Unexpected Hazards Research Articles

Real-Time Perception Enhancement in Obscured Environments for Underground Mine Search and Rescue Teams

First responders in underground mines face a myriad of challenges when searching for personnel in a disaster scenario. Possibly, the most acute challenge is the complete lack of visibility owing to a combination of dust, smoke, and pitch-black conditions. Moreover, the complex environment compounds the difficulty of navigating and searching the area as well as identifying hazardous conditions until in close proximity. Enhanced perception and localization technologies that enable rapid and safe disaster response could mitigate the mine rescue team’s risk and reduce response times. We developed a proof of concept perception enhancement tool for mine rescue personnel in pitch-black conditions by leveraging LiDAR, thermal camera, and data fusion to reconstruct a 3D representation of the space in real-time. This enhancement is visualized on HoloLens, allowing the responders real-time situational awareness of personnel, walls, obstacles, or fires in otherwise opaque environments. The technology is a first step towards faster, safer, and more effective disaster response for mine rescue operations, including detection of unexpected hazards before they become imminent threats.

Geological challenges of tunnelling using large slurry shield machine in dense urban centre

Tunnelling in complex geological strata is a challenging task that can affect the performance of shield machines and result in unexpected hazards. Therefore, extensive knowledge of unfavourable environments and shield operational parameters is essential for ensuring successful and safe tunnelling. This study aims to analyse the geological and hydrological conditions of the Chunfeng Tunnel and present the key construction technologies of a large slurry shield machine when crossing complex strata. To this end, attempts were made to (i) discuss the geological and environmental challenges encountered during the tunnelling process and present some early interpretations based on the database information, (ii) analyse the factors affecting tunnel performance and simulate the ground surface settlement along the tunnel alignment and (iii) discuss the countermeasures under adverse ground conditions and propose future directions. The results revealed that tunnelling in fault zones with soft upper and hard lower strata led to severe wear of disc cutters and controlling the tunnelling parameters could provide a suitable method for adjusting the construction process. This study leveraged extensive experience gained during tunnelling using a large slurry shield machine, with special emphasis on mixed ground strata, by providing valuable insights and suggested responses for effective tunnelling strategies.

Experimental Study of the Multiple Fractalisation of Coal and Rock Failure Subjected to the Coupled Effects of Water, Temperature and Dynamic Loads

The mechanical properties of water-rich coal and rock in a subzero environment are very different from those at room temperature, which causes many unexpected hazards for projects. In this study, coal and rock samples subjected to the coupled effects of water, temperature, and dynamic loads were taken as the research object, and the discussion was shaped around their mechanical properties. The crack evolution trend and different gradient impact velocities were determined using a split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Multiple fractals were based on high-speed digital image correlation (HS-DIC) technology and the quality-screening method; the evolution trend of the surface cracks in the crushing process and the distribution characteristics of the specimen fragments after crushing were examined from the perspective of fractals. This provided a powerful supplement to the existing research system on the problem of mining via the freezing method, and it accounted for the shortcomings of the existing research to a certain extent. In this research, the results mainly showed four points: (1) The coal samples were determined to have a wave velocity between 1.68 and 2.01 km/s, while the rock samples were between 2.24 and 2.61 km/s. Under the same conditions, the rock’s resistance to deformation and damage was greater than that of coal. (2) In the saturated state, the plastic strength of the coal and rock samples was greater than that in the dry state, due to the strengthening of their internal stresses caused by the presence of fissure water. (3) With decreasing temperature, the degree of the dynamic compression factor of coal and rock showed a trend of initially increasing, then decreasing, and then increasing. With the increase in the loading rate, the destruction of the coal and rock was more intense, and the destruction process was accelerated. (4) After the saturated coal and rock samples were frozen, their interiors were affected by the dual factors of contraction under the influence of temperature and expansion under the influence of the freezing expansion force. The internal fissures closed or shrank, and the water in the pores turned into ice, leading to an increase in pore volume.

