Disaster Victims Research Articles

Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health in Flood Survivors and Disaster Volunteers: A Randomized Wait-List Controlled Trial

Abstract Objectives Being affected by a natural disaster or helping victims can impact mental health. This study aimed to examine whether a digital mindfulness intervention positively affects self-compassion, life satisfaction, and positive affect, and alleviates negative affect, perceived stress, and pathological symptoms in victims and volunteers of the flood disaster in Germany in July 2021. Method Participants were 146 people affected by the flood (via house, n = 88; friends, n = 100; workplace, n = 54) and/or volunteered after the disaster (n = 86). After the randomized assignment, 74 received a 6-week application-based mindfulness intervention, and 72 were allocated to the wait-control condition. The control group received the same intervention 6 weeks later. Before (T1) and after (T2) the intervention of the first group and after the intervention of the control group (T3), participants filled out questionnaires regarding different aspects of mental health. Results We found significant interaction effects of time and intervention for all variables (self-compassion, life satisfaction, positive and negative affect, perceived stress, and pathological symptoms), indicating effectiveness of the digital mindfulness intervention. No deterioration were found between T2 and T3 in the intervention group for any of the variables. Conclusions The 6-week digital mindfulness program positively affected the mental health of both disaster victims and volunteers. Therefore, a digital mindfulness intervention could be a good alternative in situations where group programs or face-to-face meetings are infeasible.

A Mobile Craniofacial Surgery Unit: Reconstructing Casualties of War in Ukraine.

This paper describes the development and implementation of a mobile craniofacial surgical unit designed to address complex posttraumatic craniofacial deformities in both civilian and military casualties resulting from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Restricted air space, limited possibilities for transportation of personnel and equipment, frequent interruption of power and water supply, and constant threat of injury to patients and medical personnel from missile and drone strikes, precludes reliable and safe delivery of tertiary care. The Canada Ukraine Surgical Aid Program (CUSAP) addressed these challenges by establishing a mobile craniofacial surgery unit, operating just outside of the war zone. The following report characterizes the civilian and military casualties, highlights the barriers to the provision of adequate tertiary care locally, and provides a detailed description of the measures that were taken to organize the mobile unit. The effectiveness of this program is documented, and specific challenges are illustrated through case examples. We believe this model serves as a template for delivering surgical aid to victims of any global disaster where care cannot be provided locally.

ASSESSING THE FEASIBILITY OF MALANG RAYA MOSQUES IN THE RELIGIOUS MODERATION PROGRAM

<p>This article aims to assess the feasibility of Malang Raya mosques in the Religious Moderation Program through the perspective of Durkheim, Parsons, and Merton’s functionalist sociological theories. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes a case study methodology across multiple sites, specifically Al-Ghozali Mosque (Islamic education institution area), Al-Mukhlisin Mosque (residential area), and Al-Barokah Mosque (housing area). The findings align with four indicators of religious moderation: First, all three mosques fulfill the National Commitment standards based on empirical data related to organic solidarity that fosters a functional society, as evidenced by the manifest and latent functions exhibited by the mosques in the context of national commitment (Mu’ahadah Wataniyyah) and adherence to laws (Dusturiyyah). Second, the mosques meet the tolerance standards through their affiliations with mass organizations, namely Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyyah, which have historically demonstrated tolerance (Tasamuh), as well as the principle of justice (‘Adliyyah) upheld through financial transparency and accountability. Third, the mosques satisfy the anti-violence standards through programs promoting care and compassion (Rahamutiyyah) for women, children, the elderly, orphans, and the impoverished, alongside the active involvement of women (Mubadalah) in mosque activities, mainly as educators and staff at Al-Qur’an Learning Centre (Taman Pendidikan Al-Qur’an or TPQ) affiliated with the mosque. Fourth, the mosques adhere to the standards for acceptance of tradition through activities that reflect local traditional values (‘Urfiyyah), such as the mosque's architectural style; humanity (Insaniyyah), exemplified by economic assistance for disaster victims; and public welfare (Maslahah), demonstrated by their concern for the rights of road users.</p>

