Browse Topic: Disaster and emergency management
This study examines the issue of frequent traffic accidents leading to congestion and subsequent accidents. Timely investigation and management of these incidents is essential for effectively addressing this problem. This study aims to utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology to improve the efficiency of assessing and investigating traffic accidents. We propose a bi-objective spatial optimization model based on identifying high-risk accident locations. This model combines coverage and median objectives within a service area, taking into account coverage requirements and optimizing site distribution. We also propose a constraint-based process to generate a Pareto frontier to help identify various alternative UAV station location scenarios. The model was validated using real traffic accident data from Nanning City, resulting in a UAV station configuration solution that reduces accident response time and improves assessment efficiency by considering multi-objective trade-offs
The wing-in-ground effect (WIG) vehicle represents a significant advancement in aerodynamics and vehicle design, leveraging the ground effect phenomenon to enhance lift and reduce drag when flying close to the surface. This unique capability allows WIG vehicles to achieve higher payloads, longer range, and greater fuel efficiency compared to traditional aircraft, making them an attractive option for modern military and global disaster response applications. Wing-in-Ground Effect Vehicles: From Modern Military and Commercial Development to Global Disaster Response discusses future disaster response, logistics, and military applications for WIG vehicles, including the ongoing development of aerospace and transportation technology. Relavant advancements in materials and propulsion systems holds promise for further enhancing WIG performance and operational range. Additionally, cost-effective and powerful flight computers with various types of mission-enabling sensor suites from the
Elbit Systems Haifa, Isreal
This study focuses on analyzing the impact of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on traffic flow and the traffic network in Baltimore City. By employing the processing of publicly available datasets, the construction of a traffic network model and a comprehensive scoring method and an improved K-means clustering algorithm based on the idea of the rotational method, the following conclusions have been drawn in this study. First, the bridge collapse significantly changed the distribution of traffic flow. According to the AADT data of 17 key traffic nodes, after the bridge collapse, the AADT of all nodes generally increased except for the nodes closest to the tunnel and bridge. For example, traffic nodes around the city center (e.g., nodes with OSMID numbers 37831627 and 602433660) experienced an increase in AADT, suggesting that traffic flows we Second, the 17 key nodes selected represent the major nodes of the Baltimore City traffic system and provide accurate data to support
As weather-related catastrophes and urban vulnerabilities intensify, there is a growing interest in AI-driven tools for predicting weather patterns and disaster response. Engineers at Texas A&M University have developed CLARKE (Computer vision and Learning for Analysis of Roads and Key Edifices) — a system that uses drone imagery and artificial intelligence to rapidly assess damage after hurricanes and floods.
High-altitude uncrewed aircraft can remain in the lower stratosphere for extended periods, performing a wide range of Earth observation and communications tasks – from monitoring shipping lanes and supporting disaster response to providing internet access. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has now taken an important step in the development of its own high-flying solar aircraft by successfully completing a Ground Vibration Test (GVT) on its innovative HAP-alpha high-altitude platform. Extensive ground trials took place at DLR’s National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt, Germany. Further tests will follow and the first low-altitude flight trial is planned for 2026, subject to ideal weather conditions.
The German Aerospace Center's (DLR) solar-powered high altitude platform (HAP) has completed ground vibration testing, in preparation for low altitude flight testing planned for 2026. German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany High-altitude uncrewed aircraft can remain in the lower stratosphere for extended periods, performing a wide range of Earth observation and communications tasks - from monitoring shipping lanes and supporting disaster response to providing internet access. The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) has now taken an important step in the development of its own high-flying solar aircraft by successfully completing a Ground Vibration Test (GVT) on its innovative HAP-alpha high-altitude platform. Extensive ground trials took place at DLR's National Experimental Test Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems in Cochstedt, Germany. Further tests will follow and the first low-altitude flight trial is planned for 2026, subject to ideal
In late July to October 2022, residents of the Manu’a Islands in American Samoa felt the earth shake several times a day, raising concerns of an imminent volcanic eruption or tsunami.
