Search Results (85)

In March 2018, seismic events associated with rock salt mining in Maceió, northeastern Brazil, led to the emergency relocation of families from risk areas, resulting in increased companion animal abandonment. This study assessed the association between systematic monitoring and environmental education and the reduction in abandonment during these relocation processes. Between March 2018 and September 2020, 567 animals were recorded in affected households, of which only 245 (43.2%) were relocated with their guardians. In response, the Integra Animal Project was implemented, integrating environmental education, continuous monitoring, sanitary management, and population control. By December 2024, 2559 households and 6673 animals had been monitored. A substantial reduction in abandonment and escape rates was observed over time, with abandonment decreasing from 56.8% to 5.45%. Cats showed significantly higher escape rates than dogs (chi-square test). These findings suggest that integrated strategies combining monitoring and environmental education are associated with improved animal retention during disaster-driven relocation, supporting their relevance for animal welfare, public health, and One Health approaches. Full article

The health and operational continuity of emergency responders are fundamental pillars of sustainable and resilient disaster management systems. These personnel operate in high-risk environments, exposed to intense physical, environmental, and psychological stress. This makes it crucial to monitor their health to safeguard their well-being and performance. Traditional methods, which rely on intermittent, voice-based check-ins, are reactive and create a dangerous information gap regarding a responder’s real-time health and safety. To address this sustainability challenge, the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable biosensors presents a transformative opportunity to shift from reactive to proactive safety monitoring, enabling the continuous capture of high-resolution physiological and environmental data. However, realizing a field-deployable system is a complex “system-of-systems” challenge. This review contributes to the field of sustainable emergency management by analyzing the complete technological chain required to build such a solution, structured along the data workflow from acquisition to action. It examines: (1) foundational health sensing technologies for bioelectrical, biophysical, and biochemical signals; (2) powering strategies, including low-power design and self-powering systems via energy harvesting; (3) ad hoc communication networks (terrestrial, aerial, and space-based) essential for infrastructure-denied disaster zones; (4) data processing architectures, comparing edge, fog, and cloud computing for real-time analytics; and (5) visualization tools, such as augmented reality (AR) and heads-up displays (HUDs), for decision support. The review synthesizes these components by discussing their integrated application in scenarios like firefighting and urban search and rescue. It concludes that a robust system depends not on a single component but on the seamless integration of this entire technological chain, and highlights future research directions crucial for quantifying and maximizing its impact on sustainable development goals (SDGs 3, 9, and 11) related to health, sustainable cities, and resilient infrastructure. Full article

Nepal is currently facing critical water quality challenges due to urbanization, water management and governance issues, as well as natural disasters. This has resulted in the presence of harmful contaminants (e.g., pathogens, nitrates, arsenic) across multiple water sources, subsequently leading to waterborne disease risks (e.g., cholera and typhoid). In response to these environmental and public health concerns, we conducted a scoping review to assess microbial and chemical contaminants in drinking and irrigation water in Nepal, as well as their potential impacts on public health. Following the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis and the PRISMA-SCR guidelines, we systematically searched for peer-reviewed literature on Nepal’s water quality in seven databases. Of 3666 unique records screened using predefined inclusion criteria, 140 met our criteria. The studies encompassed a variety of methodological designs, with the majority focusing on water sources in the Bagmati province. Bacteria and arsenic emerged as the most prevalent contaminants. Additionally, diseases such as arsenicosis and typhoid remain widespread and may be linked to contaminated water sources. The review identified key gaps in Nepal’s water quality management, including limited geographic research coverage, inconsistent testing protocols, weak regulatory enforcement, and a lack of integration of water quality with public health planning. Our findings underscore the urgent need for effective surveillance systems and a robust regulatory framework to promptly respond to water contamination events in Nepal. Full article

Hospitals are an important piece of infrastructure for global emergency management, and their evacuation efficiency is crucial during large-scale disasters or public health crises. Traditional evacuation methods mainly focus on proximity and often overlook dynamic pedestrian density and channel capacity, leading to local congestion and increased risk. This study introduces a dynamic optimization evacuation path planning framework based on flow space theory to address the overall inefficiency in hospital evacuation. We model the hospital space as a dynamic network flow, analyze evacuation time through walking and queuing time, and apply a density–velocity correction model to adjust path allocation in real time. Using the MassMotion 11.0 platform to compare the evacuation of simulated hospital models before and after path optimization, the results showed that the average evacuation time was reduced by 10.58%, the waiting time in high-density areas was shortened, and the overall efficiency was improved. Empirical exercises show that path optimization can shorten evacuation time, demonstrating that spatial optimization strategies enhance hospital resilience. These results confirm the practical value of the flow space theory in emergency management for dealing with disasters. The flow space theory enriches the theoretical system of evacuation planning and contributes to a more in-depth study of people’s evacuation behaviors and the optimization of evacuation strategies. Full article

