Tool For Construction Research Articles

Influence of BIM and Lean on mitigating delay factors in building projects

Building projects are affected by various phenomena that can affect their success and continuity and, in the worst cases, can lead to project abandonment. The delay has been identified as one of the phenomena with the most significant impact and recurrence; therefore, mitigation actions are required. BIM and Lean Construction are two approaches with great potential to mitigate delay-generating factors. However, more studies need to be conducted to analyze their influence on mitigating schedule delays. Considering this gap, this paper focuses on analyzing the influence of Lean Construction tools, and BIM uses that favor mitigating the main factors that generate variations in the construction schedules of residential buildings. The research method was divided into five main stages: (1) delay factors identification; (2) BIM uses identification; (3) Lean tools identification; (4) questionnaire design, validation, and application; and (5) influence quantitative analysis. A total of 20 delay factors, eight BIM uses, and eight Lean tools were selected. Next, a consultation was conducted with 50 building project managers and two residential building projects were analyzed. The findings show that implementing BIM and Lean tools greatly influences mitigating delay factors such as errors and deficiencies in design documents, inefficient project planning and scheduling, and poor communication and coordination with designers. BIM uses that have a strong influence on reducing delays include 4D construction planning and 4D construction analysis and optimization. In the Lean domain, the Last Planner System (LPS) and collaborative meetings have a high influence on mitigating delays. This study provides valuable insights for construction project managers to improve overall project efficiency by optimizing the implementation of BIM uses and Lean tools.

The Association Between Cardiovagal Baroreceptor Sensitivity and Hippocampal Tissue Integrity in Young and Middle-aged Adults

Prior research has investigated the association of cardiovagal baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) with white matter neuronal integrity and cerebral perfusion using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques such as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL); however, less is known about the association with specific regions of gray matter (i.e, hippocampus) involved in memory formation and recall. MR elastography (MRE) has emerged as a constructive tool for assessing the viscoelastic mechanical properties of the brain which are believed to reflect the microstructural integrity of neuronal tissue. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between cardiovagal BRS and the viscoelastic properties of the brain, with a sub goal of examining how advanced age affects this association. We hypothesized that there would be a positive relation between cardiovagal BRS and hippocampal (HC) viscoelastic properties that strengthens with age, indicating a greater influence of blood pressure control on HC microstructural integrity. Methods: Ten young (Yng, 25 ± 2 years) and ten middle-aged adults (MA, 55 ± 3 years) laid in supine position for 10 minutes while arterial blood pressure (ABP) and heart rate (HR) were measured. R-R intervals and systolic blood pressures were plotted within a linear regression to calculate the spontaneous baroreflex slope. Subjects went in an MRI scanner to measure hippocampal viscoelastic properties using MRE. Results: As expected, we observed a lower cBRS in the middle-aged group compared with young (MA: 12.51±4.41 vs. Yng: 25.21±8.77 ms/mmHg, p≤0.05). There were no significant differences in HC stiffness or damping ratio when comparing between age groups (MA: 3.06±0.32 kPa vs. Yng: 3.02±0.09 kPa, p=0.69; MA: 0.2±0.02 vs. Yng: 0.2±0.03, p=0.56). However, a multiple linear regression with age included as a categorical covariate revealed a trend towards a stronger association between HC stiffness and cBRS in the middle-aged compared to the young group (p=0.07). CONCLUSION: In contrast to our hypothesis, preserved BRS was associated with lower HC stiffness in the middle-aged group; however, the physiological importance of this finding needs to be more completely explored. Our findings indicate that the association between short-term blood pressure regulation via cardiovagal BRS may be more closely linked to HC tissue integrity with advancing age. These mechanisms should be explored in a larger cohort including older individuals. Supported by UD Research Foundation 2020 Pilot Grant and P20GM113125. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

The CASEL Framework and Christian Schools: Using a Hermeneutical Tool to Determine Worldview Alignment

This article aims to utilize an adapted version of Trentham’s Inverse Consistency Protocol (ICP) as a way in which any ecclesial organization can act productively when confronted with seemingly controversial paradigms such as social emotional learning (SEL). The ICP can help Christian leaders discern potential areas of inconsistency or affirm authentic congruence with an organization’s faith tradition. Tenets from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) were submitted through the four-step protocol. Findings suggest that CASEL is a valuable framework when applied authentically and that ICP is a constructive tool for engaging in the social sciences with integrity.

