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Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

John M. Violanti and Michael E. Andrew

Policing requires atypical work hours. The present study examined associations between shiftwork and pregnancy loss among female police officers.

Abstract

Purpose

Policing requires atypical work hours. The present study examined associations between shiftwork and pregnancy loss among female police officers.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 91 female officers with a prior history of at least one pregnancy. Shiftwork information was assessed using daily electronic payroll work records. Any prior pregnancy loss (due to miscarriage) was self-reported. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for main associations.

Findings

On average, the officers were 42 years old, had 14 years of service, and 56% reported a prior pregnancy loss. Officers who worked dominantly on the afternoon or night shift during their career had 96% greater odds of pregnancy loss compared to those on day shift (OR = 1.96, 95% CI:0.71–5.42), but the result was not statistically significant. A 25% increase in percent of hours worked on night shift was associated with 87% increased odds of pregnancy loss (OR = 1.87, 95% CI:1.01–3.47). Associations were adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors. Objective assessment of shiftwork via electronic records strengthened the study. Limitations include small sample size, cross-sectional design and lack of details on pregnancy loss or the timing of pregnancy loss with regard to shiftwork.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is preliminary and cross-sectional.

Practical implications

With considerable further inquiry and findings into this topic, results may have an impact on police policy affecting shift work and pregnant police officers.

Social implications

Implication on the health and welfare of police officers.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, there are no empirical studies which associate shiftwork and pregnancy loss among police officers. This preliminary study suggested an association between shiftwork and increased odds of pregnancy loss and points out the need for further study.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 April 2024

Allison Traylor, Julie Dinh, Chelsea LeNoble, Jensine Paoletti, Marissa Shuffler, Donald Wiper and Eduardo Salas

Teams across a wide range of contexts must look beyond task performance to consider the affective, cognitive and behavioral health of their members. Despite much interest in team…

Abstract

Purpose

Teams across a wide range of contexts must look beyond task performance to consider the affective, cognitive and behavioral health of their members. Despite much interest in team health in practice, consideration of team health has remained scant from a research perspective. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues by advancing a definition and model of team health.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review relevant literature on team stress, processes and emergent states to propose a definition and model of team health.

Findings

The authors advance a definition of team health, or the holistic, dynamic compilation of states that emerge and interact as a team resource to buffer stress. Further, the authors argue that team health improves outcomes at both the individual and team level by improving team members’ well-being and enhancing team effectiveness, respectively. In addition, the authors propose a framework integrating the job demands-resources model with the input-mediator-output-input model of teamwork to illustrate the behavioral drivers that promote team health, which buffers teams stress to maintain members’ well-being and team effectiveness.

Originality/value

This work answers calls from multidisciplinary industries for work that considers team health, providing implications for future research in this area.

Details

Team Performance Management: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7592

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 February 2024

Ali Hashemi, Hamed Taheri and Mohammad Dehghani

To prevent the coil from burning or getting damaged, it is necessary to estimate the duration of its operation as long as its temperature does not exceed the permissible limit…

Abstract

Purpose

To prevent the coil from burning or getting damaged, it is necessary to estimate the duration of its operation as long as its temperature does not exceed the permissible limit. This paper aims to investigate the effect of switching on the thermal behavior of impregnated and nonimpregnated windings. Also, the safe operating time for each winding is determined.

Design/methodology/approach

The power loss of the winding is expressed as a function of the winding specifications. Using homogenization techniques, the equivalent thermal properties for the homogenized winding are calculated and used in a proposed thermal equivalent circuit for winding modeling and analysis. The validity and accuracy of the proposed model are determined by comparing its analysis results and simulation and measurement results.

Findings

The results show that copper windings have better thermal behavior and lower temperature compared to aluminum windings. On the other hand, by impregnating or increasing the packing factor of the winding, the thermal behavior is improved. Also, by choosing the right duty cycle for the winding current source, it is possible to prevent the burning or damage of the winding and increase its lifespan. Comparing the measurement results with the analysis results shows that the proposed equivalent circuit has an error of less than 4% in the calculation of the winding center temperature.

Research limitations/implications

In this paper, the effect of temperature on the electrical resistance of the coil is ignored. Also, rectangular wires were not investigated. Research in these topics are considered as future work.

