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Article
Publication date: 6 August 2024

Paul McCrone, Noreen Tehrani, Romin Tehrani, Alex Horsley and Ian Hesketh

Police officers in the UK frequently experience traumatic events and work pressures, and these can have a detrimental impact on mental health. A psychological surveillance…

Abstract

Purpose

Police officers in the UK frequently experience traumatic events and work pressures, and these can have a detrimental impact on mental health. A psychological surveillance programme has been implemented and clinically evaluated. This paper reports an economic evaluation of the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

A decision analytic model was developed to explore programme costs, outcomes and return on investment for a notional cohort of 1,000 police personnel (officers and staff). The model parameters were obtained from a large data set of sequential psychological surveillance results. Changes in individual work productivity were derived from a workability measure included in the survey.

Findings

The modelled expected total cost incurred to screen 1,000 participants was £84,287 ($106,971). The expected net increase in work productivity for those receiving interventions was valued at £241,672 ($306,713). This result represents a return on investment of 187%. Sensitivity analyses showed that the model was robust to changes in key parameters.

Research limitations/implications

Police personnel experiencing traumatic events may need specialist support from occupational health services or psychological therapy. Screening or surveillance can detect mental health problems, but its cost-effectiveness has been previously unknown.

Practical implications

The value for money of providing surveillance within the police force to detect mental health problems is assessed in this research. The gains in terms of increased work are evident. In similar environmental working conditions, this could extend to emergency services globally.

Social implications

The police are often called upon to deal with the lowest points in people’s lives. The findings have implications for police forces wishing to support officers to be able to provide the best of themselves in these situations.

Originality/value

There have been no previous studies in policing that have concluded that running a psychological surveillance programme in policing is financially viable. Although this requires initial investment, this paper models that the extra costs incurred are more than offset by improved work productivity.

Details

International Journal of Emergency Services, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2047-0894

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2022

Amir Amjad Mohammadi, Hadi Safaeipour, Mohammad Reza Chenaghlou, Alireza Behnejad and Roham Afghani Khoraskani

This paper aims at discovering the traditional techniques of Persian architecture for covering large-span spaces with a kind of ribbed vault titled “Karbandi”. This structure is…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims at discovering the traditional techniques of Persian architecture for covering large-span spaces with a kind of ribbed vault titled “Karbandi”. This structure is generated by intersecting several arches with a harmonic stellar geometry. Preliminary studies show that span factor affects the structural form of karbandi and large-span cases, despite similar architectural forms, have different structural systems and specific construction methods. The main focus of this paper is how karbandi has been designed and built on large-spans. To answer this question, the configuration and construction of a large-span karbandi in Tabriz Bazaar were recognized.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection of the research was initially done in three parallel directions through the archival study of restoration documents, direct observation of the corpus of the vaultings and interviews with the master mason of the Haj-Mohammad-Qoli Timche restoration team. Then by cross-referencing the gathered data, the construction process of the karbandi was simulated in Rhino 6 and Grasshoppers software and its BIM-M models were created in three levels of development: LOD300, LOD350 and LOD400. In the next step, the preliminary BIM-M models of the karbandi were presented to the interviewed mason and revised and completed based on his comments.

Findings

Analyzing the BIM models by reverse engineering, resulted in (1) Discovering a unique self-supporting masonry construction method applied for the erection of karbandi vaulting on large-spans. (2) Finding the effect of scale factor on the architectural and structural form of the karbandi vault. (3) Discovering the connection types of the karbandi vault based on the construction details.

Originality/value

Despite the wide applications of karbandi vaults throughout history, very little information of their construction techniques is available. The techniques have mostly been experientially and orally passed down from masters to apprentices and rarely been documented. The quest to design and construct a karbandi vault is therefore like solving a puzzle whose most important guide is historical cases. Due to the geometric complexity of karbandi and its ability to cover large-span spaces, solving the puzzle can lead to achieving some technical ideas for masonry cross-ribbed vaulting. A great riddle of the karbandi vaults is how to design and build them on a large span.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 24 October 2023

Eleanor Su-Keene

Stress and burnout in public school teachers and principals have been well documented for the past 40 years. Sources of stress and burnout are often systemic and include numerous…

Abstract

Stress and burnout in public school teachers and principals have been well documented for the past 40 years. Sources of stress and burnout are often systemic and include numerous factors from low pay to student behavioral issues to accountability pressures. Additionally, stress and burnout in the educational workforce have implications on both the efficacy of individuals' work and their intentions to leave. In a postpandemic era where record numbers of teachers and school leaders are leaving the profession, mitigating burnout and improving the sustainability of the education workforce is essential. This chapter provides strategies at multiple levels, including the individual, school, and district, to reduce negative psychological impacts of educational work and inform structural changes. Policy recommendations at both the state and federal level are also provided. And lastly, implications for educator and principal preparation programs are detailed. Approaching burnout and well-being from a multilevel perspective can rectify both direct and indirect causes of burnout, and a systematic approach is more likely to lead to meaningful, sustained change to better working conditions. Improving the US educational system in a postpandemic era will require concerted efforts to support the head, the heart, and the health of public education professionals.

