Abstract: Tsunami fragility modeling plays a central role in probabilistic coastal risk assessment; however, representing structural vulnerability under near-field tsunami conditions remains challenging due to complex hydrodynamic loading, strong spatial variability, and the presence of pre-existing earthquake damage. This paper provides a compre-hensive review and synthesis of current approaches for modeling near-field tsunami impacts on infrastructure, with a particular focus on bridging simulation-based meth-ods and empirical damage survey observations. The discussion highlights how succes-sive hazard simulations can be used to capture coupled earthquake–tsunami effects, while damage surveys offer critical insights into observed relationships between structural damage, hydrodynamic intensity measures, and spatial characteristics such as coastal proximity. Special attention is given to the role of momentum flux as a physically meaningful predictor of damage and to the systematic differences between near-field and far-field fragilities. Building on these insights, the paper outlines practical strategies for adapting baseline fragility relationships to near-field conditions, including the use of spatially dependent intensity adjustments informed by empirical data. Rather than proposing a single methodology, this work aims to provide a structured perspec-tive on existing knowledge and to guide researchers and practitioners in developing more physically consistent and data-informed fragility models for near-field tsunami risk and resilience assessments.

Abstract: Rapid integration of UAVs into multiple sectors involving military, commercial, and civilian applications introduces new operational capabilities but also raises critical safety, reliability and resilience challenges. This paper presents a quantitative risk assessment approach for evaluating the performance and resilience of drone-assisted systems. The methodology is based on existing assessment frameworks and combines established standards with the principles of the multi-criteria hierarchy concept. The proposed approach models the interactions between systems’ components, environmental factors, structural limitations and operational uncertainties to identify potential failure scenarios and quantify their impact. A qualitative analysis is performed to identify and register the required risk elements of assets, vulnerabilities, threats, likelihood, and impact. Following this, a hierarchical model is developed to define the dependencies among them and enable their quantification. To demonstrate the applicability and feasibility of the proposed methodology, a drone-assisted delivery system is examined, showcasing its effectiveness in identifying hazards, evaluating critical risk elements and quantifying risk events. The results indicate the significance of the methodology in ranking the verified risk elements and identifying those that made the greatest contribution to system failure. Also, it highlights that weather-driven and power-related elements are among the most significant contributors to performance deterioration.

Abstract:

Musculoskeletal disorders represent one of the most frequent occupational health problems in labor-intensive industries, particularly in fish processing, where repetitive tasks and prolonged postures are common. The objective was to determine the level of ergonomic risk by applying the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method and based on the results, to formulate recommendations aimed at preventing musculoskeletal disorders and improving preventive management within the organization. The assessment included 30 workers distributed across three operational workstations, where the overall average REBA score was 8.60 ± 1.65 (range: 6–12), indicating a predominantly high level of ergonomic risk. In categorical terms, 60.0% of the workers were classified as high risk, 13.3% as very high risk, and 26.7% as medium risk, while none reached negligible or low risk levels. Significant differences were observed between workstations (Kruskal-Wallis H = 16.72, p < 0.001, ε² = 0.545), with the nobbing stage exhibiting the highest biomechanical load (mean REBA = 10.38 ± 1.06). It is concluded that ergonomic risk is structurally integrated into the operational design of the evaluated production system; therefore, ergonomic interventions focused on redesigning workstations, adjusting height, and configuring tasks are recommended to reduce biomechanical exposure and strengthen the organization’s preventive occupational safety framework.

Abstract: This study examined how Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) practitioners understand and apply quality and safety management in construction projects in Taiwan. It focused on the gap between what practitioners know about best practices and what they can carry out on site, defined here as the “Cognitive-Execution Gap.” A mixed-methods design combined a questionnaire survey of 130 MEP practitioners with semi-structured interviews with six senior experts. Practitioners with MEP-related academic backgrounds scored significantly higher in professional knowledge and practice than those from un-related fields, with mean differences of roughly 30% in key indicators. In contrast, awareness of management optimization strategies was high and similar across all de-mographic groups. Interview findings suggested that schedule pressure, the lower or-ganizational status of MEP compared with civil engineering, and persistent talent shortages prevent practitioners from applying the practices they recognize as necessary. The results support the existence of a Cognitive–Execution Gap and suggest that bridging it requires organization‑level reforms, including contractually enforced BIM‑based co-ordination, clearer standard operating procedures and performance indicators, and structured mentorship programs to strengthen professional capacity in MEP engineering.

