bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal regulation of disposal of the unusable pesticides accumulated during the Soviet era
Authors: Hafurova Olena , Kukhar Olha
Published: August 2023

In the article, it was made a scientific and theoretical analysis of the USSR legislation, Ukrainian legislation. Special attention is paid to the establishment of specific features in the legal regulation of extraction, disposal, destruction and neutralization of unusable or prohibited pesticides and agrochemicals and packing containers from them. The authors come to the conclusion that today, it is worth directing more efforts at the state level to disposal of pesticides accumulated during the Soviet era, considering the need to improve the state of natural environment. First of all, it is needed to approve the state program with the determination of clear measures for its implementation and sources financing. To date, the regional state administrations have the opportunity to solve problems with obsolete pesticides and agrochemicals without interference of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine, as well as to determine the most suitable places for disposal of these substances. Thus, to date, the process of reducing the obsolete pesticides has been launched. It is aimed at improving the ecological state in the country, it will help reduce the negative impact on the life and health of people, as well as allow developing the agriculture.
About the issue of punishment for juveniles
Authors: Kovaliova Svitlana , Sokolovska Nataliia
Published: August 2023

The article is dedicated to the analysis of the institute of criminal liability and punishment for minors under the Ukrainian legislation. Theoretical and practical features of sentencing for criminal offenses are examined and the main tendencies of sentencing at the present stage are determined. It is stated, that certain provisions of the Criminal Code of Ukraine on the sentencing of minors do not correspond to the worldwide practice of humanizing the punishment for juveniles. It is determined that the purpose of criminal punishment for minors is the process of education. Also, it is proved, that this goal should be confirmed in the current Penal Code. Attention is focused on the fact that the backbone of the state strategy on criminal law counteraction to juvenile delinquency should be a child-friendly system of juvenile justice. The necessity of adding new types of punishment into Penal Code of Ukraine which would be applied only for young offenders is defined. Moreover, the expediency of forming a new system of punishment for juveniles, which would take into account more sophisticated and new educational measures is proved. The peculiarities of imposing criminal punishment on minors according to the legislation of other foreign countries are clarified. It is shown that special penalties for minors, which are not connected with isolation, are provided by the criminal legislation of most European countries.
Regulatory and legal support for combating and preventing domestic violence against women
Authors: Hbur Liusia
Published: August 2023

The article analyzes the regulatory and legal support for combating and preventing domestic violence against women. It is provided statistical data that in 2020, the authorities and institutions (that are obliged to implement measures in the field of preventing and combating domestic violence) have received 211,362 appeals regarding the domestic violence; 2,756 – from children, 180,921 – from women, 27,676 – from men. It has been concluded that the ratification of the Istanbul Convention is still open, which helps all the signatory states to effectively counter a wide array of phenomena, including psychological violence, physical violence, sexual violence, forceful rape, forced marriage, forced abortion, forced sterilization, mutilation of female reproductive organs, crimes committed in the name of “honor”, persecution, sexual harassment, etc. In addition, the world community has repeatedly insisted and continues to insist on the need to ratify the Istanbul Convention, because after signing this Convention, Ukraine has committed itself to ratify it in the future. It has been established that the regulatory and legal support for combating and preventing domestic violence against women consists of a set of international pacts, declarations and conventions, the legislative and subordinate normative-legal acts. It has been found that the number of notifications of violent acts committed against women is increasing every year, and therefore, the legislator should work towards preventing any manifestations of domestic violence by amending the legislation that regulates preventive measures.
Legal issues of digitalization of environmental accounting data
Authors: Krasnova Yuliia
Published: August 2023

This paper raises the issue of the need to introduce the term “environmental accounting” into legal circulation, which has existed in economic sciences since the 1970s, and in environmental and legal science – as “state accounting in the field of the natural environment”. As for Ukrainian legislation, it does not contain a name that unites many types of cadastres, registers, registers, reports, and other environmental information. It was established that in the system of Ukrainian legislation, cadastres of natural resources, accounting for objects harmful to the environment, accounting for substances harmful to the environment, as well as factors of harmful impact on the environment (chemical, physical, biological) are subject to legal regulation, within the framework of the outlined topic. Unfortunately, many of these accounting data are closed, incomplete, or not present at all. At the same time, at the international and European level, these processes are rapidly developing, and today there is already a need to expand such data, by including in the relevant accounting resources information on issued permits for the use of natural resources, payment of environmental payments, fines, production of environmentally safe products, etc. Based on this, a proposal is put forward on the need to systematize Ukrainian legislation on environmental accounting by developing and adopting a special regulation that would meet international and European requirements in this area. A proposal is also made on the need to transform the provisions of Articles 23 and 24 of the Law of Ukraine “On Environmental Protection” by combining them and expanding their content, including all types of environmental accounting. It was established that Ukraine has already commenced the adaptation of legislation on this issue, specifically by establishing requirements for digitalization of all environmental data, i.e., the creation of a single ecological electronic platform, which currently is only at the beginning of its development.
Problematic issues of preventing and countering domestic violence by the prosecutor’s office
Authors: Yara Olena , Stasiuk Nadiia
Published: August 2023

