Fábio A.O. Fernandes, Dmitri Tchepel, Ricardo J. Alves de Sousa and Mariusz Ptak
Currently, there are some finite element head models developed by research groups all around the world. Nevertheless, the majority are not geometrically accurate. One of the…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, there are some finite element head models developed by research groups all around the world. Nevertheless, the majority are not geometrically accurate. One of the problems is the brain geometry, which usually resembles a sphere. This may raise problems when reconstructing any event that involves brain kinematics, such as accidents, affecting the correct evaluation of resulting injuries. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop a new finite element head model more accurate than the existing ones.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, a new and geometrically detailed finite element brain model is proposed. Special attention was given to sulci and gyri modelling, making this model more geometrically accurate than currently available ones. In addition, these brain features are important to predict specific injuries such as brain contusions, which usually involve the crowns of gyri.
Findings
The model was validated against experimental data from impact tests on cadavers, comparing the intracranial pressure at frontal, parietal, occipital and posterior fossa regions.
Originality/value
As this model is validated, it can be now used in accident reconstruction and injury evaluation and even as a design tool for protective head gear.
Details
Keywords
Tomasz Kubiak, Lukasz Dudzinski, Radosław Fellner, Mariusz Feltynowski and Łukasz Czyżewski
The study aims to analyze the interventions of Fire Protection Units (FPUs) to incidents using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (drones) to search for missing persons in 2021–2023…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to analyze the interventions of Fire Protection Units (FPUs) to incidents using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (drones) to search for missing persons in 2021–2023. It comprised some data obtained from the Decision Support System of the State Fire Service, made available to the authors by the Office of Operational Planning. Analyzed were the incidents occurring in the period from 01.01.2021; 00.00 am to 31.12.2023; 11:59 pm. The quantitative data were described by using the mean and the standard deviation (SD). Correlations and differences at a significance level of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The data were de-identified for both the sufferers and officers involved in the interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
An analysis of interventions of FPUs in incidents with the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) to search for people in the years 2021–2023.
Findings
Between 2021 and 2023, firefighters were dispatched 780 times to operations with the use of UAVs. The incidents observed (search for people) accounted for 36.2% of the total drone-intervention incidents, and the number of incidents increased in each year of analysis. The average drone intervention time was 306.8 ± 176.4 (min.) to search for women and 385.3 ± 187.7 (min.) to search for men. Search operations in forest areas, bodies of water and rivers predominated.
Originality/value
The use of UAVs by National Firefighting and Rescue System entities offers a variety of possibilities in the search for people, increasing thus the rescue potential and effectiveness of operations. Investments in new technologies in rescue activities contribute to the effectiveness of operations where the time criterion is of primary importance. According to the analysis performed, the average time of a drone intervention operation is more than 300 min, which should give rise to further analyses and proposals, such as a greater availability of drones or a specific number of drones dedicated to the search area. The future associated with increased drone performance and efficiency may change the nature of their use.