Abstract: Heavy equipment in aluminum smelters operates under harsh thermal and mechanical conditions, leading to increased risks of vehicle failure and unplanned downtime. This study proposes an Economic Risk Priority Number (ERPN) approach to overcome the limitations of the conventional Risk Priority Number (RPN) used in Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). A five-year maintenance dataset (2019–2024), comprising 2,303 corrective work orders across 58 units, was analyzed. The classical RPN is approach prioritized failure modes primarily based on frequency, identifying wheels and hydraulic systems as the most critical subsystems. However, the proposed ERPN model incorporates economic impact, including maintenance cost, labor cost, and production loss, leading to a reprioritization of the engine subsystem as the highest-risk component. The most severe engine failure resulted in a financial loss of approximately USD 1.92 million due to extended downtime and repair costs. Root cause analysis identified coolant loss, low oil pressure, and excessive vibration as primary contributors to failure, supported by diagnostic data and repeated alarm patterns. Statistical validation using the Kruskal–Wallis test confirmed significant differences among subsystem risk rankings for both RPN (χ² = 846.07, df = 4, p < 0.0001) and ERPN (χ² = 131.69, df = 4, p < 0.0001). The results demonstrate that ERPN provides a more realistic and economically aligned framework for maintenance prioritization in heavy industrial operations. The proposed approach enhances decision-making by integrating reliability analysis with economic impact, offering a practical tool for improving maintenance strategies and reducing operational risk in aluminum smelter fleets.

Abstract: This systematic literature review aims to first, explore the influence of remote work on occupational health and safety, in terms of mental and physical health and second, to shed light on best practices that can be adopted to improve the health and safety of employees working remotely. Twenty-four (24) peer-reviewed articles published from 2020 to 2024, were selected through the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review identified four themes, namely–positive impact of remote work; negative impact of remote work; challenges associated with remote work, and best practices for effective remote work practices. Findings from the study revealed that the impact of remote work on OHS was mixed. Eight (8) papers found that remote employees performed better in their OHS, whereas 18 papers found the opposite. The most dominant health disorders reported were depression, stress, anxiety and musculoskeletal pain. In contrast, the study identified that vertical trust levels and job design that considers physical and psychosocial aspects of the job can enhance safety while working remotely. Remote workers are encouraged to follow ergonomics best practices, take regular breaks during work to stretch and move around to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

Abstract: In architecture and construction, it is common to use acrylic products with a high flammable content, from lacquers to improve the curing of concrete and mortar to resins that offer protection, sealing, flexibility and elasticity properties. The drying process of the treated surface involves the formation of volatile organic compound (VOC) vapours. To prevent these from degenerating into a potentially dangerous flammable atmosphere, a procedure is presented that establishes the maximum application yield for solvent-based products, providing equations that relate the maximum application surface area and minimum drying time to the air velocity available in the work area. The results are provided for both indoor and outdoor applications. A maximum application speed is established to prevent the generation of areas classified as fire or explosion hazards: 1.5 m²/h indoors and 1 m²/h outdoors. When this is carried out at an ambient temperature of 20°C, and above 40°C, it is not possible to apply varnishes without generating a flammable atmosphere.

Abstract: Rapid access to building intelligence is critical for emergency response, yet paper Fire Safety Instructions (FSi) often provide limited utility under stress. This structured narrative review addresses the "information gap" between unit arrival and decision-making by analyzing legal admissibility, technological requirements, and security risks of digital FSi across Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, and Hungary. While no explicit prohibition of digital forms was identified, enforcement practices prioritize paper as the evidentiary master. Consequently, we propose a hybrid model: a paper master for compliance and redundancy, supplemented by a digital operational overlay accessed via "zero-install" offline-first Progressive Web Apps (PWA). The review defines a Minimum Operational Dataset (MOD)—prioritizing critical data like utility shut-offs and hazards over full documentation—and addresses cybersecurity threats, specifically QR-phishing ("quishing"). We conclude that the hybrid model minimizes legal and operational risks while significantly reducing time-to-information, provided that strict content identity and change management protocols are maintained.

