bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis of Maxillary Sinus Floor Augmentation with Optimal Positioning of a Bone Graft Block
Authors: Schuller-Götzburg Peter , Forte Thomas , Pomwenger Werner , Petutschnigg Alexander , Watzinger Franz , Entacher Karl
Published: January 2018

Purpose: The aim of the present experimental 3D-finite element study was to evaluate the influence of an augmented sinus lift with an additional inserted bone graft block. The bone graft block stabilizes the implant in addition to conventional augmented bone. We placed the block in three different positions. The implants were loaded with axial force and forces secondary to laterotrusion and protrusion. Material and Methods: A simplified U-shaped 3D finite element model of the upper jaw and a more complex anatomical model of the left maxilla were created. The bone graft block was placed in three positions: in the lower third in contact with the sinus floor, the middle, and the upper third of the implant. Van Mises’ stress distribution was calculated and analyzed for the different models. We also compared the complex anatomical model with the simplified one. Results: The position of the bone graft block significantly influences the magnitude of stress distribution. A bone graft block positioned in the upper third or middle of the implant reduces the quantity of stress compared to the reference model without a bone graft block. The low bone graft block position is clearly associated with lower stress distribution in compact bone. We registered no significant differences in stress in compact bone with regard to laterotrusion or protrusion. Conclusions: Maximum values of von Mises stresses in compact bone can be reduced significantly by using a bone graft block. The reduction of stress is nearly the same for positions in the upper third and the middle of the implant. It is much more pronounced when the bone graft block is in the lower third of the implant near the sinus floor, which appeared to be the best position in the present study.
Epithermal Origin and Environmental Evolution of Iron-Hosted Thallium and Kerogen Deposits: The Lodares Area Case (Soria, Spain)
Authors: Garcia-Guinea Javier , Garrido Fernando , Lopez-Arce Paula , Voguelin Andreas , Göttlicher Jörg , Mangold Stephan , Almendros Gonzalo
Published: January 2018

Hydrothermal pyrite is an important source of thallium (Tl) but this rare element can be also detected in the secondary iron goethite-lepidocrocite and jarosite ores, associated to hydrothermal kerogen, manganese oxides, accessorial potassium minerals and tiny Tl-bearing clusters shielded in quartz masses. We studied Tl-bearing samples collected from Fe-Mn ores hosted in dolostone rocks sited along ca. 15 km of fossil thermal springs following a geological fault in the Lodares surroundings. Samples were analyzed by environmental scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (ESEM-EDS), electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Tl LIII-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, Micro-Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We found epithermal pyrite, sphalerite, galena and baryte and secondary gypsum, jarosite, scorodite, anglesite, goethite, epsomite and elemental sulfur produced by both hydroxylation and bacterial processes. The highest Tl contents were found in hydrothermal pyrite (200 mg kg-1), kerogen (13 mg kg-1), manganese ores (27 mg kg-1) and iron sulfate-hydroxides (142 mg kg-1). The aquatic kerogen was formed in a marine environment and later heavily carbonized during the hydrothermal processes. The Lodares outcrops exhibit interesting details on the geochemical cycle of Tl in a genetic frame of epithermal formation of pyrite and kerogen.
Treatability of a Highly-Impaired, Saline Surface Water for Potential Urban Water Use
Authors: Pontius Frederick
Published: January 2018

As freshwater sources of drinking water become limited cities and urban areas must consider higher-salinity waters as potential sources of drinking water. The Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley of California has a very high salinity (43 ppt), total dissolved solids (70,000 mg/L) and color (1440 CU). Proposals to desalinate the Salton Sea are expected to lower the equilibrium salinity from 45 ppt to 3 ppt yielding significant benefits for ecological restoration. High salinity eutrophic waters such as the Salton Sea are difficult to treat yet more desirable sources of drinking water are not always available. Jar tests were performed to evaluate the treatability of Salton Sea water for potential urban water use by coagulation using aluminum chlorohydrate, ferric chloride and alum. Coagulation-sedimentation proved to be relatively ineffective for lowering turbidity with no clear optimum dose for any of the coagulants tested. Alum was most effective for color removal (28 percent) at a dose of 40 mg/L. Turbidity was removed effectively with 0.45 m and 0.1 m microfiltration. Bench tests of Salton Sea water using Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) achieved rejections of 99 percent salinity, 97.7 percent conductivity, 98.6 percent total dissolved solids, 98.7 percent chloride, 65 percent sulfate, and 99.3 percent turbidity.
Development of Piezoelectric Harvesters with Integrated Tuning Devices
Authors: Doria Alberto , Medè Cristian , Fanti Giulio , Desideri Daniele , Maschio Alvise , Moro Federico
Published: January 2018

