bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Amalgam Overhang in Erbil City Population
Authors: Yawer Aldalawi Dana M. , Saeed Dara H. , Saleem Almola Walaa M.
Published: September 2020

Overhanging tooth restorations are defined as an extension of amalgam restorative material beyond or after the cavity preparation lines, lead to environmental change of the balance between beneficial bacteria and periodontopathogens, lead to periodontal breakdown. This study aim was to obtain the prevalence of tooth amalgam overhang in Erbil city population. Amalgam overhang restoration prevalence study about 1200 patients examined in College of Dentistry, Hawler Medical University, and (Khanzad) Specialized Center for Dentistry for the presence of proximal amalgam restoration. The patients also have who proximal restorations were examined clinically using dental mirror and explorer and then radiographically by taking bitewing radiograph. The results showed statistical analysis for the prevalence of amalgam overhang among patients attitude in the study (25.4%). The distribution of amalgam overhang was 59.4% for upper teeth and 40.6% for lower teeth and 64.6% for distal surface, 36.4% for the mesial surface. In conclusion, there is a high percentage of amalgam overhang among population that need treatment to prevent subsequent periodontal diseases.
Fifty Years After the Nigerian Civil War: Lessons from Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun
Authors: Owhorodu Valentine Chimenem
Published: September 2020

Nigerian Civil War literature has become a veritable medium for stocktaking and appraisals. Numerous novels in this subgenre have been examined in terms of the causes of the civil war and its implications for different facets of Nigeria. This study aims to project the major lessons and the correctives demonstrated in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun. We argue that 50 years after the civil war, the factors that necessitated the war, namely, a corrupt elite, tribal sentiments, political patronage, the loss of social and moral values, a faulty political structure/lopsided federalism, internecine conflicts, the reign of terror and lawlessness, interethnic tensions, the posturing for power by the three major ethnic groups, the struggle for survival and self-assertion by the minorities, etc., are still visible and pervasive in the country. These socio-political factors are depicted through Adichie’s use of symbols and metaphors. However, Half of a Yellow Sun demonstrates how the metaphorical broken bridges of Nigeria may be rebuilt to reconnect the various indigenous peoples across the country. The novelist does this by undermining tribal/ethnic stereotypes and foregrounding the relevance of preserving and instilling a good sense of history in post-war generations. Thus, she uses her story to humanise her audience.
ESTIMASI KARBON TERSIMPAN DIATAS PERMUKAAN TANAH (ABOVE GROUND) DI KAWASAN MEMPAWAH MANGROVE PARK KABUPATEN MEMPAWAH
Authors: LESTARI SATRI , Dewantara Iswan , Hardiansyah Gusti
Published: September 2020

This study aims to estimate carbon stored in above ground at the Mempawah Mangrove Park (MMP) area of Mempawah District, the data used were mangrove planted in 2013. Full Enumeration was used in this study while collecting the data applied non destructive sampling method for the tree, its was a diameter of ≥ 5 cm. Based on the results of measurements and observations in the field directly, it had 63 of the total number of line which were done by all the areas of Mempawah Mangrove Park in Mempawah District. The result of this study reveals which has 2 (two) kinds of mangrove. They are Avicennia marina dan Rhizopora stylosa. Avicennia marina is kinds of mangrove that dominate with the total number of 35 individuals based on the tree level and 1404 individuals relating the stake level. Then, Rhizopora stylosa gets the stake level for two individuals so that the stand density is 379.21 /ha. The value of biomass in the MMP area is 7.16 tons C / ha and the carbon value in the MMP area is 3.37 tons C / ha.Keywords: Above Ground Biomass, Carbon, Mangrove ForestsPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk menduga karbon tersimpan di atas permukaan tanah di kawasan Mempawah Mangrove Park (MMP) Kabupaten Mempawah, data yang digunakan yaitu data yang ditanam pada tahun 2013. Metode yang digunakan pada penelitian ini yaitu pengamatan secara menyeluruh (full enumeration), sedangkan untuk mengumpulkan data di lapangan menggunakan metode non destructive sampling (pengukuran tanpa melakukan pemanenan) pada pohon yang berdiameter > 5 cm. Berdasarkan hasil dari pengukuran dan pengamatan secara langsung di lapangan dengan jumlah jalur sebanyak 63 yang dilakukan pada seluruh kawasan MMP. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat dua jenis mangrove yaitu jenis Avicennia mariana dan Rhizopora stylosa yang mendominasi pada kawasan MMP, dimana A. Mariana merupakan jenis yang mendominasi dengan jumlah 35 individu pada tingkat pohon dan 1.404 individu pada tingkat pancang, sedangkan untuk jenis R. Stylosa hanya terdapat pada tingkat pancang dengan jumlah 2 individu sehingga didapatlah kerapatan tegakan sebesar 379,21 ind/Ha. Nilai biomassa pada kawasan MMP sebesar 7,16 ton C/Ha dan nilai karbon pada kawasan MMP sebesar 3,37 ton C/Ha.Kata kunci : mangrove, Karbon, karbon tersimpan
IDENTIFIKASI SPESIES BEGONIA LITOFIT DI KABUPATEN BENGKAYANG KALIMANTAN BARAT
Authors: Rahyu Ningsih Hasri Nurfadillah , Kartikawati Siti Masitoh , Muflihati Muflihati
Published: September 2020

