Construction Elements Research Articles

Multi-criterion modeling in the conditions of non-homogeneous data uncertainty in the V. Skalozub papers

The problems of solving multi-criteria modeling tasks in conditions of heterogeneous data uncertainty are characteristic and relevant for many areas, in particular, transport and logistics, medical, and economic. This paper summarizes the approaches to solving these ar-eas tasks, including cases for data obtained during monitoring with uneven and unclear inter-vals. All the considered approaches were created under the guidance and with the direct par-ticipation of prof. Skalozub V. V. The author's team, with his participation, illustrated exam-ples of the use of models in the tasks of organizing multi-symbol sequences in transport (for-mation-dismantling of trains, order processing) and in the analysis and forecasting of states/events based on data on diabetes diseases. In this paper, the main approaches to modeling in conditions of heterogeneous data un-certainty based on multi-layer constructive-synthesizing, separable and relational-separable models are highlighted. Multi-layer constructive-synthesizing became new branch of develop constructive-synthesizing modeling. Their practical value currently lies in the possibility of obtaining a new form of implementation of the specified technological processes of railway transport. In the future, they can be applied to tasks that require step-by-step data processing with a clear demarcation of the relevant operations. The obtained results can be used for further development of the proposed ideas and ap-proaches. It is promising to develop the identified approaches, including by combining them, as well as supplementing constructive-production models with a formalized description of con-structive elements, including input data, by ontological means. The paper contains information about the figure and scientific work of V. Skalozub.

Forensic Analysis of the VDL Research House I

ABSTRACT This paper summarizes the analysis of the fire that destroyed Neutra’s VDL Research House I, located in California, in the spring of 1963. The objective of the work was to determine what elements of design and construction lead to the outcome, establish if a well-designed building with a standard fuel load would have resulted only in local damage and what specific aspects laid at the source of the massive damage. The investigation consisted of three distinct steps: structural analysis, fuel load and ventilation analysis, and compartment analysis. All these combined gave the maximum possible duration of the design fire having an ISO temperature evolution. After performing a parametric study for fuel loads and ventilation conditions, it was determined that the fire that brought down the house was most likely a post-flashover fuel-controlled fire. One of the main conclusions of the investigation was that, had this fire been limited to the room of origin, the outcome would not have been possible. Failure of compartmentation is most likely considered to be related to constructive detailing.

(Semi-)automatic Extraction of Urban Planning Rules in French for Better Management of Land Artificialization

Land artificialization is a significant modern concern, as it is irreversible, diminishes agriculturally suitable land and causes environmental problems. Our project, Hérelles, aims to address this challenge by developing a framework for land artificialization management. In this framework, we associate urban planning rules in text form with clusters extracted from time series of satellite images. To achieve this, it is crucial to understand the planning rules with two key objectives: (1) to verify if the constraints derived from the rules are verifiable on satellite images and (2) to use these constraints to guide the labelling (or semantization) of clusters. The first step in this process involves the automatic extraction of rules from urban planning documents written in the French language. To solve this problem, we propose a method based on the multilabel classification of textual segments and their subsequent summarization. This method includes a special format for representing segments, in which each segment has a title and a subtitle. We then propose a cascade approach to address the hierarchy of class labels. Additionally, we develop several text augmentation techniques for French texts that can improve prediction results. Finally, we reformulate classified segments into concise text portions containing necessary elements for expert rule construction. We adapt an approach based on Meaning Representation (AMR) graphs to generate these portions in the French language and conduct a comparative analysis with ChatGPT. We experimentally demonstrate that the resulting framework correctly classifies each type of segment with more than 90% accuracy. Furthermore, our results indicate that ChatGPT outperforms the AMR-based approach, leading to a discussion of the advantages and limitations of both methods.

150 Years of the Tetrahedral Carbon: A Toast to Chirality.

We have recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of the tetrahedral carbon (1874-2024), as postulated by van't Hoff and Le Bel, who published their seminal breakthrough only 2-months apart, on September 5 and November 5, 1874, respectively. The concept is a fundamental pillar of structural chemistry and, if we may say so, of molecular sciences. How two young men in their early careers dared to disturb the established way of thinking constitutes the jumping-off of scientific theories as constructive elements, rather than arguments derived from experiments. Chirality makes no sense without geometry. Nor can we interpret a molecular scenario devoid of spatial considerations. All in all, a felicitous celebration to be highlighted.

