bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLORATION OF SYNERGIES BETWEEN ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND ACTUAL PRACTICE FOR IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT
Authors: AHMED RANA RABNAWAZ , ZHANG XUEQING
Published: August 2021

With the increase in the construction waste generation rates in recent times, concerns related to the attainment of global sustainability triggered as well. Consequently, issues related to the effective management of construction waste have got the attention of waste management researchers more than ever before. Governments worldwide allocate massive funds into research and development (R&D) to make focused policies for protecting the environment and conserve their limited resources. Hong Kong, a special administrative region (HKSAR) of the Republic of China, like many other advanced regions in the world, also faces serious challenges to protect the environment and achieve sustainability. In order to arrive at sustainable solutions through the implementation of well-designed strategies, exploration of synergies between academic research and the actual practice has become more crucial now. To address this, the research method considers an exploratory approach to investigate the 1) academic research being conducted in the area of construction waste management; 2) actual practice by exploring the waste management infrastructure support system, construction waste generation, reuse and disposal trends, and the implemented policies; and 3) exploration of synergies between the actual and academic practices for improved construction waste management in Hong Kong. For scope purposes, this study considers 20 years period, i.e., 2001-2020. Recommendations highlighting the need for bridging the gap between academic research and actual practice are also delineated for future researchers.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE JOB BURNOUT AMONG ARCHITECTS AT DESIGN FIRMS
Authors: Gumusburun Ayalp Gulden , Bozhuyuk Nur , Ay Ilhami
Published: August 2021

Construction industry is characterized with its complicated, risky, hazardous and demanding nature. Construction projects are comprised of variety of activities that must be completed in a timely, cost-effective, and high-quality manner. Within fast track construction projects, architects who participate at almost all phases of construction process are often expected to work erratic and long hours. Therefore, these factors can frequently result in stressful work environment. Prolonged job stress cause job burnout could decrease individuals’ level of job satisfaction, productivity and increase turnover intention that consequentially lowers the organization’s performance. Emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and diminished professional efficacy were remarked to be valid in the most commonly accepted burnout model. This research aimed to investigate the factors that cause job burnout among architects working within architectural offices in Turkey. Identifying the most important burnout factors is another goal of this study. Therefore, to reach these aims a questionnaire was composed by researchers with literature review and applied to architects who are working at architectural design firms in Turkey. At the end of data collection 360 surveys are gathered. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. Consequently, six critical factors determined causing burnout among architects.
A REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH
Authors: SONKAR PRAVIN , MAYANK SOURABH , MISRA SUDHIR , SINGH AMARJIT
Published: August 2021

There is legitimate concern over worker safety issues across the world, as well as an international thrust to make the workplace safer. In this context, organizations such as the International Labour Organization and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration have published several important documents that provide guidelines to ensure the maximum safety at work in different environments. Whereas, implementing these international provisions and standards in different countries could be desirable, it should be remembered that the ground realities in terms of existing national standards, local laws and customs, technology levels, and availability of implementation protocols across the world are quite different. Therefore, certain changes will need to be made before such guidelines can be adopted as part of the legal framework in any country. By undertaking a literature survey, this paper reviews some of the existing international conventions and then examines the relevant legislative applications in the Indian context, with an aim to see what would be suitable for India. It was found that the loopholes in laws and lack of regular inspections for various reasons, result in widespread ignorance of occupational safety across different stakeholders. From the study, it is recommended that setting up a national task force and central regulatory body, improvement of awareness levels, streamlining of inspections and audits and fast-tracking legal proceedings would be critical for developing and implementing improved industrial safety standards.
DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ADOPTION IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ruiz Angie , Guevara Jose
Published: August 2021

Awareness of the importance of sustainable development has made many governments prioritize the adoption of green measures. The road infrastructure sector is no stranger to this and has been transforming its processes in such a way that they incorporate more sustainable practices. However, the inclusion of this type of practice has not been an easy task, since the adoption of these practices results from a decision-making process that is affected by the context of potential adopters, as well as other external parameters such as institutional, environmental, socioeconomic factors, etc. This study aims to identify the main variables that affect the adoption of sustainable practices in the development of roadways in Colombia. Through the application of the Bass Diffusion model concept, the most influential variables were identified and a Causal Loop Diagram (CLD) was built to understand the dynamics and feedback processes between them. External variables such as the popularity of the green technique, guidelines existence, and costs associated with them are significantly influential in the inclusion of green measures. Additionally, the level of influence of each variable is assessed through the formulation of a system dynamics model and the evaluation of different scenarios. Finally, a set of recommendations to overcome barriers in the process of green measures adoption is given. This model can be used as a support tool in formulating strategies that promote sustainable practices in road development.
ANALYSIS OF MEASURES TO REDUCE DEFECTS IN HOSPITAL BUILDINGS
Authors: Olanrewaju AbdulLateef , Tee Shao Han , Cheen Khor Soo , Jesumoroti Christtestimony Oluwafemi
Published: August 2021

