bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tolerance of African catfish Clarias gariepinus fingerlings to chemotherapeutic doses of potassium permanganate
Authors:   Department of Fisheries, Collage of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Bahri, Sudan., Hagar Elsadig Arbab , Zaid Abullgasim Omer ,   Department of Fisheries, Collage of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Bahri, Sudan., Abakar Abd Elazeem Osman ,   Department of Fisheries, Collage of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Bahri, Sudan., Ibrahim Hozayfa Suliman ,   Department of Fisheries, Collage of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Bahri, Sudan.
Published: December 2022

In this study, the tolerance of Clarias gariepinus finger-lings (15.5 g) to chemotherapeutic doses of potassium permanganate was investigated. The experiment was done in 15 plastic tanks (106 each) in hatchery facilities by testing ten doses of potassium permanganate in two experimental batches; 1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 0.0 mg/L in batch one and 0.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 0.0 mg/L in batch two, for three duration periods (0, 3 and 6 days) in three replicates. Blood samples were obtained and parameters such haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cells (RBCs), and white blood cells (WBCs) were measured. The internal parasites in organ tissue and blood were investigated and the mortality and survival rate were evaluated. Empirical data of the results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA. The results of analysis data showed high variation (p<0.05) in the hematological profiles of treated fish under varying levels of potassium permanganate and exposure duration periods (15.24 to 9.74, 32.04 to 18.74, 8582.0 to 13140.0 and 9.11 to 3.71 for Hb, PCV, WBCs and RBCs respectively), which resulted in varying levels of stresses and some biological, biochemical and physiological changes in the fish. The investigation of blood and internal tissues parasites revealed no infectious cases (p<0.05). These results show that potassium permanganate can negatively affect the hematology of Clarias gariepinus, leading to various stress levels with serious deterioration of fish health and a dramatic increase in mortality rate. It is recommended that 2 to 3 mg/L concentrations of potassium permanganate are suitable for treatment without causing tolerance and at the same time can be used in controlling external infection.
Indications and Outcomes of Abdominal Drain in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Tertiary Care Center in Central Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Khanal Sandeep
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for symptomatic cholelithiasis. During this procedure, sometimes abdominal drain is placed in the right sub-hepatic space. The main objectives of this study were to assess the indications for the use of intra-abdominal drains (IADs) in elective LCs and its outcomes following LCs.

 Methods: This is a prospective descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between November 2017 and December 2018 in the Department of Surgery of a tertiary level teaching hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Sixty patients who underwent elective LC with the placement of intra-abdominal drain were selected for the study. The data were recorded in a preformed proforma and analyzed using MS Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 16.0. 

Results: The total LCs performed during this period was 536. The overall prevalence of IAD placement in LC was 11.19% (n=60), with drains placed more frequently among males than females (27.4% v/s 6.3%). Cholelithiasis with cholecystitis (35%, n=21) was the most common indication for elective IAD placement while adhesions (56%, n=34) was the most common intraoperative indication for IAD in LC. Surgical site infection (SSI) and fever were encountered in 15% (n=9) and 5% (n=3) of the patients respectively. SSI was found to have a positive correlation with the operative time (p=0.01), post-operative hospital stay (p=0.003) and age of the patient (p=0.021).

Conclusion: The prevalence of IAD placement in LC in our study was almost double as compared to that of studies in other countries and predominantly more among males than females. Cholelithiasis with cholecystitis and adhesions were the most common indications for IAD placement. SSI in IAD placement was found to be positively correlated with the operative time, post-operative hospital-stay and age of the patient.
Prospection of Potential Iron Deposit in Gandaki and Lumbini Province of Nepal Using Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Regmi Sarthak , Dhungana Bhishma , Saud Roshan , Gautam Suyog , Thapa Pawan , Bhandari Rupesh
Published: December 2022

Integrated remote sensing and Geographic Information System provides an aid to find presence of metallic and non-metallic minerals. This approach was used to explore Iron deposits in districts of Gandaki and Lumbini province of Nepal in which 8 districts were identified as the reserves of iron ores namely Nawalpur, Palpa, Baglung, Parbat, Syangja, Tanahu, Arghakhanchi and Gulmi. These districts fall under various geological formation such as Suntar formation, Melpani formation. These formations are found to be rich in metallic minerals. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) offers a cost effective and attractive strategy in mineral prospection, notably for a mineral exploration project. Landsat 8 satellite images, processed through band rationing method highlights the hydrothermal alterations and Iron Oxide containing region. False Color Composite and Principal Component Analysis method highlights sedimentary rocks. Each method exaggerates spectral signatures which highlights the surfaces by different colors indicating presence of iron ores. Lineaments are also extracted from Landsat images combining with Digital Elevation Model (DEM).Lineaments are those structures that provide information about fault and fractures on the surface and helps to identify mineral deposition zones. The result produced through different RS techniques were introduced in GIS environment. Potential iron content region were identified by using Suitability analysis i.e. multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Map showing the potential iron ore deposit map was generated by integrating the results together reclassified into a common scale and overlaid with suitable weightage. Final output/map indicates the best possible sites for detailed study of iron ores. The study demonstrates the usefulness and effectiveness of remote sensing and GIS in iron and other mineral mapping.
Will Artificial Intelligence become alternative to Software Engineers? - A Futuristic Approach
Authors: Mahato Nishant R.
Published: December 2022