GAMBARAN BUDAYA KESELAMATAN PASIEN PADA PERAWAT DI RUMAH SAKIT X. BEKASI TAHUN 2022

The implementation of a culture of patient safety is crucial in hospitals so that patients do not experience unwanted or unexpected hazards during hospitalization. Hospital X. Bekasi has a quality unit, but incident reporting at Hospital X. Bekasi is not going well. This illustrates the implementation of a patient safety culture that is not running well. This study aims to look at the culture of patient safety among nurses in RSX. The year 2022 is seen in the 12 dimensions of the culture of patient safety, according to the Association for Health Care and Research Quality (AHRQ). This research uses a cross-sectional design. The population in this study is the nurse who directly serves the patient. A large sample in this study of 90 nurses was taken with total sampling techniques. The instrument used in this study is the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC), which has 12 dimensions. The results showed average positive responses from 12 dimensions of patient safety culture (62.5%), Higher Expectations and Action in Promoting Patient Safety (53.3%), Learning for Organizational Continuous Improvement (64.8%), Unit Collaboration (57.5%), Open Communication (61.1), Feedback and Communication on Errors (63.2%), Non-Positive Response (79.6%), Staffing (69.4%), Management Support Dimension for Patient Security (92.2%), Inter-Units Cooperation (64.4%), Overall Perception of Patients Safety (50.2%), Incident Reporting Frequency (50.7%) and Incident Reports Frequencies (50.7%). Hospital X. Bekasi is expected to continue and maintain patient safety programs, evaluate the number of existing staff, improve incident reporting motivation, and conduct comprehensive and periodic patient safety culture measurements.

Unexpected Hazards, Unanticipated Risks

Unexpected Hazards, Unanticipated Risks

Application of the ALOHA simulation model to assess Ammonia leakage from the coal-fired power station of Duyen Hai 2 Thermal Power Plant

The widespread use of hazardous chemicals in industrial activities can cause chemical accidents in which Ammonia gas leaks are one of the most concerning issues due to their toxic nature and adverse impacts on workers and the working environment. Therefore, accident risk prediction is essential to reduce the extent of damage and develop plans in place for minimizing and controlling unexpected hazards. This paper aims to provide an estimation of Ammonia leakage by ALOHA simulation software with scenarios for Ammonia leakage escaping from storage tanks of a coal-fired power station at Duyen Hai 2 Thermal Power Plant, Tra Vinh province. Three scenarios of chemical (Ammonia) incidents were simulated to assess the degree and extent of the impacts of chemical leakage on humans and the environments, including monthly, seasonally scenarios (for single chemical tank incidents) and two-tank incident scenario. The results show that the monthly scenario in April (29°C; 80,4%; 3,4m/s) and November (27,14°C; 87,2%; 2,9m/s) have the largest influence and the worst effects with the radius of red zone damage of 3.3km from the leakage site. The scenario of the dry season has much higher damage than the rainy one with the red zone is 4.6km. Meanwhile, the damage area of red zone caused by chemical incidents from two tanks leakage is 5.3km. This finding provide the top management level of the factory with a critical view of damage extent caused by chemical incidents for which a proactive plan should be available to prevent from the risks of explosion.

Fall history in older adults impacts acceleration profiles after a near collision with a moving pedestrian hazard.