Preparation of a bio-based PU/EP IPN concrete adhesive with optimized performance and decent adhesion

An adhesive serves as a vital tool in construction, repair, and rehabilitation projects. Typically crafted from polymer materials such as epoxies or polyurethane latex, it facilitates the creation of resilient bonds between a variety of surfaces, ranging from concrete-concrete and metal-concrete to concrete-composites. However, employing epoxy or polyurethane individually as adhesives often demonstrate insufficient performance and weak interfacial adhesion during service. In this study, an adhesive combining polyurethane and epoxy was synthesized, featuring an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structure. This innovative agent was created using polyols sourced from soybean oil and a commercial epoxy resin. By tuning the infusion of polyurethane content, the resultant resin exhibited favorable flowability in civil applications, simultaneously improved strength and toughness due to the IPN structure, and outstanding thermal stability. Notably, the incorporation of 20 wt% polyurethane yielded a polymer with a remarkable tensile strength of 35.9 MPa. Additionally, the bonding adhesion of the prepared resins on concrete specimens was investigated through splitting tensile test and shear strength test. The study explored the influences of polyurethane content, concrete strength, and adhesive layer thickness on interfacial bonding strength. The introduction of an IPN structure within the PU-20 agent proved advantageous for enhancing the bonding adhesion of the concrete, resulting in remarkable interfacial tensile and shear strengths of 4.56 MPa and 21.73 MPa, respectively.

To behave or not (un)ethically? The meditative effect of mindfulness on statistics anxiety and academic dishonesty moderated by risk aversion

Despite the growing interest in mindfulness in higher education, the literature on its relation to decision-making under risk (i.e. academic misconduct) and statistics anxiety is scarce. The present research shall fill this gap. Based on the prospect theory, we assessed the mediating effect of mindfulness on the relationship between statistics anxiety and academic dishonesty moderated by risk aversion. Data were collected from 791 undergraduate students in six Israeli academic institutions studying for bachelor’s degrees in social sciences. Questionnaires included the following measures: risk behaviour according to the prospect theory framework, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Statistics Anxiety Rating Scale, Academic Misconduct Scale and sociodemographic variables. Correlations among these variables were explored. The data was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results indicate that the variance in academic dishonesty is explained by students' statistics anxiety with a mediation of Mindfulness moderated by Risk Aversion. Mindfulness negatively affects Academic Dishonesty, while Risk Aversion has a significant positive effect on Mindfulness. Finally, among individuals with high statistics anxiety, Risk Averse individuals show significantly higher Mindfulness than Risk Seekers. We conclude that mindfulness-based interventions might be a constructive tool to reduce risk-taking and promote ethical decision-making among individuals who experience high levels of statistics anxiety. Furthermore, developing mindful skills may help individuals with higher anxiety levels neutralize these unwanted feelings and get along with their learning tasks. Hence, avoid academic unethical behaviours.

Effect of concurrent exposure to noise and hand-transmitted vibration on auditory and cognitive attention under simulated work with construction tools

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of separate and concurrent exposure to occupational noise and hand-transmitted vibration (HTV) on auditory and cognitive attention. Methods. The experimental study was conducted with 40 construction workers who were exposed to noise (A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level of 90 dB) and to HTV (10 m/s2 at 31.5 Hz), and concurrent exposure to both for 30 min under simulated work with vibrating equipment used in construction. Cognitive performance aspects were then evaluated from each individual in two pre-exposure and post-exposure settings for each session. Results. The effect sizes of concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and separate exposure to noise on auditory attention were very close (effect size = 0.648 and 0.626). The largest changes in the difference of response time in both types of attention (selective and divided attention) were related to the concurrent exposure scenario and then exposure to HTV, respectively. The highest effects for the correct response of selective and divided attention are related to concurrent exposure (HTV + noise) and then noise exposure, respectively. Conclusion. The HTV effect during concurrent exposure is hidden in auditory attention, and noise has the main effects. The divided attention was more affected than the selective attention in the different scenarios.

