Unmanned aerial vehicle based intelligent triage system in mass-casualty incidents using 5G and artificial intelligence

BACKGROUND:Rapid on-site triage is critical after mass-casualty incidents(MCIs)and other mass injury events.Unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)have been used in MCIs to search and rescue wounded individuals,but they mainly depend on the UAV operator’s experience.We used UAVs and artificial intelligence(AI)to provide a new technique for the triage of MCIs and more efficient solutions for emergency rescue.METHODS:This was a preliminary experimental study.We developed an intelligent triage system based on two AI algorithms,namely OpenPose and YOLO.Volunteers were recruited to simulate the MCI scene and triage,combined with UAV and Fifth Generation(5G)Mobile Communication Technology real-time transmission technique,to achieve triage in the simulated MCI scene.RESULTS:Seven postures were designed and recognized to achieve brief but meaningful triage in MCIs.Eight volunteers participated in the MCI simulation scenario.The results of simulation scenarios showed that the proposed method was feasible in tasks of triage for MCIs.CONCLUSION:The proposed technique may provide an alternative technique for the triage of MCIs and is an innovative method in emergency rescue.

Influence of Temperature and Humidity on the Incidence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Hainan,China,2004-2018

According to the World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report 2023,there were 10.6 million cases of tuberculosis(TB)worldwide in 2022,an increase of 2.8%over 2021,and 1.3 million people had already died of the disease.The report also indicated that approximately 748,000 new cases occurred in China in 2022,accounting for 7.1%of the global total,with an incidence of 52/100,000.

Knee Arthroplasty Incidence Rate vs. Revision of Knee Arthroplasty and Its Associated Comorbidities in Colombia

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been established as a transformative solution in the treatment of advanced degenerative diseases of the knee, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and posttraumatic arthritis. In this sense, TKA surgery, which seeks to replace the damaged joint with prosthetic components, has proven to be highly effective in relieving pain, improving joint function, and, ultimately, significantly increasing patients’ quality of life. The present study describes the TKA and revision knee arthroplasty (RKA) rates and, identifies the associated co morbidities in the Colombian context. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. It describes demographic and clinical characteristics between two groups of patients, TKA or RKA, and its association with mortality at 30 days, 90 days, or one year after the intervention. Results: The incidence rate of the population undergoing TKA was approximately 11.71 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Furthermore, the incidence rate for revision knee arthroplasty (RKA) procedures in the same period was around 0.96 per 100,000 inhabitants. In both groups at 30 days postoperatively, a total mortality rate of 0.09%was recorded. When the follow-up was extended to 90 days, it increased to 0.15%;at one year postoperatively, it rose to 0.88%. Conclusion: Mortality after surgery was low in Colombia in 2019. Although RKA is a beneficial procedure, in certain circumstances, it was noted that it carries a higher risk compared to primary TKA. Our results emphasize the importance of careful evaluation of co morbidities and risk factors in patients undergoing these surgical procedures. The application of quality-of-life questionnaires should be considered in future studies on effectiveness and mortality for TKA and RKA in our country.

A nonlocal dispersal and time delayed HIV infection model with general incidences

Biologically,because of the impact of reproduction period and nonlocal dispersal of HIV-infected cells,time delay and spatial heterogeneity should be considered.In this paper,we establish an HIV infection model with nonlocal dispersal and infection age.Moreover,applying the theory of Fourier transformation and von Foerster rule,we transform the model to an integrodifferential equation with nonlocal time delay and dispersal.The well-posedness,positivity,and boundedness of the solution for the model are studied.

Incidence and Survivability of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients in the United States: Analysis of SEER Data Set from 2000-2019

The main goal of this research is to assess the impact of race, age at diagnosis, sex, and phenotype on the incidence and survivability of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) among patients in the United States. By taking these factors into account, the study aims to explore how existing cancer registry data can aid in the early detection and effective treatment of ALL in patients. Our hypothesis was that statistically significant correlations exist between race, age at which patients were diagnosed, sex, and phenotype of the ALL patients, and their rate of incidence and survivability data were evaluated using SEER*Stat statistical software from National Cancer Institute. Analysis of the incidence data revealed that a higher prevalence of ALL was among the Caucasian population. The majority of ALL cases (59%) occurred in patients aged between 0 to 19 years at the time of diagnosis, and 56% of the affected individuals were male. The B-cell phenotype was predominantly associated with ALL cases (73%). When analyzing survivability data, it was observed that the 5-year survival rates slightly exceeded the 10-year survival rates for the respective demographics. Survivability rates of African Americans patients were the lowest compared to Caucasian, Asian, Pacific Islanders, Alaskan Native, Native Americans and others. Survivability rates progressively decreased for older patients. Moreover, this study investigated the typical treatment methods applied to ALL patients, mainly comprising chemotherapy, with occasional supplementation of radiation therapy as required. The study demonstrated the considerable efficacy of chemotherapy in enhancing patients’ chances of survival, while those who remained untreated faced a less favorable prognosis from the disease. Although a significant amount of data and information exists, this study can help doctors in the future by diagnosing patients with certain characteristics. It will further assist the health care professionals in screening potential patients and early detection of cases. This could also save the lives of elderly patients who have a higher mortality rate from this disease.

