bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Envisioning the Future of Supply Chain Management for Modular Construction through literature review
Authors: Zeng Qinghao , Pishdad-Bozorgi Pardis
Published: December 2023

Modular construction has been gaining momentum worldwide due to its potential in increasing project efficiency and reducing construction waste. It is centered around the utilization of prefabricated components and modules produced in off-site factories. Due to its unique features and close relationship with manufacturing industry, the supply chain management of modular construction requires more attention since transporting standardized modular parts with different completion levels is complicated to manage. What’s more, the supply chain mapping and scheduling need to be improved due to the more specific requirements in terms of module components categories, building types, and labor availability and cost. In this research, the goal is to envision the future of modular construction supply chain management for more proactive adoption of modular construction. After conducting a systematic literature review, this research provides insights and recommendations for the current mapping design, scheduling, monitoring, and risk management. The contribution of this research involves the cost-benefit analysis of modular construction and a proposal for an enhanced supply chain system to increase logistics efficiency.
Ponding and Blisters – Study of SPF roofs
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Gajjar Dhaval , Clark Shima , Garg Stuti , Smithwick Jake , Dharmapalan Vineet
Published: December 2023

Multiple roofing systems in the construction industry and installing high-quality roofing products are vital for efficient building operations. Inadequacies in design, materials, installation workmanship or maintenance can result in defects and surface anomalies in the roofing membrane- like blisters, open seams, and holes. The current study investigates if there is a relationship between roof distress features - blisters and ponding and the low slope sprayed polyurethane foam (SPF) roofs, especially when roofs do not conform to the minimum slope of 1/4 inch. The researchers' team conducted a quality inspection survey for the SPF roofs (#96 non-granular and #1068 granular aggregate roofs). The visual observations populated data to develop an account of the percentage of blisters and surface defects such as ponding, penetrations, delamination, and bird pecks of the SPF roofs. Statistical analyses utilizing Pearson correlation, t-test, and Chi-Square test evaluated the correlation between ponding and blisters to confirm if non-conforming roof slopes lead to defects and surface anomalies. As a result, the study established that the roof's slope significantly influenced the ponding area of granular and non-granular aggregate SPF roofs. Ponding and blisters are likely to exist in non-granular while ponding in granular roofs.
An Exploratory Research Study on a University Directed Co-Teaching Initiative with a Community College, High School, and Industry in Support of Aligned Learning Outcomes
Authors: Annor John , Jacobs Francois , Zhang Chengyi , Eggemeyer Jason , Hill Rob
Published: December 2023

Research has shown that higher education learning, a transition point to industry for most people, is always challenged in meeting the demands of the multidimensional experiences people in practice demonstrate. A greater part of construction related students lack firsthand experience and the required soft skills for industry practice. Thus, a need for a partnership between industry and academia in training students for better learning outcomes is called for. Other studies also project a 9% decline in high school graduation rate between 2020 and 2030, which calls for the need to instill the interest in construction related professions at the high school level to prevent a decline in construction related programs enrolment. The noted challenge has led to the introduction of a co-teaching platform engaging universities, community colleges and high schools, with input from industry, in support of anticipated aligned learning outcomes. This paper presents an exploratory study: a co-teaching initiative involving three instructors of record, six industry practitioners, with the integration of video conferencing technologies (i.e., Zoom Meeting and Meeting Owl Pro), and the effectiveness measured through Direct as well as Indirect Assessment methods. The results demonstrated that students across the various learning platforms were able to meet the set learning outcomes. Survey responses also indicated a good blend between instructors of record and industry practitioners, thereby laying a foundation for the need to continue and improve the co-teaching platform through the online supporting tools to enhance the competencies of young graduates.
Mathematics and Science Subjects in Construction Management Baccalaureate Programs
Authors: Subedi Jishnu
Published: December 2023

This study analyzes credit-hours of mathematics and science subjects in the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) accredited bachelor’s degree programs in Construction Management (CM). As per the current ACCE standards, a graduate of a CM program is required to complete 3 and 6 Semester Hours (SHs) in Mathematics and Science, respectively. An analysis of the credit-hours in the 75 accredited programs shows that more than 90 percent of the programs require a student to complete more hours in these subject than the required 9 SHs. The analysis also shows that 72 percent of the programs require 6 SHs or more in Mathematics and 79 percent of the programs require 8 SHs or more in Science. A strong presence of mathematics and science subjects in the CM programs indicates that the programs are striving to equip the graduates with skills in data analysis, model building, and research and innovation. Moreover, these subjects equip the graduates for a continuous academic inquiry and prepare them to understand and appreciate the natural world. The results indicate that the CM programs make a strong case for science, technology, engineering, and math designation.
Life-Cycle Assessment of a Concrete Pedestrian Bridge: A Comparative Analysis of 3D Printing and Precast Techniques
Authors: Ataei Sarah , Jafari Amirhosein
Published: December 2023

