bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detecção e enumeração de Campylobacter spp. em carcaças resfriadas de frangos abatidos no oeste de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Galleazzi Deizi , Haubert Louise , Froder Hans , Oliveira Wemerson de Castro , Endres Creciana Maria , Würfel Simone de Fátima Rauber
Published: May 2024

Campylobacter spp. é considerada a causa bacteriana mais comum de gastroenterite humana de origem alimentar no mundo, estando entre os “patógenos prioritários” resistentes a antimicrobianos que representam maior ameaça à saúde humana. A campilobacteriose humana é causada pelas espécies termofílicas de Campylobacter, sendo C. jejuni a principal espécie associada à doença em seres humanos e a mais comumente encontrada na cadeia produtiva de frango. Objetivou-se, com este estudo, detectar e enumerar Campylobacter spp. em carcaças resfriadas de frangos abatidos no oeste de Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foram analisadas 130 carcaças de frango coletadas após a etapa de pré-resfriamento por imersão em água pelo método ISO 10272-2:2017. Como resultado, não houve detecção de Campylobacter spp. nas amostras de carcaça de frango avaliadas durante o período de estudo e, consequentemente, não foi possível realizar a enumeração. Estes resultados podem ser atribuídos às limitações da metodologia utilizada, bem como à influência das medidas de biosseguridade adotadas pelas granjas avícolas integradas ao estabelecimento e dos procedimentos higiênico-sanitários e tecnológicos executados pelo estabelecimento no abate e processamento de aves através dos programas de autocontrole, que são essenciais para reduzir os riscos à saúde pública, tendo em vista a importância do estado de Santa Catarina na produção e exportação de carne de frango.
Tratamento de fratura exposta com alto grau de laceração e perda óssea de membro torácico em um cão
Authors: Ribeiro Tatiane Avelar , Pereira Júlia Carolina Costa , Moreira Amanda da Silva , Oliveira Luiz Carlos Rêgo , Lima Tiago Barbalho
Published: May 2024

Fraturas expostas apresentam comunicação com o meio externo por meio de lesão de partes moles. A depender do grau, o tratamento pode ser desafiador e perdurar por longo período até a total cicatrização. Objetivou-se relatar a eficiência da técnica de osteossíntese de ulna e enxertia cutânea em um canino com alto grau de laceração em membro torácico. Foi atendido um cão, de quatro meses de idade, com queixa de atropelamento e ferida extensa em membro torácico esquerdo. Ao exame físico, o membro torácico esquerdo apresentava fratura exposta com alto grau de perda óssea em região de rádio e ulna, associado a extensa laceração cutânea e no membro torácico direito notou-se desvio de eixo ósseo em região de rádio-ulna. Na radiografia, constatou-se perda da porção diafisária do rádio esquerdo e fratura segmentar em ulna esquerda, além de fratura fechada, simples completa e transversa em terço proximal de rádio-ulna direita. Optou-se pela imobilização do membro torácico direito e curativo com trocas de bandagem no lado esquerdo. Após três dias, foi realizada osteossíntese de ulna do membro torácico esquerdo utilizando fixador externo linear unilateral associado a pinos de Schanz ancorados na ulna e nas porções remanescentes do rádio, carpo e metacarpo. Com tecido de granulação presente após 25 dias, foi realizado enxertia cutânea. O animal apresentou cicatrização completa da ferida e apoio do membro em aproximadamente três meses.  A utilização de fixação externa linear associada a enxertia de pele mostrou-se satisfatória para o tratamento, contribuindo para o salvamento do membro no presente caso.
Tratamento clínico de abscesso pancreático em felino: relato de caso
Authors: Sousa Filho Reginaldo Pereira de , Ferreira Caroline de Brito , Sampaio Keytyanne de Oliveira , Castro Bárbara Kelly Lima de , Silva Shayanne Sayonara da Costa
Published: May 2024

Abscessos pancreáticos são cistos preenchidos por conteúdo purulento, causados por infecção bacteriana. Na espécie felina, são considerados uma afecção incomum. O presente relato descreveu os aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais, ultrassonográficos, diagnóstico e tratamento de um felino apresentando abscessos pancreáticos. Um felino, macho, sem raça definida, com nove anos de idade foi atendido com histórico de apatia e hiporexia. Ao exame físico notou-se sensibilidade à palpação abdominal e hipocromia de mucosas. Por meio da ultrassonografia abdominal identificou-se estruturas cavitárias preenchidas por conteúdo hipoecogênico no parênquima pancreático. A citologia realizada por punção aspirativa com agulha fina (PAAF) guiada por ultrassom apontou a presença de neutrófilos degenerados e bastonetes Gram negativos. Na cultura da amostra verificou-se crescimento bacteriano de Escherichia coli, evidenciando que tal achado era compatível com abscesso pancreático, sendo então instituído o tratamento com antibioticoterapia, controle de dor e de náusea. Cinco dias após o início do tratamento observou-se uma resolução clínica, laboratorial e ultrassonográfica. Concluiu-se que o tratamento clínico em casos de abscesso pancreático pode ser uma alternativa eficaz.
Metafilaxia com disseleneto de difenila em bezerras de corte submetidas ao desmame precoce
Authors: Parmeggiani Eliana Burtet , Rodrigues Cláudia Medeiros , Bernardi Leonardo Sasso , Trentin Janislene Mach , Cibin Francielli Weber Santos , Prestes Alan Miranda , Leal Marta Lizandra do Rêgo
Published: May 2024