Begonia is a plant from the flowering tribe of Begoniaceae which still has not revealed much diversity and potential. Begonia recorded in Borneo includes Brunei 21 species, Kalimantan 5 species, Sabah 82 species and Sarawak 96 species. Generally begonias are found in calcareous rocks also in sandy and granite rocks. Begonia can also be found around waterfalls or small streams. Begonia grows from lowlands to hilly forests. This study aims to identify the Begonia genus in Bengkayang Districts. This study uses an exploratory method by exploring the entire area from corner to corner by using the length of the observation path from the river bank to the height level representing ecosystems and vegetation on the location studied. Result of research there are species of Begonia serianensis C. W. Lin & C.-I Peng., Begonia promethea Ridl. Begonia calcarea Ridl., Begonia bawangensis Hughes. sp. nov. (in prep.) dan Begonia magnicarpa C.W.Lin & C. I Peng.Keywords: Bengkayang District, Identification, Litophyte Begonia.Begonia merupakan tumbuhan berbunga Begoniaceae yang masih belum banyak terungkap keanekaragaman dan potensinya. Begonia yang terdata di Borneo meliputi Brunei 21 spesies, Kalimantan 5 spesies, Sabah 82 spesies dan Sarawak 96 spesies. Umumnya begonia terdapat pada batuan berkapur juga di batuan berpasir dan granit. Begonia juga dapat ditemukan di sekitar air terjun atau aliran air kecil. Begonia tumbuh dari dataran rendah hingga hutan perbukitan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengidentifikasi spesies dari genus Begonia yang ada di Kabupaten Bengkayang. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode eksplorasi dengan menjelajah seluruh kawasan dari sudut ke sudut dengan mengunakan panjang jalur pengamatan baik dari tepi sungai sampai pada tingkat ketinggian yang dapat mewakili ekosistem maupun vegetasi pada lokasi yang diteliti. Hasil penelitian terdapat lima spesies, yaitu Begonia serianensis C. W. Lin & C.-I Peng., Begonia promethea Ridl. Begonia calcarea Ridl., Begonia bawangensis Hughes. sp. nov. (in prep.) dan Begonia magnicarpa C.W.Lin & C. I Peng.Kata kunci: Begonia litofit, Identifikasi, Kabupaten Bengkayang.
SISTEM MANAJEMEN PENGELOLAAN HUTAN FSC, PEFC, ISO 38200:2018 DAN PENGARUHNYA TERHADAP KINERJA INDUSTRI KAYU DI INDONESIA
Authors: Purwanto Agus , Asbari Masduki , Prameswari Mirza , Pramono Rudy
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of FSC Chain of Custody forest management, PEFC Sustainable Forest Management and ISO 38200 Chain of wood custody and wood-based products on the performance of the wood industry business in Indonesia performance indicators namely customer satisfaction, increased sales and productivity. This research was conducted in several companies that process wood or use wood as the main material in Indonesia with 400 respondents. Respondents are wood industry employees as top management, managers and staff who have a planor have implemented FSC, PEFC and ISO 38200. The background of this study is due to the lack of PEFC, FSC and ISO 38200 research on wood in Indonesia. Data collection was carried out by distributing electronic online questionnaires in August to November 2019 and analyzing data processing using Structural Equation Model (SEM) and Linear Structural Model (LISREL) software version 8.70. The results of the analysis show that FSC Chain of Custody, PEFC Sustainable Forest Management and ISO 38200 Chain of custody from wood and wood-based affect the business significantly and positively such as increased customer satisfaction, increased sales and increased productivity.Keywords: FSC, Forest Management, ISO 38200, PEFC.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh pengelolaan hutan FSC Chain of Custody, PEFC Sustainable Forest Management dan ISO 38200 Chain of custody kayu dan produk berbasis kayu terhadap kinerja bisnis industri kayu di Indonesia indikator kinerja yaitu kepuasan Pelanggan, peningkatan penjualan  dan produktivitas. Penelitian ini dilakukan di beberapa perusahaan yang mengolah kayu atau menggunakan kayu sebagai bahan utama di Indonesia dengan 400 responden. Responden adalah karyawan industri kayu sebagai manajemen puncak, manajer dan staf yang memiliki planor telah menerapkan FSC, PEFC dan ISO 38200. Latar belakang penelitian ini adalah karena kurangnya penelitian PEFC, FSC dan ISO 38200 pada kayu di Indonesia. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan mendistribusikan kuesioner online elektronik pada Agustus hingga November 2019 dan menganalisis pemrosesan data menggunakan Structural Equation Model (SEM) dan software Linear Structural Model (LISREL) versi 8.70. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa FSC Chain of Custody, PEFC Sustainable Forest Management dan ISO 38200 Chain of custody dari kayu dan berbahan dasar kayu mempengaruhi bisnis secara signifikan dan positif seperti peningkatan kepuasan pelanggan, Peningkatan penjualan dan peningkatan produktivitas.Kata Kunci: FSC, ISO 38200, PEFC, Pengelolaan Hutan.
PARTISIPASI MASYARAKAT LOKAL DALAM PENGELOLAAN EKOWISATA MANGROVE DI KELURAHAN OESAPA BARAT KOTA KUPANG
Authors: Lawe Siu Maria Grace , Amanah Siti , Santoso Nyoto
Published: September 2020

