Construction Flaws Research Articles

Improved performance of temperature sensors based on the one-dimensional topological photonic crystals comprising hyperbolic metamaterials

This paper seeks to progress the field of topological photonic crystals (TPC) as a promising tool in face of construction flaws. In particular, the structure can be used as a novel temperature sensor. In this regard, the considered TPC structure comprising two different PC designs named PC1 and PC2. PC1 is designed from a stack of multilayers containing Silicon (Si) and Silicon dioxide (SiO2), while layers of SiO2 and composite layer named hyperbolic metamaterial (HMM) are considered in designing PC2. The HMM layer is engineered using subwavelength layers of Si and Bismuth Germinate, or BGO (Bi4Ge3O12\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{Bi}}_{4}{\ ext{Ge}}_{3}{\ ext{O}}_{12}$$\\end{document}). The mainstay of our suggested temperature sensor is mainly based on the emergence of some resonant modes inside the transmittance spectrum that provide the stability in the presence of the geometrical changes. Meanwhile, our theoretical framework has been introduced in the vicinity of transfer matrix method (TMM), effective medium theory (EMT) and the thermo-optic characteristics of the considered materials. The numerical findings have extensively introduced the role of some topological parameters such as layers’ thicknesses, filling ratio through HMM layers and the periodicity of HMM on the stability or the topological features of the introduced sensor. Meanwhile, the numerical results reveal that the considered design provides some topological edge states (TESs) of a promising robustness and stability against certain disturbances or geometrical changes in the constituent materials. In addition, our sensing tool offers a relatively high sensitivity of 0.27 nm/°C.

ОЦЕНКА ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ РЕМОНТОПРИГОДНОСТИ АВТОМОБИЛЬНОЙ ДОРОГИ

The methods of managing the information model of the road at the operation stage are presented. A comprehensive methodology for checking transport and operational indicators is shown. It allows to predict the condition of the road surface, to determine the probability of deformations and destruction during the operation of the road. A software module is presented for assessing the maintainability of the road, taking into account all key transport and operational indicators. Based on this module, one can calculate the real overhaul service life for certain sections of the road. In the algorithms of the developed program, data transmission at various stages of the life cycle is provided, the stage of creating a general data environment, interaction with the IFC attributes is laid. This approach ensures the interoperability of the information model of the road and allows to evaluate current condition and planned measures to eliminate construction flaws or defects formed during operation, which ensures the extension of the road service life. Popular rheological models have been investigated for predicting residual deformations of road clothing based on the analysis of various models of the soil behavior of nonlinear soil mechanics. It is revealed that the most adequate model is a model that uses the theory of hereditary creep, which takes into account the calculation of non -rigid road clothing, which is exposed to short-term load from moving cars. Some aspects of the maintainability of the road facility affecting the environmental and economic indicators of the environment are given.

Effects of passive confinement on out-of-plane robustness of unreinforced masonry infill walls

Unreinforced masonry (URM) walls are vulnerable to out-of-plane (OOP) collapse under lateral loads; however, URM structures are still popular in developing countries. Even in many countries classified as developed by the United Nations, URM walls are still commonly applied as exterior and interior infills in engineered buildings, resulting in severe OOP failure during strong earthquakes. The objectives of this study were: 1) to experimentally examine the OOP behavior and performance of URM infills with construction deficiencies commonly found in Asian countries, 2) to investigate the impact of construction quality on resistance to OOP collapse and 3) to propose a promising approach using passive confinement to improve the lateral resistance of URM infills and a method to evaluate their seismic performance. To attain these objectives, the study used two full-scale, single wythe, brick masonry specimens with specific boundary conditions at the top, a control specimen representing URM infills with construction flaws frequently found in Asian countries and a well-constructed specimen subjected to passive confinement under lateral excitation. A series of incremental dynamic shaking table tests was performed on both specimens under OOP unidirectional one-way bending. The test results revealed the positive effects of construction with passive confinement on OOP performance. The results indicated that the OOP robustness of infills can be improved without specific retrofit materials, leading to advantages such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and swift execution. Moreover, a theoretical method to evaluate the lateral resistance of infills was presented and verified for practical applications. This method can contribute to reducing the potential for earthquake damage in engineered buildings.