Buildings are major components of hospital assets and substantial resources are invested in their design, construction, and maintenance. Although investments in hospital maintenance are increasing, instances have been recorded of dissatisfaction among the hospital building users with respect to extent of defects in the buildings. Defects in the building have tremendous impacts on user’s performance and satisfaction and on the hospitals’ profit margins. This research investigated the remedial actions to reduce the defects in the hospital buildings. Through a survey interview involving 6 hospitals, the results revealed that educating building users, providing training to maintenance operatives, conducting preventive maintenance, and creating awareness on the importance of building are the measures remedies to prevent defects. Furthermore, it is important to blend design and construction with the functional value of the buildings. This research provides fresh information on the maintenance of hospital buildings. Even though the data are collected in Malaysia, the results can be applied to hospital buildings outside of Malaysia.
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT DETERMINANTS APPRAISAL OF HOSPITAL BUILDINGS
Authors: Jesumoroti Christtestimony Oluwafemi , Soo Khor Cheen
Published: August 2021

This research examines the maintenance practice of hospital buildings in Malaysia. Recently, the increment of hospital buildings’ accidents has affected its performances as a result of determinants. However, the maintenance practice employed in the hospitals has a direct impact on the performance of hospital buildings. The fast-growing population of Malaysia necessitates proactiveness on the part of the government regarding the provision of efficient healthcare and ensuring the wellbeing of the citizenry. In this regard, the state of hospital buildings is inextricably linked to quality healthcare. This study evaluates the determinants that impair the quality of hospital buildings in Malaysia in order to improve their efficiency and preempt the avoidable building pitfalls through effective maintenance management. The survey questionnaire was used in order to achieve the objective of this study to users of hospital buildings, the outcomes sought after concerned building component issues such as finishes, cleanliness, aesthetics, ventilation and other determinants that affected the performance of the hospital buildings. The results showed that specific determinants including lighting, ventilation, fire alarms, fire extinguisher signage, floor conditions, lifts and quality of air depreciate the performance of hospital buildings. In addition, the procurement methods of maintenance work are completely outsourcing in hospitals and combinations of outsourcing and in-source methods in a private hospital. Moreover, the study found that the current methods of maintenance management adopted for hospital buildings remain typically corrective. This has always resulted in deprived user satisfaction, unproductive service delivery, and the prolongation of diverse maintenance problems.
ANALYTICAL SOLUTION FOR NONLINEAR INTERACTION OF EULER BEAM RESTING ON A TENSIONLESS SOIL
Authors: Heshmat Tamer , El-Shabrawy Mohamed
Published: August 2021

The nonlinear interaction between an elastic Euler beam and a tensionless soil foundation is studied. Exact analytical solutions of the challenging problem are rather complicated. The basic obstacle is imposing compatibility conditions at lift-off points. These points are determined as a part of the solution although being needed to get the solution itself. In the current work, solutions are derived using the approximate Rayleigh-Ritz method. The principal of vanishing variation of potential energy is adopted. The solution is approximated using a set of suitable trial functions. Lift-off points are identified through an iterative procedure and compatibility conditions are satisfied implicitly. Results are presented for various cases, including clamped support and free end condition. Various distributed loading conditions are analyzed. Exact solutions are revised briefly. Accurate high order approximate analytical solutions are obtained using MAXIMA symbolic manipulator. The convergence of approximate solutions towards the exact solutions is verified. For each case detailed results of deflection, bending moment and shear are presented.
VERIFICATION AND RESULTS FROM MODEL INVESTIGATION OF DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF BURIED PIPES-PART 2
Authors: Todorov Miroslav
Published: August 2021

The operating conditions of the buried pipe system require consideration of three main elements of a deterministic limit states analysis carried out by experimental or analytical techniques (Eurocode). In the prognosis analyses (reliable and workable), the complex of external and internal impacts for the system is a first step of limit states estimation (A-EN1990). The second element (M-material parameters)-investigation of the material properties of the system inextricably related to the model. The third element (R-resistance) of deterministic analysis is the most delicate part of the study of any limit state. It poses a significant challenge to creative thinking and requires a reasonable combination of the first two elements to formulate a system model. The investigation focuses on the composition of three-dimensional discrete models based on the bearing capacity of the ground strata. Here, the bearing capacity factors are determined in the general context of geometrical and material characteristics as a function of both changes of soil mass strains and as a result of the degradation of the entire system’s stiffness. This allows models to be used in conditions developed in slow movements conditions, such as landslides. These model interpretations have been compared with well-known solutions and are evaluated in example solutions in a frame and solid model using both modal analysis and time-dependent displacement surface functions.
STUDY ON POROUS CONCRETE USING ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT FOR EARLY TRAFFIC OPENING
Authors: SHIMABUKURO ATSUSHI , FUJITA YUICHI , TAMURA TAKAHIRO , IKEMURA TAKEYOSHI
Published: August 2021