SAE J3108 Recommended Practice (RP) provides fuel and hazard guidance for first and second responders of incidents associated with alternative fueled vehicles. The intent of SAE J3108-1 is to present responders with a limited number of intuitive letters and colors. The International community is in the process of adopting International Standards Organization (ISO) 17840, which provides first and second responders with a standardized format for emergency information. While the ISO 17840 format in coloring and lettering can be adopted and should be encouraged when possible, it is intended for large and heavy vehicles. SAE J3108-1 provides a means for responders to recognize fuel and vehicle type on North American light duty vehicles due to size constraints preventing use of ISO 17840 labels.1 While encouraged to be adopted or referenced by vehicle manufacturers, this RP has been developed for the use of States and other Governmental bodies. The RP is not intended to replace the standards
Recent advancements in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and the broader advanced air mobility (AAM) movement have generated significant interest within and beyond the traditional aviation industry. Many new applications have been identified and are under development, with considerable potential for market growth and exciting potential. However, talent resources are the most critical parameters to make or break the AAM vision, and significantly more talent is needed than the traditional aviation industry is able to currently generate. One possible solution—leverage rapid advancements of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and the gaming industry to help attract, identify, educate, and encourage current and future generations to engage in various aspects of the AAM industry. Beyond Aviation: Embedded Gaming, Artificial Intelligence, Training, and Recruitment for the Advanced Air Mobility Industry discusses how the modern gaming population of 3.3 million
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries, revolutionizing processes and enhancing efficiency. In the automotive domain, AI's adaption has ushered in a new era of innovation and driving advancements across manufacturing, safety, and user experience. By leveraging AI technologies, the automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation that is reshaping the way vehicles are manufactured, operated, and experienced. The benefits of AI-powered vehicles are not limited to their manufacturing, operation, and enhancing the user experience but also by integrating AI-powered vehicles with smart city infrastructure can unlock much more potential of the technology and can offer numerous advantages such as enhanced safety, efficiency, growth, and sustainability. Smart cities aim to create more livable, resilient, and inclusive communities by harnessing innovation through technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), devices, data
Researchers from Stanford and the American University of Beirut have developed a lightweight, portable antenna that can communicate with satellites and devices on the ground, making it easier to coordinate rescue and relief efforts in disaster-prone areas. Stanford University, Stanford, California When an earthquake, flood, or other disaster strikes a region, existing communication infrastructure such as cell phone and radio towers are often damaged or destroyed. Restoring emergency communications as quickly as possible is vital for coordinating rescue and relief efforts. Researchers at Stanford University and the American University of Beirut (AUB) have developed a portable antenna that could be quickly deployed in disaster-prone areas or used to set up communications in underdeveloped regions. The antenna, described recently in Nature Communications, packs down to a small size and can easily shift between two configurations to communicate either with satellites or devices on the
When an earthquake, flood, or other disaster strikes a region, existing communication infrastructure such as cell phone and radio towers are often damaged or destroyed. Restoring emergency communications as quickly as possible is vital for coordinating rescue and relief efforts.
After hurricanes and other disasters, it is becoming more common for people to fly drones to record the damage and post videos on social media. Those videos are a resource for rapid damage assessment. By using artificial intelligence, researchers are developing a system that can automatically identify buildings and make an initial determination of whether they are damaged and how serious that damage might be.
For wealthy countries like Switzerland, having a dense network of earthquake monitoring stations is a matter of course. This is not the case in less developed countries and on the floor of the world’s oceans. While poorer regions lack the money for the necessary number of sensors, the oceans require complex systems that can reliably measure minimal pressure changes at depths of thousands of meters and bring the data signals to the surface.
ABSTRACT Geotechnical site characterization is the process of collecting geophysical and geospatial characteristics about the surface and subsurface to create a 3-dimensional (3D) model. Current Robot Operating System (ROS) world models are designed primarily for navigation in unknown environments; however, they do not store the geotechnical characteristics requisite for environmental assessment, archaeology, construction engineering, or disaster response. The automotive industry is researching High Definition (HD) Maps, which contain more information and are currently being used by autonomous vehicles for ground truth localization, but they are static and primarily used for navigation in highly regulated infrastructure. Modern site characterization and HD mapping methods involve survey engineers working on-site followed by lengthy post processing. This research addresses the shortcomings for current world models and site characterization by introducing Site Model Geospatial System
Advanced technology plays a vital role in search and rescue operations after natural disasters such as earthquakes. Thermal imaging equipment and sensitive listening devices are deployed to seek out signs of life. Small aerial drones could also survey otherwise inaccessible spaces, but the inherent fragility of current designs have limited their use.