In modern realities, the issue of combating and preventing domestic violence is crucial, since many women and children become victims of such violence, and there are cases of domestic violence against men as well. Proceeding from the relevance of this paper, its subject lies in determining the role of the prosecutor’s office in preventing and countering domestic violence, which involves an analysis of the content of its duties and powers in this area of activity. During the study, the method of analysis and synthesis, the empirical method, and the comparison method were applied. This paper considered the issue of the role of prosecutor’s offices in preventing and countering domestic violence. The problems of legislative regulation of prosecutor’s activities in the system of preventing and countering domestic violence were also investigated. This is a common issue primarily because the norms of the current legislation do not clearly regulate what actions prosecutors can prevent or counteract domestic violence, because their powers include the direct procedural support of such criminal cases, i.e., after such violence has already occurred. In conclusion, it was noted that for the prosecutor’s office to effectively prevent and counteract domestic violence, it is necessary to amend Article 131-1 of the Constitution of Ukraine, which defines the functions of the prosecutor’s office in general, and the prosecutor in particular. It is advisable to supplement this Article with a part that would grant the prosecutor’s office the right to take measures to prevent and counteract domestic violence. The study conducted in this paper can form the basis of legislative activity upon adopting amendments to legislative acts governing legal relations in the field of preventing and countering domestic violence.
Draft Criminal Code of Ukraine: Innovations
Authors: Kovaliova Svitlana
Published: August 2023

The need to edit the Criminal Code of Ukraine emerged due to the outdated Soviet content of laws that are unable to handle modern issues. In addition, considering the modern needs, it does not make provision for the fulfilment of tasks set by society for the law enforcement system. The idea of the new Criminal Code lies in the protection of the interests of victims, as well as in its more effective use by citizens. Considering the current continuation of work on the draft, the purpose of this paper was to investigate the provisions of the proposed action plan for the Criminal Code of Ukraine. During the study, the method of analysis and synthesis, the empirical method, and the comparison method were applied. The paper analysed the new criminal program proposed for discussion and focused on the areas of reforming the criminal justice system. It was found that the plan proposed for consideration is aimed at protecting the interests of victims, and it is stipulated that it should be convenient to use. The draft stipulates that the new Criminal Code and its application must comply with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights regarding Ukraine. It was established that the draft of the Criminal Code of Ukraine prescribes the responsibility of officials for non-compliance with the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. Due to the analysis of prospective legislation on criminal responsibility, a conclusion was made about choosing the correct vector to implement the main idea of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine – ensuring justice in the field of criminal justice on new foundations, classifying offences proceeding from the type of damage caused and establishing typical sanctions, determining the relationship between the severity of criminal offences according to an objective criterion, unification of circumstances that increase or decrease the degree of severity, elimination of gaps. The materials of this paper are of practical value for future research of experts, discovery of new questions, proposals, and analysis of new amendments to the draft of the new Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Building Legacies
Authors: Smith Constance
Published: August 2023

This article examines the narratives and practices of return experienced by long-term Nairobi-based Luo seeking to make a home in rural western Kenya. Building a rural home, and being buried there, remain crucial to many urban Luo understandings of a successful life. This is a project full of contingency: it relies on resources gained in the city, as well as access to land and the cultivation of rural kin relations. Although ‘home’ and ‘return’ were often spoken of in idealised terms, desires to return were as much focused on living towards the future as on a nostalgic sense of a lost past. Practices of building a rural home grapple with expectations of rural and urban kin, the challenges of doing things properly, and responsibilities of caring for home and landscapes in a way that can ensure future generations’ capacity to dwell on the same land. This desire to belong to the future is at the heart of Nairobi Luo dreams of ‘return’.