Ecotourism in the Mangrove area of West Oesapa Village can be an advantage of alternative to the development of ecotourism within the framework of tourism management and its development by the area manager and the local community. The development of ecotourism is undivided by the participation or social involvement in planning and implementing program to support the preservation of mangrove forests, the preservation of the coastal environment, and the fulfillment of the socio-economic requirement. Therefore, social participation is primary element to analyzed data. This research used descriptive qualitative methods through the distribution of questionnaires to related parties and then compiled them quantitatively to showed certainty value. As a result, the level of social participation in the management of mangrove ecotourism in order to develop ecotourism areas in West Oesapa Village is poor. Supporting of the preservation is required by all related parties to provide knowledge and concern so that, programs of the ecotourism development program in the West Oesapa Village can run as expected. Keywords: Ecotourism, mangrove ecotourism, social participationEkowisata di kawasan mangrove Kelurahan Oesapa Barat dapat menjadi alternatif manfaat pengembangan ekowisata dalam rangka pengelolaan dan pengembangan wisata dari pihak pengelola kawasan maupun pihak masyarakat sekitar. Pengembangan ekowisata ini tidak dapat dipisahkan dari partisipasi atau keterlibatan masyarakat dalam perencanaan maupun implementasinya guna mendukung pelestarian kawasan hutan mangrove, pelestarian lingkungan pesisir, dan pemenuhan kebutuhan sosial ekonomi masyarakat. Oleh karena itu, partisipasi masyarakat menjadi unsur penting dalam pengelolaan data. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif melalui penyebaran kuisioner kepada pihak terkait dan kemudian dikaji secara kuantitatif untuk menunjukkan nilai nyata. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tingkat partisipasi masyarakat dalam pengelolaan ekowisata mangrove guna mengembangkan kawasan ekowisata di Kelurahan Oesapa Barat sangat rendah. Dukungan dari pengelola dibutuhkan oleh semua pihak terkait untuk memberikan pengetahuan dan kepedulian agar program pengembangan ekowisata Kelurahan Oesapa Barat dapat berjalan sesuai harapan.Kata kunci: Ekowisata, ekowisata mangrove, partisipasi masyarakat.
The Relationship Between Capital Structure and Performance in Islamic Rural Bank
Authors: Wahyudi Rofiul , Fithria Annisa , Wardiwiyono Sartini
Published: September 2020

The source of Islamic banking capital must avoid interest as the vision and mission that relies on al-Quran and hadith. The capital structure is important for financial institutions, including Sharia Rural Bank (BPRS). However, BPRS has a problem that is the limited capital owned so that it affects performance. This paper's main objective is to investigate the relationship between capital structure and performance of the Islamic Rural Banks (BPRS) in Indonesia. The study using panel data regression to measure the capital structure on performance. The research sample used 164 BPRS that operate in 33 provinces from 2010 until 2017. The results show that capital structure affects DER (debt to equity ratio) and DAR (debt to asset ratio) but negatively affects ETA (equity to total Asset ratio). These findings indicate an increase in the capital structure of the performance of the BPRS in Indonesia. Hence, bank managers must reach a trade-off between the advantages and disadvantages of creating liquidity and consider the negative relationship between liquidity creation and bank performance when making decisions.
Islam and Online Piety in Bangladesh
Authors: Al-Zaman Md. Sayeed
Published: September 2020

Due to various social advancements, Bangladesh has become more welcoming to digital technologies. Thus, a significant online community is flourishing here. Almost half of the countryâ€™s entire population uses the internet. The digital neighborhood is becoming larger the mediated interaction. What we now call online is nothing but a reflection of offline except its physicality. Like other social phenomena, religion and religious discourse is also a part of cyber society. Belief in cyberspace is often dubbed as â€œcyber-religionâ€. Debates on religion often harm the opposite group and contend faiths transform peace into communal animosity beyond cyberspace. Thus, society gets heated by hostile collective performances. In contemporary Bangladesh, online piety is an exclusive phenomenon that has considerable importance. By observing the dynamics of online religiosity, this paper focusing more on social media tries to present a concise overview of digital Islam(ism) and the social psychology of online Islamic piety in the context of Bangladesh.
Antimicrobial resistance profile of Salmonella present in organic farming in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Thung T.Y. , Mazlan N. , Lee E. , New C.Y. , Tan C.W. , R. Son , K.R. Rinai , Anua S.M. , Mastor N.N.
Published: September 2020