DDE KG Editor: A data service system for knowledge graph construction in geoscience

AbstractDeep‐time Digital Earth (DDE) is an innovative international big science program, focusing on scientific propositions of earth evolution, changing Earth Science by coordinating global geoscience data, and sharing global geoscience knowledge. To facilitate the DDE program with recent advances in computer science, the geoscience knowledge graph plays a key role in organizing the data and knowledge of multiple geoscience subjects into Knowledge Graphs (KGs), which enables the calculation and inference over geoscience KGs for data mining and knowledge discovery. However, the construction of geoscience KGs is challenging. Though there have been some construction tools, they commonly lack collaborative editing and peer review for building high‐quality large‐scale geoscience professional KGs. To this end, a data service system or tool, DDE KG Editor, is developed to construct geoscience KGs. Specifically, it comes with several distinctive features such as collaborative editing, peer review, contribution records, intelligent assistance, and discussion forums. Currently, global geoscientists have contributed over 60,000 ontologies for 22 subjects. The stability, scalability, and intelligence of the system are regularly improving as a public online platform to better serve the DDE program.

Utilizing synthetic images to enhance the automated recognition of small-sized construction tools

Previous studies on vision-based classifiers often overlooked the need for detecting small-sized construction tools. Considering the substantial variations in these tools' size and shape, it is essential to train models using synthetic images that encompass diverse angles and distances. This study aimed to improve the performance of classifiers for small-sized construction tools by leveraging synthetic data. Three classifiers were proposed using YOLOv8 algorithm, varying in data composition: (i) ‘Real-4000’: 4000 authentic images; (ii) ‘Hybrid-4000’: 2000 authentic and 2000 synthetic images; (iii) ‘Hybrid-8000’: 4000 authentic and 4000 synthetic images. To assess practical applicability, a test dataset of 144 samples for each type was collected directly from construction sites. Results revealed that the ‘Hybrid-8000’ model, utilizing synthetic images, excelled at 94.8% of mAP_0.5. This represented a significant 15.2% improvement, affirming its practical applicability. These classifiers hold promise for enhancing safety and advancing real-time automation and robotics in construction.

KSNP: a fast de Bruijn graph-based haplotyping tool approaching data-in time cost

Long reads that cover more variants per read raise opportunities for accurate haplotype construction, whereas the genotype errors of single nucleotide polymorphisms pose great computational challenges for haplotyping tools. Here we introduce KSNP, an efficient haplotype construction tool based on the de Bruijn graph (DBG). KSNP leverages the ability of DBG in handling high-throughput erroneous reads to tackle the challenges. Compared to other notable tools in this field, KSNP achieves at least 5-fold speedup while producing comparable haplotype results. The time required for assembling human haplotypes is reduced to nearly the data-in time.

Dental Pulp Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Promote Sciatic Nerve Regeneration via Optimizing Schwann Cell Function.

Repair strategies for injured peripheral nerve have achieved great progresses in recent years. However, the clinical outcomes remain unsatisfactory. Recent studies have found that exosomes secreted by dental pulp stem cells (DPSC-exos) have great potential for applications in nerve repair. In this study, we evaluated the effects of human DPSC-exos on improving peripheral nerve regeneration. Initially, we established a coculture system between DPSCs and Schwann cells (SCs) in vitro to assess the effect of DPSC-exos on the activity of embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons (DRGs) growth in SCs. We extracted and labeled human DPSC-exos, which were subsequently utilized in uptake experiments in DRGs and SCs. Subsequently, we established a rat sciatic nerve injury model to evaluate the therapeutic potential of DPSC-exos in repairing sciatic nerve damage. Our findings revealed that DPSC-exos significantly promoted neurite elongation by enhancing the proliferation, migration, and secretion of neurotrophic factors by SCs. In vivo, DPSC-exos administration significantly improved the walking behavior, axon regeneration, and myelination in rats with sciatic nerve injuries. Our study underscores the vast potential of DPSC-exos as a therapeutic tool for tissue-engineered nerve construction.

