Search Results (1,031)

In rural areas affected by Chernobyl, accelerated erosion has become a major source of particulate ¹³⁷Cs in sediment load. The long-term dynamics of the activity concentration in eroded soil material transported from individual slope catchments can be better understood by exploring the ¹³⁷Cs depth distribution in sediments deposited near cultivated fields. This study focuses on three cultivated slope catchments located in the Chernobyl-affected area of Central Russia. A depth incremental campaign was conducted within zones of sediment accumulation in 2022–2025. The behavior of radiocaesium associated with particles after the Chernobyl accident was controlled by the prompt implementation of remediation measures. Shortly after the accident, the values decreased by more than two times. The radionuclide flux then began to depend on soil erosion processes. Gradually, the thickness of the upper soil that had been eroded became large enough to allow soil material from deeper layers to be involved during ordinary plowing and led to a subsequent decrease in the ¹³⁷Cs activity concentration. Given the decreasing snowmelt runoff and lack of increase in high-intensity rainfall in the 21st century, the activity concentration of ¹³⁷Cs in slope runoff has remained quite stable. This phenomenon requires consideration of whether a physically based model for the transport of particulate radionuclides should be developed. Full article

This study evaluates the risk reduction performance of prescriptive technical codes applied to hydrogen refueling stations using a Layer of Protection Analysis (LOPA) approach. A representative accident scenario involving high-pressure hose rupture at the dispenser was selected as the initiating event, and the initiating event frequency was determined based on CCPS guidelines. The target mitigated event likelihood (TMEL) was set to $1.0\times {10}^{-6}$/year, resulting in a required risk reduction factor (RRF) of $1.0\times {10}^4$. Safety devices specified in the Korean Gas Safety (KGS) Codes were identified as independent protection layers (IPLs), and their probability of failure on demand (PFD) values were assigned based on commonly accepted LOPA data. The combined PFD of the identified IPLs was estimated to be $1.0\times {10}^{-5}$, leading to a mitigated event likelihood of $1.0\times {10}^{-7}$/year, which satisfies the predefined TMEL. These results indicate that the prescriptive technical codes can provide a certain level of quantitative risk reduction when all required safeguards operate as assumed. However, the analysis also reveals structural limitations associated with independence assumptions, potential common cause failures, and maintenance conditions. The findings suggest that integrating functional safety concepts and systematic risk assessment with prescriptive codes could enhance the reliability of safety management for hydrogen refueling stations. Full article

The primary aim of wildlife rehabilitation centres is the release of treated animals back into the wild after treatment. Data collected during rehabilitation can provide valuable insights into current trends and can help with conservation strategies aiming to reduce human-related negative impact. This review analyses records from past and currently operating wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres in Lithuania over a 23-year period. Data were compiled for 7847 individual animals representing 216 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. The study evaluates patterns of seasonal admission, taxonomic composition, known causes of injury or admission, and rehabilitation outcomes. The results showed that 83% of cases involved birds, mammals comprised 16%, and reptiles were recorded only infrequently (0.52%). Admissions peaked in summer, comprising 42% of all cases. Injuries of unknown origin were the most common (55%). Among cases with identified causes, a substantial proportion were associated with human activities, including road accidents (5% of all cases), collisions with anthropogenic structures (4%), and attacks by domestic cats or dogs (3%). The presence of a specialized rehabilitation centre, together with active public involvement in the rescue of injured wildlife, contributes to release rates reaching approximately 30% of admitted animals. Datasets such as those analyzed in this study may contribute to improved preparedness for managing unavoidable human–wildlife interactions in the future. Full article

With population aging, motor vehicle accidents involving older drivers have increased. Age-related cognitive decline affects driving performance; however, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This scoping review explored neurophysiological characteristics associated with driving in older adults, including those at risk of dementia. Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL for studies examining driving-related neurophysiological measures in older adults aged ≥60 years. Twelve studies were included. Findings converge on load-dependent neural compensation failure: older adults maintain driving performance under low-to-moderate demands, but compensatory mechanisms break down under high cognitive load. Electroencephalography (EEG) studies revealed blunted midfrontal theta upregulation during high-load conditions, associated with reduced steering precision and delayed responses. Event-related potential studies demonstrated that reduced P3b amplitude was associated with missed braking responses and that abnormal visual evoked potentials in Alzheimer’s disease predicted unfit-to-drive classifications. fNIRS studies during driving-related tasks and an fMRI study using a laboratory-based visual task consistently showed prefrontal hyperactivation in older adults. Although some older adults maintained comparable performance to younger adults, the brain–behavior associations observed in younger adults were absent, suggesting that this hyperactivation does not necessarily serve a functional compensatory role. Combined with EEG evidence of impaired oscillatory modulation, these findings suggest that prefrontal hyperactivation does not necessarily compensate for diminished neural synchronization under high-load conditions. Neurophysiological markers hold promise for fitness-to-drive assessments. Future research should employ high-load scenarios and multimodal neuroimaging to verify prefrontal compensatory mechanisms. Full article

