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Search Results (635)

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Keywords = safety check

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17 pages, 2283 KiB  
Article
Application of High Efficiency and High Precision Network Algorithm in Thermal Capacity Design of Modular Permanent Magnet Fault-Tolerant Motor
by Yunlong Yi, Sheng Ma, Bo Zhang and Wei Feng
Energies 2025, 18(15), 3967; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18153967 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 202
Abstract
Aiming at the problems of low thermal analysis efficiency and high computational cost of traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods for modular fault-tolerant permanent magnet synchronous motors (MFT-PMSMs) under complex working conditions, this paper proposes a fast modeling and calculation method of motor [...] Read more.
Aiming at the problems of low thermal analysis efficiency and high computational cost of traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods for modular fault-tolerant permanent magnet synchronous motors (MFT-PMSMs) under complex working conditions, this paper proposes a fast modeling and calculation method of motor temperature field based on a high-efficiency and high-precision network algorithm. In this method, the physical structure of the motor is equivalent to a parameterized network model, and the computational efficiency is significantly improved by model partitioning and Fourth-order Runge Kutta method. The temperature change of the cooling medium is further considered, and the temperature rise change of the motor at different spatial positions is effectively considered. Based on the finite element method (FEM), the space loss distribution under rated, single-phase open circuit and overload conditions is obtained and mapped to the thermal network nodes. Through the transient thermal network solution, the rapid calculation of the temperature rise law of key components such as windings and permanent magnets is realized. The accuracy of the thermal network model was verified by using fluid-structure coupling simulation and prototype test for temperature analysis. This method provides an efficient tool for thermal safety assessment and optimization in the motor fault-tolerant design stage, especially for heat capacity check under extreme conditions and fault modes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Linear/Planar Motors and Other Special Motors)
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23 pages, 7773 KiB  
Article
Strengthening-Effect Assessment of Smart CFRP-Reinforced Steel Beams Based on Optical Fiber Sensing Technology
by Bao-Rui Peng, Fu-Kang Shen, Zi-Yi Luo, Chao Zhang, Yung William Sasy Chan, Hua-Ping Wang and Ping Xiang
Photonics 2025, 12(7), 735; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics12070735 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates have been widely coated on aged and damaged structures for recovering or enhancing their structural performance. The health conditions of the coated composite structures have been given high attention, as they are critically important for assessing operational safety [...] Read more.
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates have been widely coated on aged and damaged structures for recovering or enhancing their structural performance. The health conditions of the coated composite structures have been given high attention, as they are critically important for assessing operational safety and residual service life. However, the current problem is the lack of an efficient, long-term, and stable monitoring technique to characterize the structural behavior of coated composite structures in the whole life cycle. For this reason, bare and packaged fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors have been specially developed and designed in sensing networks to monitor the structural performance of CFRP-coated composite beams under different loads. Some optical fibers have also been inserted in the CFRP laminates to configure the smart CFRP component. Detailed data interpretation has been conducted to declare the strengthening process and effect. Finite element simulation and simplified theoretical analysis have been conducted to validate the experimental testing results and the deformation profiles of steel beams before and after the CFRP coating has been carefully checked. Results indicate that the proposed FBG sensors and sensing layout can accurately reflect the structural performance of the composite beam structure, and the CFRP coating can share partial loads, which finally leads to the downward shift in the centroidal axis, with a value of about 10 mm. The externally bonded sensors generally show good stability and high sensitivity to the applied load and temperature-induced inner stress variation. The study provides a straightforward instruction for the establishment of a structural health monitoring system for CFRP-coated composite structures in the whole life cycle. Full article
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27 pages, 11254 KiB  
Article
Improved RRT-Based Obstacle-Avoidance Path Planning for Dual-Arm Robots in Complex Environments
by Jing Wang, Genliang Xiong, Bowen Dang, Jianli Chen, Jixian Zhang and Hui Xie
Machines 2025, 13(7), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/machines13070621 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 361
Abstract
To address the obstacle-avoidance path-planning requirements of dual-arm robots operating in complex environments, such as chemical laboratories and biomedical workstations, this paper proposes ODSN-RRT (optimization-direction-step-node RRT), an efficient planner based on rapidly-exploring random trees (RRT). ODSN-RRT integrates three key optimization strategies. First, a [...] Read more.
