Construction Of New Infrastructure Research Articles

Enhancing export resilience through smart cities: a city-level quasi-natural experiment in China

ABSTRACT Faced with currently numerous uncertainties at home and abroad, the construction of new infrastructure plays a critical role in enhancing region’s ability to cope with external shocks. Based on resilience perspective, this paper takes smart city pilot as a quasi-natural experiment and utilizes time-varying difference-in-difference (DID) model to investigate the policy effect on city export resilience in ChinA. Research shows that smart city pilot significantly improves city’s anti-risk ability after external shocks, which is manifested as stronger export resilience in pilot cities. Mechanism tests show that smart city pilot promotes export resilience through diversification, efficiency-improved, and innovation-driven channels. Moreover, the effect of smart city pilot is more evident on cities in central and western regions, as well as exporting to high-income countries. These findings shed new insights into the relationship between the smart city pilot and city export behaviour and provide references for Chinese government to promote export upgrading in the post-crisis erA.

CONSTRUCTION SITE INFORMATION MODELLING APPLIED TO INFRABIM

Construction industry lags in digitalization due to various factors, not least the complexity of implementing the BIM method in all production stages of the supply chain. This research focuses on CoSIM (Construction Site Information Modelling) design applied to the construction of new infrastructure and particularly addresses the issue of the Level-of-Information-Need structure based on the "model use" approach introduced by ISO 19650-1:2018 and the resulting IDS (Information Delivery Specification). To acquire useful information for the research aim, many site visits were conducted for over a year at a highway construction site in Italy to retrace the design process backward and highlight the available ergo-technical information assets and their shortcomings. As a result of the on-site monitoring, a database structure of ergo-technical information was graphically displayed through tabs. Specifically, the IDS made it possible to operationalize the structure theorized in the database through the Level-of-Information-Need in a machine-user dialogue. The IDS system was then interpreted as a combination of the IFC format, favoring the design process in an openBIM environment. This allowed the definition of specific infrastructure ergo-technics PropertySets and their related properties. The correct acquisition of ergo-technical information related to the project procedure is extremely useful regarding time, costs, and workers' Health & Safety planning. Therefore, the study aims to serve as a starting point for defining the contents of complex documents such as the EIR (Exchange Information Requirements) and/or the BEP (BIM Execution Plan) related to the activities of an infrastructure construction site, developed for the so-called "infraBIM" world.

CONSTRUCTION SITE INFORMATION MODELLING APPLIED TO INFRABIM

Construction industry lags in digitalization due to various factors, not least the complexity of implementing the BIM method in all production stages of the supply chain. This research focuses on CoSIM (Construction Site Information Modelling) design applied to the construction of new infrastructure and particularly addresses the issue of the Level-of-Information-Need structure based on the "model use" approach introduced by ISO 19650-1:2018 and the resulting IDS (Information Delivery Specification). To acquire useful information for the research aim, many site visits were conducted for over a year at a highway construction site in Italy to retrace the design process backward and highlight the available ergo-technical information assets and their shortcomings. As a result of the on-site monitoring, a database structure of ergo-technical information was graphically displayed through tabs. Specifically, the IDS made it possible to operationalize the structure theorized in the database through the Level-of-Information-Need in a machine-user dialogue. The IDS system was then interpreted as a combination of the IFC format, favoring the design process in an openBIM environment. This allowed the definition of specific infrastructure ergo-technics PropertySets and their related properties. The correct acquisition of ergo-technical information related to the project procedure is extremely useful regarding time, costs, and workers' Health & Safety planning. Therefore, the study aims to serve as a starting point for defining the contents of complex documents such as the EIR (Exchange Information Requirements) and/or the BEP (BIM Execution Plan) related to the activities of an infrastructure construction site, developed for the so-called "infraBIM" world.

The influence effect of regional carbon emission reduction under the perspective of fiscal decentralization: Government intervention or market mechanism?