Incidence,Risk Factors,and Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Brain Metastases

Objective Brain metastases significantly impact the clinical course of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).This study aimed to examine the age-related incidence,demographics,and survival of patients with HCC and brain metastases.Methods Data of HCC patients from 2010 to 2015 in the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)Registry were screened for the presence of brain metastases.They were stratified by age and ethnicity.Multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with brain metastases and those with overall survival(OS)and liver cancer-specific survival(CSS),respectively.Results A total of 141 HCC patients presenting with brain metastases were identified,accounting for 0.35% of all HCC patients and 2.37% of patients with metastatic disease.Among all HCC patients,the incidence rate was the highest among patients aged 30-49 years old(0.47%).Ethnicity was not associated with the presence of brain metastases at the time of HCC diagnosis.However,African-American patients presented with a significantly lower disease-specific survival[median time:1 month;interquartile range(IQR):0-3.0 months].Initial lung or bone metastasis was independently associated with an increased risk of the presence of brain metastases[odds ratio(OR):12.62,95% confidence interval(CI):8.40-18.97]but was not associated with a worse OS or CSS among those with brain metastases.Conclusion This study identified the age-related incidence and risk factors of brain metastases in HCC patients.These results may contribute to the consideration of brain screening among patients with initial metastatic HCC with lung or bone metastases,and influence the counseling of this patient population regarding their prognosis.

Incidences and Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections in Koutiala, Mali

Purpose: This paper aims to assess the incidences and risk factors for surgical site (ISO) infections in the general surgery department of the Koutiala District Hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective and descriptive study from August 1, 2017 to October 31, 2020 involving all patients who underwent laparotomy in the general surgery department of the Koutiala District Hospital. Patients who were not operated on and who did not have a laparotomy were not included. Age, sex, frequency, patient history, National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) index, time to occur, bacteriological test results and course of infection were analyzed. Results: Fifty patients were registered. The average age was 34.2 ± 21.2 years old. Eleven patients were 60 years old or older. The hospital incidence rate was 4.3% and the community incidence rate was 6.1 cases per 100,000 population. The concept of smoking was noted in 15 patients. Patients were operated on in emergency 84% of cases. Peritonitis was the most common initial lesion with 32% of cases. Our patients had an NNIS index greater than 0 in 84% of cases. The time to develop infection from the surgical site was less than 3 days in 8 patients (16% of cases). Depending on the depth of the infection, it was superficial (cutaneous) in 39 patients (78%) and deep (subcutaneous and organic) in 11 patients (22%). Escherichia coli was the most common germ with 72% followed by staphylococcus aureus at 24%. We noted 22% morbidity. The median length of hospitalization was 9 ± 2.2 days. Conclusion: ISO is common in our service. Prevention and mastery require knowledge of risk factors.

Incidence and Management of Occupational Blood Exposure (OBE) among Medical Students at the University of Bangui

Introduction: Like healthcare workers, medical students are also exposed to a risk of accidental contamination during their hospital internships. However, they do not benefit from prevention services in the same way as workers in this sector, although they actively participate in the routine care provided to patients in the various hospital departments. The objective of our study is to determine the incidence of these accidents and their medical and administrative management among these victims (medical students) not classified in the category of workers. Materials and Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out over three months from January 15 to March 14, 2023. The study population consisted of all medical students at the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Bangui. Regularly enrolled students from 2nd to 7th year, on placement in hospitals in the Central African Republic and who gave their informed consent were included. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: A cross-sectional study was carried out among medical students concerning the incidence and management of accidents involving exposure to blood in the Central African Republic. Of the 254 students included, three (9%) had already been correctly vaccinated against the viral hepatitis B virus, 198 (77.9%) reported still having access to personal protective equipment, 133 students (52.4%) reported being victims of OBE in the past 12 months. The main types of OBE were stings (62%), followed by liquid splashes (32%) and cuts (6%). Among the 133 victims, 92.9% carried out immediate hand disinfection or abundant eye washing, 41.9% obtained the serology of the source patient and 37% reported the accident to their supervisor. Conclusion: It is important that students benefit from better prevention and management of these accidents.