To address the obstacle-avoidance path-planning requirements of dual-arm robots operating in complex environments, such as chemical laboratories and biomedical workstations, this paper proposes ODSN-RRT (optimization-direction-step-node RRT), an efficient planner based on rapidly-exploring random trees (RRT). ODSN-RRT integrates three key optimization strategies. First, a two-stage sampling-direction strategy employs goal-directed growth until collision, followed by hybrid random-goal expansion. Second, a dynamic safety step-size strategy adapts each extension based on obstacle size and approach angle, enhancing collision detection reliability and search efficiency. Third, an expansion-node optimization strategy generates multiple candidates, selects the best by Euclidean distance to the goal, and employs backtracking to escape local minima, improving path quality while retaining probabilistic completeness. For collision checking in the dual-arm workspace (self and environment), a cylindrical-spherical bounding-volume model simplifies queries to line-line and line-sphere distance calculations, significantly lowering computational overhead. Redundant waypoints are pruned using adaptive segmental interpolation for smoother trajectories. Finally, a master-slave planning scheme decomposes the 14-DOF problem into two 7-DOF sub-problems. Simulations and experiments demonstrate that ODSN-RRT rapidly generates collision-free, high-quality trajectories, confirming its effectiveness and practical applicability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Robotics, Mechatronics and Intelligent Machines)
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12 pages, 1493 KiB  
Article
Automatic Segmentation of the Infraorbital Canal in CBCT Images: Anatomical Structure Recognition Using Artificial Intelligence
by Ismail Gumussoy, Emre Haylaz, Suayip Burak Duman, Fahrettin Kalabalık, Muhammet Can Eren, Seyda Say, Ozer Celik and Ibrahim Sevki Bayrakdar
Diagnostics 2025, 15(13), 1713; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15131713 - 4 Jul 2025
Viewed by 374
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The infraorbital canal (IOC) is a critical anatomical structure that passes through the anterior surface of the maxilla and opens at the infraorbital foramen, containing the infraorbital nerve, artery, and vein. Accurate localization of this canal in maxillofacial, dental implant, and orbital [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The infraorbital canal (IOC) is a critical anatomical structure that passes through the anterior surface of the maxilla and opens at the infraorbital foramen, containing the infraorbital nerve, artery, and vein. Accurate localization of this canal in maxillofacial, dental implant, and orbital surgeries is of great importance to preventing nerve damage, reducing complications, and enabling successful surgical planning. The aim of this study is to perform automatic segmentation of the infraorbital canal in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images using an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model. Methods: A total of 220 CBCT images of the IOC from 110 patients were labeled using the 3D Slicer software (version 4.10.2; MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA). The dataset was split into training, validation, and test sets at a ratio of 8:1:1. The nnU-Net v2 architecture was applied to the training and test datasets to predict and generate appropriate algorithm weight factors. The confusion matrix was used to check the accuracy and performance of the model. As a result of the test, the Dice Coefficient (DC), Intersection over the Union (IoU), F1-score, and 95% Hausdorff distance (95% HD) metrics were calculated. Results: By testing the model, the DC, IoU, F1-score, and 95% HD metric values were found to be 0.7792, 0.6402, 0.787, and 0.7661, respectively. According to the data obtained, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the AUC value under the curve was determined to be 0.91. Conclusions: Accurate identification and preservation of the IOC during surgical procedures are of critical importance to maintaining a patient’s functional and sensory integrity. The findings of this study demonstrated that the IOC can be detected with high precision and accuracy using an AI-based automatic segmentation method in CBCT images. This approach has significant potential to reduce surgical risks and to enhance the safety of critical anatomical structures. Full article
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16 pages, 4986 KiB  
Article
Numerical Impact Assessment Based on Experiments for Steel Stiffened Panels with and Without Prior Dent
by Sara A. Eltawosy, Heba S. El-Kilani, Elsayed Fathallah and S. Saad-Eldeen
J. Mar. Sci. Eng. 2025, 13(7), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/jmse13071263 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
Many ship panels may be subjected to operational or accidental impact loads, and increased crashworthiness is a desirable design feature. A designer may reach this goal using different structural configurations that are available nowadays. However, the selection of the appropriate design parameters is [...] Read more.