This study aims to compare the environmental impact of precast and 3D concrete printing (3DCP) techniques with a pedestrian bridge case study. A detailed cradle-to-site life cycle assessment has been performed from the standpoint of material, construction, and installation stages. The results showed that the concrete used in 3DCP has a higher negative environmental impact compared to the precast method due to the higher percentage of cement used in printable concrete. However, since C3DP used less material than the precast technique, there is no significant difference in the environmental impact of the total concrete used between the 3DCP and precast bridges. In addition, due to the use of reinforcement and formwork in the precast technique, the environmental impact of the total materials used in the precast bridge was more adverse than the 3DCP bridge. Notably, due to using electricity for printing, the negative environmental impact of the construction process in 3DCP was significantly higher than in the precast technique. Finally, the total carbon dioxide equivalent emitted during the construction of the 3DCP bridge was 80% of the precast bridge.
Project and Construction Management Certification
Authors: Ghafari Ahmad Zaki , Bausman Dennis C.
Published: December 2023

The construction industry accounts for greater than one-tenth of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Evolving sophistication and demands of clients and changes to laws and regulations profoundly impact the environment and dynamics of this enormous sector. To deal with modifications, the construction industry is bringing changes to the construction methods and practices by formalizing the project management approach using specialized methodologies. Construction professionals enroll in construction and project management certification programs to stay current with industry processes and practices. Numerous organizations, institutions, and associations offer various types of construction and project management certification. In this paper, the certification programs of Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), The Institute of Project Management, American Institute of Constructors (AIC), Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), Project Management Institute (PMI) and International Project Management Association (IPMA) are evaluated. This research provides accurate and updated information on the types of certifications, eligibility criteria, exam formats, cost, validity, and renewal process of the project and construction management certifications offered by certification bodies recognized by the construction industry in the United States.
Environmental Benefits of Using Activated Sugarcane Bagasse Ash in Cementitious Materials
Authors: Torres Veronica , Sadique Monower , Pineda Paloma
Published: December 2023

In this research, a comprehensive environmental-based approach is applied to evaluate the effectiveness of biomass ashes processing methods to produce cementitious materials. Efforts are put in research to obtain new low-carbon cementitious materials by incorporating waste, such as sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA). Processing methods are commonly used to counteract the drawbacks linked to the nature of ashes and boost their benefits, but the energy needed to do this, can jeopardize their environmental interest and is commonly disregarded by researchers. This research investigates the benefits of processing SCBA by mechanical activation in the production of mortars and its environmental impact. It was found that treated ashes outperforms when substituting fine aggregates, increasing the compressive strength (CoS) of plain mortars by 62%. Despite the higher embodied carbon (EC) per cubic meter, treated SCBA in substitution of fine aggregates result in higher eco-strength efficiency, +32%. This enables the reduction of structural elements’ sections diminishing the material use and the ultimate EC, named in this research as specific embodied carbon, up to 40%.
Online Education Efficacy in Construction
Authors: Karimi Boshra , Yazdanpour Mahdi , Mosier Rachel
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous and long-term impact on education systems across the nation. Consequently, many colleges and universities adopted a verity of different instructional strategies and new policies to mitigate the effects of this transition on academic achievement, student learning, and emotional well-being. This instantaneous change to the new pedagogical models was likely to impact both students and instructors. In this study, a survey was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of adopting innovative teaching approaches in online and hybrid frameworks on students’ engagement, achievement, and attainment at Northern Kentucky University. Two statistical t-test and ANOVA test were performed to compare the results and demonstrate the significant differences between groups of data. In addition, the survey responses were correlated with grades in the subsequent semesters to determine efficacy. The result shows that incorporating active and interactive learning strategies can improve online learning experience of students. The responses indicate that introductory level and lab-based courses may benefit more from aforementioned strategies.
Addressing the Construction Labor Shortage Through Connected Secondary and Post-Secondary Construction Education Pathways: A Descriptive Case Study in Wyoming
Authors: Jacobs Francois , Annor John , Jones Megan , Elliott Jonathan , Hill Rob
Published: December 2023

