Dannenberg, Andrew L.; Rodriguez, Daniel A.; Sandt, Laura S. (2021). Advancing Research in Transportation and Public Health: A Selection of Twenty Project Ideas from a US Research Roadmap. Journal Of Transport & Health, 21.
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Abstract
Background: Transportation policies and projects have multiple impacts on health. Research on these impacts can help promote positive and reduce adverse health consequences of decisions made by transportation agencies. Methods: In 2019 the U.S. National Cooperative Highway Research Program published a research roadmap for transportation and public health based on an extensive literature search and key informant interviews. The roadmap identified 44 research gaps and 122 research needs on a wide range of relevant topics. From this list, using pre-established criteria including specificity, equity, potential impact, and long-term usefulness, we selected 20 topics suitable for further research especially in academic settings. Results: We present the questions, context, and possible research approach for each of the 20 topics. These topics cover issues ranging from integrating equity into performance measures and developing forecasting models for active travel to incorporating health questions into routine household travel surveys and examining health impacts of autonomous vehicles. We added questions on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation. Discussion: This list will be useful to faculty, researchers, and students as they consider topics for research in transportation and public health. Results of research on these topics could influence transportation decisions in policy making, planning and community participation, capital programming, project design, and implementation. Future leaders of transportation agencies, transportation providers, and advocacy organizations may be more likely to consider transportation policies that incorporate a health perspective if their training includes research findings that increase their awareness of the health impacts of these policies.
Keywords
Public Health; Equity; Research; Public Transit; Metrics; Transportation Planning
Mugerauer, Robert. (2021). Professional Judgement in Clinical Practice (Part 2): Knowledge into Practice. Journal Of Evaluation In Clinical Practice, 27(3), 603 – 611.
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Rationale, Aims, and Objectives Though strong evidence-based medicine is assertive in its claims, an insufficient theoretical basis and patchwork of arguments provide a good case that rather than introducing a new paradigm, EBM is resisting a shift to actually revolutionary complexity theory and other emergent approaches. This refusal to pass beyond discredited positivism is manifest in strong EBM's unsuccessful attempts to continually modify its already inadequate previous modifications, as did the defenders of the Ptolemaic astronomical model who increased the number of circular epicycles until the entire epicycle-deferent system proved untenable. Methods Narrative Review. Results The analysis in Part 1 of this three part series showed epistemological confusion as strong EBM plays the discredited positivistic tradition out to the end, thus repeating in a medical sphere and vocabulary the major assumptions and inadequacies that have appeared in the trajectory of modern science. Paper 2 in this series examines application, attending to strong EBM's claim of direct transferability of EBM research findings to clinical settings and its assertion of epistemological normativity. EBM's contention that it provides the only valid approach to knowledge and action is questioned by analyzing the troubled story of proposed hierarchies of the quality of research findings (especially of RCTs, with other factors marginalized), which falsely identifies evaluating findings with operationally utilizing them in clinical recommendations and decision-making. Further, its claim of carrying over its normative guidelines to cover the ethical responsibilities of researchers and clinicians is questioned.
Keywords
Judgment (psychology); Professions; Evidence-based Medicine; Science; Medical Research; Application To Clinical Recommendations; Evidence‚Äêbased Medicine; Judgement; Quality Of Evidence; 2009 Cancer-control; Practice Guidelines; Health-care; G. H.; Grade; Quality; Recommendations; Ashcroft; Guyatt; Evidence‐ Based Medicine
Shim, Yukyung; Jeong, Jaemin; Jeong, Jaewook; Lee, Jaehyun; Kim, Yongwoo. (2022). Comparative Analysis of the National Fatality Rate in Construction Industry Using Time-series Approach and Equivalent Evaluation Conditions. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health, 19(4).
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Abstract
Fatality rates such as fatalities per full-time equivalent workers are officially used to compare the risk level of the construction industry among various countries. However, each country evaluates the fatality rate using different conditions. This paper presents the comparison of fatality rates of various countries using conventional (national data) and pair (equivalent condition) methods through a time-series approach. The research was conducted in three stages. The risk level was evaluated in order in South Korea (1.54), Japan (0.84), Mexico (0.83), China (0.70), United Kingdom (0.15), and Singapore (0.13) in terms of national data. However, the risk level was re-evaluated in order in China (2.27), South Korea (2.05), Mexico (1.23), Singapore (0.98), Japan (0.80), and United Kingdom (0.47) in terms of equivalent conditions. The risk level of each can be changed when the fatality rate is compared under given equivalent conditions.
