Search Results (90)

With the increasing frequency of marine activities, the significance of underwater target search and rescue has been highlighted, where precise and efficient path planning is critical for ensuring search effectiveness. This study proposes an underwater target search path planning method by incorporating the dynamic variations of marine acoustic environments driven by sea surface wind fields. First, wind-generated noise levels are calculated based on the sea surface wind field data of the mission area, and transmission loss is solved using an underwater acoustic propagation ray model. Then, a spatially variant search distance matrix is constructed by integrating the active sonar equation. Finally, a sixteen-azimuth path planning model is established, and a hybrid algorithm of quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization and tabu search (QPSO-TS) is introduced to optimize the search path for maximum coverage. Numerical simulations in three typical sea areas (the South China Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Pacific Ocean) demonstrate that the optimized search coverage of the proposed method increases by 54.40–130.13% compared with the pre-optimization results, providing an efficient and feasible solution for underwater target search. Full article

This paper presents a visual active SLAM method considering measurement and state uncertainty for space exploration in urban search and rescue environments. An uncertainty evaluation method based on the Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) is studied from the perspective of evaluating the localization uncertainty of SLAM systems. With the aid of the Fisher Information Matrix, the Cramér–Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) of the pose uncertainty in the stereo visual SLAM system is derived to describe the boundary of the pose uncertainty. Optimality criteria are introduced to quantitatively evaluate the localization uncertainty. The odometry information selection method and the local bundle adjustment information selection method based on Fisher Information are proposed to find out the measurements with low uncertainty for localization and mapping in the search and rescue process. By adopting the method above, the computing efficiency of the system is improved while the localization accuracy is equivalent to the classical ORB-SLAM2. Moreover, by the quantified uncertainty of local poses and map points, the generalized unary node and generalized unary edge are defined to improve the computational efficiency in computing local state uncertainty. In addition, an active loop closing planner considering local state uncertainty is proposed to make use of uncertainty in assisting the space exploration and decision-making of MAV, which is beneficial to the improvement of MAV localization performance in search and rescue environments. Simulations and field tests in different challenging scenarios are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. Full article

With the global increase in maritime activities, the frequency of maritime accidents has risen, underscoring the urgent need for faster and more efficient search and rescue (SAR) solutions. This study presents an intelligent unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based maritime rescue system that combines GPS-driven dynamic path planning with vision-based dual-target detection and tracking. Developed within the Gazebo simulation environment and based on modular ROS architecture, the system supports stable takeoff and smooth transitions between multi-rotor and fixed-wing flight modes. An external command module enables real-time waypoint updates. This study proposes three path-planning schemes based on the characteristics of drones. Comparative experiments have demonstrated that the triangular path is the optimal route. Compared with the other schemes, this path reduces the flight distance by 30–40%. Robust target recognition is achieved using a darknet-ROS implementation of the YOLOv4 model, enhanced with data augmentation to improve performance in complex maritime conditions. A monocular vision-based ranging algorithm ensures accurate distance estimation and continuous tracking of rescue vessels. Furthermore, a dual-target-tracking algorithm—integrating motion prediction with color-based landing zone recognition—achieves a 96% success rate in precision landings under dynamic conditions. Experimental results show a 4% increase in the overall mission success rate compared to traditional SAR methods, along with significant gains in responsiveness and reliability. This research delivers a technically innovative and cost-effective UAV solution, offering strong potential for real-world maritime emergency response applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients undergoing open thoracic aortic surgery have the highest bleeding complication rates within cardiac–vascular surgery, but research on coagulation management mostly targets general cardiac surgery. This scoping review evaluates current evidence on intraoperative hemostatic agents and their effect on bleeding and blood transfusions in these patients. Methods: We searched MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane Library on 2 July 2024. Eligible studies included randomized controlled (RCT) and observational trials with a comparison group and at least a sub-analysis regarding thoracic aortic surgery (excluding thoracoabdominal and isolated descending aorta surgery). Results: Our search yielded 4697 articles, with 33 included. These covered antifibrinolytics (3 RCTs, 10 observational studies), fibrinogen supplementation (3 RCTs, 4 observational studies), recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa, 8 observational studies), blood products (3 observational studies), and factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity (FEIBA, 1 RCT, 1 observational study). The impact of blood product transfusion on bleeding control is unclear due to a lack of placebo or no-transfusion comparisons, though it appears associated with more complications. Both FEIBA studies suggest reduced blood product use in aortic dissection surgery—one as rescue therapy, the other as standard treatment. Evidence on fibrinogen supplementation is mixed: a multicenter RCT showed increased transfusions, while smaller RCTs and observational studies showed reductions, possibly due to differences in pretreatment fibrinogen levels and patient selection. Observational studies on rFVIIa show conflicting results, likely due to selection bias. Two small RCTs—one on TXA, one on aprotinin—suggest reduced transfusions and blood loss. Comparative studies of different types of antifibrinolytics yielded conflicting results. Conclusions: Evidence on hemostatic agents in thoracic aortic surgery is limited. Small studies suggest potential for the routine use of antifibrinolytics, FEIBA, and fibrinogen supplementation—but only in bleeding patients with hypofibrinogenemia. High-quality RCTs focused on thoracic aortic procedures are needed to determine optimal coagulation management. Full article