Who Is Perceived as Deserving? How Social Identities Shape Attitudes about Disaster Assistance in the United States

ABSTRACT Research has shown that as the size of government assistance programs grow, and the recipients of such programs are increasingly non-white and/or non-citizen, public support for them declines. Our study examines this phenomenon on the question of deservingness in federal disaster assistance. Using a 2018 survey experiment that leverages two devastating hurricanes—Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Harvey—that hit different parts of the United States in 2017, we explore how the social identities of race/ethnicity and partisanship affect attitudes about disaster deservingness. Our results demonstrate that although federal disaster assistance has broad support, it is contingent on perceptions about the disaster victim and the type of assistance. Respondents were less likely to support disaster assistance to Hurricane Maria–affected people than those affected by Hurricane Harvey. Moreover, white and Republican respondents were more likely to favor market-based assistance whereas race-/ethnic-minority and Democratic respondents were more likely to support more generous forms of disaster assistance. These findings have important implications for the allocation of disaster funds as climate change intensifies and the frequency of billion-dollar disaster events increases. This is exacerbated by political polarization and heightened social vulnerability due to changing population demographics.

The Anthropological Process of Identifying Missing Persons as a Teaching Method for Increasing Awareness in Legal and Forensic Dentistry in the Republic of Cyprus

Forensic Odontology is a critical field within forensic science, with significant importance in legal contexts and the identification of victims in mass disasters or cases of abuse. This article focuses on the efforts made by the European University Cyprus (EUC) School of Dentistry to raise awareness among dental students regarding legal and forensic dentistry practices. Through voluntary visits to the Anthropological Laboratory of the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) in Cyprus, students gain firsthand experience and insights into anthropological analysis for identifying missing individuals. These visits provide students with practical application opportunities, emphasizing record-keeping practices, oral tissue morphology analysis, and unique aspects of restorative work during identification processes. Feedback from participating students highlights the value of experiential learning in increasing awareness about forensic odontology’s importance and relevance in real-world scenarios. The initiatives undertaken by the EUC School of Dentistry contribute to enhancing legal and forensic dentistry awareness among future dental professionals in Cyprus.

Research on path planning in UAV-assisted emergency communication

The rapid development of UAV communication technology makes it have application potential in wireless systems. However, for the optimization problem of UAV base station providing communication for ground personnel in the disaster area under special natural disasters, traditional deep reinforcement learning is used. Algorithms cannot solve such problems well. This article proposes the AD3QN algorithm combined with the attention mechanism, which can communicate with disaster victims on the ground better and more quickly, providing better information collection for rescue missions and completing the task of communication optimization. In the mission simulation environment, in order to make the environment more realistic, we innovatively designed the ground user distribution model, air-to-ground communication model, and electromagnetic interference model. Finally, the effect of the proposed algorithm is evaluated by comparing different deep reinforcement learning algorithms. The results show that the algorithm we proposed can provide communication services faster and has higher practicability in terms of algorithm.

Performance Evaluation of Flexible Photovoltaic Panels for Energy Supply in Post-Disaster Emergency Shelters

In the event of disasters, the provision of energy encounters significant challenges. Flexible photovoltaic (FlexPV) is an ideal choice for emergency shelters to supply the daily activities for displaced populations. S(P)EEDKITS is a project to develop rapid deployable emergency shelters as seeds of self-recovery. Based on the project, this study is to assess the feasibility of FlexPV on the roof of emergency shelters. Various measurements have been conducted on a multipurpose tent to investigate the reliability of the flexible solar cells, thermal performance, acoustic performance, and power generation in the winter solstice. From the results, the Electroluminescence tests show that serious microcracks occur on the FlexPV cells after a long-term application, which is hidden danger for power output. I-V tests show the degradation of PCE is within 2.8% after one year usage Moreover, the energy yield during the winter solstice is sufficient to fulfill the minimum power requirement essential for the effective operation of the emergency shelter in Milan. Additionally, the integration of FlexPV panels causes an average 8.6 °C temperature increase, showing a negative influence on the power output of FlexPV. Finally, the integration leads to a 6.7% increase of the indoor noise. So, the FlexPV panels are more suitable to be applied for a short period of time after disaster to solve the energy crisis of disaster victims.

