Search Results (62)

Firefighters experience high noise levels from various sources, such as sirens, alarms, pumps, and emergency vehicles. Unlike industrial workers who experience continuous noise exposure, firefighters are subject to intermittent high-intensity noise, increasing their risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Despite global concerns regarding firefighters’ auditory health, research on Korean firefighters remains limited. This study aimed to assess personal noise exposure among Korean firefighters across three primary job roles—fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services (EMS)—and to predict worst-case noise exposure scenarios. This study included 115 firefighters from three fire stations (one urban, two suburban). We measured personal noise exposure using dosimeters attached near the ear following the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) criteria. Measurements included threshold levels of 80 dBA, exchange rates of 5 dB (MOEL) and 3 dB (ISO), and a peak noise criterion of 140 dBC. We categorized firefighters’ activities into routine tasks (shift handovers, equipment checks, training) and emergency responses (fire suppression, rescues, EMS calls). We performed statistical analyses to compare noise levels across job roles, vehicle types, and specific tasks. The worst-case exposure scenarios were estimated using 10th percentile recorded noise levels. The average 8 h time-weighted noise exposure levels varied significantly by job role. Rescue personnel exhibited the highest mean noise exposure (MOEL: 71.4 dBA, ISO: 81.2 dBA; p < 0.05), whereas fire suppression (MOEL: 66.5 dBA, ISO: 74.2 dBA) and EMS personnel (MOEL: 68.6 dBA, ISO: 73.0 dBA) showed no significant difference. Peak noise levels exceeding 140 dBC were most frequently observed in rescue operations (33.3%), followed by fire suppression (30.2%) and EMS (27.2%). Among vehicles, noise exposure was the highest for rescue truck occupants. Additionally, EMS personnel inside ambulances had significantly higher noise levels than drivers (p < 0.05). Certain tasks, including shift handovers, equipment checks, and firefighter training, recorded noise levels exceeding 100 dBA. Worst-case scenario predictions indicated that some work conditions could lead to 8 h average exposures surpassing MOEL (91.4 dBA) and ISO (98.7 dBA) limits. In this study, Korean firefighters exhibited relatively low average noise levels. However, when analyzing specific tasks, exposure was sufficiently high enough to cause hearing loss. Despite NIHL risks, firefighters rarely used hearing protection, particularly during routine tasks. This emphasizes the urgent need for hearing conservation programs, including mandatory hearing protection during high-noise activities, noise exposure education, and the adoption of communication-friendly protective devices. Future research should explore long-term auditory health outcomes and assess the effectiveness of noise control measures. Full article

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is a cancer treatment delivering high-dose radiation within microseconds, reducing side-effects on healthy tissues. Implementing this technology at the PBP-CMU Electron Linac Laboratory poses challenges in ensuring radiation safety within a partially underground hall with thin walls and ceiling structures. This study develops a localized shielding design for electron beams (6–25 MeV) using the GEANT4 release 11.2.2 Monte Carlo simulation toolkit. A multilayer system of lead, iron, polyethylene, and concrete effectively attenuates X-rays, gamma-rays, and neutrons, achieving dose levels below 1 mSv/year for public areas and within 20 mSv/year for controlled areas, meeting international standards. The B-factor analysis highlights efficient low-energy gamma attenuation and thicker shielding requirements for high-energy rays. The design minimizes radiation leakage, ensuring safe operation for FLASH-RT while safeguarding personnel and the environment. Future work includes constructing and validating the system, with methodologies applicable to other electron beam facilities. Full article

In recent years, the rapid growth in demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) has brought significant challenges and opportunities to LNG storage and transportation technologies. As critical equipment for LNG loading operations, marine and land-based LNG loading and unloading arms play a vital role in improving LNG storage and transportation efficiency and ensuring safety performance. By extensively collecting relevant domestic and international literature, technical standards, and engineering cases, systematically reviewing and analyzing existing achievements, and engaging with technical personnel from related enterprises, the current development status of marine and land-based LNG loading and unloading arms is introduced from multiple perspectives, including overall structure, sealing technology, safety protection devices, and intelligent and automated development. This paper highlights trajectory planning and image processing involved in the automatic docking technology. Marine loading/unloading arms need to operate in high-humidity, high-corrosion, and even extreme weather conditions. In the future, they should further enhance stability in marine high-corrosion environments and improve anti-overturning capability under extreme conditions by simplifying mechanical structures, developing new balancing systems, and using low-temperature-resistant alloy materials. Land-based loading and unloading arms focus on multi-vehicle parallel operations, improving operational efficiency through simplified mechanical structures, integrated intelligent positioning systems, and adaptive control algorithms. Full article