Environmental hazards (e.g., pedestrian traffic) cause falls and testing environment impacts gait in older adults. However, most fall risk evaluations do not assess real-world moving hazard avoidance. This study examined the effect of fall history in older adults on acceleration profiles before, during, and after a near collision with a moving hazard, in laboratory and real-world settings. Older adults with (n = 14) and without a fall history (n = 15) performed a collision avoidance walking task with a sudden moving hazard in real-world and laboratory settings. Gait acceleration and video data of participants' first-person views were recorded. Four mixed effects multilevel models analyzed the magnitude and variability of mean and peak anteroposterior and mediolateral acceleration while walking before, during, and after the moving hazard in both environments. In the real-world environment, older adults without a fall history increased their mean anteroposterior acceleration after the moving hazard (p = 0.046), but those with a fall history did not (p > 0.05). Older adults without a fall history exhibited more intersubject variability than those with a fall history in mean (p < 0.001) and peak anteroposterior (p = 0.015) acceleration across environments and epochs. Older adults without a fall history exhibited a slower peak mediolateral reaction during the moving hazard (p = 0.014) than those with a fall history. These results suggest that compared to older adults with a fall history, older adults without a fall history are more adaptable and able to respond last-minute to unexpected hazards. Older adults with a fall history exhibited more homogenous responses.

Prioritising nano- and microparticles: identification of physicochemical properties relevant for toxicity to Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna

BackgroundAdvanced/innovative materials are an undefined group of nano- and micro-particles encompassing diverse material compositions, structures and combinations. Due to their unique properties that enable specific functions during applications, there are concerns about unexpected hazards to humans and the environment.In this study, we provide ecotoxicity data for 36 nano- and microparticles of various inorganic species (single constituents and complex compositions; materials releasing toxic ions and others), morphologies (spheroidal, cubic, flaky, elongated/fibrous) and sizes (10 nm–38 µm). By applying Raphidocelis subcapitata algae growth inhibition and Daphnia magna immobilisation tests according to OECD test guidelines 201 and 202, and extensive material characterisation, we aimed to identify indicators of concern. This would allow better predictions of the hazardous properties of these materials in the future.ResultsThe chemical identity (toxic ion-releasing materials vs. other materials) and agglomeration behaviour, which is affected by size (nm vs. µm) and morphology (fibres vs. others), were obvious drivers of ecotoxicity on R. subcapitata. Differences in morphology had an impact on agglomeration behaviour. Fibres formed agglomerates of varying sizes with entrapped and attached algae. Small compact (e.g. spheroidal) particles attached to algae. A high coverage resulted in high ecotoxicity, while less toxic materials attached to a much lesser extent. No agglomeration of algae and particles was observed for particles with a µm size. Small toxic components of large hybrid materials did not affect ecotoxicity. For D. magna, despite uptake of all materials studied into the gut, the sole indication of toxicity was the release of toxic ions. This is in line with previous observations on nanomaterials. Based on the identified criteria, charts were developed to indicate the expected toxicity of advanced/innovative materials toward algae and daphnia.ConclusionIndicators for the toxicities of advanced materials differ for algae and daphnia. Thus, different materials give rise to concerns for the two aquatic organisms. For D. magna, only the toxic ion-releasing materials are relevant, but for R. subcapitata, more complex interactions between particular materials and cells must be considered.Graphical

Impact of Induced Seismicity on the Housing Market: Evidence from Pohang

In this study, we analyze the case of induced seismicity in Pohang, South Korea, in 2017 to investigate the effect of seismic risk perception on the local residential property market. Based on a hedonic pricing model with a difference-in-differences method, we examine the geographic distribution of the effects of unexpected earthquake hazards. Our results indicate an overall reduction in local property values, but the magnitudes of negative externality for housing prices decrease with respect to the distance from the epicenter. In areas within 3 km of the epicenter, the asset value reduced by approximately 20% after an earthquake event, but if the distance from the epicenter was higher than 12 km, the negative effect on the price was not significant. In addition, we examine how the experience of seismic events affect the preference on the anti-seismic building structure. The results show that the market valuation on the anti-seismic system significantly escalated after the earthquake.

Associations between biometric characteristics and occupational safety and health

Any job comes with different occupational hazards. Office-bounded positions had become pervasive over the past years. Moreover, the pandemic crisis experienced in 2020 shifted these jobs to a home office, generating unexpected hazards. The case study presented below collected primary data from 409 university employees through biometric screenings and analyzed it using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square tests established statistically significant associations between type of occupation and characteristics such as gender, body mass index, blood and urine sample laboratory results, and age. Logistic regression determined two significant factors that contribute to occupational diagnosis (gender and physical exam results). In addition, the study identified clinical problems and pathologies related to mental work. These results were pivotal for identifying specific work hazards such as obesity, musculoskeletal disorders, eye problems, and metabolic diseases and how they affect health and safety in the workplace.