State Information System for Supporting Urban Development Activitiesas a Life Cycle Management Tool for Building and Structure Construction

State Information System for Supporting Urban Development Activitiesas a Life Cycle Management Tool for Building and Structure Construction

Economic and functional-operational imperatives of forming the economic portfolio of a developer in construction

In the modern era of digitalization of the economy, construction companies are faced with the need to review and optimize their business processes. This article examines the update of the economic and managerial reconfiguration tools for construction companies in the context of digital transformation of their operations. The main emphasis is placed on the importance of introducing the latest technologies and digital tools to optimize the processes of planning, production, resource management and quality control in the construction industry. The benefits of using digital solutions such as integrated construction management systems, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and other innovative tools are highlighted. The author investigates how these technologies can support enterprises in improving efficiency, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness in the current market environment. The conclusion about the need for active adaptation of digital tools to achieve strategic goals and successful development of construction enterprises in the modern digital world is substantiated. Portfolio strategy is a key tool for managing risks and achieving strategic goals. The main aspects of selection, distribution and management of projects in the developer's business portfolio are considered. The article substantiates the conclusion that it is necessary to actively adapt digital tools to achieve strategic goals and successful development of construction enterprises in the modern digital world.Portfolio strategy is a key tool for managing risks and achieving strategic goals.The main aspects of selection, distribution and management of projects in the developer's business portfolio are considered.Attention is focused on the need to harmonize strategic goals with the real possibilities and limitations of resource, risk and investment management to ensure the stable functioning of the enterprise, as well as the importance of analyzing the efficiency and optimization of the portfolio structure.The methods and tools that help developers make informed decisions on the preparation and management of a business portfolio are highlighted.The conclusion emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to project portfolio management to achieve the successful functioning of a developer enterprise in the construction industry.

MIKE: an ultrafast, assembly-, and alignment-free approach for phylogenetic tree construction.

Constructing a phylogenetic tree requires calculating the evolutionary distance between samples or species via large-scale resequencing data, a process that is both time-consuming and computationally demanding. Striking the right balance between accuracy and efficiency is a significant challenge. To address this, we introduce a new algorithm, MIKE (MinHash-based k-mer algorithm). This algorithm is designed for the swift calculation of the Jaccard coefficient directly from raw sequencing reads and enables the construction of phylogenetic trees based on the resultant Jaccard coefficient. Simulation results highlight the superior speed of MIKE compared to existing state-of-the-art methods. We used MIKE to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree, incorporating 238 yeast, 303 Zea, 141 Ficus, 67 Oryza, and 43 Saccharum spontaneum samples. MIKE demonstrated accurate performance across varying evolutionary scales, reproductive modes, and ploidy levels, proving itself as a powerful tool for phylogenetic tree construction. MIKE is publicly available on Github at https://github.com/Argonum-Clever2/mike.git.

The Assessment of the Maturity of Informatization in Assembly-Building Projects Utilizing the CMM-CME Methodology, Taking a Project in China as an Illustration