Strengthening Resilience and Sustainability for Post-Disaster Recovery: A Comparative Law and Economics Analysis on Smart Mixes Between Mechanisms

This article advocates smart mixes of mechanisms of post-disaster recovery in terms of boosting resilience and sustainability through liability rules, government intervention, insurance, and their combinations. Liability rules can provide compensation to victims and, in theory, also reduce disaster risks, while they have their limits in practice. The government widely intervenes in disaster compensation in many countries, but it faces challenges in how it can intervene fairly and efficiently, whether through informal channels, such as ad hoc charity, or structured approaches, such as compensation funds. As governments may struggle to provide efficient and effective compensation ex post, insurance may offer proactive solutions with models of first-party catastrophe insurance and third-party liability insurance ex ante. Where market failure, liability failure, and government failure may all arise, a smart mix of mechanisms is often preferable from a law and economic perspective, rather than relying solely on one framework. However, upon examining empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness of these instruments in China, the UK, France, Germany, and Turkey, it becomes apparent that a mix of mechanisms is not always applied in an effective manner. Models of mandatory comprehensive disaster insurance, and Public–Private Partnership (PPP), which both receive government intervention as a last resort to the market and liability failures, can reach the goal of more effective compensation for disaster victims, risk prevention and resilience when faced with disaster recovery, and should therefore be substantially implemented beyond the current levels. To be clear, the proposed mix of solutions mainly focuses on legal and economic dimensions which are rather limited, ignoring, for example, building codes for structures and physical interventions.

The effect of disaster case management on housing recovery: Analysis of disaster survivor support in Sendai City using the synthetic control method

AbstractThis study investigated how disaster case management (DCM) and disaster public housing reconstruction influence housing recovery using 4 open‐data sources. The trends in the number of households under designated temporary housing in Sendai and 18 other cities in Miyagi Prefecture were analyzed. The results revealed that both DCM and the reconstruction of public housing for disaster recovery promote housing restoration from temporary housing. Finally, Mary Richmond's discussion of wholesale and retail methods was used to elucidate policy implications for disaster victim support.

Association between forensic DNA and odontology in human identification during mass disaster: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: According to the literature, forensic odontology is one of the most effective and affordable scientific techniques for identifying victims of mass disasters. This research methodically reviews the role and function of forensic odontologists in several global mass disasters. Forensic DNA in odontology is associated with the importance of its application in the identification of humans of mass disasters. As the crime rate continues to rise, the field of forensic medicine has evolved significantly. Forensic dentists play a pivotal role in various areas of crime scene investigations, thereby helping solve innumerable mysteries. AIM: The study aimed to increase the body of knowledge for future research on forensic odontology by conducting a systematic review search to investigate possible forensic DNA in odontology associated with the importance of its application in the identification of humans of mass disasters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, were analyzed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) quality scale. The literature search, conducted until February 2024, informed important research choices. RESULTS: A total of 16 (100%) studies related to forensic DNA of mass disasters were identified. Of these, only seven (43.75%) articles related to dental DNA were included in this review. Of the 4,808 articles obtained, 138 duplicates or irrelevant articles were eliminated. Following a full-text review, seven studies were selected based on eligibility criteria. The highest percentage of victims was identified using dental DNA. In a few studies, some samples were insufficient for complete DNA profiling due to factors such as the method of DNA extraction. CONCLUSION: Forensic odontology has played a significant role in the identification of victims of several mass disasters around the world. Although teeth are an excellent source of DNA for humans, future studies with larger sample sizes, appropriate control groups, and standardized techniques of DNA extraction need to be conducted.