Investigating what will happen in the field of software engineering in the year 2050 is the purpose of this research. In particular, it draws attention to certain predicted best practises in the industry, the prospective roles of software engineers, and the ways in which artificial intelligence may affect the future of software engineering frameworks and the responsibilities of software engineers. In addition to this, it demonstrates the issues that are occurring right now and provides guidance on how to address them in the future. Finally, it anticipates the challenges that may arise in the future and suggests solutions to circumvent them. These forecasts were arrived at by drawing inferences about the future from existing information drawn from either the past or from current practises and ongoing research in the field of artificial intelligence software. In addition to that, a qualitative approach was used, and a survey was administered online to specialists in the fields of artificial intelligence and software engineering. As an overall outcome of this study, the replies and expectations from a variety of targeted surveys agreed that the future of the software engineering industry would undoubtedly change. On the other hand, software engineers would be the primary forces that may influence this future as well. Those who will either continue to maintain them dominating in this sector or who have been left behind and supplanted by other systems or enterprises.
Generalisasi Bilangan Kromatik Pada Beberapa Kelas Graf Korona
Authors: Yusuf Riduan , Dewi Fitria Puspa , Firmansyah  , Mujib Abdul
Published: December 2022

For example  is a chromatic number with the smallest integer so that the graph  has a true vertex coloring with k color. Chromatic number is still an interesting study which is still being studied for its development through graph coloring. Graph coloring is a special case of graph labeling. Labeling here means, giving color to the points at a certain limit so that no two vertices have the same color. This study aims to calculate the chromatic number in several classes of graphs including , ,  Based on the results of the study, generalization of the chromatic number of the graph class . Class  and for class  for even n and 4 for odd n.
Keywords: graph, graph coloring, chromatic number
For example  is a chromatic number with the smallest integer so that the graph  has a true vertex coloring with k color. Chromatic number is still an interesting study which is still being studied for its development through graph coloring. Graph coloring is a special case of graph labeling. Labeling here means, giving color to the points at a certain limit so that no two vertices have the same color. This study aims to calculate the chromatic number in several classes of graphs including , ,  Based on the results of the study, generalization of the chromatic number of the graph class . Class  and for class  for even n and 4 for odd n.
Keywords: graph, graph coloring, chromatic number
Beytülmakdis’in 1099’daki İstilası ile 20. Yüzyıldaki İstilası Arasındaki Farklar ve Bunun Çözüme Yansıtılması
Authors: TURAN Abdulkadir
Published: December 2022

20. yüzyıldaki Beytülmakdis istilası, İslam dünyasında genelde 1099’daki Beytülmakdis istilası gibi açıklanmakta; Beytülmakdis’in Selâhaddîn-i Eyyûbî önderliğinde kurtarılması da (1187) bugünkü kurtuluş için bir örneklik olarak anlatılmaktadır. Oysa 1099 istilası, 20. yüzyıldaki istiladan, istilacıların kimliği açısından bariz bir şekilde ayrılmaktadır. 1099’daki istila, Avrupa Katolikliği, Bizans Ortodoksluğu ve İslam dünyasındaki etnik Ortodoks yapıların ittifakı ile gerçekleşmiştir. Buna karşı 20. yüzyıldaki istila, Siyonist Hıristiyanlar olarak da nitelenen Evanjelist Hıristiyanlar ve Siyonist Yahudilerin ittifakı ile gerçekleşti. 20.yüzyıla girilmeden oluşan bu ittifak, II. Dünya Savaşı’ndan sonra, Filistin’de İsrail’in varlık bulması konusunda, Sovyetlerin de açık desteğini almıştır. Ancak bu ittifak, İslam dünyasındaki Hıristiyan azınlıkların desteğini almadığı gibi, geleneksel Ortodoks dünya ve sivil Batı Katolikliğinin desteğini de elde edememiştir. 20. yüzyıldaki istilanın aktörleri arasında Hıristiyan kökenli bir yapı bulunmakla birlikte bu istila, Haçlı istilası olarak değerlendirilemez. Dolayısıyla İslam dünyasında bu istiladan kurtuluş söyleminin yaygın bir şekilde Haçlılık odaklı oluşturulması, sorgulanmayı gerektirmektedir.
Heat stress During the Early Flowering Stage Did Not Affect Seed Fatty acid Contents in Conventional Oleic Peanut Varieties
Authors: Kakati J.P. , Zoong Lwe Z. , Narayanan S.
Published: December 2022