Innovative style and construction elements in the creation of folklorist Sabin Vasile Drăgoi. “Divertisment rustic” – Carol 1: “Oh, what wonderful news!”

Sabin Vasile Drăgoi, a composer, folklorist and leading Romanian pedagogue, is recognized for his essential contributions to the development of Romanian music, especially through the valorization of folk traditions. He was a prominent representative of the musical nationalist movement of the first half of the 20th century, marking an important stage in the synthesis between traditional elements and those of European musical modernity. The “Divertisment rustic”, entertainment composed in 1928 reflects his constant concern for the valorization of traditional Romanian music, based on folklore elements that he integrated into his classical musical language. The style of the work is full of vitality, and the folk motifs are reinterpreted in a refined and modern manner. Through the way he uses folklore elements – modal melodies, asymmetrical rhythms, tonal harmonies with modal influences – Drăgoi creates a bridge between tradition and modernity, offering an accessible yet profound work.

Fecal occult blood affects intestinal microbial community structure in colorectal cancer

BackgroundGut microbes have been used to predict CRC risk. Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) has been recommended for population screening of CRC.ObjectiveTo analyze the effects of fecal occult blood test (FOBT) on gut microbes.MethodsFecal samples from 107 healthy individuals (FOBT-negative) and 111 CRC patients (39 FOBT-negative and 72 FOBT-positive) were included for 16 S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Based on the results of different FOBT, the community structure and diversity of intestinal bacteria in healthy individuals and CRC patients were analyzed. Characteristic gut bacteria were screened, and various machine learning algorithms were applied to construct CRC risk prediction models.ResultsThe gut microbiota of healthy people and CRC patients with different fecal occult blood were mapped. There was no statistical difference in diversity between CRC patients with negative FOBT and positive FOBT. Bacteroides, Blautia and Escherichia-Shigella were more correlated to healthy individuals, while Streptococcus showed higher correlation with CRC patients with negative FOBT. The accuracy of CRC risk prediction model based on the support vector machines (SVM) algorithm was the highest (89.71%). Subsequently, FOBT was included as a characteristic element in the model construction, and the prediction accuracy of the model was all increased. Similarly, the CRC risk prediction model based on SVM algorithm had the highest accuracy (92%).ConclusionFOB affects the community composition of gut microbes. When predicting CRC risk based on gut microbiome, considering the influence of FOBT is expected to improve the accuracy of CRC risk prediction.

Comparative, Cost and Multi-Criteria Analyses of Traditional Binders in the Composition of Hemp-Based Finishing Products.

The objective of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of twelve compositions based on hemp shiv and four traditional binders used in the construction industry: cement, plaster, hydrated lime and clay, with the aim of using the resulting materials as final finishing products applicable to the raw area of walls, slabs and other construction elements for walls. Comparative, cost and multi-criteria analyses were carried out on the proposed compositions. The comparative analysis focused on acoustic, thermal, mechanical and fire characteristics, followed by a cost analysis and ending with multi-criteria analysis. In general, cement presented the highest values for mechanical properties, while the other binders demonstrated the most favorable results for acoustic and thermal properties. This paper aims to provide an overview of the traditional binders used in hemp shiv composition and to examine the impact of the physical and mechanical properties of these binders on the final product.

Taking consent for granted: A case for rethinking hegemony

This paper focuses on the position of consent in prevailing models of hegemony. It is argued that the commonly invoked consent assumption is a weakness in the hegemony construct that demands review. Consent is purportedly a crucial element of the hegemony dynamic, yet is often overlooked in favour of dominance and resistance. To illustrate this, the paper provides a genealogical account of the consent premise as it is formulated in notable models of political hegemony. This reveals a declining interest in the purportedly crucial consent element of the hegemony construct, accompanied by a reductive view of language and discourse. Next, the paper contrasts the collective consent premise with modern notions of individual sexual consent. This highlights the connection between the consent assumption and hegemonic masculinity. It is observed that if hegemony is based on modes of control and the lack of meaningful choice, it is not founded on consensus. Rather, it is postulated that such conditions might aptly be described as a form of tolerance. This concept is outlined here as a means of departure towards theorizing how hegemonic domination might be actualized discursively without the requirement of consent. In this respect, the paper responds to proponents of post-hegemony by arguing that it is not the concept of hegemony that is outmoded, but rather how it is secured.