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito metafilático do disseleneto de difenila no desempenho, perfil metabólico e status oxidativo de bezerras de corte submetidas ao desmame precoce. Foram utilizadas 30 bezerras taurinas de corte, filhas de vacas primíparas, entre 60 a 110 dias de vida. As bezerras foram distribuídas de forma randomizada em três grupos experimentais. Grupo controle (GC, n=10): 2 mL de solução de NaCl a 0,9%. Grupo dimetilsulfóxido (GDMSO, n=10): 2 mL de dimetilsulfóxido a 99,2%. Grupo disseleneto de difenila (GDD, n=10): 3 µmol/kg de (PhSe)2 a 98%, diluído em 2 mL de dimetilsulfóxido 99,2%. O intervalo entre dias considerado como momentos (M), foi de 14 dias, e a avaliação de peso e coleta de amostras de sangue ocorreu no M1=basal (-28 dias), M2 (-14 dias), M3 (dia 0), M4 (14 dias) e M5 (28 dias), já as administrações dos tratamentos no M1, M2, M3. Houve efeito significativo para momento: ganho médio diário (P<0,0001), proteína total (P<0,0001), globulina (GL) (P<0,0001), glutationa reduzida (P=0,0263), substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrio (P<0,0001) e potencial antioxidante redutor férrico (P<0,0001), exceto para albumina (P=0,1374). A suplementação com disseleneto de difenila em bezerras de corte desmamadas precocemente não preveniu a alteração de parâmetros oxidativos sanguíneos, sugerindo a ocorrência de estresse oxidativo. Porém, no grupo tratado com disseleneto de difenila houve incremento no ganho de peso, proteína total e globulina, propondo que o uso deste antioxidante em momentos estratégicos pode sim condicionar os animais, promover bem estar e reduzir os efeitos deletérios causados pelo desmame, como a perda de peso.
Design and development of manual and voice assisted turn indicator for automobiles
Authors: Sreenishanth S. , Soundararajan R. , Babu N.
Published: May 2024

As the utilization of roadways increases, the probability of accidents happening also increases. So to overcome this, Uturn paths were created in place of signals. So, waiting on the signal was totally avoided, eliminating pollution in traffic signal areas. The design and development of manual and voice-assisted U-turn indicators for automobiles are discussed in this paper. The design of this system requires the development of a new circuit to accommodate the voice control system for the indicators using Google Nest Mini and the button operated, which is controlled by a MQTT app in a tab with Wi-Fi connectivity. These devices are connected to the power supply unit to charge them through USB connectors, and the NodeMCU is used for the controlling of the whole system and responsible for the displaying of the indicator signs on the 16x16 LED wall placed on the vehicle. There are conventional indicators also present in the vehicle, along with the newly developed voice-controlled and button operated MQTT app, which will control the left and right turn indicators and the left and right U-turn indicators when a specific voice command is given to the microcontroller through Google Nest Mini. By using this technology, people can reduce the lack of communication during the U-turn and control the indicator, which is a hands-free operation. Placing this technology on the vehicle will increase the safety of the automobile and reduce the risk of accidents. This system allows people to control the voice-assisted control system and an integrated dashboard control system to control the U-turn indicators and the normal indicators with ease.
Block and Seam
Authors:   , Zwart Madeleine
Published: May 2024

I can imagine cities being assembled in the manner of a dress. I envision the fabrication of architecture as a collage; a layering and stitching together of form and colour in an urban environment. Collage and sewing can enrich the future character of our cities.

Contemporary cities are formally complex and diverse, unlike neo-classical cities like Paris, or Modernist cities that Corbusier imagined. Cities today are inevitably a kind of collage. In Aotearoa, our urban environment is weakened by ignorance. Stand-alone dwellings are sprawled across the whenua, disconnecting people from urban centres and communities. This spread-out urbanism is threatened by climate change, as seen in the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay in February 2023.

Using collage as a process for city-making can enrich the cultural experience of a place. I ask, how can we think about architecture as collage? Not as lasseiz- faire, but as a powerful formal opportunity.