Daily and Landscape Influences of Species Visitation to Toxic Bait Sites for Wild Pigs

ABSTRACTToxic baiting of wild pigs (Sus scrofa) is a potential new tool for population control and damage reduction in the United States. Use of toxic bait sites by non‐target species is concerning because of the risks posed from exposure to a toxic bait. A 2018 field trial in northern Texas, USA, examining the efficacy of a prototype toxic bait (HOGGONE®, containing 10% sodium nitrite) revealed unexpected hazards to non‐target species, primarily passerine birds, from consuming toxic bait spilled outside of bait stations by wild pigs. The hazards jeopardize the ability to register HOGGONE as a tool for controlling wild pigs. We conducted apost hocanalysis from that 2018 trial to identify how daily and landscape factors influenced the use of bait sites by non‐target species, and subsequent hazards from consuming the toxic bait. We discovered that no single strategy can eliminate visitations by all non‐target species, but offering the toxic bait at night, in wild‐pig specific bait stations, and in more homogeneous landscapes appeared to be the best strategy for minimizing visits by passerine birds. We also found that use of bait sites by wild pigs were temporally clustered, and more pigs visited bait sites along linear features of the landscape (e.g., agricultural edges or riparian corridors). We recommend a baiting strategy where applicators do not place bait stations directly at sites where remnant particles of grain (from prebaiting) are available on the ground. Published 2021. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

General Aviation Weather Hazards:Current Human Factors Research, Pilot Practices, and Tools

When General Aviation (GA) pilots encounter unexpected weather hazards in-flight, the results are typically deadly. It is unsurprising that the National Transportation Safety Board repeatedly lists weather related factors in GA flight operations as an unsolved aviation safety challenge. Solving this problem requires multidisciplinary perspectives. Fortunately, in the past several years innovative laboratory research and industry products have become available. This panel discussion brings together Human Factors and Ergonomics researchers and practitioners to discuss and describe the current work and future directions to avoid weather related accidents in GA.

Designing An Augmented Reality Based Interface For Wearable Exoskeletons

Full-body, powered wearable exoskeletons combine the capabilities of machines and humans to maximize productivity. Powered exoskeletons can ease industrial workers in manipulating heavy loads in a manner that is difficult to automate. However, introduction of exoskeletons may result in unexpected work hazards, due to the mismatch between user-intended and executed actions thereby creating difficulties in sensing the physical operational envelope, need for increased clearance, and maneuverability limitations. To control such hazards, this paper presents a rearview human localization augmented reality (AR) platform to enhance spatial awareness of people behind the exoskeleton users. This platform leverages a computer vision algorithm called Monocular 3D Pedestrian Localization and Uncertainty Estimation (MonoLoco) for identifying humans and estimating their distance from a video camera feed and off-the-shelf AR goggles for visualizing the surrounding. Augmenting rear view awareness of humans can help exoskeleton users to avoid accidental collisions that can lead to severe injuries.

Quantile regression averaging‐based probabilistic forecasting of daily ambient temperature

AbstractThe inclusion of conductor temperature variations for numerous power system planning and operational studies has long been recognized in the literature. The conductor temperature is majorly affected by environmental factors such as the ambient temperature. An efficient forecasting technique for forecasting ambient temperature is the need of the hour to prevent unexpected hazards in power systems and other areas caused due to temperature variations. Numerous researches have proposed different point forecasting and probabilistic forecasting models for the forecasting of ambient temperature. The probabilistic forecasting of ambient temperature provides complete information about future uncertainties, therefore quantifying the effects of daily temperature variations. A forecast combination approach, such as the quantile regression averaging, has never been utilized in this context. The selection of suitable point forecasters that complement each other's effects by characterizing different aspects of the ambient temperature data for averaging and the use of frequency components that explain the daily and periodic seasonal variations of ambient temperature to construct a forecasting model are the significant features of this paper. The proposed model is used with four varieties, and each is compared with the others. It is found that the variant using all the complementary individual point forecasters performs better in making probabilistic forecasts than the other options as well as better than the popular quantile k‐nearest neighbors, quantile egression forests, and basic quantile regression as inferred from the quantile score, Winkler score, and reliability plots.