AbstractBased on the perspective of fiscal decentralization, the study focuses on 30 provinces in China and employs various econometric models including the threshold model, spatial econometric model, mediation model, and regulation model. The research findings indicate that fiscal decentralization has a double‐threshold effect on government intervention, market mechanisms, and regional carbon emission reduction. Both government intervention and market mechanisms have inhibiting effects on carbon emission, with significant coefficients of GOVI and MARM at the 1% level. The cooperation between government intervention and the market mechanism effectively limits carbon emissions. Government intervention facilitates regional carbon emission reduction through the construction of new infrastructures and energy structure transformation, yielding a significant intermediary effect. The market mechanism is positively regulated through green finance and technology innovation to promote regional carbon emission reduction. Moreover, government intervention enables the market to achieve carbon emission reduction more effectively, especially in areas with a higher degree of government intervention. Continuous improvement and upgrading of regional and national carbon markets are essential to attain the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals. Furthermore, attracting more participants to these markets for emission control subjects is necessary to enhance the effectiveness of government–market coordination.

Has China’s New Infrastructure Promoted Sustainable Economic Development? Evidence Based on Information Infrastructure and Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship has always been regarded as an important economic activity that promotes sustainable economic development, enlivens markets and social transactions, and cultivates entrepreneurial spirit. As a unique concept in China’s economic development, new infrastructure has been widely disseminated and practiced and has also contributed to urban development and sustainable economic growth. However, there is little research by scholars on whether there is a causal relationship between the two, that is, whether new infrastructure will affect the level of regional entrepreneurship in sustainable economic development. This article used panel data from 267 cities in China between 2011 and 2017 to examine the impact of new infrastructure on regional entrepreneurial activities. Research has found that the construction of new infrastructure, especially information infrastructure, significantly promotes regional entrepreneurship. This study explored mechanisms such as human capital agglomeration and alleviating financing constraints. This study also found that the impact of new infrastructure on entrepreneurship varies based on the urban administrative level and region, with a more significant impact on central cities and central and western regions. This study will help researchers discover and understand the role of new infrastructure in regional entrepreneurship while promoting sustainable economic development.

To examine the impact of canal irrigation systems on agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Sikh-ruled Punjab.

An examination of the effect that canal irrigation systems have had on agricultural output and rural life in Punjab, which is dominated by the Sikhs, finds that these systems have had a transformational influence on the socio-economic landscape of the province. During the time when the Sikhs were in power, and notably during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, large canal networks were constructed. These networks considerably increased agricultural production and contributed to the expansion of the economy. Through the provision of a consistent water supply, these irrigation systems made it possible to cultivate crops throughout the whole year, which resulted in increased agricultural yields and variety. The installation of canal irrigation systems in Punjab resulted in significant alterations to the region's socioeconomic landscape. As a result of increased agricultural productivity, not only was food security assured, but excess produce was also made available for commerce, which contributed to the improvement of regional economy. Economic activities and the creation of revenue for rural populations were further strengthened as a result of the availability of water for irrigation, which encouraged the growing of cash crops like as cotton and sugarcane. The canal networks were crucial in the transformation of rural life by being responsible for the creation of job possibilities in agriculture and other related industries. Enhanced agricultural output led to an increase in population growth in canal-irrigated regions, which in turn led to the establishment of new communities and the construction of new infrastructure. This demographic transition also made it easier for market towns and trade centres to come into existence, which in turn assisted in the development of commercial activity and regional integration. During the time when the Sikhs ruled Punjab, the building of canal irrigation systems had a complex influence, including the enhancement of agricultural output, the stimulation of economic expansion, and the transformation of rural life circumstances. These improvements created the groundwork for the agricultural success and economic resilience that Punjab would experience in the decades that followed from that point on.