Sewing is a powerful medium through which to explore the relationship between parts. My sewn collages take materials, patterns and colours seriously, as vital elements of our urban experience. I use 3 collage strategies to structure how I approach making different scales of urbanity: anchors and connectors (urban), blocks and seams (elemental) and pieces and hems (spatial).

Through my research, I investigate how collage can operate in the city. The background to this research is a personal fascination with sewing. This practice-based research draws out the implications that collage can have on architecture through experiments and reflections. The outcome of my research is an architectural proposition in Te Matau-a-Māui, where I imagine a vibrant piece of dense collaged city.
Exact formulas for estimating the area of flow regions in free boundary problems
Authors: Alimov M. M.
Published: May 2024

An effective technique is proposed for obtaining exact formulas for estimating the area of flow regions in two-dimensional fluid flow problems with free boundaries, that allow an exact solution in terms of elliptic functions. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated using a specific example of the problem of capillary waves on the surface of a liquid of finite depth. This example is characterized by mirror symmetry of the flow region, but the technique can be generalized to the case of other symmetry of the flow region.
Preface. Multisensuality in Historical and Cultural Contexts
Authors:   University of Vienna, Łapińska Joanna
Published: May 2024

This section contains four original articles addressing the matters of interaction, coexistence and representation of the human senses in various historical and cultural contexts. The multisensory experience of the world in relations to the past, the present and the future constitutes the main theme of the selected articles. The authors analyze how, in various cultural texts and historical moments, human experience was depicted through the prism of sensory perception, sometimes combined with sensory memory and the powerfulness/powerlessness of the (non)human corporeality. The authors analyze a variety of historical and cultural sources to answer the question of the impact of multisensory experience on our view of the world: in the past, the present and the future. Nina C. Rastinger in her article “Capturing Extraordinary Multisensory Experiences in Writing: Reports on Natural Disasters in an 18th Century Newspaper Corpus” deals with written representations of natural disasters, which constitute extraordinary multisensory experiences, in historical newspaper texts. Natalia Giza in her study “Multisensuality in the Satirical Prints of the Georgian Era in England” shows how sensory perception enhanced visual humor in the satirical prints of Georgian England, examining how English caricaturists used various sensory elements such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Jules Sebastian Skutta in his paper “Tactile Vision and Othering: Ethnographic Engagements and Racial Differentiations in 19th Century Travelogues” demonstrates on the basis of ethnographic travelogues from German East Africa and from the time of German colonial rule that the transmission, emergence, and dissemination of features of racial differentiation are based on the interplay of different sensory perceptions. Finally, Bartosz Mroczkowski, in the article entitled “Designing the Future Through Touch” focuses on the sense of touch in the process of designing the future. The aforementioned articles illustrate that multisensuality is a multidimensional concept that requires a thorough analysis from different academic perspectives and with the use of various methodological approaches.
Enhancing Learning Experience: Engineering Students’ Views on Google Classroom and Academic Achievement
Authors: Zogheib Salah
Published: May 2024

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to explore factors influencing engineering students’ acceptance of the Google Classroom platform in communication skills courses to ensure more active engagement and better performance.

Background: In response to the underutilization and hesitancy in adopting educational technologies, this study investigates the factors influencing engineering students’ acceptance of Google Classroom in a Middle Eastern university. Despite the potential benefits of such technologies, their integration faces challenges due to cultural factors and resistance from educators and students alike.

Methodology: The study utilized a Technology Acceptance Model-based questionnaire distributed via Google Forms to 140 engineering students to analyze the acceptance of Google Classroom. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling with Smart PLS, focusing on critical constructs like ease of use and perceived usefulness. Limitations due to the sample size and single-institution scope are acknowledged, which may affect the generalizability of the findings.

Contribution: This study outlines practical steps for educators to enhance learning by fostering a user-friendly environment and supporting student proficiency with technology. It highlights the importance of policies encouraging educational technology adoption and urges developers to focus on user-centered features. Additionally, the study calls for collaboration among educators, policymakers, and developers to create engaging and compelling learning experiences.

Findings: Findings unveil the significant impact of user satisfaction on perceived ease of use and usefulness, subsequently influencing attitudes. Furthermore, the study identifies the substantial influence of subjective norms and attitudes on intentions and the consequential impact of intentions on self-perception of academic success.

Recommendations for Practitioners: The study advocates for educators to cultivate a motivating environment that fosters active engagement with the Google Classroom platform by raising students’ satisfaction and positive attitudes.

Recommendation for Researchers: The study encourages further investigation into the long-term effects of technology integration on students’ academic performance and learning outcomes and exploration of additional variables or moderators that may influence technology acceptance in educational settings.

Impact on Society: By understanding the factors influencing engineering students’ acceptance of Google Classroom, educators can better integrate technology into communication skills courses, potentially improving student engagement and academic performance and preparing students for success in a technologically driven society.

