workplace suggests that emerging technologies may introduce new hazards in the workplace. Emerging technologies have led to an increase in the number of robots in the workplace and toincreased human exposure to robotic machinery. These patterns demonstrate that public health professionals will likely face significant challenges to keep pace with developments in robotics to ensure the safety and health of workers across the country.

Dog-related deaths registered in England and Wales from 2001 to 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the incidence and demographics of fatal dog bites or strikes, as defined in English and Welsh mortality data (2001–2021). Study designA descriptive analysis of the Office for National Statistics registered deaths data set. MethodsIndividuals whose cause of death was defined as ‘bitten or struck by a dog’ were identified. The average annual number of dog-related deaths and trends in incidence were calculated. Age and sex demographics of victims were described. ResultsIn total, there were 69 registered deaths, a mean of 3.3 (95% confidence interval 0.3–6.3) dog-related deaths per year, and a mean annual incidence of 0.59 (95% confidence interval 0.06–1.11) deaths per 10 million population. There was no year-on-year change in incidence. Of victims, 59% were male, 10% were <5 years, and 30% were ≥75 years. ConclusionsDog-related deaths are rare in England and Wales and have not increased between 2001 and 2021. Further contextual information about the incidents is needed to be able to develop public health strategies and interventions.

A comparison of the kinematics and kinetics of barefoot and shod running in children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundThe biomechanics of barefoot and shod running are different for typically developing children but unknown for children with cerebral palsy (CP). Such differences may have implications for injury and performance. AimsThe primary aims of this study were to compare the lower limb biomechanics of barefoot and shod running in children with CP, and to determine whether any differences were the same in GMFCS levels I and II. MethodsThis cross-sectional study examined 38 children with CP (n = 24 (GMFCS) level I; n = 14 GMFCS II), running overground at 3 speeds (jog, run, sprint) in barefoot and shod conditions. Marker trajectories and force plate data were recorded, and lower limb kinematics, kinetics and spatiotemporal variables were derived. Differences between barefoot and shod running were analysed using linear mixed models. ResultsFor both GMFCS levels, barefoot running resulted in higher loading rates, but smaller impact peaks at all speeds. Barefoot running was associated with greater hip and knee power; less ankle dorsiflexion and hip flexion at initial contact, and less ankle and knee range of motion during stance, compared to shod running, at all speeds. Barefoot stride length was shortened, and cadence increased compared to shod during jogging and running but not sprinting. For GMFCS level I only, barefoot running involved a higher incidence of forefoot strike, greater ankle power generation and less hip range of motion during stance. SignificanceRunning barefoot may facilitate running performance by increasing power generation at the ankle in children with CP, GMFCS level I. Higher barefoot loading rates may have implications for performance and injury.

Avian diversity and bird-aircraft strike problems in Bahir Dar International Airport, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

BackgroundBahir Dar International Airport and its surrounding habitats are known for their rich avifaunal diversity, which results in bird-aircraft collisions as a fundamental problem in the area. A study on bird diversity and bird-aircraft strikes at Bahir Dar International Airport was conducted between February 2020 and August 2020. Based on its vegetation structures, the study area was classified into four habitat types namely; bushland, grassland, wetland, and modified habitats. Transect and point count methods were used to collect data on avian diversity and abundance. Questionnaire surveys, interviews, and document analysis were used to gather information about incidents and protection measures against bird-aircraft strike problems. Shannon–Wiener diversity index, Simpson’s similarity index, ANOVA, and chi-square test were used for data analysis.ResultsA total of 80 avian species belonging to 15 orders and 40 families were identified in the study area. The highest species diversity (H’ = 3.59) and species evenness (E = 0.96) were recorded in modified habitats during the wet season. Relative abundance categories of birds in the study area showed that most were uncommon birds. Birds pose severe threats to aircraft in the airport and 92.3% of the respondents replied that most bird-aircraft strikes occurred early in the morning and late in the afternoon when birds remain more active. The majority (88.5%) of questionnaire participants confirmed that bird-aircraft strike incidents frequently occurred during the time of takeoff and landing of the aircraft. It is also known that on average forty bird-aircraft collisions per year happen at the airport.ConclusionBahir Dar International Airport is rich in its bird diversity that recalls the aviation authority to work in collaboration with different organizations to avoid bird-aircraft strike problems using different control measures without compromising the conservation of birds.