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2024

Maryam Nilghaz, Mohammadreza Shahparvari, Azita Hekmatdoost, Saeede Saadati, Moloud Ghorbani, Amir Sadeghi and Zahra Yari

Dietary components have been mentioned as modifiable risk factors in the development of gallstone disease (GSD), but it has been less addressed. The present study aimed to…

Abstract

Purpose

Dietary components have been mentioned as modifiable risk factors in the development of gallstone disease (GSD), but it has been less addressed. The present study aimed to investigate the potential association between different types of dietary carbohydrate and the risk of gallstone.

Design/methodology/approach

In this case-control study 189 patients diagnosed with GSD as a case group and 342 people as a control group were enrolled. Dietary intake of the participants was collected through a 168-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Total intakes of calories, macronutrients and different types of carbohydrate were estimated. Crude and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association between carbohydrate intake and GSD.

Findings

Patients with gallstone consumed significantly more fructose and sucrose and less fiber. After fully adjustment, the logistic regression indicated significant association between GSD with dietary intake of total carbohydrate (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.1–2.4, p = 0.009), sugar (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.8–1.7, p = 0.014), fructose (OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.7–3.9, p < 0.001), glucose (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.9, p = 0.002) and sucrose (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 0.9–1.6, p = 0.042). Also, increasing intakes of lactose, galactose and maltose were associated with a decrease in the risk of GSD, but not statistically significant, although lactose was close to significance (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.48–1, p = 0.051).

Originality/value

There is a positive and significant relationship between total carbohydrate, sugar, fructose, glucose and sucrose intake and the occurrence of gallstone.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 5 October 2020

Hannah R. Marston and Rachel Kowert

Video games are often thought of as trite activities for younger generations. However, research in game studies over the last few decades have revealed that games can be valuable…

1191

Abstract

Video games are often thought of as trite activities for younger generations. However, research in game studies over the last few decades have revealed that games can be valuable tools for growth and connection, particularly among older generations. Exploring the ways digital games can be used as tools for connection has gained increased attention in recent months with global quarantines as a result of COVID-19. This article reviews the research that has examined the utility of digital games for older adults, focusing specifically on the ways in which games can be tools for social connectedness and psychological healing for older adults and intergenerationally. Special focus will be placed on the role games can play for post-traumatic stress among first responders.

Details

Emerald Open Research, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3952

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 May 2024

Baharak Hooshyarfarzin, Mostafa Abbaszadeh and Mehdi Dehghan

The main aim of the current paper is to find a numerical plan for hydraulic fracturing problem with application in extracting natural gases and oil.

Abstract

Purpose

The main aim of the current paper is to find a numerical plan for hydraulic fracturing problem with application in extracting natural gases and oil.

Design/methodology/approach

First, time discretization is accomplished via Crank-Nicolson and semi-implicit techniques. At the second step, a high-order finite element method using quadratic triangular elements is proposed to derive the spatial discretization. The efficiency and time consuming of both obtained schemes will be investigated. In addition to the popular uniform mesh refinement strategy, an adaptive mesh refinement strategy will be employed to reduce computational costs.

Findings

Numerical results show a good agreement between the two schemes as well as the efficiency of the employed techniques to capture acceptable patterns of the model. In central single-crack mode, the experimental results demonstrate that maximal values of displacements in x- and y- directions are 0.1 and 0.08, respectively. They occur around both ends of the line and sides directly next to the line where pressure takes impact. Moreover, the pressure of injected fluid almost gained its initial value, i.e. 3,000 inside and close to the notch. Further, the results for non-central single-crack mode and bifurcated crack mode are depicted. In central single-crack mode and square computational area with a uniform mesh, computational times corresponding to the numerical schemes based on the high order finite element method for spatial discretization and Crank-Nicolson as well as semi-implicit techniques for temporal discretizations are 207.19s and 97.47s, respectively, with 2,048 elements, final time T = 0.2 and time step size τ = 0.01. Also, the simulations effectively illustrate a further decrease in computational time when the method is equipped with an adaptive mesh refinement strategy. The computational cost is reduced to 4.23s when the governed model is solved with the numerical scheme based on the adaptive high order finite element method and semi-implicit technique for spatial and temporal discretizations, respectively. Similarly, in other samples, the reduction of computational cost has been shown.

Originality/value

This is the first time that the high-order finite element method is employed to solve the model investigated in the current paper.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 April 2024

Natiq Yaseen Taha Al-Maneehlawi and Akram Jalil Kadhim Shubbar

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nonsimultaneous impact of three impactors with spherical tip on the response of a low-velocity impact on a beam.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nonsimultaneous impact of three impactors with spherical tip on the response of a low-velocity impact on a beam.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the third-order shear deformation theory of the beam with hyperbolic shear-strain function is used. Hamilton’s principle is applied to derive the motion equations. To simulate nonsimultaneous impacts, by using the Hertz nonlinear contact law, the contact of the impactors with different times is simulated. Comparisons with other articles are carried out in the one impactor form.