The possibility of improving the performance of a piezoelectric harvester by means of novel tuning devices integrated with the harvester’s structure is investigated. Some prototypes of harvesters with tuning devices are developed by mounting cantilever dynamic absorbers on standard harvesters. A mathematical model is used for predicting the natural frequencies of the coupled system. Tests on prototypes are carried out with an impulsive method. Experimental results show that a small tuning device can lower the main resonance frequency of a piezoelectric harvester of the same extent as a larger tip mass and moreover generates at high frequency a second resonance peak. A multi-physics numerical model is developed for predicting the generated power and for performing stress-strain analysis of harvesters equipped with Integrated Tuning Devices (ITDs). The numerical model is validated on the basis of experimental results. Several configurations of ITDs are conceived and studied. Numerical results show that harvesters with ITDs are able to generate relevant power at two frequencies owing to the particular shape of the modes of vibration. The stress in the harvesters with ITDs is smaller than the stress in the harvester with a tip mass tuned to the same frequency.
Amyloid Assembly Endows Gad m 1 with Biomineralization Properties
Authors: Castellanos Milagros , Rodríguez-Pérez Rosa , Gasset María
Published: January 2018

Acid proteins capable of nucleating Ca2+ and displaying aggregation capacity play key roles in the formation of calcium carbonate biominerals. EF-hands are among the largest Ca2+-binding motif in proteins. Gad m 1, an Atlantic cod β-parvalbumin isoform, is a monomeric EF-hand protein that acts as a Ca2+ buffer in fish muscle and is able to form amyloids under acidic conditions. Since nucleating Ca2+ protein have a propensity to form extended β-strand structures, we wondered whether amyloid assemblies of a protein containing refolded EF-hand motifs were able to influence the in vitro calcium carbonate crystallization. Here we have used the Gad m 1 chain as model to generate monomeric and amyloid assemblies and analyze their effect on in vitro calcite formation. We found that only amyloid assemblies alter calcite morphology.
Towards Zn-dominant Tourmaline: a Case of Zn-rich Fluor-Elbaite and Elbaite from the Julianna System at Piława Górna, Lower Silesia, SW Poland
Authors: Pieczka Adam , Gołębiowska Bożena , Jeleń Piotr , Włodek Adam , Szełęg Eligiusz , Szuszkiewicz Adam
Published: January 2018

Tourmalines are a group of minerals which may concentrate various accessory components, e.g. Cu, Ni, Zn, Bi, Ti, Sn. The paper presents fluor-elbaite and elbaite from a dyke of the Julianna pegmatitic system at Piława Górna, at the NE margin of the Bohemian Massif, SW Poland, containing up to 6.32 and 7.37 wt.% ZnO, respectively. Such high amounts of ZnO are almost two times higher than in the second most Zn-enriched tourmaline known to date. The compositions of the Zn-rich tourmalines from Piława Górna, studied by electron microprobe and Raman spectroscopy, correspond to the formulae: (Na0.73Ca0.01•0.25)Σ1(Al1.03Li0.79Zn0.76Fe2+0.33Mn0.09)Σ3Al6B3Si6O27(OH)3(F0.66OH0.34), and (Na0.78Ca0.01•0.21)Σ1(Al1.06Li0.87Zn0.88Fe2+0.10Mn0.09)Σ3Al6B3Si6O27(OH)3(OH0.84F0.16), respectively, with Zn as one of the main octahedral occupants. A comparison with other tourmalines and associated Zn-rich fluor-elbaite and elbaite from the pegmatite indicates that atypically high Zn-enrichment is not a result of Zn-Fe fractionation, but dissolution and reprecipitation induced by a late (Na,Li,B,F)-bearing fluid within the assemblage of gahnite spinel and primary schorl-type tourmaline. This strongly suggests Na-Li-B-F metasomatism of gahnite-bearing mineral assemblages as that is the only environment that can promote crystallization of a hypothetical Zn-dominant tourmaline. The compositions of the Zn-rich fluor-elbaite and elbaite suggest three possible end-members for such a hypothetical tourmaline species: NaZn3Al6B3Si6O27(OH)3(OH), •(Zn2Al)Al6B3Si6O27(OH)3(OH) and Na(Zn2Al)Al6B3Si6O27(OH)3O.
Optical Aggregation of Gold Nanoparticles for SERS Detection of Proteins and Toxins in Liquid Environment: Towards Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection
Authors: Foti Antonino , D'andrea Cristiano , Villari Valentina , Micali Norberto , Donato Maria Grazia , Fazio Barbara , Maragò Onofrio Maria , Gillibert Raymond , Lamy de La Chapelle Marc , Gucciardi Pietro Giuseppe
Published: January 2018

Optical forces are used to aggregate plasmonic nanoparticles and create SERS-active hot spots in liquid. When biomolecules are added to the nanoparticles, high sensitivity SERS detection is accomplished. Here we tailor this methodology to detect catalase and hemoglobin, two Raman resonant biomolecules, at concentrations down to 10 nM and 1 pM. Subsequently, we study the SERS signal in Bovine Serum Albumin as a function of the concentration, finding a monotonic dependence that suggests the possibility of quantitative detection. Finally, by exploiting nanoparticles functionalized with specific aptamers, we obtain first results on the SERS detection of Ochratoxin A, a fungal toxin found in food commodities and wine. This represents a first step towards the addition of molecular specificity to this novel biosensor strategy.
Impact of Globalization on Social Sciences Education in Secondary Schools
Authors: Durgaiah Poosapati
Published: January 2018