Future Research: Longitudinal studies tracking students’ technology adoption patterns over time would also contribute to understanding the sustained impact of technology integration on educational practices and outcomes.
Sustainable Concrete Production: Utilizing Cow Dung Ash and Corn Stalk Ash as Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Authors: Jamwal Aakash , Nautiyal Akhilesh , Singh Kanwarpreet , Alam Shamshad , Alselami Nimer Ali , Aati Khaled M.
Published: May 2024

This study aims to determine whether it is feasible to replace conventional materials used in manufacturing concrete with waste materials, namely cow dung ash and corn stalk ash. This study proposes to assess the possibility of using these agricultural by-products to improve the sustainability of concrete while simultaneously tackling the environmental issues related to the manufacture of conventional concrete. The research aims to assess the mechanical qualities, optimize the mix proportions, and examine the ecological implications of using these substitute materials. This research aims to mitigate environmental challenges like carbon dioxide emissions, resource depletion, and the accumulation of agricultural waste by combining agricultural waste and lowering dependency on traditional cement. The study investigates the use of cow dung ash (CDA) and corn stalk ash (CSA) as alternatives for conventional Portland cement (OPC) in mortar mixes at varying quantities, ranging from 5% to 25% CDA and 2.5% to 10% CSA. Chemical composition reveals that CDA and CSA predominantly comprise O, Mg, Al, Si, P, K, and Ca. The workability, hardened characteristics, and microstructure of CDA and CSA were assessed. Increasing CDA and CSA percentages reduced mortar workability; nevertheless, replacing 8% to 10% CDA and 7.5% CSA maintained compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths comparable to control mixes. However, more significant CDA and CSA proportions resulted in lower mortar strength. For example, 10% CDA-enriched mortar had a compressive strength of 31.77 N/mm2, a tensile strength of 3.42 N/mm2, and a flexural strength of 3.61 N/mm2, whereas 7.5% CSA-enriched mortar had a compressive strength of 28.4 N/mm2, a tensile strength of 3.04 N/mm2, and a flexural strength of 3.7 N/mm2. According to the findings, CDA and CSA can replace OPC by up to 10% and 7.5% in mortar manufacturing, making cementitious material alternatives viable. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2024-010-02 Full Text: PDF
Geotechnical Properties of Fly Ash Blended Expansive Soil: A Review
Authors: Alam Shamshad , Alselami Nimer Ali
Published: May 2024

Fly ash, an industrial byproduct, is used as both a building material and a soil stabilizer due to its pozzolanic properties. Moreover, it is challenging to extrapolate the results based on an inadequate amount of laboratory data because of the non-homogeneous character of the soil and the diversity in the chemical properties of fly ash. This review article fills in the gaps by providing an overview of the existing data related to the geotechnical characteristics of expansive soil stabilized with fly ash. The chemical composition of fly ash is provided in terms of oxides of various elements to help identify the kinds produced in different nations. Additionally, information about the physical and geotechnical characteristics of fly ash blended expansive soil is provided in order to comprehend the influence of the fly ash's chemical composition and the expansive soil's fines percentage. While the geotechnical property comprises Atterberg's limit, compaction, UCS, shear strength, free swelling index, CBR, and consolidation, the physical property includes specific gravity and durability. Shear modulus, damping ratio, and Poisson's ratio are used to describe the dynamic properties of the modified expansive soil. The published data in this field and the research gap will be identified by the researchers with the aid of this article. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-SP2024-010-06 Full Text: PDF
Educación y marginalidad
Authors: Cabaluz J. Fabian
Published: May 2024

El presente artículo aborda la compleja relación entre educación y marginalidad a partir de tres entradas analíticas: uno, los planteamientos de la teoría de la marginalidad y algunas formulaciones elaboradas desde el marxismo latinoamericano; dos, la relación entre educación y marginalidad, a partir del libro de Dermeval Saviani titulado “Escuela y democracia” y específicamente del capítulo “Las teorías de la educación y el problema de la marginalidad”; y tres, el problema actual de la marginalidad en la educación chilena. Finalmente, se presentan puntos de una agenda político-pedagógica que confronta las lógicas educativas neoliberales productoras de exclusión y marginalidad social.
Crise capitalista, avanço reacionário e os desafios para as pedagogias marxistas
Authors: Lombardi José Claudinei
Published: May 2024