Avifauna of an exploratory oil drilling area in a previously deforested amazonian landscape

Oil exploration and exploitation activities have negative effects on biodiversity. This is mainly due to secondary causes such as increased colonization following the opening of new roads. However, little is known about the effects that oil industry may have on previously deforested landscapes. In this study, we characterized the avifauna of an exploratory oil drilling area in the Colombian Amazon, where the landscape is dominated by pastures and monoculture crops with some patches of scattered secondary forests. The avifauna was typical of intervened Amazonian landscapes in which most specialist forest birds are absent. The few that were present were recorded in only one or a small number of the study localities, despite the fact that the same habitats were found in practically all of them. The absence of these species and the isolation of the few remaining ones is due to processes prior to the implementation of oil activity. In this sense, the construction of new infrastructure and the adaptation of the existing one will not imply a significant reduction of the remaining forest areas which, according to current regulations, must be protected. Conversely, if the forest offsetting process required for oil exploration and exploitation is well directed, this could result in an increase in the connectivity of the remaining forest fragments, favoring species mobility and a possible increase in diversity.

A Systematic Review of Using Internet of Things Technology to Promote the Digitization of Asset Inventory

In the modern society that comprehensively promotes digital transformation, the Internet of Things technology, as an emerging technology, plays an important role due to its unique advantages, especially in the field of asset inventory. In September 2021, eight departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the "Three Year Action Plan for the Construction of New Infrastructure of the Internet of Things (2021-2023)", which specifies that by the end of 2023, new infrastructure of the Internet of Things will be preliminarily built in major cities in China, and the foundation for social modernization governance, industrial digital transformation, and upgrading of people's consumption will be more stable. However, not only does the Internet of Things have its unique drawbacks, but the combination of the two also presents some new problems that require us to analyze and propose solutions. This article will first analyze the current situation of the Internet of Things and asset inventory, and then combine the advantages and disadvantages of the two to complement each other. It will point out the current problems and propose some possible solutions, and analyze a local case to provide some help for subsequent research in this direction.

ФОРМЫ ГОСУДАРСТВЕННОГО УЧАСТИЯ ПРИ РЕАЛИЗАЦИИ ИНФРАСТРУКТУРНЫХ ИНВЕСТИЦИОННЫХ ПРОЕКТОВ

This article presents and describes the forms and methods of state participation in the financing and implementation of infrastructure projects, mentions some organizations and companies created to stimulate the inflow of private investment in projects, mostly by subsidizing interest rates when financing such projects, and also suggests some additional ways to stimulate financing for the modernization of current and construction of new infrastructure in various regions of the Russian Federation. The relevance of the work is that it is necessary to stimulate the development of infrastructure in various regions of the country, and not in all cases it is possible to do without state support, therefore it is important to understand what forms of support exist at the moment and it is also necessary to propose and create new forms, especially in the current crisis.

Digital economy, industrial agglomeration, and green innovation efficiency: empirical analysis based on Chinese data

ABSTRACTThis study measures and analyzes the spatial characteristics of the relevant indices by constructing an evaluation index system. The SBM-DEA model and Tobit regression model were used to empirically test the influence relationship between digital economy, industrial agglomeration, and green innovation efficiency development. The study results show (1) the development level of China’s digital economy, industrial agglomeration and green innovation efficiency shows a heterogeneous character of “high in the east and low in the west” at the spatial level. (2) the positive effect of China’s digital economy and diversified industrial agglomeration on the development of green innovation efficiency. (3) Among other influencing factors, trade openness and labor quality have a significant impact on improving the efficiency of green innovation.Therefore, this study puts forward suggestions to strengthen the construction of new infrastructures, correctly guide the collaborative industrial agglomeration, and strengthen the exchange of information among enterprisers.

조종사 항공전문교육기관의 비행 안전 강화를 위한 인프라 개선 방안 연구-무안공항 중심

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's '6th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan' outlines
 the aviation policy for the period of 2021 to 2025, which includes the relocation of Gwangju Airport to
 Muan Airport. This is expected to bring significant changes to the domestic aviation industry and educational
 institutions. Moreover, challenges are anticipated due to a shortage of pilots caused by the COVID-19 Endemic
 and related facility inadequacies. Therefore, this study conducts a comprehensive investigation and analysis
 of the training infrastructure for pilots at domestic universities, focusing on Muan Airport. It aims to identify
 problems and constraints, as well as propose solutions and cooperation models by conducting parallel research
 on foreign cases. The proposed measures include firstly, improving existing infrastructure, secondly,
 suggesting the construction of new infrastructure, and finally, presenting ways to strengthen collaboration
 between industry, academia, and government to address this issue.