Short episodes of heat stress often occur in the early flowering period of peanut in the U.S. peanut belt. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether heat stress that occurs during an early flowering period will have long-lasting effects on seed fatty acid composition. Four peanut genotypes with varying degrees of heat tolerance were exposed to heat stress for a short period (2.5 weeks) at the beginning of the flowering stage under field conditions in 2018 and 2019. We found that a short duration of heat stress at the beginning of the flowering stage did not affect the contents of the major seed fatty acids that affect oil quality (oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids) regardless of the heat-tolerance level of genotypes. If stress is removed at the time of seed filling, seed fatty acid composition seems to be unaffected. However, stress during flowering can decrease pod and seed numbers, which will affect yield.
Lean production tools in organisation and human activities
Authors: Krutova Olga Vladimirovna
Published: December 2022

The article updates the problem of using lean production tools for effective management of the organisation and the performance of each individual. The advantages and possible risks of the Kanban system, the 5S methodology and the Just-in-Time concept are described.
The latest audiovisual tools for the video hosting representation of Ukrainian identity in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war
Authors: Musiienko O.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the article is to determine the main themes and directions of audiovisual representation of Ukrainian identity in the works on video hosting in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The methodology. We conducted a qualitative content analysis of the works of the video hosting sites TikTok and YouTube according to the most popular Ukrainian studies tags and geographic queries. The results of the case were compared with the data obtained by the us during the studying other researchers on the topic.

The results. Video hosting is defined as global informational and cultural carrier that increasingly actively promotes social and political trends. It was established that, unlike traditional media, video hosting broadcasts Ukrainian identity as a modern cultural and artistic trend. Video flash mobs (TikTok) and shorts (YouTube) became the main means of spreading Ukrainian identity. It was shown that the events of the Russian-Ukrainian war became a catalyst for national and political identity and a powerful social and cultural demand for Ukrainian art in the world.

The scientific topicality. This scientific study highlights the manifestation of national Ukrainian identity in the video hosting works in the context of the events of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The practical significance. The research contained in this article may be useful for researchers of modern media and Ukrainian culture.
Pengaruh Pendidikan Bilingual terhadap Perkembangan Diksi, Tata Bahasa, dan Pelafalan Ujaran Bahasa Daerah Siswa
Authors: Hidayati Amalia Safitri , Rusmawati Roosi , Junining Esti
Published: December 2022

Di era globalisasi, pendidikan bilingual (Indonesia-Inggris) yang digalakkan di beberapa sekolah membuat intensitas penggunaan bahasa daerah sebagai bahasa ibu menurun. Hal ini mengakibatkan bahasa daerah berada pada level kritis. Oleh karena itu, penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan pengaruh pendidikan bilingual terhadap perkembangan diksi, tata bahasa, dan pelafalan ujaran bahasa daerah siswa pendidikan bilingual. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kualitatif dengan metode percakapan. Adapun instrumen dalam penelitian ini adalah peneliti dibantu dengan lembar observasi. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa dalam tataran diksi muncul peristiwa campur kode dalam bahasa daerah, bahasa Indonesia, dan bahasa Inggris. Dalam tataran tata bahasa, susunan kalimat dalam bahasa Jawa, Indonesia, dan Inggris saling tertukar. Di sisi lain, dalam tataran pelafalan, siswa mengalami kendala pembelajaran fonem dalam bahasa daerah yang berupa penggantian fonem dan senyapan. Adapun faktor penyebab terjadinya hal tersebut adalah adanya keakraban antarpenutur, tingginya intensitas penggunaan bahasa Indonesia dan bahasa Inggris, serta penguasaan bahasa daerah yang masih terbatas.
PENGARUH KONSELING KELOMPOK SELF MANAGEMENT TERHADAP KONSEP DIRI NEGATIF SISWA SMP
Authors: Moomin Sintiya , Rahim Maryam , Korompot Salim , Alwi Nurul Maulida
Published: December 2022