O texto decorre da participação na mesa redonda com o tema: “O avanço da extrema direita e os desafios das Pedagogias Marxistas hoje”, realizada no dia 30 de outubro de 2023, na XVI Jornada do Histedbr, realizada em João Pessoa, na Universidade Federal da Paraíba (entre os dias 30 de outubro a 01 de novembro de 2023). O tema central dessa XVI jornada do Histedbr foi o 40º ano do livro “Escola e Democracia: contribuição histórica e novos desafios”, de Dermeval Saviani. A mesa redonda faz a articulação de dois aspectos: o avanço da extrema direita e os desafios que esse avanço coloca para as Pedagogias Marxistas. Busquei tratar, aqui, essas duas questões, a partir dos estudos que tenho feito e que me remetem para as profundas crises estruturais do capitalismo e que é um processo a um só tempo destrutivo - do modo de produção capitalista -, mas também de transição para um novo modo de produzir a vida material, social e espiritual. Nesse processo histórico, como parte da totalidade histórico-social, está a educação, que cumpre igualmente um papel contraditório. Nesse processo histórico, a educação não tem uma posição de determinação dos rumos da transformação, mas isso não significa que não tenha um papel importante, formando as novas gerações em conformidade com os interesses contraditórios e que se expressam nas lutas entre as classes fundamentais da sociedade burguesa - quer para aprofundar a alienação (na perspectiva do capital) ou para a formação crítica das novas gerações (na perspectiva da transformação histórica e da formação crítica). É nesse aspecto que o livro “Escola e Democracia” é importante, pois foi a partir da análise dos limites das teorias educacionais que Saviani fez a proposta de uma teoria educacional histórico-crítica.
Contract Management for BIM-based Projects: A Bibliometric Literature Review
Authors: Menezes Firmino Lima Maria Julia , Hazin Alencar Luciana Hazin , Olbina Svetlana
Published: May 2024

This review paper presents a quantitative analysis of the literature on contract management of Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based projects spanning the past 15 years. The paper primarily focuses on statistical analysis of publications to identify previous research emphases and future research trends. This review includes 107 papers, selected through a systematic search and screening process, and employs a systematic review with a bibliometric analysis, using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer for data analysis. The findings reveal a significant increase in the number of publications in the last five years, coinciding with an accelerated adoption of BIM in the construction industry. Analysis of annual distribution of published papers, the papers with the highest impact, and keywords indicates that legal contract issues are a barrier to BIM adoption. Additionally, the findings revealed the existence of connection between construction contract management and agile project management practices and the lack of research on the development of synergic BIM-contract models. Directions for future research, as the main contribution of this review, indicate the need to analyze the BIM impact on contracts management holistically, develop standards and models for BIM-based project contracts, and promote integration of BIM-contracts with agile project management practices.
Needs Assessment Part 1: Identifying Common Tasks of 21st Century CM Graduates Using Alumni Feedback
Authors: Leathem Tom , Burt Richard
Published: May 2024

The need for construction management programs to maintain a curriculum that is relevant to current and future industry needs is a regular challenge. Needs Assessment is a systematic approach to evaluating curriculum to determine the most appropriate structure. The most accessible option for conducting a curricular needs assessment is to do it within the program among the faculty and administration. While it is essential for these stakeholders to be key participants, their view includes only a portion of the critical perspective. A holistic evaluation should include multiple perspectives from key stakeholders, namely faculty, students, and industry. However, little literature on needs assessment incorporates the student perspective. This paper reports on results of employing a focus group approach to gain insight from recent graduates of a CM program to determine the essential activities required of new graduates in the construction management industry within their first three years. Results from two different focus group sessions indicate recent CM graduates conduct numerous technical activities, but more importantly a strong set of soft skills activities.
The Influence of Virtual Reality in the Built Environment Education: Evidence from Quantity Surveying Courses
Authors: Dursun Onur , Qabshoqa Mohammed
Published: May 2024

The integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in higher education has revolutionized learning experiences, yet its application in quantity surveying remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by evaluating VR's effectiveness against traditional teaching methods in a university-level quantity surveying program. Conducted with final-year students in the 2022-2023 academic year, it comprises two experiments. Initially, students assess 2D architectural plans, followed by immersion in VR to explore the same structures. The first experiment gathers qualitative data through interviews, while the second collects quantitative data via questionnaires. Results indicate that VR notably enhances student motivation, comprehension of structural elements, and spatial navigation in virtual models, particularly in measurement and construction technology areas of the curriculum. However, the study also reveals diverse comfort levels and challenges in VR navigation, suggesting the need for tailored VR integration strategies in different subject areas. This research fills a critical gap in understanding VR's impact in quantity surveying education, highlighting its potential to enrich learning outcomes across various disciplines within the built environment sector.
Investigation of Construction and Demolition Waste Causes Toward Comprehensive Taxonomy
Authors: Bouhmoud Hanane , Loudyi Dalila , Giordano Andrea , Salman Amna
Published: May 2024

Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) is a worldwide concern considering its substantial impacts on environmental, economic and social sustainability. Yet, C&DW accounts for 40% of the globally generated waste and is expected to increase due to global urbanization and population growth and the upsurge of elderly buildings. This imposes a huge pressure on concerned bodies to eliminate or lessen the waste causative factors (WCFs). However, construction and demolition processes are recognized to be complex, multiparametric and dynamic making WCFs identification and management difficult in the absence of structured knowledge. This study aims to fill this gap using a systematic review to build a WCFs inclusive taxonomy. This study revealed that 93% of the existing knowledge is incomprehensive and aspect-oriented and disclosed 125 distinct WCFs that could be structured into 9 families: stakeholders attributes, legal and financial aspects, communication and coordination, design and pre- contract development, procurement and material supply chain, delivery and onsite logistics, onsite planning and management, waste-management-related measures and policies, and contingencies and external risks. This study would provide scholars, policymakers, and practitioners with the fundamental knowledge to develop effective solutions, strategies, and practices to lessen or eliminate C&DW generation and/or related impacts.
Use of Virtual Reality in Construction Higher Education in the US
Authors: Chavan Abhay , Ghosh Somik , McCuen Tammy
Published: May 2024

This study presents the state of Virtual Reality (VR) utilization by construction educators in the US. To gain insight into how educators use VR, a survey was conducted of educators affiliated with the Associated Schools of Construction. Survey responses indicated varying levels of familiarity with VR technology, with the majority exhibited diverse engagement levels, ranging from occasional to frequent use, highlighting VR's adaptability in construction education. The study delved into specific teaching areas where VR was employed, revealing "Methods, materials, and equipment for construction" as the most common application, with a quarter of participants using VR for this purpose. "Construction safety" closely followed, underlining its significance in safety education. In terms of technology and hardware, Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs) were the preferred choice, with Hololens being the most popular hardware among HMDs. These findings offer practical guidance for educators and program administrators seeking to maximize VR's role in construction education.
Automated Gaze Recognition within a Block-based Sensor Data Analytics Platform for Construction Students
Authors: Khalid Mohammad , Akanmu Abiola , Afolabi Adedeji , Murzi Homero , Awolusi Ibukun
Published: May 2024

The construction industry is increasingly harnessing sensing technologies to overcome manual data collection limitations and address the need for advanced data analysis. This places an aggravated demand for associated skills to interpret sensor data. Yet, a substantial gap exists between the level of academic preparation and the actual needs of the industry, leading to an underprepared workforce. In this study, ActionSens, a Block-Based Programming Environment, is implemented as an educational tool that combines sensor data from Inertial Measurement Units with machine learning algorithms. This integration enables the classification of construction activities, offering construction students a platform to explore and learn about sensor data analytics. However, in a pedagogical setting, an enhanced learning experience can be achieved through the integration of automated classification models that intelligently detect learners’ focus with the potential to provide context-specific support. This study utilizes 19 construction students’ eye-tracking data to train and evaluate machine learning models to detect learners’ visual focus on specific Areas of Interest within ActionSens. Ensemble, Neural Network, and K-Nearest Neighbor performed the best for both raw and SMOTE-oversampled datasets. The Ensemble had an edge in recognizing Areas of Interest, achieving top precision, recall, F1-score, and AUC in the oversampled data.
An Evidence-Based Comparison of Project Delivery
Authors: Plugge Warren
Published: May 2024

Evidence-based decision theory is a process to identify uncertainty and knowledge about a problem through research and practical knowledge. This research used the analysis-of-variance (ANOVA) method to analyze the risks associated with economics, environment, project, and technology on the project delivery methods of design-bid-build and design-build from the perspective of professionals in the construction industry. Data collected from this research was used to develop an evidence-based risk model related to the constructs of economics, environment, project, and technological risk and compare them between the two project delivery method variables of design- bid-build and design-build. Findings included significant differences across the constructs of project and technology. Additional findings on cost and time exposed differences associated with expectations of change and the understanding of costs within the design-build delivery method. For the design-bid-build project delivery method, the research confirmed the concern about cost growth through change orders. With design-build, the research supported the concept of improved quality and a better understanding of cost during the design process. Conclusions from this research provide construction managers associated with the ownership, design, and construction of projects with information about areas and magnitudes of potential risk concerning the two project delivery methods investigated.
LLM-based System for Technical Writing Real-time Review in Urban Construction and Technology
Authors: Cruz Castro Laura M. , Castelblanco Gabriel , Antonenko Pavlo D.
Published: May 2024

This pilot study addresses the critical challenge of providing timely and comprehensive feedback on technical reports in Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) education. The significance of effective writing skills in the AEC industry is paramount for technical reports. Traditional methods of evaluation and feedback are time-consuming, leading to a deficiency in students' exposure to writing practice and hindering their holistic skill development. This study introduces a Large Language Model (LLM)-based System for Real-time Technical Writing Review in AEC, aiming to assess the reliability of LLMs in offering constructive feedback and grading for technical reports, focusing on Construction Capstone Projects. The proposed system aligns with pedagogical frameworks, such as Writing Across the Curriculum and AI Across the Curriculum, generative learning theory, and the Feedback Model. This model is applied Construction Capstone Project at the University of Florida, focusing on targeted writing assignments. Preliminary results indicate the model's ability to evaluate sustainability aspects of projects, providing detailed criteria-based feedback. This pilot study aims to lay the groundwork for an AI-assisted system tailored for AEC education, offering real-time, personalized feedback to enhance students' writing skills. The findings hold implications for researchers, students, and educators seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges in technical writing education within AEC.
Regression Analysis of Financial Loss Due to Hurricane Harvey
Authors: Chung Frederick , Ashuri Baabak
Published: May 2024

