Search results

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Chris Boselli, Jason Danis, Sandra McQueen, Alex Breger, Tao Jiang, Douglas Looze and Daiheng Ni

Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists, and with this popularity there comes the risk of runway incursion between a commercial…

343

Abstract

Purpose

Small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) are becoming increasingly popular among hobbyists, and with this popularity there comes the risk of runway incursion between a commercial aircraft and sUAS around airports. To keep airports safe and secure, the purpose of this paper is to propose a module, called the Airport Secure Perimeter Control System, that can be attached to every hobbyist’s sUAS for the purpose of notification and prevention.

Design/methodology/approach

Upon startup, the module connects to a database containing the central coordinates of every airport in the USA. A five-mile critical radius plus an additional one-mile buffer region is established around each point. The buffer region is created in order to inform the user that he/she is approaching a safe airspace and needs to take corrective action. Once the five-mile zone has been breached, autopilot software takes over the manual controls, and the sUAS is landed in a controlled manner, while the user still has lateral control of the vehicle in order to avoid any potential hazards below it. Then, both operator and airport receive messages about the event.

Findings

To demonstrate the proposed design, a prototype was developed that successfully implemented this system, and was formally tested within a controlled environment.

Originality/value

This solution would drastically reduce the security threat of sUAS breaching the critical regions surrounding airports, and its implementation is relatively simple.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. 5 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 August 2022

Douglas Aghimien, Matthew Ikuabe, Lerato Millicent Aghimien, Clinton Aigbavboa, Ntebo Ngcobo and Jonas Yankah

The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment cannot be overemphasised. This is because R&A systems can execute a hazardous job function…

2118

Abstract

Purpose

The importance of robotics and automation (R&A) in delivering a safe built environment cannot be overemphasised. This is because R&A systems can execute a hazardous job function that the construction workforce may not execute. Based on this knowledge, this study aims to present the result of an assessment of the impediments to the deployment of R&A for a safe and healthy construction environment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a post-positivist philosophical stance, using a quantitative research approach and a questionnaire administered to construction professionals in South Africa. The data gathered were analysed using frequency, percentage, mean item score, Kruskal–Wallis H-test, exploratory factor analysis and partial least square structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

This study revealed that the impediments to the deployment of R&A could be grouped into: industry, technology, human and cost-related factors. However, SEM assessment showed that only the industry, human and cost-related factors would significantly impact attaining specific health and safety-related outcomes.

Practical implications

The findings offer valuable benefits to construction organisations as the careful understanding of the identified impeding factors can help lead to better deployment of R&A and the attainment of its inherent safety benefits.

Originality/value

This study attempts to fill the gap in the shortage of literature exploring the deployment of R&A for a safe construction environment, particularly in developing countries like South Africa, where such studies are non-existent. This paper, therefore, offers a theoretical backdrop for future works on R&A deployment, particularly in developing countries where such a study has not been explored.

Details

Journal of Facilities Management , vol. 22 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1472-5967

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 4 January 2021

Andreas Günter and Ernst Gopp

Productivity is a multidimensional and context-dependent concept. Therefore, many different definitions and consequently, many different approaches to productivity measurement…

1108

Abstract

Purpose

Productivity is a multidimensional and context-dependent concept. Therefore, many different definitions and consequently, many different approaches to productivity measurement (PM) exist in the literature. As a result, the understanding of productivity and the appropriate use of PM approaches are at a low level. The literature provides some overviews, but these overviews consider only a few selected individual aspects. Therefore, the overviews do not allow a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of existing approaches. This paper aims to give an overview of existing approaches to PM and to classify them according to elaborated criteria based on the main characteristics of productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review for existing approaches to PM using the following keywords: productivity, PM, productivity measure, labour productivity and labor productivity.

Findings

A total of 38 approaches are identified and listed between 1955 and 2020. The main result is a systematic overview and classification of existing approaches to PM.

Research limitations/implications

Researchers can use the overview to determine the development over time, the current state of research in the field of PM and identify research gaps. The classification can also be used to classify new approaches.

Practical implications

Companies can use the classification as a guide to identifying appropriate approaches to measuring productivity in corporate practice.

Originality/value

This paper enables a comprehensive comparison and evaluation of existing approaches to PM. Also, the understanding of the multidimensional character of the productivity concept is enhanced.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Angelique Mavrodaris and Ian Philp

One in 14 people over 65 years suffer from dementia in the UK. Over 25 per cent are receiving antipsychotics, which cause increases in mortality and cerebrovascular events. The…

446

Abstract

Purpose

One in 14 people over 65 years suffer from dementia in the UK. Over 25 per cent are receiving antipsychotics, which cause increases in mortality and cerebrovascular events. The need for a reduction and the use of alternative supportive strategies has been advocated. Risperidone at six‐week intervals is the only antipsychotic licensed for treatment with regular review. The majority of management occurs at primary care level and in care homes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate antipsychotic prescribing practices and patient review in these settings.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, two surveys comprising questions addressing prescribing practices were developed and distributed electronically to all GP practices and care homes in Coventry and Warwickshire, West Midlands, England.

Findings

The majority of GPs (75 per cent) reported only “occasional” discontinuation of antipsychotics due to concerns at reducing drugs on their own, expectations of regulation from secondary care and resistance from care home staff. Poor reduction levels were reported in care homes, attributing low numbers to reluctance among GPs. History of cardiovascular risk factors did not appear to influence withdrawal. Only 40 per cent of GP practices maintained sole use of risperidone. At least six‐monthly reviews were reported by 63 per cent of GPs and 64 per cent of care homes, with very few conducting reviews at least three‐monthly. The importance of non‐pharmacological alternatives was emphasized, yet access was limited and highly resource‐dependent.

Originality/value

This study reveals the perspectives of staff delivering healthcare for people with dementia and behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Potentially inappropriate antipsychotic principles were reported. A lack of communication and uncertainty of roles was evident. The development of understandable guidelines for healthcare workers and care home staff managing behavioural issues in patients with dementia is necessary.

Details

Journal of Public Mental Health, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5729

Keywords

1 – 4 of 4
Per page
102050