Presence of Salmonella in organic farming may lead to contamination in fresh produce.
This study was designed to detect Salmonella contamination in organic vegetable farm
situated in Serdang and to evaluate the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates. A
total of 460 samples of brinjal, cucumber, ladies’ fingers and soil were collected and
examined for the presence of Salmonella. The obtained isolates were identified and
confirmed by biochemical characterization and serotyping. Antibiotic sensitivity profiles
of the isolates were determined by using agar disk diffusion method. Salmonella spp. was
detected in brinjal (1.7%, n=2), cucumber (1.7%, n=2), ladies’ fingers (2.5%, n=3) and
soil (5.0%, n=5) samples. The prevalent serovars were Salmonella enterica ser.
Senftenberg, S. enterica ser. Weltevreden and S. enterica ser. Corvallis. All strains were
resistance to penicillin and vancomycin, with multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index
between 0.21 and 0.36, demonstrated here as multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella. The
result highlighted that organic vegetables constituted potential sources of Salmonella,
informing continuous monitoring and tightened surveillance are necessary to ensure food
safety.
Architecture of geothermal places: socially and culturally responsive therapeutic landscapes
Authors: McIntosh Jacqueline , Marques Bruno , Fairbrother Kezia
Published: September 2020

No description supplied
形成性评估的效度 [Validity in formative assessment]
Authors: Gu Yongqi , Li Jiayi
Published: September 2020

测评是教育体系中的重要环节，有效的形成性评估对于促进教学并最终影响素质教育的实施具有深远意义。但由于在形成性评估概念理解和应用上的偏差，难以达到理想的促学效果。本文首先强调明确形成性评估概念对形成性评估效度的重要性，其次详细阐述如何运用传统的语言测评质量框架和效度概念衡量形成性评估的质量，以期为教师的形成性评估实践和学生的学习能力提升提供指导和借鉴。
VR Unmatched - Leveraging Non-experts as Co-Urban Designers
Authors: Chowdhury Shuva , Schnabel Marc Aurel
Published: September 2020

The recent development in Virtual Reality (VR) allows for novel engagement in participatory urban design. Despite that any design approach cannot include and address all items that are relevant or needed during a design process, social VR design instruments offer additionality via their real-time generation and visualisation possibilities that are unmatched in conventional realms. The research employs an anthropogenic approach to design research to engage end-users in the design process. An Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE) instrument 'SketchPad' allows laypersons to design successfully urban forms. SketchPad engaged laypersons in a meaningful design discussion and generations of urban spaces. The research discusses the findings of the experiments. The paper concludes with a reflection of how non-experts as co-designers can use IVE instruments to drive change of their neighbourhood proactively and to positively impact on the liveability of their neighbourhood.
Feng-Shui and CFD: Analyzing natural ventilation and human comfort
Authors: Li Bin , Guo Weihong , Schnabel Marc Aurel , Moleta Tane
Published: September 2020

No description supplied
The Impact of Moving through the Built Environment on Emotional and Neurophysiological State - A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Schnabel Marc Aurel , Homolja Mitra , Maghool Sayyed
Published: September 2020

Despite theoretical evidence about the capabilities of visual properties of space for manipulating inhabitants' emotions, a gap in knowledge exists for empirical studies in controlled environments. Interdisciplinary studies at the intersection of architecture, psychology, and neuroscience can provide robust guidelines and criteria for designers to engineer emotions. Due to the novelty of the field, the theoretical framework for such studies is not well established. Consequently, this paper presents a systematic literature review to find and synthesize recent relevant studies at this intersection. Based on these findings, we will investigate the impact of other visuo-spatial stimuli on emotions in a rigorous way. According to the theories of emotions, manipulation of emotions is linked to oscillations in physiological responses caused by exposure to sensory stimuli. Moreover, there is a consensus that human perception is action-oriented. Therefore, our review focuses on studies that employ biosensors as subjects move in physical or virtual environments.
Hierarchical 3-D Registration of Computed Tomography to Ultrasound Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zeng Xuxin , Vives Michael , Hacihaliloglu Ilker
Published: September 2020

In ultrasound (US)-based computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS), accurate and robust intra-operative registration in real-time is vital in securing the reliable outcomes for surgical image guidance. For this purpose, we focus on developing a hierarchical registration method, using reinforcement learning (RL), for 3-D registration of pre-operative computed tomography (CT) data to intra-operative US. In the RL-based registration procedure, we proposed a supervised Q-learning framework for learning the sequence of motion action to achieve the optimal alignment. Within the approach, the agent was modeled using PointNet++ with the mis-aligned point set from US and CT as the input, and the next optimal action as the output. Evaluation studies achieved average target registration error (TRE) of 3.82 mm with success rate of 92.7% and an average time of 8.36 seconds. We achieve 57.1% improvement in success rate over state of the art.
Barriers to Automation and Robotics in Construction
Authors: Trujillo Daniel , Holt Eric
Published: September 2020