Originality/value

By calculating the thermal time constant of the winding, its safe operation time can be calculated so that its temperature does not exceed the tolerable value (150 °C). The proposed method analyzes both impregnated and nonimpregnated windings with various schemes. It investigates the effects of switching on their thermal behavior. Additionally, it determines the safe operating time for each type of winding.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 August 2023

Zul-Atfi Ismail

At the beginning of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a digitalized construction environments surfaced in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC…

Abstract

Purpose

At the beginning of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a digitalized construction environments surfaced in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in the form of a modern delivery system called demand controlled ventilation (DCV). Demand controlled ventilation has the potential to solve the building ventilation's biggest problem of managing indoor air quality (IAQ) for controlling COVID-19 transmission in indoor environments. However, the improper evaluation and information management of infection prevention on dense crowd activities such as measurement errors and volatile organic compound (VOC) generation failure rates, is fragmented so the aim of this research is to integrate this and explore potentials with machine learning algorithms (MLAs).

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is a thorough systematic literature review (SLR) approach. The results of this research consist of a detailed description of the DCV system and digitalized construction process of its IAQ elements.

Findings

The discussion revealed that DCV has a potential for being further integrated by perceiving it as a MLAs and hereby enabling the management of IAQ level from the perspective of health risk function mechanism (i.e. VOC and CO2) for maintaining a comfortable thermal environment and save energy of public and private buildings (PPBs). The appropriate MLA can also be selected in different occupancy patterns for seasonal variations, ventilation behavior, building type and locations, as well as current indoor air pollution control strategies. Furthermore, the conceptual framework showed that MLA application such as algorithm design/Model Predictive Control (MPC) integration can alleviate the high spread limitation of COVID-19 in the indoor environment.

Originality/value

Finally, the research concludes that a large unexploited potential within integration and innovation is recognized in the DCV system and MLAs which can be improved to optimize level of IAQ from the perspective of health throughout the building sector DCV process systems. The requirements of CO2 based DCV along with VOC concentrations monitoring practice should be taken into consideration through further research and experience with adaption and implementation from the ventilation control initial stage of the DCV process.

Details

Open House International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2022

Zul-Atfi Bin Ismail

The improper evaluation and information management of circular economy (CE) (i.e. design, planning, supply chain, waste pile and material hazard) is critical for public health and…

Abstract

Purpose

The improper evaluation and information management of circular economy (CE) (i.e. design, planning, supply chain, waste pile and material hazard) is critical for public health and is a major problem in the waste management of precast concrete (PC) building manufacture and construction and demolition wastes industry. The CE model is particularly problematic for PC building construction projects where the standard practices for the total number of waste building materials are not appropriate and do not match the safe disposal design specification, such as the recent number increase in the Malaysian illegal construction waste pile during the Movement Control Order (11 March 2021, about 5 out of 29 landfills related to states enforcing Act 672). The study aims to develop a framework application (i.e. Building Information Modelling [BIM]) that supports intelligent waste recycling management and sophisticated CE model system solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Thus, the development of a new BIM-based programming algorithm approach is proposed for optimising CE in accordance with the needs of the current PC building construction schemes. As a precursor to this study, the concepts of CE practices are reviewed and the main features of BIM tools and techniques currently being employed on such projects are presented.

Findings

Sophisticated CE system solutions are described as an essential component of this optimisation to reduce the amount of waste generated at the end of the life cycle of PC building construction projects and to better manage the resources used throughout it.

Originality/value

Finally, the potential for a research framework for developing such a system in the future is presented.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Maximilian Andreas Storz, Maria Brommer, Alessandra Feraco, Alexander Müller, Alvaro Luis Ronco and Mauro Lombardo

Changes in eating habits and food preferences caused by circadian rhythm disruptions in shift workers increase the risk for chronic diseases. Several studies demonstrated that…

Abstract

Purpose

Changes in eating habits and food preferences caused by circadian rhythm disruptions in shift workers increase the risk for chronic diseases. Several studies demonstrated that shift work exerts adverse effects on various risk factors for cardiometabolic disease and cancer. Moreover, shift work leads to altered eating patterns, including diets low in alkaline foods (such as vegetables, fruit and legumes) and high in acidogenic foods (such as meat, fish and cheese). Previously not examined, this imbalance could result in a high dietary acid load (DAL). DAL has been linked to low-grade metabolic acidosis, tissue inflammation and other metabolic alterations. The aim of this study was to investigate the hypothesis that shift work is positively associated with an increased DAL.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007–2010). The sample for this analysis was drawn from a representative multistage-probability sample of US civilians. DAL estimations included potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP). Acid load scores and nutrient intake were compared between regular day workers (n = 3,814; mean age, 43.7 ± 0.3; mean body mass index (BMI), 28.6 ± 0.1; females 46.9%) and shift workers (n = 881; age, 37.4 ± 0.6; BMI, 28.4 ± 0.3; females 48.1%). Evening/night shift workers combined with rotating shift workers were contrasted to participants on a regular daytime schedule.