Despite a total population under 600,000, Wyoming’s jobs increased by 5,672 positions in 2018. Notably, more than 50% of this job growth was in the construction industry. Until 2019, there were no formal secondary construction education and training programs able to supply the necessary workforce to meet industry needs. Since 2019, Wyoming has been fortunate to build strong construction programs within their high school Career and Technical Education curricula and Community College programs. With the support of the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming, educators at each level have partnered with the University of Wyoming to pilot several collaborative efforts to increase curricular consistency and credit articulation that can culminate in a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management. A unique and major focus of the connected secondary to post-secondary construction education program is that it affords students the ability to exit and rejoin the educational pathway while concurrently gaining construction industry experience. This paper describes two programs piloted across educational levels in Wyoming. The use of the Zoom Meetings and Owl Pro technologies worked well to cultivate educational synergy between the classrooms located at each of the institutions across the state. Thus, the findings are helpful to those interested in connecting secondary and pos
A Gamified Pedagogical Method for Teaching Construction Scheduling through Active Exploration
Authors: Ilbeigi Mohammad , Ehsani Romina , Bairaktarova Diana
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have convincingly shown that active and collaborative instructions, coupled with effective means to encourage student engagement, invariably lead to better learning outcomes. However, despite significant potentials for experiential learning, standard educational programs in construction engineering and management are rigid systems that offer little opportunity for students to engage in active learning that can help them gain first-hand experience and guide them toward discovering solutions. This study aims to address this need by designing and empirically assessing the performance of a novel gamified pedagogical method that teaches construction scheduling through guided active exploration in a digital game environment. The proposed pedagogical approach and its game are designed based on the constructivism learning theory. A scenario-based interactive game, called Zebel, was developed using the Unity game engine. Using a series of pre- and post-assessment instruments, the proposed method was implemented and evaluated in a graduate-level course for construction planning and scheduling to collect empirical data. The outcomes indicated that the proposed pedagogy was able to successfully guide students with no background and prior knowledge in construction scheduling to discover the fundamental concepts and systematic solutions for the problems.
Theoretical Models for Evaluating and Predicting the Diffusion of Safety Technologies in Construction
Authors: Nnaji Chukwuma , Awolusi Ibukun
Published: December 2023

Several studies have investigated the benefits of applying emerging technologies in the construction industry, but information about how these technologies can be successfully implemented in construction, particularly for safety management is limited. Different theories and frameworks have been posited and successfully implemented in different industries. However, a detailed exploration of the utility of these frameworks within the context of construction safety management is missing. The main purpose of this research is to synthesize available information on different applicable theoretical models for evaluating and predicting the diffusion of safety technologies in construction. Using an integrated review process, the authors evaluated 12 promising theories and models that are rarely utilized in construction research. Potential applications, strengths, and limitations are discussed herein. The results of the review are used to propose multiple theoretical models that could be utilized to better understand and predict the diffusion of safety technologies in the construction industry. This study reveals the key factors, within multiple frameworks, that affect the adoption, adaptation, and infusion of technologies for safety management in construction. Practitioners and researchers could utilize information from this study to evaluate the diffusion of specific technologies within an organization and the construction industry.
Solutions for Maintaining Productivity in a Shrinking Workforce
Authors: Adhikari Sanjeev , Westbrook Tyler , Kim Jeff
Published: December 2023

Construction companies work in a highly competitive market and often the smallest difference in how they approach project cost and productivity can determine their success. Also some of these companies struggles to take advantage of efficiencies in productivity when the gains cannot be easily observed. Within academia, there is an ongoing trend toward research that focuses on productivity and innovation that tackles some of the well know issues plaguing the industry. More recently, the labor supply worldwide is struggling to keep pace with the demand for construction services. In this research, four potential solutions addressing the labor shortage were identified in the current literature on robotics, off-site construction, wage re-evaluation, and vocational education. The study gathered electronic survey data from industry professionals concerning these potential solutions and discerned that off-site construction, wage re-evaluation, and vocational education seemed to be favorable options, while robotics were perceived as not ready yet. The remainder of the paper analyzes these results and provides some additional context to the responses from the various open-ended questions that were also collected during the study.
Prevalence of Fatigue Among Construction Workers in The United States
Authors: Taherpour Farshid , Namian Mostafa , Garay Daniel , Tafazzoli Mohammadsoroush
Published: December 2023

Within dynamic and complex construction environments, fatal and non-fatal occupational records are alarming all over the world. Fatigue among workers is one of the key causes which affects their ability to operate safely. To improve safety management, the prevalence of fatigue among workers must be investigated to implement effective interventions for fatigue mitigation. However, the prevalence of fatigue among construction workers in the United States has not been studied. Therefore, this research explores this gap by recruiting 120 workers in the U.S. To achieve the research goals, the worker's level of fatigue (i.e., acute, chronic, and inteshift recovery) was measured using a validated OFER scale. Data analysis revealed (1) the prevalence of fatigue among construction workers is alarming (OFER Score=34.23), that acute fatigue, among all aspects of it, has the most profound impact on workers, and (2) there are no statistical correlations between measured fatigue levels and age and experience of construction workers. The findings of this study will be beneficial to practitioners and researchers in construction to implement effective safety measures to prevent accidents in workplaces.
A Review of Life Cycle Assessment Tools for Measuring the Environmental Impact of Building and a Decision Support Framework for Choosing Among Them
Authors: Nguyen Tran Duong , Pishdad-Bozorgi Pardis
Published: December 2023