The context of this study is the geolocation of signal emitters on the Earth’s surface through satellite platforms able to perform Angle of Arrival (AOA) measurements. This paper provides the theoretical framework to solve the optimization problem for the orbital deployment of the satellites minimizing the variance on the position error estimation with constraints on the line of sight (LOS). The problem is theoretically formulated for an arbitrary number of satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and target pointing attitude, focusing on minimizing the Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) metric, providing a methodology for translating mission design requirements into problem formulation. An exemplary numerical application is presented for the operative case of the placement of a second satellite after a first one is launched. Simulation results are on angles of true anomaly, right ascension of the ascending node, and spacing angle, while accounting for orbital radius and emitter latitude. New insights on trends, parameter dependencies, and properties of symmetry and anti-symmetry are presented. The topic is of interest for new technological demonstrators based on CubeSats with AOA payload. Civil applications of interest are on interceptions of non-cooperative signals in activities of spectrum monitoring or search and rescue. Full article

Background: This study aimed to analyze the challenges faced by professionals and volunteers in search and rescue operations after the earthquake that struck the southeastern region of Turkey, with its epicenter in Kahramanmaraş, on 6 February 2023. Method: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach; specifically, a phenomenological method. It presents the results of semi-structured individual interviews with eight sampled volunteers who participated in the search and rescue activities following the earthquake. Participants were between the ages of 24 and 45, and three were nurses, three were journalists, and two were civilian volunteers with no formal training in search and rescue. In terms of nationality, five participants were citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) only, while three had both TRNC and Turkish citizenship. Field duties included providing medical support, documenting incidents, and assisting survivors in collaboration with civil society organizations. The research data were analyzed using MAXQDA Analytic Pro 2020. Results: Within the scope of this research, four main themes and twenty-one sub-themes were identified. The first theme is related to the nature of the traumatic events and reflects the characteristics of the traumatic experiences of the participants. The second theme is secondary trauma symptoms, showing that the participants experienced symptoms such as overstimulation, intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, anger, and concentration difficulties. The third theme focuses on post-traumatic growth symptoms. Participants reported experiencing developmental changes following trauma, such as changes in self-perception, the ability to recognize new situations, understanding the value of life, and positive relationships related to personal growth. Finally, the fourth theme is related to the coping skills used to cope with traumatic events; participants shared their coping strategies and the impact of these strategies. Conclusions: This study highlights the need to assess individuals in search and rescue operations in terms of secondary trauma. Our findings may be used as a reference to develop post-disaster psychosocial support services for volunteer search and rescue teams. Additionally, the findings can be used to renew the content of pre-field preparation training. Full article

Background: Each disaster has its specific resource requirements, varying based on its size, location, and the affected region’s socio-economic level. Pre-disaster planning and post-disaster dynamic resource allocation including material and human resources is essential. Methods: To address the resource allocation challenges in disaster response, a multi-objective two-stage stochastic programming model is developed for search and rescue and first aid activities. The model aims to minimize the total unmet human demand, the number of resources transferred between regions, and the total unmet material demand. The proposed model was solved for a real case of an expected earthquake in Istanbul’s Kartal district. The augmented epsilon constraint 2 algorithm was employed using the CPLEX solver. A sensitivity analysis was made. Results: Most of the unmet demand occurs in the first period. After that period, the unmet demand decreases with interregional transfers and additional resources. The model is robust to scenario probability and penalty value changes in the objectives. Conclusions: This is the first study that simultaneously and dynamically allocates renewable and non-renewable material resources and human resources, including the official rescue units and volunteers, for disaster response. Volunteers’ inclusion in teams considering their training and quitting behavior are unique aspects of the study. Full article