Acute and Chronic Effects of COVID-19 on the Cardiovascular System.

COVID-19 has shown significant morbidity with the involvement of multiple systems, including the cardiovascular system. Cardiovascular manifestations in the acute phase can include myocardial injury itself, myocardial infarction, venous thromboembolic events, myocarditis, Takotsubo syndrome, and different arrhythmic events. Myocardial injury defined by the rise of cardiac biomarkers in blood has been found in multiple studies with a prevalence of about 20%. Its presence is related to worse clinical outcomes and in-hospital mortality. The mechanisms of myocardial injury have been the subject of intense research but still need to be clarified. The characterization of the cardiac affectation with echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance has found mixed results in different studies, with a striking incidence of imaging criteria for myocarditis. Regarding post-acute and chronic follow-up results, the persistence of symptoms and imaging changes in recovered COVID-19 patients has raised concerns about the duration and the possible significance of these findings. Even though the knowledge about this disease has increased incredibly in the last year, many aspects are still unclear and warrant further research.

Yellowfin Tuna Behavioural Ecology and Catchability in the South Atlantic: The Right Place at the Right Time (and Depth)

The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares: YFT) is a widely distributed, migratory species that supports valuable commercial fisheries. Landings of YFT are seasonally and spatially variable, reflecting changes in their availability and accessibility to different fleets and metiers which, in turn, has implications for sustainable management. Understanding the dynamics of YFT behaviour and how it is affected by biological and ecological factors is therefore of consequence to fisheries management design. Archival and pop-up satellite tags (PSAT) were used in the South Atlantic Ocean around St Helena between 2015 and 2020 to collect information on the movements, foraging and locomotory behaviour of YFT. The study aimed to (1) identify vertical behaviour of YFT within St Helena’s EEZ; (2) assess the timing and depth of potential feeding events and (3) to use the information to inform on the catchability of YFT to the local pole and line fishing fleet. Results indicate that the YFT daytime behaviour shifted between shallow with high incidence of fast starts in surface waters in summer months (December to April), to deep with high incidence of strikes at depth in colder months (May to November). Catchability of YFT was significantly reduced between May and November as YFT spent more time at depths below 100 m during the day, which coincides with a reduction in the quantity of YFT caught by the inshore fleet.

Racial differences in incidence, outcomes, and genomic alterations in small cell lung cancer.

8514 Background: While the incidence of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been decreasing in recent years, an increasing proportion of our patients are younger African American (AA) women. There have been no studies describing these changes as well its impact on outcome and potential genomic differences amongst white and AA populations. Methods: We maintain a clinical/genomic/pathological database of all patients with SCLC treated at our comprehensive cancer center starting from 1998. We compared the baseline characteristics and outcomes (Overall survival [OS] and progression-free survival [PFS]) between AA and white patients, and between females and males. In addition, we looked at genomic alterations in &gt;350 cancer-related genes and compared the frequency and types of mutations in our study population. Results: A total of 917 patients with SCLC were included (median age 66 years, 486 female, 179 African American). Amongst the African American patients, 67.6% were female, a striking difference compared to the white population, where only 49.1% were women (P&lt;0.001). In multivariable analysis, there was no association between gender or race with OS or PFS (P&gt; 0.05). There was an increase in mutational frequency in AA women compared to both AA men and white patients. PIK3CA and KIT mutations were more frequent in females while APC mutations were more frequent in males (P=0.041 for all comparisons). There was a trend toward increased mutational frequencies in TP53, PTEN, and NOTCH1 in AA patients. The relative frequency of gene alterations is shown in the table. In univariable analysis, NOTCH1 mutation was associated with improved OS (HR 0.24 [0.06-0.96], P=0.04). Conclusions: In this large cohort of patients with SCLC followed over 2 decades, there was a striking 2-fold higher incidence of SCLC in AA females than in AA males, although there were no differences in OS or PFS by sex or race. Several genomic alterations occur in higher frequencies in AA patients and AA women, in particular, have higher mutational frequencies.[Table: see text]

