Code Of Practice Research Articles

Design-informed generative modelling of skeletal structures using structural optimization

Although various structural optimization techniques have a sound mathematical basis, the structural robustness and practical constructability of optimal designs pose a great challenge in the manufacturing stage. This paper presents an automated novel approach stemming from structural optimization and engineering principles, where discrete members of the structurally optimized designs are driven towards optimal utilization. The developed workflow unifies topology, layout and size optimization in a single parametric platform, which subsequently outputs a ready-to-manufacture CAD skeletal model which can be manufactured either additively or by assembly. All such outputs are checked and validated for structural requirements; strength, stiffness and stability in accordance with standard codes of practice. In the implementations, first, a topology-optimal model is generated and converted to a one-pixel-wide chain model using skeletonization. Herein, this paper uses a novel efficient method to extract the skeleton by using pixel-padding near the domain borders. Secondly, a spatial frame is extracted from the skeleton for its member size and layout optimization. Finally, the CAD model is generated using constructive solid geometry trees and the structural integrity of each member is assessed to ensure structural robustness prior to manufacturing. Various examples presented in the paper showcase the validity of the presented workflow across various structural engineering applications.

Feasibility study of shielded diode detector for small field dosimetry.

Improved imaging techniques and modern radiotherapy treatment delivery in the treatment field are reduced to the precise size of the tumor, which necessitates the need for small-field dosimetry. Dosimetry in small-field dosimetry is challenging because most of the available code of practice for dosimetry is based on the cavity theory concept. Some small-sized detectors show good spatial resolution and sensitivity. Of the available small detectors, the diamond detector's performance is remarkably good. Most of the centers for radiotherapy lack diamond detectors. In this situation, if a diode detector is available, we can use it for small-field dosimetry by applying the Daisy Chaining method correction methods. In this study, the diode detector's response is not over-responding because of the defective diode. So this diode cannot be used for further measurements, and we have to regularly check the performance of the diode before using it for measurements.

Cultural blind spots: Identifying hidden psychosocial hazards in the workplace.

This article presents a framework to identify hidden psychosocial hazards and emerging mental health risks in the workplace, thereby assisting Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking. The framework adds value to the processes outlined in SafeWork NSW's Code of Practice for Managing Psychosocial Hazards At Work. Specifically, the article documents a framework to analyse microcultures and back stage sites of enactment where psychosocial hazards and risks may be hidden or obscured in workplace settings. The article's framework aims to bring to the surface both the intra and interpersonal tensions employees experience in the social reality they inhabit while they perform their work, thereby positively contributing to organisations and PCBUs by helping them create healthy workplace cultures and psychological safety. Specifically, the article discusses partnering with an organisational ethnographer when a PCBU embarks upon psychosocial investigations to: gain access, select employee participants, start conversations, establish rapport, build trust, collect and analyse data. This article theoretically contributes to health promotion literatures by offering organisations a complementary way of extracting deeper insights and understandings of psychosocial hazards and emerging mental health risks which are not apparent with traditional methods of inquiry.

Managing Substance Use Disorders and Addiction: How to Integrate Professionalism and Ethics with the Complexity of Diagnosis and Therapy

Physicians and other healthcare staff who work with the patients having substance use disorders (SUDs) and addiction have to deal with different and complex scenario invariably in comparison to other healthcare providers dealing with regular medical services sought by the patients. Hence, the unconventional nature of practice regarding patients of SUDs and addiction and the diverse range of backgrounds among substance use workers, e.g., psychiatrist, general physician, nurse, psychotherapist, counsellor, social worker, and public health specialist highlights the universal relevance of being more professional and more ethical in practice. They are expected to demonstrate a variety of ethical and professional competences to safeguard themselves and others involved. Clinical team engaged in such activities requires specific ethical training that can help them face specific ethical dilemmas and guide through deeper consideration of those pressing and complex issues, using specific framework, professional guidelines, or institutional management approaches. Professional societies and accrediting institutions should apply their authority to establish practice standards, competencies, regulatory procedures, and codes of ethics to help guide practice and protect public trust and confidence. For the team involved in practice, it is important to become familiar with and adhere to the principles and values that define professionalism and ethical conduct in care for patients suffering from SUDs and addiction. The review paper aims to examine the intersection of professionalism and ethics with the complexity of diagnosis and therapy in this specific area of practice. Besides, some frameworks will be highlighted which may help healthcare providers to foster ethical decision making. It is also a modest effort to show some new insights for improving the quality of care in addiction and mental health by the professional team and healthcare organization from both clinical and operational viewpoint. Mugda Med Coll J. 2024; 7(1): 42-47