Self Management dapat dilakukan melalui layanan konseling kelompok, salah satu masalah yang terjadi dalam kesulitan mengelola diri yaitu konsep diri negatif siswa. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh konseling kelompok self management terhadap konsep diri negatif siswa kelas VIII di SMP Negeri 1 Gorontalo. Jenis penelitian ini adalah pre-experimental design dengan rancangan One-Group Pre test-Post test Design. Variabel X adalah konseling kelompok self management dan konsep diri negatif merupakan variabel Y. Subjek penelitian dalam penelitian ini adalah siswa kelas VIII di SMP Negeri 1 Kota Gorontalo yang berjumlah 10 siswa. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan nilai rata-rata pre test 154,90 dan nilai rata-rata post test 101,50. Hasil pengujian hipotesis diperoleh thitung > ttabel yaitu 22,557>3,25. Dapat disimpulkan hipotesis dalam penelitian ini yakni terdapat pengaruh konseling kelompok self management terhadap konsep diri negatif siswa kelas VIII di SMP Negeri 1 Kota Gorontalo, dalam arti bahwa konseling kelompok self management dapat diterima dan dapat meminimalisir konsep diri negatif.____________________________________________________________________Self-management can be accomplished through group counseling services; one of the issues that arise in self-management difficulties is students' negative self-concept. This study aims to see how self-management group counseling affects the negative self-concept of class VIII students at SMP Negeri 1 Gorontalo. This type of research is a pre-experimental study with a one-group pre test-post test design. Self-management group counseling is variable X, and negative self-concept is variable Y. This study's research subjects were class VIII students from SMP Negeri 1 Gorontalo City, who recruited 10 students. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. The results showed the average pre test score was 154.90 and the post test average was 101.50. The results of hypothesis testing obtained tcount > ttable that is 22.557> 3.25. The keyword in this research is that the influence of self-management group counseling on the self-concept of class VIII students at SMP Negeri 1 Gorontalo City, in the sense that self-management group counseling is acceptable and can minimize the negative self concepts.
KEEFEKTIFAN PEMBELAJARAN PROYEK TERHADAP KEAKTIFAN DAN KREATIFITAS MAHASISWA MATA KULIAH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN INOVATIF IPA MATERI KIMIA SMP
Authors: Manasikana Oktaffi Arinna , Wijayadi Andri Wahyu , Mayasari Andhika
Published: December 2022

Peristiwa pandemi Covid-19 di dunia termasuk Indonesia, menyebabkan perubahan sistem pembelajaran yang signifikan, biasanya tatap muka di kelas, kegiatan praktek di laboratorium berubah menjadi pembelajaran dalam jaringan atau daring. Pembelajaran proyek menggunakan masalah sebagai langkah awal dalam mengumpulkan dan mengintegrasikan pengetahuan baru berdasarkan pengalamannya dalam beraktivitas secara nyata. Mata kuliah model pembelajaran inovatif IPA adalah mata kuliah wajib dalam fakultas ilmu pendidikan yang menuntut mahasiswa dalam keaktifan dan kreatifitas menguasai materi tersebut sehingga lebih aplikatif dimanfaatkan saat kelak menjadi guru. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan eksperimental dengan teknik pengumpulan data secara observasi dan angket. Model Pembelajaran IPA SMP pada materi kimia mempunyai karakteristik pengetahuan yang abstrak bagi siswa SMP sehingga dibutuhkan keaktifan dan kreatifitas saat mengajar. Berdasarkan hasil angket  didapatkan hasil sebagai berikut: persepsi mahasiswa terhadap mata kuliah model pembelajaran inovatif 76,8; motivasi mahasiswa terhadap mata kuliah model pembelajaran inovatif 78,40; pemahaman mahasiswa terhadap mata kuliah model pembelajaran inovatif 87,6; aktifitas dan kreatifitas mahasiswa dalam pembelajaran proyek 88,7; Kesan mahasiswa terhadap pembelajaran proyek adalah 84,6. Dari hasil rerata diatas 75,0 hal ini menunjukkan pembelajaran proyek efektif diterapkan pada mata kuliah model pembelajaran inovatif IPA materi kimia SMP.
PENINGKATAN HASIL BELAJAR KIMIA MAHASISWA MENGGUNAKAN MODEL INKUIRI TERBIMBING BERBASIS KONTEKSTUAL
Authors: Nurhamidah Nurhamidah , Elvia Rina , Amida Nadia , Yanti Della Novri
Published: December 2022

Pembelajaran kimia seringkali dianggap susah oleh sebagian mahasiswa, karena materinya banyak bersifat abstrak, hitungan dan konsep-konsep yang harus dipahami dengan baik. Untuk menunjang proses pembelajaran supaya menarik dan mudah dipahami dibutuhkan model pembelajaran yang  tepat sehingga materi tersampaikan dengan baik. Tujuan dari Penelitian ini untuk melihat hasil belajar setelah menerapkan Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri Terbimbing Berbasis Kontekstual pada materi Stoikiometri. Penelitian ini dilakukan kepada mahasiswa baru Program Studi Pendidikan Biologi Fakultas Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Universitas Bengkulu, semester I angkatan 2020/2021. Hasil belajar dilihat melalui tes kognitif berupa posttest pada setiap akhir siklus. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data postes setiap siklus, menunjukkan terjadi peningkatan hasil belajar dimana nilai rata-rata, dan ketuntasan belajar klasikal siklus I adalah 51.92 dan 2.86 %, siklus II menjadi 72,5  dan 48.57 % dan siklus III naik menjadi 84.85 dan 94.29 %. Hasil ini menunjukkan pada siklus III pembelajaran sudah tuntas, dimana nilai rata-rata yang diperoleh telah â‰¥ 75 dan ketuntasan belajar klasikal sudah diatas 80 % yaitu 94.29 %.
Accounting of Statistical and Expert Information in Medical Decision Support Systems
Authors: Povoroznyuk Anatoly I. , Povoroznyuk Oksana A.
Published: December 2022