This document provides guidance for in-flight rest facilities provided for use by cabin crew on commercial transport airplane. This document is applicable to dedicated cabin crew rest facilities with rigid walls. The facility includes a bunk or other surface that allows for a flat sleeping position, is located in an area that is temperature-controlled, allows the crew member to control light, and provides isolation from noise and disturbance.
As fossil fuels are phased out in the effort to slow global warming, we will be depending upon a reliable source of electric power more than ever. And that means blackouts caused by weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and snowstorms will have increasingly serious consequences.
A research team at the University of Central Florida has developed technology that could prevent electric vehicle fires, like those caused by saltwater flooding from Hurricane Ian.
To make sure our buildings and infrastructure are earthquake-safe, we must understand how seismic activity affects different structures. Two major research efforts funded by the Department of Energy (DOE) seek to fill in the gaps and provide resources for researchers and engineers to study earthquakes across scales, from the initiation of seismic waves at the fault rupture site deep underground, to the interactions between shaking soil and individual structures at the surface.
Innovators at the NASA Langley Research Center have developed the Multi-Layer Nuclear Thermionic Avalanche Cell (NTAC), a novel electrical generator, which transforms nuclear gamma-ray photon energy directly to electric power by liberating intra-band atomic inner shell electrons.
Motorcyclists are about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and are 4 times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, co-ordination, and good judgement. As per NHTSA, per 100,000 registered vehicles motorcycle fatality and injury rate stand at 58.33 and 975 and that of passenger vehicles stand at 9.42 and 1152. With such rates of fatality and injury of motorcyclists, there is strong need for motorcycle solutions that help to minimize traffic fatalities and improve road safety scenarios. Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41% for motorcycle passengers but there is little to no post-crash assistance available on board the motorcycles. Post-crash emergency response is time sensitive and can be broken down into a subset of activities beginning with discovery of crash, notification, and activation of emergency medical service (EMS), response time, on-scene time
Data is information that has been recorded in a form or format convenient to move or process. It is important to distinguish between data and the format. The format is a structured way to record information, such as engineering drawings and other documents, software, pictures, maps, sound, and animation. Some formats are open source, others proprietary. Regardless of the format, there are three broad types of data. Table 1 lists these types of data and provides examples. DM, from the perspective of this standard, consists of the disciplined processes and systems utilized to plan for, acquire, and provide management and oversight for product and product-related business data, consistent with requirements, throughout the product and data life cycles. Thus, this standard primarily addresses product data and the business data required for stakeholder collaboration extending through the supply chain during product acquisition and sustainment life cycle. This standard has broader application
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice (ARP) specifies criteria for the design, development, standardization, and comprehension testing of placards containing pictures, drawings, symbols, and/or written instructions for locating and operating aircraft emergency equipment. This ARP also provides guidance in the selection and implementation of warning placards intended to instruct occupants inside, and rescue personnel outside, the aircraft.
This SAE Aerospace Recommended Practice recommends general criteria for the development and installation of an aircraft emergency signal system to permit any crew member (flight or cabin) to inform all other crew members that an emergency evacuation situation exists and that an evacuation has been or should be immediately started.
Coastal and riverine shorelines are dynamic landscapes that change continually in response to environmental forces. The combination of static infrastructure with dynamic and diverse landscapes creates management challenges for navigation, storm damage reduction, and ecosystem health that are exacerbated during natural disasters. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) flood risk management (FRM) mission strives to reduce the nation's flood risk and increase resilience to disasters. FRM is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring accurate identification of environmental, physical, and infrastructure features that can reduce risk from flood and coastal storm disasters.
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