Case study of smoke and heat control systems in high-rise buildings

New European technical regulations impose the need for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling of smoke and heat control systems for buildings with a height greater than 60 m. Consequently, this study presents CFD simulations in this context, focusing on two essential constructive elements in ensuring a safe evacuation of users from high-rise buildings, interconnected with each other: the smoke enclosure and the stairwell. It is worthwhile to mention that the developed numerical model considered requirements of technical regulations in force and data from specialized literature, as well as non-conformities of some constructive elements with fire protection roles. The results show the importance of all constructive elements with active and passive protection roles in case of fire. These elements contribute to reducing the effects produced by fires, especially in the case of non-conformities of the smoke and heat control systems, respectively of the smoke barriers (smokeproof enclosure access and exit fire doors).

Accessible infrastructure´s diagnosis with mobility emphasis, about educational and guberment institutions. Ciudad Valles, S. L. P. Mx

This document is to promote the citizens interest through parent associations, urban sector improvement committees; educational and governm institutions heads; to participate in the first Ranking about accessible infrastructure of the schools and government buildings. The construction elements are analyzed at the time that may lead establishment of indicators to identify opportunity areas to Institutions; with a technical justification aligned at current standards; can support urban-architectural intervention, remodeling and expansion projects, which they can participate for obtain financial support from government programs or private initiatives.

До питання розмежування фантастики і фентезі

The article under studies deals with the issue of differentiating between the genres of science fiction and fantasy within contemporary literary theory. Particular emphasis has been laid on historical, theoretical, and receptive approaches to the evolution of these two genres. The article regards the concept of the genre matrix, which reflects the key invariants and dynamic changes in the genre nature of literary texts and focuses on the views of G. Genette, T. Todorov, J.-M. Schaeffer, as well as contemporary Ukrainian researchers who offer innovative approaches to the study of genre evolution. The article also traces up how fiction, which historically emerged at the intersection of mythology, folklore, and epic, evolved into meta-genre forms such as science fiction and fantasy. It considers the specifics of the simulative chronotope, which combines the real and the imaginary, intertextuality as a key element of genre construction, as well as the receptive orientation of the genre. The concepts of genre transformation and modification, which affect the transformation of genres into new forms, are analyzed separately. The study also emphasizes the differences and common features between science fiction and fantasy, in particular, through the criteria of chronotope, motivation of events, and receptive specificity of texts. It suggests regarding fantasy as a meta-genre with a wide range of varieties, from epic to philosophical. The differentiation of the fantastic deepens the understanding of genre boundaries and mechanisms of literary dynamics.

A DISTINCTIVE ARCHITECTURAL TECHNIQUE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF RELIGIOUS STRUCTURES IN CENTRAL ASIA

A survey of the various styles of architecture used in the construction of religious buildings in Central Asia, with particular emphasis on historical, cultural, and technological values. Through archaeological and historical evidence, this study investigates how local craftsmanship integrated with external influence in developing some of the iconic religious buildings: mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums. In them, key elements of fresh construction of domes, detailed brickwork, and ornamental patterns have been analysed in terms of functional and aesthetic contributions. They underline that, besides reflecting the spiritual and socio-economic values of the time, they indeed exemplify the high engineering and artistic skills of Central Asian builders. The present study contributes a lot to the region's architectural heritage and shows their continuing influence upon Islamic art and architecture.

“Queen of Spades” and “Petty Demon”: Pushkinian Allusions and Their Functions in F. Sologub’s Novel

The problems of the undertaken research are associated with the uncertainty of the semantic mechanisms of intertextual interaction between Sologub’s novel “The Petty Demon” and Pushkin’s story “The Queen of Spades”. In the research literature, particular overlaps between these works have been noted, but the systemic semantic connection between these two texts has not yet been identified, which determines the relevance of the article. The hypothesis of the work is that Pushkin’s “Queen of Spades” serves as a structural prototype for Sologub’s novel “The Petty Demon.” This structural prototype collects individual reminiscent elements of Sologub’s text into a single semantic plot-organized unit. The purpose of the study is to identify the constructive elements of this prototype in Sologub’s novel using the method of semantic comparative analysis. As a result, it was proved that Sologub uses the key semantic blocks of Pushkin’s “Queen of Spades”, while in the recipient text these blocks include both themes and motives and images. Significant elements include: the theme of cards, the motive of card addiction, the motive of madness, the motive of pragmatic marriage, “double” infernal female images. It is shown that the specificity of the implementation of this narrative structure in Sologub’s text is associated with the inversion of pathos: Pushkin's ironic pathos is transformed into burlesquetragic, and tragic connotations are embedded in the paradigm of the comic. All this allows us to conclude that the grotesque-parody function is the key for the intertextual dialogue between Sologub and Pushkin.