Background and Objectives. Our recent systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies on meditation as treatment for PTSD (61 studies) found a moderate effect size of Hedges’s g = −0.67 for post-minus-pre change in symptom scores. Separate tests of the four meditation categories found a large effect size of g = −1.13 for the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique that is significantly greater than for each other category. The present follow-up used a different method, calculating effects relative to internal controls, to better characterize the effects of this meditation technique. Materials and Methods. Our study followed Prisma guidelines. Major databases, research anthologies, and bibliographies were searched for studies that used TM for treating PTSD, all military and civilian populations, and all age groups. Results. The searches located 15 controlled trials on TM that met the inclusion criteria (longitudinal and reporting sufficient statistics to calculate effect sizes), 1248 subjects total, mean age 40.5 years (range 20.6 to 54.4 years), and 46.9% males (range 0% to 100%). Using the random effects model, the pooled effect across all studies of TM compared to other treatments was g = −1.01, 95% CI = −1.29 to −0.74, p < 0.000000001. One-study removed analysis found that no study reduced the pooled effect to less than −1.0. Funnel plots indicated no risk of bias. TM was non-inferior to prolonged exposure therapy, p = 0.0001, and it worked significantly faster (p = 0.04 at week six). Conclusions. TM produced clinically meaningful reductions in PTSD for civilian and military personnel, young and older adults, and for both men and women. We recommend phase-III multisite studies comparing TM with known first-line treatments for PTSD. Full article

In order to solve the problem that the key risk factors in the construction of mechanical cross passages are relatively vague, the decision-making test and evaluation test method (DEMATEL) and the interpretation structure model (ISM) are combined to analyze safety risks in the construction of mechanical cross passages scientifically and reasonably. Based on the ‘personnel’, ‘material’, ‘machine’, ‘method’, and ‘environment’ of 4M1E comprehensive management, the construction safety risk index system of mechanical method cross passage, including 18 risk factors, is extracted. DEMATEL was used to divide the risk factors into four factor sets: strong cause, weak cause, strong result, and weak result. Furthermore, ISM is used to construct a hierarchical structure diagram of risk factors, and deep risk factors and risk factors with a high node degree are divided. The results show that the safety awareness of construction personnel, the safety technology level of construction personnel, the establishment and implementation of the safety construction system, the level of construction management, and the degree of geological complexity are strong cause-type risk factors with both high centrality and high causality. Additionally, the effect of reinforcement of the internal support system, the setting of the digging parameter, the effect of grouting, and the effect of assembling the pipe sheet comprise the strong result-type risk factors with high centrality. The risk factors with higher node degree in ISM are consistent with the risk factors with higher centrality in the DEMATEL model, which are key factors that play an important role in risk control. Full article

Mine water disaster is one of the main natural disasters in underground mining operations, and seriously threatens the safety of mine production and personnel’s life, affecting mine safety and sustainable development. The research on the prevention and control of the disaster of water inrush in fractured rock mass has become a major international frontier issue in the field of underground engineering, and it is also a major national demand. The key to effectively preventing and controlling disasters is to reveal the mechanisms of disasters. Taking the Huize lead–zinc mine as an example, this paper deeply studies the application method of the transient electromagnetic method (TEM) in advance water detection in shaft and roadway development and field test results. In view of the complicated hydrogeological conditions of the mine and the serious threat of water damage, this paper puts forward a kind of advanced water detection technology for the Huize lead–zinc mine based on the mine transient electromagnetic method. The technology uses the principle of electromagnetic induction to detect the water-bearing structure ahead by placing the transmitting and receiving coils in the shaft. In the field test, the multi-turn small wire frame device is used to detect the direction of the roof, bedding and floor of the roadway head on. In roadway excavation, if the site meets the detection requirements, the abnormal low-resistance area in the test area can be exposed by drilling first. The degree of structural development and the peak value of water gushing in the target area have been mastered. Then, it is determined whether it is necessary to increase borehole exploration in other relatively high-resistance low-risk areas. The experimental results show that the mine transient electromagnetic method can accurately identify the low-resistance water in front, and provide reliable technical support for mine water disaster prevention. The research in this paper not only enriches the application field of the mine transient electromagnetic method, but also provides a useful reference for mine water damage prevention under similar conditions. Full article