Rights of investors in the context of algorithmic Artificial Intelligence technologies and automatization

This study explores the profound impact of digital technologies on economic processes, particularly in the realm of investments. Financial organizations are leveraging digital platforms and algorithmic artificial intelligence (AI) to provide enhanced services to consumers. AI-powered algorithms surpass humans in processing vast amounts of information, leading to improved price discovery and reduced transaction costs. Robo-advisors, empowered by AI, have become pivotal players in financial markets, offering personalized investment portfolios based on risk profiles and objectives. While algorithmic AI technologies eliminate human errors and streamline decision-making, they also introduce new risks. Flaws in algorithm construction, intentional errors, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the regulatory challenges of supervising self-learning algorithms are concerns. Additionally, the rise of blockchain platforms has transformed cryptocurrencies and digital tokens into new tradable assets with their own protection challenges. Researchers emphasize that the wealth of data and correlations facilitated by AI can have unintended consequences, and the development of proper supervision and control mechanisms is vital. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, it becomes crucial for investors and regulators to navigate the complexities of digital technologies and address the emerging Global Technology Risk (GTR).

Assessment of Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Quality of Drinking Water Sources in Kakamega County, Kenya

Water-borne diseases still present a major health burden in Africa. Large segments of the rural population here have no access to potable water. This study has been designed to assess the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of drinking water sources in the study area. The study was conducted in Kakamega county covering the twelve sub-counties of Likuyani, Lugari, Malava, Navakholo, Lurambi, Ikolomani, Shinyalu, Mumias East, Mumias West, Matungu, Butere and Khwisero. Socio-demographic characteristics of the study populations were captured using a structured pre-tested questionnaire. The Most Probable Number (MPN) method was used to determine the abundance of Total coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the water samples collected. Physico-chemical analyses (Temperature, pH, Electrical conductivity, Total dissolved solids and Dissolved oxygen) were carried out. Free residual chlorine was determined by colorimetric method with DPD chlorine tablets. The analyses were conducted following guidelines of American Public Health Association and WHO. Only 17% (68/400) of the study population had access to piped water in the study area. Waste management practices of the localities was found poor as more than 62 % (248/400) of the respondents dispose waste materials in open fields. All drinking water sources investigated were contaminated with Total coliforms. There was a wide variation in Total coliforms and E. coli. Total coliform counts ranged from 0.0 - 3652.5 cfu/100 ml whereas E. coli ranged from 0.0 - 33.0 cfu/100 ml. Both Rivers/streams and unprotected dug wells recorded the highest number of Total coliforms and E. coli. Piped water, Rainwater collection and Boreholes recorded the lowest number of Total coliforms and E. coli. E. coli counts in most drinking water sources investigated exceeded the maximum permissible limits set by WHO/KEBS, implying that they are not safe for household applications without prior treatment. The results indicate that protected drinking water sources (piped water, boreholes, protected dug wells and protected springs) are subjected to a high level of fecal contamination in the study area. Construction flaws on casing, concrete covers, fences, diversion ditches, and protection of springs' eyes and other plumbing accessories could be one of the causes. Protected water sources may become contaminated for other reasons, such as a lack of frequent surveillance, disinfection, and correct maintenance. Poor sanitation practices, a lack of hygiene education, poor supervision and maintenance, and inconsistent water point disinfection can all be blamed for the high levels of E. coli. The recorded temperature and pH ranged between 19.9–27.2°C and 4.8 - 9.1, respectively. Turbidity and Electric conductivity of the water samples ranged, respectively, between 0.43–467.02 NTU and 18.7–510.7 μS/cm. Residual chlorine in piped water showed a range of 0.06-1.2 ppm. In addition, Total dissolved solids were found to be between 20.1 and 639.2 mg/l; whereas Dissolved oxygen ranged from 2.2- 15.4 mg/l. The results of the current investigation showed that some bacteriological and physico-chemical parameters of the various water sources had values above the maximum permissible limits advised by WHO/KEBS. The Water sector stakeholders in the area should put in place proper intervention measures which include raising public awareness on the water quality of drinking water sources and enhancing the current infrastructure in order to reduce any potential health hazards.