Classic galactosemia is a rare disease with long-term consequences that seriously affect the quality of life of patients. To date, various therapeutic approaches are being developed, but treatments that target the molecular defects in the mutant galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT) gene are lacking. We conducted a computational search for putative pharmacochaperones by applying a drug repurposing strategy, and we found that one compound, already active as a pharmacochaperone in another pathology, doubled the enzymatic activity of the purified mutant enzyme in an in vitro test. Furthermore, an extensive computational search in a database of known active molecules found another compound able in its turn to improve in vitro enzymatic activity. Both compounds are predicted to interact with a cavity at the enzyme interface previously supposed to be an allosteric site for the GALT enzyme. In vitro tests confirmed also the reduced accumulation of galactose-1-phosphate (G1P) in fibroblasts of patients. Although these results must be considered preliminary, our findings pave the way for future research lines focused on the search for promising pharmacochaperones that can directly rescue the activity of the enzyme. Full article

Shipping activities continue to experience growth across a multitude of industrial sectors within the Arctic, hence there are risks in terms of severity and likelihood of accidents. The Arctic region is inherently dangerous to transportation and human existence due to its extreme climate and environmental conditions, and hence the complexities associated with emergency situations within the maritime domain are amplified when operating within the Arctic and North-Atlantic (ANA). The definition and characterisation of potential seaborne disasters and catastrophic incidents in the ANA region are significant enablers in providing a set of critical and sustainable tools for Search and Rescue (SAR), Oil Spill Response (OSR), and emergency management practitioners. Therefore, in this paper we aim to identify and characterise high-priority potential seaborne disasters and catastrophic incidents in the ANA region such as cruise ship accidents, oil leaks, radiological leaks, and fishing boat groundings. These were compiled as an outcome of a set of workshops carried out as part of the ARCSAR, EU Horizon 2020 funded project, and from analysis of the literature. We also provide root cause analysis techniques, tools for strategic decision-making, and means of mitigation. We demonstrate how such tools can be used by applying some of them to a selective case study and drawing lessons learned from the application of root cause analysis, which can help emergency response organisations with preparedness work and hence more efficient response. In doing so, we provide a set of tools that can be used for strategic and operational learning. Such approaches can help standardise the definition and characterisation of potential seaborne disasters and catastrophic incidents in the ANA region in both prospective and retrospective analysis. Full article

Maritime activities have become increasingly frequent with the deepening of economic globalization, highlighting the burgeoning significance of maritime rescue. However, in practical applications, UAVs for maritime rescue face numerous challenges, such as limited endurance and inadequate autonomous planning capabilities. To optimize flight routes and circumvent adverse sea conditions, an improved Pied Kingfisher Optimizer (IPKO) that incorporates refraction reverse learning, variable spiral search, and Cauchy mutation strategies was proposed. Comparative experiments conducted on CEC2005 and CEC2022 datasets with seven traditional algorithms demonstrate that the proposed algorithm exhibits superior precision and convergence speed. Subsequently, a path planning objective function was constructed based on trajectory cost and threat cost to simulate a 3D space for UAV maritime rescue missions, and the IPKO algorithm was applied to address the UAV path planning problem. The results showed that the total cost incurred by the IPKO algorithm decreased by 5.77% compared to the PKO algorithm and by 51.19% compared to the SCA algorithm. Finally, through UAV flight tests validating its practical applicability, it is ascertained that IPKO can enhance rescue efficiency in complex maritime rescue environments. Full article

In post-disaster search and rescue scenarios, the accurate image segmentation of individuals is essential for efficient resource allocation and effective rescue operations. However, challenges such as image blur and limited resources complicate personnel segmentation. This paper introduces an enhanced, lightweight version of the Pyramid Scene Parsing Network (MHC-PSPNet). By substituting ResNet50 with the more efficient MobileNetV2 as the model backbone, the computational complexity is significantly reduced. Furthermore, replacing the ReLU6 activation function in MobileNetV2 with H-Swish enhances segmentation accuracy without increasing the parameter count. To further amplify high-level semantic features, global pooled features are fed into an attention mechanism network. The experimental results demonstrate that MHC-PSPNet performs exceptionally well on our custom dataset, achieving 97.15% accuracy, 89.21% precision, an F1 score of 94.53%, and an Intersection over Union (IoU) of 83.82%. Compared to the ResNet50 version, parameters are reduced by approximately 18.6 times, while detection accuracy improves, underscoring the efficiency and practicality of the proposed algorithm. Full article