Education is fundamental issue for development. It is an integrated part of modernization process. Modern knowledge is articulated with the idea of global education. Globalization has definitely influenced on education system in different countries. It is also a key instrument of development. To achieve the target of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) it is obviously important that right to education should be ensured from the secondary level of every country .The globalization process has greatly influenced on the educational system, which is largely considered as an outcome of modernization process. The study investigated globalization and its influence on social sciences education in secondary schools in Rangareddy district in Telangana state. The study determined how globalization influences social sciences contents, teaching methods and instructional materials/resources. The research questions were to what extent does globalization influences social sciences contents, teaching methods and instructional materials/resources. Descriptive survey design was employed in which five secondary schools were chosen and ten students were randomly selected from each of the schools making a total of fifty students. A 21-item studied questionnaire comprising of the following sub-sections: social sciences contents, social sciences teaching methods and social sciences instructional materials/resources were used to collect the needed data for the study. The collected data were analysed using chi-square analysis.
Mobile Health for Central Sleep Apnea Screening Among Patients With Stable Heart Failure: Single-Cohort, Open, Prospective Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Treskes Roderick Willem , Maan Arie C , Verwey Harriette Florence , Schot Robert , Beeres Saskia Lambertha Maria Anna , Tops Laurens F , Van Der Velde Enno Tjeerd , Schalij Martin Jan , Slats Annelies Margaretha
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Polysomnography is the gold standard for detection of central sleep apnea in patients with stable heart failure. However, this procedure is costly, time consuming, and a burden to the patient and therefore unsuitable as a screening method. An electronic health (eHealth) app to measure overnight oximetry may be an acceptable screening alternative, as it can be automatically analyzed and is less burdensome to patients.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess whether overnight pulse oximetry using a smartphone-compatible oximeter can be used to detect central sleep apnea in a population with stable heart failure.

METHODS

A total of 26 patients with stable heart failure underwent one night of both a polygraph examination and overnight saturation using a smartphone-compatible oximeter. The primary endpoint was agreement between the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) above or below 15 on the smartphone-compatible oximeter and the diagnosis of the polygraph.

RESULTS

The median age of patients was 66.4 (interquartile range, 62-71) years and 92% were men. The median body mass index was 27.1 (interquartile range, 24.4-30.8) kg/m2. Two patients were excluded due to incomplete data, and two other patients were excluded because they could not use a smartphone. Seven patients had central sleep apnea, and 6 patients had obstructive sleep apnea. Of the 7 (of 22, 32%) patients with central sleep apnea that were included in the analysis, 3 (13%) had an ODI≥15. Of all patients without central sleep apnea, 8 (36%) had an ODI<15. The McNemar test yielded a P value of .55.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxygen desaturation measured by this smartphone-compatible oximeter is a weak predictor of central sleep apnea in patients with stable heart failure.
Engagement Strategies for Self-Monitoring Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder With Mobile and Wearable Technology: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Cochran Amy , Belman-Wells Livia , McInnis Melvin
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Monitoring signs and symptoms in bipolar disorder (BP) is typically based on regular assessments from patient-clinician interactions. Mobile and wearable technology promises to make monitoring symptoms in BP easier, but little is known about how best to engage individuals with BP in monitoring symptoms.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to provide the rationale and protocol for a randomized controlled trial that investigates engagement strategies for monitoring symptoms of BP, including the strategies of using activity trackers compared with self-reports and reviewing recorded symptoms weekly with an interviewer.

METHODS

A total of 50 individuals with BP will be recruited from the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder at the University of Michigan to participate in a 6-week study. Participants will monitor their symptoms through an activity tracker (Fitbit Alta HR) and a mobile phone app designed for this study. In addition to monitoring symptoms, participants have a 50-50 chance of being assigned to an arm that reviews self-reports and activity information weekly. Statistical tests will be performed to test hypotheses that participants adhere to activity tracking significantly more than self-reporting, prefer activity tracking significantly more than self-reporting, and better adhere to both activity tracking and self-reporting when reviewing collected information weekly.