Extrenal supervision of the Minister of Justice over the administrative activities of common courts

The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the flaws in the institutional construction of the external supervision of the Minister of Justice over the administrative activity of common courts. The main research method used in the study was a comparative analysis of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland, laws and other legal acts. The paper presents the supreme supervision of the Minister of Justice over the administrative activity of common courts introduced by the legislator, which compromises the independence of judges asymmetrically to the efficiency of the judiciary. The institutional construction of the supreme supervision of common courts equips the Minister of Justice with arbitrary and discretionary authority over the administrative activities of the courts, which violates the constitutional principle of the tripartite division of power. The problem of institutional construction and the balancing of powers from the perspective of the Constitution is extremely important. The first doubt is shown in Article 183(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland that the Supreme Court supervises the activities of the common and military courts in the field of adjudication. Thus, in principle, the question of supervision of jurisdictional activities is clarified, whereas there is no explicitly expressed supervision of judicial administration in the Constitution. Nevertheless, such supervision is necessary, since the court is the disposer of budgetary funds, movable and immovable property, in matters of economic administration such supervision is necessary from the point of view of legality, economy, expediency and reliability. First of all, this study indicates what the administrative activity of common courts is. Then, the evolution of the external supervision of the Minister of Justice over the administrative activity of common courts is presented. In the next part of the paper, the Constitutional prerequisites for excessive interference in the independence of common courts are shown. In the final part, the urgent need for reform in the area of the Minister of Justice’s external supervision over the administrative activity of common courts is indicated.

Application of project management tool in construction for Planning, Scheduling and Optimization

In India, the number of building construction projects is increasing, with growth expected to reach double digits in Fiscal Year 2022, up from an 8.6 % decrease last year. Time and cost overruns, on the other hand, are important issues in the construction sector due to poor planning. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of typical construction flaws and scheduling errors on construction time and expense overruns. In the present work, the scheduling and estimation of G + 11 building at Pune, Maharashtra has been performed on available project planning software (Microsoft Project (MSP2010) and Wrike). Microsoft Project (MSP) and Wrike software are promoted as excellent project management tools. MSP is a technique for reducing time and expense overruns via proper planning and scheduling. Wrike is used to plan and organizethe building project. Implementation of these planning software is not only results in reduction of construction cost but also allows reduction in construction duration.

Fundamental Flaw in the Current Construction of the TiO2 Electron Transport Layer of Perovskite Solar Cells and Its Elimination

The top-performing perovskite solar cells (efficiency > 20%) generally rely on the use of a nanocrystal TiO2 electron transport layer (ETL). However, the efficacies and stability of the current stereotypically prepared TiO2 ETLs employing commercially available TiO2 nanocrystal paste are far from their maximum values. As revealed herein, the long-hidden reason for this discrepancy is that acidic protons (∼0.11 wt %) always remain in TiO2 ETLs after high-temperature sintering due to the decomposition of the organic proton solvent (mostly alcohol). These protons readily lead to the formation of Ti-H species upon light irradiation, which act to block the electron transfer at the perovskite/TiO2 interface. Affront this challenge, we introduced a simple deprotonation protocol by adding a small amount of strong proton acceptors (sodium ethoxide or NaOH) into the common TiO2 nanocrystal paste precursor and replicated the high-temperature sintering process, which wiped out nearly all protons in TiO2 ETLs during the sintering process. The use of deprotonated TiO2 ETLs not only promotes the PCE of both MAPbI3-based and FA0.85MA0.15PbI2.55Br0.45-based devices over 20% but also significantly improves the long-term photostability of the target devices upon 1000 h of continuous operation.