Owing to its rapid advancement, information technology has emerged as a critical tool in assembly construction for addressing market demands, improving project quality, and reducing costs. However, the absence of unified informatization standards within the assembly construction industry has led to the adoption of different technologies and systems by various businesses during the development of informatization systems; this has generated issues such as unbalanced development and mutual incompatibility. While researchers have examined these issues, a comprehensive assessment of the maturity of informatization in assembly-building projects is lacking. Assessment of the maturity of informatization can provide evaluation standards and methods for the development of informatization of assembly buildings, explore the important and difficult points of applying informatization technology to assembly buildings, and put forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions to promote the benign development of informatization of assembly buildings. Therefore, this study strives to develop a model for assessing the maturity of informatization of assembly-building projects. This study begins by determining the level of the maturity level of informatization, key process areas, and key practices for assembly-building projects using the capability maturity model (CMM). On this basis, the maturity evaluation index system was constructed through expert interviews and questionnaires. Furthermore, in order to assign weights to the indicators comprehensively, the ordinal relationship method and entropy weight method were implemented. The evaluation criteria were determined by consulting the relevant literature and expert opinions. Followingly, an evaluation model was established based on the cloud matter element (CME) theory. Finally, a case study demonstrates that the methodology can be utilized to quantify the maturity of project informatization. In conclusion, this study unearths a system for assessing the level of maturity of informatization of assembly-building projects, which provides a valuable reference for promoting the continuous development of the maturity of informatization in assembly-building projects.

Use of means of restoration of working capacity in preparation sprinters

The purpose of the work: to analyze and systematize modern data on the use of means of rehabilitation of athletes specializing in short-distance running. Methodology: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature and Internet resources.
 Scientific novelty. A comprehensive approach to the use of modern means of restoring the working capacity of sprinters is presented, the effectiveness of which depends on the period of preparation in the annual cycle, specialization, volume, intensity and direction of training loads of previous and subsequent classes, microcycles, etc.Conclusions. It was noted that among the pedagogical means of recovery, it is important to use motor switching in training programs and microcycles in the form of sports games. To manage the performance of runners, selective recovery of those components that were not primarily affected during the training session, but will be mobilized during the next training session, should be carried out. It is recommended to use the entire complex of pedagogical tools for the rational construction of the sports training process. Extra-training (physical) means of recovery in the preparatory and competitive periods of the annual training of sprinters are proposed. It is recommended that track and field athletes use complexes of physical and hygienic means of recovery of the general effect after performing significant training loads, and for medium and small loads - of local effect. Pharmacological means of recovery of athletes depending on the functional state of muscles, the size and intensity of training loads are presented. The positive effect of nutrition on the course of restorative processes is indicated.

Contemporary Advancements in Education for Sustainable Development: A Qualitative Outlook

Education plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability on a global scale. It serves as a crucial vehicle, offering individuals the understanding, means, and benefits necessary for achieving sustainable development. Sustainable development, at its core, seeks to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to fulfill their specific requirements. This approach integrates economic, social, and environmental considerations, forming a shared foundation for all. Education for sustainability harnesses the entire educational system to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to catalyze societal transformation toward a sustainable future. An integral aspect of sustainable development involves recognizing and respecting the positive heritage and legacy bestowed by past generations. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) embodies a dynamic concept that envisions a new educational paradigm balancing human and economic well-being with cultural traditions and a profound regard for the Earth’s natural resources. ESD emphasizes the significance of learning in fostering a transition toward sustainability. It encompasses a range of educational facets, including citizenship education, the cultivation of a culture of peace, gender equality, respect for human rights, health education, population education, and the prudent management of natural resources. The transformation of education into a constructive tool is crucial for instilling awareness among students and global citizens alike. ESD employs transdisciplinary educational systems to cultivate ideas for continual learning, instill respect for human needs harmonized with sustainable resource use, and foster an awareness of global solidarity. By encouraging individuals to make decisions that shape the long-term future of the economy, ecology, and social welfare, ESD emerges as a practice of learning how to maintain equilibrium between humans and nature. In essence, education for sustainable development provides a pathway to harmonize the delicate balance between humanity and the environment, contributing to a future where both can thrive in tandem. Keywords: Education, Sustainability, Education for Sustainable Development, Transformation, Transition, Awareness, Gender Equality, Social Welfare, Environment