RESULTS

Recruitment commenced in November 2017. The first group of participants began the study in January 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

This study aims to establish strategies to engage individuals with BP in monitoring their symptoms with mobile and wearable technology. Better engagement strategies are expected to aid current efforts in bipolar research and clinical care, from the development of new mobile phone apps to providing the right intervention to the right individual at the right moment.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03358238; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03358238 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6yebuNfz5)

REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER

RR1-10.2196/9899
Scenario Analysis on Greenhouse Gas Emission for Waste-to-Energy Alternatives in Japan
Authors: Son LE Hoang , MATSUI Yasuhiro
Published: January 2018

This study focuses on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and reductions of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incineration. The authors aim to estimate the detailed composition of GHG emissions and reductions from the waste incineration facility and their influence factors using two Japanese databases on the operation of incinerators from Japan Ministry of the Environment (1,243 facilities) and Japan Waste Research Foundation (814 facilities). The databases cover detailed data on MSW amount and characteristics, specifications of the facility, annual utility consumption, and annual energy/material recovery. The authors analyze the correlations among them and develop predictive models for the detailed components of GHG emissions and reductions.

Japan Ministry of the Environment intended to group small municipalities for replacing small-scale incinerators to large-scale Waste-to-Energy (WtE) facilities with a higher energy recovery efficiency. Based on the abovementioned data and models, the authors estimate the expected effects of the block formation and major technological alternatives for GHG mitigation by the national level.

The current net GHG emission rate from 1,243 operating waste incineration plants in Japan in 2009 was estimated to be 653 kgCO2e/t. In the block formation, 1,007 plants were assumed to be closed; 236 kept operating; and 286 facilities would be newly built. The net GHG emission rate could be cut off to 454 kgCO2e/t by applying the block formation and technological alternatives with a higher energy recovery efficiency (stalker furnace with power generation by extraction condensing turbine providing steam higher than 3MPa and 300 C). Ash melting caused a larger GHG emission by the increase in energy consumption. The GHG reduction by slag recycling was limited.

Furthermore, the net GHG emission rate could be reduced to 242 kgCO2e/t by applying the Best Available Technique (BAT) for combined heat and power plants. When compared with the current status, BAT can reduce 185 kgCO2e/t by improving the power generation efficiency and 187 kgCO2e/t by expanding heat utilization. At present, heat utilization is very limited in Japan, but heat utilization should be more focused and promoted for GHG mitigation decisions.
Estudio bibliométrico del sistema de investigación local de San Luis Potosí (1920-2015)
Authors: Hernández-García Yoscelina I. , Navarro-Contreras Hugo
Published: January 2018

Se presenta un estudio métrico de 1920 a 2015 de producción científica de instituciones del estado de San Luis Potosí. Se construye un instrumento de medición de la información a partir de dos bases de datos de corriente principal, una base de datos histórica y reservorios institucionales. El análisis final concentra 6,574 registros bibliográficos, firmados por autores pertenecientes a 59 instituciones potosinas. Las principales características encontradas en la literatura científica reflejan una alta concentración de colaboración científica y una clara relación entre las disciplinas cultivadas por instituciones potosinas y las áreas con potencial de desarrollo de innovación estatal.AbstractAn informational metric study of San Luis Potosí state’s institutional scientific productivity from 1920 to 2015 is presented. The informational metric instrument is created from two mainstream data bases, a historic data base and institutional reservoirs. The final analysis was performed on 6,574 bibliographic records, signed by authors from 59 Potosinian scientific institutions. The main characteristics found in the scientific literature reflect a high concentration of scientific  collaboration and a clear correlation between the scientific disciplines presented in Potosinian institutions and the estate areas of innovation and development.
CHEN, CHAOMEI, CiteSpace: A Practical Guide for Mapping Scientific Literature. Hauppauge, N.Y., Nova Science, 2016, 169 pp. isbn: 978-1-53610-280-2: eBook: 978-1-53610- 295-6 [CiteSpace: una guía práctica para el mapeo de la literatura científica]
Authors: Guzmán Sánchez María Victoria
Published: January 2018

En el transcurso de los siglos, los pintores se han valido de la representación visual para trasmitir sensaciones, sentimientos y conceptos.
COLETA SELETIVA E E-GOVS
Authors: Nunes Luciana
Published: January 2018

Para que as informações sobre o serviço de coleta seletiva prestado pela Comlurb sejam encontradas mais facilmente em seu site, sugeriu-se uma arquitetura de informação utilizando a abordagem do design centrado no usuário. Os grupos criados basearam-se no modelo mental dos cidadãos, formando um esquema ambíguo de organização de conteúdo.
PATIENT SAFETY: A PROPOSAL FOR CURRICULUM MEASUREMENT
Authors: Bim Felipe Lazarini , Bim Lucas Lazarini , Silva Andrea Mara Bernardes da , Domingues Pedro Castania Amadio , Monteiro Rachel Maciel , Andrade Denise de
Published: January 2018

Objective: to propose a form for the assessment of cognitive and curriculum attributes about patient safety in undergraduate nursing students. Methodology: This is a methodological character study, based on Multi-professional Patient Safety Curriculum Guide of the World Health Organization and trackers terms identified in the literature. The study included 17 judges subject to Brazilian higher education institutions who formed a committee to assess semantic and idiomatic equivalence issues. Results: theoretical attributes that sustain the knowledge of nursing students to act based on the patient safety principles were structured in 46 items, which assess organizational, training and performance in stages. Conclusions: identification of topics used to assess the knowledge of nursing students about patient safety sets up an instrument for further analysis and reflection, with a view to promoting assistance undamaged.
VIOLÊNCIA SEXUAL: VULNERABILIDADE E A CONDUTA EM SERVIÇO DE SAÚDE DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL
Authors: Da Costa Magalhães Marina , Hochscheidt Mahl Gabriela , Lanzarin Gehm Letícia , Pimentel Hernandes Cristiane
Published: January 2018