Abstract: Rail trespassing remains a persistent safety challenge at the system level in the United States. However, identifying hot spots proactively is difficult due to limited incident data and strong spatial dependencies within the built environment. This study creates a ZIP-code–level geospatial analytics framework to identify current and emerging trespassing hot spots across North Carolina by combining land-use composition, rail exposure metrics, and historical Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) trespassing records. Geospatial layers were integrated within a GIS workflow to derive predictors such as rail miles, grade crossings, crossings per mile, population density, and land-use types encoded as one-hot vectors. Exploratory spatial analysis showed significant clustering of trespassing incidents, with Global Moran’s I indicating positive spatial autocorrelation across multiple neighborhood sizes. Permutation z-scores confirmed non-random hotspot formation along major rail corridors. A k-means clustering method identified four structural risk environments, and a Cluster Risk Index (CRI) was developed from weighted, standardized exposure and land-use variables to quantify latent risk, independent of raw casualty counts. Results demonstrate that dense urban–industrial rail corridors have the highest CRI values and exhibit the strongest spatial autocorrelation. In contrast, rural ZIP codes with long rail lines show increased exposure-based risk despite fewer historical casualties. The resulting risk surfaces and hotspot classifications provide an interpretable and scalable framework for statewide safety planning, early hotspot detection, and targeted interventions by transportation agencies.

Abstract: Industrial maintenance is increasingly software defined and interconnected through the internet of things, which forces a redefinition of uptime as cyber incidents begin to behave like unplanned downtime as per International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) [1]. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 is a widely used standard for demonstrating laboratory competence in testing and evaluation across many industrial areas and disciplines [2]. Despite its long-standing and broad use, it remains under-documented and challenging when applied to cybersecurity testing. This is due in part to the nature of the business, which is highly fragmented and unique and must be treated differently from traditional laboratory activities. Cybersecurity testing has its own specific characteristics, in which software, hardware, cloud services and other components are tested individually or as integrated systems and solutions.

Abstract: This paper presents a reliability-oriented analytical framework for the quantitative assessment of fragment-resistant multilayer protective equipment subjected to impulsive fragment loading. The study is motivated by the stochastic nature of fragment generation and impact conditions in industrial and occupational accident scenarios, where deterministic penetration criteria are insufficient to describe protective performance. Fragment interactions are modelled as stochastic spatial events, with impact locations and kinematic characteristics treated as random variables and mapped onto a predefined protected region. System failure is formulated using an energy-based limit-state criterion defined by comparison between the absorbed energy demand induced by fragment impact and a critical admissible energy threshold. The fragment–PPE interaction is described using a reduced-order dynamic formulation with concentrated parameters, capturing the dominant normal deformation response under short-duration impulsive loading. Closed-form analytical expressions are derived that relate fragment mass and velocity to impact impulse and absorbed energy. The resulting formulation establishes a direct link between impulse-driven dynamic response, progressive multilayer engagement, and failure probability under single and repeated impact events. Application of the proposed framework to a representative multilayer protective configuration demonstrates physically consistent reliability trends and confirms its computational efficiency. The framework provides a practical tool for reliability-informed assessment and preliminary design of fragment-resistant multilayer protective equipment.

Abstract: Speed management plays a critical role in road safety; however, conventional speed limits are determined based on geometry and traffic characteristics, with limited consideration of pavement structural condition and surface distress. This study proposes an integrated mechanistic–quantitative framework that links pavement distress and road safety indicators to the selection of speed limits. A flexible pavement section on Highway No. 80 in Iraq is analyzed as a case study. Mechanistic pavement analysis using KENPAVE is employed to estimate critical strains based on field traffic data and Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESAL). The rate of failure is estimated by comparing the ESAL and the allowable load repetitions. Safety-related constraints are then derived to quantify hydroplaning risk, braking performance through stopping sight distance, and the vertical shock criterion. The results indicate that the existing pavement structure is marginal, with a high probability of fatigue failure and sensitivity to rutting under traffic growth. The integrated safety analysis yields a critical wet-weather speed of approximately 67–70 km/h, while localized settlements exceeding 10 mm require speed reductions to 50–60 km/h to maintain vehicle stability. The proposed framework demonstrates that pavement condition directly influences safe speed and provides a rational basis for safety-oriented speed management.

Abstract: With the development of IoT, RFID technology has become a core enabler for ubiquitous sensing. Traditional fire protection systems suffer from information silos, delayed responses, and inaccurate positioning. Passive IoT and integrated communication-sensing technologies address these issues by enabling cost-effective, power-free, and multi-dimensional sensing via RFID tags (e.g., monitoring equipment status, channel blockages). However, unreliable channels and unknown tag interference hinder data reliability. This paper proposes a layered cross-system platform fusing RFID, WSN, and advanced algorithms to integrate multi-source data. It enhances sensing robustness and realizes intelligent functions like risk early warning, resource scheduling, and dynamic evacuation routing, boosting fire safety intelligence and emergency response efficiency.