Background: People with disabilities, particularly those from developing countries, often fare worse during disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies. China is located in the most disaster-prone region in the world. However, no study has examined emergency evacuation planning among people with disabilities in China. The latest literature on emergency preparedness tends to focus on individual-level factors such as demographic characteristics, self-efficacy, and disability status. A focus on individual-level factors overlooks the importance of environmental influences on disaster preparation. Objective: This paper explores how individual and environmental factors are associated with emergency preparedness among people with disabilities in China. Methods: Two hundred and forty-eight people with various disabilities filled out an online cross-sectional survey on the level of emergency preparedness among people with disabilities in China. We conducted a hierarchical logistic regression to examine which environmental-level factors are associated with emergency preparedness after controlling for individual-level factors. Results: The results show that when entering only individual-level factors, self-efficacy in evacuation and previous emergency experiences are significant factors associated with being prepared. After including the environmental-level factors, self-efficacy remains significant. People with a physical disability and those from Hubei province, when compared with respondents from the rest of China, are less likely to be prepared. Another protective factor other than self-efficacy is being part of an online disability peer-support group. Conclusions: When designing risk management interventions, public health officials should consider both individual- and environmental-level factors. Using an online peer-support community may be considered an innovative component when designing these interventions. Full article

The 6 February 2023 earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, caused significant debris accumulation, raising concerns about air quality and public health. This study assessed dust concentrations during debris removal and emergency response efforts over a five-day period. Post-disaster respirable and total dust concentrations were measured using dust monitoring devices and the MDHS-14/3 gravimetric method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses identified fibrous structures and elements associated with asbestos, suggesting potential long-term health risks such as asbestosis and lung cancer. The average respirable dust concentration was 30.84 mg/m³, and the total dust concentration was 33.66 mg/m³. The findings emphasize the urgent need for protective measures to mitigate exposure risks for affected populations and emergency responders. Integrating health risk assessments into disaster management strategies are crucial to reducing long-term public health impacts. Full article

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and smart technologies into safety management is a pivotal aspect of the Fourth Industrial Revolution or Industry 4.0. This study conducts a systematic literature review to identify and analyze how AI and smart technologies enhance safety management across various sectors within the Safety 4.0 paradigm. Focusing on peer-reviewed journal articles that explicitly mention “Smart”, “AI”, or “Artificial Intelligence” in their titles, the research examines key safety management factors, such as accident prevention, risk management, real-time monitoring, and ethical implementation, across sectors, including construction, industrial safety, disaster and public safety, transport and logistics, energy and power, health, smart home and living, and other diverse industries. AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, IoT sensor integration, and digital twin models, are shown to proactively identify and mitigate potential hazards, optimize energy consumption, and enhance operational efficiency. For instance, in the energy and power sector, intelligent gas meters and automated fire suppression systems manage gas-related risks effectively, while in the health sector, AI-powered health monitoring devices and mental health support applications improve patient and worker safety. The analysis reveals a significant trend towards shifting from reactive to proactive safety management, facilitated by the convergence of AI with IoT and Big Data analytics. Additionally, ethical considerations and data privacy emerge as critical challenges in the adoption of AI technologies. The study highlights the transformative role of AI in enhancing safety protocols, reducing accident rates, and improving overall safety outcomes across industries. It underscores the need for standardized protocols, robust AI governance frameworks, and interdisciplinary research to address existing challenges and maximize the benefits of AI in safety management. Future research directions include developing explainable AI models, enhancing human–AI collaboration, and fostering global standardization to ensure the responsible and effective implementation of AI-driven safety solutions. Full article

This study maps the rural household vulnerability to flood-induced health risks in flood-affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, focusing on the devastating 2022 flood. Using data from 600 households in the severely impacted districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (including Charsadda and Nowshera), this research examines the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and infrastructural factors on household vulnerability. This study assesses household vulnerability to flooding and health issues using logistic regression. The current study findings revealed that female-headed households, those with younger heads, and families with lower educational levels are particularly vulnerable. Income disparities significantly shape coping capacity, with wealthier households more likely to adopt effective risk-mitigation strategies. Proximity to functioning healthcare facilities emerged as a crucial factor in reducing vulnerability, as these households faced fewer health hazards. Conversely, households in areas where health and water infrastructure were damaged experienced higher risks of disease outbreaks, including cholera and malaria, due to water contamination and inadequate sanitation. This study highlights the urgent need for resilient infrastructure, strengthened public health systems, improved health education, and enhanced water and sanitation services to mitigate flood-induced health risks. Policymakers are urged to sustainable development practices by adopting gender-sensitive disaster management strategies, prioritizing educational initiatives, and fostering community support networks to enhance resilience to future flood events in KPK. Full article