Automation and robotics have been widely adopted across many industries, but the construction industry has not achieved the same level of diffusion. Construction is a critical global industry that is challenged to address issues of productivity, safety, quality, and profitability. Automation and robotics have a tremendous potential impact on all these fronts. The objective of this study is to identify barriers to the adoption of automation and robotics in the construction industry as perceived by industry experts and answer the research question: What are the barriers to automation and robotics in construction? We gain understanding through exploratory interviews with industry practitioners and automation and robotics researchers. Semi-structured interviews around construction technologies, implementation and development, perceived barriers, and future trends and opportunities provide insight into those barriers. We expected to find that implementation would be related to company revenue and openness to technology as it is in countries like South Korea and Japan. We found that barriers could be categorized into culture, teams, and technical aspects. Our research contributes to the body of knowledge by addressing the topic beyond just technical aspects providing the perspective of practitioners and researchers who are engaged in innovation. The research indicates that the construction industry, educators, and owners should do more to facilitate the adoption of automation and robotics and address the barriers which are more cultural than technical.
Point-Cloud Models of Historical Barns – Spatial Discrepancies of Laser Scanning versus Robotic Total Station
Authors: Maldonado Gustavo , Maghiar Marcel , Tharp Brent , Patel Dhruv
Published: September 2020

This study considers the generation of virtual, 3D point-cloud models of seven deteriorating historical, agricultural barns in Bulloch County, Georgia, USA, for preservation purposes. The work was completed as a service-learning project in a course on Terrestrial Light Detection and Ranging (T-LiDAR), offered at Georgia Southern University. The resulting models and fly-through videos were donated to Bulloch County Historical Society and to the Georgia Southern Museum, to make them available to the general public and future generations. Additionally, one of the seven barns was selected to be extensively measured to estimate the relative spatial accuracy of all seven resulting 3D point-cloud models, with respect to measurements completed with a highly accurate instrument. Three accurate benchmarks were established around it for georeferencing purposes. The positions of 44 points were measured in the field via an accurate, one- second, robotic total-station (RTS) instrument. Also, the coordinates of the same points were acquired from within georeferenced and non-georeferenced point-cloud models. These points defined 259 distances. They were compared to determine their discrepancy statistics. It was observed that this process produced virtual models with an approximate maximum spatial discrepancy of one-half inch (0.5 in) with respect to measurements performed by a highly accurate RTS device. There were no substantial differences in the relative accuracies of the georeferenced and non-georeferenced models.
An Alternative Delivery Method for Service-Learning Projects in Construction Management
Authors: Bond Alan
Published: September 2020

The benefits of utilizing service-learning projects to facilitate student professional growth and personal development, in addition to supplementing traditional lecture and activity-based classroom education, has created a variety of new pedagogy. Typically, service-learning in Higher Education has been delivered by a capstone, senior project, or elective course providing a formalized structure for faculty to carry out their version of pedagogy. However, not all learning institutions possess the resources or have the support to offer service-learning in their curriculum. For those institutions, there appears to be a void in the available higher education literature suggesting alternative service-learning delivery systems. The purpose of the study was to determine if an all-volunteer campus-based student club managed construction project, utilizing an informal classroom setting, could be an effective alternative delivery method for providing a successful service-learning experience. A post-project student refection’s survey was conducted with an emphasis on the results of the students’ participation goals and perceived development of critical soft skills. The survey findings indicate positive student experiences with data-supported perceptions of enhanced learning and development in teamwork, communications, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These results suggest that an informal classroom system is a viable methodology for delivering service-learning experiences.
Market Share Metrics and Data Analysis of the U.S. Union Electrical Construction Industry
Authors: Said Hisham , Mali Aishwarya
Published: September 2020

Despite the union’s strive for better labor life and work conditions, unionization in the U.S. construction industry has dropped to half of its 2008 levels. Measuring construction unionization, or union market share, is challenging due to the fragmented nature of the construction businesses and the high mobility of the construction workers. This paper provides a comparative assessment of four available market share metrics that have been applied in the unionized electrical construction industry. In addition, a new market share trend metric is proposed to help in developing a better understanding of the construction industry unionization dynamics.
Feasability of A-mode Ultrasound Based Registration to Track Scapula Motion : A Simulation Study
Authors: Guinebretiere Octave , Giles J.W.
Published: September 2020

We describe an A-mode ultrasound-based scapula tracker for pre-operative diagnosis and planning. One paper investigated this technology but did not assess its rotational accuracy, which is the critical variable. Therefore, we ran simulations and optimizations to investigate whether this technology’s rotational accuracy was adequate to make this a viable tool.

Simulations were created by converting a CT-derived scapula into an even density point cloud and positioning it in a neutral pose (our ground truth). This was reposed to a known mid-range motion, and its points were randomly sampled to mimic the data yielded by an array of single- element A-mode ultrasound transducers. This sampled dataset was registered to the ground truth using ICP, and to determine the resultant error, the resulting transformation was compared to the known transformation applied to the ground truth. The Monte Carlo method was applied to this simulation to yield varying samplings; as well, the samples were subjected to varying levels of random noise (replicating ultrasound error) to assess robustness. The effects of the number of sample points and their location were also investigated.

For 10 simulated sensors in an optimized pattern across the scapula, corrupted by random error, registration rotational errors for a sagittal plane 70◦ shoulder flexion were 0.82◦ ± 0.63◦ for posterior tilting, 0.68◦ ± 0.6◦ for upward rotation and 0.54◦ ± 0.54◦ for internal rotation.