The increased environmental concerns in recent decades have resulted in examining waste emissions, resource utilization, and resource depletion. A holistic environmental assessment should consider all these factors. Researchers, policymakers, and companies are paying more attention to environmental management. As a result, organizations are developing their environmental practices to enhance environmental management throughout the building life cycle. Contemporary life cycle assessment (LCA) stands out as a reliable and comprehensive method that effectively communicates such benefits to stakeholders and offers them more leverage. LCA is increasingly being used to assess how construction processes affect the environment and minimize these impacts. There is a need for research on the use of LCA tools in buildings, which is a key point and a solution to facilitate environmental management practices and transform the construction industry. Based on a literature review, the research studies LCA tools for quantifying buildings' environmental impact and provides a decision support framework for choosing LCA tools. The paper aims to analyze the current uses of LCA in construction, present LCA tools, compare applied tools in buildings, and explore three commonly used LCA tools for building studies. Moreover, this research explores that managing the database is one of the most significant issues with current LCA tools. It suggests that building information modeling (BIM) and LCA integration is an approach that might facilitate and simplify data management for LCA analysis throughout all building life cycles. This study's results will assist project stakeholders in choosing the appropriate tools and selecting the most environmentally friendly products at different building life cycle stages (i.e., design, construction, and maintenance) for the project's success.
Causes of Cost Overruns due to Outsourced Labour – Subcontractor’s Perspectives
Authors: Manewa Anupa , Satins Marks , Siriwardena Mohan
Published: December 2023

Project cost overrun is a significant concern in construction. Statistics reveal that more than 80% of construction projects have not been completed on agreed time or budget due to numerous factors. In the context of the UK construction industry, the subcontractor led approaches are highly encouraged to absorb their expertise and knowledge into the field, which will help projects to complete on time, cost and quality. However, most of the subcontractors are highly reliant on outsourced/external labour. Literature acknowledges the conflicts between main and sub-contractor as one of significant causes for cost overruns and further explains these are mainly due to the issues of sub contractor’s labour. However there is limited research on the impacts of outsourced labour in subcontractor’s cost overruns. Therefore, this research aims to bridge this gap by identifying the causes of cost overruns due to external labour. Apart from the literature review, the data was collected from a case study of a drywall subcontractor. As part of the case study, six construction professionals of the selected subcontractor were interviewed and thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data. The results revealed; high wastage, poor workmanship and frequent rework, low productivity, issues with buildability and dayworks as the main causes for cost overruns due to outsourced labour. Moreover, subcontractors are averse to enforce strong performance measures on the outsourced labour due to the fear of low retention.
Workers’ Fatigue in Construction Projects, Assessment, Detection, and Mitigation, A Review
Authors: Tafazzoli Mohammadsoroush , Namian Mostafa , Al-Bayati Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Despite the increased focus on safety management in recent years, the construction industry's accident rate remains extraordinarily high. High physical demands and difficult work environments, which lead to physical and mental fatigue in construction workers, are one of the key causes of the continuous high rate of construction accidents. This study begins with a description of the causes and effects of fatigue among construction workers. In the second section, the subjective and objective evaluation methods for physical fatigue are discussed. The advantages and drawbacks of fatigue measurement technologies such as self-reporting and on-body sensors are reviewed. Thirdly, the major approaches for predicting and quantifying fatigue, as well as their limitations, are discussed. In addition, mitigation and management of fatigue in construction projects, as well

as successful methods such as work-rest people scheduling, are discussed. The paper concludes by highlighting the fragmentation and inconsistencies in the available research as well as the opportunity for future studies to fill the existing gaps. The study is designed to give an effective evaluation of the available information on defining, assessing, detecting, quantifying, mitigating, and managing fatigues, as well as shed light on the recommended and required future steps in research for each category.
Is the Construction Industry More Concentrated After the COVID-19 Pandemic? An Empirical Study on the U.S. Revenue Data from 2004 to 2021
Authors: Liang Yunping , Lee Jung Hyun
Published: December 2023