Many ship panels may be subjected to operational or accidental impact loads, and increased crashworthiness is a desirable design feature. A designer may reach this goal using different structural configurations that are available nowadays. However, the selection of the appropriate design parameters is not simple, due to the complexity of predicting impact response. This research is based on published experimental crashworthiness results of a steel stiffened panel tested under low-velocity impact loading. A series of finite element analyses is performed to develop a master model that can be applied to different parameters. The results showed good agreement between the developed finite element model and the experimental results, which confirms the accuracy and reliability of the numerical model. A parametric study is carried out to investigate the effect of design parameters such as plating thickness, stiffener section modulus, stiffener spacing, and stiffener profiles on the crashworthiness characteristics of the calibrated model, and the geometrical configurations that offer the best crashworthiness without considerable increased weight may be then determined based on a proposed criterion. To cover complex realistic scenarios during operation, pre-existing mechanical damage consisting of a specified dent is applied to the intact panel, to check the survivability of the proposed model with respect to the intact one. Finally, simplified design guidelines are proposed to improve both the safety and structural integrity characteristics of the structural configurations considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Ocean Engineering)
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31 pages, 11216 KiB  
Article
An Optimal Integral Fast Terminal Synergetic Control Scheme for a Grid-to-Vehicle and Vehicle-to-Grid Battery Electric Vehicle Charger Based on the Black-Winged Kite Algorithm
by Ishak Aris, Yanis Sadou and Abdelbaset Laib
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3397; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133397 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
The utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown significantly and continuously in recent years, encouraging the creation of new implementation opportunities. The battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging system can be effectively used during peak load periods, for voltage regulation, and for the improvement [...] Read more.
The utilization of electric vehicles (EVs) has grown significantly and continuously in recent years, encouraging the creation of new implementation opportunities. The battery electric vehicle (BEV) charging system can be effectively used during peak load periods, for voltage regulation, and for the improvement of power system stability within the smart grid. It provides an efficient bidirectional interface for charging the battery from the grid and discharging the battery into the grid. These two operation modes are referred to as grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G), respectively. The management of power flow in both directions is highly complex and sensitive, which requires employing a robust control scheme. In this paper, an Integral Fast Terminal Synergetic Control Scheme (IFTSC) is designed to control the BEV charger system through accurately tracking the required current and voltage in both G2V and V2G system modes. Moreover, the Black-Winged Kite Algorithm is introduced to select the optimal gains of the proposed IFTS control scheme. The system stability is checked using the Lyapunov stability method. Comprehensive simulations using MATLAB/Simulink are conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of the suggested optimal IFTSC in comparison with IFTSC, optimal integral synergetic, and conventional PID controllers. Furthermore, processor-in-the-loop (PIL) co-simulation is carried out for the studied system using the C2000 launchxl-f28379d digital signal processing (DSP) board to confirm the practicability and effectiveness of the proposed OIFTS. The analysis of the obtained quantitative comparison proves that the proposed optimal IFTSC provides higher control performance under several critical testing scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section D: Energy Storage and Application)
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24 pages, 1501 KiB  
Review
Large Language Models in Medical Chatbots: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Need to Address AI Risks
by James C. L. Chow and Kay Li
Information 2025, 16(7), 549; https://doi.org/10.3390/info16070549 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1211
Abstract
Large language models (LLMs) are transforming the capabilities of medical chatbots by enabling more context-aware, human-like interactions. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of their applications, technical foundations, benefits, challenges, and future directions in healthcare. LLMs are increasingly used in patient-facing roles, such [...] Read more.