Optimizing performance efficiency of algal-bacterial-based wastewater treatment system using response surface methodology

Developing wastewater treatment technologies is crucial for enhancing treatment efficiency and promoting the reuse of treated water. In this article, the Algal-Bacterial integrated system (ABIS) is employed to treat municipal wastewater collected from the Zenin wastewater treatment plant in Giza governorate, Egypt. This system relies on the synergy between heterotrophic bacteria and microalgae to form a biofilm capable of absorbing contaminants from the wastewater. The main objective of this study is to optimize the factors influencing the treatment efficiency using response surface methodology derived from the experimental design software of Design Expert 6.0.8. The optimal results revealed that using an absorber amount of 0.18 g/L for a hydraulic retention time of 1.4 d provides removal efficiency of BOD, COD, TSS, and turbidity are 88.57%, 82.7 %, 94.90%, and 95.91%, respectively. These findings were experimentally and statistically verified with an accuracy exceeding a 95% confidence interval and 95% prediction interval. The physicochemical characteristics, algal community structure, as well as the density of total coliform, fecal coliform, and Escherichia coli (E. coli), were determined for the treated wastewater and compared to the Egyptian code of practice for the use of treated municipal wastewater for agricultural purposes to assess its suitability for unrestricted irrigation.

Enhancing ethical codes with artificial intelligence governance – a growing necessity for the adoption of generative AI in counselling

ABSTRACT The advent of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, such as large language model chatbots, is likely to have a significant impact in psychotherapy and counselling in the future. In this paper we consider the current state of AI in psychotherapy and counselling and the likely evolution of this field. We examine the ethical codes of practice for counselling in four countries in different parts of the world, namely the UK, the USA, Australia and Malaysia, and identify aspects of these codes that will need enhancement to reflect good AI governance. Using the Model Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework as an example, we have identified how the key elements of the AI framework relate to the core elements of the ethical codes, as a pointer to how such ethical codes will need to be enhanced if generative AI systems are to be adopted by the counselling profession.

Collaboration Practices for the Cybersecurity of Supply Chains to Critical Infrastructure

This work describes the collaboration practices of a community of interest in the UK that brings together cybersecurity professionals with a shared interest in improving supply chain cybersecurity for Operational Technology (OT) environments. This research emphasizes the need for collective responsibility between organizations and provides a set of principles for adopting a code of practice and partnership approach to supply chain cybersecurity. This work has enabled cybersecurity experience from several critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, rail, aviation, water, health, and food, to analyze the uptake and practical use of existing supply chain guidance, identifying gaps and challenges. The community has examined touch points with the supply chain and identified improvements related to the communication of cybersecurity requirements, technical and commercial engagement between customers and suppliers, and in the tailoring of implementations towards operational technology contexts. Communicating the context of securing cyber-physical systems is an essential perspective for this community. This work exemplifies a partnership framework and is translating experiences into useful guidance, particularly for OT systems, to improve cybersecurity levels across multiple contributors to critical infrastructure systems.

Disclosing the undisclosed: are radiographers and healthcare scientists required to communicate a provisional diagnosis when asked?

Patients need to be given the relevant information to be able to give informed consent, which might require the disclosure of a provisional diagnosis. Yet, there is no duty to...

Article: Do Private Actors Have Rights under the WTO? The Motivation for and (Inadequate) Implementation of GATT Article X

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) Article X has been consistently overlooked in literature even though it is a unique provision in the GATT-regime: it acknowledges standing for private actors who can challenge trade-related administrative action by World Trade Organization (WTO) members. This provision is an unusual instantiation of the need to provide transparency for private actors about state policy. It is equally eccentric in seeming to provide a right for private actors to challenge governments, albeit only before domestic fora. How did the GATT end up with this provision? And are these apparent private rights meaningful in practice? Since implementation of Article X rarely arises in WTO disputes, this paper proposes an answer to the second question based on six case studies of the United States of America (US), Canada, the European Union (EU), Brazil, China, and India. This is a heterogenous group that comprises big trading nations. We find wide variance in state practice. We conclude with suggestions that would strengthen the WTO demos by providing better information through WTO monitoring on the rights accorded to private actors and the introduction of an explicit code of good practice.