Abstract: Urban flood frequency analysis faces unique challenges as land development alters watershed hydrology, producing nonstationary flood records. This study demonstrates nonstationary flood frequency analysis (NSFFA) using RMC-BestFit, an open-source Bayesian software, through two Texas case studies. Brays Bayou at Houston (96 years of record) exemplifies an urbanized watershed with increasing flood trends; a step-logistic model captures both the abrupt increase in mean flood magnitude around 1968 and the progressive decrease in log-space variance as urbanization homogenized runoff response. O.C. Fisher Reservoir (169 years of record) exhibits decreasing trends attributed to brush encroachment and groundwater extraction; despite a sinusoidal model achieving best information criteria, a step function was selected based on physical reasoning, demonstrating that statistical fit alone should not dictate model selection. Results reveal contrasting frequency curve patterns: at O.C. Fisher, stationary and nonstationary curves differ uniformly (53\% reduction in 100-year flood), while at Brays Bayou, curves differ substantially for frequent events (48\% increase in 2-year flood) but converge in the extreme tail due to opposing trends in location and scale parameters. These findings underscore that NSFFA relevance depends on decision context. Bayesian methods offer key advantages including flexible integration of diverse data sources, comprehensive uncertainty quantification, and principled model comparison. Open-source software democratizes access to these methods, promoting transparency and reproducibility.

Abstract: Background: This study investigates the biomechanical and physiological demands of the pumping maneuver in Laser-class sailing, a dynamic technique requiring coordinated upper and lower body oscillations to generate propulsion in marginal wind conditions. The proposed framework utilizes a mixed-methods approach combining musculoskeletal simulation, kinematic analysis, ergonomic assessment, and subjective evaluation. Methods: Thirty-six experienced Laser sailors completed a questionnaire quantifying perceived discomfort using the Borg CR-10 scale across three temporal phases: during pumping, immediately post-sailing, and the following day. The pumping motion was replicated on land by an experienced sailor and analyzed using marker-based motion capture and Delmia® musculoskeletal simulation software. REBA ergonomic assessment was performed to evaluate postural risk. Results: Musculoskeletal simulation revealed maximal normalized activation (100.0%) in seven deep trunk stabilizers and left latissimus dorsi. Pronounced lateral asymmetry was observed, with right-sided trunk dominance. Lower extremity activation was moderate on the right and minimal on the left. Kinematic analysis identified substantial lumbar excursions (45.3° flexion-extension, 38.7° lateral flexion, 42.1° axial rotation). REBA assessment yielded a score of 11 (Very High Risk). Questionnaire data revealed a paradoxical relationship between objective activation and subjective fatigue: maximal trunk activation corresponded to lower perceived fatigue, while moderate lower limb activation corresponded to higher perceived fatigue. Musculoskeletal discomfort prevalence was 72.2%, concentrated in the lower back, shoulders, and knees. Conclusions: Findings highlight the deep trunk stabilizers, latissimus dorsi, and lower extremities as primary contributors to pumping execution, while emphasizing pronounced lateral asymmetry and high ergonomic risk. The activation-fatigue paradox suggests differential physiological mechanisms between trunk stabilizers and lower limb muscles. These insights can guide training interventions, injury prevention strategies, and ergonomic modifications to optimize performance and reduce injury risk in competitive sailing.

Abstract: The paper presents an example of a wearable system for caring for the elderly. It focuses on the relationships between the individual components of this system from a macro ergonomics point of view. The protection of older people has been identified as a standard of well-being that, in highly developed countries, is evolving from a passive social security model to an active, holistic paradigm. This new paradigm is aimed not only at prolonging life, but also at ensuring its highest quality, dignity and full social integration. This new standard goes far beyond pensions and basic healthcare, becoming a measure of a country's humanitarian maturity and social advancement. The design of such telecare systems should be user-oriented in accordance with the principles of universal design. Defining the relationship between humans and work elements is crucial. Its purpose is to ensure hygiene, safety and comfort at work, while maintaining high production efficiency.