As a most important industry in the U.S., the construction industry faces multiple challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. Backed by government interventions that have helped streamline construction projects, however, the aftermath of the pandemic is still vague. One of the imperative issues to be examined is the construction market concentration since the pandemic, especially how it is compared to the Great Recession. This study statistically analyzes the revenue gaps among the U.S. construction companies and the changes of their revenue rankings. This study uses the data from Engineering News-Record Top List of Contractors. The results show that unlike the Great Recession, which obviously enlarged the revenue gaps, there is no evidence yet demonstrating that the COVID-19 pandemic caused noteworthy disruptions to the revenue gap among construction companies. The government interventions, such as the Paycheck Protection Program and the Infrastructure Investment and Job Act, are regarded as effective stabilizers, until the cutoff of data collection at the beginning of 2022. The medians of ranking changes across years generally remain stable, including the period of pandemic. The study also indicates the necessity to include more longitudinal data and sectional data to explore long-term impacts and sector-wise conditions.
Optimizing Project Demolition Using Integrated Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Lean Construction Approach
Authors: Khan Taha , Gao Zhili
Published: December 2023

Highest amount of Construction and Demolition (C&D) wastes are produced during the demolition phase of building lifecycle stages, which results in significant loss of natural resources, and exhibits adverse environmental impact globally. BIM processes and Lean principles have been used in improving demolition waste management on the individual aspect basis; however, the synergies of both these systems are not fully explored especially during demolition stage. This paper focuses on alignment of integrated Lean-BIM processes to optimize the waste reduction aspect during project demolition phase. The method involves (1) developing 3D BIM demolition model using a selected real-time demolition project as a case study, and (2) establishing a client’s need-based model of salvaged elements, using the developed 3D BIM model, for deciding the destination of demolished material as a Lean Construction approach. This approach can be expected to improve the rate of reuse and recycle of demolished material, that can ultimately lead to saving natural resources by sending less material to landfill/disposal sites.
Evaluation of FPGA Acceleration of Neural Networks
Authors: Stevnsborg Emil , Oksholm Sture , Johnsen Carl-Johannes , Avery James Emil
Published: December 2023

This paper explores real-time Convolutional Neural Network inference on Field Pro- grammable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) implemented in Synchronous Message Exchange (SME). We compare SME to the widespread FPGA tool, High-Level Synthesis (HLS), and com- pare both the SME and HLS implementations of CNNs with the PyTorch implementation for CNN on CPU/GPU. We find that the SME implementation is more flexible than the HLS implementation as it allows for more customization of the hardware. Programming with SME is more difficult than HLS, although easier than traditional Hardware Descrip- tion Languages. Finally, for a test use case, we find that the SME implementation on FPGA is approximately 2.8/1.4/2.0 times more energy efficient than CPU/GPU/ARM at larger batch sizes, with the HLS implementation on FPGA falling in between CPU/ARM and GPU in terms of energy efficiency. At a batch size of 1, appropriate for edge-device inference, the gap in energy efficiency between the FPGA and CPU/GPU/ARM imple- mentations becomes more pronounced, with the SME implementation on FPGA being approximately 83/47/8 times more energy efficient than the CPU/GPU/ARM implemen- tations, and with the HLS implementation on FPGA being approximately 40/23/4 times more energy efficient than the CPU/GPU/ARM implementations.
Reporting and Information Sharing Indicators for Positive Safety Culture in Construction Companies
Authors: Adzivor Eric , Emuze Fidelis
Published: December 2023

Shared values and beliefs are inherent in a culture, which helps an organization achieve superior safety performance. The study aimed to identify the reporting and information-sharing indicators that will promote positive safety culture within construction companies, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based on the related literature on safety culture, the study adopted the Delphi technique data collection method in Ghana, the research site. After a three-round Delphi technique, the indicators that reached consensus were retained and reported in this paper. The findings revealed that 11 indicators would show how reporting and information sharing promote a positive safety culture. Reporting and sharing information underpin an informed culture essential to a learning organization. Thus, how construction SMEs handle specific indicators, such as ‘naming and shaming [the blame game], influence the timing and accuracy of reporting and sharing of information that may be vital to the safety of site operatives.
Mental Health and Well-being in the Irish Construction Industry: A Preliminary Investigation into the Main Stressors
Authors: O'Connor Adam , Curran Michael , White Joanne , Meekel Sonya
Published: December 2023

The construction industry is renowned as being masculine and competitive, due to its male-dominated and cutthroat nature, where mental health is often disregarded. Thankfully, in recent times, workers' mental health has started to become a priority to upper management, however, problems still exist. Therefore, this study aims to determine what are the main stressors leading to poor mental health, and what strategies can be implemented to tackle the issue, in the Irish construction industry. A mixed methods approach was undertaken, using five semi-structured individual interviews, and a questionnaire survey with professionals working in the Irish construction industry. The data was thematically analysed where emerging themes and topics were identified. Four main stressors were identified: long work and commute hours, poor work-life balance, unrealistic work goals and overload, and the ‘macho man’ culture and stigma preventing workers from speaking out. Three key strategies were identified: mental health training within the organisation, communication of clear work goals and objectives, and reduction of work hours and remote / flexible working. Overall, the key contribution of this study emphasises that there are many stressors leading to poor mental health, however, key strategies can be incorporated to counteract these issues across the Irish construction industry.
Wearable Robot Acceptance: Understanding the Impact of Trialability on User Perception
Authors: Nnaji Chukwuma , Okpala Ifeanyi , Awolusi Ibukun
Published: December 2023