The work is devoted to solving the actual scientific and technical problem of building a decision support system based on the implementation of the developed model of the diagnostic decision rule by means of modern information technologies. Based on the analysis of the methods used to build a diagnostic decision rule (DRU) in diagnostic decision support systems in medicine, the components of a combined DRU are proposed, which express two approaches to the formulation of a diagnostic conclusion: an objective component, which is based on the analysis of educational samples, and the subjective component, which is based on expert information about the structure of symptom complexes. The purpose of the study is the synthesis of the combined DRU based on the method of comparison with the prototype, which takes into account both the objective and subjective components of the diagnosis process. The paper developed a mathematical model of the combined DRU and substantiated the choice of its components. As an objective component, the method of comparison with a prototype was selected, in which the diagnosed conditions (a list of diagnoses in a given subject area of medicine) are represented by their prototypes in the space of signs. As a prototype of each class, the geometric center of the class grouping is calculated. Expert information on the structure of symptom complexes is formalized by presenting the symptom complex of each disease with numerical intervals of linguistic variables. Variants of taking into account expert evaluations about the structure of symptom complexes when calculating the coordinates of class prototypes (collective decision rules, weighting and summarization of evaluations) are considered. On the basis of the developed mathematical model of the combined DRU, the decision support system was designed and a comprehensive check of the developed system was performed on real medical data, which confirmed the effectiveness of the system.
Use of peer-to-peer networks for secured communication
Authors: Kupershtein Leonid M. , Krentsin Mykhailo D. , Prytula Andrii V.
Published: December 2022

Peculiarities of the applied application of peering networks are considered (every node is equal; it can be both a client and a server). Mathematically, a decentralized network can be represented as a graph. The reasons for the emergence of peering networks are analyzed (low load on the client processor, the need to provide access to data and joint work on data). The classification of P2P networks according to three characteristics (functions, degree of centralization and method of connection) is also considered. The relevance and perspective of their application for personal communication, especially for data exchange within the company (required data security, fault tolerance and independence from Internet access) are determined.

A peering network organization model is proposed, which provides for increased data security (messages, files, audio, user settings, etc.), reliable authentication of nodes (based on a combination of manual key distribution and trust network principles), scalability of the network itself and expansion of its functional capabilities (sending text, files, support for audio, video, etc.). The software implementation should work on most modern devices and operating systems (Android, IOS, Windows, MacOS). The created model makes it possible to increase security due to the combination of various cryptographic algorithms and data exchange protocols. Data exchange is based on the Tox protocol, which involves the use of distributed hash tables and asymmetric encryption. Data transport using the Tox protocol is organized based on TCP and UDP. A graphic representation of the above-described model is given, as well as a key exchange scheme between nodes. The data is also stored at the node in a protected form, and it can be read only if the key is present.
Differences in values of high school students formed in different social environments (village and city)
Authors: Bezverkhyi Oleh
Published: December 2022

The article is devoted to a relevant problem of the differences in the value systems of rural and urban high school students. The analysis of the scientific sources reveals insufficient research on this problem. We conducted an empirical study of the values of rural high school students in comparison to urban high school students. For the purpose of the psychodiagnostics within this research, we have translated and adapted for Ukrainian students the the Rokeach Value Survey and Schwartz's Value Survey methods. Two groups of 30 high school students were involved in the study. The main group represented the rural environment, the second group represented the urban environment. The groups were similar in terms of gender and age structure. In the course of the study, statistically significant differences in the results of the high school students from two different types of settlements were found. The most significant differences were defined in the instrumental values and Schwartz values, which are mainly instrumental. The rural high school students benefit with a stronger development of the politeness, universalism, and kindness values. Instead, urban high school students demonstrate a stronger presence of the independence, self-confidence, courage, and responsibility values. Defined during the research complex of differences indicated the higher level of the mental dependence of rural high school students compared to reference persons and groups. The hypothesis is that the reason defining such difference is a much higher level of parental control caused by the rural life. A mechanism of the mental dependence is formed in rural high school students. Further on, it extends to their relationships with teachers and the student groups.
Enhance the Properties of Lignosulfonate Mud by Adding Nanoparticles of Aluminum Oxide and Iron Oxide
Authors: Alasaly Hasanaliabbood , Ibtehal Kareem Shakir
Published: December 2022

Oil well drilling fluid rheology, lubricity, swelling, and fluid loss control are all critical factors to take into account before beginning the hole's construction. Drilling fluids can be made smoother, more cost-effective, and more efficient by investigating and evaluating the effects of various nanoparticles including aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and iron oxide (Fe2O3) on their performance. A drilling fluid's performance can be assessed by comparing its baseline characteristics to those of nanoparticle (NPs) enhanced fluids. It was found that the drilling mud contained NPs in concentrations of 0,0.25, 0. 5, 0.75 and 1 g. According to the results, when drilling fluid was used without NPs, the coefficient of fraction (CoF) was 44%, when added Al2O3 NP and Fe2O3 NP at 0.75g reduced CoF by 31% and 33% respectively. When Al2O3 and Fe2O3 NPs were used, particularly at a concentration of 1g, the amount of mud filtration decreased from 13.5ml to 9.3 ml and 8.5 ml respectively. Additional improvements rheological properties as well as swelling when Fe2O3NPs and Al2O3 NPs were added at 1g. Overall, it was found that adding NPs to the Lignosulfonate-WBM at a concentration of 1g can improve rheological, swelling, and filtration properties as well as lubrication at 0.75g.
Textural Properties Characterization for NaX and FeX Zeolites by Nitrogen Adsorption-desorption Technique
Authors: Kamal Sanarya K. , Abbas Ammar S.
Published: December 2022