Keywords
Fatality Rate; Risk Level; Full-time Equivalent Workers; Equivalent Evaluation Conditions; Time-series Analysis; Occupational Accidents; United-states; Injuries; Korea; Work; Comparative Analysis; Equivalence; Manual Workers; Risk Levels; Construction Industry; Fatalities; Risk Assessment; Safety Management; Industrial Accidents; Environmental Protection; Time Series; Accident Investigations; United Kingdom--uk; South Korea; Mexico; United States--us; Singapore; China; Japan
Kandil, Amr; El-Rayes, Khaled; El-Anwar, Omar. (2010). Optimization Research: Enhancing the Robustness of Large-Scale Multiobjective Optimization in Construction. Journal Of Construction Engineering And Management, 136(1), 17 – 25.
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Abstract
Many construction planning problems require optimizing multiple and conflicting project objectives such as minimizing construction time and cost while maximizing safety, quality, and sustainability. To enable the optimization of these construction problems, a number of research studies focused on developing multiobjective optimization algorithms (MOAs). The robustness of these algorithms needs further research to ensure an efficient and effective optimization of large-scale real-life construction problems. This paper presents a review of current research efforts in the field of construction multiobjective optimization and two case studies that illustrate methods for enhancing the robustness of MOAs. The first case study utilizes a multiobjective genetic algorithm (MOGA) and an analytical optimization algorithm to optimize the planning of postdisaster temporary housing projects. The second case study utilizes a MOGA and parallel computing to optimize the planning of construction resource utilization in large-scale infrastructure projects. The paper also presents practical recommendations based on the main findings of the analyzed case studies to enhance the robustness of multiobjective optimization in construction engineering and management.
Keywords
Optimizing Resource Utilization; Trade-off; Highway Construction; Genetic Algorithms; Cost; Model; Network; Design; Colony; Optimization Models; Parallel Processing; Resource Management; Housing; Multiple Objective Analysis; Linear Analysis; Algorithms
Stewart, Orion. (2011). Findings from Research on Active Transportation to School and Implications for Safe Routes to School Programs. Journal Of Planning Literature, 26(2), 127 – 150.
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Abstract
This literature review identified common factors associated with active transportation to school (ATS). It used a conceptual framework of a child's commute mode to school to classify 480 variables from forty-two studies that were tested for association with ATS. Four factors most frequently influenced ATS: distance, income, traffic and crime fears, and parental attitudes and schedules. Regular ATS results in more physical activity but research is lacking on other outcomes. Safe Routes to School, a program designed to increase rates and safety of ATS, can use an understanding of these influences and outcomes to more effectively allocate its limited resources.
Keywords
Physical-activity Levels; Travel Mode; Urban Form; Environmental-factors; Elementary-schools; Weight Status; Walking; Children; Prevalence; Bus; Active Transportation To School; Safe Routes To School; Biking
Sohn, Dong Wook; Moudon, Anne Vernez; Lee, Jeasun. (2012). The Economic Value of Walkable Neighborhoods. Urban Design International, 17(2), 115 – 128.