Dimensions of constructive elements of forest roads

Forest roads must be maintained in a condition that allows them to handle traffic loads at any given time, which is only achievable if their dimensions remain within the prescribed limits. The dimensions of the elements of the plan, profile, and cross-section of forest roads depend on factors such as soil type in a constructive context, the category of the forest road, and the type of vehicles that will use these roads. In this study, a forest road constructed on soil types IV, V, and VI was examined, and its dimensions were determined. The share of soil type in constructive sense is 63% of V category, 34% of IV category and 3% of IV category. The average width of the roadway is 6.11 m, with an upgrade of approximately 3% and a downgrade of 6.5%. The cross slope of the roadway is 3.1%, while the slope of the cut areas is 120% (1.2:1), and the slope of the fill areas is 86% (0.86:1). It was concluded that the forest road is in a condition capable of accommodating traffic load. However, attention should be given to the wider roadway width and the lower slopes of the cut and fill areas, as these may require adjustments to ensure efficiency and safety.

Synthesis and Morphology of Slag-based Alkali-Activated Materials

The present study focuses on the optimization of alkali activation of ferronickel (FeNi) slag for the production of alkali-activated materials (AAMs). The effect of the main factors including molarity and SiO2/Na2O molar ratio in the activating solution, pre-curing and curing time, curing temperature, and aging period on the compressive strength and other properties of the final products is assessed. Emphasis is paid to the study of the effect of low curing temperature to decrease the overall footprint of alkali activation. Several analytical techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used for the identification of the mineralogy and the morphology of the precursor and the final products. The experimental results indicate that the produced AAMs achieve a maximum compressive strength of 99 MPa using NaOH molarity 8 mol/L (M), SiO2/Na2O molar ratio 1, curing temperature 80 °C, curing time 24 h, and aging period 7 days. SEM/EDS–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicates that alkali activation results in a homogeneous binding phase, characteristic of the expected iron-rich matrix, while the microstructure of the AAMs is characterized by a glassy and smooth surface without the presence of any visible cracks or defects. The produced AAMs may be used as alternative binders for the replacement of cement in the production of concrete or as construction elements.

The Prophetic Approach to Building and Raising People Religiously and Morally During the Meccan Period

The events and turning points of the Prophet’s biography constituted, and still are, a source for providing the contemporary Muslim mind, and a source for understanding global events and the map of societies, through awareness of their events and awareness of their important lessons. The unique personality of Muhammad, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, cannot be measured only by the achievements that took place during his time, but also by what resulted from them and what was achieved after him. He built a new, unified nation after dispersal, and produced great leaders from it, and made the Muslim person a civilized example with his mind. His approach, may God bless him and grant him peace, was purification, education, changing souls, refining them, and building hearts, based on firm and solid divine foundations to liberate man from slavery to other than God, correct his faith, purify himself with various types of worship and obedience, and refine him with good morals. By raising his companions, may God be pleased with them, the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, achieved this eternal model of the righteous, divine human being. Accordingly, this paper aims to highlight the components of devotional and moral construction through applied models from the Meccan era, and to explain the methods that the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, followed to achieve this, and the effects resulting from it, and to establish that following the example of our Master Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace in general, and his educational and moral curriculum in particular. A legal requirement and a religious necessity. Hence, the following questions can be asked: How was the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, able to build the personality of a Muslim during the Meccan era, religiously and morally? What are the methods and components that were relied upon to achieve this balanced structure religiously and morally? How can the prophetic model be invested in improving our moral system? To address this topic, we have divided it into three sections: The first topic: The components of devotional construction during the Meccan era, The second topic: The elements of moral construction during the Meccan era, The third topic: The fruits and effects of the Prophet’s method in the devotional and moral structure during the Meccan era.

Analysis processes of the vaulted system of the cloister of the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes through photogrammetric surveying

Abstract. The article presents the results of the architectural survey campaigns and the subsequent graphic representation and modelling of the Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes in Spain, with particular focus on the compositional elements of the cloistered vaulting system. The research focuses on documenting the geometric-proportional rules of the construction and decorative elements, which are essential for understanding the architecture analysed. Using integrated survey techniques, through terrestrial and aerial photogrammetry, point clouds and textured three-dimensional models were generated, derived from polygonal meshes, which were subsequently processed to generate representative plans and sections. Taking as a reference the methodology applied in the 17th century by the architect Guarino Guarini, who emphasised geometric simplification and synthesis analysis, the objective of the research is not only the collection of digital data, but also their interpretation through different interpretations, promoting an understanding and dissemination of the analysed architectural heritage that is based on the concept of discretization of the acquired data, according to both the theoretical and practical knowledge of the operator, in order to reduce occlusions and improve the graphic representation, communication and dissemination of the acquired information.