P09.45 Ten Year Report of Lung Cancer in Never Smokers from Southeast of Brasil

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignancy worldwide, accounting for 13% of all new cancer cases. Even though tobacco smoking is the most important risk factor,global estimates indicate that about 300,000 annual lung cancer deaths are not due to tobacco use. In Brazil, the Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA, Brazilian National Cancer Institute) estimated a total of 625,000 new cancer cases in 2020, of which 17,760 cases of primary lung malignancies. Lung cancer is the second most incident cancer among men and the fourth most incident cancer among women in the country. Trends in lung cancer mortality in Brazil reflect the epidemiological model of tobacco-related mortality. But we also have begun to see the rising of cancer non tobacco-related, especially in women. To date, there have been few published studies focusing on clinical, epidemiological, and survival patterns in Brazilian never-smoker patients. We performed a retrospective analysis of registry data from the Hospital Evangelico de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim (HECI) information system Sistema de RegistroHospitalar de Cancer (SISRHC) from 2008 to 2017. There were 426 cases of lung cancer cases during this period. The data were analyzed in terms of gender, age, history of tobacco use, stage and histology. Of the 426 patients analyzed, 269 (63.14%) were men and 157 (36.86%), women.The epidemiological analysis by gender revealed that 119 women patients were smokers (75,80%) and 38 (24.20%) non-smokers. Specifically in non-smokers, 21 (55.23%) had adenocarcinoma, 10 (26.36%) had carcinoma and 7 (18.41%) had other histology types. Most women (22/57.90%) were diagnosed at stage IV, 6 (15.80%) at stage III and 3 (7.89%) atearly stages. Regarding women age at diagnosis, 5 (13,19%) patients were aged under 49 years; 18 (47,37%) between 50 and 69 years; and 15 (39,47%) over 70 years. Regarding male gender data, 108(40.14%) patients were smokers and 20 (7.43%) non-smokers. Specifically in non-smokers, 8 (40%) had adenocarcinoma, 5 (25%) squamous cell carcinoma and 7 (35%) had other histology types. Among the men,11 (55%) were diagnosed at stage IV, 5 at stage III (25%) and 2 (10%) at early stages. Regarding menage at diagnosis, 4 (20%) patients were aged under 49 years; 10 ( 50 %) between ages 50 and 69 years; and 6 ( 30 % ) over 70 years. We observed a striking incidence of lung cancer in women without history of smoking, aged over 50 years old, with adenocarcinoma histology and advanced staging at diagnosis. Therefore, developing countries like Brazil must treat this as a public health issue needing further exploration of its patterns, biology and etiology.

Neurological infections in 2020: COVID-19 takes centre stage

Although there have been many contributions to advance our understanding of neurological infections in 2020, the year has been dominated by research focused on the neurological consequences of COVID-19. Multidisciplinary studies are ongoing to better differentiate the direct effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) versus its secondary effects (PMC7184392, NCT04386083, and CTRI/2020/07/026339). Nevertheless, it has become clear that there is a striking incidence of neurological involvement in this disease, the symptoms of which span reversible anosmia, stroke-related disability, and death.

Structural and CFD analysis of an airfoil subjected to bird strike

The bird strike incident is a hazard that affects the structural integrity of the aircraft. Bird strikes cause a surge on the wing profile affecting the aerodynamic performances and flight safety of the aircraft. Flight authorities enforce the manufacturers to perform numerous tests before the aircraft are available in the aviation market. Numerical studies and bird strike simulations have become an essential part of aircraft components design to avoid frequent costly tests. The bird strike incidents have been widely studied by numerous researchers as numerically, although only a few considered the effect of bird strike deformation on flow and aerodynamic conditions of an aircraft component. Therefore, this paper aims to present a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis for the aerodynamic behavior of a damaged wing due to a bird strike. To obtain a deformed wing profile for the CFD analysis, the bird strike analysis is performed using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) for the bird model. Then the deformed airfoil geometry is imported to the CFD solver to obtain the lift, drag, and moment coefficients. The drag coefficient of the deformed wing profile increases due to the pressure distribution disruption of the deformed airfoil. The lift coefficient is also affected by the bird strike but varies with changing angles of attack (α). Similarly, the deformed wing profile delivers an impaired coefficient of the moment for smaller angles of attack, reaching a negative value.