Cet article étudie les pratiques et les discours des Luo vivant à Nairobi au sujet de leur retour chez eux, dans l'ouest Kenya rural. Construire une maison à la campagne et y être enterré demeure, pour nombre de Luo devenu urbains, une perspective essentielle pour une vie réussie. Mais il s'agit d'un projet soumis à de nombreuses contingences : il dépend des ressources acquises en ville, de même que de l'accès à la terre et de la façon dont les relations avec les parents restés au pays ont été gérées. Bien que l'on parle souvent du « chez-soi » et du « retour » en termes idéalisés, les désirs de retour sont autant une projection de vie vers le futur que l'expression de la nostalgie d'un passé perdu. Les pratiques de construction des maisons de campagne mettent aux prises les attentes des parents vivant en ville et à la campagne, comme elles mettent au défi de faire les choses correctement, d'assumer les responsabilités quant à l'entretien de la maison et de l'environnement afin de permettre aux générations suivantes de s'installer sur la même terre. Ce désir d'appartenir au futur est au cœur du rêve de « retour » des Luo de Nairobi.
An exploratory study on abandoned construction projects in the western province, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Lotus Construction Management Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka, Jayamal D. , Gunarathne N ,   Quantity Surveying, SLIIT, Sri Lanka, Perera B.L.S.H. ,   Quantity Surveying, SLIIT, Sri Lanka
Published: August 2023

The construction industry creates a considerable impact on the country’s economy. The current economic crisis has severely affected the Sri Lankan construction industry whereby also affecting the entire construction supply chain. Researchers have mentioned that a project abandonment has an overall negative impact on both economy of the country and the construction industry. Thus, this research paper aims to explore the reasons for the abandonment of construction projects during the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka and identify the remedies to avoid in the future. A comprehensive literature review, a questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data in both qualitative and quantitative procedures. Semi-structured preliminary interviews were conducted to gather preliminary data before developing the final questionnaire. The empirical findings revealed that the material import restrictions imposed by the government, price increments in materials due to restrictions, disruptions in machinery operations due to scarcity of fuel, rising labour costs, and shutdowns in government-funded projects are the main reasons for the projects to be abandoned during the economic crisis. Encouraging foreign investments, controlling inflation and keeping on track of the country’s economy, easing tight import restrictions, and proper pricing mechanisms for construction materials are some of the remedies proposed to avoid projects being abandoned during the crisis. The research findings deliver valuable evidence to the practitioners with an in-depth understanding of the remedies to take over during a period of a crisis and thereby minimize the projects being abandoned.
Barriers to emerging smart solutions adoption for energy efficiency in the construction industry
Authors:   Department of Built Environment, Walter Sisulu University, South Africa, Oguntona O.A. , Ngobeni F. ,   University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Akinradewo O. ,   University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Ogunbayo B , Aigbavboa C
Published: August 2023

Globally, the construction industry (CI) has been blamed to be directly responsible for climate change and its consequential adverse impacts. As a sector known to be energy-intensive and energy-dependent, it is logically right for energy efficiency reforms and strategies to begin in the CI. While energy challenges are largely constituting a hindrance to the accelerated growth and socio-economic development of Africa, the continent continually commits to unsustainable means in meeting its energy demands. Therefore, the adoption of energy efficiency solutions is pivotal for the continent to meet its sustainability agenda. Hence, this study is aimed at identifying the various barriers hindering the adoption of Emerging Smart Solutions (ESS) for energy efficiency in the South African construction industry (SACI). The quantitative research method was utilised in this research study. A questionnaire survey was administered to registered and active construction professionals in the SACI for data collection. Both descriptive and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyse the retrieved data. Findings from the study revealed 17 barriers with high initial cost, lack of financial incentives, and theft and security concerns as the top three barriers hindering the adoption of ESS for energy efficiency in the SACI. The study concluded that a multi-stakeholder approach is embraced to mitigate these barriers so that the potential benefits of ESS can be maximised in the sector. It is recommended that government intervention and support be increased to pave the way for the proliferation of ESS and other energy-efficient strategies.
Building information modelling for construction productivity measurement
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Archchana S. , Pan W. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Published: August 2023