Ethical Disputes over Freebies and Gifts in Journalism Practice: An Analysis of 133 Media Ethics Codes

How do media ethics codes regulate journalists’ treatment of freebies in relation to the public’s right to journalism? This study examines 133 media ethics codes from 87 countries and regions. The analysis reveals that most codes overlook the issue of freebies in daily news practice. Among the 133 codes, 49 explicitly address freebies, with varying degrees of specificity, generally categorized into absolute prohibition, relative prohibition, and intermediate attitudes. Ethical codes need more explicit guidance on how journalists should handle freebies to ensure consistency on this issue. Additionally, the normative guidance on freebies requires greater operational feasibility. To enhance the effectiveness of ethical codes in journalism practice, this paper proposes incorporating the principles of bottom line, relevance, and openness in the discussion and revision of ethics codes.

Evaluating Partial Safety Factors for Shear Strength in Bearing Capacity Calculations for Cohesionless Soils

Calculating bearing capacity is critical when designing shallow foundations. Many countries use limit state design (LSD) as the standard method for geotechnical design. The paper aims to develop realistic LSD partial factors for bearing capacity calculations of shallow foundations on cohesionless soils based on full-scale model tests. The experimental setup consisted of a hydraulic jack, concrete footing, sand samples, and pressure cells placed in a cylindrical wall. Fifteen sand samples were tested and classified by gradation and relative density. Settlement curves were plotted for each sample under an increasing load. The measured ultimate bearing stresses were found to be higher than theoretical values calculated using traditional methods. This indicates that the traditional approach is conservative. The suggested safety factor for the internal friction angle in cohesionless soils (γtan(ϕ)= 1.10) is notably lower than the values specified in Eurocode 7 at 1.25 and the Egyptian code of practice at 1.30. The proposed LSD partial factors allow for more economical designs than traditional factors while maintaining safety. The full-scale model-testing approach is novel and provides realistic factors directly applicable to Egyptian codes. The results are satisfactory and reasonable for the geotechnical design of shallow foundations on cohesionless soils. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-07-015 Full Text: PDF

Study of web application development methodology for a medical clinic using React

The article explores in detail the methodologies for developing web applications for medical clinics using the popular React library. The main goal of this study is the analysis of modern approaches to the creation of web applications that meet the specific requirements of medical institutions. Particular attention is paid to the functional and non-functional characteristics that are critical to such systems, including data security, user experience, integration with existing systems, and compliance with regulatory standards. First of all, a comprehensive analysis of the requirements of medical clinics for web applications was carried out. Data security is one of the most important aspects as healthcare institutions work with sensitive information. The study examines methods for ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of medical data, including compliance with HIPAA and GDPR standards. React makes it easy to integrate modern security tools such as JWT (JSON Web Tokens) for authentication and authorization, and use secure HTTP connections for data transfer. In addition, special attention is paid to the user experience (UX/UI), which should ensure the convenience and efficiency of using the web application by both medical personnel and patients. React allows you to create dynamic and interactive interfaces that can adapt to different devices and screens, thus providing a high-quality user experience. This is especially important for medical applications, where the accuracy and speed of interaction can affect the quality of healthcare delivery. A detailed description of best practices and approaches to web application development using React is provided. A component architecture is considered, which provides modularity and code reuse, which is a key factor in creating scalable and easily maintainable applications. Different methods of state management in the application, such as the use of Context API and Redux, have been explored, which allows for efficient data management and stable operation of the application. Guidelines for configuring routing using the React Router library are described, allowing you to create dynamic and multi-page applications while providing smooth navigation and a good user experience. In addition, ways to ensure application security are considered, including protection against XSS attacks, CSRF and other types of vulnerabilities, which is critical in medical applications. The article provides specific recommendations for implementing a web application for a medical clinic. They include practical code examples that demonstrate the implementation of key functionalities such as user registration and authentication, medical record processing, and database interaction. The process of setting up the infrastructure for development, testing and deployment of the application is described, including the use of CI/CD tools to automate these processes, which contributes to increasing the efficiency of development and the quality of the final product. The article provides valuable information for developers who seek to create effective and secure web applications for medical clinics using modern technologies. The conclusions and recommendations presented in the study will help ensure high quality and compliance of the developed solutions with modern industry standards and requirements, which will contribute to increasing the efficiency of the work of medical institutions and the quality of medical services provided to patients