160 Gait Adaptability in Older People and People with PD

Abstract The ability to adapt gait when negotiating unexpected hazards is crucial to maintain stability and avoid falling. This presentation will present findings from a series of studies that have investigated cognitive, physical and psychological factors associated with gait adaptability required for obstacle and stepping target negotiation in older people and people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). The first studies involved fifty healthy older adults (mean±SD: 74±7 years). The gait adaptability protocol required them to either (a) avoid an obstacle at usual step distance or (b) step onto a target at either a short or long step distance projected on a walkway two heel strikes ahead and then continue walking. The primary findings were that gait adaptability was significantly associated with high risk of falls and that executive function, increased concern about falling and weaker quadriceps strength contributed significantly to this relationship. The second studies involved 54 people with PD (mean±SD: 67±67 years) who also completed the gait adaptability protocol. In this group, superior executive function, effective reactive balance and good muscle power were associated with successful gait adaptability. Furthermore, executive function and reactive balance appeared to be particularly important for precise foot placements; and cognitive capacity for step length adjustments for avoiding obstacles. These findings help elucidate mechanisms for why older people and people with PD fall. Training gait adaptability directly, as well as addressing the above associated factors through cognitive, behavioural and physical training may maximise fall prevention efficacy for these populations.

Vision-Based Navigation of Autonomous Vehicles in Roadway Environments with Unexpected Hazards

Vision-based navigation of autonomous vehicles primarily depends on the deep neural network (DNN) based systems in which the controller obtains input from sensors/detectors, such as cameras, and produces a vehicle control output, such as a steering wheel angle to navigate the vehicle safely in a roadway traffic environment. Typically, these DNN-based systems in the autonomous vehicle are trained through supervised learning; however, recent studies show that a trained DNN-based system can be compromised by perturbation or adverse inputs. Similarly, this perturbation can be introduced into the DNN-based systems of autonomous vehicles by unexpected roadway hazards, such as debris or roadblocks. In this study, we first introduce a hazardous roadway environment that can compromise the DNN-based navigational system of an autonomous vehicle, and produce an incorrect steering wheel angle, which could cause crashes resulting in fatality or injury. Then, we develop a DNN-based autonomous vehicle driving system using object detection and semantic segmentation to mitigate the adverse effect of this type of hazard, which helps the autonomous vehicle to navigate safely around such hazards. We find that our developed DNN-based autonomous vehicle driving system, including hazardous object detection and semantic segmentation, improves the navigational ability of an autonomous vehicle to avoid a potential hazard by 21% compared with the traditional DNN-based autonomous vehicle driving system.

Executive Functioning, Muscle Power and Reactive Balance Are Major Contributors to Gait Adaptability in People With Parkinson's Disease.