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Abstract
This study investigated how the benefits of a walkable neighborhood were reflected in the American real estate market by examining the economic values of urban environmental factors supporting walking activities. Property values were used as a proxy measure for economic value and analyzed in relation to land use characteristics that have been known to correlate with walking at the neighborhood scale. Four aspects of the built environment supporting walking were included in the analyses: development density, land use mix, public open space and pedestrian infrastructure. Hedonic models were employed where the property value was regressed on the measures of the four sets of correlates of walking in a neighborhood. Models were estimated for four land use types - single-family residential, rental multi-family residential, commercial and office. The findings did not support previous arguments that increasing density weakens the quality of a neighborhood. To the contrary, the positive association of higher development density with the value of single-family residential properties detected in King County suggested that high development density might increase surrounding property values. The pedestrian infrastructure and land use mix significantly contributed to increases in rental multi-family residential property values. Higher development density with higher street and sidewalk coverage were also favored by retail service uses. In relation to land use mix, mixing retail service uses and rental multi-family residential uses helped make rental housings more attractive. URBAN DESIGN International (2012) 17, 115-128. doi:10.1057/udi.2012.1; published online 4 April 2012
Keywords
Land-use; Physical-activity; Travel Behavior; Smart Growth; Mode Choice; Urban Form; Walking; Gis; Transportation; Accessibility; Mixed Land Use; Neighborhood; Urban Design
Kang, Bumjoon; Moudon, Anne V.; Hurvitz, Philip M.; Reichley, Lucas; Saelens, Brian E. (2013). Walking Objectively Measured: Classifying Accelerometer Data with GPS and Travel Diaries. Medicine & Science In Sports & Exercise, 45(7), 1419 – 1428.
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Abstract
Purpose: This study developed and tested an algorithm to classify accelerometer data as walking or nonwalking using either GPS or travel diary data within a large sample of adults under free-living conditions. Methods: Participants wore an accelerometer and a GPS unit and concurrently completed a travel diary for seven consecutive days. Physical activity (PA) bouts were identified using accelerometry count sequences. PA bouts were then classified as walking or nonwalking based on a decision-tree algorithm consisting of seven classification scenarios. Algorithm reliability was examined relative to two independent analysts' classification of a 100-bout verification sample. The algorithm was then applied to the entire set of PA bouts. Results: The 706 participants' (mean age = 51 yr, 62% female, 80% non-Hispanic white, 70% college graduate or higher) yielded 4702 person-days of data and had a total of 13,971 PA bouts. The algorithm showed a mean agreement of 95% with the independent analysts. It classified PA into 8170 walking bouts (58.5 %) and 5337 nonwalking bouts (38.2%); 464 bouts (3.3%) were not classified for lack of GPS and diary data. Nearly 70% of the walking bouts and 68% of the nonwalking bouts were classified using only the objective accelerometer and GPS data. Travel diary data helped classify 30% of all bouts with no GPS data. The mean + SD duration of PA bouts classified as walking was 15.2 + 12.9 min. On average, participants had 1.7 walking bouts and 25.4 total walking minutes per day. Conclusions: GPS and travel diary information can be helpful in classifying most accelerometer-derived PA bouts into walking or nonwalking behavior.
Keywords
Walking; Algorithms; Decision Trees; Geographic Information Systems; Research Funding; Travel; Accelerometry; Diary (literary Form); Descriptive Statistics; Algorithm; Classification; Physical Activity; Walk Trip; Global Positioning Systems; Physical-activity; Environment; Behaviors; Validity; Location
Dannenberg, Andrew L.; Ricklin, Anna; Ross, Catherine L.; Schwartz, Michael; West, Julie; White, Steve; Wier, Megan L. (2014). Use of Health Impact Assessment for Transportation Planning Importance of Transportation Agency Involvement in the Process. Transportation Research Record, 2452, 71 – 80.
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Abstract
A health impact assessment (HIA) is a tool that can be used to inform transportation planners of the potential health consequences of their decisions. Although dozens of transportation-related HIAs have been completed in the United States, the characteristics of these HIAs and the interactions between public health professionals and transportation decision makers in these HIM have not been documented. A master list of completed HIAs was used to identify transportation-related HIAs. Seventy-three transportation-related HIAs conducted in 22 states between 2004 and 2013 were identified. The HIAs were conducted for projects such as road redevelopments, bridge replacements, and development of trails and public transit. Policies such as road pricing, transit service levels, speed limits, complete streets, and safe routes to schools were also assessed. Five HIAs in which substantial interactions between public health and transportation professionals took place during and after the HIA were examined in detail and included HIAs of the road pricing policy in San Francisco, California; a bridge replacement in Seattle, Washington; new transit lines in Baltimore, Maryland, and Portland, Oregon; and the BeltLine transit, trails, and parks project in Atlanta, Georgia. Recommendations from the HIAs led to changes in decisions in some cases and helped to raise awareness of health issues by transportation decision makers in all cases. HIAs are now used for many topics in transportation. The range of involvement of transportation decision makers in the conduct of HIAs varies. These case studies may serve as models for the conduct of future transportation-related HIAs, because the involvement of transportation agencies may increase the likelihood that an HIA will influence subsequent decisions.