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with infectious diseases that pose serious risks to health and life. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted society, prompting significant reflection on preparedness and response strategies. In the future, humans may face unexpected disasters or crises, making it essential to learn from the COVID-19 experience, especially in ensuring adequate emergency supplies and mobilizing resources effectively in times of need. Efficient emergency medical management is crucial during sudden outbreaks, and the preparation and allocation of medical supplies are vital to safeguarding lives, health, and safety. However, the unpredictable nature of epidemics, coupled with population dynamics, means that infection rates and supply needs within affected areas are uncertain. By studying the factors and mechanisms influencing emergency supply demand during such events, materials can be distributed more efficiently to minimize harm. This study enhances the existing dynamics model of infectious disease outbreaks by establishing a demand forecasting model for emergency supplies, using Hubei Province in China as a case example. This model predicts the demand for items such as masks, respirators, and food in affected regions. Experimental results confirm the model’s effectiveness and reliability, providing support for the development of comprehensive emergency material management systems. Ultimately, this study offers a framework for emergency supply distribution and a valuable guideline for relief efforts. Full article

The 2017 Edgecumbe flood in New Zealand necessitated the rescue of over 1000 animals, making it the largest companion animal rescue operation in the nation’s history at the time. This qualitative study explores the experiences and perspectives of six first responders from various agencies involved in the animal rescue efforts. Through semi-structured interviews, this study identified several key themes, including challenges during the rescue phase, post-rescue issues, the impact on the human–animal relationship and wellbeing, and the health and safety of responders. The rescue phase was characterised by difficulties in evacuating and rescuing animals, the influence of the socio-zoological scale on rescue prioritisation, issues with feeding animals in place, and the diversity of species requiring rescue. Post-rescue challenges included animal identification and tracking, decontamination, management of deceased animals, and long-term impacts on animals and owners. This study also highlighted the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare during the disaster, as well as the health and safety risks faced by responders. The findings underscore the need for comprehensive collaborative emergency response planning that addresses the needs of both humans and animals, as well as the importance of ongoing efforts to build resilience and preparedness in communities. Lessons learned from the Edgecumbe flood can inform future policy, planning, and practice to enhance the effectiveness and compassion of animal-inclusive emergency management. Full article

In the face of pandemic-induced emergencies and unpredictable natural disasters, industries are compelled to implement rescue plans to mitigate unexpected risks. In this context, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is considered as a key metric, followed by sustainability efforts to manage unforeseen risks, encompassing social, environmental, and economic aspects. OEE is considered as a lean tool to determine the efficiency of equipment or processes on par with the world class OEE standard, i.e., 85%. Performance, Availability and Quality as three main drivers of OEE. This research study explores the implementation of OEE in conjunction with sustainability principles in an auto sector manufacturing firm, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability practices. The research involves a 12-week initial session from April to June 2022, followed by an analysis of July to September 2022, resulting in an impressive OEE value of 48%. Notable improvements in Availability (89.75%), Performance (72.68%), and Quality (73.82%) contribute significantly. The analysis reveals enhancements in scrap rework (17%), training (16%), maintenance (13%), material availability (12%), and production capability (11%). Achievements include improvements in green profile (25%), health and safety (20%), and energy efficiency (25%), along with reductions in carbon dioxide emissions (21%), waste management (17%), and scrap (15%). This research underscores the commitment of the case study industry to sustainable development and economic growth, showcasing significant enhancements in product quality and efficiency. The integration of sustainability principles into OEE initiatives is pivotal for modern industrial optimization. The study results highlight the profound significance of this synergistic relationship, particularly within the blending section, driving substantial positive outcomes in manufacturing processes and operational excellence. The implementation of sustainability efforts not only mitigates risks and fosters growth for automotive manufacturers but also yields environmental benefits. Based on findings of this study, a roadmap for automotive manufacturers is devised to achieve robust OEE while concurrently reaping economic and environmental rewards by employing sustainability principles. Full article

In recent years, as a result of the increasing demand for health services, medical waste (MW) generated from health facilities has increased significantly. Problems that threaten the environment and public health may arise as a result of inadequate medical waste management (MWM), especially in densely populated metropolitan areas. Therefore, it is very important that the disposal process of waste is carried out in a way that minimizes harm to human health and the environment. MW disposal site selection is among the most important decisions that local governments make. These decisions have many conflicting and similar criteria and alternatives. However, decision-makers may experience significant uncertainty when evaluating the alternatives. This study adopts the interval-valued neutrosophic (IVN) fuzzy EDAS method for the evaluation of MW disposal facility siting alternatives in Istanbul. This approach is used to evaluate potential sites based on a comprehensive, hierarchical criteria framework designed to address data uncertainty and inconsistency common in multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) scenarios. Within the scope of the study, six main criteria (distance settlement area, social acceptance, costs, environmental impacts, infrastructure facilities, and disaster and emergency) and nineteen sub-criteria are meticulously analyzed. Considering the geographical location and dense urban texture of Istanbul, the study emphasizes the criteria related to distance to residential areas, logistics costs, and potential disaster risks. Among the identified criteria, land costs, topographical features, proximity to landfills, and distance to high-voltage lines are emphasized as the least important criteria. This study, which evaluated various alternatives, identified Pendik, located on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, as the most suitable site for MW disposal due to its minimal risk. The study also compares the four main alternatives and highlights their relative strengths and weaknesses. Full article