Abstract: Modern high-speed train compartments contain intricate internal configurations. In the event of a fire emergency, the propagation velocity of flames through the passenger cabin is determined by multiple factors, including compartment design, ignition source characteristics, and airflow conditions. This study employed numerical simulation approaches to investigate the effects of fire source power, fire source location, and longitudinal ventilation velocity on the rate of flame progression. The simulation outcomes reveal that, under forward ventilation conditions, the magnitude of fire power has a minimal influence on flame propagation speed. However, stronger fire sources lead to earlier initiation of flame spread along the carriage. Central positioning of the ignition source results in bidirectional flame movement toward both ends of the carriage, with faster propagation rates than those of fires originating at the extremities. Longitudinal airflow patterns significantly. When the airflow speed within the tunnel remains below 3 meters per second, the impact of longitudinal ventilation on fire propagation speed in the train is minimal under forward ventilation conditions. Conversely, in reverse-ventilation scenarios, the rate of flame advancement shows a positive correlation with increasing ventilation speed. Nevertheless, once tunnel ventilation velocities exceed 3 m/s, combustion propagation within high-speed rail carriages becomes impossible due to intact windows, which create oxygen-deficient conditions that prevent the development of fire.

Abstract:

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) have gradually been applied in various practical scenarios, mainly focusing on core areas such as wearable motion monitoring devices, medical security systems, and natural resource exploration technology. However, it has the problem of low output energy and has not yet formed effective integration with mature commercially available products, which has hindered the industrialization process. This situation still significantly limits its global promotion and application. In this study, TENG was used as the sensing module for intelligent automotive airbags. We conducted tests on the voltage and current output characteristics of the system under different impact forces and frequency conditions. During the testing process, the electrical energy generated under different operating conditions is transmitted to the control system through Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) circuits. The system will quickly determine whether to trigger the airbag deployment based on the received electrical signals, and activate the ignition device when necessary to achieve rapid inflation and deployment of the airbag. Compared with traditional triggering mechanisms, the airbag system based on this designed sensor has higher sensitivity and reliability. The sensor can stably capture collision signals, and experiments have shown that as the collision speed increases, the slope of its open circuit voltage gradually approaches infinity. Applying TENG to automotive airbags not only effectively improves the triggering efficiency and accuracy of airbags, but also provides more reliable safety protection for drivers and passengers. The finite element simulation of vehicle airbags provides specific data support for safety performance evaluation. With the continuous advancement of TENG technology and further expansion of its application scenarios, we believe that such innovative safety technologies will play a more critical role in the future automotive industry.

Abstract: Maritime safety is a crucial aspect in busy and complex shipping lanes, particularly in strait areas that are prone to accidents due to high vessel traffic and dynamic envi-ronmental conditions. This study aims to calculate a maritime safety index by consid-ering various factors, including vessel characteristics, ship encounter conditions, oper-ational time parameters, and oceanographic conditions such as currents and waves. The data used consist of questionnaires, AIS data, and oceanographic information, collected over a one-month period at three-hour intervals. The case study focuses on the Bali Strait and the Lombok Strait, with spatial segmentation into grid cells to sup-port spatial analysis. The safety index is calculated using two models: Model I com-bines vessel and encounter characteristics with temporal parameters, while Model II incorporates oceanographic factors into the assessment. Following the index calcula-tion, multivariate analysis conducted to identify the key factors that significantly in-fluence maritime safety levels. The results show that navigation risks in both straits are mainly influenced by vessel traffic, sailing hours, days of the week, and environmental conditions. In the Bali Strait, the highest risks occur near Ketapang and Gilimanuk Ports, while in the Lombok Strait, Padangbai, Lembar, and the ALKI II route show ele-vated risks. Multivariate analysis reveals that longer vessels, higher speeds, and dy-namic sea conditions dominate in Lombok, whereas older vessels and closer spacing are more critical in Bali.

Abstract:

Risk management is a critical process for achieving construction project objectives and supporting more sustainable project delivery. However, most existing research focuses on isolated aspects of risk, lacking an integrated approach that examines how risks evolve across the entire project life cycle. This study addresses this gap by identifying and assessing key risks affecting construction projects in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with attention to how improved risk understanding can contribute to more resilient and sustainable project outcomes. Through a literature review, fifteen critical risks involving various stakeholders were identified. A questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the probability and impact of these risks on project cost. The study analyzes how these risks manifest across the project life cycle and affect different stakeholders. Using a coordinate system, it visualizes risk behavior across phases, offering a dynamic view of risk exposure. Findings show that the construction phase was the riskiest, followed by the handover, design, and feasibility phases. Additionally, delayed payments by owners emerged as the most significant risk, followed by poor contractor management. The study proposes a modified probability–impact matrix to account for multi-phase risks. These findings provide valuable insights for construction firms, helping improve stakeholder risk allocation, inform contract negotiations, and enhance project delivery in the UAE context while contributing to more efficient, responsible, and sustainable project management practices.