Background: Statistics show that the number of patients suffering from stroke and living with disability as a result has increased significantly worldwide between 1990 and 2021. This implies the necessity of continuous improvement of both treatment methods and rehabilitation, which is essential in the treatment process. According to the International Classification of Functioning (ICF), as many as 88% of patients do not regain functionality in their affected upper limbs six months after a vascular incident, which negatively affects their quality of life. Upper limb rehabilitation using robots is a progressive approach to restoring not only lost limb function, but above all, independence in activities of daily living. Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to determine the actual effects of rehabilitation using various robots in patients after cerebrovascular accidents and to compare these effects with those achieved by patients who participated in a non-robotic rehabilitation program. Methods: Studies published between 2019 and 2025 were included in the analysis. The analysis was written according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Results: Studies have shown improvement in upper limb function in patients exercising both with and without the use of a robot, but statistical data clearly show better results in patients undergoing therapy with robots. Conclusions: Studies have shown that the use of a rehabilitation program involving robots brings measurable improvements in many different aspects of upper limb function, and evidence confirming the effectiveness of this therapy encourages further research, refinement, and dissemination of this method and technology. Full article

The mandible, due to its anatomical position, mobility, and functional role, is one of the bones most frequently involved in maxillofacial trauma, with fracture patterns influenced by impact mechanisms and anatomical characteristics. This study aimed to analyse the relationship between trauma mechanisms and affected anatomical subsites in patients with isolated mandibular fractures treated at a regional public hospital in Buenos Aires Province. A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted using medical records, surgical reports, and diagnostic imaging of patients treated between 2011 and 2024. Isolated mandibular fractures were included, while pathological fractures, dentoalveolar injuries, and cases with incomplete data were excluded. Trauma mechanisms were classified as interpersonal aggression, vehicular accidents, falls from height, contact sports, and blows with blunt objects. Interpersonal aggression was the most frequent trauma mechanism, followed by falls from height and vehicular accidents. The mandibular angle, parasymphysis, and condyle were the most commonly affected anatomical sites. Multivariable analysis showed a higher probability of condylar fractures in falls from height (OR = 4.75; 95% CI: 2.24–10.3; p < 0.001) and vehicular accidents (OR = 3.02; 95% CI: 1.28–7.13; p = 0.01). Falls were also associated with a lower probability of mandibular angle fractures (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.06–0.36; p < 0.001), while blunt object trauma showed a positive association with mandibular body fractures (OR = 3.12; 95% CI: 1.04–8.95; p = 0.04). These findings indicate that trauma mechanisms influence the anatomical distribution of mandibular fractures, providing relevant information for diagnostic assessment and surgical planning. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients involved in high-energy accidents (HEAs) are frequently admitted for inpatient surveillance despite normal clinical examination and imaging, although the yield of this practice is uncertain. This study evaluated the frequency and nature of clinical events, interventions during surveillance and missed injuries in such low-risk patients and explored potential predictors. Methods: Retrospective study at a Level I trauma center including patients ≥18 years admitted between January 2022 and September 2023 solely due to HEA mechanism, without apparent injury requiring inpatient treatment. Baseline characteristics, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and laboratory values were extracted. Outcomes included additional diagnostics, new diagnoses, therapeutic interventions, and missed injuries. Patients with eventful and uneventful stays were compared using univariate statistical tests. Results: Among 363 included patients, 86.0% experienced an uneventful stay. Fifty-one patients (14.0%) had an eventful stay, most commonly requiring additional radiological examinations (8.5%) or blood tests (6.9%). New diagnoses occurred in 6.6%, and 6.1% received additional therapeutic interventions. Missed injuries were detected in 3.9%, including two potentially life-threatening injuries (0.6%). No robust predictors for missed injuries were identified. Established predictors of missed injuries from broader trauma populations were absent in this selected low-risk cohort. However, individuals after bicycle accidents were significantly more likely to experience any event during their stay (p = 0.009). Conclusions: Inpatient surveillance of patients without apparent injury after HEAs has a low overall yield but occasionally identifies clinically significant conditions. As no reliable predictors for adverse events were found, selective admission remains challenging. Hybrid models combining short-term observation with structured outpatient reassessment may represent a resource-efficient alternative for low-risk patients. Full article