We have successfully demonstrate that, in this simulation study, a clinically viable number of ultrasound sensors (∼ 10) could yield adequate accuracy to be diagnostically useful, if they are properly distributed across the scapula.
Intra-Operative Soft Tissue Targets For Improved Outcomes In Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Wakelin Edgar , Shalhoub Sami , Lawrence Jeffrey , Keggi John , DeClaire Jeffrey , Randall Amber , Ponder Corey , Koenig Jan , Plaskos Christopher
Published: September 2020

A poorly balanced, unstable or stiff joint is a leading cause of dissatisfaction and revision after surgery. The quantitative definition of a well-balanced joint, however, remains a source of controversy. This study investigates joint gaps measured by a digitally-controlled ligament tensioning device throughout flexion and its effect on post- operative outcome.

Surgeries were performed using the OMNIBotics robot-assisted TKA platform and BalanceBot device. Joint gaps were recorded by the BalanceBot throughout flexion during trialing. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was collected at 1-year post-op. Correlations between joint gaps and KOOS outcome were investigated.

Knees that reported: a medial gap ≤ lateral gap in extension (p = 0.007, median ∆ = 8.3); an average joint gap of between 1 mm tighter and 1 mm looser than the final insert thickness in midflexion (p = 0.006, median ∆ = 5.5); and an imbalance of less than 1.5 mm in flexion (p = 0.012, median ∆ = 2.8) reported significantly improved pain scores. Patients which satisfied both extension and flexion criteria, or midflexion and flexion criteria reported improved outcomes compared to those which satisfied only one or neither criterion (p = 0.0002, median ∆ = 9.7, p = 0.0019, median ∆ = 8.4 respectively).

KOOS Pain scores correlated with joint gap measurements across all flexion angles investigated. Combining joint gap windows, subgroups of patients were found that reported a change in the median KOOS Pain outcome beyond the minimally clinically important difference.
Augmented Active Shape Model Search – towards 3D Ultrasound-based Bone Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Hohlmann Benjamin , Radermacher Klaus
Published: September 2020

Patient-specific instrumentation in total knee arthroplasty (TKA), among other medical indications, requires a three-dimensional model of the bones involved. Currently, these are typically segmented from computer tomography images. Ultrasound offers a cheap as well as radiation-less imaging alternative, but suffers from a low signal-to-noise ratio as well as several other image artifacts. The interleaved partial active shape models search (IPASM) adapts a general physiological model to a set of images of a single patient, but suffers from false correspondences being soft tissue interfaces that are interpreted as bone surface. In order to counter this problem, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is applied to preprocess ultrasound images into bone confidence maps. This reduces the average surface distance error in an in-vivo evaluation by 0.7 to 1.3 mm.
Design and Student Perceptions of a Graduate Course on Managing Risk in Construction
Authors: Farnsworth Clifton
Published: September 2020

Risk is an inherent part of the construction industry. As such, it is essential to prepare graduates of construction management programs to recognize and deal with uncertainty appropriately. One way to help meet this demand is by incorporating risk principles throughout the curriculum. Dedicating an entire course to teaching risk management is also highly valuable, especially within the graduate curriculum. As the tools, methods, and processes for managing construction risk continue to evolve within the industry, academic institutions will similarly need to adjust their teaching strategies to help meet the need for their graduates to deal with risk appropriately. The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study for the design and layout of a graduate level course on managing risk in construction, and briefly identifies the key content covered and the techniques used to teach these principles. This paper further provides student perceptions regarding their experience, and serves as a valuable example of a construction risk management course.
Case Study: Constructivist Learning Following an Interdisciplinary Studio for an NGO
Authors: Cleary Joseph , Starzyk Gregory
Published: September 2020

In the wake of a 2014 wildfire that destroyed 150 homes in Weed, CA, Great Northern Services, a non-governmental organization, reached out to Cal Poly with a constructivist-learning opportunity. In response, students were recruited into an interdisciplinary studio where teams competed to design work-force housing for a new subdivision. The winning design advanced to the detailed planning stage. A separate trio of construction management students designed their senior projects around producing shop drawings, procuring materials, organizing equipment, prefabricating the winning design’s exterior walls and shipping them to the site. This case study documents the process and the lessons learned. In the end, two indicators of experiential learning, eight indicators of discovery learning, one indicator of problem-based learning, and one indicator of spiral learning were documented. Future research initiatives could quantify the efficacy of each constructivist variant; disaggregate these learning opportunities into smaller constructs with the potential to reach more students; and contemplate means of incorporating those potentials into either traditional classes or into integrated labs.
A proposed framework for Construction 4.0 based on a review of literature
Authors: Sawhney Anil , Riley Mike , Irizarry Javier , Pérez Cristina Toca
Published: September 2020

Construction 4.0 is the adoption and adaptation of the Industry 4.0 framework for the construction sector. Industry 4.0 promises to revolutionize how ‘things’ are made by using physical and digital technologies in an integrated manner. Similarly, the authors envision that the Construction 4.0 framework can fundamentally change the way that assets are designed, constructed, and operated. The idea of the Construction 4.0 developed from the need of the construction sector to overcome the existing horizontal, vertical, and longitudinal fragmentation and to take a holistic approach to the improvements needed in the industry. In this study, a literature review of Industry 4.0 and its influence on the construction sector was undertaken. Based on this systematic literature review, the authors define the Construction 4.0 framework and provide its benefits and barriers to implementation. A key finding of the study is that building information modeling, and a common data environment form the key foundation for the implementation of the Construction 4.0 framework. In defining the Construction 4.0 framework, the paper described its components and how its implementation is likely to proceed. The authors envision that by adopting Construction 4.0, the industry can transform itself into a highly efficient, quality-centered, and safe industry capable of successfully delivering the demands placed on it by society.
Teaching Construction Planning and Scheduling: Why, What, When, and How.
Authors: Saad Ihab
Published: September 2020