The Disaster Protection System of Mountainous Rivers in Japan: The Example of the Akatani Watershed’s Reconstruction

On 5–6 July 2017, an unstable atmospheric condition caused an unusual concentration of rainfall above the Northern part of Kyushu Island, triggering a set of hydro-meteorological hazards. Within the affected area, the mountainous subwatershed of the Akatani River was significantly impacted by numerous landslides combined with debris flow and floods. National and local agencies deployed a plan of reconstruction to restore the floodplain and protect inhabitants. Regarding the hydrosystem in the Akatani watershed, this reconstruction project mainly focuses on the restoration of damaged protection systems and the construction of new infrastructures. Thus, this paper aims to explain the restoration plan of the Akatani River in terms of the strategic Japanese River System Sabo and then as a model of a national-scale spatial plan. It draws on (i) a literature review based on the historical evolution of Japanese protection systems and the River Sabo System; (ii) field surveys in 2019, 2022 and 2023, in conjunction with (iii) interviews with local, regional, and national officials; and (iv) a Geographical Information System analysis of previously and newly built protection systems through aerial photograph interpretation and geospatial data. Sabo works implemented in the Akatani watershed illustrate the engineering vision of Japanese river management. They also constitute a comprehensive system and include a downstream–upstream logic which echoes that of the River System Sabo. In addition, the disaster of July 2017 and the government’s response emphasize the continuous adaptation and improvement of the Japanese disaster management system, which mitigates severe disasters.

The Impact of New infrastructure Construction on Optimization and Upgrading of Industrial Structure

Industrial optimization is needed as China’s economy moves toward high-quality growth. The construction of new infrastructure, driven by new development concepts and patterns, facilitates industrial optimization. This study aims to explore the impact and mechanisms of new infrastructure construction on industrial structure optimization. The index of industrial structure upgrading and the pace of industrial transformation were calculated using panel data from 266 prefecture-level cities, which spanned from 2011 to 2018. This study uses two-way fixed effects and mediation effect methodologies to experimentally investigate the impact of new infrastructure construction on the optimization of industrial structure, while also considering possible endogeneity concerns. We found that new infrastructure building promotes industrial transformation and urban industrial structure upgrading. These results pass robustness and endogeneity testing. However, the impact of new infrastructure construction on industrial structure upgrading varies across cities. There is a significant driving effect in economically larger cities with better traditional infrastructure, and those in the eastern region. Smaller cities and those with inferior infrastructure have less impact. New infrastructure construction optimizes urban industrial structures through technological innovation and professional agglomeration, according to mediation effect study. Diversified agglomeration does not significantly upgrade industrial structures. The limitations of our model include the fact that the data does not describe industrial structural dynamics and it does not apply on other geographic scales. We illuminate the intricate connection between new infrastructure and industry upgrading by including city heterogeneity and the mediating impacts of technical innovation and professional clustering.

Loss of research and operational equipment in Antarctica: Balancing scientific advances with environmental impact