Prediction and reliability analysis of shear strength of RC deep beams

This study explores machine learning (ML) capabilities for predicting the shear strength of reinforced concrete deep beams (RCDBs). For this purpose, eight typical machine-learning models, i.e., symbolic regression (SR), XGBoost (XGB), CatBoost (CATB), random forest (RF), LightGBM, support vector regression (SVR), artificial neural networks (ANN), and Gaussian process regression (GPR) models, are selected and compared based on a database of 840 samples with 14 input features. The hyperparameter tuning of the introduced ML models is performed using the Bayesian optimization (BO) technique. The comparison results show that the CatBoost model is the most reliable and accurate ML model (R2 = 0.997 and 0.947 in the training and testing sets, respectively). In addition, simple and practical design expressions for RCDBs have been proposed based on the SR model with a physical meaning and acceptable accuracy (an average prediction-to-test ratio of 0.935 and a standard deviation of 0.198). Meanwhile, the shear strength predicted by ML models was then compared with classical mechanics-driven shear models, including two prominent practice codes (i.e., ACI318, EC2) and two previous mechanical models, which indicated that the ML approach is highly reliable and accurate over conventional methods. In addition, a reliability-based design was conducted on two ML models, and their reliability results were compared with those of two code standards. The findings revealed that the ML models demonstrate higher reliability compared to code standards.

Provisions Comparison of The National Building Regulations (The Eighth Topic) and Iranian Code of Practice for Seismic Resistant Design of Buildings (2800 Standard) for Masonry Buildings with Ring Beam

Provisions Comparison of The National Building Regulations (The Eighth Topic) and Iranian Code of Practice for Seismic Resistant Design of Buildings (2800 Standard) for Masonry Buildings with Ring Beam

The changing shape of general practice in Scotland: the rise of the ‘megapractice’

ObjectivesTo describe the trends in the nature of general practices in Scotland between 2014/15 and 2023. Study designDescriptive ecological study. MethodsWe obtained data from Public Health Scotland and used general practitioner (GP) practice codes, practice names, and the General Medical Council (GMC) numbers of their listed GPs to describe trends in practice characteristics and to identify individual practices that were likely to be operating as a single entity. ResultsDefining practice entities is difficult because different GP practice codes are often retained when GPs are performing across multiple practices. If GP practice codes alone are used, the median practice list size increased from 5094 to 5881, and the mean from 5588 to 6289, between 2013/14 and 2020/21. There was one outlier practice that grew to have over 45,000 patients registered by 2020/21. However, this underestimates the extent of this new mega-practice phenomenon. Using the GMC numbers of GPs listed as performers to identify where the same GPs are working across multiple GP practice codes, we identified a series of mega-practices that span across health board areas and which have experienced a dramatic increase in their list size (with the two largest having list sizes of over 101,000 and 77,000 patients, respectively). ConclusionsFurther research is needed to better understand: how mega-practices provide services and whether this differs from other practices; where financial rewards accumulate within mega-practices; differences in staffing between mega-practices and other models; and the impacts mega-practices have on the quality and continuity of care and on health and inequality outcomes.

Perspectives of young people with SEND on a supported internship programme in the UK

AbstractIndividuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are currently underrepresented in employment, and supported internships have been promoted to increase the likelihood of young people with SEND gaining paid employment. The SEND Code of Practice and the Preparing for Adulthood agenda emphasise the need to improve future outcomes for young people with SEND. This study explored young people's views on a supported internship programme and perceived facilitators or barriers to preparing for adulthood. A qualitative approach was adopted, analysing semi‐structured interviews with eight young people with SEND on one supported internship programme. The findings indicated that the young people positively evaluated the supported internship, appreciating the availability of opportunities and the support provided while on the programme. Perceived barriers included adults not understanding or meeting their needs, perceptions of still being treated like children and the lack of availability of certain opportunities. Findings are discussed with relevance to existing research, and implications for practice and future research are also outlined.