Large language models (LLMs) are transforming the capabilities of medical chatbots by enabling more context-aware, human-like interactions. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of their applications, technical foundations, benefits, challenges, and future directions in healthcare. LLMs are increasingly used in patient-facing roles, such as symptom checking, health information delivery, and mental health support, as well as in clinician-facing applications, including documentation, decision support, and education. However, as a study from 2024 warns, there is a need to manage “extreme AI risks amid rapid progress”. We examine transformer-based architectures, fine-tuning strategies, and evaluation benchmarks specific to medical domains to identify their potential to transfer and mitigate AI risks when using LLMs in medical chatbots. While LLMs offer advantages in scalability, personalization, and 24/7 accessibility, their deployment in healthcare also raises critical concerns. These include hallucinations (the generation of factually incorrect or misleading content by an AI model), algorithmic biases, privacy risks, and a lack of regulatory clarity. Ethical and legal challenges, such as accountability, explainability, and liability, remain unresolved. Importantly, this review integrates broader insights on AI safety, drawing attention to the systemic risks associated with rapid LLM deployment. As highlighted in recent policy research, including work on managing extreme AI risks, there is an urgent need for governance frameworks that extend beyond technical reliability to include societal oversight and long-term alignment. We advocate for responsible innovation and sustained collaboration among clinicians, developers, ethicists, and regulators to ensure that LLM-powered medical chatbots are deployed safely, equitably, and transparently within healthcare systems. Full article
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13 pages, 958 KiB  
Article
Risk Assessment Framework for Power Circuit Breakers Based on Condition, Replacement, and Criticality Indices
by Suphon Kumpalavalee, Thanapong Suwanasri, Cattareeya Suwanasri and Rattanakorn Phadungthin
Energies 2025, 18(13), 3298; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18133298 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 311
Abstract
This paper develops a comprehensive framework for the risk assessment of 115 kV power circuit breakers (PCBs) by evaluating their condition, replacement needs, and criticality to the electrical network. The primary objective is to create a risk assessment tool that enhances maintenance practices [...] Read more.
This paper develops a comprehensive framework for the risk assessment of 115 kV power circuit breakers (PCBs) by evaluating their condition, replacement needs, and criticality to the electrical network. The primary objective is to create a risk assessment tool that enhances maintenance practices and improves operational efficiency. The framework begins with a condition assessment, quantified through the use of a health index, derived from historical diagnostic test results and routine checks. The next step involves a replacement assessment, using a replacement index that considers factors such as age, rating adequacy, and technological obsolescence to determine the necessity of replacement. Finally, a criticality assessment is performed using a criticality index, which evaluates the PCB’s role in the network by factoring in location, load importance, failure severity, and the consequences of failure on network operations. By integrating these indices, the framework offers a holistic view of the associated risks. The methodology is applied to assess the risk of 149 sample PCBs across 30 substations in Thailand, with relevant data collected for each unit. The resulting risk assessments support proactive maintenance, minimize downtime, optimize the allocation of limited resources, and enhance the overall efficiency, reliability, and safety of the electrical network. Full article
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25 pages, 2394 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Safety Performance in UK Metal Manufacturing: A Revised Framework to Reduce Fatal Accidents
by Alexandra Eggleston, Shoaib Sarfraz, Konstantinos Salonitis, Sumit Gupta, Hana Trollman and Sandeep Jagtap
Safety 2025, 11(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11020059 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Fatal accidents in UK’s manufacturing sector are expected to remain the same or increase in coming years. This paper has tried to combat this issue by adapting and further developing a previously defined Safety Framework for the Paint Sector, to evaluate the safety [...] Read more.