Productivity is a critical performance indicator of the construction industry, and thus warrants effective and efficient construction productivity measurement (CPM). Building information modelling (BIM), a digital representation of the building process, plays a significant role in effective and efficient CPM. Considering the high mandatory requirements for enhancement in construction productivity measurement, this paper aims to review the state-of-the-art literature on BIM-integrated CPM, to identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge and explore future research trends. The aim is achieved through a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis where the data are retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar and proposes future research directions. In total 260 publications were identified from the initial search, and 56 were shortlisted for full-text analysis after several levels of screening including duplication, title and abstract checking. Finally, 21 were narrowed yielded for detailed review for this study. The results mapped the yearly publication trend, publications by source and the co-occurrence of terms. The findings help to identify a suite of BIM-integrated CPM methods used in the construction industry and provide a foundation for future research in CPM. A framework is developed to illustrate the knowledge gap and future directions identified in this study. Accordingly, the findings revealed that existing studies on utilising BIM for CPM are limited to only 3D and 4D BIM. Further, there is a lack of studies on the feasibility of using BIM for CPM, fully automated BIM integrated CPM tools and real-time CPM through BIM.
A Systematic review of the challenges and strategies for addressing plagiarism in engineering education
Authors:   College of Engineering, A’Sharqiyah University, Sultanate of Oman, Wamuziri S.
Published: August 2023

Plagiarism is a growing issue in higher education institutions world-wide. If left unchallenged, it represents a threat to genuine academic scholarship and integrity. This paper examines the current state of knowledge based on published research with a specific focus on plagiarism in engineering education. The overall aim of the study is to identify major factors that contribute to plagiaristic behaviour and to develop evidence-based tools, resources and interventions to assist students, faculty and higher education institutions to avoid plagiarism. Furthermore, the study seeks to provide policy recommendations that can be implemented at institutional level. It is found that plagiarism occurs at all levels of academic practice in teaching and research. The reasons why students plagiarise include ease of access to materials on the internet, time constraints, pressures to achieve good grades, lack of academic support and failure to integrate students into the university community. Faculty and universities have a role to play in training students to be ethical users of information. Students should be trained to be able to identify their requirements, to source and paraphrase text, cite references properly and attribute all sources of information. Faculty should also develop authentic instruments of assessments. This will motivate students to develop creative solutions. Plagiarism is however a complex aspect of human behaviour and further research is required to understand it better and to find potential solutions.
Conceptual design of port development to support the logistics supply of Indonesia’s new nusantara capital city
Authors:   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Aprianti L , Ali Berawi M ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Gunawan S ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis, Bengkalis, Indonesia, Sari M ,   Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia
Published: August 2023

Indonesia is building its new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN), to create inclusive and more equitable economic growth by shifting the center of its economic gravity from Jakarta in Java to IKN in Kalimantan Island. Apart from aiming to become a new economic generator for equal distribution of the national economy, smart and sustainable IKN is expected to trigger new styles of learning, working, and living and encourage a change in Indonesia's development paradigm. IKN covers a total area of 256,000 hectares, with approximately 56,000 hectares of planned urban built areas will be conducted in five stages from 2022 until 2045. One of the challenges faced by the construction phase in IKN is that the existing seaports in Handil and Muara Samboja still cannot provide the support required for the logistics supply of construction materials. To support the development of the IKN, the current seaports and supporting infrastructure must be developed to allow the seamless operation of the logistics process. Therefore, this study aims to propose a conceptual design for logistic seaports in the Simpang Samboja and Muara Jawa areas. Case study is the method used in this study, using both qualitative and quantitative approach. This case study method references previous studies to obtain alternative value-added components. The results of this study show that the proposed logistic areas can facilitate logistic supply in IKN development with value for money.
Impact of economic crisis on employees of contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry
Authors:   VICM Consultants Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka, De Silva S.S. , Wijekoon W.M.C.L.K. ,   Department of Quantity Surveying, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka, Kalugala C. ,   Department of Quantity Surveying, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka
Published: August 2023

The construction industry contributes more than 6% of the GDP of the Sri Lankan economy, employing workers at different levels of the value chain. The economic crisis in the country from 2019-2022 has had a significant impact on contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, resulting in job losses, pay cuts, and reduced working hours. Hence this study aims to investigate the impact of the economic crisis on the employees of contractors’ organisations in the Sri Lankan construction industry, the most affected level of employees, and propose strategies to minimise the impact on the most affected level of employees. This study has been done using the mixed-method approach. Thirty-three (33) employees participated in a questionnaire survey and seven (7) managerial-level professionals were interviewed who are currently engaged in construction projects. This study has explored the levels of employees including technical, supervisory, and similar levels, professional level, administration, and managerial level. Further, this study provides the strategies adopted by the employees and the contractors to overcome the impact of the crisis, including measures to enhance productivity, cost reduction strategies, and access to financial support. The findings of the study will provide insights into the impact of the economic crisis on the construction industry in Sri Lanka and inform policy recommendations to support affected workers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry in a resilient way.
Merits and demerits of off-grid solar systems: key stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe D.S.A. , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S. , Weerasooriya D.
Published: August 2023