Due to the increasing risk of extreme events caused by climate change (i.e., floods, fires and hurricanes) or wars, European veterinary public health may need some improvement. Utilizing a mix of qualitative (participatory observation) and quantitative methods (Internet mining), we analyzed the Greek media’s responses to the millennial flood in Thessaly (September 2023), focusing on animal health (including wild, companion animals and livestock) and public sentiment towards epizootic/epidemic threats. The study revealed a gap in crisis management plans regarding veterinary-related issues, emphasizing the need for comprehensive emergency response strategies. Our findings show how (i) the lay referral system is projecting the perception of epidemic threats into the population; (ii) the emotional load of images of animal carcasses is misused by media creators aiming for a big audience; and (iii) pets’ owners are creating online communities for the searching and treatment of their pets. Our results stress the importance of integrating crisis communication in consecutive phases of the discourse, such as the following: (i) weather change; (ii) acute flood; (iii) recovery; and (iv) outbreaks, into veterinary practices to better prepare for such disasters. Full article

Introduction and Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess fatigue in port workers; analyze the association between fatigue and levels of trust in organizations, as well as the association between authorities and risk perception; and examine the official documents governing the studied port, along with the current health and communication status of the port workers. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study, which presented quantitative and qualitative data, and it was carried out among port workers in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Thirty-nine port workers responded to quantitative questionnaires, which collected their socio-demographic data, as well as a risk perception questionnaire, the Chalder Fatigue Scale, and the Checklist of Individual Strength. Five documents from the port regiment were studied and qualitatively analyzed. The health communications consisted of presenting infographics with research data and providing information for reducing fatigue. Results: Fifteen workers (38.5%) were considered fatigued. There was a reduction in fatigue associated with trust in the unions and the labor management body, and there was an agreement that the precarious environment was completely unacceptable. The qualitative data in the documents indicated that it was possible to identify the infrastructure of the port environment, the legislation, the strategies to be adopted in cases of natural disasters, emergency plans, plans for the protection and promotion of workers’ health, individual and collective protection plans, the division of the sectors and those responsible for them, and documents detailing the hierarchy within the ports. The qualitative analysis culminated in graphic representations (infographics) created to communicate the research results to port workers, specifically in relation to fatigue, and we presented the ways to prevent fatigue at work. Discussion/Limitations: Studying the risk perceptions and fatigue levels of port workers through research with the active participation of these workers presented their lived experiences, which promoted discussion and perhaps more effective proposals to change their work conditions. Full article

City health examinations are integral to China’s urban planning, construction, and management. They effectively identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in urban development, ensuring safety resilience—a critical component. This resilience enhances the city’s ability to withstand internal and external shocks, promoting the safety of urban residents and fostering sustainable city development. Drawing on the Japanese disaster prevention strategy, the disaster prevention life circle emerges as a rescue and protection system during urban disasters, fortifying urban safety resilience. However, smaller and mid-sized cities, constrained by limited resources, significantly need to catch up in disaster prevention planning. Consequently, bolstering safety resilience in these cities becomes a pressing concern. This study focuses on Lindian County in Heilongjiang Province as the urban area under consideration for resilient city objectives. Leveraging the ArcGIS network analysis tool, we optimize the placement of emergency shelters, aligning with urban disaster assessments and the equilibrium of disaster prevention facility supply and demand. Accessibility analysis of emergency shelters was conducted using the Gaussian two-step floating catchment area method. Ultimately, we integrate the range of demand points assigned to each shelter, along with the effective land area reflecting the supply of shelters, as weights into a weighted Voronoi diagram. This diagram is combined with a reference to the entire region to delineate the disaster prevention life circle. Findings reveal that, under the premise of minimizing government construction costs while maximizing coverage and evacuation utilization rates, the optimal resident emergency congregate shelters in the study area are 8, with 98 emergency evacuation and embarkation shelters. Striking a balance between disaster prevention facility supply and demand and regional accessibility, the urban area of Lindian County is segmented into 3 resident disaster prevention life circles and 24 emergency disaster prevention life circles. The objective of this study is to optimize shelter siting and establish disaster prevention life circles in diverse urban areas. This endeavor aims to bolster urban resilience and foster sustainable urban development. Full article