Fatal accidents in UK’s manufacturing sector are expected to remain the same or increase in coming years. This paper has tried to combat this issue by adapting and further developing a previously defined Safety Framework for the Paint Sector, to evaluate the safety performance of a metal manufacturing facility. To achieve this, the original Safety Framework was updated to align with the current British safety legislation outlined by the British Standards Institution. The framework was based on a three-level multi-attribute value theory (MAVT). Upon reviewing BSI 45001, the Safety Framework was founded upon the concept of Deming’s Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) which is the foundation for the original framework, therefore, the first-level attributes remained consistent. The 13 attributes of the second level and 36 attributes of the third level were derived from the literature review and updated to relevant legislation. To develop the Safety Framework, the Delphi method was used. This included interviews that were conducted with employees and managers from either a Safety or Engineering background. The second part of the paper involved the improvement of the Safety Framework, based on the interview feedback. The main findings of the study revealed that the final Safety Framework has been deemed relevant for the Metal Manufacturing Sector by Industry Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP). The majority of Interviewees deemed the Safety Framework to have a clear layout and easy to understand. The interviews and final Safety Framework suggested the importance of a company’s emphasis on employee welfare and health, in order to reduce accidents in the workplace. The originality of this paper lies in its application and validation of a sector-specific safety framework, contributing to the body of knowledge by offering a replicable methodology for adapting safety frameworks to other manufacturing sectors. Full article
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20 pages, 2831 KiB  
Article
Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on Dam Hydrological Safety by Using a Stochastic Rainfall Generator
by Enrique Soriano, Luis Mediero, Andrea Petroselli, Davide Luciano De Luca, Ciro Apollonio and Salvatore Grimaldi
Hydrology 2025, 12(6), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology12060153 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Dam breaks can lead to important economic and human losses. Design floods, which are useful to assess possible dam breaks, are usually estimated through statistical analysis of rainfall and streamflow observed data. However, such available samples are commonly limited and, consequently, high uncertainties [...] Read more.
Dam breaks can lead to important economic and human losses. Design floods, which are useful to assess possible dam breaks, are usually estimated through statistical analysis of rainfall and streamflow observed data. However, such available samples are commonly limited and, consequently, high uncertainties are associated with the design flood estimates. In addition, climate change is expected to increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme rainfall and flood events in the future. Therefore, a methodology based on a stochastic rainfall generator is proposed to assess hydrological dam safety by considering climate change. We selected the Eugui Dam on the Arga river in the north of Spain as a case study that has a spillway operated by gates with a maximum capacity of 270 m3/s. The stochastic rainfall generator STORAGE is used to simulate long time series of 15-min precipitation in both current and future climate conditions. Precipitation projections of 12 climate modeling chains, related to the usual three 30-year periods (2011–2024; 2041–2070 and 2071–2100) and two emission scenarios of AR5 (RCP 4.5 and 8.5), are used to consider climate change in the STORAGE model. The simulated precipitation time series are transformed into runoff time series by using the continuous COSMO4SUB hydrological model, supplying continuous 15-min runoff time series as output. Annual maximum flood hydrographs are selected and considered as inflows to the Eugui Reservoir. The Volume Evaluation Method is applied to simulate the operation of the Eugui Dam spillway gates, obtaining maximum water levels in the reservoir and outflow hydrographs. The results show that the peak outflows at the Eugui Dam will be lower in the future. Therefore, maximum reservoir water levels will not increase in the future. The methodology proposed could allow practitioners and dam managers to check the hydrological dam safety requirements, accounting for climate change. Full article
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11 pages, 422 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Treatment Strategy of Esophagogastric Junction Cancer
by Masatoshi Nakagawa, Masanobu Nakajima, Masaki Yoshimatsu, Yu Ueta, Noboru Inoue, Takahiro Ochiai, Shuhei Takise, Junki Fujita, Shinji Morita and Kazuyuki Kojima
Cancers 2025, 17(12), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17121961 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Background: The incidence of esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC) is increasing in both Western and Eastern countries. Despite this trend, a globally accepted treatment strategy remains elusive due to the tumor’s anatomical complexity and variability in clinical practice. Aim: This review aims to provide [...] Read more.