In today's world, energy and human life are inextricably linked. Due to the scarcity of fossil fuels and rising prices, the world is shifting to renewable energy sources to acquire energy. The economic downturn and the government's inability to import fuel have exacerbated the energy crisis in the Sri Lankan context. Every day, prolonged power outages become a part of people's lives, which drives people to find alternative solutions. Even though solar PV systems are a popular renewable energy source in Sri Lanka, having an on-grid solar system has no advantages during power outages. Thus, Sri Lanka has an apparent demand for off-grid solar systems. Therefore, this study investigates the merits and demerits of utilising off-grid solar systems from key stakeholders' perspectives. Three key stakeholders were identified: government authorities, off-grid solar service provider companies and off-grid solar users. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were conducted after a thorough literature review. The collected interview data were analysed manually using content analysis. The study's findings revealed the significant merits of using off-grid solar systems in the Sri Lankan context as; the benefit of an uninterrupted power supply and reducing the national grid demand. The study revealed significant demerits: unavailability of proper regulations, capital-intensive investment, no return on investment and the lack of qualified people in the off-grid solar sector. The respective industry practitioners and stakeholders can use the knowledge gained from this study to promote and utilise future policy implications in the off-grid solar sector.
Minimising construction and demolition waste using circular economy concept to achieve sustainable urban development
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Gowsiga M , Thayaparan M
Published: August 2023

Urban development significantly increased construction activities, which led to the generation of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) and inefficient resource exploitation. Most of these CDWs end up in landfills, and most countries give little attention to sustainable practices in this area. "Circular Economy" (CE) is one of the best ways to reduce CDW and the use of resources. Even though CE is not a new idea, it is not fully used to reduce CDW because the construction industry is still based on a linear economy and building materials are designed to be used linearly. Hence, this paper aims to investigate how CE can contribute to minimising the CDW to achieve sustainable urban development. This study adopts a qualitative approach to examine the strategies used to minimise the CDW in Sri Lanka. Multiple holistic case studies with three large-scale construction projects in the Colombo district were selected, and semi-structured interviews were used to get first-hand information. Manual content analysis was used for data analysis. Findings noted that disposal is unavoidable for all 14 CDW types, and e-waste was counted as the 15th type. The 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) of CE are quite popular among the projects, and the other 8Rs of Cimen (2021) of the CE concept are challenging to put into practice. To increase the knowledge and application of CE principles among built environment experts, this research provides recommendations based on a desk study by gathering case studies from secondary sources where CE principles are extensively applied for CDW minimisation
Need of establishing desalination plants to mitigate water scarcity in dry zones of Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Yatawatta Y.J.M. , Sridarran P.
Published: August 2023