Saudi Vision 2030 is a game-changer for all aspects of the economy, including healthcare. This article provides a comprehensive overview of healthcare financing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). It identifies key healthcare financing challenges that must be addressed to achieve the initiative’s envisioned health system goals. The review also examines and demonstrates how healthcare funds in the KSA are allocated among different healthcare services, to offer a perspective on resource use efficiency at various healthcare levels. This research used a mixed-method design which includes a literature review and secondary data analysis. A literature review was conducted aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines. The secondary data were gathered from the reports and websites of government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations. Despite implementing significant reforms in its healthcare system, the share of private healthcare expenditure in total healthcare spending has seen only marginal growth. The current healthcare financing system appears insufficient to adequately support the chronically ill and the poor. There is a significant imbalance in the allocation of government budgets between hospitals and primary care, with four-fifths of financial resources directed towards hospital services. The Ministry of Health’s budget allocation prioritizes personnel compensation, potentially reducing the available budget for medicines and other essential healthcare supplies. Ongoing reforms in the health sector, including privatization, public–private partnership initiatives, and the government’s commitment to developing a robust primary healthcare network, are expected to play a significant role in controlling rapidly increasing public healthcare expenditures in Saudi Arabia. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infection prevention and control (IPC) is essential to ensure the safety of dental personnel and patients. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and compliance of dental undergraduate students, interns, and postgraduate students with IPC measures in prosthodontic procedures. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the College of Dentistry, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, involving 216 participants selected using stratified random sampling. A validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and compliance. Statistical analyses, including the Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test, were conducted to explore factors influencing knowledge and compliance levels. Results: Participants demonstrated a high level of IPC knowledge, with 93.55% correctly identifying the goal of infection control. However, gaps were noted, such as only 41.23% recognizing the recommended handwashing duration. Sex differences in knowledge were marginally statistically significant (p < 0.05), while academic level showed no significant association. Compliance was high in some areas, such as handwashing after treating patients (81.11%), but lower in others, such as disinfecting digital equipment between patients (36.87%). Higher self-confidence was significantly associated with greater knowledge scores (p < 0.05), while self-satisfaction with knowledge did not correlate with knowledge levels. Conclusions: This study highlights strong IPC measures knowledge and compliance during prosthodontic procedures among dental personnel, with some gaps in understanding and practice. Addressing these gaps through targeted training and standardized guidelines can further enhance safety and infection control in clinical settings, benefiting both patients and healthcare providers. Full article