In Japan, the use of concrete pavements gradually decreased since the 1960s owing to the fact that they require some days to cure. However, recent research revealed that concrete pavements are effective for the Life Cycle Cost and the heat island phenomenon. A novel method of making concrete pavements, with which the traffic can be opened after only one-day curing, has been proposed in Japan. Furthermore, authors have developed porous concrete for road pavement, which can also cure in one day. This study proposes a new design method to reduce the production cost of porous concrete. To achieve this, the high early-strength Portland cement was replaced with ordinary Portland cement and coarse aggregate of various sizes with a single-sized coarse aggregate. Various tests revealed that the concrete prepared by the proposed design method satisfies the standard values of the bending strength and the permeability coefficient for concrete pavement for early traffic opening. Therefore, it is considered that the design method proposed herein is vital in reducing the cost of porous concrete pavements.
URBAN PLANNING MEASURES FOR SMART CITY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Klaylee Jirawan , Iamtrakul Pawinee , Chollacoop Nuwong
Published: August 2021

Cities represent the driving force of urban development in economic, social, and cultural life which is reflecting on the spatial organization of human society. As a result, the formulation of the national strategic plan into action at the local level need to correspond the requirements of current development. Urban planning measures for controlling the development also plays an important role as an encouragement instrument as well as granting the right to utilize the land for public purposes. In this study, the application of urban planning measures under the concept of smart city development was studied to understand the needs of all stakeholders and create an appropriate investment model in Thailand by using factor analysis technique. The government sector is the key player on the role of providing infrastructure services in addition to support and guide the direction of smart city development. For the role of private sector, investment environment would encourage them to help on upgrading technology, infrastructure, and unlocking public data. The smart city development approach can open up new value chains and opportunities. Therefore, the utilize urban planning measures as a tool for urban development will bring benefit on transforming cities as well as making them smarter and more sustainable which are an important goal for integrated urban development approach.
POTENTIAL FACTORS TO PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT IN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
Authors: Willar Debby , Dewi Anak Agung Diah Parami , Makalew Febriane
Published: August 2021

The Indonesian government has promoted the sustainable procurement method regarding the selection of professional planning consultants and main contractors to construct sustainable road infrastructure projects. However, sustainable procurement practice continues to make it difficult to select service providers considering their lack of knowledge and expertise in sustainable infrastructure projects. This paper performs a literature review which includes a review of the government rules and identifies the factors which influence successfully adopting sustainable procurement in Indonesian road infrastructure projects. The review, including lesson learned from other countries, suggests factors which can promote the successful implementation of sustainable procurement: environmentally friendly specifications, producing economical goods and services during the project lifecycle, empowering local societies and small industries, reducing negative impacts on health, air, water, and soil, implementing public-private partnership or private finance initiative methods for a better partnership between the public and private sectors, and requiring assessment methods to initiate and implement sustainable procurement from pre-project planning to project delivery. The review will provide practical knowledge among road infrastructure projects’ stakeholders, hence significantly affecting the adoption of the sustainable procurement process throughout the road infrastructure project lifecycle, as an example.
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE RISK MANAGEMENT IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES
Authors: FEREDE YISAKOR SOLOMON , THWALA WELLINGTON DIDIBHUKU , MASHWAMA NOKULUNGA XOLILE
Published: August 2021

In today’s world of construction, management of risks is no more about defensive strategies where the management system only protects the business. Modern-day risk management strategies should protect the business from risks, and in addition, should improve the values of the construction industry. The risk management strategies covered in this work, for the Ethiopian construction industry include Building Information Modelling (BIM), BIM-Knowledge Risk Management Strategy (BKRMS), and Statistical Parametric Modelling (SPM). This work presents the analysis and discussion of the data obtained from structured questionnaires gathered from contractors, managers, civil engineers, architects, supervisors of construction projects, and contracts in Ethiopia. The questionnaire was administered to achieve the aim of our research and descriptive, empirical, factor, and reliability statistics were used to analyze the questionnaire on the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Out of the 120 questionnaires sent out, 110 responses were received and used for analysis to represent an 83.0% response percentage. BIM accounted for 41.4% of the total variance explained in the exploratory factor analysis, BKRMS accounted for 11.8% of the variance and SPM accounted for 9.9% of the variance. The findings obtained from this work confirm that these strategies block risks at the three major phases of construction projects: design, construction, and operational phases.
FULL-SCALE EXPERIMENTAL TESTING TO INVESTIGATE WIND-INDUCED VIBRATIONS ON CURTAIN WALL SYSTEMS
Authors: Vutukuru Krishna Sai , Alawode Kehinde , Bakhtiari Ali , Elawady Amal , Lee Seung Jae , Gan Chowdhury Arindam , Lori Guido
Published: August 2021