The objectives of this research are to identify socioeconomic variables which are associated with financial loss per capita caused by hurricanes and to examine the strength of the relationships between the significant variables and the financial loss per capita. Since hurricane occurrences are unavoidable, researchers’ interest has focused on reducing damages generated by hurricanes. To mitigate potential losses, it is important to understand which socioeconomic factors are significantly associated with the disaster loss. This research proposes a method to identify which socioeconomic variables impact the financial loss per capita caused by hurricanes and how the effects of those variables vary. An ordinary least squares regression is performed to identify variables that significantly impact financial losses. This research uses insurance claim payouts generated by Hurricane Harvey in 62 Texas counties to measure the direct financial loss per capita. Analyses results suggest that communities with the following features are relatively more vulnerable to hurricanes: located where severe storms pass through, higher rainfall amounts, lower rates of homeownership, higher percentage of mobile homes, lower employment rates, and higher female population. Findings from this research will offers insights on identifying areas susceptible to hurricane-related damages and mitigate potential disaster losses.
The Future of Construction Education: Integrating Artificial Intelligence Tools in Cost Estimation Courses
Authors: Shah Dishita , Reddy Rajavolu Sai Vikas , Sullivan Kenneth , Shah Karan , Kumar Ummadisetti Hemanth , Lines Brian , Ogundare Ibilola , Smithwick Jake , Ubi Nneka
Published: May 2024

In the evolving landscape of construction management education, the integration of technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), is reshaping traditional teaching methodologies. This study explores the effectiveness of AI-enabled and traditional digital construction cost estimation software in enhancing learning outcomes for 3rd-year undergraduate construction management students. We compare two software tools, Kreo, which utilizes AI for automated quantity takeoff, and On-Screen Takeoff (OST), a digital estimation software, to examine their impacts on students' learning efficiency and accuracy in cost estimation. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research involved practical assignments using both tools, followed by a survey to gather students' feedback on their experiences. Key metrics such as time taken to complete assignments and precision of estimations were analyzed. The results indicated a notable difference in time efficiency and user preference between the two software, with implications for integrating AI tools in construction management curricula. The study also highlights the challenges students face, primarily due to their unfamiliarity with the software and the limitations of AI in processing outdated drawings. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of AI in educational settings, suggesting a need for curriculum adaptations to include such innovative technologies. The study's insights are vital for educators and curriculum developers aiming to equip future construction professionals with relevant technological competencies.
Skip the Grid: An Interdisciplinary Service-Learning Project Installing Solar Power in the Navajo Nation Case Study
Authors: Cleary Joseph , Woo Jeong , Belanger Jacques
Published: May 2024

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary community service project-based senior project, with the pilot implementation completed in March of 2022, a second project completed in March 2023, and a 3rd project planned for March 2024. Facilitated through the non-profit Heart of America (HOA) and funded through the generous support of SOLV Energy and several industry and community sponsors, the project was completed by an interdisciplinary group of 26 undergraduate students and three faculty from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) over a two- year period. The project improved energy equity in the Navajo Nation by providing off-grid solar energy to 38 families of school age children living without electricity. This project comprised the design, planning, and installation of the off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) energy systems consisting of PV panels, a battery with inverter and load center, and lights. The students on the project prepared for the implementation, collaborating across academic disciplines with industry partners and the community to provide complete working PV systems to families of school age children, primarily in the Red Mesa and Chinle Unified School Districts. This paper documents students’ lessons learned to help other students and faculty initiate similar service projects in indigenous communities.
A Review of Commercially Available Autonomous Painting Robots in the Construction Industry
Authors: Okonkwo Chinedu , Sulbaran Tulio
Published: May 2024