Survey of the operational status of twenty-six urban stormwater biofilter facilities in Sweden

This study evaluates the operational status of twenty-six biofilter facilities across nine cities in Sweden, with respect to their functional design criteria, engineered design features (filter media composition, hydraulic conductivity, and drawdown time), and includes a visual inspection of the biofilter components (pre-treatment, in/outlet structures, filter media, and vegetation). These indicators were used to examine the performance level of each biofilter in achieving their design objectives set by the operators. Furthermore, it was investigated whether the biofilter facilities had been properly maintained to meet the objectives. Results indicate that the soil media used was consistent with respect to percentage sand, fines, and organic matter and comparable to design recommendations used by municipalities in other countries. The field-tested hydraulic conductivity for the biofilters ranged from 30 to 962 mm/h. This range of values, along with noticeable sediment accumulation within the biofilter indicate that not all the sites were operating optimally. Pre-treatment stages in poor condition with high volumes of sediment and litter accumulation were the primary causes for, and indicators of, low hydraulic conductivity rates. The ponding volume calculations revealed that at least 40 % of facilities did not have enough capacity to retain every-day and/or design rainfall due to design and/or construction flaws. These analyses raise concerns that, for a considerable number of the biofilters surveyed, water retention and flood protection identified by operators as prioritised objectives are not being met. This raises significant concerns about the functionality of biofilter in practice. Finally, some suggestions are given for tackling the design and maintenance problems discovered.

Construction flaws in facing brick facades and the risk of associated litigation

This paper presents a study of the most common types of construction flaws in facing brick facades. It is intended to examine the intervening parameters and know the interrelations between them, developing a risk evaluation framework through a process of categorisation. The 274 cases analysed correspond to the totality of the period of the study and cover the entirety of the Spanish territory. Adaptation of the weighted factor method allows to establish and quantify risk categories according to the number of variants of interrelations and according to the number of cases, subsequently determining the risk of lawsuit for each construction flaw. The results include a dual study according to the two above-mentioned concepts, providing a standardised codification of each case, as well as its individual risk factor. As for the evaluation, five risk categories are established (very high, high, moderate, low and very low), allowing to demonstrate that, by intervening on certain interrelations (whether in the design stage or at the execution stage) it is possible to clearly reduce the probability of litigation, as well as the number of associated construction flaws. Consequently, establishment of the aforementioned categories constitutes a very useful tool for risk managers – requiring first their identification and, secondly, their control and reduction.

Critical Analysis of the Current State of Knowledge in the Field of Waste Heat Recovery in Sewage Systems

The need for efficient use of energy and sustainable energy management and the fact that large quantities of heat are deposited in the discharged sewage have contributed to the development of research on waste heat recovery. Gray water began to be seen not just as waste, but also as an alternative source of energy. Research related to the development, improvement, and finally, the popularization of waste energy recovery devices and systems has evolved rapidly over the last two decades. Initially, technologies for gray water reuse were not widely used, which was due to the low efficiency of the current heat exchangers and the significant investment outlays that would have to be covered by potential users. Research conducted by scientists from around the world has allowed us to eliminate construction flaws, improve efficiency, and also provide information on the selection of optimal waste heat recovery technology, depending on the installation conditions and operating parameters. The ability to correctly select the device allows for effective energy collection from gray water, which improves the investment profitability. This paper reviews the research regarding issues related to waste heat recovery from gray water in sewage installations and systems. A critical analysis of the current state of knowledge was carried out with a special consideration to the technologies intended for the residential buildings.

Calculation of the Risk of Lawsuits over Construction Flaws in Flat Roofs

In order to achieve sustainability objectives in the use of a building, its elements’ operating problems should be minimized. From this premise, a total of 497 cases related to construction flaws in flat roofs were analyzed in this research. A matrix was developed indicating the risk of lawsuits by owners according to the degree of nuisance resulting from the construction flaws studied, their technical importance, and the type of pathological origin. Based on these factors, it is possible to predict a greater or lesser probability of an owner filing a lawsuit—risk factor (F). A wide range was found for this probability, with the largest value being 865 times greater than the smallest value. The value of F was divided into 5 categories to classify the diverse results obtained and determine the number of cases and interrelations ascribed to each category. Additionally, the level of presence of said cases was calculated through the analysis of 3 different demographic aspects, it being noted that a greater purchasing power and a higher concentration of urban population lead to more stringent requirements and, subsequently, to a greater number of lawsuits. With all these results, building quality can be improved while resulting in greater constructive-financial sustainability and in a reduction of the economic resources required of society (fewer lawsuits and associated human resources).