Curtain walls are dominant cladding components of mid to high-rise buildings in modern architecture. However, the curtain wall systems have been observed highly susceptible to vibrations leading to component or system-level failure during recent extreme wind events. This paper studies the complex mechanisms of wind induced vibration (WIV) functionality at the system-and component-levels. A wind testing experiments for a full-scale single-skin façade panel was conducted at the Wall of Wind experimental facility (WOW EF) at Florida International University (FIU). Effect on the vibration of the curtain wall due to the addition of sunshade fin is also studied. The experimental protocol included testing the samples (with and without sunshade fins) at various wind speeds from 22.3 m/s to 40.1 m/s with 8.9 m/s intervals in open terrain. Effect of wind direction is also considered varying from 0 to 180 degrees with 45-degrees interval. The tests were performed on two sets of panels: (1) a polycarbonate panel (with the geometric properties maintained) to obtain dynamic wind pressure data; (2) actual glazing units that are instrumented with accelerometers and strain gauges at critical sensing locations. The experimental results indicate that the sunshade fins have a stiffening effect on the joints of the curtain walls while overall increasing the wind pressure on the panel. Dynamic amplifications on the glazing were in the order of 1.1 to 1.8 which underline the importance of studying dynamic effects on the façade systems.
PRELIMINARY STUDY ON NOVEL BEAM-TO-COLUMN CONNECTION BASED ON SMA PLATE
Authors: Yam Michael CH , Ke Ke , Zhang Ping , Zhao Qingyang
Published: August 2021

A novel beam-to-column connection equipped with shape memory alloy (SMA) plates has been proposed to realize resilient performance under low-to-medium seismic actions. In this conference paper, the detailed 3D numerical technique calibrated by the previous paper is adopted to examine the hysteretic behavior of the novel connection. A parametric study covering a reasonable range of parameters including the thickness of the SMA plate, friction coefficient between SMA plate and beam flange and pre-load of the bolt was carried out and the influence of the parameters was characterized. In addition, the effect of the SMA Belleville washer on the connection performance was also studied. The results of the numerical study showed that the initial connection stiffness and the energy-dissipation capacity of the novel connection can be enhanced with the increase of the thickness of the SMA plate. In addition, the initial connection stiffness and energy-dissipation behavior of the novel connection can be improved by increasing the friction coefficient or pre-load of bolts, whereas the increased friction level could compromise the self-centering behavior of the connection. The hysteretic curves of the numerical models of the connection also implied that the SMA washers may contribute to optimizing the connection behavior by increasing the connection stiffness and energy-dissipation capacity without sacrificing the self-centering behavior.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND RESISTANT MECHANISM AROUND BEARING JOINT BETWEEN PLYWOOD AND BOLT OF BUILDING STRUCTURES
Authors: Kataoka Haruka , Ito Takumi
Published: August 2021

The authors have suggested a structural sandwich panel, in which a steel column is sandwiched between thick plywood connected by bolt joints. In a previous study the horizontal resistance mechanism and destructive properties of sandwich panels using structural plywood were clarified. This resistance mechanism is affected by the bolt layout of the sandwich panel. In this study, the bearing test of structural plywood was performed as a parameter with fiber anisotropy to investigate the bearing resistance, destructive properties, and stress transfer mechanism of structural plywood by the bearing joint between plywood and bolt. From the test result, the bearing resistance and destructive properties were clarified, and an analysis method was proposed to calculate the bearing strength. The destructive properties and stress transfer mechanism of structural plywood differ according to the fiber anisotropy. During the installation of the sandwich panel, it was found that the fiber direction of the plywood due to the bearing resistance was related to the destructive properties.
STRUCTURAL STRESS METHOD FOR FATIGUE DESIGN OF CONCRETE FILLED STEEL TUBULAR T-JOINTS UNDER AXIAL LOADING
Authors: Musa Idris A.
Published: August 2021