Findings

In the parametric study, the histories of the contact force and displacement of the beam are investigated in the presence of only one impactor in the center of the beam and also in the presence of three impactors, one in the center of the beam and the other two around the first impactor with a delay. One of the important and noteworthy points is that the presence of two impactors with a delay causes the maximum contact force and contact time to decrease and the maximum displacement of the beam center to increase.

Originality/value

The original point of this paper is what is the difference between the impact response of one projectile and three nonsimultaneous projectiles on the beam.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Helen Parr and Gaia Cetrano

Violence and aggression against mental health professionals is a global concern with well-documented consequences. In the UK, mental health care is increasingly delivered in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Violence and aggression against mental health professionals is a global concern with well-documented consequences. In the UK, mental health care is increasingly delivered in the community, yet little research has explored practitioner experiences of workplace violence (WPV) outside of inpatient settings. This study aimed to explore how mental health professionals in a UK community mental health team (CMHT) perceive, experience and cope with WPV.

Design/methodology/approach

Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten multidisciplinary professionals based in a CMHT in a UK city. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Findings

Three interconnected themes emerged. WPV was accepted as inevitable: participants carried on working despite its impact, and feeling unheard by management they gave up on change, perpetuating the perceived inevitability of WPV. Peer support and organisational resources like debriefing, counselling and occupational health improved coping. Stigma and ideas of professional responsibility were barriers to access.

Originality/value

To mitigate against the negative consequences of WPV, CMHTs could offer peer support initiatives, improve communication and availability of organisational resources and involve staff in post-incident decision-making. Recommendations are made to shift the attitude of acceptance of WPV and encourage help-seeking.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 November 2023

Janine Arantes

The purpose of this scoping rapid review was to identify and analyse existing qualitative methodologies that have been used to investigate K-12 teachers' lived experiences of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping rapid review was to identify and analyse existing qualitative methodologies that have been used to investigate K-12 teachers' lived experiences of adult cyber abuse as a result of student content “going viral” to propose a novel methodological stance incorporating the Australian Online Safety Act 2021.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of Google Scholar was conducted using keywords and phrases related to cyber trauma, teachers, qualitative methods and the Online Safety Act. Inclusion criteria for the review were: (1) published in English, (2) focused on teachers' experiences of online abuse and cyberbullying associated with viral posts and (3) employed a qualitative inquiry methodology. Full-text articles were obtained for those that met the inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and analysed using a PRISMA flowchart and inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

This methodology is considered to be justified, as the eSafety Commissioner's Safety-by-Design principles do not have any legal or regulatory enforceability, whereas the Online Safety Act 2021 provides the Australian eSafety Commissioner an avenue to drive greater algorithmic transparency and accountability.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this review informed the development of a novel methodological stance for investigating Australian teachers' lived experiences of adult cyber abuse associated with viral posts. It provides a methodological positioning to support trauma informed qualitative research into adult cyber abuse, informed by the work of the eSafety Commissioner and the Online Safety Act.

Originality/value

Cybertrauma is described as “any trauma that is a result of self- or, other-directed interaction with, mediated through, or from any electronic Internet/cyberspace ready device or machine learning algorithm, that results in impact now or the future” (Knibbs, 2021). It may result from the tracking of movement through various mobile phone features and applications such as location sharing, non-consensual monitoring of social media, and humiliation or punishment through the sharing of intimate images online, through to direct messages of abuse or threats of violence or humiliation. These actions are further perpetuated through automated searches, insights and recommendations on social media (i.e. engagement metrics promote memes, Facebook posts, Tweets, Tiktoks, Youtubes and so on). This is a novel methodology, as it not only considers direct cybertrauma but also automated forms of cybertrauma.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2024

Ashish Paul, Bhagyashri Patgiri and Neelav Sarma

Flow induced by rotating disks is of great practical importance in several engineering applications such as rotating heat exchangers, turbine disks, pumps and many more. The…

Abstract

Purpose

Flow induced by rotating disks is of great practical importance in several engineering applications such as rotating heat exchangers, turbine disks, pumps and many more. The present research has been freshly displayed regarding the implementation of an engine oil-based Casson tri-hybrid nanofluid across a rotating disk in mass and heat transferal developments. The purpose of this study is to contemplate the attributes of the flowing tri-hybrid nanofluid by incorporating porosity effects and magnetization and velocity slip effects, viscous dissipation, radiating flux, temperature slip, chemical reaction and activation energy.

Design/methodology/approach

The articulated fluid flow is described by a set of partial differential equations which are converted into one set of higher-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by using convenient conversions. The numerical solution of this transformed set of ODEs has been spearheaded by using the effectual bvp4c scheme.

Findings

The acquired results show that the heat transmission rate for the Casson tri-hybrid nanofluid is intensified by, respectively, 9.54% and 11.93% when compared to the Casson hybrid nanofluid and Casson nanofluid. Also, the mass transmission rate for the Casson tri-hybrid nanofluid is augmented by 1.09% and 2.14%, respectively, when compared to the Casson hybrid nanofluid and Casson nanofluid.

Originality/value

The current investigation presents an educative response on how the flow profiles vary with changes in the inevitable flow parameters. As per authors’ knowledge, no such scrutinization has been carried out previously; therefore, our results are novel and unique.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

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