Keywords
Policy; Inequalities; Benefits; Justice; Oregon
Lee, Namhun; Schaufelberger, John E. (2014). Risk Management Strategies for Privatized Infrastructure Projects: Study of the Build-Operate-Transfer Approach in East Asia and the Pacific. Journal Of Management In Engineering, 30(3).
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Abstract
Private-public partnerships have been adopted for the development of public infrastructure to meet the growing demand for public services. Many Asian countries have used the build-operate-transfer (BOT) approach to develop public infrastructure projects. However, the potential benefits of undertaking a BOT project are accompanied by corresponding risks from the private sector's perspective. The objectives of this study are (1)to identify and discuss major risks inherent in the East Asia and Pacific regions, and (2)to propose risk management strategies for future BOT projects to be successful. This paper reports the results of five case study analyses undertaken to review their primary risks and mitigated methods. In addition, this paper proposes some strategies for future BOT projects. Two main categories of risks were analyzed: general risks and project-specific risks. Risk management strategies were suggested for each category of risk. The main finding of this study indicates that the private sector cannot be the only participant in risk management. The host government's active support is the most essential factor for the profitability and economic viability of a BOT project in the East Asia and Pacific regions.
Keywords
Organisational Aspects; Project Management; Public Administration; Public Utilities; Risk Management; Structural Engineering; Risk Management Strategies; Privatized Infrastructure Projects; Build-operate-transfer Approach; East Asia; Private-public Partnerships; Public Services; Asian Countries; Public Infrastructure Projects; Pacific Regions; Future Bot Projects; Project-specific Risks; General Risks; Build-operate-transfer; Privatized Infrastructure
Barrington, Wendy E.; Beresford, Shirley A. A.; Koepsell, Thomas D.; Duncan, Glen E.; Moudon, Anne Vernez. (2015). Worksite Neighborhood and Obesogenic Behaviors: Findings among Employees in the Promoting Activity and Changes in Eating (PACE) Trial. American Journal Of Preventive Medicine, 48(1), 31 – 41.
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Abstract
Background: Understanding mechanisms linking neighborhood context to health behaviors may provide targets for increasing lifestyle intervention effectiveness. Although associations between home neighborhood and obesogenic behaviors have been studied, less is known about the role of worksite neighborhood. Purpose: To evaluate associations between worksite neighborhood context at baseline (2006) and change in obesogenic behaviors of adult employees at follow-up (2007-2009) in a worksite randomized trial to prevent weight gain. Methods: Worksite property values were used as an indicator of worksite neighborhood SES (NSES). Worksite neighborhood built environment attributes associated with walkability were evaluated as explanatory factors in relationships among worksite NSES, diet, and physical activity behaviors of employees. Behavioral data were collected at baseline (2005-2007) and follow-up (2007-2009). Multilevel linear and logistic models were constructed adjusting for covariates and accounting for clustering within worksites. Product-of-coefficients methods were used to assess mediation. Analyses were performed after study completion (2011-2012). Results: Higher worksite NSES was associated with more walking (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.30, p = 0.01). Higher density of residential units surrounding worksites was associated with more walking and eating five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables, independent of worksite NSES. Residential density partially explained relationships among worksite NSES, fruit and vegetable consumption, and walking. Conclusions: Worksite neighborhood context may influence employees' obesogenic behaviors. Furthermore, residential density around worksites could be an indicator of access to dietary and physical activity-related infrastructure in urban areas. This may be important given the popularity of worksites as venues for obesity prevention efforts. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Keywords
Health Behavior; Food Habits; Lifestyles & Health; Prevention Of Obesity; Employee Health Promotion; Follow-up Studies (medicine); Local Food Environment; Dietary Energy Density; Body-mass Index; Socioeconomic-status; Physical-activity; Built Environment; Longitudinal-associations; Walking Behavior; Restaurant Use; Weight-gain