The use of emerging technologies such as Wearable Robots (WRs) or exoskeletons has gained considerable attention in the construction industry in recent times. WRs or exoskeletons augment workers' physical capacity when performing physically demanding tasks. While there is growing interest in exoskeletons, existing literature suggests that some workers oppose WR use on job sites. This resistance is largely driven by second-hand information gathered through multiple channels, and not based on actual use. Therefore, it is important to assess how hands-on experience (trialability) influences the end-user perception of the use of exoskeletons. To fill this gap, the researcher utilized a mixed-method approach consisting of a structured literature review, controlled experiment, and surveys (pre-post experiment surveys). Statistical analyses revealed that in most cases, trialability had a positive influence on technology acceptance constructs assessed (including “Behavioral Intention to Use”), confirming the important role of hands-on experience in exoskeleton integration research and practice.
A Safe Collection Process of Covid-19 Disposable Face Masks for the Applications in Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Rahat Md. Hasibul Hasan , Massarra Carol , Wang George C
Published: December 2023

During the Covid-19 pandemic, plastic pollution became exacerbated by the disposal of face masks. The practical collection, processing, and application of the face mask have become a major challenge. Several studies have examined the added benefits of using face masks on asphalt pavements; however, these studies were limited to the application and have not addressed the appropriate collection process. This research aims to develop a theoretical collection process of disposable face masks originating from locations other than hospitals. The process aims to collect face masks safely and practically from residential, commercial, and educational zones. The masks would be collected twice a month and disinfected and sterilized before being transported to a shredding company for processing before being transported to an asphalt plant for use in asphalt mixtures. The developed collection method will minimize the risk of being affected by the Covid-19 virus and provide a practical procedure that can be used by waste management facilities. Additionally, the developed collection method could aid the construction industry in adopting a more environmentally friendly, sustainable, and cost- effective method of construction.
Wildfire Smoke Exposure and Health Impacts for Outdoor Building Construction Workers in California
Authors: Pradhan Srijesh , Arneson Erin
Published: December 2023

Exposure to wildfire-related smoke has serious implications for the health outcomes of outdoor occupational workers. As wildfire season is becoming more prolonged in California, outdoor building construction workers are at great risk of exposure to particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution caused by wildfire smoke. Wildfire smoke PM2.5 exposure has been shown to result in short-term health impairments, missed workdays, and long-term disease progression. Studies highlighting the exposure of outdoor building construction workers to wildfire-related PM2.5 is limited in the existing literature. Using historical wildfires data, employment data of outdoor building construction workers, and air quality data for PM2.5 pollution from 2010-2020, this paper investigates the potential exposure of outdoor building construction workers to wildfire smoke PM2.5 in California. Counties which experienced wildfire events were identified by intersecting wildfire perimeters with county boundaries using the geospatial analysis software ArcGIS. Monthly employment during wildfire months and the number of days when the PM2.5 air quality reached unhealthy levels during those months were evaluated to find the worker smoke exposure days of each county. Results show that outdoor building construction workers in California are vulnerable to wildfire PM2.5 exposure and associated health risks, as the typical wildfire season aligns with peak seasonal construction work.
The Theory of Storage and Price Dynamics of Agricultural Commodity Futures: the Case of Corn and Wheat
Authors: Benavides Perales Guillermo
Published: December 2023