Contribution to the Study of the Incidence of Post-Streptococcal Complications in Republic Central African Republic from 2015 to 2018

Introduction: Acute rheumatic fever (AAR) is a non-suppurative complication of late infection by group A. Infections due to streptococci remain a public health problem in the Central African Republic. The present study aims to determine the incidence rate of AAR cases and its complications. Methodology: This was a retrospective and analytical study over a period of 4 years (from January 2015 to December 2018) at the National Laboratory of Clinical Biology and Public Health (LNBCSP) in Bangui. It focused on samples concerning the diagnosis of AAR and patient files seen in consultation in the capital’s reference health establishments. Laboratory registers and patient consultation files were used to collect data. They were entered into Excel 2010 to be analyzed with Epi Info 7. A univariate analysis by logistic regression, Ficher’s exact test, and chi2 at the 5% threshold (p Results: We analyzed 94 cases meeting Jones’s criteria. The ages of the patients ranged from 18 to 85 years (mean age 52 years and mode 45 years). The incidence rate of AAR for the female sex was higher than that of the male sex during the study period (p > 0.05). It went from 166.6 in 2015 to 200 in 2016 and 2018 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 296.18 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year. The average incidence rate was 223.5 cases of AAR per 1000 people per year for joint damage. Joint damage represented 80.85% (RR = 0.62;Chi2 = 4.88;95% CI [0.39-0.97];p Conclusion: The study allowed data on the impact rate and complications of the AAR in Bangui. Special attention to data management will help produce a complete result on the problem. Joint complications predominated. Sustaining an effective surveillance system and preventing infection would help reduce the risk of AAR occurrence.

Incidence rate and risk factors of second primary neoplasms among older patients with hematological malignancies:Insights from a Chinese single-center experience(1997-2021)

Background:Patients with hematological malignancies face an increased risk of developing second primary neoplasms due to various factors,including immune system compromise and chemotherapy-related effects.However,the incidence and associated risk factors in older patients remain poorly understood.This study aimed to assess the incidence,identify risk factors,and evaluate their impact on survival outcomes among older patients with hematological malignancies.Methods:This retrospective single-center study analyzed data from 163 patients,focusing on the occurrence of second primary neoplasms.Cumulative incidence rates were calculated,and risk factor analysis was conducted using a competing risk model.Results:Among 124 eligible patients with a total follow-up duration of 572.57 person-years,the incidence rate of second primary neoplasms was 15.72/1000 person-years.The standardized incidence ratio(SIR)was 0.81(95%confidence interval[CI][0.39–1.48],P=0.518).History of radiotherapy emerged as a significant risk factor(subdistribution hazard ratio[SHR]=21.61[2.81–166.14],P=0.003),whereas regular natural killer(NK)cell infusion was associated with reduced risk(SHR=3.25 e8[9.81 e9–1.08 e7],P<0.001).Conclusions:These findings underscore the importance of informing older patients with hematological malignancies about the long-term risks of second primary neoplasms.Healthcare providers should carefully weigh risk factors when formulating treatment strategies.The results are valuable for investigating the fundamental principles underlying the occurrence and progression of second primary neoplasms.

Comprehensive Analysis of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Trends in Costa Rica: Implications for Public Health

This commentary delves into the evolving landscape of cancer incidence and mortality in Costa Rica, presenting a comprehensive analysis of the data. Key findings reveal a concerning upward trajectory in cancer incidence rates, placing Costa Rica at the forefront within Central America. While prostate cancer and breast cancer dominate, disparities emerge when scrutinizing gender-specific trends. Notably, stomach and cervical cancers show declines, potentially attributed to targeted interventions. However, colorectal and liver cancers witness mortality increases, necessitating strategic responses. Geographical disparities persist across provinces, highlighting the need for equitable healthcare access. In conclusion, this commentary underscores the urgency of addressing the burgeoning cancer burden in Costa Rica, calling for evidence-based interventions and collaborative efforts on a global scale.