Background and Aim: The ability to adapt gait when negotiating unexpected hazards is crucial to maintain stability and avoid falling. This study investigated cognitive, physical and psychological factors associated with gait adaptability required for obstacle and stepping target negotiation in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD).Methods: Fifty-four people with PD were instructed to either: (a) avoid an obstacle at usual step distance; or (b) step onto a target at either a short or long step distance projected on a walkway two heel strikes ahead and then continue walking. Participants also completed clinical [Hoehn & Yahr rating scale; Movement Disorders Society version of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale motor section (MDS-UPDRS-III)], cognitive [simple reaction time, Trail Making and Stroop stepping (difference between incongruent and standard Choice Stepping Reaction Time, CSRT) tests], physical [hip abductor muscle power and reactive balance (pull test from the MDS-UPDRS-III)] and psychological (Fall Efficacy Scale–International) assessments.Results: Discriminant function analysis revealed Stroop stepping test (inhibitory control) performance was the best predictor of stepping errors across the Gait Adaptability Test (GAT) conditions. Poorer executive function [Trail Making Test (TMT)] and reactive balance predicted poorer stepping accuracy in the short target condition; poorer reactive balance predicted increased number of steps taken to approach the obstacle and the long target; and poorer executive function predicted obstacle avoidance. Weaker hip abductor muscle power, poorer reactive balance, slower reaction time, poorer executive function and higher concern about falling were significant predictors of shorter step length while negotiating the obstacle/targets.Conclusion: Superior executive function, effective reactive balance and good muscle power were associated with successful gait adaptability. Executive function and reactive balance appear particularly important for precise foot placements; and cognitive capacity for step length adjustments for avoiding obstacles. These findings suggest that impaired inhibitory control contributes to stepping errors and may increase fall risk in people with PD. These findings help elucidate mechanisms for why people with PD fall and may facilitate fall risk assessments and fall prevention strategies for this group.

“In somno securitas?” Is it time for anaesthetists to train in patient safety?

“<i>In somno securitas</i>?” Is it time for anaesthetists to train in patient safety?

Effect of instructing system limitations on the intervening behavior of drivers in partial driving automation

Proper understanding of automation limitations is vital in order for drivers to deal with unexpected critical situations. The present study focuses on explanation-based knowledge of the limitations given to novice drivers who have no knowledge and experience of using driving automation systems. The knowledge is discussed considering (1) the possibility of the automation failing to issue an alert when the driving automation cannot handle the situation and (2) the manner of describing the limitations from either a functional or scenic point of view. An experiment conducted under 2 × 2 conditions of explanation-based knowledge (n = 24 participants per condition, average age of the participant = 55.9 ± 16.2 years) is implemented in a driving simulator. Data on transition time from automated control to manual control are collected. The results reveal that drivers could intervene more safely if the knowledge is described from a scenic point of view (average ratio of safe intervention = 95%, average reaction time = 2.0 s), as compared to a functional description (88%, 2.3 s). Explicit/scenic knowledge was found to be more beneficial in responding to alerts in such situations involving system limitations as well as in dealing with critical system failures. Further investigation of glance behavior and interviews revealed that novice drivers with explicit/functional knowledge are prone to be over-reliant on the automation’s capability. Therefore, the present study clarified that providing a driver with knowledge about system limitations/failures explicitly while giving is instructive for perceiving and responding to system limitations as well as unexpected hazards due to system failures.

Do gender and income really moderate on employees’ job satisfaction? Insights from Malaysia’s oil and gas industry

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study is twofold: to investigate the impact of internal marketing factors on employees’ job satisfaction in the oil and gas industry context, and to assess the moderations of gender, and income on this relationship. Using a quantitative method, we approached base and administration managers in the oil and gas industry in a developing nation and obtained 215 usable questionnaires. A hierarchical moderated regression analysis revealed that gender, and income are significant moderators of Malaysia’s oil and gas employees’ job satisfaction, which is influenced by internal marketing factors such as employee extrinsic reward, employee intrinsic reward, leadership, internal communication, and training and development. Specifically, male employees heavily underscored the aspect of training and development whereas female employees placed their emphasis on leadership, thus showing different satisfiers within their jobs in the challenging oil and gas sector. Moreover, those employees in higher-income groups were seen to value certain aspects of leadership more than those in lower-income groups. Alongside the effort to strengthen leadership ability, managers in the oil and gas industry should, therefore, provide employees with more dedicated safety training to prevent unexpected operational hazards, unforeseen shut-downs of the system, or fatal accidents in the offshore plants. Directions for future research are suggested.