Using a restricted version of the BEKK model it is tested an implication of the theory of storage that supply-and-demand fundamentals affect the price dynamics of agricultural commodities. The commodities under analysis are corn and wheat. An interest-storage-adjusted-spread was used as a proxy variable for supply-and-demand fundamentals to test the aforementioned implication for both commodities. It is also tested the Samuelson hypothesis that spot prices have higher volatility than futures prices. It is found that the interest-storage-adjusted-spread has had a statistically significant positive influence on the spot and futures returns for both commodities. Likewise, the results also show that spot price returns have higher volatility compared to futures price returns which is consistent with the Samuelson hypothesis. The results of the aforementioned tests are consistent with both theories and with the existing literature related to commodity futures. JEL Classification: C22, G10, Q14.
Preliminary results of a study based on genome-wide sequencing of resistant K.pneumoniae strains in a multidisciplinary hospital in Barnaul
Authors:   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russian Federation, Russkih A. A. , Luk'janenko N. V. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russian Federation, Rudenko A. V. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russian Federation, Kolomiets A. A. ,   Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russian Federation, Petrova A. A. ,   Regional Clinical Hospital, Barnaul, Russian Federation, Mikhailova Y. V. ,   Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, Russian Federation
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Klebsiella pneumoniae, one of the leading causative agents of nosocomial infections, is included in the group of so-called «ESKAPE» pathogens – microorganisms associated with increased antibiotic resistance, representing a serious problem for public health. K. pneumoniae is widespread and has a pronounced ability to acquire resistance to antimicrobial drugs. Inadequate antibacterial therapy in patients with nosocomial infections worsens the prognosis of the disease and increases hospital mortality, therefore, the prescribing of medications should be based on knowledge of the current profile of antibiotic resistance of the pathogen in a particular hospital. The study of the genetic diversity of K. pneumoniae will reveal the main mechanisms of resistance of this pathogen and formulate recommendations for rational antibiotic therapy. Objective. Genome-wide analysis of resistant K. pneumoniae isolates in the context of epidemiological surveillance of healthcare associated infections (HAI) in a multidisciplinary hospital. Materials and methods of research. 41 isolates of bacteria of the genus Klebsiella isolated in a multidisciplinary hospital in Barnaul from clinical samples were studied. Genome-wide sequencing was performed using NextSeq 2000 (Illumina). Research results and their discussion. A comparative analysis of the microbiological background in a multidisciplinary hospital and hospitals in Russia demonstrated the predominance of K. pneumonia in the overall structure: 39.2% and 27.86%. In the course of genome-wide analysis of resistant strains of K. pneumoniae, combinations of beta-lactamase genes and genes encoding mechanisms of resistance to disinfectants were identified. Genes associated with the resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae to hydrogen peroxide were found, genes of carbapenemases of the OXA-48 group, genes of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases of the CTX-M group, as well as metallo-b-lactamases of the NDM group were identified among the studied cultures. Conclusion. The use of genome-wide sequencing of isolates of HAI pathogens in clinical practice (using the example of Klebsiella pneumoniae) determines the choice of antibacterial therapy, the use of disinfectants and antiseptics in the organization of preventive and antiepidemic measures.
Bantaeng Geographical Indication Arabica Coffee Coffea Arabica: Does Altitude Affect the Quality of the Coffee Bean?
Authors: Latunra Andi Ilham , Pasinta Tri Diah , Umar Muhammad Ruslan , Ardiansyah
Published: December 2023

Indonesia has a wide variety of coffee varieties, and is the 4th largest coffee exporter in the world. This study aims to discover about the difference of coffee bean quality from different altitude. In this study Coffee samples Coffea arabica L. which will be used is taken from Bantaeng Regency, South Sulawesi. The selected sample is coffee beans that are red and have matured at every altitude where they grow. Station I is between 800-1000 masl, station II is between 1000-1200 masl and station III is between 1200-1400 masl. The quality test including Physical test, Bean weight, volume, and smell test (rotten aroma) as in SNI 01-2907-2008. The result shows that the quality from each station is different. Thus this research conclude that the altitude will affect the bean quality of Coffea arabica from Bantaeng Geographical Indication area.
A LUDICIDADE NO PROCESSO DE ALFABETIZAÇÃO NOS ANOS INICIAIS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL I
Authors: Melo Edna Regina Santos de , Guedes Maria Vitória Souza , Santos Vívia Pereira de Moraes , Lima Jonas dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Os elementos lúdicos são elementos basilares para o ensino inicial da alfabetização, destacando como atividades recreativas as quais podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento cognitivo e emocional das crianças nessa fase crucial de sua educação. Nesse contexto, a pesquisa tem o objetivo de demonstrar como o uso de abordagens lúdicas é eficaz para o processo de alfabetização, através de elementos específicos que dispõe sobre i) caracterizar os princípios da alfabetização mediante a exposição da BNCC, ii) ilustrar tipos de metodologias lúdicas que podem auxiliar no processo de alfabetização e iii) esboçar sobre perspectivas de práticas efetivas aplicadas no âmbito do ensino fundamental I. A metodologia do estudo está amparada sobre modo descritivo composto por uma tipologia qualitativa, sendo de natureza, classificada como básica mediante o amparo da pesquisa bibliográfica. Mediante o contexto, a pesquisa teve como resultado a relevância da temática em base da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) a qual descreve a importância da ludicidade no processo de ensino- aprendizagem, especialmente nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental I e enfatiza que o desenvolvimento integral dos estudantes deve ser alcançado por meio de abordagens pedagógicas que possibilitem a participação ativa, a criatividade e o prazer de aprender.
CONSCIÊNCIA FONOLÓGICA NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: Pereira Thiago Macedo , Pereira Thayná Macedo , Oliveira Rodrigo Mota Albuquerque de , Santos Vívia Pereira de Moraes , Lima Jonas dos Santos
Published: December 2023