Performance of reinforced concrete buildings and wooden structures during the 2015 Mw 6.0 Sabah earthquake in Malaysia

This paper discusses the outcome of an investigation which was conducted soon after the 2015 Sabah earthquake in Malaysia. Buildings in the affected area were mainly constructed from reinforced concrete (RC) and wooden materials. Although the Mw 6.0 earthquake imposed significant damage to the majority of RC buildings, no significant structural damage was observed for the wooden structures. It was found that damage to the RC buildings was mainly because of non-ductile detailing of the structural components, strong-beam weak-column condition, captive-column and short-column effects, soft and weak stories mechanism, irregularity in plan and elevation, unconfined gable/infill walls, bad workmanship, and the low quality of construction materials. It was observed that many wooden structures had flaws in their design and construction as well. However, because of the high strength-to-weight ratio and the flexible properties of wooden materials which allow them to undergo several cycles of deformation without breaking, they survived the seismic actions. This paper identifies and discusses the main reasons for the damage observed in RC buildings and the construction flaws that were observed for wooden structures. Recommendations from seismic design codes in order to prevent the occurrence of such damage in the future are also highlighted.

Risk assessment in safety of machinery: Impact of construction flaws in risk estimation parameters

In the risk assessment approach as defined in the International Standard ISO 12100: 2010, risk estimation is an essential step that allows machinery designers and users to determine the level of risk, and to identify the most critical hazardous situations. Previous studies demonstrated that the numerous qualitative tools proposed to estimate risks in safety of machinery take several forms, and that many of their features can significantly influence the level of risk obtained.In this study, the impact of some of these features was assessed, and construction rules regarding the parameters used in risk estimation tools were validated through an experimental study involving several users mainly from the industry. Five potential construction flaws of the risk estimation parameters were analyzed. The experimental results show that when the users perceive a certain challenge in the utilization of a risk estimation parameter, they are usually able to associate it with the presence of the flaw affecting the parameter. The results also demonstrate quite clearly that the impact of the construction flaws in the parameters is not uniform. In addition to the presence of the flaws within these parameters, the results obtained suggest that the assessment of the probability of harm is a problematic aspect of the risk estimation process in safety of machinery that requires further research. These results could contribute to the improvement of the robustness and the reliability of the existing tools, and help to support the training actually given by the partners in the risk assessment field.

A Simple Methodology for Discerning Item Construction Flaws in Health Professions Examinations

PurposeTo introduce to health professions educators a simple methodology that can help discern item construction flaws and mitigate testwiseness effects. MethodThe methodology involved administering a veterinary medical school exam to medical school professional staff participants with no formal training in the medical and health sciences. ResultsThe methodology was evidenced to be robust, as multiple items containing item construction flaws were identified by inflated success rates for a group of examinees who had no prior training in the subject matter. DiscussionHealth professions educators are encouraged to utilize the methodology presented in this paper, where appropriate, to discern item construction flaws, reduce measurement error, and increase score validity relating to their assessments.

Космический тепловизионный мониторинг нефтегазопроводного транспорта

Oil and gas pipelines require systematic supervision and control in order to ensure their safe exploitation, even more so during spring/autumn/summer thawing, freezing and flooding seasons when soil deformation is at its highest. In the article, several ways of Earth’s surface space monitoring are considered. It’s pointed out that infrared sounding appears to be the most promising method of space monitoring the condition of main and production pipelines. It’s due to infrared sounding’s unique capability to detect pipeline’s construction flaws and breaches. However, thermal imaging systems are still in need of significant development, due to high noise and low image contrast levels. As of present time, there are no universally applicable filters, capable of detecting and suppressing all types and levels of noise. Further development in this sphere requires broadening of the arsenal of algorithmic processing facilities, which remains insufficient. The quality of thermal imaging depends on temperature distribution on the surface of the examined object as well as characteristics and parameters of thermal imaging systems themselves. The variety of parameters in photosensitive elements of photodetective device’s matrix leads to the appearance of so-called geometric noises in thermal imaging devices. Correction of geometrical noises in thermal imaging systems is one of the key problems. The approach to the solution of this problem is considered in the article.