Reconfigurable FET-Based SRAM and Its Single Event Upset Performance Analysis Using TCAD Simulations

This work demonstrates the SRAM cell operation using planar reconfigurable devices (Reconfigurable field effect transistor - RFET). All the six devices used in the SRAM realization are identical. The N and P operations are achieved through the program gates. The cell performance is evaluated using hold, write and read static noise margins (SNM). Both the RFET and RFET-based SRAM cell are studied for their heavy ion radiation performance. The control gate of the RFET device is found to be the most sensitive region, for normal striking incidence. Single event upset (SEU) performance of the RFET based SRAM is evaluated through the critical LET (Linear Energy Threshold).

A Numerical Investigation of a Bird Strike on the Structure of an Aircraft Wing Leading Edge

The bird strike incidents have been a problem since the start of modern aviation. It remains one of the most dangerous threat to the flight safety. Although catastrophic failure is uncommon, flight safety authorities require aircrafts to be designed to complete the flight without any harm. In addition to experimental investigation of bird strikes, finite element modeling is adopted in numerous researches on bird strike. A finite element model based on smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is developed to analyze the bird strike effect on a leading edge of an aircraft wing. Since birds strike at the leading edge of the wings from different orientation, bird strike simulations are performed from various orientations. Results presented in the current work that the advancing angle of birds toward the leading edge has a minor effect on the deformation of the leading edge of an aircraft wing. The deformation behavior of the wing leading edge after bird strike is discussed in detail by presenting the results in figures. Simulations illustrated that the advancing angle of a real bird causes substantial structural deformations on wing profiles.

Distribution and pest status of the Old World screw‐worm fly, Chrysomya bezziana (Diptera: Calliphoridae), in Papua New Guinea and the threat to Australian livestock and wildlife

AbstractThe distribution of the Old World screw‐worm fly Chrysomya bezziana Villeneuve and the incidence of traumatic myiases (strikes) in livestock, humans and wild animals in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the period 1973–1985 is described as a foundation for current considerations of risk to Australia. Field studies indicated myiasis caused by C. bezziana occurred throughout PNG to an altitude of 2590 m. Cattle and sheep were the most commonly recorded hosts. The impact of strikes on individual cattle properties varied from negligible levels to every animal being infested on average each year. The incidence of strikes was apparently related to vegetation cover with fewer strikes in open grassland and more strikes in wooded areas. There was no statistical correlation between rainfall and strike incidence although most properties reported that the number of strikes by C. bezziana was greatest after periods of rain. On a mixed‐breed sheep property in the highlands, Romneys suffered an annual strike rate of 20% compared with 9% in Perendales and 7% in Corriedales. The majority of strikes in sheep were in the vulva and anus region (59% of total). Repeated vulva strike in ewes resulted in reduced fertility such that annual lambing rates were reduced by 66% after three strikes and no lambs were produced after five consecutive strikes. Management practices such as dehorning, castration, tail docking and ear tagging frequently resulted in strikes. Deaths of livestock attributed directly to myiases from C. bezziana infestations were common. The incidence of C. bezziana infestations in wildlife and humans in PNG is documented. The results are discussed in relation to risks of its entry to Australia and potential impact of C. bezziana on the livestock industries and wildlife if C. bezziana was accidentally introduced and became established. The implications of predicted climate change on the potential distribution and hosts in Australia are also examined.

Intravenous flucloxacillin treatment is associated with a high incidence of hypokalaemia.

Intravenous flucloxacillin is one of the most frequently used high‐dose penicillin therapies in hospitalized patients, forming the cornerstone treatment of invasive Staphylococcus aureus infection. Being a nonreabsorbable anion, flucloxacillin has been suggested to cause hypokalaemia, although the frequency and magnitude of this unwanted effect is unknown. In a retrospective cohort, we investigated the incidence and extent of hypokalaemia after initiation of intravenous flucloxacillin or ceftriaxone therapy. In total, 77 patients receiving flucloxacillin (62% male, mean age 70.5 years) and 84 patients receiving ceftriaxone (46% male, mean age 70.8 years) were included. Hypokalaemia occurred significantly more often in patients receiving flucloxacillin than ceftriaxone (42% vs 14%, p < 10−4). Moreover, follow‐up potassium levels were significantly lower during flucloxacillin therapy. In general, women were more prone to develop hypokalaemia than men. In conclusion, intravenous flucloxacillin use is associated with a striking incidence of hypokalaemia. Therefore, standardized potassium measurements are necessary.