This research study aims to explore the necessity of implementing desalination plants as a solution to address water scarcity in the dry zones of Sri Lanka. Water sustainability is crucial for ensuring the availability and preservation of water resources to meet the needs of current and future generations. Various innovative methods, including rainwater harvesting, irrigation efficiency, sewage water treatment, and desalination, have been employed to minimise water scarcity. Desalination, in particular, plays a vital role in meeting the growing water demands by removing salt and harmful elements from drinking water, making it safe for consumption. The primary objective of this research is to identify the specific need for desalination plants in the dry zones of Sri Lanka, while also examining the underlying reasons for water scarcity in the region. The methodology employed in this study involves template analysis, utilising data collected through expert surveys. Six experts were selected for semi-structured interviews, ensuring saturation in information gathering. The findings of this research reveal nine crucial factors that necessitate the implementation of desalination plants in the dry zones of Sri Lanka. These factors include irrigation inefficiency, groundwater depletion, the prevalence of waterborne diseases, insufficient rainwater harvesting systems, limitations in current water distribution methods, the impact of climate change, population growth, and challenges faced by industries operating in the region. The findings underscore the importance of implementing appropriate strategies to mitigate water scarcity and ensure a reliable and secure water supply for the region's present and future needs.
Outsourcing consultant quantity surveying activities during the post-pandemic era
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Samarathunga D. , Gamage I. , Lingasabesan V.
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant impact on the survival of the global construction industry and its stakeholders including quantity surveyors. Outsourcing is recognised as a business strategy which can be tried for consultants quantity surveying organisations for surviving in the construction industry during a pandemic period. Due to the absence of previous studies that evaluated the effectiveness of outsourcing consultants quantity surveying activities in the Sri Lankan context following the pandemic, this study intends to fill the aforementioned research gap. As a result, the research was aimed at examining the feasibility of outsourcing key consultants' quantity surveying activities in the Sri Lankan context following the pandemic. A thorough literature review was carried out in order to investigate the possibility of outsourcing key consultant quantity surveying activities in Sri Lanka during the post-pandemic era. To achieve the goal of this research, a mixed-method approach with structured expert interviews and a questionnaire survey was used. Thematic analysis using QSR Nvivo version 12 software and the RII method was used to analyse the data. The most suitable activities for outsourcing in Sri Lanka during the post-pandemic era were identified as BIM model creation, BOQ preparation, and BOQ verification. The study's findings revealed the possibility of outsourcing the quantity surveying activities of consultants in Sri Lanka during the post-pandemic era. Furthermore, the findings of this study can be used to identify prevalent motivating factors for introducing or improving the outsourcing concept as well as to put into practice within consultant quantity surveying organisations.
Adaptation of blockchain and smart contracts to the construction industry of developing countries
Authors:   Western Sydney University, Australia, Anuradha I.G.N. , Ambagala K.K. ,   The University of Adelaide, Australia, Nanayakkara S ,   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Perera S ,   Western Sydney University, Australia
Published: August 2023

The construction industry is often criticised due to its inherited challenges. Lack of trust and transparency, inadequate collaboration and complex structure have plagued the construction sector. Blockchain is a technology that has the potential to address these issues by automating procedures and enhancing traceability and transparency with its salient features. Whereas adaptation of blockchain within the construction industry is still at its inception. The situation is bleak in developing countries and there are numerous barriers and limitations that impact the implementation process. Therefore, this paper aimed to distinguish the barriers that affect the adaptation of blockchain and smart contracts for the construction industry of developing countries. The study used a mixed research approach. The barriers were ranked based on the data collected through a questionnaire survey and strategies to overcome them were identified through expert interviews. Findings derived from the analysis indicate that having a limited number of construction related software applications (powered by blockchain), the reluctance of the companies to bear additional costs to adapt blockchain and sluggish adaptation to new technologies as the significant barriers. As per the identified strategies, conducting an industry-wide digitalisation analysis, developing an industry-wide digitalisation strategy and recruiting skillful staff can be pointed out as the weighty strategies. The outcomes of this research were gained through the data collected from Sri Lanka, which is a limitation of this study. Eventually, a framework was developed as a guideline to implement blockchain and smart contracts for the construction industry of developing countries.
The Customer satisfaction on the railway infrastructure in Sri Lanka: a study on railway stations
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Perera M.A.K.N. , Nazeer F.S. ,   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, De Alwis A.M.L. ,   Department of Facilities Management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: August 2023

Railway infrastructure is one of the core items of railway systems, which ensures the quality and efficiency of the service. As it appears, the railway infrastructure in Sri Lanka is not well maintained. This underperforming situation can lead to a considerable negative impact on the satisfaction of railway users. Hence, conducting an in-depth investigation on customer satisfaction in railway stations under railway infrastructure in Sri Lanka is a timely requirement. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the present customer satisfaction level at Sri Lankan railway stations. Specifically, this study focuses on improving customer satisfaction at railway stations based on the services and facilities provided. A comprehensive literature review has been conducted to review the railway infrastructure, Sri Lankan Railways (SLR), facilities and services provided by SLR, and factors that affect customer satisfaction. Further, data was collected through the distribution of a questionnaire survey among a sample of railway users. The quantitative research approach was undertaken to derive reliable outcomes with the support of RII analysis. As per the key findings, customer satisfaction on railway stations remains in a low to medium level based on several factors. The key issues recorded under the facilities and services of railway stations are delays in train arrival, uncleaned condition, and lack of data sharing.
The Potential of industrial symbiosis: an analysis of barriers to its implementation for better waste management in industrial zones in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Herath P. , Dissanayake P. ,   Department of Facilities Management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Thisakya G.
Published: August 2023