The zeolite's textural properties have a significant effect on zeolite's effectiveness in the different industrial processes. This research aimed to study the textual properties of the NaX and FeX zeolites using the nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique at a constant low temperature. According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, the adsorption-desorption isotherm showed that the studied materials were mixed kinds I/II isotherms and H3 type hysteresis. The Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm was the best model to describe the nitrogen adsorption-desorption better than the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The obtained adsorption capacity and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area values for NaX were greater than FeX. According to the Kelvin equation, Barrett, Joyner, and Halenda model was used to determine pore size distribution, diameter, and average pore volume for the selected zeolites. The pore size distribution for NaX was wider than FeX zeolites, the pore diameter for NaX was less than FeX, and the average pore volume for FeX was greater than the value of NaX average pore volume. The comparative study was carried out with the previous studies, and the comparison showed that the textual properties of the modified zeolites agreed with other studies.
Normalize and De-Normalize of Relative Permeability Data for Mishrif Formation in WQ1: An Experimental Work
Authors: Radhi Ahmed , Aljwad Mohammed
Published: December 2022

In many oil-recovery systems, relative permeabilities (kr) are essential flow factors that affect fluid dispersion and output from petroleum resources. Traditionally, taking rock samples from the reservoir and performing suitable laboratory studies is required to get these crucial reservoir properties. Despite the fact that kr is a function of fluid saturation, it is now well established that pore shape and distribution, absolute permeability, wettability, interfacial tension (IFT), and saturation history all influence kr values. These rock/fluid characteristics vary greatly from one reservoir region to the next, and it would be impossible to make kr measurements in all of them. The unsteady-state approach was used to calculate the relative permeability of five carbonate for core plugs from the Mishrif formation of WQ1. The relative permeability calculated by using Johnson, Bossler and Naumann (JBN) Correlation, which is, consider one of the unsteady-state approach where it found that the core plugs are water wet. A normalizing approach has been used to remove the effect of irreducible water and residual saturations, which would vary according on the environment. Based on their own irreducible water and trapped saturations, the relative permeabilities can subsequently be de-normalized and assigned to distinct sections (rock types) of the reservoir. The goal of this research is to normalize the relative permeability that was determined through water flooding.
A deep learning-based building defects detection tool for sustainability monitoring
Authors:   School of Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney, Australia, Ekanayake B
Published: December 2022

To ensure sustainability of buildings, detection of building defects is crucial. Conventional practices of defects detection from building inspection data are mostly manual and error prone. With the advancements in computer vision, imaging technology and machine learning-based tools have been developed for real-time, accurate and efficient defects detection. Deep learning (DL), which is a branch of ML is more robust in automatically retrieving elements’ semantics to detect building defects. Although DL algorithms are robust in object detection, the computational complexities and configurations of these models are high. Therefore, this study presents a process of developing a computationally inexpensive and less complicated DL model using transfer learning and Google Colab virtual machine to improve automation in building defects detection. Cracks is one of the major building defects that constraint the safety and durability of buildings thus hindering building sustainability. Building cracks images were sourced from the Internet to train the model, which was built upon You Only Look Once (YOLO) DL algorithm. To test the DL model, inspection images of five (05) buildings collected by the Facilities Management department of a University in Sydney city were used. The DL model developed using this process offers a monitoring tool to ensure the sustainability of buildings with its’ ability of detecting cracks from building inspection data in real time accurately and efficiently. Although the current model is built to detect cracks, this process can be employed to automated detection of any building defect upon providing the training images of defects.
Applicability of public-private partnership to overcome the challenges encountered by public sector building projects in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Dissanayake DMDD , Devapriya KAK
Published: December 2022

Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a connection between public sector and private sector for a long duration with the aim of producing public services. PPP provides a mechanism for governments to bridge the supply-demand gap by developing new facilities in the construction industry. It is an extensive necessity for the Sri Lankan context due to the declining position in economic growth over the past years. Since PPP is already being practiced in Sri Lankan infrastructural projects, it is essential to investigate the ability of PPP to improve the public sector building projects (PSBP) in Sri Lanka (SL). An extensive literature synthesis was carried out to identify the PPP approaches and challenges encountered by PSBP. The challenges encountered by PSBP were validated and updated by conducting a semi-structured preliminary interview to comply with the Sri Lankan context. A questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the ability of PPP approaches to overcome the challenges in PSBP. Data analysis was done by conducting the Relative Important Index (RII) technique. The findings revealed that PPP has a high ability to overcome the challenges encountered by public sector building projects. Therefore PPP can be recommended as a procurement strategy for PSBP in SL.
Availability of reliable cost data for whole life costing in the Tanzania building construction industry
Authors:   Institute for Sustainable Building Design, Heriot-Watt University, UK, Manege SL , Kennedy CJ
Published: December 2022