We examine the current state of the art and the related research on the automated detection and tracking of small objects—or persons—in the context of a person-overboard (POB) scenario and present the associated governing relationship between different technologies, platforms, and approaches as a system of systems. A novel phase model, structuring a POB scenario, comprises three phases: (1) detection, (2) search and track, and (3) rescue. Within these phases, we identify the central areas of responsibility and describe in detail the phases (1) and (2). We emphasize the importance of a high-level representation of different systems and their interactions to comprehensively represent the complexity and dynamics of POB scenarios. Our systematic classification and detailed description of the technologies and methods used provide valuable insights to support future regulatory and research activities. Our primary aim is to advance the development of corresponding technologies and standards. Full article

Background/Objectives: Firefighters are exposed to a high level of stress as they often perform physically challenging work in hazardous environments while responsible for rescuing and keeping those around them safe. To add to this stress, they are also required to work in heavy, unbreathable personal protective equipment which promotes dehydration. These occupational demands paired with dehydration may lead to increased core temperatures, cardiac strain, and overall risk for sudden cardiac events. Thus, it is important to include hydration assessments and determine fluid needs when firefighters are on shift to ensure their personal safety as well as the safety of those around them by optimizing physical performance by maintaining adequate hydration. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to identify markers of hydration, classifications of hydration status, current hydration recommendations, and hydration interventions that may contribute to the overall clarity of hydration protocols that may optimize performance and health of firefighters. In addition, the impact of common medications, exercise training, and health conditions on hydration status related to firefighters will be discussed. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to discuss the purpose statements. Results: Hydration recommendations for firefighters include (1) assessing hydration status with multiple measurements including body mass, urine specific gravity and thirst sensation, and (2) following general hydration recommendations on rest days and exercise hydration protocols during firefighting activities which may be altered according to hydration status measurements. Conclusion: Randomized controlled trials in firefighters are needed to determine the impact of maintaining adequate hydration on health markers. Full article

This paper explores the potential of an Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) system to enhance search-and-rescue operations. While prior research has explored ISAC capabilities in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), our study focuses on addressing the specific challenges posed by modern communication standards (e.g., power, frequency, and bandwidth limitations) in the context of search-and-rescue missions. The paper details effective methods for processing echoed signals generated by downlink transmissions and evaluates key performance indicators, including Noise Equivalent Sigma Zero (NESZ) and channel capacity. Additionally, we utilize synchronization uplink signals transmitted by User Equipment (UE) to improve target detection and classification of possible victims by fusing SAR imagery with triangulation results from uplink signals. An experimental campaign validates the proposed setup by integrating SAR images of the environment with active localization results, both produced by a UAV equipped with a Software Defined Radio (SDR) payload. Our results demonstrate the system’s capability to detect and localize buried targets in avalanche scenarios, with localization errors ranging from centimeters to 10 m depending on environmental conditions. This successful integration highlights the practical applicability of our approach in challenging search-and-rescue missions. Full article

Studies on environmental enrichment for captive bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are still very scarce in the literature, but they are of the utmost importance in the search for quality of life for these animals when they are under human care. Environmental enrichment items should be inclusive, allowing disabled animals to explore them and providing good experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate food enrichment strategies to increase the foraging behavior of captive non-disabled and disabled bearded dragons. This work was carried out with six adult bearded dragons, three of which had one limb amputated and three that had all limbs, kept at the São Paulo Aquarium. Live kingworm larvae (Zophobas morio) were offered as food in three different levels of enrichment challenge (low, medium, high). Behavioral data were collected using focal sampling with instantaneous recording, with a time interval of every 30 s. Results showed that the more complex the food enrichment challenge, the greater the frequency of bearded dragon foraging. In addition, both amputees and non-amputees responded similarly to the enrichment items, differing primarily in their activity levels, where amputee individuals showed more tendencies toward ‘stationary’ and ‘lying down’ behaviors. More studies with reptiles should be encouraged so that good management practices become daily protocols for a better quality of life and for rescuing the natural behaviors of animals kept under human care, even those with anatomical disabilities. Full article