Industrialisation has led to a massive increment in resource consumption and waste generation, which demands improved management strategies for Waste Management (WM), especially in Industrial Zones (IZ). Thus, the application of Industrial Symbiosis (IS) in an IZ is demanded as a solution. It is a collaborative approach in which different industries and organisations work together to create a closed-loop system that maximises resource efficiency, reduces waste, and improves environmental sustainability. Sri Lankan IZs still have not yet established a proper method to manage industrial waste, which has led to heaps of waste. Since IS is an effective and timely solution for this issue, this paper was intended to analyse barriers to the potential implementation of IS for better WM of IZs in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach with two case studies were used in this study. A total of 12 interviews were conducted and collected data was analysed using code-based content analysis. The barriers were extracted through the analysis of case findings using an abductive analysis. The empirical findings revealed 34 barriers under six categories, namely economic, organisational, regulatory, technological, risk and information. The higher initial cost, lack of financial ability, competition among participants, unavailability of institutional support, and lack of regulatory incentives for IS initiations were some of the key barriers identified in this study. The knowledge generated through this research can be used by respective industry practitioners to take informed decisions in addressing these barriers, which will be crucial to unlocking the potential of IS in IZ.
Adopting urban symbiosis for sustainable urban water reduction and management: a bibliometric analysis
Authors:   Department of Facilities Management, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Yatawatta Y.J.M.
Published: August 2023

This research aims to explore the feasibility of adopting urban symbiosis for sustainable urban water reduction and management through a bibliometric analysis of key literature. A Scopus-based systematic review was conducted to analyse journal articles related to urban symbiosis, water management, and water reduction, with a focus on their intersection towards achieving sustainability. The outcomes of the systematic review were analysed using bibliometric techniques to examine the evolution of publications, identify leading journals, and determine the authors and countries which have published the most papers on the topic. The research also conceptualised the benefits, barriers, and enablers associated with adopting urban symbiosis for water reduction and management. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the potential implications and practical implications of urban symbiosis in the context of sustainable water management. The study contributes to the knowledge of the potential of urban symbiosis in addressing the challenges of water management in urban areas and gives insights to policymakers, urban planners, and practitioners interested in implementing sustainable water management practices in urban areas.
Community Partnership Empowerment Through Utilizing Waste Glass for Construction Products
Authors: Cut Rahmawati , Iqbal Iqbal , Meliyana Meliyana , Muhtadin Muhtadin , Faisal Muhammad , Amin Amri , Nasruddin Nasruddin , Hidayat Abdul
Published: August 2023

Waste glass constitutes significant landfill waste, leading to environmental concerns. Considering its chemical composition, glass powder contains 50% to 60% silica, making it suitable for construction materials. Consequently, this community service initiative introduced waste glass as a building material, serving as a partial substitute for sand in construction products. In addition, the activity involved teaching partners how to create castings/road gates utilizing waste glass. The target partners in this activity were productive business groups engaged in selling wind holes, well rings, rosters, and similar products. The approach applied involved socialization and hands-on practices at the partner's premises. The program's success was obtained through interviews and product compressive strength tests with the partners. The outcomes demonstrate the partners' keen interest in the activity, their understanding of the benefits of utilizing waste glass as a partial sand replacement, and their ability to create products. Notably, the compressive strength of the products created with the partners ranged from 24.72 MPa to 30.84 MPa, aligning with the SNI 03-2442-1991 standard for road curbs (30 MPa). The activity positively impacted the partners, enhancing their business prospects and contributing to environmental sustainability. The training helps in enhancing the partners' skills and capabilities.
Bibliometric analysis of information systems in infection prevention and control
Authors: Suryantoro Eko , Udin Udin , Ika Nurul Qamari
Published: August 2023

The development of publications utilizing the Scopus database is analyzed in this study. The VOSviewer software tool is employed to construct and visualize a bibliometric network. After filtering 3,114 published documents from the Scopus database spanning 2003-2022, 314 articles are deemed suitable for analysis. Through the utilization of VOSviewer and the visualization of co-occurrence networks based on keywords, 47 items are categorized into six clusters, each identified by a distinct color. The findings of the research indicate that publications on infection prevention and control within information systems have not been affected negatively by the COVID-19 pandemic; instead, they have reached their peak in 2021, the highest point observed in the last 20 years. Diverse network relationships among information systems, infection prevention and control, and COVID-19 are revealed through this bibliometric study analysis. The significance and necessity of technology-based information systems in healthcare facilities are also emphasized, highlighting their crucial role in health services. The practical implication of this study is the recognition of the continuous requirement for the enhancement and development of technology-based information systems in order to improve the quality of health services and effectively prevent and control infections in healthcare facilities.
Breeding profile and reproductive performance of beef cattle kept by smallholder farmers in Monta District, Bima Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Warman Adi Tiya , Atmoko Bayu Andri , Ibrahim Alek , Baliarti Endang , Panjono
Published: August 2023