Antarctica has been subject to widespread, long-term and on-going human activity since the establishment of permanent research stations became common in the 1950s. Equipment may become intentionally or inadvertently lost in Antarctic marine and terrestrial environments as a result of scientific research and associated support activities, but this has been poorly quantified to date. Here we report the quantity and nature of equipment lost by the UK's national operator in Antarctica, the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Over the 15-year study period (2005–2019), 125 incidents of loss were reported, with c. 23 tonnes of equipment lost of which 18% by mass was considered hazardous. The geographical distribution of lost equipment was widespread across the BAS operational footprint. However, impacts are considered low compared to those associated with research station infrastructure establishment and operation. To reduce environmental impact overall, we recommend that, where possible, better use is made of existing research station capacity to facilitate field research, thereby reducing the need for construction of new infrastructure and the generation of associated impacts. Furthermore, to facilitate reporting on the state of the Antarctic environment, we recommend that national Antarctic programmes reinvigorate efforts to comply with Antarctic Treaty System requirements to actively record the locations of past activities and make available details of lost equipment. In a wider context, analogous reporting is also encouraged in other pristine areas subject to new research activities, including in other remote Earth environments and on extra-terrestrial bodies.

Rejuvenation of existing structures in New Zealand’s land transport infrastructure

Civil engineers play a vital role in contributing to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, not only during construction of new infrastructure but also by extending the lifespan of existing assets. This paper focuses on how engineers in New Zealand have adopted clever yet elegant solutions to reuse, repurpose and revitalise existing land transport structures in the past two decades. Case studies of road and rail bridges from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency and KiwiRail network highlight the various challenges, solutions and lessons learned.

Urbanization and Carbon Emission in South Asia

Background: Rapid urbanization in South Asia has led to increased energy consumption, transportation, and construction of new infrastructure, resulting in high carbon emissions. South Asia is the world's fastest urbanizing region, and its carbon emissions are influenced by the building industry, which accounts for more than 30% of the region's energy-related carbon emissions. This issue poses a serious policy concern as South Asia is vulnerable to the impact of carbon emissions and climate change. The relationship between urbanization and carbon emissions in South Asia is the concern of this paper. Objective: To analyze the relationship between urbanization and carbon emissions in South Asia and to test the validity of urbanization Kuznets' curve for the region. Method: Modified version of the Influence, Population, Affluence, and Technology (IPAT) model framework is used to study the relationship between carbon emissions and urbanization in South Asia. The data spans from 1970-2019. Results: The study finds a significant positive relationship between carbon emissions and urbanization, population, and population structure. The existence of Urbanization in Kuznets’ Curve for South Asia is proved. Implication: The positive relationship between carbon emissions and urbanization poses a major policy challenge in South Asia. With increasing population and economic growth, sustainable urbanization must be a top priority for policymakers in order to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Prevalence and correlates of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among workers in the steel industry

BackgroundThe steel industry is one of the noisiest industries, which can predispose workers to hearing loss. In Egypt, the demand for steel is increasing due to the construction of new infrastructures as bridges, flyover roads, buildings, and towers; however, little is known about the prevalence of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) among steel workers. Understanding the distribution of the affected workers is crucial for planning prevention strategies. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of occupational NIHL among Egyptian steel workers and identify its correlates.MethodsThis study was conducted at two steel factories in Egypt in November 2021. It involved an initial retrospective review of the factory medical records of the latest periodic medical examination conducted on workers from July to September in the year 2021 representing workers’ health status in that year. Then, a case–control approach analysis was carried out. Eligible workers (n = 606) were enrolled and divided into two groups: noise-exposed workers (n = 396) and unexposed workers (n = 210). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed.ResultsOccupational exposure to hazardous A-weighted equivalent noise level (> 85 dB) was associated with higher hearing thresholds at all frequencies (highest at 4 kHz followed by 6 kHz), particularly in younger workers below the age of 40 years. Nearly 71% of noise-exposed workers had hearing impairment, and 47% had NIHL compared with unexposed workers (45.7% and 11.9%, respectively). The probability of NIHL in noise-exposed workers was 6.55 times higher than that in unexposed workers (OR = 6.55, 95%CI = 4.13, 10.40; p < 0.001). In noise-exposed workers, age and tinnitus were independent predictors of hearing thresholds, while tinnitus was found to be an independent predictor of NIHL after adjusting for age and job duration (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.01, 4.20; p = 0.045).ConclusionAlmost half of noise-exposed workers had NIHL. Tinnitus was found to be an independent predictor of NIHL. Decreasing noise exposure levels in steel plants is recommended to reduce hearing loss. Future research is required to study the effect of tinnitus on audiometry measurements among workers with NIHL.