Corrective Effect of the Angle of Incidence of the Magnetic Field Intensity on the Performance (Series and Shunt Resistances) of a Bifacial Silicon Solar Cell

This article presents a three-dimensional analysis of the impact of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity on the electrical performance (series resistance, shunt resistance) of a bifacial polycrystalline silicon solar cell. The cell is illuminated simultaneously from both sides. The continuity equation for the excess minority carriers is solved at the emitter and at the depth of the base respectively. The analytical expressions for photocurrent density, photovoltage, series resistance and shunt resistance were deduced. Using these expressions, the values of the series and shunt resistances were extracted for different values of the angle of incidence of the magnetic field intensity. The study shows that as the angle of incidence increases, the slopes of the minority carrier density for the two modes of operation of the solar cell decrease. This is explained by a drop in the accumulation of carriers in the area close to the junction due to the fact that the Lorentz force is unable to drive the carriers towards the lateral surfaces due to the weak action of the magnetic field, which tends to cancel out as the incidence angle increases, and consequently a drop in the open circuit photovoltage. This, in turn, reduces the Lorentz force. These results predict that the p-n junction of the solar cell will not heat up. The study also showed a decrease in series resistance as the incidence angle of the magnetic field intensity increased from 0 rad to π/2 rad and an increase in shunt resistance as the incidence angle increased. His behaviour of the electrical parameters when the angle of incidence of the field from 0 rad to π/2 rad shows that the decreasing magnetic field vector tends to be collinear with the electron trajectory. This allows them to cross the junction and participate in the external current. The best orientation for the Lorentz force is zero, in which case the carriers can move easily towards the junction.

An improved positioning model of deep-seafloor datum point at large incidence angle

The inhomogeneous sound speed in seawater causes refraction of sound waves,and the elimination of the refraction effect is essential to the accuracy of underwater acoustic positioning.The raytracing method is an indispensable tool for effectively handling problems.However,this method has a conflict between localization accuracy and computational quantity.The equivalent sound speed profile(ESSP)method uses a simple sound speed profile(SSP)instead of the actual complex SSP,which can improve positioning precision but with residual error.The residual error is especially non-negligible in deep water and at large beam incidence angles.By analyzing the residual error of the ESSP method through a simulation,an empirical formula of error is presented.The data collected in the sailing circle mode(large incidence angle)of the South China Sea are used for verification.The experiments show that compared to the ESSP method,the improved algorithm has higher positioning precision and is more efficient than the ray-tracing method.

An improved algorithm based on equivalent sound velocity profile method at large incident angle

With the development of ultra-wide coverage technology,multibeam echo-sounder(MBES)system has put forward higher requirements for localization accuracy and computational efficiency of ray tracing method.The classical equivalent sound speed profile(ESSP)method replaces the measured sound velocity profile(SVP)with a simple constant gradient SVP,reducing the computational workload of beam positioning.However,in deep-sea environment,the depth measurement error of this method rapidly increases from the central beam to the edge beam.By analyzing the positioning error of the ESSP method at edge beam,it is discovered that the positioning error increases monotonically with the incident angle,and the relationship between them could be expressed by polynomial function.Therefore,an error correction algorithm based on polynomial fitting is obtained.The simulation experiment conducted on an inclined seafloor shows that the proposed algorithm exhibits comparable efficiency to the original ESSP method,while significantly improving bathymetry accuracy by nearly eight times in the edge beam.

Effective transmittance of Fabry–Perot cavity under non-parallel beam incidence

The Fabry–Perot(FP) resonant cavity is widely used in laser and spectroscopic measurements due to its unique interference transfer function(ITF). In the ideal case of parallel incident light, the ITF of the FP resonant cavity can be expressed by the Airy function. However, in reality, it is difficult to achieve perfect parallelism with collimated beams. In this article, a theoretical model is established for non-parallel light incidence, which assumes that the non-parallel incident light is a cone-shaped beam, and the cone angle is used to quantify the non-parallelism of the beam. The transmittance function of the FP resonant cavity under non-parallel light incidence is derived. The accuracy of the model is experimentally verified. Based on this model, the effects of divergence angle, tilt angle and FP cavity parameters(reflectivity, cavity length)on the ITF are studied. The reasons for the decrease in peak value, broadening and asymmetry of the interference peak under non-parallel light incidence are explained. It is suggested that a fine balance between the interference peak and the collimation effect of the incident light should be considered in the design and application of FP resonant cavities, especially for tilted applications such as angle-scanned spectroscopy. The research results of this article have certain significance for the design and application of FP resonant cavities.

Study on the optimal incident proton energy of ^(7)Li(p,n)^(7)Be neutron source for boron neutron capture therapy

Boron neutron capture therapy(BNCT)is recognized as a precise binary targeted radiotherapy technique that effectively eliminates tumors through the^(10)B(n,α)^(7)Li nuclear reaction.Among various neutron sources,accelerator-based sources have emerged as particularly promising for BNCT applications.The^(7)Li(p,n)^(7)Be reaction is highly regarded as a potential neutron source for BNCT,owing to its low threshold energy for the reaction,significant neutron yield,appropriate average neutron energy,and additional benefits.This study utilized Monte Carlo simulations to model the physical interactions within a lithium target subjected to proton bombardment,including neutron moderation by an MgF_(2)moderator and subsequent BNCT dose analysis using a Snyder head phantom.The study focused on calculating the yields of epithermal neutrons for various incident proton energies,finding an optimal energy at 2.7 MeV.Furthermore,the Snyder head phantom was employed in dose simulations to validate the effectiveness of this specific incident energy when utilizing a^(7)Li(p,n)^(7)Be neutron source for BNCT purposes.