ASEAN Regionalism in the Implementation of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Management

Objective: This article analyzes how ASEAN countries utilize regional mechanisms in implementing humanitarian assistance and disaster management. Method: Using the qualitative method, this article shows that ASEAN regionalism in disaster management is quite effective. Secondary data is obtained through library research, utilizing various publications such as books, journals, documents, and the Internet. Results and conclusion: The research results show that ASEAN has made protecting society from natural disasters one of its goals since its formation. But the unequal capacities of ASEAN countries have driven different domestic levels of responses. ASEAN regional cooperation maximizes ASEAN’s capacity by unifying each country’s capabilities in ASEAN’s relations with the extra-regional powers. Even though it has the principle of non-intervention, the existence of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre on Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Center) has removed the obstacles for parties who wish to send out aid to disaster areas in ASEAN member states. Originality/value: ASEAN has produced various mechanisms for handling victims of natural disasters. In its development, the efforts to protect against natural disasters have become very important because they have become an aspect of non-traditional security. Therefore, what ASEAN faces is not only the natural disaster itself but also how to save its citizens from non-traditional security threats.

Tendons and table salt: A recipe to preserve human DNA

For disaster victim identification, hundreds of samples of human remains have to be extracted from human bodies rapidly for later DNA analysis, often in situation with high humidity, high temperature and no access to cooling facilities. Genetic typing of these samples may be challenging due to degradation of DNA. Until today, bone and teeth are the preferred biological matrix for genetic identification of decomposed human remains. However, processing these samples is time and cost consuming. To address the challenges associated with workload, finances, and sample preservation in the genetic identification of unknown dead bodies, we tested 44 hand and foot tendons from deceased with advanced post mortem changes as alternative DNA material. In addition, we examined commercially available table salt as potential preservation method with 10 tendons over a period of 12 months. The parameters external appearance, DNA quantity and quality have been analysed. Overall, 39 of 44 tendons examined yielded valuable DNA profiles with at least ten autosomal STR loci. Storage in table salt not only increased DNA yield but also resulted in high quality STR profiles of the preserved tendons throughout the study period of 12 months compared to storage without salt. According to the results of this study, we recommend hand and foot tendons as alternative DNA material from bodies with advanced post mortem changes. We particularly recommend commercially available table salt as a storage medium for the preservation of DNA samples. Under field conditions without cooling facilities and the need to store samples prior to DNA analysis table salt is a good storage medium: it preserves DNA and is easily available.

Sex determination and odontometric dimensions - A study of a North Indian population.

Sex determination is an indispensable parameter in identifying unknown deceased individuals. It can narrow down the chances of possible matches by 50%, providing a crucial lead in personal identification. In cases of commingled, decomposed, fragmented, charred and unidentifiable corpses, the importance of dental morphometrics cannot be overlooked due to the resistance of teeth to post-mortem degradation. Addressing this quality of teeth, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a North Indian population to evaluate sexual variations in dental dimensions and to identify the most sexually dimorphic dental dimension. The study included 207 participants (114 females and 93 males) in the age group of 21 to 45 years. Dental casts were prepared after obtaining informed consent from the participants and ethical clearance from the institute's ethical committee. Six odontometric dimensions, namely incisor-incisor distance, inter canine distance, combined width of central incisors, inter-premolar distance, inter-molar distance, and dental arch height of each participant were recorded on the dental casts using standard procedures. Analysis of the data elucidated the existence of statistically significant sexual dimorphism in the dental dimensions of the participants. The results of the discriminant function analysis show a sex determination accuracy of 68.1%, with a cross-validation accuracy of 65.2%. The study found the incisor-incisor distance to be the most sexually dimorphic trait, making it the best predictor of sex in the present population. The results of the present study may be helpful in sex determination and personal identification from dental remains in medico-legal and disaster victim identification cases.