Este artigo buscou apresentar um resumo sobre o papel da consciência fonológica na educação infantil, delineado sobre a problemática de analisar e identificar as diferentes habilidades da consciência dos alunos na educação infantil em atividades que trabalhem fonologia no cotidiano metodológico. O estudo possui como objetivo geral a identificação das habilidades da consciência fonológica das crianças; analisar o desempenho delas em atividades que trabalhem fonologia, utilizando os tipos de consciência fonológica no cotidianodo uso da metodologia; e compreender o desenvolvimento da habilidade oral e escrita na educação infantil. Sendo assim, este artigo teve uma abordagem qualitativa que buscouenvolver a observação de habilidades na alfabetização, em que se observa, pelos autoresVerdu (2022), Bersch (2023) dentre outros, que são adequadas para as crianças que podem serestimuladas de forma eficaz. Desse modo, a pesquisa apresenta como resultado que osmétodos fonológicos no processo de ensino são eficazes e auxiliam no desenvolvimento do conhecimento do aluno e precisam ser constantemente melhorados e perfeiçoados, buscando novas estratégias eficientes para a sua formação.
NEURODIVERSIDADE NA EDUCAÇÃO NOS ANOS INICIAIS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: COM ENFOQUE NAS REALIDADES DE DISLEXIA E DO TDAH
Authors: Gomes Heloiza Maria de Castro , Santos Yasmim Luiza dos , Rosa Alex Chagas da , Santos Vívia Pereira de Moraes , Lima Jonas dos Santos
Published: December 2023

A cada dia a neurodiversidade vem ganhando espaço para sua identificação, apesar de se falar muito, ainda existem muitos estigmas sobre os neurodivergentes. No ambiente escolar, é onde esses alunos que possuem transtornos de aprendizagem ou deficiência demonstram grau de dificuldades nas realizações escolares. O presente artigo, tem o intuito de reconhecer a integração da neurodiversidade, com ênfase nas condições de dislexia e do transtorno déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (TDAH) nos Anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, pesquisar as necessidades individuais dos alunos neurodivergentes e analisar estratégias pedagógicas eficazes. A metodologia empregada neste trabalho tem o viés qualitativo embasada na pesquisa bibliográfica, apresentando- se conceitos de autores como: Soares (2019, 2020), Césario (2020), Hudson (2019), baseando-se em documentos como a Base Comum Curricular (2018), Classificação de Internacional de Doenças CID 11 (2022), além de sites como a Associação Brasileira de Dislexia (ABD) e a Lei n° 14.254/2021. De acordo com o Diário Oficial da União.
Branqueamento do trabalho formal. Precariedade do trabalho negro.
Authors:   , Sodré Reginaldo R.
Published: December 2023

Pessoas negras constituem mais de 50% da população brasileira e ainda permanecem sub-representados nos empregos formais, em especial em cargos de liderança; triste herança de um país com mais de três séculos de escravidão e exploração de um povo que foi entregue à própria sorte, sem garantia de direitos, escolaridade, renda e moradia. Percebe-se ainda hoje que pessoas negras enfrentam maiores barreiras econômica-socais, educação contínua da infância à fase adulta, garantindo-lhes competências profissionais necessárias, capazes de disputar, em pé de igualdade, com pessoas brancas, cargos e salários justos, dentro das organizações, rompendo com o ciclo da segregação racial nos ambientes coorporativos, majoritariamente “embranquecido”, com exceção dos postos operacionais ou terceirizados, expondo o reflexo direto do racismo institucional que permanece nos meandros da sociedade quando escolhe quem merece os melhores e os piores trabalhos. Este estudo trata de uma revisão sistemática a respeito do negro e o mercado de trabalho, com o objetivo de analisar os artigos encontrados sobre este tema, no período de 2019 a 2021 e traçar similaridades na abordagem entre eles. O resultado aponta que a precariedade de trabalho em que a maioria da população negra se encontra tem origem no período de escravidão adotado por mais de três séculos. O intuito de modernizar o país e transformá-lo na nação do futuro, na tentativa de embranquecer o povo, empurrou uma massa populacional de homens e mulheres, até então escravizados, para a invisibilidade civil, transformando-os em sujeitos desprezados pelo Império e, logo depois, pela República.
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF HALOTHANE ON THE LIVER
Authors: H. Morcus N. , H. Dawood W. , Shnain H.
Published: December 2023

Halothane effect on the liver of rabbits have been studied. Rabbits were aneasthetized with halothane for 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Anesthesia was repeated at the second and third day for same of them. Other animals were anesthetized with ether for the same periods while another group was exposed for oxygen in these same system. 

ALT enzyme have been measured before and after anestesia for all groups. Gradual increase of ALT enzyme has been observed with the increase in time within the same period of exposure but it was not significant.