OBJETVO: analisar fatores de vulnerabilidade de vítimas de violência sexual e a conduta tomada em um serviço de referência para o atendimento de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (ISTs) no interior do Rio grande do Sul. MÉTODOS: O estudo possui caráter transversal, retrospectivo, com dados secundários, obtidos através da revisão de prontuários referentes ao período de 1994 a 2014 em um serviço de referência no interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. RESULTADOS: constatou-se 24 vitimas de violência sexual no período, das quais 91,6% eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 19,3 anos. 12,5% das vitimas receberam anticoncepção de emergência e 29,1% receberam profilaxia contra ISTs. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos dados corroboram os encontrados na literatura em relação ao perfil das vitimas de violência sexual, porém, a realização de profilaxia contra ISTs foi baixa, demonstrando a necessidade de planejamento de políticas públicas voltadas para esse perfil, com o objetivo de redução de danos e construção de condições de proteção e autonomia das pessoas nessa situação.
AVALIAÇÃO DOS SERVIÇOS: INSTRUMENTO DE AVALIAÇÃO DE CENTROS DE MATERIAL E ESTERILIZAÇÃO
Authors: Ferreira Adriano Menis , Andreotti Janaina Trevizan , Pinto Alexandra Maria Almeida Carvalho , Rigotti Marcelo Alessandro , Frota Oleci Pereira , Barcelos Larissa da Silva
Published: January 2018

Objetivo: Elaborar e validar um instrumento para avaliação de serviços de saúde quanto ao cumprimento das boas práticas de processamento de produtos para a saúde a partir da literatura e legislação vigentes. Métodos: Utilizou-se a validação de conteúdo com a participação de sete peritos. Medidas quantitativas: taxa de concordância e índice de validade de conteúdo foram empregadas, sendo excluídos os itens com taxa de concordância inferior a 85% e com índice de validade de conteúdo inferior a 0,85. Resultados: A versão final do instrumento possui 147 itens contemplando aspectos relativos às condições organizacionais, recursos humanos, segurança e saúde no trabalho, equipamentos e infraestrutura, além do processo de trabalho com enfoque na limpeza, preparo, desinfecção, esterilização, armazenamento e transporte.  Conclusão: O instrumento avaliação do cumprimento das boas práticas de processamento de produtos para a saúde foi elaborado e validado por peritos com nível a contento da taxa de concordância e do índice de validade de conteúdo.
Rehabilitación de un suelo salino con yeso agrícola en un cultivo de nogal en el Valle del Yaqui
Authors: Trasviña Barriga Alma María , Borquez Olguin Rafael , Leal Almanza José , Castro Espinoza Luciano , Gutiérrez Coronado Marco Antonio
Published: January 2018

Pecans are cultivated extensively in the Yaqui Valley, Sonora. These soils often have problems of salinity and high concentrations of exchangeable sodium, which cause a decline in pecan productivity. At the end of the season of irrigation with water from the system of reservoirs on the Yaqui River, groundwater is generally used from May to August. This can result in salt accumulation in the soil when water is of poor quality. Gypsum has been used as an amendment to rehabilitate soil by improving its physical and chemical properties. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gypsum application to a saline soil of a pecan orchard in the Yaqui Valley. Rehabilitation was carried out for two consecutive years. In the first year a dose of 5 and 10 Mg ha‑1 was applied, while in the second year 2 Mg ha‑1 of gypsum was used. Two ridge washings were done after each aplication. The physico-chemical analyses of the soil were conducted following NOM-021-RECNAT-2000 during three years prior to and after the applications of amedment. Once the amendement was applied, the values of electrical conductivity decreased from 12.41 to 6.29 dS m-1, percentage of exchangeable sodium from 12.48 to 5.57 and sodium adsorption ratio from 10.54 to 4.88 at the depth of 0-30 cm. The use of agricultural gypsum and washing in a saline soil of the pecan orchard improved soil chemical properties using 5 and 10 Mg ha-1.
Meeting Changing Industry Expectations from Australian Property Valuation Graduates
Authors: Halvitigala Dulani , Wilkinson Sara , Antoniades Hera
Published: January 2018

The valuation profession faces significant challenges as more valuation processes become automated, and the role of the valuer becomes more one of data handling than an economic analyst. To respond to industry needs, the role of the valuer must change. It follows that there is a need for universities to re-evaluate their existing property curricula, modifying them where necessary, to prepare their graduates better for a changing workforce. Employing a series of focus group discussions with valuation practitioners, this study examined specific industry expectations from valuation graduates and provides recommendations to strategically align Australian property curricula with industry expectations in order to maintain the relevance of property education.