Islam: The Complete, Functional and Practical Guide to Life

People say developed countries became developed by following secularism while Muslim countries became backward by following Islam. This is false perception. In fact developed countries are following Islamic principles unknowingly in all the areas of development; Islamic principles of rule of law, justice, honesty, integrity, research and knowledge learning, development and application. Developed countries and corruption ridden Muslim countries are self harming in all those areas where they are not following Islamic principles; resource intensive hedonism, predatory economic and financial policies, corruption, fraud, injustice, prejudice and selective exploitation of people. Latest development in many developed countries is adoption of prohibition of smoking in public places and this is also based on Islamic principle of avoiding greater harm. So Islam is an essential aspect of humanity’s existence. It teaches us how to conduct ourselves in all aspects of life in a morally and legally upright manner. Islam created a well-defined system of laws governing moral behavior, civil and political rights, social issues and rights, marriage and divorce laws, inheritance rights, and all other matters we deal with daily. It serves as a guide to life in all its facets and is not just for the mosque. Since Islam is logical and rational, it keeps a Muslim free from confusion of any kind. These are some of the main points raised in the paper regarding how Islam is a comprehensive, functional, and practical code of life. Nine major relevant and significant fields have been discussed: the Islamic political system, law and legal system, Jihad, economic system, education system, marriage and family, Islamic society, the mindset, and the hijab. The discussion is analytical and comparative addressing secular ideologies based on Islamic texts and social sciences. The paper establishes that the Islamic system is the alternative system that can replace secular ideologies. This paper has been summarized from a broader and larger discussion of the same topic.

Design cost minimization of a reinforced concrete column section using overnew swarm-based optimization algorithms

It is very tiresome for a practiser to detect the best feasible sizing design of structural members including reinforced concrete columns that is a highly nonlinear and complicated structural engineering optimization problem. This is due to such a design is practically conducted via conventional trial-and-error computing methods in which resistance to external loads, cost efficiency, and aesthetic factors, etc. have to be considered. This study focuses on minimizing the design cost of primarily proposed reinforced concrete column design problem via three overnew swarm-based optimizers such as Coati Optimization Algorithm, Fox Optimizer and Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA) that are firstly utilized for this purpose. In this regard, the type of steel rebar distribution, the characteristic strength of the concrete, the height and width of the column section, and the number and diameter of the rebars are treated as discrete design variables of the newly proposed complex reinforced concrete column design cost optimization problem. In solution, the design requirements specified in practice code provisions should also be met. Here, Turkish Building Earthquake Code 2018 specifications are considered as practice structural design constraints. Consequently, the algorithmic performances of three overnew swarm-based metaheuristic optimization algorithms are compared and evaluated in detail. Amongst them, the POA shows most fruitful algorithmic design solution performance.

A systematic review of assisted and third-party reproduction guidelines regarding management and care of donors

BackgroundGamete and embryo donors face complex challenges affecting their health and quality of life. Healthcare providers need access to well-structured, evidence-based, and needs-based guidance to care for gamete and embryo donors. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to synthesize current assisted and third-party reproduction guidelines regarding management and care of donors.MethodsThe databases of ISI, PubMed, Scopus, and websites of organizations related to the assisted reproduction were searched using the keywords of “third party reproduction”, “gamete donation”, “embryo donation”, “guidelines”, “committee opinion”, and “best practice”, without time limit up to July 2023. All the clinical or ethical guidelines and best practice statements regarding management and care for gamete and embryo donors written in the English language were included in the study. Quality assessment was carried using AGREE II tool. Included documents were reviewed and extracted data were narratively synthesized.ResultsIn this systematic review 14 related documents were reviewed of which eight were guidelines, three were practice codes and three were committee opinions. Five documents were developed in the United States, three in Canada, two in the United Kingdom, one in Australia, and one in Australia and New Zealand. Also, two guidelines developed by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology were found. Management and care provided for donors were classified into four categories including screening, counseling, information provision, and ethical considerations.ConclusionWhile the current guidelines include some recommendations regarding the management and care of gamete/embryo donors in screening, counseling, information provision, and ethical considerations, nevertheless some shortcomings need to be addressed including donors’ psychosocial needs, long-term effects of donation, donors’ follow-up cares, and legal and human rights aspects of donation. Therefore, it is needed to conduct robust and well-designed research studies to fill the knowledge gap about gamete and embryo donors’ needs, to inform current practices by developing evidence-based guidelines.

316 Irish Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality – development, implementation and enforcement

316 Irish Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality – development, implementation and enforcement