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This study presents a holistic model based on Fuzzy Bayesian Network-Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (FBN-HFACS) to analyze contributing factors in the pandemic, Covid 19, risk management under uncertainty. The model contains three main phases include employing a) HFACS to systematically identify influencing factors based on validation using content validity indicators, b) Fuzzy Set Theory to obtain the prior probability distribution of contributing factors in pandemic risk and address the epistemic uncertainty and subjectivity, and finally, c) Bayesian network to develop causality model of the risk, probabilistic inferences and handle parameter and model uncertainties. The Ratio of Variation (RoV), as BN-driven importance measures, is utilized to conduct sensitivity analysis and explore the most critical factors that yield effective safety countermeasures. The model is tested to investigate four large manufacturing industries in South Khorasan (Iran). It provided a deep understanding of influencing human and organizational factors and captured dependencies among those factors, while quantitative finding paves a way to efficiently make risk-based decisions to deal with the pandemic risks under uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is increasing concern about the safety and leakage of process industries. Therefore, the present study aims to prioritize control measures before and after the leakage scenario by using the Hendershot theory and MCDM techniques. In this study, two proactive and reactive layers were selected before and after leakage of tanks, respectively. Then, criteria and alternatives were selected to perform fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) and find the best alternative based on the literature review and Hendershot approach. The linear model of the fuzzy Best-Worst method (FBWM) was constructed and resolved using Lingo 17 software. Subsequently, criteria were assigned weights based on thorough calculations of the inconsistency rate. The weight of study experts was equal to 0.25. The results of FBWM showed that the reliability index with a weight of 0.3727 was ranked first and the inconsistency rate (ξ˜*/ξ) was calculated to be equal to 0.040. Inherent Safety Design (ISD) (0.899) and passive safety (0.767) also ranked first before and after tank leaks, respectively. Using the FBWM method leads to fewer pairwise comparisons and at the same time more stability. Although ISD and passive strategies are more valid and strict, elements of all strategies are necessary for a comprehensive process safety management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: There is evidence of associations between noise exposure and psychological outcomes from noise annoyance. This study aims to examine the mediating role of noise annoyance in the relationship of noise exposure with Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Cognitive Emotion Regulation (CER). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 58 male workers of a lead mine in Yazd, Iran. Noise exposure was determined based on ISO 9612:2009. Noise annoyance was assessed using the ISO/TS 15666:2003's numerical rating scale. The Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (modified version) and the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ) were used for data collection. Mann-Whitney U test, correlation test, and Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) were used to analyze the data. Results: The mean age of workers was 35.78±7.10 years. A significant relationship was found between noise annoyance and noise exposure, such that a unit increase in noise exposure had a multiplicative effect on the odds of experiencing more annoyance (p<0.001). Also, for every one-unit increase in noise annoyance, mean scores for EI and CER decreased by 0.192 and 0.172, respectively. Conclusion: Noise exposure is directly related to noise annoyance and indirectly related to EI and CER. Further studies in this area are recommended to clarify the issue and the relationships between these variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal foams are interesting as sound absorbers because of their strength, low mass, high hardness, and damping. To foam fabricationmore accurate and achieve higher sound absorption coefficient (SAC), the effective parameters should be optimized. In earlier study (DOI: 10.32604/sv.2021.09729), the parameters of porosity percentage, pore size (D) and pore opening size (d) were optimized by the authors. In this study, we intend to investigate the effect of optimized percentage, D size and d size on the SAC of aluminum foam in the frequency 0 to 8000 Hz with the thicknesses of 5, 10, 20, and 30 mm. The genetic algorithm was performed employing the Lu model, using MATLAB software. According to the results, the optimum values of, D, and d at different frequencies and thicknesses are not constant. That is, at any given thickness and frequency, there are specific optimum amounts. This study provides a way to improve the SAC performance of porous metal materials for various and targeted applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: This study aimed to provide a risk assessment method based on a Fuzzy Bayesian Network (FBN) to prevent the failure of firefighting systems (FSs). Materials and Methods: In this research, the fault tree structure was validated, and the failure factors were identified. Triangular fuzzy numbers and the combined CoA/Sum-Product method were used to calculate the failure rate. Subsequently, deductive and inductive reasoning, as well as sensitivity analysis were performed using fuzzy logic and fault tree transmission in a Bayesian Network (BN). Results: The results of a case study on methanol storage tanks showed that the combination of FBN and validation of structures can be presented as a suitable method to evaluate the reliability of FSs. The content validity index of the final basic events was over 0.79. The highest and lowest failure rates were related to the foam system and valve, respectively. Moreover, the failure rate for the failure of FSs was 5.7x1c)-6 based on the fuzzy fault tree (FFT). After updating with BN, the previous rate of failure of FSs with FBN was calculated to be 0.022978, which was greater than the value of the FFT. The reliability of the system was equal to 0.77022. Conclusion: The present approach can help the decision-making process of managers and analysts of the petrochemical industry to prevent the failure of FSs in tanks due to changes in systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Noise has many psychological effects. Although different studies have so far focused on various psychological effects, they have not evaluated communication skills and cognitive triad. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of noise exposure and noise annoyance on communication skills and cognitive triad. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 workers in 2021. The equivalent sound level (LeqA) was determined using dosimetry. Based on LeqA, noise exposure was divided into permissible and impermissible types. Noise annoyance was measured by the numerical rating scale recommended by ISO/TS 15666:2003. The Communication Skills Questionnaire and Cognitive Triad Inventory were used for data collection. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS 24 using an independent samples t test and Spearman correlation test. Results: The mean (± standard deviation) age of workers was equal to 33.87 (± 5.95) years. The results of the correlation test showed a positive and significant relationship between LeqA and noise annoyance (P < 0.001, r = 0.82). Based on the results of the independent samples t test, there was no significant difference in the scores of communication skills (P = 0.11) and cognitive triad (P = 0.93) in the two groups. Conclusion: In this study, a positive and significant relationship was found between noise exposure and noise annoyance. In addition, communication and cognitive skills were not significantly different in the two study groups. To accurately determine the relationships of variables, it is recommended to conduct similar studies with larger sample sizes while considering variables such as personality traits and social intelligence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If we want to provide the efficient training intervention to increase the duration of using hearing protection devices (HPDs) by workers, we need a tool that can estimate the person's hearing threshold taking into account noise exposure level, age, and work history, and compare them with audiometry to find out the percent reduction of workers hearing loss. First, the workers noise exposure level was determined according to ISO 9612, then 4000 Hz audiometry was done to find age and work history. On basis of ISO 1999 the hearing threshold was estimated and if the hearing protection device was not used continuously and correctly, the hearing protection device's actual performance was reduced adjusted with person's audiometry. After training intervention, the estimate was done again and was compared with the adjusted audiometry. According to ISO 1999 standard estimation results, the percent reduction of the workers hearing loss level was 6.48 dB in intervention group. This level remained unchanged in control group. The mean score of hearing threshold estimation (standard ISO 1999) was statistically more significant than mean score of hearing threshold (p-value ¡ 0.001). The results show not significant change in control group due to lack of changing of noise exposure level. In regards to the results of hearing threshold estimation based on ISO 1999 and comparing with workers audiometry, it can be seen that BASNEF training intervention increases the duration of using the HPDs and it could be effective in reducing hearing threshold related to noise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]