The study identified personal, technical and business-related skills that are essential for graduates to possess. The roles of the professional bodies, industry/employers and educators to meet the changing demand on the profession are identified. Changes are required to degree programme content in respect of digital technologies and statistical knowledge and skills. Whilst the universities offer a set curriculum that adheres to the accreditation requirements of the professional bodies, there is also a need to incorporate specialised knowledge and skills with set pathways. The need for students to have practical experience is apparent and undertaking placements with some assessment that could be credited as part of the degree is recommended. The study highlights the need for a careful analysis of student learning experience to ensure that graduate skills meet the industry expectations, and that graduates themselves are able to adapt to future changes.
Application of RFID in the Prefabricated Timber Industry
Authors: Forsythe Perry , Carey Brad
Published: January 2018

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has recently gained significant attention in various industries, whereby a common application of the technology is to gather and transmit real-time information related to inventory control and logistics. This paper develops the case for the use of RFID in the prefabricated timber industry by first examining its application in other industries. From there, the paper presents a framework for the adoption and testing of RFID within the prefabricated timber industry as a method to automate inventory control, logistics, and document control, while optimizing construction duration. The paper presents the methodology for field trials designed to determine potential for RFID applications in the prefabricated timber structure supply chain from raw material production to panel fabrication to shipping and onsite logistics and finally through to construction installation. The methodology will be tested in collaboration with industry partners and Forest and Wood Products Australia.
Modelling Green Technology Adoption Based on Sustainable Construction Practices
Authors: Foroozanfar Mona , Ebrahimzadeh Sepasgozar Samad Mohammad , Arbabi Hani
Published: January 2018

New digital technologies have the potential to monitor the environmental footprint, mainly Carbon emissions due to massive material consumption, earth-moving equipment. However, the construction projects slowly adopt such technologies only for monitoring the footprint and other sustainability purposes. Despite the government’s policies and external pushes, the adoption decision for sustainability innovations largely depends on different stakeholders’ behaviour including developers, consultants, and contractors. This paper presents a novel conceptual model for green technology adoption regarding sustainability in construction industry. This model is developed based on six main constructs organizational facilitating conditions, expected performance, expected efforts, innovativeness, optimism, and user performance.

In order to develop the model, factors affecting the green technology adoption process are identified, a questionnaire is designed, and an empirical investigation is conducted to collect data from construction companies. Regression analysis is utilized to analyse the data using SPSS. The findings show the importance of a series of factors influencing sustainable technology adoption. Based on the extensive review on the relevant literature, few empirical studies have been conducted to examine the proposed constructs sustainable technology. The results are also provide a guidance to broaden understanding of users’ adoption behaviour within this context and thereby increasing the chances for successful adoption of sustainable technology and develop activity-level.
Use of Timber Prefab System for Ensuring Sustainable Residential Housing Supply in New Zealand
Authors: Ansari Reza , Egbelakin Temitope , Mbachu Jasper
Published: January 2018

New Zealand housing shortage requires effective approaches to address the increasing demand over the next twenty years. Given the current situation of the New Zealand’s housing crisis, it is almost impossible to meet that demand by using the traditional methods of construction. Offsite manufacturing system can help improve housing supply capability in New Zealand. With timber being a very sustainable resource and abundant in New Zealand, timber prefab system offers the most economically and environmentally feasible solution to the housing supply challenges in New Zealand. This research aims to investigate a method that New Zealand construction industry can adopt in the offsite manufacturing system at a national scale to improve the residential housing crisis. Ten interviews and ten questionnaires were conducted with clients, designers, prefabricators, and suppliers to identify the risks and required actions in order to achieve successful application of the system. The impacts of several factors on the system such as barriers, enablers and sustainability aspects of using the timber prefab system were studied as part the research objectives. The results reveal the most sustainable method of residential housing supply in the New Zealand within the acceptable risks, productivity and having a secure government investment support.
Essential Site Coordination Problems in Hong Kong Building Projects
Authors: Yeung Tak Tsz , Ng Andy K. W. , Wong Peter S.P.
Published: January 2018

In Hong Kong, it is a common practice for main contractors to divide the projects into work packages by trade and sublet to sub-contractors. The interaction between sub-contractors and main contractors is an important determinant to the success of a project. However, there is an increasing complaint from sub-contractors that they cannot perform to their full capacity because of poor site-coordination by main contractors. This paper aims to identify and categorize the common site coordination problems in Hong Kong Building Projects. Thirty- eight common site-coordination problems were identified through literature and they were classified into six main categories of problems: Construction document; Site management; Site layout; Equipment support; Material support; and Preparation of site area. A questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the frequency of occurrence (F.I.) and degree of severity (S.I.) of the problems to the projects. The aggregated importance (IMP.I.), taking into account of the frequency of occurrence and degree of severity, of problems on sub-contractors’ time performance were ranked. Frequent changes of construction works was found to be the most important site coordination problem. Most of the important problems caused the delay to subcontract works were primarily related to Construction document.
BIM Education -Case New Zealand
Authors: Puolitaival Taija , Booth Tina , Ghaffarianhoseini Ali , Park Kenneth
Published: January 2018