Steel tubular structural members are being widely used in various engineering structures. The steel tubular joints will have fatigue problem when subjected to repetitive loading. Fatigue strength is one of the key factors that control the design of steel tubular joints in structures subjected to frequent loading. Research has shown that concrete filling of the steel tubes can effectively reduce stress concentrations at the joint. In this study, the structural stress method which involves the through-thickness stress distribution, has been employed to estimate the fatigue life of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) T-joints under axial loading in the brace. A Finite Element (FE) model has been developed using ABAQUS. The three-dimensional 8-node hexahedral element has been employed in the FE model. The structural stresses have been extracted and the fatigue life of the joint has been estimated. The results have been verified using experimental results reported in the literature. The current study showed that the structural stress method can effectively predict reliable fatigue life in concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) T-joints.
PARTICIPATORY PLANNING APPROACH TOWARDS SMART SUSTAINABLE CITY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: IAMTRAKUL PAWINEE , KLAYLEE JIRAWAN , RUENGRATANAUMPORN ISOON
Published: August 2021

Cities have been witnessing a growing middle-class population and urbanization which has become challenges apart from development advantages. This huge paradigm shift of rapid development should meet the needs of current and future inhabitants without imposing negative impact on urban system among multi aspects of environment, social and economic dimensions, e.g., congestion, pollution, and poverty. To provide better living conditions, cities need to be improved by focusing on an alternative approach of development and sustainability aspect. This study adopted the principles of sustainable development to find ways to help innovate cities and find a mechanism to drive smart city development by creating participation among all stakeholders. The inclusion of public sector, private sector, local agencies is focused to search for an innovation development from 200 people in Pathumthani Province by using the design thinking process. The 3 dimension of design processes are: 1) define problems and give them a level of importance, 2) identify goals for smart city development and 3) recommend development plan for short term, medium term, and long-term planning by formulating projects on platform of technology and innovations. The study found that given the public and private sector’s priority to creating city database with visualize system as a basis for city’s problem identification and lead to a sustainable solution. This will be a crucial step in the context of Thailand to find an appropriate way to a real successful smart city development.
Analysis of vehicle-pedestrian and bicyclist conflicts in Győr-Hungary using Swedish conflict technique
Authors: Kizawi Ahmad
Published: August 2021

Increasing traffic volumes leads to changes in traffic conditions, especially at intersections. These changes affect the ability of Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and bicyclists to cross the road safely, especially at un-signalized crossings (without traffic lights), where many road users are conflicting at the same point of the road and neglecting 'in some cases' the priority issue. Although the emphasis on pedestrian safety has recently increased, there is still a need to analyze the causal factors of VRUs accidents and define their relationship to road design characteristics. This paper presents a study bout vehicle – pedestrian and bicyclist conflicts analysis using Swedish conflict technique at three un-signalized pedestrian crossings in the city of Győr- Hungary, where some pedestrian accidents were happened between 2014 and 2018, and reported based on accidents database in Hungary. The aim is to analyse vehicle-pedestrian and bicyclist interactions, and evaluate the severity of conflicts with the help of the Swedish technique graph. The findings concluded that there is a compatibility between Swedish conflict technique and accident records with regard to conflicts severity and the probability of accidents occurrence.
A Critical Analysis on the Impact of IT to the Overall Performance of Executive Secretaries in the Public Sector of Oman
Authors: Matriano Maria Teresa
Published: August 2021

Information technology provides effectiveness of functioning and better productivity in the operations of an organization and public sector is not an exception. In the public sector of Oman, the use of information technology has made a specific role that has added to the quality and quantity of performance that has enriched the productivity of the public sector of Oman. The study here evaluates the impact of IT to the overall performance of executive secretaries in the public sector of Oman. There are different stages that are adopted by the researcher in order to attain the objectives. The study adopts data collection from 100 executive secretaries that are chosen from five of the public sectors to provide opinion regarding the topic of study. The research has presented a detailed literature review of the topic that clarifies the subject on which the topic is based and a critical evaluation of the gathered literature is also provided through the study. The study here adopts a descriptive research that is conducted through survey which is done through the prepared questionnaire distributed to the selected respondents. The opinion is presented through data analysis and the results are presented through the structure of chart and tables for easy identification of the opinion, views and suggestions from the participants that have added to the attainment of the objective. The main findings of this study suggest that the executive secretaries ought to be trained in IT skills and motivated to improve their innovation and their work performance. Besides the online IT training, this study recommended the improvement of the automation in the daily tasks of the executive secretaries in Oman.
Vanishing and estimation results for Hodge numbers
Authors: Petersen Peter , Wink Matthias
Published: August 2021

We show that compact Kähler manifolds have the rational cohomology ring of complex projective space provided a weighted sum of the lowest three eigenvalues of the Kähler curvature operator is positive. This follows from a more general vanishing and estimation theorem for the individual Hodge numbers.
We also prove an analogue of Tachibana’s theorem for Kähler manifolds.
Corporate Entrepreneurship as a Learning Process: Development of New Capabilities
Authors: Tootoonchy Mahshid , Sajadi Seyed Mojtaba
Published: August 2021

Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) seems as an insurance against environmental dynamics to let the organization grow by seeking opportunities. The main purpose of this study is to offer a conceptual framework evaluating how the individual level opportunity recognition links to firm-level integration and institutionalization of knowledge bases. This study proposes a conceptualization of CE as a learning process to develop new Dynamic Capabilities (DC) that enables firms to reinvent themselves through innovative ideas. Dynamic capabilities contribute to the managerial cognition to explore new entrepreneurial opportunities; however, no former research has investigated the development of DC through CE process. Building from our analysis of the mechanisms through which the corporate entrepreneurship could influence the development of dynamic capabilities, we apply a multiple case study design to address the research gap. To investigate the research question, four case studies have been selected, through which we examine: a) the association of managerial cognition, as the knowledge foundation of opportunity exploration, to capability development; b) the mechanism of corporate entrepreneurship learning process through discovery, engagement, and transformation; c) the reasons behind ignorance of some entrepreneurial opportunities; and d) the effect of capability development on the corporate entrepreneurship outcomes. We conclude that dynamic capabilities are most beneficial for entrepreneurs to make drastic change by moving further away from sense-making of opportunities to institutionalization of new capabilities. However, our proposed conceptual framework is general and needs to address the deeper interdependencies and complexities. As a result, the proposed framework calls for empirical astuteness and further theoretical development. Derived from two interrelated fields of corporate entrepreneurship and dynamic capability, this study contributes with a novel model addressing how managerial cognition links to entrepreneurial outcomes. By adopting organizational learning view, the proposed framework seeks to capture corporate entrepreneurship as a dynamic ongoing process.
MPPT control based on improved mayfly optimization algorithm under complex shading conditions
Authors: He Xingmin , He Baina , Zhao Yunwei , Cui Rongxi , Zhang Jingru , Dong Yanchen , Jiang Renzhuo
Published: August 2021

The output power curve of the photovoltaic array presents a multi-peak characteristic under partial shading conditions, which causes the traditional maximum power point tracking technology to fail to guarantee the maximum power output of the photovoltaic cell. In response to this problem, this paper proposes to apply the improved Mayfly Optimization Algorithm (MA) to the maximum power tracking control. By introducing the gravity factor and limiting the search space of male mayfly, the optimization accuracy of the algorithm is enhanced, the vibration of the algorithm near the MPP is reduced, and the occurrence of premature phenomenon is avoided. Three test functions are selected to verify the algorithm, and under the conditions of rapid irradiance changes and complex shadow occlusion, an MPPT model based on the Boost circuit is established to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. The simulation results show that the improved MA algorithm can effectively converge to MPP under complex shading conditions, and the output efficiency of photovoltaic arrays can be maintained above 99.96%. The average tracking time for different shading patterns is about 0.15 s.
Translanguaging patterns in everyday urban conversations in Cameroon
Authors: Ambele Eric A. , Watson Todd Richard
Published: August 2021

This study analyses the translanguaging patterns of urban Cameroonians’ linguistic choices (e.g. lexical or phonological) in everyday conversations in Cameroon. Using observation and audio-recordings of 20 naturally occurring conversations as data, a descriptive corpus-based methodology was adopted for analysis. The quantitative approach utilises AntConc (Version 3.5.8) with descriptive analytical tools to identify the speakers’ idiolectal choices in meaning-making translanguaging patterns. The results revealed salient patterns of the speakers’ deployed lexical, grammatical, morphological, phonological and syntactical forms as an integrated system of language. It revealed the speakers preference for polysemous words (e.g. repe) over less polysemous words (e.g. father); choice for shorter lexical words (e.g. man) over longer words (e.g. manpikin); a preference for specialised gender-neutral markers (e.g. ih, which refers to both male and female) over gender-specific forms (e.g. he/she); a preference for voiceless interdental fricatives (e.g. dem, dey) over voiced interdental fricatives (e.g. them, they) and where the choice of inflectional morpheme expressing tense (e.g. ed) is one that can either be omitted or added to a word, the presence of this inflectional morpheme is sometimes fairly used. Such results have practical implications for understanding peoples’ language use as a translanguaging act in bi/multilingual contexts.
A Relational Account of Moral Normativity: The Neo-Kantian Notion of We-Subject
Authors: Redaelli Roberto
Published: August 2021