Multiple relocation cases in disaster-related deaths after the Fukushima nuclear accident

IntroductionRelocation after a disaster often has negative health effects on vulnerable people, particularly older adults. However, little is known about the number of repeated evacuations and relocations after disasters among those experienced disaster-related deaths. This case series aimed to summarize the secondary problems and mortality risks in patients involved in relocation after disasters.MethodsWe analyzed and summarized the data on 520 disaster-related deaths in Minamisoma City, a municipality near the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, focusing on the number of relocations. Herein, we describe the cases of three individuals over 80 years old, who died after eight or more relocations, which were certified as disaster-related deaths.ResultsWe discuss following three cases, which are (1) a female patient in her 90s who had a stroke and was completely disabled, (2) a female patient in her 80s whose cancer was detected later due to her failing to see her family doctor, and (3) a male patient in his 80s whose regular postoperative treatment was disrupted following cancer recurrence.DiscussionOur findings indicate that evacuation led to the worsening of chronic diseases and eventually to post-disaster death. Prolonged wide-area evacuation and repeated relocation likely interrupted the continuum of care and led to the failure of adequate care provision. To reduce the loss of human life, it is necessary to review the number of wide-area evacuations and relocations over the medium to long term after large-scale disasters, including nuclear disasters, which may occur in the future. Simultaneously, it is important to establish a medical system at the evacuation site so that disaster victims can continue to receive medical care even after evacuation or relocation.

Implementasi Penyaluran Bantuan Sosial Kepada Korban Bencana Banjir di Kecamatan Waru Kabupaten Sidoarjo

This research aims to describe in more detail the distribution of social assistance (bansos) carried out by the Sidoarjo Regency Government to residents of Waru District who were affected by the flood disaster. Using qualitative research methods, this research refers to David C. Korten's Implementation Theory with three indicators, namely 1) Conformity between the program and utilization, 2) Conformity between the program and the implementing organization, and 3) Conformity between the user group and the implementing organization. This research uses a three-stage data collection technique, namely interviews, documentation, and literature study involving the Sidoarjo Regency Government, stakeholders involved, and residents of Waru District who were affected by the flood. The research results show that the distribution of social assistance for flood disasters in Waru District has operated well, with indicators 1) The suitability of the social assistance program which has been right on target, namely distributed to flood disaster victims in Waru District; 2) Suitability of the program that has been implemented by the appropriate officer according to their field; and 3) Suitability for the people of Waru District who receive social assistance from the Sidoarjo Regency Government in a structured and coordinated manner.

Reviewing global suicide rates via X, Y, and Z perspectives

Global suicide rates owing to disaster impacts have been confusing because of varied and unclear results. This study aimed to investigate how suicides have occurred worldwide during disasters. The methodology used included a systematic literature review and comparative analysis. The disaster exacerbation (X, bad human nature, or suicide rate rise) perspective was compared with the disaster resilience (Y, good human nature, or suicide rate fall) perspective to extract disaster ecology (Z, neutral human nature, or suicide rate fluctuation) perspective from international leaders, government officials, researchers, and disaster victims. A major theme was that the four stakeholders would adopt the Z perspective based on the fusion of X and Y perspectives (leading to X+Y=Z), while embracing heterogeneous research, proactive and long-term strategies, education, and so on. This study relied heavily on the large-scale dynamics of suicide rates than previous studies.

Forensic facial identification – reconstruction of facial geometry and shape from dental dimensions

Human identification has always remained as a main task of forensic anthropology and forensic science for various purposes. The purpose of human identification may vary from legal identity to disaster victim identification, from criminal identity to unidentified deceased identification. The condition, such as putrefaction, charring and mutilation of corpse always become an obstacle during the process of identification. Due to surviving nature of teeth, they may serve as evidence for identification in highly decomposed conditions. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 participants (93 males and 114 females) in the age range of 21 to 45 years with the aim of two-dimensional facial reconstruction. Dental casts, anthropometric facial measurements and facial photographs were obtained from the participants. Dental measurements were taken on the cast in the laboratory. Statistical analysis revealed a weak but statistically significant correlation between the dental and facial parameters. The geometrical faces and the shapes were reconstructed based on the dental dimensions. The reconstructed facial geometry and shapes were very similar to the true facial geometry and facial shapes of the individual. By improving identification of disaster victims and unidentified deceased, the results of the study can have considerable implications in forensic and medico-legal case-works.

The radiographic diversity of dental patterns among 7219 young individuals-a contribution to disaster victim identification.