Whole life costing plays a major role in ensuring that value for money is attained from the inception of a building to its end of life. Availability of reliable cost data is essential ensuring that whole life costing is undertaken with utmost precision. This study explores the availability of reliable cost data for whole life costing in the Tanzania building construction industry. It aims at realising the key sources of cost data as well as analysing their reliability. It will also suggest ways to improve cost data availability in the industry. The research involved the use of questionnaire survey and structured interviews to collect data from quantity surveyors and other industry professionals respectively in Tanzania. The study revealed that in-house and market survey as the most familiar and most used sources of cost data in the Tanzania building construction industry. It also realised that running cost data, which are crucial for undertaking whole life costing, did not have a source in Tanzania which is contrary to other countries. The study also revealed that despite cost data sources being considered reliable, they still lacked credibility as most respondents still had doubts about them. To improve the availability of reliable cost data for whole life costing, the study suggests that the Tanzania building construction industry should adapt to the online information service which will ensure easy and fast access to reliable cost data. The industry should also engage in the collection and sharing of running cost data which is essential for whole life costing.
Beyond the iron-triangle: Accommodating sustainable construction in the new-normal conditions
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Rathnakumara L.R.V.N. , Chandanie H
Published: December 2022

severely due to the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Unbalance of the Irontriangle which refers to key Construction Project Goals (CPG) (i.e., time, cost, and quality) is one of the phenomena that can be addressed while Sustainable Development (SD) (i.e., economic, social, and environmental sustainability) has been streamlined to worse condition. Even though, sustainability must be prioritised in developing countries e.g., Sri Lanka, where significant construction works are currently underway, especially during this situation. Further, the appropriate construction and implementation in a construction project can make a dramatic contribution to the mandate of sustainable development. Hence, this research intends to investigate how the Iron triangle would be unbalanced during the new-normal situation where it has a significant impact on SD simultaneously. A qualitative survey strategy was used to achieve the research aim. A semi-structured interview survey was conducted to solicit the perception of experts. Nine experts were selected purposively, who had experience in both Sustainable Construction (SC) and project management, especially proceedings during the new-normal condition. To analyse the empirical data, the manual content analysis method was used. As the decisive outcome, the ‘Iron-star’ model was developed by merging the Sustainable triangle and Iron-triangle which pertained to the interrelation between SD and Construction Project Goals (CPG). Initially, interrelations between SD measures and CPG were cogitated by literature findings. Economic depletion, health-related issues, supply chain disruption, and cash flow issues were identified as interventions to achieve CPG through SD measures. Further, it revealed that the Iron-star can implement as the way forward for the construction industry in the Sri Lankan (SL) context.
Circular Economy (CE) based material selection: Development of a CE-based ‘10R’ evaluation framework for building construction projects in Sri Lanka
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology, Sri Lanka, Wanaguru K , Mallawaarachchi H , Vijerathne D
Published: December 2022

The building construction industry is globally identified as one of the major consumers of materials. Thus, the material wastage in building construction projects is very excessive. In the Sri Lankan construction industry, it was identified that the main reason for generating material wastage is the absence of proper material selection criteria. The concept of Circular Economy (CE) has been obtained the world attention in reducing material wastage in the construction industry as it targets zero waste and pollution throughout the lifecycle of materials. Applying CE principles in the material selection not only reduces the wastage of materials but also reduces the use of virgin materials. Hence, this research aimed for developing a CE-based 10R evaluation framework for materials selection in order to reduce the wastage of materials in building construction projects in Sri Lanka. A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to review the concept of CE, CE principles and its importance for reducing material wastage in the construction industry. Deductive approach was chosen as the suitable research approach in this study. Survey method was applied as the suitable research strategy under quantitative phenomenon. A questionnaire survey was conducted with a conveniently selected sample of 58 industry professionals to collect the data. The collected data were analysed by using Weighted Mean Average (WMA) technique. As key findings derived through analysis, the level of importance of each CE principle for selection of materials was determined. Accordingly, the CE-based 10R evaluation framework for material selection was developed as the main implication of this research. Various strategies, such as reusing demolition materials, adopting prefabricated building components, developing plans to on-site recycle and using alternative materials were also proposed to implement the all identified CE principles assuring a successful application of the developed framework.
Container-based relocatable modular buildings for construction site offices in Sri Lanka: Contractors’ perspective
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Sandamini K.Y. , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S.
Published: December 2022