The aim of the paper is to provide a relational explanation of the sources of moral normativity, within a Neo-Kantian framework. To this purpose, the key notions employed are those of we-society and stance-taking, developed by Neo-Kantian philosopher Heinrich Rickert. Specifically, by resorting to such notions, the paper attempts to overcome two limits ascribed to the theory of moral normativity of Ch. Korsgaard: namely W. Smith’s objection of solipsism and S. Crowell’s problem of non-deliberate action, whereby Ch. Korsgaard’s identification of the source of normativity in reflection would lead her theory to a form of solipsism and to failing to explain actions based on so-called ‘mindless coping’. In tackling these objections, the paper outlines a Rickertian inspired theory, according to which the sources of moral normativity can be explained on the basis of the heterological I-You relationship, which is the foundation of the we-society intended as a set of values, patterns of expectations, tacit consents, and procedural knowledge.
Individual Responsibility under Systemic Corruption: A Coercion-Based View
Authors: Ceva Emanuela , Bagnoli Carla
Published: August 2021

Should officeholders be held individually responsible for submitting to systemically corrupt institutional practices? We draw a structural analogy between individual action under coercive threat and individual participation in systemic corruption, and we argue that officeholders who submit to corrupt institutional practices are not excused by the existence of a systemic coercive threat. Even when they have good personal reasons to accept the threat, they remain individually morally assessable and, in the circumstances, they are also individually blameworthy for actions performed in their institutional capacity.
Brief exposure of skin to near-infrared laser augments early vaccine responses
Authors: Yokomizo Shinya , Katagiri Wataru , Maki Yohei , Sano Tomoya , Inoue Kazumasa , Fukushi Masahiro , Atochin Dmitriy N. , Kushibiki Toshihiro , Kawana Akihiko , Kimizuka Yoshifumi , Kashiwagi Satoshi
Published: August 2021

Rapid establishment of herd immunity with vaccination is effective to combat emerging infectious diseases. Although the incorporation of adjuvant and intradermal (ID) injection could augment early responses to the vaccine, the current chemical or biological adjuvants are inappropriate for this purpose with their side effects and high reactogenicity in the skin. Recently, a near-infrared (NIR) laser has been shown to augment the immune response to ID vaccination and could be alternatively used for mass vaccination programs. Here, we determined the effect of NIR laser as well as licensed chemical adjuvants on the immunogenicity 1, 2, and 4 weeks after ID influenza vaccination in mice. The NIR laser adjuvant augmented early antibody responses, while the widely used alum adjuvant induced significantly  delayed responses. In addition, the oil-in-water and alum adjuvants, but not the NIR laser, elicited escalated TH2 responses with allergenic immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses. The effect of the NIR laser was significantly suppressed in the basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like 3 (Batf3) knockout mice, suggesting a critical role of the cluster of differentiation 103+ (CD103)+ dendritic cells. The current preliminary study suggests that NIR laser adjuvant is an alternative strategy to chemical and biological agents to timely combat emerging infectious diseases. Moreover, its immunomodulatory property could be used to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy for allergy and cancer.
Practical Esotericism and Tikkun Olam: two modern renditions of a medieval mystical idea
Authors: West Joel
Published: August 2021

In this paper I look at a specific Hebrew religious term, Tikkun Olam, to examine the manner in which it signifies differently in two specific cases. While we understand that meaning is carried in both denotation and connotation, and while a genealogy of meaning is often useful to understand the manner in which meaning has changed across time, this paper recounts the manner in which a single word may signify differently synchronically, at a single point in history.
Correlation between Stiffness and Fatigue Behavior at Asphalt Mastic and Asphalt Mixture Level
Authors: Steineder Michael , Donev Valentin , Hofko Bernhard , Eberhardsteiner Lukas
Published: August 2021

Performance-based tests on asphalt mix level to assess performance behavior are already state of the art, including the fatigue test with the 4-point bending beam. However, this test method requires high effort in material, time, and manpower, making it less practical for routine quality control. This study aims to partially substitute the performance-based tests on asphalt mix level with a practical test method on asphalt mastic level. The tests on asphalt mastic level were carried out with a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) by time sweep tests on hyperbolic specimens. Fourteen different asphalt mixtures and the corresponding asphalt mastic mixtures were tested. We used a wide range of different asphalt binders and types of aggregates to extend the validity range of the developed model. Correlations between the asphalt mastic performance and asphalt mix performance were investigated using simple and multiple linear regression models. The correlations show that the dynamic modulus |E*|30Hz at asphalt mix level can be linked to the complex shear modulus |G*|initial at mastic level by a simple linear regression model. On the other hand, no correlation could be found between the phase angles of both mix levels. However, the characteristic fatigue value of the asphalt mix ε6 can be linked with high accuracy (R² = 0.92) to the characteristic fatigue value τ6 and complex shear modulus |G*|initial of the asphalt mastic using a multiple linear regression model. In summary, a reliable prediction of the fatigue behavior and stiffness of an asphalt mixture through simple fatigue tests with the DSR on asphalt mastic is feasible.
The implementation of a calibration plan of instruments in a metrological laboratory
Authors: Segundo Eduardo Laime Neto
Published: August 2021

