Search

Combustible and noncombustible notions have evolved with time, along with the associated fire tests by which legislation classifies building materials. New Zealand, Japan, and Europe are just some of the many legislations that have followed this evolution, except for North American regulations, which remain attached to methods dating back to 1944. To better understand this stagnation in North American practices, this document first traces the evolution of Canadian regulations on fire classification of materials. Then, a parallel is drawn with the evolution of reaction to fire tests mandated in the National Building Code of Canada. Finally, this paper will review the current fire classification of materials concerning the combustibility concept based on the Steiner tunnel test and the flame spread rating criteria. The analysis reveals that the relevance of the test and its results are questionable, and the reciprocity between test measurement and its classification does not always coincide. Despite the revisions made through time, the classification of materials based on their fire properties remains distinctly binary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In this paper, we evaluate the implementation of a knowledge translation strategy aimed at optimizing the use and deployment of the ÉKIP reference framework within both the education (preschool, primary, secondary) and the health and social services networks of the province of Quebec (Canada) and their partner organizations. Methods: We collected data on Web-based use of the reference framework (ÉKIP Online) and promotional newsletters in spring 2021. We then compared these with other data collected and analyzed in September 2022. We subsequently conducted 19 semi-structured interviews to explore the extent and nature of ÉKIP Online use, identify enabling and inhibiting factors, and extract recommendations for the project's continuance. Results: The increase in use of ÉKIP Online and its uptake tools suggested that communities had become increasingly interested in and informed about the reference framework. Nevertheless, the qualitative component of the evaluation offered a nuanced perspective on its use and deployment. Conclusion: The evaluation documented a series of levers to ensure the greatest possible reach of the reference framework and its use within the networks. Further efforts are necessary to reach more schools and support use and deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether noncombustible or combustible construction is used, the presence of combustible materials is likely to be used for various reasons, such as interior finishes, flooring, and insulation. Consequently, how regulations consider the degree of combustibility in their fire classifications will influence the level of fire safety provided in these buildings and the exchanges between all actors in the construction sector. In North America, the regulation of combustibility is primarily governed by surface flame spread assessed through the Steiner tunnel test. While there is a growing prevalence of calorimetric methods globally, their incorporation into North American building codes remains notably limited. Based on ISO 5660-1 cone calorimeter test results of twenty commercially available North American building materials, a comparative study was conducted between the Canadian flame spread classification and the classifications in Japan, New Zealand and the European Union (Euroclass). The tests and their limitations are described herein, as well as the conceptual frameworks. The results suggest that as materials' combustibility levels increase, the level of agreement between classifications decreases and remains binary. The choice between the material and system scales is crucial for determining the effective development and implementation of regulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study investigated the effectiveness of blended learning using MOOCs (massive open online courses) for capacity-building in knowledge translation (KT). The evaluation followed Kirkpatrick's updated model. A total of 23 semi-directed interviews were conducted with participants working at a research centre in Côte d'Ivoire, with a first wave of interviews immediately post-training and a second wave after five months. Results showed that the training met learners' needs, with both the content and teaching format being deemed appropriate. Learners reacted positively to face-to-face activities and affirmed the importance of coaching for putting learning into practice. Specific KT skills and principles appeared to have been acquired, such as a procedure for structuring the KT process and improved skills for communicating and presenting scientific knowledge. Five months after the training, encouraging changes were reported, but the sustainability of the new KT practices remained uncertain. KT capacity-building initiatives in low- and middle-income countries struggle to meet demand. Little is known about effective KT training in that context, and even less in non-anglophone countries. The study presented here contributes to the understanding of success factors from the learners' standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La qualité de la mise en œuvre d'une intervention de promotion de la santé est essentielle pour garantir son adaptation au contexte et aux besoins des populations. Pourtant, elle est encore négligée dans les recherches. Alors qu'elle est entreprise depuis les années 1930 dans l'étude des politiques publiques, le domaine de la santé fait face à une prolifération de termes qui ne facilite pas son enseignement et son organisation. Ce commentaire montre qu'il n'existe pas de différence notoire entre la recherche sur la mise en œuvre ( implementation science ) et la recherche de mise en œuvre ( implementation research ). Plutôt qu'un débat sémantique, il est important de rendre cette analyse plus systématique avec des démarches scientifiques et interdisciplinaires. La recherche concernant la mise en œuvre d'une intervention de promotion de la santé doit chercher à comprendre comment rendre nos actions plus équitables et plus efficaces., Competing Interests: Conflit d’intérêtsAucun conflit d’intérêts déclaré.

Introduction: The high prevalence of cannabis use and the potential for negative effects indicate the need for effective prevention strategies and treatment of people who use cannabis. Studies show that harm reduction (HR) in cannabis use is effective in minimising the harmful consequences of the substance. However, health professionals often misunderstand it and resist its adoption due to various obstacles. To our knowledge, there has been no review of the scientific literature on the factors that facilitate or hinder practitioners' adoption of HR in cannabis use. To fill this gap, we aim to identify, through a scoping review, facilitators and barriers to healthcare providers' adoption of HR in cannabis use in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries., Methods and Analysis: Our methodology will be guided by the six-step model initially proposed by Arksey and O'Malley (2005). The search strategy will be executed on different databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, Sociological Abstracts, Érudit, BASE, Google Web and Google Scholar) and will cover articles published between 1990 and October 2022. Empirical studies published in French or English in an OECD country and identifying factors that facilitate or hinder healthcare providers' adoption of HR in cannabis use, will be included. Reference lists of the selected articles as well as relevant systematic reviews will be scanned to identify any missed publications by the electronic searches., Ethics and Dissemination: Ethics approval is not required. The results will be disseminated through various activities (eg, publication in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, webinars and knowledge translation activities). The results will also allow us to conduct a future study aiming to develop and implement a knowledge translation process among healthcare practitioners working with youth in Quebec in order to enhance their adoption of HR in cannabis use., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)