Findings

Potassium and magnesium intake were significantly lower in shift workers, whereas no significant differences with regard to total energy intake were found. The authors found significantly higher crude NEAPF scores in shift workers (mean: 61.8 ± 1.2 mEq/day) compared to regular day workers (mean: 58.7 ± 0.5 mEq/day, P = 0.023). After adjustment for confounders, however, this association remained no longer significant. There were no significant intergroup differences regarding NEAPR and PRALR.

Research limitations/implications

This study revealed significant differences in crude NEAPF scores between shift workers and day workers. After adjustment for confounders, this association was no longer significant. Such discrepancy is probably because of the scarce homogeneity in the analyzed sample which represents the main limitation of this study. Thus, the results did not confirm the hypothesis that shift work is associated with elevated DAL scores. Importantly, the data suggest significant intergroup differences in nutrient intakes without confirming our initial hypothesis with regard to DAL.

Originality/value

In light of the detrimental health outcomes associated with an increased DAL, this study reinforces the call for evidence-based dietary guidelines in shift workers. Studies in other shift working populations are thus warranted.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 53 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 September 2023

Hani Atwa, Anas Alfadani, Joud Damanhori, Mohamed Seifalyazal, Mohamed Shehata and Asmaa Abdel Nasser

Patient safety focuses on minimizing risks that might occur to patients during provision of healthcare. The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare practitioners’…

Abstract

Purpose

Patient safety focuses on minimizing risks that might occur to patients during provision of healthcare. The purpose of this study was to explore healthcare practitioners’ attitudes towards patient safety inside different hospital settings in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of healthcare practitioners in main hospitals in Jeddah. Two main hospitals (one governmental and one private) were selected from each region of Jeddah (east, west, north and south), with a total number of eight out of thirty hospitals. Data were collected through the Attitudes to Patient Safety Questionnaire III that was distributed online. The questionnaire used a 5-point scale. Descriptive statistics were used. Comparisons were made by independent t-test and ANOVA. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05.

Findings

The study included 341 healthcare practitioners of different sexes and specialties in eight major governmental and private hospitals in Jeddah. “Working hours as error cause” subscale had the highest mean score (4.03 ± 0.89), while “Professional incompetence as error cause” had the lowest mean score (3.49 ± 0.97). The total questionnaire had a moderate average score (3.74 ± 0.63). Weak correlations between the average score of the questionnaire and sex, occupation and workplace were found (−0.119, −0.018 and −0.088, respectively).

Practical implications

Hospitals need to develop targeted interventions, including continuing professional development programs, to enhance patient safety culture and practices. Moreover, patient safety training is required at the undergraduate education level, which necessitates health professions education institutions to give more attention to patient safety education in their curricula.

Originality/value

The study contributed to the existing literature on patient safety culture in hospital settings in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The insights generated by the study can inform targeted interventions to enhance patient safety culture in hospitals and improve patient outcomes.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Lejla Nikšić and Ebru Arıkan Öztürk

This study aims to analyse the air traffic control (ATC)-related accidents and incidents. The paper aims to determine technical, operational and environmental factors that…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the air traffic control (ATC)-related accidents and incidents. The paper aims to determine technical, operational and environmental factors that influence ATC-related accidents and incidents. This is important to reduce the number of these accidents.

Design/methodology/approach

This predictive and dipendence study investigated situational factors indicated in the data sets of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) (for the period 2008–2018). The specific factors were time of day in which accident occurred, location, air traffic management (ATM) contribution, flight rules, ATC unit and outside factors. Logistic regression was used to differentiate factors between fatal ATC-related accidents versus ATC-related incidents. Further, by using Pearson’s chi-squared test, significant relationships between all factors in ATC-related accidents and ATC-related incidents were identified.

Findings

The results showed that five factors of total six factors – ATM contribution, flight rules, ATC unit, outside factors and aircraft location – influence to ATC-related accidents and incidents. Further, results showed significant relationships between each all factors in ATC-related accidents and incidents. According to that, differences and similitudes are presented.

Originality/value

After more than 20 years, study about ATC-related accidents and incidents was necessary to establish changements in thıs type of accidents. Belong of that, this is the first study that used data sets of both, NTSB and EASA, to determine the factors that affect ATC-related accidents and incidents.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 95 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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