Lumpy skin disease (LSD), caused by the LSD virus (LSDV), a dsDNA virus of the genus Capripoxvirus, represents a significant cross-border infectious threat, particularly impacting cattle and water buffaloes through transmission by blood-feeding insects. Traditionally endemic to Southern Africa, LSD has rapidly spread over the past decade through the Middle East to Eastern Europe and China, reaching Korea in October 2023. This outbreak prompted a nationwide vaccination campaign, addressing both the disease’s severe economic impact and its status as a notifiable disease under the World Organisation for Animal Health. This study assesses the seropositivity of the LSD vaccine in cattle across four Korean provinces 2–3 months post-vaccination, aiming to inform improvements in biosecurity and vaccination strategies. Overall, 30.59% of the cattle tested (1196 out of 3910) exhibited positive antibody responses, comparable to international post-vaccination findings. Analysis further revealed differences in the antibody positivity between farm types and management practices. Specifically, farms where vaccines were administered by veterinarians showed no significant difference in antibody positivity between Korean native cattle and dairy cattle, regardless of the presence of restraint facilities. However, on farms where vaccinations were conducted by the owners, dairy cattle demonstrated a higher seropositivity (43.30 ± 33.39%) compared to Korean native cattle (21.97 ± 20.79%) in the absence of restraint facilities. Further comparisons underscored the impact of restraint facilities on vaccination efficacy, with dairy farms generally achieving higher antibody positivity (29.43 ± 30.61%) than farms with Korean native cattle (23.02 ± 23.33%) (p < 0.05), suggesting that consistent vaccine delivery methods enhance immunogenic responses. Contrarily, no significant difference was noted in antibody positivity between large- and small-scale farms, indicating that farm size did not notably impact the effectiveness of the vaccinator. These findings emphasize that while current vaccines are sufficiently inducing immunity, enhancing vaccination strategies, particularly through trained personnel and improved restraint facilities, is crucial. This study’s insights into the impact of vaccination and farm management practices provide valuable guidance for refining LSD control measures in Korea and potentially other affected regions. Full article

With the research on unmanned ships conducted by the International Maritime Organization, the European Union and China, the navigation risk of unmanned ships has become a hot topic around the world. Based on the research and development history and current situation of unmanned ships at home and abroad, focusing on the three key elements of “Unmanned Ship, shore-based control personnel, external navigation environment”, this study establishes a navigation risk index system for unmanned ships under complex navigation conditions, considering the particularity of the unmanned ship, its perception ability, environmental understanding, situation judgment, communication ability and other indicators. The analytic hierarchy process is used to solve the weight of all kinds of navigation risk factors, and a consistency test of the established index system is carried out. Through expert investigation, the fuzzy membership set of risk indexes is established, and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation model is established to evaluate the navigation risk of unmanned ships under complex navigation conditions. To avoid the situation of single-factor information being inundated, this study adopts the method of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation from a low level to a high level, and it verifies the algorithm through cases, which proves the validity and rationality of the proposed risk assessment method. Full article

Today, it is difficult to have a high-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device due to the high cost of its acquisition and maintenance. These high-end machines require significant space and specialist personnel for operation and offer exceptional quality in the acquisition, processing, and other advanced functions associated with detected signals. However, alternative devices are low-field nuclear magnetic resonance devices. They benefit from the elimination of high-tech components that generate static magnetic fields and advanced instruments. Instead, they used magnetic fields induced by ordinary conductors. Another category of spectrometers uses the Earth’s magnetic field, which is simple and economical but limited in use. These devices are called Earth-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (EFNMR) devices. This device is ideal for educational purposes, especially for engineers and those who study nuclear magnetic resonance, such as chemistry or other experimental sciences. Students can observe their internal workings and conduct experiments that complement their education without worrying about damaging equipment. This article provides a detailed explanation of the design and construction of electrical technology devices for the excitation of atomic spin resonance using Earth’s magnetic fields. It covers all necessary stages, from research to analysis, including simulation, assembly, construction of each component, and the development of comprehensive software for spectrometer control. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for rapid and accurate diagnostic methods for various infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2. Traditional RT-PCR methods, while highly sensitive and specific, require complex equipment and skilled personnel. In response, we developed an integrated RT-LAMP-MS assay, which combines rapid reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) with microscanning (MS) technology for detecting SARS-CoV-2. The assay uses magnesium pyrophosphate formed during LAMP amplification as a visual marker, allowing direct observation via microscopy without the need for additional chemical indicators or probes. For the SARS-CoV-2/IC RT-LAMP-MS assay, the sample-LAMP reagent mixture was added to a microchip with SARS-CoV-2 primers and internal controls, then incubated at 62 °C for 30 min in a heat block, followed by amplification analysis using a microscanner. In clinical tests, the RT-LAMP-MS assay showed 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity, which is identical to the RT-LAMP results and comparable to the commercial Allplex^TM SARS-CoV-2 assay results. Additionally, the limit of detection (LOD) was determined to be 10⁻¹ PFU mL⁻¹ (dynamic range: 10³~10⁻¹ PFU mL⁻¹). The assay delivers results in 30 min, uses low-cost equipment, and demonstrates 100% reproducibility in repeated tests, making it suitable for point-of-care use in resource-limited settings. Full article