Construction planning and scheduling are two of the essential skills required in a construction project manager. Planning and scheduling courses are a core component of any construction program, and constitute one of the major learning outcomes to be achieved and documented by a construction program to earn and maintain its accreditation by ACCE. Many universities follow different approaches towards developing and delivering the knowledge required for these two skills. This paper investigates the current practices among different construction programs in the US, together with suggestions for the future, responding to the latest developments in the industry. The content, timing, and reason for including this content are explained through this paper, together with suggestions for the method of delivery and adjustments to be made moving forward. The paper presents the results and analysis of a survey sent to construction educators in the US related to the current practices of teaching planning and scheduling related to the content, number of courses, topics discussed, and qualifications of the instructors.
Using the Circular Economy to Manage Construction Waste
Authors: Gonzalez Riann , Chini Abdol
Published: September 2020

This paper explores using the practice of a circular economy to reduce the amount of construction and demolition (C&D) waste that is generated and going to landfills. The circular economy is a system where waste is minimized and resources are in use for as long as possible through recycling and reuse. This is in contrast to a linear economy where raw materials are extracted, used to make a product, and disposed of. This research is intended to address three issues facing the world which are increasing C&D waste due to an increase in population and urbanism, limited natural resources, and limited land available for landfills. Buildings are major consumers of resources and producers of waste. In 2015, the built environment generated two times the amount of waste than municipal solid waste in the US. The methodology includes gathering recent C&D waste statistics and researching case studies on the circular economy. The goal of this research is to reduce the amount of C&D waste sent to landfills by evaluating current waste management practices and providing recommendations to make C&D waste in line with the circular economy.
Variation of the femoral J-Curve in the native knee
Authors: Grothues Sonja A. G. A. , Asseln Malte , Radermacher Klaus
Published: September 2020

The J-Curve in the native knee as well as the femoral component’s J-Curve after total knee arthroplasty are known to have a high influence on kinematics. Furthermore, the J-Curve’s shape affects ligament strain and tension and consequently already slight changes may strongly alter knee forces and stability. To optimize current implants’ J-Curve design with regard to the population’s morphology, information about the main sources of contour variation is necessary.

In this study, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on the medial and lateral femoral J-Curves of 90 cadavers without history of osteoarthritis. The J-Curves’ mean shapes were further investigated by geometric parameter analysis and effect sizes were calculated for the first three principal components (PCs). In addition, a combined PCA for both sides was performed and evaluated qualitatively. The results were compared with the variation in standard implants’ J-Curve shape.

The isolated PCA of medial and lateral J-Curves resulted in PCs involving changes in contour orientation, arc length, scaling and circularity. The combined PCA of both sides resulted in PCs comprising combinations of the individual variations together with changes in relative position. In contrast, the qualitative evaluation of J-Curves from 2 different standard implant systems revealed no visible changes in shape but only changes in size.

Limitations of this study were the restriction to a 2-dimensional contour derivation and the sole consideration of the femoral contours. Nevertheless, the sagittal variability in the medial, lateral and combined femoral J-Curves should be considered in implant design.
A Detailed analysis of Time taken in Robotic Surgery for Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty and comparison with computer assisted navigation in Total Knee Replacement Arthroplasty
Authors: Deep Kamal , Picard Frederic
Published: September 2020

The accuracy of implantation using computer navigation and robotic total knee replacement (TKR) has been proven. Time taken during surgery has been a factor for surgeons for not using the technology. Aim of this study was to analyse time taken in different steps and identify which part needs improvement. Robotic time was compared to computer navigation. Methods: 15TKR were performed with MAKO robot. Software for the ligament balancing was used. All had CT scan preoperatively. Time of different surgical steps was recorded. Time for computer navigation was recorded too. After joint exposure, trackers and verification pins for tibia and femur were inserted. Femoral registration matching started at 10.8 minutes (SD3.3 Range7-20). It took 3.2 minutes to match femoral anatomy to CT scan. Tibial registration done at 14.1minutes (SD3 Range10- 23). Once matching was accepted to required accuracy, tibial cut was made at 22.2 minutes (SD4.4 Range 15-30). Next the soft tissues were assessed with tensioner. It took 6.3 minutes (SD 5.6). Final femoral preparation done at 35.7 minutes (SD 5.6 Range25-45). Trial performed at 52 minutes (SD7.3 Range42-63). Implants were cemented at 63.4 minutes (SD8 Range50-72). Wound closed at 77.6 minutes (SD9.5 Range65-97). The computer navigated TKR surgery took 70 minutes on an average. Compared to navigation, robotic technique took approximately 7 minutes longer, not significantly different. This could be due to learning curve of the surgical and theatre team. Improvement is required in different steps. The familiarity of staff will increase the efficiency. Registration matching took 11.4 minutes. Femoral preparation took 17 minutes. These steps could be streamlined.
Optimizing TKA Positioning via Intraoperative Ligament Characterization
Authors: Orsi Alexander , Wakelin Edgar , Shalhoub Sami , Lawrence Jeffrey , Ponder Corey , Keggi John , Plaskos Christopher
Published: September 2020