Budget policy of Ukraine under the conditions of marital state: challenges and prospects

Introduction. The article examines the peculiarities of implementation of the budget policy of Ukraine during the period of martial law. The main challenges for the budget policy are identified and proposals for improving the budget policy in the context of stimulating the economic development of Ukraine in the conditions of the war and post-war reconstruction of the state are substantiated. Goal. The purpose of the article is to study the challenges for the budgetary policy of Ukraine in the conditions of the war with Russia and to develop the vectors of its transformation to create basic positions regarding the post-war restoration of the state. Methods (methodology). The work uses general scientific research methods, namely: methods of content analysis of scientific literature and statistical information on the implementation of the state budget; statistical and graphic methods - for comparing existing trends in the implementation of the state budget of Ukraine; logical and empirical methods - to form an assessment of budget policy in the conditions of martial law; methods of systematization and generalization - for the formation of scientifically based proposals for improving the budget policy of Ukraine. The results. The main challenges for the budget policy of Ukraine in the conditions of martial law are identified, which are associated with a decrease in the number of enterprises, the introduction of tax benefits, the blockade and destruction of the logistics and energy infrastructure, and the choice of vectors of state budget expenditures. Directions for improving budget policy under martial law by transforming expenditures for the development of the processing industry, military-industrial complex, reconstruction and construction of new infrastructure of the national economy by attracting external and internal sources of financial funds are proposed.

Redesign of Four-leg Urban Intersection with Light Rail in a Street Corridor: Case Study in Zagreb

In the Croatian capital, Zagreb, there is a constant need for reconstruction of existing road infrastructure or construction of new infrastructure in accordance with current regulations and requirements due to its spatial expansion and increasing number of inhabitants and cars. The lack of uniform national guidelines and the insufficient width of corridors for the design of urban streets and intersections often lead to different and inconsistent solutions. Poorly constructed or reconstructed intersections in urban areas are becoming an increasing problem in the street network. Large cities have a complex traffic system due to the high traffic volume and different road users, so great attention should be paid to the geometric design of intersections. In this work, the existing intersection of Grad Vukovar and Donje Svetice streets in the city of Zagreb with a light rail corridor was analyzed, and two preliminary design variants for the reconstruction of the intersection were proposed to show the design problems and their solution.

Technical-economic assessments on the feasibility of new infrastructures serving seaport and dry port of Venice

Despite the millenary tradition of the city, the current port of Venice was built only about a hundred of years ago and located in a suburb named Marghera. The lack of an updated regulatory plan and of suitable inland transport connections have made it difficult to increase commercial traffic after the crisis of the chemical industry, although a strong growth in the luxury cruise industry. Only the construction of new infrastructures (both land and sea side) and the recovery of many abandoned areas have given a new impetus to the port.However, the reduction in maritime traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a drastic decline in commercial movements and cruises, with the risk of a total economic collapse. The recent approval of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, that identifies ports as strategic infrastructures, and the approval of the “Strategic Development Plan” aimed at establishing the “Simplified Logistics Zone of the Port of Venice and Rodigino” by the Veneto Region, have directed new investments towards the port of Venice. Furthermore, the growing awareness of the weakness of the lagoon ecosystem, the need to preserve Venice and the impossibility of enlarging the port areas have led to the need for new infrastructures that still allow the use of the current port.This article will mainly evaluate the technical-economic feasibility of new docking points outside the Venice lagoon that can be used by passenger ships of gross tonnage over 40,000 tons and by transoceanic container ships. Measures to improve the accessibility of the current seaport and dry port through new road and rail infrastructures will also be examined and evaluated. Indications are given regarding the necessary regeneration of the current sea- and dry-port and interventions aimed at ensuring greater environmental sustainability, such as cold ironing and electric mobility.