It is noticeable the importance of calibrating measuring instruments, as this process seeks to ensure metrological reliability. Therefore, it becomes possible to verify if the instruments present consistent results. This way, the metrological laboratory needs to keep its equipment calibrated, aiming to offer a satisfactory service to its customers. As the periodicity of instrument calibration is variable, i.e., they have different periods, due to the fact that this time depends on the usage frequency of the equipment, its manufacturing nature, the quality of its material, the environment in which it is being submitted, among other factors. This period variability leads to problems in the quality of the provided services, increase the costs in the logistics sector, in addition to causing managerial difficulties. For this reason, a calibration plan was presented, based on historical data of standard unavailability, aiming to estimate fixed calibration periods and, consequently, mitigate the observed problems.
Treatment dilemma of a depressed patient with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Jalahma Khalid Al , Qsous Najib Al
Published: August 2021

Background: Depression affects around 121 million people world wide according to the world health organization (WHO) and is the second leading cause of disability globally. Metabolic syndrome is defined as a combination of conditions that predispose individuals to several diseases, mainly cardiovascular diseases. The association between metabolic syndrome and depression represents a major social issue for its increasing prevalence. However, proper treatment strategies for patients who have the two overlapping conditions are not yet established. Case report: We report a challenging but successful treatment strategy of a 60 year old male, with metabolic syndrome, diagnosed with depression. Aim: The aim of the report is to highlight the need of developing evidence based treatment strategies for patients with depression overlapping with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Treating patients with depression and metabolic syndrome requires a multidisciplinary team, and cautious decisions as to which antidepressant to start in order to avoid deterioration in their comorbidities. More research is needed in this field as both metabolic syndrome and depression are increasing in prevalence and are among the leading causes of burden to the healthcare system.
Consistency of ESTRO and RTOG contouring guidelines for target volume delineation in early stage breast cancer
Authors: Mathew Tony , Chao Michael , Lapuz Carminia , Tomaszewski Jonathan , Zhang Bob , Hall Megan , Tacey Mark , Foroudi Farshad
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), including regional lymph node (RLN) irradiation is an important treatment in early stage breast cancer patients after breast-conserving surgery both the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). Our primary aim was to quantitatively compare target volumes delineated by ROs, to assess if either guideline has superior contouring reproducibility. Methods: Three ROs contoured breast clinical target volumes (CTVs), axillary lymph node levels 1-3, supraclavicular and internal mammary nodal (CTVn_IMN) volumes for 8 post-operative patients using the ESTRO and RTOG guidelines for each patient. The inter-observer variability in contouring was measured by the generalized Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). Mean DSC values were calculated to compare the common volume accuracy between observers.ss Results: The breast CTV contours showed the highest level of agreement between the ROs within each guideline (ESTRO DSC mean 0.92±0.04 and RTOG DSC mean 0.90±0.03). Due to the small standard deviation in DSC values, this difference of 0.02 was found to be statistically significant (p=0.031). The mean DSC for CTVn_IMN was 0.63 (±0.10) for ESTRO and 0.62 (±0.20) for RTOG guidelines, showing the least level of agreement for both guidelines. Within the axillary nodal volumes, level 1 showed the greatest agreement among the ROs for both ESTRO and RTOG guidelines with a mean DSC of 0.81 (±0.08) & 0.82 (±0.06) respectively. The range of mean DSC values for ESTRO and RTOG guidelines was 0.66-0.92 and 0.62-0.90 respectively. Conclusion: Overall, neither guideline showed a notable improvement in reproducibility between ROs.
The preparedness of the radiology department at Damascus Hospital during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Labban Abear , Bin Khadra Wassim
Published: August 2021

The outbreak of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic originated in China Wuhan province in December 2019, China and it causes severe acute respiratory and lung infection. Up to this date, over 5 million people around the world especially in Italy, USA and Iran have been infected with the virus. The Syrian government represented in Ministry of Health and other health authorities have responded to this outbreak with lockdown of the public and private activities among many other procedures. These responses are led by public health authorities in coordination with the hospitals in the Syrian cities including Damascus Hospital which belongs to Ministry of Health. Damascus hospital and other hospitals which belong to Ministry of Health continued to receive referrals of patients during the lockdown period for their diagnosis. As Damascus hospital is considered the largest hospital, the review will focus on services that had been offered by it.