The diversity of dental patterns is a fundamental topic in disaster victim identification. The current scientific literature, however, is scarce of data regarding young individuals. This study aimed to assess the radiographic diversity of dental patterns, considering missing, unrestored, and filled teeth in young individuals. The sample consisted of 7219 panoramic radiographs of individuals between 12 and 22.9 years. The permanent teeth, except third molars, were coded as missing, unrestored, or filled and odds ratios (OR) were calculated based on sex, dental arch, and age. The sex-combined sample had 1.116 distinctive dental patterns. "All unrestored" teeth was the most common pattern (OR: 0.437) followed by the sequence of unrestored teeth except restored mandibular first molars (OR: 0.021). Females had more distinctive dental patterns than males (p < .001), while males had more unrestored teeth (p < .001). In the age category of 12-12.9 years, the OR for finding a distinctive dental pattern was 11%, while in the age category of 22-22.9 years it increased to 58%. On the other hand, the OR for "all unrestored" gradually decreased according to age (74% in the younger category, and 23% in the older age category). The distinctiveness of dental patterns among young individuals is affected by the predominance of unrestored teeth. However, registering a single filled tooth in a remaining unrestored dentition can reduce exponentially the probability of finding an identical pattern of missing, unrestored and filled teeth.

Daily Lifestyle Managed by Natural Disasters in Anatolia

The heart of Anatolia was devastated by two major droughts between 1800 and 1880. The severe winter conditions during this period, followed by subsequent floods, once again destroyed farmers' crops. The great earthquake in Bursa further burdened the already exhausted society with pain and sorrow. In this study, data will be evaluated to understand how people in Anatolia, exposed to successive disasters, had to adapt their livelihoods. The focus will be on how workshop-style collective production, which had begun to emerge in Anatolia on the brink of the Industrial Revolution, was disrupted by natural disasters, and why the agriculture-based economy remained predominant. The study includes observations on the changes in Bursa and Adana, where disaster-affected populations clustered after being displaced. The contribution of cheap labor, provided by victims of natural disasters, to the manufacturing sector in Bursa, Adana, Aydın, and Izmir is analyzed in relation to the small-scale industrial transformations in these cities. A comparison is made between the livelihoods of the local population before the disasters and their income sources afterward. Based on this comparison, the impact of disasters on livelihoods is discussed. Additionally, the types of disasters and their varying degrees of impact in Ankara and Konya are examined.

Analysis of non-metric dental traits for ethnicity identification in a mixed population of Uttar Pradesh

BackgroundForensic odontology involves the identification of individuals through dental records, making it a crucial tool in legal investigations. Non-metric dental traits (NMDT), which are variations in dental morphology play a key role as these traits are inherited characteristics that can help establish biological relationships or ancestry. Thus, we aim to assess the frequency and variability of NMDT in the human dentition of four ethnically mixed populations in Uttar Pradesh. This study can aid in the future by maintaining records of ethnic groups and their variability, which can be crucial for disaster victim management and forensic odontology. MethodsThe study was conducted on a total of 100 patients coming to the OPD of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology and Microbiology of King George's Medical University from January 2022 to July 2023. Impressions of both arches were made for participants using irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate), and casts were examined under a stereomicroscope to assess 15 different morphological characteristics. ResultsNMDTs such as winging, shoveling, double-shoveling interruption groove, canine mesial ridge, hypocone, metacone, carabelli's trait, peg-shaped incisors, peg-shaped molar, premolar lingual cusp variation, deflecting wrinkle, protostylid, metaconulid, entoconulid was evaluated. The NMDTS were evaluated in four different ethnics Nordics, Mediterranean, Oriental Mediterranean, and Protoaustraloid amongst which various traits showed a statistically significant variation among the population of Uttar Pradesh. ConclusionThe sample studied presented confirmed supernumerary traits like metacone, protostylid, carabellis trait, metaconulid, premolar lingual cusp variation, and deflecting wrinkle were seen highest in Nordic, Mediterranean, Oriental Mediterranean, and Protoaustraloid ethnicity have a significant association with the Uttar Pradesh population.