Background: The incidence of esophagogastric junction cancer (EGJC) is increasing in both Western and Eastern countries. Despite this trend, a globally accepted treatment strategy remains elusive due to the tumor’s anatomical complexity and variability in clinical practice. Aim: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current evidence regarding EGJC treatment, focusing on the surgical approach, extent of lymph node dissection, and perioperative therapy. Special attention is given to regional differences and the implications of recent clinical trials. Findings: Transhiatal and minimally invasive surgical approaches have demonstrated favorable safety profiles, particularly for Siewert type II tumors. Lymph node dissection strategies are increasingly tailored based on the extent of esophageal invasion. Pre- and postoperative chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy are standard in the West, while East Asian countries are gradually adopting these approaches through trials such as RESOLVE (China) and PRODIGY (Korea). Immunotherapy has also emerged as a promising option following the CheckMate 577 trial. Conclusions: EGJC requires individualized treatment planning based on tumor characteristics and regional practices. While ongoing trials continue to inform optimal management, international collaboration and a stepwise, biomarker-informed approach will be essential to harmonize treatment strategies for this anatomically and therapeutically complex disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Treatments of Esophageal and Esophagogastric Junction Cancers)
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14 pages, 1595 KiB  
Article
A Digital Model for Incident Reporting to Support Occupational Safety and Health in Laboratories
by Daniel Onut Badea, Doru Costin Darabont, Alina Trifu, Iulian Ivan and Vicentiu Ciocirlea
Laboratories 2025, 2(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/laboratories2020013 - 11 Jun 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
People in laboratories often use paper or digital formats for incident reporting. These methods make it difficult to group events, check follow-up actions, or use the data to improve safety. This article presents a conceptual model for digital incident reporting in laboratories, designed [...] Read more.
People in laboratories often use paper or digital formats for incident reporting. These methods make it difficult to group events, check follow-up actions, or use the data to improve safety. This article presents a conceptual model for digital incident reporting in laboratories, designed to improve occupational safety and health (OSH) by addressing the lack of standardized reporting structures. The model was developed based on a review of safety standards, laboratory procedures, and relevant studies published between 2010 and 2024. The review identified five basic functions required for an effective digital incident reporting system: structured data input, event classification, alerting, access to reports, and follow-up tracking. These five functions were used to create a modular structure that shows how incident reporting works in laboratories. The model can be used with simple tools, and it does not require specialist software. It can be adjusted to local workflows and settings. While ISO 45001:2018 describes the goals of incident management, it does not offer a structure for reporting. This model responds to that gap. It supports consistent documentation and can help laboratories review incidents. This makes it easier to track responses, especially when no formal system exists. Full article
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11 pages, 572 KiB  
Systematic Review
Protocols for Prone Positioning in Pediatric Patients with Hypoxemia: Impact on Oxygenation, Lung Function, and Clinical Safety
by Jose Luis Estela-Zape, Valeria Sanclemente-Cardoza and Leidy Tatiana Ordoñez-Mora
Children 2025, 12(6), 743; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12060743 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 618
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This review aims to identify existing protocols and evaluate the effects of prone positioning on oxygenation and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with hypoxemia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This review aims to identify existing protocols and evaluate the effects of prone positioning on oxygenation and clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with hypoxemia. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023457270). Literature research was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. The final search was completed in January 2025. Results: A total of 2033 studies were identified, with 5 meeting inclusion criteria. Forty percent applied prone positioning for 12 to 20 h, improving pulmonary function. Combined with alveolar recruitment, prone positioning increased functional residual capacity and reduced atelectasis, with SpO2 improvements from 13% to 38% and atelectasis reduction from 8% to 47%. Another 40% focused on oxygenation, reporting PaO2 increases from 52 to 59 mmHg and SpO2 improvements from 93.2% to 96.2% within 2 to 4 h. One study found a significant SpO2 difference between prone (98.3%) and supine (96.2%) positions (p = 0.003). Protocols commonly included facial tilt and pillows to reduce compression. Safety measures involved checking catheter and tube placement, suspending enteral nutrition 30 min before repositioning, and hemodynamic monitoring. Adverse events were rare, including two cases of tube obstruction and one hypercapnia. No significant differences were observed in ventilation duration, oxygen therapy length, or 28-day survival between groups. Conclusions: Prone positioning improves pulmonary function and addresses refractory hypoxemia in pediatric patients. However, the optimal duration remains unclear, underscoring the need for further research to establish standardized guidelines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine)
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29 pages, 6791 KiB  
Article
Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) and Its Impact on Employee Satisfaction and Performance—A New HSMS Model
by Prodromos D. Chatzoglou, Athanasios E. Kotzakolios and Panagiotis K. Marhavilas
Safety 2025, 11(2), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety11020052 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1873
Abstract
The main aim of this study is to investigate the association of an assortment of factors pertaining to the implementation of a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) with firms’ Health and Safety (H&S) level and employees’ satisfaction and performance. The proposed research [...] Read more.