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting older dogs that shares many pathological mechanisms with human Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although it is common in geriatric dogs, CCDS is often underdiagnosed in veterinary medicine. Both CCDS and AD involve a gradual decline in cognitive functions such as memory, learning and executive abilities. From a pathological perspective, dogs with CCDS show brain changes similar to those seen in AD, including cerebral atrophy, loss of neurons and accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques. CCDS is diagnosed by exclusion, meaning that other medical or neurological conditions that could cause similar behavioural signs must first be ruled out. Clinical evaluation mainly relies on structured questionnaires completed by owners. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to confirm cerebral atrophy and, at the same time, to exclude other brain disorders, such as cerebrovascular accidents and neoplasia. Current research focuses on identifying fluid biomarkers, such as amyloid-beta, neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein, to support an early and objective diagnosis. The most effective management combines pharmacological therapy, targeted nutrition and non-pharmacological strategies, including environmental enrichment and behavioural support. Early intervention, ideally during mild cognitive impairment, is crucial to slow disease progression and maintain quality of life. Full article

Project ownership is a critical factor that shapes safety management systems and accident patterns in construction. However, the Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) industrial accident database, which is the largest construction accident database in Korea, does not include project ownership information. To address this limitation, this study developed a fine-tuned KLUE-BERT framework that automatically classifies project ownership using unstructured text fields (site name, client name, and workplace name) in MOEL data. Training data were constructed through manual classification of the 2018–2023 approved statistics and data augmentation. The proposed model achieved high classification performance. Multilayered statistical analyses were conducted using the classified 2014–2023 construction accident data across six key accident variables: accident type, accident cause, construction scale, accident severity, occupation, and worker tenure. The results revealed statistically significant associations between project ownership and all six variables. Public projects exhibited relatively high proportions of accidents involving construction machinery and vehicles, whereas private projects exhibited higher proportions of fall- and scaffold-related accidents. This study presents a novel artificial intelligence-based framework that generates analytical variables absent from the original data and demonstrates its utility through large-scale statistical analysis. The findings provide empirical evidence to support the development of project ownership-specific construction safety policies. Limitations include potential data leakage from pre-split augmentation and generalizability limited to Korean construction data. Full article

Collisions between motorcycles and car doors that are being opened are common, preventable accidents that can result in fatalities. A critical limitation of safety advancements in both cars and motorcycles is high cost associated with the use of radar sensors. In this study, a deep learning model was integrated into an inexpensive and camera-utilizing automatic braking assistance system for motorcycles to enhance braking performance and alert motorcyclists to avoid collisions. This research involved two stages: (1) the training of a deep learning model for detecting car door states and (2) the design of safety mechanisms for selecting appropriate braking intensity and front braking ratio values on the basis of the model’s output, time-to-collision, the rider’s braking action, and the initial braking speed, in order to achieve optimal braking performance. Specifically, the YOLOv12s object detection model showed high performance in predicting the states of car doors, exhibiting precision, recall, and mean average precision values of 90.5%, 80.6%, and 87.8%, respectively. The braking intensity of the system was set to 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% in scenarios involving opening states of the car door (closed, small, medium, or large opening), time-to-collision values, and the rider’s braking action. The optimal front braking ratio function was determined based on the initial braking speed to achieve the optimal braking performance. At an initial braking speed of 60 km/h, the braking stroke under a front braking ratio of 45% was 35.61% and 13.37% shorter than those under front braking ratios of 20% and 60%, respectively. The proposed braking assistance system can feasibly be deployed in the real world because it can respond within a safe time window under the conditions studied, which is approximately 0.5 s. However, further refinement is required, including improvement of the robustness of the object detection model through the collection of a larger and more diverse dataset, experimental measurement of front braking ratios to determine the optimal braking performance in real scenarios, and design of a physical actuator to control braking intensity and the front braking ratio in real time. Full article

Autonomous tractors have been shown to possess the capability to ensure a high degree of operational precision during seeding activities on flat terrain. However, in topographically challenging environments characterised by significant elevations and pronounced variations in slope, factors such as road gradients have been shown to compromise the precision of satellite-based positioning systems. This, in turn, can lead to alterations in vehicle posture and the generation of disparate longitudinal driving forces between the left and right tyres. It is important to note that this deviation from the predefined path has the potential to result in rollover accidents. Evidence has been presented that indicates a correlation between road gradient and vehicle roll motion. The proposed methodology is an algorithmic approach to the estimation of lateral slope, integrating inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors and ground-based ultrasonic radars. This algorithmic approach is proposed as a means to achieve more accurate estimations of lateral slope. The initial development of the vehicle dynamics model was based on slope operation requirements, and the model was endowed with eight degrees of freedom. The utilisation of an unscented Kalman filter (UKF) facilitates the integration of inertial measurement unit (IMU) and ground-based ultrasonic radar measurements, thereby enabling real-time estimation of key motion states, such as lateral slope. The validity of the proposed algorithm was established through a combination of hardware-in-the-loop testing and field trials involving real tractors. The findings indicate that the implementation of this algorithm leads to a substantial enhancement in the trajectory tracking accuracy of tractors during slope operations. This enhancement is characterised by a substantial reduction in lateral deviation and an effective augmentation in the operational pass rate. In the course of empirical trials conducted in a mountainous environment, the lateral positioning deviation during straight-line driving was diminished from 10 cm to within 5 cm. Concurrently, the precision of lateral slope estimation was enhanced to 0.04 degrees. Full article