The Prevalence of Item Construction Flaws in Medical School Examinations and Innovative Recommendations for Improvement

The purpose of this study was to calculate the prevalence and nature of item construction flaws within one large medical school and to identify several innovative approaches that may serve as potential remedies for these problems. Results indicated that approximately one in five items contained a construction flaw, with the overwhelming majority of flaws involving poor quality distractors. A series of innovative recommendations are presented, including modern psychometric analytical techniques to more thoroughly inspect data, item manipulation techniques, and the use of innovative item types that may alleviate the need for distractors altogether.

Dilemmas of political legitimacy in the European Union: a contractarian analysis

ABSTRACTThe European Union (EU) is a compound polity, which requires its member states to make credible commitments about their complying with the terms of their inter-state contract. Using contemporary social contract theory, the paper analyses what conditions of inter-state credibility are necessary in order for such a contract to be successful. However, since member states make their commitments as representatives of their peoples, those same commitments must also be acceptable at the domestic level, but the domestic political accountability of collective agents calls into question the extent to which inter-state commitments can be credible. Since the domestic legitimacy is tied up with the overall advantages of the international contract, and no government can irrevocably bind its successors, the level of inter-state commitment required by any agreement may be impossible to achieve. The central problem of political legitimacy for the EU arises therefore from the conflict between inter-state commitment and the principle that political authority derives from the people, which can at best only justify a delegated, instead of a transferred, authority to supra-state institutions. This is especially true in the case of the monetary union, in which some national key powers are subjected to irrevocable and time unlimited inter-state commitments and limitations. Conversely, the conditions for direct normative legitimacy from the peoples of Europe to the EU do not exist. Alongside the monetary construction flaws of the EMU, this is the core of its structural political flaws, for which no way out has yet been found.

From DSM-5 to anthropopsychiatry: (Re)search for a renewed psychiatry

Introduction is the Esperanto of Let it be? If DSM is to be considered as a symptom of contemporary psychiatry, the time for a change has come. Objectives An important candidate towards an in depth move is anthropopsychiatry. Anthropopsychiatry is the original confluence of classical psychiatry, philosophy (phenomenology and structuralism) and psychoanalysis. An elegant evidence-based investigation (Roelandts and Schotte, 1999) exemplifies its importance. Methods A search in literature with authors like Frances, Edward Shorter, Vanheule, Verhaeghe and Feys reveals several flaws in the DSM construction. A four-fold analysis by means of the epistemological terms nosography, nosotaxy, nosology and nosognosy makes clear that the DSM is a thinking under construction, culturally child of its time. The concerns from the British Psychological Society and the objection by the NIMH are first moves towards another psychiatric classification, and consequently another vision on psychiatric theory and praxis. Results Foregoing reveals anthropopsychiatry as an appeal towards present day psychiatry. It grounds modern psychiatry as an autological psychiatry (Kronfeld) with its own conceptualization and not heterological as an assemblage of all kinds of influences coming from neurobiological sources and human psychological findings. Conclusion Anthropopsychiatry can be considered to be a serious candidate in the development towards a renewed psychiatry evidently based on clinical anthropology (Geyskens).

Forecasting GDP with the Leading Indicators: A VAR Approach

The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Indicators Index suffers from construction flaws, which reduce its predictive power as well as one’s ability to interpret its signals. This paper develops a vector autoregression model to address these problems. The model’s out-of-sample GDP forecasts, using revised data, are found to outperform other private-sector forecasters on average over the period considered.