Painting in the construction industry is a hazardous activity that presents lots of construction risks for workers like falling from heights, musculoskeletal disorders from awkward positioning, and exposure to toxic substances, especially in confined spaces. Most construction projects include painting activities and the repetitive nature of painting activity has led to the proposal of several painting robots with very few being commercially available presently. These robots, however, in their present state have certain limitations affecting the ultimate productivity of the robots and their implementation at the construction job sites. The problem that this paper addresses is the lack of a study on the necessary elements of an autonomous painting robot (APR) to execute construction painting activities efficiently and safely. This presents a need to assess the current limitations of available painting robots to generate information that could serve as a basis for further research on ways to improve the efficiency of APRs. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify the properties of an efficient APR and compare them with the properties of commercially available APRs. A comprehensive study was conducted on relevant literature from the Scopus database and Google Scholar library on the major parameters that define the performance of an APR. The study highlights the major properties for evaluating the performance of an APR as well as the present limitations of the available robots. The findings of this study are expected to provide further research areas for researchers interested in the improvement of the productivity of APRs.
Construction Students' Safety Perception of the Presence of Drones on Job Sites
Authors: Zhu Zixian , Cheng Jiun-Yao , Jeelani Idris , Gheisari Masoud
Published: May 2024

Drones are increasingly being utilized in the construction industry, offering a wide range of applications. As these drones have to work with or alongside construction professionals, this integration could pose new safety risks and psychological impacts on construction professionals. Hence, it is important to understand their perceptions and attitudes towards drones and evaluate the cognitive demand of working with or near drones. Limited research has explored individuals' perceptions of drones, particularly when engaged in construction activities at job sites. This study specifically targets construction students, the future professionals in the field, to understand their responses to drone interactions on job sites. An immersive virtual reality construction site was developed using a VR game engine, allowing construction students to interact with drones while engaging in typical construction activities. Through a user-centered experiment, the influence of drone presence on construction students' attitude, cognitive workload, and perceived safety risk was evaluated. The results suggest that presence of drones did not significantly elevate cognitive load or foster significantly negative attitudes among construction students. Instead, they perceived only mild safety risks, suggesting a general acceptance and adaptability towards drone technology in construction settings.
Lessons to Learn: An Analysis of OSHA-Investigated Fall Fatalities in the U.S. Construction Industry, 2015-2019
Authors: Jenkins James , Meekel Sonya
Published: May 2024

Falls remain the leading killer in the U.S. construction industry. Despite the recurring nature of fall- related fatalities, the construction industry seems to struggle with learning from past incidents. Between 2015 and 2019, over 37% of all construction fatalities (1,902 out of 5,172) were fall-related. This research study aims to analyze Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigations of fall-related fatalities in the construction industry during this 5-year period to identify trends and patterns of these fatal occurrences. More than 40% of the fatality investigations conducted by OSHA between 2015 and 2019 involved falls. Of these falls, roofing contractors accounted for over 25% of all fall fatalities, many of which were in the falls from roofs category. This study identified 20 types of work activities that preceded the construction fall fatalities investigated by OSHA. Industry professionals and academia can leverage the "lessons learned" from this paper to develop training programs that reduce the likelihood and severity of falls from height on construction sites.
Recycled Dredged Sediments as a Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete Production
Authors: Akhnoukh Amin , Nelson Leonard , Campbell Matthew
Published: May 2024

Calcined clay is increasingly used in construction applications due to its pozzolanic effect. This research paper investigates the potential use of calcined recycled dredged sediments as an eco- friendly supplementary cementitious material in partial replacement of ordinary portland cement (OPC). The main objective of this research is to reduce cement consumption in concrete production process to minimize the carbon footprint of produced concrete and increase the overall project sustainability. Five concrete mixes were designed including one control mix (with zero calcined clay sediment replacement) and four mixes with stepwise replacement of OPC using calcined clay sediment at ratios ranging from 10% to 40% (by weight). Produced mixes are prepared using consistent batching, mixing, pouring, compaction, and curing procedures to quantify the impact of calcined clay variation on concrete properties. The compressive strength test results of concrete mixes showed that calcined clay can successfully replace OPC up to 30% (by weight) without reducing concrete compressive strength. The successful incorporation of calcined clay sediment in concrete industry will significantly reduce the negative impact of concrete construction projects on the surrounding environment and participate in the increased LEED rating of concrete buildings.
Do Greater Qualifications Imply Higher Bid Costs?
Authors: Ogundare Ibilola , Kassa Rebecca , Ubi Nneka , Somuah Juliana , Ummadisetti Hemanth , Lines Brian
Published: May 2024

This study examines the conventional assumption that higher qualifications in A/E consultants or contractors correspond to higher bid costs in the procurement process in construction. By analyzing data from 327 projects across the United States and Canada, encompassing architectural/engineering design and construction projects, including both design-bid-build and alternative delivery methods, the research focused on bid costs and three key qualification-based evaluation criteria: technical proposals, past performance, and interviews. Contrary to common perceptions, the findings, assessed using Spearman's rank correlation and frequency analysis, revealed no significant correlation between higher qualifications and higher bid costs. This finding carries implications for project owners, contractors, and policymakers, suggesting a reconsideration of the emphasis on bid costs alone in the selection process. The study advocates a more detailed approach, considering qualifications alongside bid costs for enhanced project outcomes and collaboration in the construction industry.