The establishment of a compliant radiopharmacy facility within a university setting is crucial for supporting fundamental and preclinical studies, as well as for the production of high-quality radiopharmaceuticals for clinical testing in human protocols as part of Investigational New Drug (IND) applications that are reviewed and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This manuscript details the design and construction of a 550 ft² facility, which included a radiopharmacy and a radiochemistry laboratory, to support radiopharmaceutical development research and facilitate translational research projects. The facility was designed to meet FDA guidelines for the production of aseptic radiopharmaceuticals in accordance with current good manufacturing practice (cGMP). A modular hard-panel cleanroom was constructed to meet manufacturing classifications set by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), complete with a gowning room and an anteroom. Two lead-shielded hot cells and two dual-mini hot cells, connected via underground trenches containing shielded conduits, were installed to optimize radioactive material transfer while minimizing personnel radiation exposure. Concrete blocks and lead bricks provided sufficient and cost-effective radiation shielding for the trenches. Air quality was controlled using pre-filters and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to meet cleanroom ISO7 (Class 10,000) standards. A laminar-flow biosafety cabinet was installed in the cleanroom for preparation of sterile dose vials. Noteworthy was a laminar-flow insert in the hot cell that provided a shielded laminar-flow sterile environment meeting ISO5 (class 100) standards. The design included the constant control and monitoring of differential air pressures across the cleanroom, anteroom, gowning room, and controlled research space, as well as maintenance of temperature and humidity. The facility was equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for quality control and release testing of radiopharmaceuticals. Administrative controls and standard operating procedures (SOPs) were established to ensure compliance with manufacturing standards and regulatory requirements. Overall, the design and construction of this radiopharmacy facility exemplified a commitment to advancing fundamental, translational, and clinical applications of radiopharmaceutical research within an academic environment. Full article

Corruption poses a significant challenge to economic development and governance worldwide, with its detrimental effects permeating various levels of society. In the context of Greece, where corruption has been a longstanding issue, the role of internal audit mechanisms within local government organizations (LGOs) emerges as paramount. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the internal control landscape within LGO revenue departments, focusing on factors influencing its effectiveness and proposing strategies for improvement. Drawing upon survey data and regression analyses, this study highlights the crucial role of robust internal control mechanisms in combating corruption and fostering economic development. The findings underscore the importance of competent personnel, legislative compliance, interdepartmental collaboration, and technology utilization in enhancing internal control practices. Despite existing legislation, gaps in internal control implementation persist, including understaffing, inadequate procedures, and limited access to information. This study emphasizes the transformative potential of effective internal audit measures in mitigating corruption at the local level, thereby contributing to broader economic growth and societal well-being. Recommendations for strengthening the internal control structures within LGOs include the formal establishment of internal audit functions, adherence to professional standards, and the promotion of information system utilization. By addressing the corruption and inefficiencies within LGOs, this research underscores the pivotal role of institutional effectiveness in promoting transparency, accountability, and sustainable economic progress. Full article

Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, has historically been one of the most important causes of blindness worldwide, and a major cause of socio-economic disruption, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Its importance as a cause of morbidity and an impediment to economic development in some of the poorest countries in the world motivated the international community to implement several programs to control or eliminate this scourge. Initially, these involved reducing transmission of the causative agent Onchocerca volvulus through controlling the vector population. When ivermectin was found to be a very effective drug for treating onchocerciasis, the strategy shifted to mass drug administration (MDA) of endemic communities. In some countries, both vector control and ivermectin MDA have been used together. However, traditional vector control methods involve treating rivers in which the black fly vectors breed with insecticides, a process which is expensive, requires trained personnel to administer, and can be ecologically harmful. In this review, we discuss recent research into alternatives to riverine insecticide treatment, which are inexpensive, ecologically less harmful, and can be implemented by the affected communities themselves. These can dramatically reduce vector densities and, when combined with ivermectin MDA, can accelerate the time to elimination when compared to MDA alone. Full article