Effective traffic control using Artificial Intelligence (AI) is essential to ensure safe passage for all road users. AI-based collision detection systems offer advanced mechanisms to prevent accidents and improve highway safety. This research investigates two distinct collision scenarios: vehicle–pedestrian and vehicle–motorcyclist interactions. The proposed method in this research involves the bidirectional Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), Convolutional Neural Network with LSTM (CNN–LSTM), and transformer models. The model is furthermore tuned using random or grid search. For the pedestrian–vehicle scenario, the CNN–LSTM model achieved 99.76% accuracy, 99.77% precision, and 99.76% recall, highlighting its strong classification performance. In the vehicle–motorcyclist scenario, the bidirectional LSTM reached 99.73% accuracy with precision and recall of 99.15%, demonstrating its effectiveness in detecting imminent crashes. The optimized CNN-LSTM by random search has focused on decreasing the false-positive rate and increasing the positive rate. It has achieved superior results compared to previous research. These results suggest that the system could be effectively implemented as an early collision warning solution on edge devices. Full article

Traffic accidents represent a significant threat to individuals, with motorcycles frequently involved. Despite concerted efforts by organizations like the World Health Organization and governments worldwide, reducing accident rates remains a challenge. Notably, Indonesia has witnessed a surge in traffic accidents, with motorcycles being a prominent mode of transport. This study aims to evaluate situational awareness and motorcycle riders’ behavior among Indonesians, with respect to factors such as riding time and age. This study involves laboratory-based research and uses quantitative primary data collected with the Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT), the Situation Present Assessment Method (SPAM), and the Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ). The results indicate that overall situation awareness is low, with the lowest level among young riders. Nighttime situational awareness is also lower than during the daytime. Recommendations to improve situation awareness include periodic training with scenario-based sessions for motorcycle riders, strict adherence to driving regulations, the potential integration of motorcycle simulators, and prioritizing the program to enhance young riders’ situation awareness. These recommendations aim to boost rider safety and reduce motorcycle accidents. Full article

Despite the implementation of safety-engineered devices (SEDs) in Germany, percutaneous sharps injuries (PSIs) caused by medical devices remain a major occupational risk for healthcare workers. The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of PSIs and the circumstances of SED-associated PSIs in hospitals, medical practices, and nursing homes. Routine data from a statutory accident insurance provider for 2015–2024 were used to analyze PSI trends (n = 481,575), and survey data from online questionnaires were used to analyze circumstances of PSIs (n = 791). Routine data showed a slight decline (6.1%) in PSIs over the past 10 years across all sectors. Hospitals and medical practices had the highest rates (30.2 and 21.6 PSIs per 1000 full-time equivalents, respectively). The devices most frequently involved were blood collection needles in hospitals and medical practices and insulin pens in nursing homes. Overall, 43.1% of PSIs were related to the improper disposal of used devices. Around 31.1% of PSIs were associated with SEDs. Around 33% of SED-related injuries occurred during disposal. High workload and distraction were the most frequently reported causes of injuries. Regular training should be provided to raise staff awareness of the proper handling and disposal of used devices. Full article

Upon the challenges of climate change and the demand for energy sustainability, nuclear power (NP) units not only provide clean electricity but are also equipped for cogeneration to achieve energy cascade utilization; this represents a key avenue for improving the overall efficiency and achieving the comprehensive utilization of nuclear energy. However, following the heating retrofitting stage, there exists a risk that the supply control valve of the unit may accidentally open completely during operation, which increases the risk of over-powering. Therefore, this study designs response schemes for second-generation large pressurized water reactor NP plants (NPPs) under the accidental full-open condition of the heat-supply control valve. Specifically, an integrated model encompassing the nuclear steam supply system, secondary circuit system, thermal energy supply system (TESS), and related control systems was constructed using the optimal estimation program and 3KeyMaster simulation platform. Subsequently, two response schemes were designed for the accidental full-open valve scenario under two operation modes—namely, the “Reactor Follows Turbine + TESS” and “Turbine Follows TESS” modes. Finally, on the basis of the established simulation platform, the scenario of accidental full opening of the heat-supply control valve was simulated and verified. Ultimately, the results indicate that the response scheme implemented under the “Turbine Follows TESS” mode is more effective in suppressing nuclear overpower when the heat supply control valve accidentally opens fully. Thus, overall, this study provides a feasible accident response strategy and critical technical reference for NPPs involving cogeneration and energy cascade utilization. Full article