This article is a first step in a longitudinal research in New Zealand context to identify what impact national education approaches have on uptake of BIM education in individual tertiary institutes. Although BIM and BIM education as research topics are on rise, there is limited research on national approaches and their impact on width and depth of BIM education and through that graduate capabilities and BIM adoption by the industry. Case study approach has been selected to investigate first the challenges encountered by the tertiary institutes, how these can be addressed at national level and in later stages what the impact has been to the width and depth of BIM education and graduate outcomes. Only a limited number of countries such as UK have introduced national approaches to BIM education. In New Zealand National BIM Education Working Group (NBEWG) was established in December 2014. The group has representatives from seven tertiary institutes who have strong interest in including BIM as part of their programmes. NBEWG promotes integration of BIM into all architectural, engineering and construction programmes in New Zealand by providing national curriculum guidelines and guidance in adopting BIM curriculum. A survey was conducted among the institutes to identify the key challenges encountered in BIM integration. Among these were knowledge and skill gaps among faculty, crowded curricula, and limited time for development work.
Inclusion and Wellbeing for People with Autism and the Role of Built Environment
Authors: Pomana Andrei
Published: January 2018

Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are neurological disorders which make inclusion in society very difficult for the affected individuals. The main challenges that people with autism face are related to sensory processing disorders, communication difficulties and restricted repetitive patterns of behaviour. Current methods for integrating people with autism focus primarily on equipping autistic individuals with the tools to tolerate circumstances that they might find uncomfortable in social day-to-day situations. The society’s response on accommodating the condition is usually restricted to improving access to selected spaces which often have limited functionality and give the autistic narrow margins for physical and intellectual development. The paper shows the preliminary results of a qualitative meta-analysis of the extant literature relating to the balance between the cost that society needs to pay for the inclusion of people with autism versus the benefits that it can receive in the economical, social and human rights context. Also, employing the same methodology, the study explores the way in which built environment can have a contribution to the integration of people with autism and the degree to which inclusive physical space represents a positive factor to an autistic individual’s subjective wellbeing and quality of life.
Fostering Student Work Readiness – a University Case Study
Authors: Borg Jessica , Turner Michelle , Scott-Young Christina
Published: January 2018

Student work readiness relates to the acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge which enable students to make meaningful contributions to industry, and assist them in their transition from student to practitioner. An individual’s smooth transition into the workforce translates into higher levels of interactions in their workplace, ensuing in benefits for both the employee and the employer. In the built environment, employees are known to experience high levels of work-related stress, exacerbating the need for built environment professionals to be well prepared for the workforce. While work readiness is typically reserved for graduates who have completed their program of study, there has been a notable increase in built environment undergraduates combining work and study prior to graduation. This trend challenges universities to consider that these students need to be work ready prior to completion of their studies. Research notes that student work readiness can be attained through collaboration between universities, students and industry. This study uses the newly conceptualised work readiness model, known as The Life Buoy model, to explore the ways in which one Australian university collaborates with industry to i.) foster the development of work ready characteristics in built environment students; and, ii.) apply university-based initiatives to underpin the development of work ready characteristics. Analysis of course-related documents classified work readiness initiatives at the university into the eight components of the Life Buoy model, suggesting that it may be a useful framework to guide universities to better work with industry in designing and assessing their work ready initiatives.
Consultative Design as an Approach Towards Socially Sustainable Residential Aged Care
Authors: Hilaire Trevor , Maund Kim , Swanepoel Brian , Chapple Julie
Published: January 2018

Currently residential aged care (RAC) provides a solution to address ageing populations in many developed countries. Demand for RAC is predicted to increase as populations continue to age with the recurrent costs posing an increasing burden on society. The contribution the built environment can play to mitigate this potential burden is becoming increasingly important in the design and construction of RAC facilities. The theories of environmental psychology rationalise the relationship between the physical environment and the individual and impacts work stress/satisfaction. Work stress/satisfaction in RAC facilities has a direct influence on quality of care and can directly affect the residents’ quality of life. This paper reports on a two stage study of design influences with the potential to impact upon the care team’s work stress/satisfaction in RAC where the benefits of consultative design are indentified. When compared to other facilities in the study the facility utilising a consultative design approach demonstrated more positive and less negative results for the design influences included. The consultative design approach reduced the potential for designers to copy and adapt a previous design, afforded universal ownership of the facility and optimised the building’s impact on work stress/satisfaction. The approach formed the basis of an overarching process to ensure the necessary elements of the design influences framework can be appropriately incorporated into the built environment.
Understanding the Benefits of Constructing a Residential House with a Heart of Cold-Formed Steel
Authors: Paton-Cole Vidal , Gad Emad
Published: January 2018