MINDS OF THE FUTURE: ENTREPRENEURIAL, INNOVATIVE AND TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION

This article presents partial results of a Brazilian entrepreneurial education project named Minds of the Future. This project is aimed at low-income high school students from public schools in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Developed through a collaboration between Federal University of Juiz de Fora and Minas Gerais Education Department, the project aims to contribute for a transformative education, focused on training young people to cope with new life realities, social relationships, and work through the stimulation of critical, creative, technological and entrepreneurial thinking. This project is justified both by the need for young people's engagement in the rapid advances in systems and data automation and by the educational reality of the country, which has a high dropout rate during the transition between elementary and high school.The proposed approach to knowledge transfer and sharing is STEAM. In the first stage, Lego® Education robotics materials were used, which combine Lego® construction elements and intuitive programming language in a 12-hour module of lessons and playful activities offered to 135 students distributed in eight classes during 2024. This and other modules involving 3D modeling, soft skills, financial education and sustainable development will be offered in the second semester of 2024. The project includes professors from different areas and 14 scholarship holders from different undergraduate courses at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora - physics, engineering, computer science, business administration, accounting, law, nutrition and pedagogy - who acted as facilitators during the classes and activities developed. To evaluate the results of this initial experience with the application of the Lego programming and robotics module, a qualitative and quantitative research was conducted. Questionnaires with objective questions were administered to the students via Google Forms at the beginning of the first class and at the end of the last class of the module. Additionally, questionnaires with both objective and open-ended questions were given to the project scholarship holders. Minds of the Future project demonstrated significant positive impacts both among the students and the participating scholarship holders perceptions and skills. The results indicate improvements in various dimensions, from the relationship with teachers to the development of technical skills and increased interest in technology and innovation.

The use and effect of cognitive scaffoldings on facilitating collaborative discussion-supported writing

ABSTRACT Collaborative discussion-supported writing (CDSW) provides opportunities for students to develop arguments and counterarguments through peer communications with a goal to promote a high-quality argumentative essay. Cognitive scaffoldings can be used to facilitate students’ collaborative discussions. However, there is a lack of investigation on the utilisation of cognitive scaffoldings to facilitate CDSW, which limits valuable insights for the instructional design of cognitive scaffolding. This research designed collaborative discussions to support argumentative essay writing at a Chinese senior high school, with three cognitive scaffoldings (i.e. minimal, idea-centred and idea-centred, argumentation-oriented scaffoldings). Results revealed the best effect of the idea-centred, argumentation-oriented scaffolding on collaborative learning processes and performances, compared to the minimal and idea-centred scaffoldings. Based on the results, this research proposes that knowledge construction elements, engagement levels and additional supports should be considered in instructional design of cognitive scaffoldings to improve collaborative learning.

Bayesian Statistics for Sustainable Cementitious Systems with a Partial Replacement of Coconut Shell Ash as a Cement Material

As urbanization continues to increase on a daily basis, the demand for infrastructure has become a global priority. Developing nations encounter considerable obstacles in managing solid waste, particularly in the handling of construction materials. Concrete, an essential element in construction, depends significantly on cement as its binding agent. While cement offers benefits such as robust binding properties and improved concrete strength, its production poses considerable environmental challenges. The study explores the potential of using coconut shell ash (CSA) as an alternative to traditional binding materials in M20 grade concrete. Burned coconut shells produce CSA, which possesses pozzolanic properties, making it an attractive material for cement substitution. By integrating coconut shell ash into the concrete formulation, the overall cement requirement can be diminished, resulting in substantial energy conservation, lower carbon releases, and the safeguarding of natural resources. To evaluate the effectiveness of CSA as a replacement, various proportions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30%) were examined. The findings revealed that using 10% CSA as a binding material replacement led to enhanced mechanical properties. A total of 36 concrete cubes were cast using both ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and 10% CSA, followed by comprehensive testing and statistical analysis using SPSS V-26. Bayesian statistical analysis demonstrated that incorporating 10% of CSA as a cementitious material in concrete yields effective results.