The main aim of this study is to investigate the association of an assortment of factors pertaining to the implementation of a Health and Safety Management System (HSMS) with firms’ Health and Safety (H&S) level and employees’ satisfaction and performance. The proposed research model incorporates six independent factors: (i) the development of a safety culture, (ii) the availability of H&S specific procedures/instructions/rules, (iii) the forethought of H&S-focused training, (iv) the availability of the essential resources to improve H&S equipment, (v) the augmentation of employee motivation for safe behavior, and (vi) the top management commitment to upgrade H&S at the workplace. The model was empirically tested using primary data from 230 employees of 10 manufacturing firms operating in Greece. It was found that H&S meliorates employees’ performance, but, on the other hand, firm’s management should be committed towards creating a high-level safety culture. To achieve this, proper resources should be invested, comprehensible procedures/instructions/rules should be established, and focused training should be provided. The acceptance of this policy would result in an enhanced safety culture, an augmented firm H&S level, amplified employee satisfaction and, accordingly, improved employee performance. In addition, this article suggests a new HSMS model, which, by relying on the principles of the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle, incorporates the examined six H&S factors, which can upgrade other known standards (like OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001). Full article
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14 pages, 1696 KiB  
Article
Development of Multiplex qPCR Method for Accurate Detection of Enzyme-Producing Psychrotrophic Bacteria
by Kidane Yalew, Shuwen Zhang, Solomon Gebreyowhans, Ning Xie, Yunna Wang, Jiaping Lv, Xu Li and Xiaoyang Pang
Foods 2025, 14(11), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14111975 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Microbial detection in milk is crucial for food safety and quality, as beneficial and harmful microorganisms can affect consumer health and dairy product integrity. Identifying and quantifying these microorganisms helps prevent contamination and spoilage. The study employs advanced molecular techniques to detect and [...] Read more.
Microbial detection in milk is crucial for food safety and quality, as beneficial and harmful microorganisms can affect consumer health and dairy product integrity. Identifying and quantifying these microorganisms helps prevent contamination and spoilage. The study employs advanced molecular techniques to detect and quantify the genomic DNA for the target hydrolytic enzyme coding genes lipA and aprX based on the multi-align sequence conserved region, specific primer pair, and hydrolysis probes designed using the singleplex qPCR and multiplex qPCR. Cultured isolates and artificially contaminated sterilized ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk were analyzed for their specificity, cross-reactivity, and sensitivity. The finding indicated that strains with lipA and aprX genes were amplified while the other strains were not amplified. This indicated that the designed primer pairs/probes were very specific to the target gene of interest. The specificity of each design primer pair was checked using SYBR Green qPCR using 16 different isolate strains from the milk sample. The quantification specificity of each strain target gene was deemed to be with a mean Ct value for positive pseudomonas strain > 16.98 ± 1.76 (p < 0.0001), non-pseudomonas positive strain ≥ 27.47 ± 1.25 (p < 0.0001), no Ct for the negative control and molecular grade water. The sensitivity limit of detection (LOD) analyzed based on culture broth and milk sample was >105 and >104 in PCR amplification while it was >104 and >103 in real-time qPCR, respectively. At the same time, the correlation regression coefficient of the standard curve based on the pure culture cell DNA as the DNA concentration serially diluted (20 ng/µL to 0.0002 ng/µL) was obtained in multiplex without interference and cross-reactivity, yielding R2 ≥ 0.9908 slope (−3.2591) and intercepting with a value of 37, where the efficiency reached the level of 95–102% sensitivity reached up to 0.0002 ng/µL concentration of DNA, and sensitivity of microbial load was up to 1.2 × 102 CFU/mL. Therefore, multiplex TaqMan qPCR simultaneous amplification was considered the best method developed for the detection of the lipA and aprX genes in a single tube. This will result in developing future simultaneous (three- to four-gene) detection of spoilage psychrotrophic bacteria in raw milk. Full article
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