Emergency response to nuclear, biological and chemical incidents: challenges and countermeasures

Given the multiple terrorist attacks that have occurred in recent years in China, medical rescue teams and specialized incident assessment teams have been established by the government; however, medical rescue after nuclear, biological, and chemical incidents remains challenging and is often inefficient. In the present article, problems were analyzed regarding the assessment of responder countermeasures, training of professionals and the management of emergency medical incidents related to nuclear, biological and chemical attacks. Countermeasures, the establishment of response coordination, public education, practical training and exercise, and a professional consultant team or system should be the focus of emergency medical response facilities. Moreover, the government was offered professionals who are involved in managing nuclear, biological and chemical incidents.

Practical approach to determining traffic congestion propagation boundary due to traffic incidents

A practical approach for predicting the congestion boundary due to traffic incidents was proposed. Based on the kinematic wave theory and Van Aerde single-regime flow model, a model for estimating the congestion propagation speed for the basic road segment was developed. Historical traffic flow data were used to analyze the time variant characteristics of the urban traffic flow for each road type. Then, the saturation flow rate was used for analyzing the impact of the traffic incident on the traversing traffic flow at the congestion area. The base congestion propagation speed for each road type was calculated based on field data, which were provided by the remote traffic microwave sensors(RTMS), floating car data(FCD) system and screen line survey. According to a comparative analysis of the congestion propagation speed, it is found that the expressway, major arterial, minor arterial and collector are decreasingly influenced by the traffic incident. Subsequently, the impact of turning movements at intersections on the congestion propagation was considered. The turning ratio was adopted to represent the impact of turning movements, and afterward the corresponding propagation pattern at intersections was analyzed. Finally, an implementation system was designed on a geographic information system(GIS) platform to display the characteristics of the congestion propagation over the network. The validation results show that the proposed approach is able to capture the congestion propagation properties in the actual road network.

A Literature Review on Freeway Traffic Incidents and Their Impact on Traffic Operations

Congestion on the freeway is more frequent due to several traffic incidents, namely traffic accidents, debris on the road, vehicle breakdown, and collision with guardrails than any other incidents. These, in turn, affect the operational performance of the freeway by increasing queue length, volume, and density. Consequently, effective freeway management strategies can help to minimize these impacts. The study investigates and summarizes existing studies to identify the reasons for and effects of the traffic incidents. Attention is given to the available solutions of the freeway traffic incidents management. The ultimate goal of this study is to identify the gaps which are not yet addressed to improve the operational effectiveness of the freeway. This study was conducted through a comprehensive literature review of existing refereed publications, established standards, and formal guidelines. Literature was sought through the Transport Research International Documentation (TRID) database, IEEE Transactions database, and google scholar search engine. Research focusing on freeway traffic incidents is a growing concern in transportation operations, as transportation network performance depends on it. Due to the advancement of technology, emerging vehicle technologies like connected vehicles have the potential to address these problems affecting the US transportation system and revolutionize mobility in the future. The study can serve as a reference for the researchers that are involved in freeway traffic operations.

Ultrasound diagnosis of fractures in mass casualty incidents

The role of point-of-care ultrasound in mass casualty incidents(MCIs)is still evolving.Occasionally,hospitals can be destroyed by disasters resulting in large number of trauma patients.CAVEAT and FASTER ultrasound protocols,which are used in MCIs,included extremity ultrasound examination as part of them.The literature supports the use of ultrasound in diagnosing extremity fractures both in hospitals and MCIs.The most recent systematic review which was reported by Douma-den Hamer et al in 2016 showed that the pooled ultrasound sensitivity and specificity for detecting distal forearm fractures was 97% and 95% respectively.Nevertheless,majority of these studies were in children and they had very high heterogeneity.The portability,safety,repeatability,and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound are great advantages when treating multiply injured patients in MCIs.Its potential in managing fractures in MCIs needs to be further defined.The operator should master the technique,understand its limitations,and most importantly correlate the sonographic findings with the clinical ones to be useful.This editorial critically reviews the literature on this topic,describes its principles and techniques,and includes the author’s personal learned lessons so that trauma surgeons will be encouraged to use ultrasound to diagnose fractures in their own clinical practice.