The goal of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is to position the prosthesis with a bal- anced soft tissue envelope throughout the flexion cycle. Determining a desirable amount of ligament tension is crucial as instability is a leading cause for revision surgery. This is challenging due to the subject specific, and non-linear, nature of ligament mechanical properties. This study aims to characterize ligament stiffness profiles intraoperatively and identify the stiffness transition point (STP) using a ligament balancing robot. The study will also identify how the surgeon selected joint force relates to the stiffness transition point.

45 patients were reviewed. After the proximal tibial resection, intraoperative assessment of the medial and lateral ligaments was performed via a load cycle ramped up from 50N to 120N, then down from 120N to 50N. This was performed at extension (10◦) and in flexion (90◦). Force and displacement data were processed to determine the stiffness profiles for the medial and lateral soft tissue envelope. A bilinear fit model was used to determine the slopes and STP.

The average STP was between 83N and 90N, varying widely with standard deviations approaching 14N. The median joint tension selected by the surgeon was 80N. On average the selected joint force was 3N to 8.9N below the STP.

The medial compartment behaved similarly in extension and flexion. The lateral com- partment had higher stiffness in extension than in flexion. Across all loading conditions, the down-cycle data was more consistent than the up-cycle data.

The STP is a proposed target for ligament tension as this theoretically avoids the high stiffness regime. The results show the joint tension selected by the surgeons, based on their experience and intraoperative feel, is similar to the STP. Due to the high patient variability observed in the STP, using a patient specific method to determine the joint tension is recommended. Future work will investigate how joint tension relative to the STP affects patient outcomes. This will provide insight into optimizing joint tension during TKA.
A Deep Learning Approach for Single Shot C-Arm Pose Estimation
Authors: Esfandiari Hooman , Andreß Sebastian , Herold Maternus , Böcker Wolfgang , Weidert Simon , Hodgson Antony J
Published: September 2020

During a typical fluoroscopic guided surgery, it is common to acquire multiple x-ray images to correctly position the C-arm. This can be a long process resulting in an in- crease in operation time and ionizing radiation exposure. Our purpose in this study is to implement a machine learning system for predicting the position of the C-arm based on the intraoperative radiographs. The prediction is achieved by training a Deep Learning Network based on Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs. We first showed a high prediction accuracy (4.5 mm and 1.1o) when patient-specific training was implemented. Additionally, we demonstrated a similar range of accuracy by applying transfer-learning on the last lay- ers of the network while reducing the processing time by 83%. In conclusion, in this study, we propose a C-arm position prediction system based on machine learning that can po- tentially reduce the number of intraoperatively acquired X-rays in a common orthopaedic surgical procedure.
Supervisors’ Reliance on Tacit Knowledge and Impediments to Knowledge Sharing in Trades
Authors: Dogra Priyansh , Sparkling Anthony
Published: September 2020

Construction field supervisors often exchange stories about how decisions they had made on previous projects have saved a substantial number of man-hours leading to improved profits. They rely on their experience-based knowledge to make day-to-day decisions in the field. The knowledge is mostly tacit in nature which is internalized over the course of experience and when asked, the supervisors are unable to codify or articulate it replicable in words. Many construction firms are incorporating knowledge management practices but still, the tacit dimension is relatively unexplored in the literature. Organizations are seeing the tacit dimension as a great competitive advantage due to its relative immobile nature. Employee retirements and knowledge loss are compelling construction firms to capture these know-hows to prepare the future workforce. The first step towards harnessing tacit knowledge is to identify it in practice. This study posits a tacit knowledge measure and identifies barriers to knowledge sharing through case studies involving specialty contactors. Findings show a clear relation between experience and tacit knowledge acquisition. Lack of time and formal procedures, and managers’ reluctance to change are identified as the key barriers to knowledge sharing. Organizations can implement the proposed methodology framework and instrument to strengthen existing knowledge harnessing strategies.
Construction Surety Bonding Criteria: The US Perspective
Authors: Tummalapudi Manideep , Harper Christofer , Killingsworth John
Published: September 2020

In the United States, construction contracts require that contractors submit surety bonds, hence shifting the contractor’s risks to the sureties. In order to take on the risks of project completion, the sureties employ a complex time-consuming evaluation process that assesses several factors of a contractor that are subjective to make a surety credit recommendation. Several small and emerging contractors find it very difficult to attain bonding capacities as they do not know the factors that go into the sureties’ consideration to extend surety credit. The purpose of this study is to identify the surety bonding criterion that influences bonding decisions through a series of interviews with surety professionals possessing extensive experience in the bonding evaluation process. The outcome is a list of factors that underwriters consider in issuing a surety credit to contractors. Understanding the surety bonding criteria employed by underwriters enhances contractors’ ability to secure required bonding capacities for their future projects.