Constructing residential houses with cold-formed steel in Australia dates back to the 1940’s when there was a shortage of timber for use in the industry. Subsequently, this led to the formation of the National Association of Steel-Framed Housing (NASH) in 1982 with the objective of promoting the use of cold-formed steel in the construction industry, in particular for application to construction of low-rise residential houses. Over the last few decades, NASH has made significant progress in promoting steel and has led to the inclusion of steel-framed housing in the BCA and the development of a standard on residential and low-rise steel framing. Conventional detached housing is the largest single form of residential construction in Australia with approximately 120,000 built in 2015 (ABS, 2015). Therefore, the safety, durability, performance and long-term low operational costs over the 50-year design life of a typical residential house are of significance. Constructed residential houses satisfying these requirements would not only translate to significant savings to homeowners personally but also to the nation. This paper discusses the benefits of using cold-formed steel for constructing low-rise residential structures. Based on a full-scale experimental study that was undertaken to assess the overall performance of a brick veneer steel-framed structure, the performance-based requirements of residential houses built of cold-formed steel framing are evaluated and discussed
Role of Regulatory Framework for Supporting Construction Industry in India
Authors: Doloi Hemanta , Week David , Bora Atul
Published: January 2018

The construction industry has played a significant role in supporting the steady growth of Indian economy over the past. Second only to agriculture, the construction industry constitutes 6% of GDP. With the rapid rate of urbanisation and increasing liberalisation of the economy, the growth in the housing market is also substantial. Under a single national scheme “Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana (PMGAY)” the Government of India is committing to building over 30 million homes by 2022. To support the growth in the construction industry, an appropriate regulatory framework is crucial.

India is a country with a population of 1.3 billion, residing in 29 States and seven Union territories. Total GDP is over two trillion US dollars, growing at more than 7% per annum. No single regulatory framework is currently in place. There is a high degree of fragmentation of policies, which therefore does not support standardised practices or quality in construction.

There are many causes of poor construction quality India. Resolving these causes requires an extensive national effort. That effort is made unnecessarily more difficulty by the lack of common national regulations or standards.

The University of Melbourne is engaged in a Smart Villages research project to build capacity in construction management in Assam, one of the North-eastern states of India. This research will report on a comparative analysis between the regulatory frameworks of Australia and India. Based on the comparative reviews of the regulatory policies, and comparing the scale and operating environments of both countries, the presentation will highlight regulatory gaps to be filled, and enforcement practices to be created, if India is to overcome the challenges described above.
Improving the Student Experience with Learning Analytics in Construction Project Management Courses
Authors: Saunders Peter , Gharaie Ehsan , Chester Andrea , Leahy Cathy
Published: January 2018

Learning analytics is an emerging field that has been gaining momentum in higher education. Learning analytics is the analysis and reporting of learner related data. Research has examined the benefits of learning analytics in higher education but there has been limited research conducted about the impact of showing students their own learning data. The aim of this study was to provide students with their own learner data, obtain feedback about the usefulness of this information and investigate if providing learning data leads to an increase in self-efficacy and self-reflection. The sample consisted of 78 students studying construction management, project management, and property and valuation. Students were provided with weekly learner reports that included data about their behaviour in a learning management system, their level of interaction in lectures, and their performance on assessments. A suggested target was provided toward an individualised behaviour goal, as well as comparison with both the contemporary class average and previous class averages. Students completed measures of self-efficacy and self-reflection pre and post intervention and feedback about the reports was obtained through surveys and a focus group. Results showed no significant change in self-efficacy and self-reflection, however, students reported finding the learning analytics reports helpful, believed it helped them reflect on their own learning and wanted to see more analytics in other subjects. Results support the use of learning analytics in the classroom and suggest that they may enhance the student experience.
Implications of Building Accidents in Urban Settings for Building Safety Studies
Authors: Boateng Festival Godwin
Published: January 2018

At the core of the review is the critique that the extant theoretical approach to the study of building accidents does not sufficiently address societal level influences of vulnerability for such phenomena. Using the collapse of buildings in urban settings as reference point, the review makes a case for why the omission is fatal.
REMOTE SENSING AND GIS TECHNIQUES FOR URBAN GROWTH MONITORING OF BASARAH CITY
Authors: A. H. Saleh Salah
Published: January 2018

Basarah city has experienced a rapid urban expansion over the last decades dueto accelerated economic growth. This paper reports an investigation into the application ofthe integration of remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) for detectingurban built up growth for the period 1973 - 2002, and evaluate its impact on theenvironmental situation of Basarah city by analyzing the spatial distribution of urbanexpansion according to land cover types and normalized difference vegetation index(NDVI). The integration of remote sensing and GIS was found to be effective inmonitoring and analyzing urban growth patterns and in evaluating urbanization impact onsurface conditions of Baghdad area.