This study investigates beef cattle's breeding profile and reproductive performance kept by smallholder farms in Monta District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifty smallholder farmers, and observations were made on ninety-eight cows. Data on farmers' demographics, breeding profiles, management, and reproductive performance were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The average age of the farmers was 44.32±6.61 years, with an average livestock farming experience of 33.14±6.17 years and an average cattle ownership of 5.02±3.96 heads. Most farmers (98.0%) engaged in beef cattle farming as a supplementary business for savings and insurance purposes. Interestingly, none of the smallholder farmers were members of livestock groups or had received any formal beef cattle farming training. The study's findings indicate promising results concerning beef cows' management and reproductive performance. The observed parameters include the average age of the first estrus at 26.03±5.01 months, the first mating age at 26.55±5.02 months, and the first calving age at 36.76±5.02 months. The average calf weaning age was 3.93±1.11 months, and the postpartum mating interval was 4.20±0.90 months. The cows exhibited an average of 1.59±0.49 services per conception, with an average days open period of 4.61±1.10 months. The calving interval was found to be 13.71±1.06 months. Moreover, the cow reproductive index was recorded at 0.88±0.07 head/year, indicating commendable management practices and reproductive performance. In conclusion, this study reveals that productive-age farmers with livestock experience engage in beef cattle farming as a supplementary business for savings. The findings suggest that beef cattle management and performance are commendable, considering the favorable calving interval and cow reproductive index.
Mapping the work-life balance research landscape: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Pratiwi Herni Ika , Wahyuningsih Sri Handari , Udin
Published: August 2023

Since the 1990s, work life balance has been widely studied by scientists, so research results are increasing from year to year. Employees must not only perform effectively at work but also have a personal life that includes their family and community. To keep their human resources employed, organizations need to pay close attention to employees' ability to combine their professional and personal lives. Many working people currently feel that there is not enough balance between work and personal life in the workplace. The goal of this study is to determine how far the study of work-life balance has come. This study will give readers a comprehensive picture of the dynamics in play right now and reveal the state of the work-life balance literature. The importance of this research is to see the tendency of previous researchers in studying the theory of work life balance. In addition, it provides a systematic analysis of the work life balance literature using bibliometric analysis. A descriptive analysis approach is used in this study. The Scopus database is used for the data collection for this study. A total of 2,446 documents from 2012 to 2022 made up the database utilized to review this research. The VOSviewer application is used on the devices, and the data are exported in CSV format. This study will map the theory of work-life balance research, publishing trends, theoretical underpinnings, cited journals, often used research keywords and clusters in research groups. Additionally, this research offers a summary of the subject under discussion so that it can be updated in subsequent studies. According to Scopus analysis, the fields of management, management, and business research in the United States play the largest role in work-life balance studies. Analysis was performed with VOSviewer, where work life balance research has seen erratic developments in research papers. Various trends discuss work life balance using a bibliometric mapping approach. Researchers still rarely employ this research trend for future research to be able to use these findings as hints about trends. The few journals that published these studies in 2022 demonstrate that there is still a dearth of work-life balance research data.
El saber pedagógico como herramienta para la construcción del proyecto educativo institucional
Authors: Zambrano Castro Robert Alexander
Published: August 2023

Durante la década de los setentas, en Colombia se comenzó a indagar sobre la pedagogía como un saber. Académicos como Olga Lucia Zuluaga profundizaron lecturas de Foucault y encontraron en ellas el método para aplicarlas a la investigación pedagógica. En ese sentido, se adelantan varias investigaciones que recuperaron recursos valiosos; al respecto, Zapata (2003) afirma: “ella aprovecha un descubrimiento monumental surgido en el camino de la investigación: el archivo pedagógico” (p. 178), es decir, se recobra la memoria histórica de la pedagogía, la educación y sus vínculos con el contexto político, religioso, cultural y regional de la geografía colombiana.