The temporary site offices are directly provided by the contractor, and hence, any associated risk is non-transferable. Thus, the contractors should be aware of sustainable, and cost-effective technologies to be implemented to survive in the competitive construction industry. Relocatable Modular Building (RMB) technology is employed globally as a multi-beneficial building technology for temporary shelter purposes such as site offices. Hence, the research aimed to explore the applicability of RMB technology for temporary offices on construction sites in Sri Lanka. The literature synthesis reviewed the modular building concept and RMB technology globally. Following the qualitative approach, the research adopted a survey strategy. Data was collected through seven semi-structured interviews with industry professionals who were purposively selected under several criteria. Further, data collection was limited to container-based RMBs due to the limited availability of RMB varieties in Sri Lanka. Template analysis was the data analysis technique followed. The findings disclosed that RMBs have already been established in the Sri Lankan construction industry. ‘Relocatability’, reusability, high security, larger usable space within limited land space, ability to rent out, and air-conditioned working environment were found as key benefits of RMBs whereas the unbreathable smell of glue in newly fabricated RMB, handling difficulties, the possibility of overturning, initial cost and external body corrosion were identified as key challenges. Significantly, the contractors are recommended to use RMBs for temporary site offices following proposed strategies such as periodic maintenance procedures, systematic site administration, and safety improvements to overcome identified challenges.
Contractual implications related to the construction industry in pandemic situations: A review of case laws
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Jayathilaka R.D.W.W. , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S.
Published: December 2022

COVID-19 catastrophe has created various complications related to the construction industry. Conflicts arise between parties to the contract and among the majority of stakeholders. A successful contractual implication can manage the contractual challenges arising within construction job sites. The most common contractual provisions for the situation are Force Majeure and Changes in Legislation clauses in standard conditions of contracts. Sufficiency of the available remedies under the provisions applicable to COVID-19 or any other pandemics is a current talking point in the construction industry. Following questions are addressed to manage these unprecedented situation-related contractual conflicts: ‘what are the contractual challenges faced by the construction industry?’, ‘what are the most applicable contractual provisions to a pandemic situation?’, ‘what are the pandemic-related guidelines applicable to the construction industry?’, and ‘what are the available legal cases to use in a pandemic situation?’ The questions were discussed by carefully analysing existing literature referring to Case Laws. Future researchers are encouraged to suggest appropriate strategies for contractual challenges to facilitate the construction stakeholders to prepare them for future pandemics.
Cost overrun factors in pre-contract and post-contract stages: A critical analysis
Authors:   Department of Building Economics, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Ariyawansha C , Francis M
Published: December 2022

“Cost overrun” is considered as an unavoidable phenomenon in the construction industry. Despite the professional effort and adaptation of advanced technologies, still the construction industry experiences cost overruns. Especially, among many stakeholders, contracting organizations are one of the key stakeholders that would be highly affected by the construction cost overrun. Poor coordination between the pre & post-contract stages in the contracting organizations has been a critical issue over many decades which leads to cost overruns. Professionals involved in the pre-contract stage have not possessed the knowledge regarding the significance of the cost overrun factors that may appear in the post-contract stage and vice versa. Therefore, this research aims to comparatively analyze the significance of cost overrun factors in the pre & postcontract stages in Sri Lankan construction projects from the perspective of industry professionals. A total of 5 semi-structured interviews were conducted among professionals who have experience in cost estimation and post-contract cost management in contracting organization to categorize the selected cost overrun factors into pre-contract and/or post-contract stages. Then, a questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the significance of those categorized cost overrun factors. A total of 80 responses were collected from the questionnaire survey and the data were analyzed using statistical analysis. Then the quantitative data was analyzed using the Mann- Whitney U-Test. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test concluded that there is a statistically significant difference between the perspective of professionals involved in the pre & post-contract stage.
Deficiencies in bespoke labour subcontract agreements: The case of large-scale contractors in the Sri Lankan construction industry
Authors:   Department of Quantity Surveying, University of Vocational Technology, Sri Lanka, Arampath A.M.N.N. , Palliyaguru R , Karunasena G
Published: December 2022

Labour subcontracting has become popular and has been extensively utilized in the building construction industry due to the potential for a reduction in initial cost for site mobilization. However, there are high risks involved in labour subcontracting due to inadequate and ambiguous subcontract agreements, which lead to disputes between parties. Thus, this paper aims to identify the deficiencies in large-scale contractors’ bespoke labour subcontract agreements in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Eight semi-structured interviews were carried out with main contractors (CS1 and CS2 as per the CIDA registrations) to identify the current practice of labour subcontracting and the terms/clauses included in their company-based labour subcontract agreement. The collected data was then subjected to a content analysis, and accordingly, deficiencies in the agreements were identified that fall into areas such as defects in the works, materials, tools and equipment, contract termination, discipline at the site, services provided by the main contractor, penalties, dispute management, health and safety, retention clause, quality of the works, rate of progress, laws and regulations, variations, insurance, and skill of the labour subcontractors.