Virtual Laboratory in Mixed Reality with 3D Modelling for Sustainable Design

Immersive experiences through Mixed Reality (MR) are revolutionizing the way people connect and interact with each other and things around them. MR is the umbrella term that binds all spatial computing technologies which blends real and virtual environments. It holds the potential to provide things beyond imagination while simultaneously making deeper and more meaningful engagement possible. A new engineer to be equipped with the know-how of an OP (Operational Procedure) of machinery, this virtual laboratory helps to know the intricate details of the machinery and tools. The virtual laboratory combines the use of MR technologies, such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), with advanced 3D modeling tools. This virtual laboratory has the potential to revolutionize the sustainable design process by providing an immersive and flexible platform for experimentation, analysis, and collaboration. This project focuses on helping the user to visualize the machine (i.e., Single Drum Piston) and its functionalities through an immersive experience and understand the visual empathy of it. Through 3D Modelling technology, Plane detection and algorithms written with C# script we built this solution with the incorporation of Autodesk Maya and Unity Game Engine. The built solution can be experienced immersive by viewing it through a mobile placed in a headset (Aryzon Headset). This MR experience provides realistic virtual presentations which eases learning of complex modules while analytics ensure understanding of outcomes. It can empower designers and researchers to explore innovative design solutions, optimize resource utilization, and ultimately contribute to the development of more sustainable built environments. This can be incorporated in various other fields like automobile manufacturing, machine industries, construction tool manufacturing, real estate buildings & landscapes, home appliances and furniture, interior design, medical institution, and educational institutions.

Cinematic musicking in Mozambique

Cinematic musicking in Mozambique

An ontology‐based semantic description model of ubiquitous map images

AbstractMap images with various themes and cartographic representations have become ubiquitous on the Internet. Such ubiquitously and openly accessible data, named ubiquitous map images in this study, are a potential resource for many geographic information applications such as cartographic design. However, there is a semantic gap between the simple physical form and the complex connotation of ubiquitous map images, which hinders their further applications. To mitigate such barrier, this article develops an ontology‐based semantic description model for ubiquitous map images. First, we discuss the design concerns and principles of the semantic description model of ubiquitous map images. Second, three semantic layers of the semantic description model are proposed, that is, image semantic description layer, cognitive tool layer, and information source layer, and detailed semantic description items are defined for each layer. Furthermore, a formalized semantic description model for ubiquitous map images is developed using ontology construction tools, which lays the foundation for automated and fine‐grained reasoning with the information embedded in map images. We construct a small test dataset consisting of weather maps, and use three types of constraints, namely “time‐topic,” “region‐topic,” and “map auxiliary elements” for the semantic retrieval experiments. The experiments show that the proposed semantic ontology model can enable complex semantic retrieval of ubiquitous map images. Finally, the scalability of the model is discussed from three perspectives: the depth of description, the combination with intelligent methods, and the integration with other open knowledge bases. The proposed model provides a semantic label system for applying data‐driven approaches to decode ubiquitous map images, which also paves the path to the development of cartographic theory in the era of information and communications technologies.

OPTIMAL SITE LAYOUT SELECTION FOR PLACEMENT OF FACILITIES AND MATERIAL IN THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF KUBU RAYA DISTRICT EDUCATION AND TRAINING BUILDING

Construction project work has several essential components: construction workers, tools, materials, and other needed facilities. The placement of tools, materials, and facilities in construction projects affects the efficiency of movement (traveling distance) and the level of worker safety (safety index). It is the background of this research aims to analyse the placement of tools, materials, and other facilities in the construction project of the Kubu Raya Regency Education and Training building. In this study, indicators to point out the placement of tools, materials, and other facilities have been optimized by using some indicators such as movement efficiency (traveling distance) and the level of worker safety (safety index). Four alternative placements were drawn up (including the existing placement in the current project), analysed, and assessed which alternative is the most optimal. The other options are selected by analysing those four alternatives using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method and evaluated by weighting ranking. The analysis results show that alternative 3 is the optimal alternative to the traveling distance and safety index indicators. Alternative 3 represents that the placement of tools, materials, and facilities on the project is carried out by conditioning the access space between facilities, which is made capacious to reduce the barriers of workers in moving from one facility to another